Daming: Spoilers about the future, Zhu Yuanzhang collapsed

Zhao Kuangyin was a little confused.

I originally learned that the Song Dynasty had actually existed for more than three hundred years.

I'm in a pretty good mood.

But he soon realized that something was wrong.

I became confused again.

In the Song Dynasty, except for himself, all other emperors have always been cowardly.

It was such a Song Dynasty that existed for so many years.

No matter how you look at it, this shouldn't have happened.

However, all of this came to light after hearing the key words "Northern and Southern Song Dynasties".

It disappeared in an instant and seemed insignificant.

How could there be the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties?

Could it be that... the Song Dynasty suffered a great loss and lost half of its territory?
Have you come to the south to live in seclusion?

Otherwise, why would there be the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty?

Just like the Western Han Dynasty, Eastern Han Dynasty, Western Jin Dynasty, Eastern Jin Dynasty in history...

When this thought arose in his mind, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but put his hands over his chest.

I just feel my heart aches.

He felt that his idea must be correct.

After all, the last time, Zhu Yuanzhang clearly stated that there was no dynasty in the world that lasted more than three hundred years.

Even powerful countries like the Han and Tang dynasties did not have this ability.

Don’t even think about the Song Dynasty itself.

But now, Han Cheng said that the Song Dynasty has been around for 319 years.

Looking at it this way, it seems to contradict what Zhu Yuanzhang said before.

But if you think about it more carefully, you can see the clues.

The reason for this may be the existence of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties.

A fault appeared between the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties.

Therefore, we look at the national destiny of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties separately.

That's why he said that.

Then think about our own Song Dynasty and how cowardly so many emperors were.

As well as many other problems such as poverty and weakness, and the influx of refugees.

The more I realized that what I thought was very correct.

"My dear Han, why were there the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties?
Could it be that this…"

Zhao Kuangyin didn't know how to start.

Han Cheng nodded and said, "This is because later on, the Song Dynasty encountered a disaster.

The Song Dynasty moved south.

Large areas of territory in the north are occupied by foreign races.

Therefore, the Song Dynasty in the south was later called the Southern Song Dynasty..."

That's true!!
Zhao Kuangyin covered his chest with his hands even more tightly.

Although I had guessed that this would be the result.

But getting the definite answer from Han Cheng still made him feel very uncomfortable.

I was stimulated.

As expected, the Song Dynasty is not the most cowardly, but only more cowardly!

"Friend Han, then...how did this happen?
But... the Liao Kingdom marched south in large numbers?

Or is it the Mongolia mentioned by Emperor Hongwu before?"

Zhao Kuangyin suppressed his heartache and looked at Han Cheng and asked.

Han Cheng looked at Zhao Kuangyin's expression, and then thought about the series of events involved.

He said, "Neither of them, it's the Jin people."

Golden Man?!
How come a golden man appeared in the middle?

No... How can someone just show up and attack the Song Dynasty?

Is it true that the Song Dynasty can’t defeat anyone?

He immediately asked again.

Seeing this, Han Cheng waved his hand and said, "This matter is a bit complicated.

Let’s talk about the things that came before first, and then talk about the things that came after one by one.

Only in this way can we understand the cause and effect of things.

Let me put it in a more profound way.

It will also be more beneficial for you to go back and reform the Song Dynasty in the future.

Of course, Han Cheng would say such words at this time.

It was also to give Zhao Kuangyin enough time.

Let him digest this matter.

Otherwise, if you hear about the Jingkang Shame directly, you will not be able to bear the shock.

Everyone is gone.

If this is true, the loss will be too great.

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhao Kuangyin thought about it and nodded.

Agreed with Han Cheng's statement.

I think what Han Cheng said does make sense.

However, he was still full of doubts about the so-called Jin people and why the Song Dynasty moved south.

"Looking back at the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song, there were many famous officials.

There are too many officials who are well-known to people in later generations.

For example, Bao Zheng, who was later known as Bao Qingtian.

There was also a male god of his generation, Fan Zhongyan, who implemented the New Policies of the Qingli Period.

As well as Ouyang Xiu, Fu Bi, Han Qi, Wen Yanbo, Di Qing, Su Xun, Wang Anshi, Su Shi...

As a result, in the following reigns of Emperor Yingzong and Emperor Shenzong, many important and famous officials came to prominence during the reign of Emperor Renzong and then passed on their positions.

When it comes to the emergence of many talented people, the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song is truly fascinating..."

Hearing Han Cheng's words, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but be surprised.

