Song Taizu - A Long Historical Novel

Author: Guo Jianxun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The late Han general Guo Wei rode across the land, wielded immense power, and suddenly usurped the Han to establish the Zhou Dynasty, becoming the Emperor of Later Zhou. His general Zhao Kuangyin played a pivotal role and thus became one of his key court officials. Zhao Kuangyin was both a master of literature and martial arts, outstanding and unique, gaining deeper roots in the court. After Guo Wei's death, Zhao Kuangyin steadfastly supported Emperor Shizong of Zhou to stabilize the. To the south was Southern Tang, to the north was Northern Han, to the east was Wu-Yue, and to the west was Later Shu, placing Later Zhou in peril. Zhao Kuangyin had become a crucial minister for Later Zhou, just as Guo Wei had been for the Han Dynasty. Like Guo Wei before him, he bided his time and accumulated strength, and when Emperor Shizong passed away, leaving a weak heir and a crisis-ridden court, he abolished the Zhou Dynasty and established the Great Song, bringing peace to the borders in the last fifteen years of his life and laying out a foundation for a relatively stable Great Song for future generations. This book chronicles the thirty years of turmoil from the of Later Han to Zhao Kuangyin's passing, showcasing the chaotic of those decades. From palace intrigues to battlefield battles, from fiery passion to romantic sorrow, from the dangers of the to the traces of Buddhism and Taoism; the cyclical nature of history is evident in Guo Wei's overthrow of the Han to establish Zhou, Zhao Kuangyin's coup at Chenqiaoyi to overthrow Zhou and establish Song, Zhao Pu's "Half of the Analects Governing the World," the new emperor's ceremonial release of military power, Li Liang's torment, Xi Jun's devotion, Huarui's cruelty, Zhao Kuangyin's unpredictability, and the deep brotherhood of the generals—all leaving one sighing in awe.