In the final years of the Northern Song, the government was bloated and inefficient. The Zhao emperors implemented a policy of “dividing authority,” creating layer upon layer of overlapping bureaucratic offices and causing the number of officials to skyrocket, a problem known as “redundant officials.”
Many positions had unclear duties and responsibilities, with officials constraining one another. Procedures were cumbersome, buck-passing was rampant, and administrative efficiency was dismal.
Factional infighting at court was fierce, and internal divisions were severe.
Since Wang Anshi’s reforms, the court had long been split between the “reformists” and the “conservatives.” The two sides repeatedly clashed over policy, until their rivalry devolved into a naked struggle for power.
In these factional battles, officials put their political allegiances ahead of the nation’s interests. Policies changed overnight, making effective reforms impossible to sustain.
Corruption flourished, and embezzlement became common.
Though officials received generous salaries, many still lined their pockets by falsifying expenses, skimming pay, and seizing people’s property.
Bribery was also prevalent in the imperial examinations and promotion process. Some officials focused solely on currying favor and had no interest in their duties.
The civil authorities were favored over the military, and the armed forces fell into disrepair.
Civil officials held far higher status than generals. Many key military posts were given to civil officials with no military knowledge, while generals were constrained at every turn and unable to put their talents to use.
Military organization was chaotic, training was lax, and combat effectiveness was poor, sowing the seeds for the later Jin invasion.
Officials clung to outdated ways and lacked a sense of responsibility.
After a long period of stability, a conservative atmosphere took hold in government. Most officials were content with the status quo and afraid of change, unwilling to face the nation’s problems
