In 959 AD, Chai Rong, the most powerful emperor of Later Zhou, dies suddenly, leaving behind a seven-year-old heir. Half a year later, the commander of the imperial guards, Zhao Kuangyin, is clothed in the yellow robe, and the Song dynasty is born.
This is a dynasty that ends an age of chaos, yet is always wary of its generals. It has bustling cities, prosperous finances, and brilliant scholars, but keeps searching for security amid wars, factional strife, and reform.
From the Chenqiao Mutiny to the sunset at Yashan, from Li Yu, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, and Su Shi to Li Qingzhao, Yue Fei, Lu You, Xin Qiji, and Wen Tianxiang, this book recounts the rise and fall of the Northern and Southern Song across more than three hundred years in a lighthearted, humorous style.
It doesn't mistake legend for history, nor turn history into an academic paper. See how emperors hold on to their thrones, how scholars enter politics, how generals face suspicion, and how ordinary people bear the cost of their times.
Was the Song dynasty wealthy but weak, or did it choose a kind of strength unlike any that came before?