Even a emperor like Song Renzong could produce so many famous ministers and brilliant stars?
"Then...how come there are so many famous officials, but nothing effective has been accomplished?
Not to mention that the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun were not taken, why did they allow Western Xia to establish a country and send annual tribute?

Also increase the annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom.

Should the situation of poverty and weakness become even more serious? "

Zhao Kuangyin said with some regret.

His words made Han Cheng silent.

The thought that Emperor Taizong was ambitious... but incompetent came to mind.

This is really similar to the other method.

Han Cheng originally wanted to introduce more of the famous ministers of Emperor Renzong's reign to Zhao Kuangyin, with emphasis on Fan Zhongyan, the male god of the Song Dynasty, who was always worried about the world before he enjoyed himself.

As well as people like Bao Zheng and Justice Bao.

But at this time, after hearing what Zhao Kuangyin said.

I suddenly lost interest in this area.

I feel like there isn't much point in telling him these things at this point in time.

Then he shut up.

Many things, including the literary and artistic achievements during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song, were not mentioned either.

Tang poetry is supported by the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and appears heroic and inspiring.

Song poetry is both heroic and graceful, but without the support of a powerful country, combined with the background of the time, it always feels a bit thin.

Even uncomfortable...

It was indeed not appropriate to say this to Zhao Kuangyin at this time.

So, the topic soon turned to Emperor Yingzong of Song.

"In the third month of the eighth year of Jiayou, Emperor Renzong passed away.

On the first day of the fourth month of summer, Empress Cao issued an edict, allowing Zhao Shu to inherit the throne.

Civil and military officials entered the palace and wept and mourned.

Han Qi read Renzong's will and issued an order.

Zhao Shu went to the East Hall to meet with civil and military officials and officially ascended the throne, becoming Emperor Yingzong of Song.

On the second day of April, a general amnesty was declared throughout the country, and all officials were given a higher rank and the armies were rewarded.

Zhao Shu wanted to mourn Renzong for three years and ordered Han Qi to take charge of military and political affairs.

Only after the prime minister and other ministers disagreed did Zhao Shu withdraw his order.

On the fourth day of April, Zhao Shu fell ill.

He sent Han Zhi and others to report to the Khitan the news that Yingzong had ascended the throne.

On the fifth day of April, Empress Cao was honored as the Empress Dowager.

On the eighth day of April, an imperial edict was issued to request the Empress Dowager to jointly handle important military and national affairs...

On April 14, the Empress Dowager went to the small hall to govern the country from behind a curtain, and the Prime Minister went to the small hall to report on state affairs.

On April 14th, the seal of the mandate was made.

On April 16, the eldest son of the emperor, Zhao Xu, was appointed as the governor of Anzhou and the Duke of Guangguo...

When Zhao Shu first ascended the throne, Cao Taihou ruled the country from behind the scenes because he was ill.

It was said that his illness at that time was like he suddenly became a little crazy, shouting and talking nonsense.

He also often contradicted Empress Dowager Cao.

Expose its shortcomings.

Seemingly unconscious...

Some eunuchs kept speaking ill of Zhao Shu to Empress Dowager Cao, causing a rift between the two palaces and a very tense relationship.

Empress Dowager Cao even wanted to depose him from the throne.

In order to mediate the conflict between the two palaces, Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu first spread a legend about Empress Dowager Cao.

Then he persuaded Song Yingzong Zhao Shu...

After the ministers’ mediation, the relationship between the two palaces gradually eased…”

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was waiting to hear what Zhao Shu would do next that would be more impressive, what Han Cheng said next made him stunned again.

"In May of the first year of Zhiping, Zhao Shu recovered from his illness.

Queen Mother Cao withdrew the curtain and returned power to the emperor.

Only half a month after Zhao Shu took power, Prime Minister Han Qi and others proposed to him that they request the relevant departments to discuss the identity of Zhao Shu's biological father.

At that time, Zhao Zhen had been dead for fourteen months.

Zhao Shu instructed that the matter should be discussed after the sacrificial ceremony for Emperor Renzong.

On April 9, the second year of Zhiping, Han Qi and others raised this issue again.

Therefore, Yingzong issued an edict to send the proposal to the Taichang Liyuan and submit it to officials at the higher levels for discussion.

This sparked a debate that lasted eighteen months.

This is the famous "Puyi Dispute" in the history of the Northern Song Dynasty.

People led by Wang Gui believed that since Prince Pu was Renzong's elder brother, Yingzong should call him imperial uncle.

