The Northern Song Dynasty was an important dynasty in Chinese history, and it was another unified regime after the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.
In 960, the Later Zhou generals launched the Chenqiao Mutiny, supported Zhao Kuangyin as the emperor, established the Song Dynasty, and set up the capital of Bianliang (now Kaifeng City, Henan). However, in the first year of Jingkang (1126), Jin soldiers invaded Kaifeng, and the Northern Song Dynasty fell in 1127. This regime lasted from 960 to 1127 and had nine emperors who ruled for 167 years. The Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty are collectively known as the Song Dynasty and are also known as the Two Song Dynasties.
According to one account, the tax value of the Northern Song Dynasty reached up to 160 million yuan. At that time, the tax rate was about 1 15, and since there were not many other taxes, then the GDP was almost 152 15 = 228 billion US dollars. At that time, the population of the Northern Song Dynasty was almost 100 million, so the per capita GDP was 2,280 US dollars.
Another theory is that the Northern Song Dynasty is indeed rich, but there are still many problems with the above algorithm, and the GDP of the Northern Song Dynasty does not account for 80% of the world. In fact, the peak of GDP in China's history did start in the Northern Song Dynasty, about 1000 AD, accounting for about a quarter of the world, and the real peak was around 1600, reaching about 35 percent, far from 80 percent of the world.
Duration: February 4, 960 to 1127.
Capital: Bianliang (Kaifeng Prefecture, Tokyo), present-day Kaifeng City, Henan Province.
Monarch's surname: Zhao.
Monarchs: Zhao Huan (reigned 1126-1127, died in the country), Zhao Kuangyin (reigned 960-976, founded the country).
Commonly used language: Middle Chinese.
Currency: Tongbao money, Jiaozi.
In the third to fourth year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty (970-971), Song Taizu launched a conquest war against the Southern Han Dynasty. This battle was not only of great significance to the unification of the Northern Song Dynasty, but also marked the end of the Southern Han regime.
The Southern Han Dynasty, a regime located in southern China, encountered strong pressure from the north in September of the third year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty. Song Taizu appointed Pan Mei as commander and led a large army south, determined to destroy the Southern Han. At this time, due to the long-term lack of war, the combat effectiveness of the army declined significantly, and even a situation of "soldiers do not know how to fight, and people do not know how to survive".
The Song army made good progress, conquering Hezhou, Zhaozhou and other places, and pointed directly at Shaozhou. At the foot of Lotus Peak Mountain, the Song army and the Southern Han army fought fiercely, defeating more than 100,000 Southern Han troops. At the beginning of the following year, the Song army conquered Yingzhou, Xiongzhou and other places, and further approached Guangzhou, the capital of the Southern Han Dynasty.
In the face of the powerful offensive of the Song army, Liu Gang, the lord of the Southern Han Dynasty, could not resist. After a series of resistances, Liu finally chose to surrender. With the surrender of Liu Gang, the rule of the Southern Han officially ended. As a result of this campaign, the Northern Song Dynasty succeeded in incorporating the territory of the Southern Han Dynasty into its territory, adding 60 prefectures, 214 counties, and more than 170,000 households.
The outcome of this war not only changed the historical fate of the Southern Han Dynasty, but also accelerated the process of unifying the whole country in the Northern Song Dynasty. Since then, the dominance of the Northern Song Dynasty in China has been further consolidated, writing a new chapter in Chinese history.
In the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty, the political system largely followed the model of the Tang Dynasty, but there were some minor adjustments and changes. Compared with the Tang Dynasty, the Northern Song Dynasty was more complex and meticulous in its official system. In order to ensure the stability and unity of the regime, the Northern Song Dynasty implemented a series of measures to strengthen the centralization of power.
At the beginning of the establishment of the Northern Song Dynasty, although the regime had been established, there were still many separatist regimes in the south and north, such as the Southern Tang Dynasty, Wuyue, Zhangquan, Southern Han, Hunan, Jingnan, Later Shu, Northern Han, etc. These separatist regimes owned their own land, people, armies, and wealth, and posed a threat to the unification of the Northern Song Dynasty. In addition, in the area ruled by the Northern Song Dynasty, there were many jiedu envoys, who also had certain military and financial power.
