During the tumultuous period of the Red Turban Rebellions, a series of uprisings against the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty in China, Han Lin'er, a figure claiming heritage from the Song dynasty's last great emperor, Huizong, was proclaimed emperor in Bozhou. On this pivotal occasion, Han Lin'er galvanized support by invoking the legacy of the Song dynasty, which had fallen in the 13th century due to the Mongol invasions. His claim was strategically significant as it sought to rally those disillusioned with the Mongol rule around a familiar and respected imperial lineage.

This event took place amidst widespread unrest, where local populations were increasingly agitated against the Yuan's heavy taxation and oppressive policies. The Red Turban Rebellions, which began in the early 1350s, represented a broad-based movement involving not only Han ethnic Chinese but various other groups suffering under the Yuan's reign. As news of Han Lin'er's proclamation spread, he became a symbol of anti-Yuan sentiment, and many local leaders pledged their allegiance to his cause. His rise to power aimed to restore the Song dynasty, which was seen as a legitimate and culturally significant restoration rather than merely a revolt.

The followers of Han Lin'er formed a coalition, carving out territories in southern China as they engaged in skirmishes with Yuan forces. The declaration had profound implications, as it solidified the resolve of many who sought to reclaim their heritage and oppose foreign rule. However, the internal rivalries among different factions within the region complicated the struggle, and the Yuan dynasty would continue to resist efforts for restoration for several more decades. The proclamation ultimately highlighted the complex tapestry of resistance against Mongol authority in China, making it a notable moment in the long narrative of dynastic change and national identity in Chinese history.