However, the ministers led by Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu believed that Yingzong should call him "Emperor Father".

They also requested Yingzong to submit both plans to all officials for discussion.

Yingzong and the ministers originally thought that there would definitely be someone among the ministers who would cater to their intentions.

Unexpectedly, the situation was just the opposite, and all officials reacted extremely strongly.

Most agreed with the proposals of officials from both systems.

For a time, there was a lot of discussion.

At this moment, the empress dowager heard the news and personally drafted an edict, severely criticizing Han Qi and others.

He believed that it was inappropriate to call Prince Pu "Emperor Father".

Yingzong sensed that the situation was developing in a way that was not favorable to him, so he had to decide to postpone the discussion of the matter.

Let’s wait until the Queen Mother changes her mind.

In this way, after a long debate, Zhao Shu, Han Qi and others gradually realized.

To win this debate, the attitude of Queen Mother Cao is crucial.

Only by getting the Queen Mother to change her attitude and removing the fire from the source can we deal a fatal blow to the two systems and all officials.

In the third year of Zhiping, the ministers of the Secretariat discussed matters together in Chuigong Hall.
At that time, Han Qi was offering sacrifices at home, and Yingzong specially summoned him to discuss the matter.

At that time it was decided that Prince Pu would be titled Emperor Father, and Ouyang Xiu personally wrote two edicts.

A copy was given to the Emperor.

At noon, the Queen Mother sent a eunuch.

A sealed document was sent to the Secretariat, where Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu and others opened the document and smiled at each other.

This document was the edict drafted by Ouyang Xiu.

It was just an extra signature by the Queen Mother. Queen Mother Cao had always been at odds with her adopted son Zhao Shu, and this time she disregarded court etiquette and the opposition of the ministers and honored Zhao Shu's biological father as the Emperor's Father, which was indeed puzzling.

So, many rumors began to spread.

Some people said that this crucial edict was signed by Empress Dowager Cao by mistake after drinking the day before.

The next day, the empress dowager sobered up and learned the contents of the imperial edict, but it was too late to regret.

Another legend states that the Empress Dowager's handwritten edict was issued by ministers such as Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu, who had connections with the eunuchs around the Empress Dowager.

Finally convinced the Queen Mother.

But no matter what, it is written in black and white and the Queen Mother cannot deny it.

Regardless of whether Empress Dowager Cao's edict was issued voluntarily, it was exactly what Emperor Yingzong wanted.

Yingzong immediately issued an edict to stop the discussion.

At the same time, he summoned the ministers to discuss how to calm the emotions of the officials and stabilize the situation.

Han Qi only said to Emperor Yingzong, "Your Majesty will naturally know whether I am a traitor or an evildoer," and then he dropped his hands and said nothing.

Ouyang Xiu also expressed his views to Yingzong very clearly.

Since the Censor believes that he and I cannot coexist, if Your Majesty believes that I am guilty, you should retain the Censor.

If you think that I am innocent, then please ask for the imperial edict.

Yingzong hesitated for a long time, but finally agreed with the opinions of Ouyang Xiu and others.

Three censors including Lu Hui were demoted from the capital.

Yingzong understood that these three people were punished without any fault, and he felt very guilty about it.

I specifically said to the people around me: Don't blame them too harshly.

At the same time, it was announced that King Pu'an Yi would use the tomb as a garden and build a temple in the garden.

Zhao Shu's decision was strongly resisted by court officials.

All the officials of the Censorate, including Sima Guang, requested to be demoted.

Even Wang Lie and Cai Kang, Yingzong's aides when he was in Pu Residence, opposed the move of claiming relationship.

This was something Yingzong never expected.

While severely punishing Lu Hui and others, Yingzong also had to win over Wang Gui, a major figure in the opposition, and promised him a ruling position.

It can be said to be a combination of soft and hard tactics.

Zhao Shu racked his brains to think of a way to gain a good reputation for his biological father after his death.

I used various methods and spent eighteen months to finally achieve my goal..."

"Bang!!"

Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but slapped the table hard.

His beard was trembling with anger.

I just want to beat that bastard to death!

What are these people doing there?
What a mess the Song Dynasty left behind!

Poverty and weakness have always existed!

What is the most important thing the new emperor should do after he ascends the throne and takes power?
It is to clean up the mess of the Song Dynasty as much as possible.

The results are better now.

At this point, these people are not doing anything serious.

A heated debate took place here, arguing for the status of his father.

Is this thing really that important?

Is it more important than family and national affairs?

Eighteen months!
A full eighteen months!