In order to solve these problems, Song Taizu and his successors took a series of measures.
They have strengthened the centralization of power, weakened the power of the local government, and enabled the government to better control local affairs.
They have implemented the imperial examination system, which has enabled more talents to enter the officialdom and improved the quality and ability of the first people.
The Northern Song Dynasty also implemented the forbidden army system, which unified the armies of various places into the command, thus strengthening the control of the local government.
Zhao Zhen, the longest-reigning emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, lasted for forty-two years. Under his rule, the Northern Song Dynasty reached the peak of socio-economic culture and ushered in a glorious era of "Renzong's reign". He changed the Yuan a lot of times, and the last eight years were called "Jiayu's Rule", and his entire period was also praised by later generations as "Renzong's Reign". Compared with the strong Han and Tang dynasties, Zhao Zhen's enlightened rule left a unique mark on history.
In the early days of Zhao Zhen's accession, the Northern Song Dynasty faced a grim situation of political chaos and superstition. Zhenzong's edict was given by Empress Dowager Liu to "dispose of military and state affairs", and Zhao Zhen, who was only thirteen years old, faced a huge challenge. However, he showed firm determination and wisdom to govern the country together with Empress Dowager Liu. In the first year of Tiansheng (1023), the imperial court changed the yuan to "Tiansheng", which means "two saints", marking the first time in the history of the Northern Song Dynasty that this political pattern appeared. Zhao Zhen's wise decision and Empress Dowager Liu's strong support jointly saved the edifice that was about to collapse.
During Zhao Zhen's more than 30 years in power, he devoted himself to the governance of the country and achieved the goal of putting things in order. He paid attention to the people's livelihood, reduced penalties and taxes, and benefited the people. He selected a group of outstanding talents, promoted the development of culture and education, and injected new vitality into the country. Zhao Zhen's philosophy and measures of governing the country made the Northern Song Dynasty prosperous and prosperous, and the economy and culture flourished, becoming a brilliant chapter in Chinese history.
Chen Shixi, a political commentator of the Northern Song Dynasty, had a deep affection for Renzong Shengzhi. He exclaimed: "Since the establishment of the Northern Song Dynasty, it has been more than 150 years, during which there have been wars and disputes, but the reign of Emperor Renzong is known as a peaceful and prosperous era, and the national fortune is long. Emperor Renzong's benevolence and wisdom enabled the people to live and work in peace and contentment, and the country prospered. The reign of Qingli and Jiayou initiated by him is regarded as the most glorious period of this dynasty, and its prosperity surpassed that of the Han and Tang dynasties, and can almost be compared with the rule of three generations. ”
The great writer Su Shi also spoke highly of Emperor Renzong's statecraft. He said: "Since the founding of the Northern Song Dynasty more than 70 years ago, the people have lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country has prospered. Under the rule of Emperor Renzong, the world was peaceful, the people were prosperous, and education was universal. Tiansheng and Jingyu were both the era names of Emperor Renzong, and these two periods reached the peak of governance. ”
Zhao Ding, the prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, also praised: "Emperor Renzong has reigned for more than 40 years, and the country has been governed in an orderly manner, known as the world of extreme governance. He selected and appointed a number of outstanding talents, who made great contributions to the development of the country. ”
Even the arrogant Southern Song Dynasty Prime Minister Qin Hui expressed his admiration for Emperor Renzong. He said: "During the reign of Emperor Renzong, a group of talented people were selected to make suggestions for the development of the country. During the reign of Qingli and Jiayou, the country prospered and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. The governance achievements of this period are comparable to those of Tang Yu and far exceed those of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. ”
Wei Jing, a celebrity in the Southern Song Dynasty, also praised: "The rule of Jiayou during the reign of Emperor Renzong can be called the best in the ages. He laid a solid foundation for the prosperity of the country. ”
Song Ningzong also mentioned in the edict: "Emperor Renzong's way of governing the country is to be close to the gentleman and stay away from the villain." He implemented the policies of Qingli and Yuanyou, so that the imperial court was respected; At the same time, the punishment was reduced, the tax was reduced, and the people benefited. This is a blessing for the country. ”
To measure the prosperity of a country, the population is an important indicator.
