Chronicles of Jing Song

Jing means to establish and uphold tranquility.

The phrase refers to maintaining a peaceful and composed bearing, for only after peace comes well-being.

Thus, both the Explaining the Meaning of Terms and Mao's Commentary say: Jing means to plan.

Yet in the Jingkang era of the Great Song, there was neither "a peaceful and composed bearing" nor "well-being after peace," let alone any planning.

It is said that on the Gengshen day of the twelfth month of the seventh year of Xuanhe, in the Great Song, the modern man Zhao Huan transformed into Zhao Huan, Crown Prince of the Northern Song.

At this time, Wanyan Ligu led the Jin army south to attack the Song, intending to cross the Yellow River and besiege the capital, Dongjing.

The transmigrator was not afraid. In fact, he secretly rejoiced, declaring that this wasn't a disastrous start from the beginning.

Why?

First: Being transmigrated as a crown prince about to ascend the throne was ten thousand times better than becoming a refugee.

Second: Once enthroned, he would wield supreme authority and have plenty of cards to play. Perhaps he might even rewrite history.

After a bout of wild imaginings, the transmigrator felt his heart swell with boldness:

"In the Jing Song timeline, there are only thirty thousand li of picturesque rivers and mountains. Where would the story of the 'Two Emperors Taken North' come from?"

The assembled court officials heard this, shook their heads, stamped their feet, and poured cold water on his hopes:

"Our Chinese realm is weak while the enemy is strong. There is no benefit in waging war. We should cede the Three Garrisons to appease them."

So it was decreed: the Song court's debates over war and peace raged on, with no decision in sight.

As the saying goes: The trials of Jing Song are harder than climbing to the blue sky.

[Author's Notes]

1. In the context of the Song dynasty, the term "China" refers to the orthodox Central Plains dynasty, the center of Huaxia civilization, and the seat of government.

2. This novel is also titled Jing Song.