Is there such a thing?
How much can be accomplished in eighteen months!

And! How come it seems that this so-called Puyi dispute is not just a dispute over the title of the emperor's father?

What is more important is the party struggle!
Some people are taking advantage of this incident and fighting each other until they are bleeding.

To see who is superior and who is inferior.

And there is Han Qi, who used to work with Fan Zhongyan and consider things for the Song Dynasty. Why did he repeatedly stir up trouble and do this together with the emperor at this time?

Do people...all change?
"In this debate, the old and new parties are going to fight each other to death.

The party struggles became increasingly fierce.

It was also from this time that the political system of the Song Dynasty began to gradually become unbalanced.

And during the four years he was in power, basically nothing major happened.

This is the main thing I did.

During this process, the poverty and weakness of the Song Dynasty worsened further..."

After hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhao Kuangyin felt extremely tired.

What a bunch of freaks these are!

What did you do?

The most tiring thing is that if these were done by his descendants, it would be easier to explain.

But now, it is not their own descendants who are doing these bad things.

They are the descendants of that beast.

This made him even angrier.

This is really fucking true that each generation is worse than the previous one!!

"On the Dingsi day of the first month of the fourth year of Zhiping, Zhao Shu died of illness in Funing Palace at the age of thirty-six. He was buried on the west steps of the palace.

Temple name: Yingzong...

Zhao Shu continued to employ important reformist ministers during the reign of Emperor Renzong, such as Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu, and Fu Bi.

In view of the bad policies since Renzong, Zhao Shu raised the issue of how to eliminate the accumulated malpractices to the ruling prime ministers and sought their opinions.

He also issued an edict to extend the transfer period for officials of all ranks.

To a certain extent, it alleviated the pressure on the court's finances caused by the "redundant officials" phenomenon.

In order to recruit talents and select wise men for the country, Zhao Shu ordered the prime minister to recommend talented and capable people to serve in the library.

When Zhao Shu was in power, the national treasury, including Fengzhuangku and Zuozangku, was empty.

Taking the second year of Zhiping as an example, although the annual revenue of the Song Dynasty reached 116.13 million silver taels, the expenditure on government expenses and military expenses reached 120.34 million silver taels, which was far from enough to cover the expenditure...."

After hearing the number Han Cheng said, Zhao Kuangyin clenched his fists so hard that they made crackling sounds.

This is what these people do!!
The problem is so serious, but they are still fighting about it.

It would be good to do something practical!!

"After Emperor Yingzong of Song died, Crown Prince Zhao Xu succeeded to the throne.

The following year, the reign was changed to Xining, and a general amnesty was declared.

He sent Feng Xingji to the Liao Dynasty to express his condolences, and honored the Empress Dowager as the Grand Empress Dowager...

When Zhao Xu ascended the throne, the Northern Song Dynasty's rule faced a series of crises.

Military spending is huge, the bureaucracy is bloated and government expenses are numerous.

Coupled with the large amount of annual tribute paid to Liao and Western Xia, the Northern Song Dynasty's finances were in deficit every year.

According to the "History of the Song Dynasty: Food and Money", in the second year of Zhiping, the fiscal deficit of the Song Dynasty had reached more than 1750 million.

The vast majority of farmers suffered from annexation by powerful people, exploitation by usury, and increased taxes and corvee labor.

There were frequent riots and rebellions.

At this time of internal and external troubles and financial difficulties, Zhao Xu began to doubt the "laws of ancestors" formulated by Song Taizu and Song Taizong.

Young Zhao Xu firmly believed that reform was the only way to ease the crisis..."

Hearing Han Cheng's words, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

No... when did I come up with any ancestral method?
Besides, some of the rules that we make ourselves are not that bad!
Listening to Han Cheng's explanation, it was obvious that all of this was caused by that beast. He made things even worse and distorted them in various ways, leading to this situation.

Why is it that now he is putting the blame on himself?

Zhao Kuangyin was so upset that he couldn't even describe it.

It's true that good things can't be blamed on myself, and all the bad things are blamed on myself.

What sin have I committed? ! !
In April of the first year of Xining, Wang Anshi went to Beijing to receive his orders.

When Zhao Xu heard that Wang Anshi was coming to Beijing, he was extremely excited.
Summon him to the palace immediately.

Zhao Xu met with Wang Anshi and listened to Wang Anshi's reform strategies on politics, finance, economy and military.
I deeply felt that Wang Anshi was a talent who could accomplish great things with me.