Su Dongpo once said: "The ancients used the number of people to be the wealth and poverty of the country. ”
The Southern Song Dynasty writer Zhu Ben also mentioned in "Quwei Old News": "During the time of Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, there were many household registrations, and the Sui Kaihuang passed it, and the Yuan Youjian (Song Zhezong period) was too Kaihuang. I saw my predecessors talk about this, and the ancients couldn't catch it. The land of this dynasty is narrower than that of the Han and Sui dynasties, and the household registration is like this, isn't it the extreme of peace! This shows that in ancient times, the size of the population was an important basis for measuring the economic status of a country.
Compared to the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty showed more remarkable achievements in terms of population growth.
In the last years of Zhao Heng of Song Zhenzong (1021), the number of households was 8.67 million and 19.93 million (Ding Nan). By the end of Zhao Zhen of Song Renzong (1063), the number of households increased to 12.46 million, and the population also reached 26.42 million (Ding Nan).
During the reign of Song Renzong, the country's population increased by 3.79 million households and 6.49 million men. Such a growth rate and scale are obviously better than the answers of Tang Taizong and Tang Xuanzong.
According to historical records, the population during the reign of Zhenguan was onlyMore than 3 million households, the highest number of households in the Kaiyuan Dynasty was less than 8 million (the number of households in the country was 7.8 million in the 20th year of the Kaiyuan Dynasty). The population of the "prosperous era of Renzong" has exceeded 10 million households, which is enough to show the prosperity and strength of the Renzong period. Bao Zheng also spoke highly of the pomp and circumstance of the Renzong period.
The Song Dynasty's achievements in population growth were not accidental, but were due to Emperor Renzong's wise decision-making and statecraft. Emperor Renzong paid attention to developing the economy and improving the people's living standards, and implemented a series of measures conducive to population growth. He encouraged agricultural development, lightened peasants' burdens, built water conservancy, and increased agricultural productivity, thereby increasing the country's grain output and the people's income level. These measures provide the material basis for population growth.
Emperor Renzong also paid attention to the development of culture and education, and promoted the prosperity of Song Dynasty culture. He carried out measures such as reforming the imperial examination system, encouraging academic research, popularizing scientific and technological knowledge, and building schools, thus improving the quality and cultural level of the people. These measures not only promote the progress of social civilization, but also provide intellectual support for population growth.
Emperor Renzong also paid attention to the construction of the legal system and the improvement of the social governance system. He formulated a series of laws and regulations, regulated market order, strengthened the management of public order, and ensured the safety of people's lives and property. These measures provide a stable social environment for population growth.
In terms of science and technology: Renzong Dynasty witnessed the wide application and transformation of China's three major inventions. The invention of gunpowder promoted the revolution of rockets, assault rifles, artillery, mines, firecrackers and other weapons, giving the Song Dynasty a clear military advantage in the war against Western Xia. At the same time, the compass began to be used for navigation, giving the Song Dynasty the largest sailing fleet in the world at the time, greatly facilitating maritime and expeditionary activities.
The invention of movable type printing by Bi Sheng has enabled a large number of classics to be preserved, making great contributions to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture. Wang Weiyi also invented the acupuncture bronze man, which further improved the acupuncture system of traditional Chinese medicine and improved the accuracy and effect of diagnosis and treatment.
economic fieldThe Song Dynasty issued the world's first banknote, Guanjiaozi, an innovation that had a profound impact on the world's economic and financial history, demonstrating the foresight and courage of the Song Dynasty in financial innovation.
Philosophical aspects:During the Renzong Dynasty, it can be said that a hundred flowers bloomed and there were various genres. The proposition of "Heavenly Principles" put forward by Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi injected a breath of fresh air into the philosophical community, and also provided theoretical support for the establishment of the Zhao and Song dynasties. Wang Anshi put forward the theory of practical learning, trained a group of students, provided theoretical guidance for the later reform of the law, and reserved the cadre team. These philosophical ideas have laid a solid foundation for the development of modern Chinese sinology.
