In the summer of the 32nd year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty (1162), Zhao Rui, the newly enthroned Song Xiaozong, faced a major choice. His father, Emperor Song Gaozong, is still alive, and the government and the opposition are still shrouded in the haze of Qin Hui's dictatorship. However, the young emperor made a surprising decision: to issue an edict in the name of Song Gaozong to rehabilitate Yue Fei, who had been wronged for 12 years. This move not only risked angering the emperor, but also sent a strong political signal to the court and beyond. Yue Fei's rehabilitation was not only out of sympathy for his loyal ministers, but also hidden behind Song Xiaozong's far-reaching plans. What is the reason why this new monarch is so resolutely wronged by Yue Fei Zhaoxue? What kind of political wisdom is behind this? Let's uncover this little-known historical truth.
Autumn of troubled times: the crisis of the Southern Song Dynasty and the ascension of the new monarch
At the beginning of the establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty, there was a tense atmosphere throughout the imperial court. The iron hooves of the Jin soldiers once broke through the walls of Bianjing City and captured the second emperor of Huiqin.
This catastrophe made the rulers of the Southern Song Dynasty always have lingering palpitations, and they both feared and hated the northern Jin State. The Southern Song Dynasty favored the south of the Yangtze River, although it temporarily avoided the disaster of the country, but the national strength was greatly damaged, and the people in the court were panicked.
In such a situation, the contradictions between the main battle faction and the main peace faction are becoming increasingly intensified. The main battle faction represented by Yue Fei advocated the recovery of the Central Plains and the restoration of the Great Song Dynasty. The main peace faction led by Qin Hui believed that peace should be sought to protect the country and recuperate.
The two factions were at loggerheads, and there were many contradictions within the imperial court. During the reign of Song Gaozong and Zhao Gou, his attitude wavered, sometimes supporting the main battle, sometimes leaning towards peace. This capricious policy left the court at a loss.
During the period of Qin Hui's dictatorship, the political atmosphere within the imperial court was even more suffocating. As the prime minister, Qin Hui has great power and excludes dissidents. He not only suppressed the main battle faction, but also took the opportunity to eliminate political opponents, and the DPRK and China were full of suspicion and fear.
It was against this background that Yue Fei was framed and imprisoned. This anti-gold celebrity will be executed by Qin Hui on "trumped-up" charges, shocking the government and the opposition. Yue Fei's unjust case became a scar in the political arena of the Southern Song Dynasty, and also became an important basis for future generations to judge Song Gaozong.
It was in this complex political environment that the young Zhao Ying was made the crown prince. As the ninth son of Song Gaozong, Zhao Ying has shown extraordinary intelligence since he was a child.
He was well-read, familiar with the rules and regulations, and had a lot of insight into national affairs. During the period of the crown prince, Zhao Ying paid a lot of attention to the government and politics, and his attitude towards the Jin State was more firm.
In 1161, the Jin Emperor Wanyan Liang launched the famous Hailing invasion to the south. This military campaign brought a great crisis to the Southern Song Dynasty, but it also exposed the internal problems of the Jin state. Zhao Jin, who was still the crown prince at the time, had a very resolute attitude and advocated leading the troops to a decisive battle with the Jin army.
This attitude shows that he is different from his father, Song Gaozong. Gojong pursued a policy of peace for many years, while Cho Ying leaned more towards a hardline line. This disparity paved the way for future political change.
In May 1162, Song Gaozong abdicated, and Zhao Ying ascended the throne for Song Xiaozong. When the new monarch ascended the throne, the government and the opposition were speculating about what kind of policy he would adopt. After all, Song Gaozong is still alive as the emperor, and Qin Hui's power has not completely subsided.
Song Xiaozong faced a challenging situation. He had to deal with the threat from the state of Jin and balance the forces of the DPRK and China. More importantly, he needed to establish his ruling authority and get rid of the influence of the Emperor.
Under these circumstances, Song Xiaozong made an unexpected decision: to issue an edict in the name of Song Gaozong to rehabilitate Yue Fei. This move is not only a correction of the unjust case, but also a strong signal released by Song Xiaozong to the government and the opposition.
It indicated the political position of the new monarch and also foreshadowed possible major changes in the political situation of the Southern Song Dynasty. Yue Fei's rehabilitation became Song Xiaozong's first major political action after his accession to the throne, and also laid the foundation for his future rule.
