The rotten Song dynasty is without a just ruler!
Taizu Zhao Kuangyin staged the Chenqiao Mutiny and put on the yellow robe, bullying a widow and her orphaned child and forcing the Later Zhou Emperor Gong to abdicate. His claim to the throne was illegitimate!
Taizong Zhao Guangyi seized power after the candlelight-and-axe-shadow affair, killing his elder brother. Ignorant of military affairs, he suffered repeated defeats at the hands of the Khitan and fled in a donkey cart. From then on, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun were lost for good!
Huizong Zhao Ji appointed the Six Villains and indulged in corruption and extravagance. He built Genyue and requisitioned rare flowers and stones, leaving the people destitute. His thirst for glory and betrayal of alliances led to the disgrace of Jingkang.
Qinzong Zhao Huan was indecisive, fickle, cowardly, incompetent, mediocre, and benighted. In the end, he became the ruler who lost his kingdom.
Gaozong Zhao Gou sold out his country to sue for peace and clung to a corner of the realm. Shameless in the extreme, he even dared to call himself the ruler who restored the dynasty. His many crimes included orchestrating the ages-old injustice against Yue Fei!
This weak and benighted Song dynasty nevertheless gave rise to many loyal and righteous men whose stories move us to tears.
Zong Ze, who called three times for a campaign across the river; Yue Fei, who devoted himself to serving his country; Wang Bing, who swore to defend Taiyuan to the death; Zhao Li, who died defending Chuzhou; and the people's volunteer armies fighting the Jin...
How can a rotten Song dynasty deserve such loyal souls?