Renzong attached great importance to the cultivation and selection of talents, and he named the descendants of Confucius as the Holy Prince, and encouraged the establishment of schools in various states and counties. At one time, there were many virtuous and gentlemen. Kou Zhun, Wang Zeng, Yan Shu, Lu Zongdao, as well as Fan Zhongyan, Bao Zheng, Fu Bi, Di Qing, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, as well as the "Three Sus", Shen Kuo, Mi Fu, etc., who were promoted by the Renzong Dynasty or the imperial examination, are all outstanding figures in the annals of history and models of scholars. Culture flourishes.
Culture flourished. In the prose "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties", except for Han and Liu of the Tang Dynasty, the other six were active in the Renzong period. As the end of the poem, Song Ci was promoted by a large number of lyricists such as Yan Shu, Liu Yong, Fan Zhongyan, and Su Shi, and created the leading position of Song Ci in the history of Chinese literature. And literary forms such as storytelling and miscellaneous dramas have also sprouted and developed.
Between 1032 and 1172, the Northern Song Dynasty was violently attacked by the Jurchens and was finally forced to leave the Yellow River Valley, marking the end of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Although the Northern Song Dynasty suffered heavy losses in this war, it still had a strong attraction to foreign races. Western Xia, as a powerful foreign power around the Northern Song Dynasty, developed a strong interest in the wealth and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty.
The Tangut were once a nomadic people in the south, and from 1004 to 1032 their leader, Li Deming, successfully transformed the tribal alliance into a state. He had high hopes for his son's education, hoping that he would become a true monarch. On his deathbed in 1032, Li Deming asked the Northern Song Emperor Song Renzong for a Buddhist scripture, hoping to cultivate the character and wisdom of his son Li Yuanhao. However, Song Renzong did not pay attention to this request.
In 1035, after Li Yuanhao succeeded to the throne as the king of Western Xia, he again asked the Northern Song Dynasty for Buddhist scriptures. This time, his envoy succeeded in bringing back the required **. These Buddhist scriptures had a profound impact on Li Yuanhao, making him more deeply understand and accept traditional Chinese culture and religious beliefs. He understood that in order to become a great monarch, one had to draw on the Chinese imperial beliefs.
Shortly after receiving the Buddhist scriptures, in 1038, Li Yuanhao held a grand enthronement ceremony. His courtiers and people celebrated this historic moment with great enthusiasm, honoring him as a cultural saint and a hero of war. In order to record this important moment, Li Yuanhao ordered the creation of the Tangut script, which mimicked Chinese characters but had unique strokes and glyphs.
Li Yuanhao knows very well that if their nation does not have its own historical records, it will not be able to sit on an equal footing with the north. Therefore, he not only left a historical record for his ascension to the throne, but also ordered the historian to compile the history of Western Xia. These historical records not only laid the foundation for the cultural development of the Western Xia, but also made the Western Xia leave a strong mark in history. By constantly learning and borrowing from the cultural and religious beliefs of the Northern Song Dynasty, Li Yuanhao gradually consolidated his dominance and led the Western Xia to a path of prosperity.
In 1039, an envoy sent by Li Yuanhao embarked on a journey to the Song Dynasty, and their mission was to present a special message to Song Renzong. This inscription details a series of reforms implemented by Li Yuanhao after the establishment of the Tangut Kingdom, especially his feat of creating a written language for the Tangut people. But the real purpose is hidden behind the respectful wording. The text reads: ".The clothes are good, the words are good, the etiquette and music are open, and the instruments are ready for ......Then on October 11, the suburban altar was prepared, and the ancestor of the ancestor Wuxing Law was built to honor the Emperor Renxiao, the country was called Daxia, and the Jianyuan Heaven awarded the ritual law Yanzuo. Looking at His Majesty the Emperor, Rui Zhe**, forgiving and merciful, Xu to the western suburbs, is the king of the south.
