In the turbulent history, the Song Dynasty is a unique star. It did not have the strong frontier expansion of the Han and Tang Dynasties, nor the isolation and self-defense of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. However, it relied on cultural prosperity, economic development and a series of amazing political operations to create a dynasty that was both glorious and contradictory.
This book is not a serious history book, but a long historical novel full of fireworks and fun. We will not retell those boring reign names and official positions, but will take you into the real Song Dynasty in the most popular and down-to-earth way.
Here is Zhao Kuangyin's "yellow robe", the court wisdom of releasing military power over a glass of wine; the disgrace of Jingkang, the ruin of the country and the family, and the poetry and wine of the literati. We not only talk about how the emperors of the Song Dynasty survived in the treacherous political arena of Bo Yun, but also talk about the prosperous scenes in the markets, from the night market in Bianliang, Tokyo, to the revelry of Lin'an in the Southern Song Dynasty.
The Song Dynasty was a dynasty that was both idealistic and extremely realistic; its officials could talk about "people-oriented" in the court, and then turn around and enact exorbitant taxes; its emperor could be extremely luxurious, but he was reluctant to fight on horseback. It was the most literary dynasty, but it was overwhelmed by powerful enemies; it was the richest dynasty, but it eventually lost its territory.
So, was the Song Dynasty successful or failed? Is it a prosperous age, or is it powerless to struggle? Is it "the most incompetent dynasty" or "the most modern era"?
The answer is hidden in this book - "Bianjing Menghua Records of the Song Dynasty", which will take you back to the ups and downs of history and back to that era of revelry and turmoil!
