【Cause of the Fall of the Northern Song Dynasty: Factionalism】
【Factionalism refers to a group of individuals who share similar views or interests, uniting together to compete for power and eliminate opposition. This often occurs within the ranks of civil officials.】
【Factionalism in the Northern Song Dynasty was not unique. It was preceded by the Niu-Li Factionalism in the Tang Dynasty and followed by the Donglin Factionalism in the Ming Dynasty. It can be said that factionalism among civil officials was a major contributing factor to the downfall of many dynasties.】
【Today, we'll be taking a look at the unique factionalism of the Northern Song Dynasty - the New and Old Factions!】
…
Seeing the words constantly appearing in the sky, the monarchs and ministers of different dynasties widened their eyes, furrowed their brows, and looked displeased.
In the realm of Qin Shi Huang, outside Xianyang Palace.
“Factionalism? There's actually something like this in the future dynasties?"
Ying Zheng was quite puzzled. In the hundred-year history of the Qin Dynasty, there seemed to be no factionalism as mentioned in the Golden List.
And even if those officials formed factions and attacked each other, it was just verbal and written attacks. How could they possibly lead to the downfall of the country?
Seeing Ying Zheng's confusion, Feng Quji, standing beside him, frowned and said:
“Your Majesty, our Qin Dynasty has never encountered such a situation. Throughout history, there have been ministers forming factions and engaging in self-interest, but few have been able to cause the downfall of the country. Now that the Golden List lists the Northern Song Dynasty, it's enough to show how serious factionalism was in the Northern Song Dynasty!"
Upon hearing this, the officials behind him all nodded in agreement.
“What you said is reasonable, my lord. Since that's the case, then I'll see how these later-day officials formed factions and led to the downfall of the country!"
“Your Majesty is wise!"
…
In the realm of Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty, outside Weiyang Palace.
“Factionalism? And what about this Tang Dynasty and Ming Dynasty?"
Liu Bang furrowed his brows slightly, his entire body filled with confusion.
“Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty should also be later dynasties. According to the order of the Golden List, the Tang Dynasty came before the Song Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty came after the Song Dynasty.”
Zhang Liang explained.
After hearing Zhang Liang's words, Liu Bang was slightly startled and let out a wry smile.
He never imagined that there would be so many dynasties in the future?
Moreover, since the Golden List mentioned them, they must either be unified dynasties or legitimate dynasties with a hundred-year reign. The Tang Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty must be the same!
He just didn't expect that after the fall of the Han Dynasty, there would be so many unified dynasties in the future?
It was truly incredible!
“Then, Zi Fang, how does factionalism lead to the downfall of a country?"
“Your Majesty, the downfall of a country, ultimately boils down to eliminating opposition, vying for power, not caring about the country's interests, but only pursuing personal gains. In this way, the country will naturally suffer.”
Zhang Liang spoke eloquently, captivating Liu Bang's attention.
“So, it seems these officials aren't good either…”
Before Liu Bang seized the world, he despised those Confucian scholars the most. In his eyes, they were nothing but pen-pushers!
But now, the Golden List tells him that factions formed by these officials could actually lead to the demise of a dynasty, making him shudder with fear!
“Your Majesty, you can't say that. You can seize the world quickly, but you can't govern the world quickly. This world ultimately needs to be governed by officials. As long as the monarch balances them well, factionalism won't be easy to form…”
Seeing Liu Bang's worry, Zhang Liang quickly gave him a warning.
“Hm, what Zi Fang said is reasonable. Since that's the case, then I'll see what exactly is going on with these factions in the future!"
…
In the realm of the Western Jin Dynasty, during the Taikang era, outside the Taiji Hall.
“Song, Tang, Ming… Our Jin Dynasty is ultimately doomed to fall.”
Sima Yan sighed, glancing at the empress and his crown prince Sima Zhong sitting beside him, his heart tightened.
He wondered if the Jin Dynasty would be destroyed at the hands of his crown prince?
“Your Majesty, don't worry. Throughout history, there has never been a country that didn't fall. In my opinion, even if our Jin Dynasty falls, it will definitely be ranked among the best!"
Noticing Sima Yan's gaze, Jia Chong quickly stepped forward and explained with a smile.
Sima Yan nodded slightly, very satisfied.
But soon, a crazy thought appeared in his mind, especially when he looked at Jia Chong and the officials in the court!
Factionalism among officials… Which one of the officials in the Jin Dynasty court now wasn't a member of a powerful family? If they united, wouldn't they become a new faction?
Thinking about this, Sima Yan's eyes narrowed, and his gaze towards the screen became resolute.
…
In the realm of the Tang Dynasty, during the Zhenguan era, outside the Daming Palace.
“What? Niu-Li Factionalism? My Tang Dynasty actually has factionalism?"
Li Shimin was shocked, his entire body trembling, almost collapsing!
The officials were also stunned. They thought that this discussion was about the Northern Song Dynasty and had nothing to do with the Tang Dynasty, but they didn't expect that the Tang Dynasty also had factionalism!
Moreover, the Song Dynasty was after the Tang Dynasty, meaning that the Tang Dynasty would also fall in the future!
“Tell me, what does this Niu-Li Factionalism mean?"
After finally calming down, Li Shimin covered his forehead, looked around, and asked solemnly.
But the officials had no idea. They looked at each other, unsure of how to answer.
In the end, Li Shimin could only focus his gaze on Wei Zheng and ask:
“Xuan Cheng, tell me, what's going on here?"
Wei Zheng narrowed his eyes, quickly stepping forward:
“Your Majesty, these are future events. And if I'm not mistaken, Niu and Li should be names of two individuals!"
Li Shimin's eyes lit up, "Hejie?"
“The Song Dynasty refers to the New and Old factions, which must be related to a certain political view. The Ming Dynasty refers to the Donglin faction, which must be related to a certain local group. Only this Niu-Li faction in our Tang Dynasty, neither local nor related to a political view, can only be names!"
After hearing this, Li Shimin was furious. He slammed his hand on the desk and roared:
“Good, good! These future monarchs, they actually stirred up factionalism because of a few people. If I ever find out who they are, I will not spare them!"
…
In the realm of the Northern Song Dynasty, during the Kai Bao era, outside the Chonggong Hall.
At this moment, among all the monarchs and ministers, the most shocked and disheartened was undoubtedly the current Song Taizu, Zhao Kuangyin!
“Damn it! These bastards, they actually stirred up factionalism?!"
Zhao Kuangyin was furious, and the officials knelt down again, but after the anger subsided, all that was left in Zhao Kuangyin's heart was endless helplessness.
There was no other way. The Northern Song Dynasty treated civil officials and scholars well, using civil officials to restrain the military. Since the generals couldn't cause any trouble, it could only be the civil officials who were given free rein!
And the downfall of a country due to civil officials, there was no other way but factionalism…
Zhao Kuangyin helplessly waved his hand, covering his forehead and letting out a wry smile:
“All of you, rise.”
The officials rose, and Zhao Guangyi stepped forward again:
“Second Brother, don't panic. Factionalism is a small matter. The Tang Dynasty also had the Niu-Li Factionalism, but wasn't the main reason for their downfall the local warlords?"
“Therefore, in my opinion, even if our Song Dynasty has factionalism, it definitely won't be able to cause any major trouble!"
Seeing Zhao Guangyi's confident expression, Zhao Kuangyin felt reassured and slightly nodded, revealing a long-lost smile:
“Third Brother is right. Even with factionalism, the national policies of our Song Dynasty cannot be changed!"
…
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