This seems to be a compliment and request to the emperor of the Song Dynasty, but it is actually a manifestation of Li Yuanhao's firm determination and ambition. More than 30 years ago, Song Renzong's father was forced to admit that the ruler of the Liao State was an equal emperor to him. Now Li Yuanhao also longs for the same treatment. He was well aware that unlike the great dynasties in Chinese history, the Song Dynasty did not show a hegemonic posture. Among the many countries at that time, the Song Dynasty was just an ordinary member and had no obvious advantages. But there was something that the emperors of the Song Dynasty possessed, which were the envy of the monarchs of the Liao and Western Xia. It is the aura of thousands of years of tradition and culture. Li Yuanhao understood that becoming a monarch on an equal footing with the emperors of the Song Dynasty was not only a symbol of power, but also a recognition of culture and tradition.
Behind Li Yuanhao's request, he hides his ambition for the future of Western Xia. He hoped to pave the way for the development of Western Xia by establishing equal diplomatic relations with the Song dynasty. He knew that only by standing on an equal footing with the Song Dynasty could he truly achieve the prosperity and strength of Western Xia. This requires him to overcome all kinds of difficulties and challenges, not only to consolidate his internal rule, but also to face pressure and competition from external forces.
Li Yuanhao's decisions and actions undoubtedly had a profound impact on Western Xia. His determination and courage not only promoted the rise of Western Xia, but also added a new chapter to Chinese history.
If Song Renzong refused to confer the title of Emperor Li Yuanhao, would the Western Xia really use force? In 1038, when the Western Xia army began to invade the Great Song Dynasty, the answer to this question was already clear. More than 30 years of peace greatly weakened the combat effectiveness of the troops in the Song Dynasty. According to historical records,Less than half of the soldiers are proficient in the use of heavy crossbows, and almost all of them lack actual combat experience.
Between 1039 and 1042, the Western Xia army constantly attacked the Song dynasty's western border fortresses. Li Yuanhao commanded his men, and in this rugged land, he did not greedily occupy too much land, but focused on consolidating the existing defensive line. With the passage of time, the western territory of the Song Dynasty was gradually encroached upon. By 1042, the Liao state had also joined the dispute, demanding that the Song dynasty cede large swaths of territory, which undoubtedly increased tensions.
Faced with such a predicament, Song Renzong decided to sue for peace. He still did not recognize the Western Xia ruler as the true emperor, but in exchange for peace, he agreed to pay a higher annual currency. Li Yuanhao accepted the offer, after all, 6 years of war had exhausted his army. Although he failed to earn the coveted title of emperor, the financial compensation also somewhat compensated for his wounded self-esteem.
At the same time, the Song dynasty did not completely abandon military preparations. The war with the Western Xia prompted the Song generals to actively collect various military intelligence and technical knowledge. In 1044, the last year of the war, a group of scholars were commissioned to sort out these warfare techniques and complete the compilation of the General Essentials of the Martial Arts. In this book, they describe a flamethrower, the "Fierce Fire Oil Tank", and how coal, saltpeter, and sulfur were used to make a black powder, which is the first recorded record of a gunpowder recipe in history.
Although Song Renzong chose the path of peace, the war still had far-reaching consequences. It not only prompted the Song Dynasty to make important progress in military technology, but also laid the groundwork for later historical development.
Under the peace bought with money, the Song Dynasty's wars in the north and west temporarily subsided. This provided a valuable respite for the Song dynasty to rebuild its military power. In order to pay the annual coins and maintain the newly expanded army, Song Renzong decided to raise taxes. Not only that, but he also ordered stricter criteria when recruiting new recruits. Unlike in the past, in addition to basic physical fitness tests such as running, jumping and shooting, new recruits have also added vision tests.
During this period, the Song dynasty made full use of the opportunity of peace and was fully prepared for the coming war. The 50-year period of peace provided valuable time for the development of the Song dynasty.
At the same time, the Liao State received official recognition from the Song Emperor and received a Sui coin paid for in cash, while the Western Xia only received a Sui coin, but was also satisfied with it.
