When Mengzi's status rose under the influence of the Neo-Confucians during the early Song period (960-1279), Zengzi also became one of the highest sages in Confucianism. Emperor Huizong of the Song (r. 1100-1125) bestowed on Zengzi the title of Marquis Wucheng, and Emperor Duzong of the Song (r. 1264-1274) bestowed on him as Duke of Cheng.