Set against the history of the Northern Song, from the Qingli Reforms under Emperor Renzong to the Jingkang Incident under Emperor Qinzong, this novel focuses on the two major reform movements of the era: the Qingli Reforms and the Xifeng Reforms. It brings to life historical figures including Emperor Renzong of Song, Zhao Zhen; Lü Yijian; Fan Zhongyan; Fu Bi; Di Qing; Gu Wei; Emperor Shenzong of Song, Zhao Xu; Wang Anshi; Su Shi; and Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji. Both reform efforts in the Northern Song faced immense difficulties, and striving to strengthen the state proved no easy task. Neither reform could ultimately be sustained, and both led to new problems. Along with the wars against the Liao, Xia, and Jin, these troubles concealed disaster and crisis beneath the empire’s prosperity. The Jingkang Incident marked the sudden collapse of the Northern Song. The story of its rapid rise and abrupt fall invites reflection.