At the beginning of the 12th century, however, the situation in the north changed again. A new tribe began to rise, and in the transition from nomadism to empire-building, they swept south, constantly invading the settled kingdom. This tribe was the Jurchens, who lived mainly in the wooded plains of northeastern China, later known as Manchuria. To the west of the Jurchens, some tribes accepted the rule of the Liao State and became known as "Mature Jurchen"; The tribes to the east, on the other hand, were still free and not under the control of the Song and Liao, and were known as the "Shengjurchen".
By the end of the 11th century, the Wanyan tribe of the Jurchen tribe began to conquer the neighboring Jurchen tribes, marking an important step in the establishment of an empire for the nomads. Some of the Jurchens were attacked during this conquest and were forced to flee south to Goryeo.
Since the establishment of the Kingdom of Goryeo, seeking the approval of the Song dynasty has been an important goal of its foreign policy. There were many clashes between Goryeo and Liao, with the Liao intruding on Goryeo's borders from time to time, but after a large-scale border war in 1018, the Liao army was completely routed, and the two countries remained largely at peace ever since.
The nomadic Jurchens in the north gradually emerged and became a major annoyance in Goryeo. To defend against these nomads, several Goryeo kings in the 11th century ordered the construction of a wall more than 500 kilometers long that stretched from the mouth of the Yalu River to the interior. The walls were effective at holding out scattered raiders, but when the flood of Jurchen refugees poured in, its defenses became overstretched.
Faced with the threat of the Jurchens, the king of Goryeo sent the "Bebu Ban" to fight in the north. The "Bewuban" is an elite cavalry unit, and they are undoubtedly a sharp blade against the Jurchens who are good at riding and shooting. In 1107, Bebu Ban penetrated deep into Jurchen territory and established a series of defensive fortresses called "Nine Cities", designed to defend Goryeo's northern border.
The internal situation of the Jurchens is also changing. In 1113, after the death of the Jurchen leader of the Wanyan tribe, power passed to his younger brother Aguta. Aguta had great ambitions to establish a formal monarchy, establish a bureaucracy, and document the history of the nation. In order to gain greater influence and recognition, he took the initiative to contact the Song Dynasty.
At this time, the Song Dynasty was ruled by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, who had a strong interest in art and culture, but was short-sighted in military and political terms. Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty agreed to form an alliance with the Jurchens against the Liao State. However, after the Jurchens gained an advantage over Liao, their demands became more demanding. Not only did he demand that the Song Dynasty recognize his position as emperor, but he also demanded almost the same amount of money as the Song Dynasty paid to the Liao State.
Song Huizong's rash decision ultimately led to disastrous consequences. The local militia system originally used to defend the Liao State had long since been shattered, and the Jurchens easily broke through the Song Dynasty's defenses. By the end of 1125, they had crossed the Yellow River and approached Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty.
In the face of such tremendous pressure, Song Huizong, in order to evade responsibility, pretended to have a stroke and hurriedly passed the throne to the 25-year-old crown prince Song Qinzong. Song Qinzong resolutely refused to accept this burden, but was eventually forced to ascend the throne under the pressure of his father.
The Jurchen conquest of Kaifeng was carried out in stages, and each attack was accompanied by demands for land reparations. In 1127, the whole raid ended, and Kaifeng City was completely occupied by the Jin army. The Jurchens plundered the city on a rampage, sparing jewelry, food, livestock, and women.
The powerlessness of Song Qinzong's rule and immoral behavior hastened the fall of the Song dynasty. For the sake of begging for peace, he looted the wealth of the people to satisfy the demands of the invaders, but this did not change the decision of the Jurchens. The entire city was sacked and burned, and completely fell into the clutches of the enemy. Both Song Qinzong and Song Huizong were taken prisoner and taken back to the north to be imprisoned along with many imperial relatives. Song Huizong died in captivity, while Song Qinzong spent nearly 30 years as a prisoner.
The Northern Song Dynasty came to an end, and Zhao Gou was proclaimed emperor and established a new imperial court in the distant southern city of Hangzhou (later renamed Lin'an). This dynasty ruled in the south for more than 100 years, and this is only a remnant of the glory days that preceded it.