The Official History of the Two Song Dynasties

Three hundred years of the Two Song Dynasties, an era of shifting fortunes and exceptional heroes.

In the early Northern Song, Zhao Kuangyin seized power in the Chenqiao Mutiny and founded the Song Dynasty. He then disarmed his generals over a cup of wine, establishing a policy of favoring civil officials over military ones. During Emperor Taizong’s reign, the defeat at the Battle of Gaoliang River forced the Northern Song onto the defensive against the Liao. In the years of Emperor Zhenzong, the Chanyuan Treaty was signed, bringing lasting peace between the Song and Liao and laying the foundations for the Northern Song’s economic and cultural prosperity. During Emperor Renzong’s reign, Fan Zhongyan led the Qingli Reforms. Though they soon failed, they sparked a movement for change. Later, Wang Anshi’s reforms sought to enrich the country and strengthen its military. They were brought to an end by opposition from conservatives, yet profoundly shaped Northern Song politics.

In the late Northern Song, the Jingkang Incident erupted. Jin forces captured Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, bringing the Northern Song to an end. After the Southern Song was established, Yue Fei led the Yue Family Army against the Jin. His great victory at Yancheng struck fear into the enemy, but Qin Hui framed him on the baseless charge of “fabricated crimes.” The Southern Song also saw Liu Qi crush the Jin at the Battle of Shunchang, shattering the myth that Jin forces were unbeatable.

The Two Song era was a time of brilliant culture. Six of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song came from the Northern Song, while poets such as Su Shi, Li Qingzhao, and Xin Qiji left behind countless masterpieces for the ages. In science and technology, Bi Sheng invented movable-type printing, Shen Kuo wrote Dream Pool Essays, and the compass was used for navigation, advancing the progress of world civilization.

The True History of the Two Song Dynasties will tell you this sweeping story in detail, letting you experience the rise and fall, triumphs and hardships, and cultural splendor of the Two Song eras.