Great Song Dynasty land

Author: Zheng Xiting
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Wang Anshi was a great statesman of the Song Dynasty known for his achievements and foresight. His moral integrity, character, scholarship, and literary attainments were so high as to command admiration! With the support of Emperor Shenzong, the "New Policies" he implemented were not merely a single political reform but encompassed comprehensive measures in various aspects such as agriculture, commerce, military affairs, taxation, the imperial examinations, and education. This book narrates Wang Anshi's decisive actions to revitalize the economy and curb monopolies, with the goals of enriching the nation and strengthening its military, as well as avenging national humiliation. However, this process was fraught with conflicts of interest against the imperial relatives, the conservative faction, the existing bureaucratic class, and the vested interests. Additionally, it faced obstruction and opposition from elite figures of the time, including Confucian scholars, historians, and writers. In the end, Wang Anshi was forced to resign and return home, and all the New Policies were abolished. Over the following four decades, the Jingkang Incident occurred, leading to the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty and the decline of the vast territory of the Song. Alas! How lamentable! How tragic! How hateful! How pitiful!