Northern Expedition Strong Voice: The new monarch swears that Xue Yue Fei is wronged
Song Xiaozong's first major decision after ascending the throne was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing huge ripples up and down the government and the opposition. This decision is to rehabilitate Yue Fei.
At that time, the Southern Song Dynasty court was still shrouded in the shadow of Qin Hui's dictatorship. Yue Fei's unjust case has become an unavoidable political problem.
Song Xiaozong knew that if he wanted to establish his authority, he had to take some practical actions. And rehabilitating Yue Fei is undoubtedly an excellent entry point.
This can not only show the world his impartiality, but also send a clear signal to the government and the opposition that the new emperor will change his past policies. Song Xiaozong chose to issue an edict in the name of Song Gaozong in July two months after his accession to the throne to rehabilitate Yue Fei.
This edict not only restored Yue Fei's official position, but also ordered a funeral with a ceremony. This move immediately caused an uproar in the government and the opposition.
Those who supported Yue Fei rejoiced, believing that the imperial court finally had a Ming monarch. And Qin Hui's old ministry was panicked, for fear that the new emperor would settle accounts after the autumn.
In fact, Song Xiaozong's intention to rehabilitate Yue Fei was far more than that. He is announcing to the whole world: I want the Northern Expedition! You must know that in the political context of the Southern Song Dynasty, the attitude towards Yue Fei is the vane of the policy towards the Jin State.
Rehabilitating Yue Fei is tantamount to negating the peace policy led by Qin Hui. Behind this decision is Song Xiaozong's thoughtful consideration of the overall situation of the country.
In 1161, a year before Song Xiaozong ascended the throne, the Jin Emperor Wanyan Liang launched the famous Hailing invasion of the south. This was the last large-scale use of troops by the Jin State against the Southern Song Dynasty.
Although this southern invasion ended in failure, it sounded the alarm for both the government and the opposition in the Southern Song Dynasty. Song Xiaozong, who was still the crown prince at the time, showed a very resolute attitude and advocated leading the troops to a decisive battle with the Jin army.
This attitude contrasted sharply with his father, Song Gaozong. Song Gaozong pursued a policy of peace for many years, while Song Xiaozong leaned more towards a hardline line.
After Hailing's southern invasion, the internal contradictions of the Jin State intensified, Wan Yanliang was killed, and the national strength began to decline. Song Xiaozong was keenly aware that this was a good opportunity for the Southern Song Dynasty to counterattack.
Therefore, just a year after his accession to the throne, he launched the famous Longxing Northern Expedition. Before the Northern Expedition, the rehabilitation of Yue Fei was an important foreshadowing.
Through this move, Song Xiaozong made his attitude clear to the whole world: I want to follow Yue Fei's example, recover the lost territory, and revitalize the mountains and rivers. This has undoubtedly greatly boosted the morale of the military.
However, this decision of Song Xiaozong also faces great risks. You must know that Song Gaozong was still alive at that time, and he still had a lot of influence as the emperor.
The Yue Fei case occurred during the reign of Song Gaozong, and rehabilitating Yue Fei is tantamount to denying Song Gaozong's decision. This practice is likely to cause the displeasure of the Emperor.
What's more, although Qin Hui has passed away, he had a great relationship with Song Gaozong during his lifetime. Rehabilitating Yue Fei is slapping Qin Hui in the face, and it may also anger Song Gaozong.
However, Song Xiaozong still resolutely did so. He took an ingenious approach: issuing an edict in the name of Song Gaozong.
This not only gave Song Gaozong face, but also achieved his own goal. This practice fully embodies the political wisdom of Song Xiaozong.
Song Xiaozong's decision was not only to rehabilitate a loyal minister, but also to declare his political position to the whole world. He wanted to use the name of Yue Fei to revive the prestige of the country and change the situation in the Southern Song Dynasty that favored the south of the Yangtze River.
This decision marked a major turning point in the political situation of the Southern Song Dynasty. It heralds a new era to come.
After Yue Fei was rehabilitated, Song Xiaozong successively took a series of measures to prepare for the Northern Expedition. He reused the officials of the main battle faction, reorganized the army, and accumulated national strength.