Wang Anshi was also impressed by Zhao Xu's lofty ambition to govern the country well and make the country rich and strong. The monarch and his minister came together for their common ideals and beliefs.

It is undeniable that the reason why Zhao Xu's reform ideals could be implemented at the beginning of his reign was closely related to Wang Anshi's support..."

After hearing this, I realized that Song Shenzong did these things at the beginning of his reign.

I feel a lot better now.

Just put the blame on yourself. Just put it on yourself.

Anyway, I'm already unlucky enough, so it's not impossible for me to take more blame.

Considering that this guy did these things right after ascending the throne, and wanted to change the situation, I will forgive him this time...

"As early as the third year of Jiayou, Wang Anshi went to Beijing to report on his work and wrote "A Letter to Emperor Renzong on State Affairs".

He systematically put forward proposals for reform.

He advocated a comprehensive reform of the laws and regulations since the beginning of the Song Dynasty.

Eliminate the long-standing malpractices of the Song Dynasty and reverse the situation of poverty and weakness.

He suggested that the court should reform its selection of officials and attach more importance to talents, and requested that the laws be changed immediately.

But it was not adopted by Renzong.

Although it was not adopted by Song Renzong, this incident also won Wang Anshi a lot of fame.

It also laid the foundation for subsequent reforms.

The newly enthroned Song Shenzong was a person who was very interested in Wang Anshi's reform proposals, and had heard of Wang Anshi's name and the content of the reform a long time ago.

I have great respect for Wang Anshi.

This is also why Song Shenzong was so excited when he learned that Wang Anshi had returned to Beijing."

Things in this world are often so magical.

If you lose your horse, you will know no blessings.

Wang Anshi was hit by the arrow that was shot many years ago.

But the arrow that hit him was a good one."

Song Shenzong hoped to change the situation of poverty and weakness, eliminate ills and overcome the crisis of rule.

So Wang Anshi was appointed as the prefect of Jiangning.
He was soon appointed as a Hanlin scholar and imperial lecturer, and he trusted and respected Wang Anshi very much.

In April of the first year of Xining, Wang Anshi again proposed the idea of ​​comprehensive reform.

Pointed out that "the way to govern a country is to first follow the example of previous generations and reform existing laws."

He also encouraged Shenzong to emulate Yao and Shun and simplify the legal system.

Wang Anshi believed that the root cause of the Song Dynasty’s poverty was not excessive spending but insufficient production.

The reason why farmers are poor and unable to engage in production.

On the one hand, it was because the bureaucrats and wealthy people annexed a large amount of land, and on the other hand, it was because the government imposed heavy corvee labor on the farmers.

Therefore, the best way to manage wealth and build a country is to rely on all the labor force in the world to develop natural resources.

It is about actively increasing revenue rather than passively cutting costs.

Wang Anshi then submitted a memorial entitled "A Hundred Years of Peace in Our Dynasty".

Explain the situation and reasons for the peace and tranquility during the early hundred years of the Song Dynasty.

Point out the social problems that were fraught with crisis at that time.

It is hoped that Shenzong will make some achievements in politics.

Believe that 'the time to do great things is today'.

Song Shenzong adopted Wang Anshi's proposals and asked him to assist him wholeheartedly...

In February of the second year of Xining, Song Shenzong appointed Wang Anshi as vice-chancellor.

Wang Anshi proposed that the top priority was to change customs and establish laws, and proposed reforms, to which Shenzong agreed.

In order to guide the implementation of the reform, the Three Departments Regulations Department was established to coordinate finances..."

After hearing Han Cheng's stories, Zhao Kuangyin began to feel more hopeful.

I feel that next, there is a good chance that I will finally hear some news that will make me happy.

Han Cheng had said before that the New Deal of the Qingli Period paved the way for Wang Anshi's subsequent reforms.

As for Song Shenzong, judging from his performance.

His determination to reform should have far exceeded that of Zhao Zhen, the so-called Emperor Renzong.

He is not a person who is easily influenced by others.

There are virtuous people who are determined to reform, and a monarch who strongly supports them.

If the two come together, they will definitely be able to achieve remarkable political achievements!
The situation will definitely be very different from before!
Zhao Kuangyin no longer covered his chest.

His expression became excited again.

Waiting for Han Cheng to tell him in detail about Wang Shi's reforms.

See what their reforms can turn their Song Dynasty into.

Can we completely change the situation of poverty and weakness of the Song Dynasty?

Even if it is not possible to completely change it, as long as a part of it can be changed, it is also possible...

I think this time, I will definitely not be disappointed!!
(End of this chapter)