Mu Feng, a figure in the Northern Song Dynasty, lived in a turbulent era with numerous heroes. Although the Northern Song Dynasty had a vast territory, it suffered from constant internal and external troubles. The Liao Kingdom in the north frequently invaded southward, plundering property and people, posing a huge threat to the Northern Song Dynasty's borders. Xixia also continued to launch attacks in the west, trying to invade the territory and resources of the Northern Song Dynasty. In order to deal with these external threats, the Northern Song Dynasty court had to strengthen border defense and dispatch heavy troops to garrison the border. However, these measures have also brought huge financial pressure, making the national finances stretched. In 1004 AD, the Liao army went south, forcing the Northern Song Dynasty to sign the Chanyuan Alliance, which required a large amount of coins to be sent to the Liao every year. This huge amount of annual coins, including 200,000 pieces of silk and 100,000 taels of silver, became a heavy financial burden for the Northern Song Dynasty court, resulting in an empty state treasury, increased taxes on the people, and people living in dire straits. As a result, there were many factions and factions in the imperial court, and there were endless fights. Some loyal and good people were squeezed out and suppressed, while treacherous ministers took the opportunity to rise to power and gain power.