These actions are showing the world that the Southern Song Dynasty is no longer the Southern Song Dynasty that only seeks Gou'an, and a strong new monarch is rising. Song Xiaozong's move to rehabilitate Yue Fei became the prelude to this new era.
Mingjun strategy: seek talents and advise the country
Song Xiaozong's move to rehabilitate Yue Fei was like a thunderclap, shaking the entire Southern Song Dynasty government and the opposition. This decision was not only to restore the innocence of a loyal minister, but also an important political statement after the new monarch ascended the throne.
Song Xiaozong was well versed in the art of emperors, and he knew that in order to truly establish his authority, it was not enough to rehabilitate Yue Fei. He needed a series of political moves to consolidate his rule and prepare for the future Northern Expedition.
After rehabilitating Yue Fei, Song Xiaozong began to carry out reforms within the imperial court. He knew very well that in order for the country to be strong, it must be assisted by a group of loyal and talented ministers.
Therefore, he vigorously pursued a policy of seeking advice from the best of the best. Song Xiaozong ordered all localities to recommend talents and select officials in an eclectic manner. He also often summoned lower-level officials to personally inquire about the people's suffering.
This approach has allowed many talented but buried talents to have a bright future. For example, the famous physicist Hu Hong was recommended to the imperial court during this period.
Song Xiaozong also attached great importance to the role of speech officials. He stressed many times that speech officials should dare to speak out and give advice, and they should not be afraid of offending the powerful. He even stipulated that all the content played by the speech officials must be seen in person.
This practice has greatly enhanced the status and enthusiasm of the officials. For a time, the atmosphere of discussion and politics in the court was active, and the ministers offered suggestions one after another.
At the same time, Song Xiaozong also vigorously rectified the rule of officials. He knew very well that in order for the country to be strong, it was necessary to have a clean and efficient bureaucracy.
On many occasions, he ordered the severe punishment of corrupt officials and corrupt officials, and personally tried some major cases. Once, he even did not go to court for three days in a row, just to personally try a major corruption case.
This kind of vigorous and resolute style has made those corrupt officials fearful. For a time, the atmosphere of the court was new.
In the military aspect, Song Xiaozong was not idle. He knew that in order for the Northern Expedition to succeed, it was necessary to have a strong army. Therefore, he vigorously reorganized the army and improved its combat effectiveness.
He personally inspected the border defense and inspected the military situation. He also summoned veterans many times to inquire about the military and formulate battle plans. Thanks to his efforts, the army of the Southern Song Dynasty took on a new look and its morale was greatly boosted.
Song Xiaozong also paid special attention to economic development. He knew very well that in order for the country to be strong, it must have a strong economic foundation. Therefore, he took a series of measures to revive the economy.
He encouraged agricultural production and lightened the burden on peasants. At the same time, he also vigorously developed handicrafts and commerce, which made the economy of the Southern Song Dynasty flourish. Under his rule, the economy of the Southern Song Dynasty quickly recovered, laying the material foundation for the later Northern Expedition.
In terms of culture and education, Song Xiaozong also has unique features. He knows that if the country wants to have long-term peace and stability, it must have a good cultural heritage.
Therefore, he vigorously established schools to encourage scholars to study their knowledge. He also often discussed his knowledge with scholars, and he was also diligent and studious. Under his leadership, the cultural undertakings of the Southern Song Dynasty flourished, and a number of outstanding literati and scholars emerged.
These measures of Song Xiaozong were all preparations for the Northern Expedition. He knew that if he wanted to regain lost territory, he could not rely only on a momentary blood.
It is necessary to have strong national strength as the backing, outstanding talent as the support, and advanced culture as the guide. Only in this way can he truly realize his great cause of the Northern Expedition.
These policies of Song Xiaozong quickly paid off. In just a few years, the national strength of the Southern Song Dynasty has been significantly improved. There was a thriving scene in the court, and the people also felt the benefits of the new deal.
This situation is in stark contrast to the dull and depressive time when Qin Hui was in power before. People praised Song Xiaozong as a rare Ming monarch.
However, Song Xiaozong was not carried away by these accolades. He knows that the real challenge is yet to come. The Northern Expedition to the Kingdom of Jin and the reconquest of lost territory were his ultimate goals.
For this reason, he worked day and night, and did not dare to slack off in the slightest. He often stayed up all night, thinking about national affairs. Sometimes they even stayed up all night to review the recitals and deal with government affairs.
Song Xiaozong's diligent attitude infected the entire imperial court. Ministers followed suit and were diligent and conscientious. For a time, the entire Southern Song Dynasty court presented a positive atmosphere.
This kind of atmosphere is exactly what Song Xiaozong has been looking forward to for a long time. He knows that only by working together can we achieve great things. And all this started with the rehabilitation of Yue Fei.
It can be said that rehabilitating Yue Fei is not only for the grievances of Zhaoxue, a loyal minister, but also a clever move used by Song Xiaozong to unite the people and boost morale. It opened a new era in the Southern Song Dynasty and laid a solid foundation for the later Northern Expedition.
The Northern Expedition begins: ambition to rejuvenate the Song Dynasty
Song Xiaozong's series of policies were like a shot in the arm, giving new vitality to the government and opposition in the Southern Song Dynasty. This young emperor proved his ability and determination with practical actions.
With the gradual recovery of national strength, Song Xiaozong finally felt that the time was ripe to implement the Northern Expedition plan in his heart. In 1163 AD, the third year after Song Xiaozong's accession to the throne, he officially ordered the Northern Expedition.
This decision was like a clarion call that resounded throughout the Southern Song Dynasty. The government and the opposition are all excited. The anger and shame that have accumulated over the years finally have an outlet for catharsis.
Song Xiaozong personally drew up a detailed battle plan. He decided to attack in three directions in an attempt to recover the Central Plains in one fell swoop. The main force was led by the famous general Zhang Jun and attacked from Huaixi.
The other two roads were led by Yue Fei's son Yue Lin and veteran Wang De respectively, cooperating with the main force from both wings. This plan can be described as very well-thought-out.
On the day the Northern Expedition army set off, the entire city of Lin'an was boiling. The people saw each other off and cheered. Song Xiaozong personally came to the gate of the city to see off the army.
He said to the soldiers: "Soldiers, you are shouldering the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the Great Song Dynasty. I wish you a successful start and an early recovery of the Central Plains! These words made the soldiers' blood boil, and they all rushed to the battlefield immediately.
After the army was launched, Song Xiaozong was not idle. Every day, he summoned scouts from all walks of life to learn about the situation on the front line. Sometimes they even stay up all night just to wait for an important battle report.
He also personally organized logistics support to ensure that the front line supplies were sufficient. Thanks to his efforts, the support work in the rear was in good order, providing a strong backing for the victory at the front.
The Northern Expedition was overwhelming from the start. The main force led by Zhang Jun quickly conquered many important towns. Yue Lin and Wang De's two partial divisions also fought a few beautiful victories.
The golden soldiers were defeated and retreated, and they were a little at a loss for a while. This situation made Song Xiaozong overjoyed. He felt that the dream of recovering the Central Plains seemed to be within reach.
However, the good times were short-lived. Just when the army was preparing to launch a general attack on Kaifeng, something happened suddenly. The Jin sent their most elite Wanyan Yongji Iron Cavalry to attack the Song army from the flank.
This iron cavalry was menacing, and the Song army suddenly fell into a bitter battle. Zhang Jun hurriedly dispatched troops to try to save the situation. However, the Jin soldiers were too fierce, and the Song army was still forced to retreat.
When the news reached Lin'an, Song Xiaozong was shocked. He immediately convened an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures. Some ministers suggested that the troops should be withdrawn immediately in order to preserve their strength.
But Song Xiaozong was resolutely opposed. He said, "We have come to this point, how can we give up halfway?" Even if you lose temporarily, keep fighting! He immediately ordered reinforcements to be sent and personally wrote a morale-boosting letter to the front-line soldiers.
At the insistence of Song Xiaozong, the Song army regrouped and launched a counterattack again. This time, they adopted a more flexible tactic, avoiding the real and focusing on the weak links of the Jin army.
This tactics have received great results. Although the Song army did not make a major breakthrough, it also stabilized its position and did not let the situation deteriorate further.
In this way, the Song and Jin armies fell into a stalemate. The two sides come and go, and the fight is inextricable. The battle lasted for more than half a year, and both sides suffered heavy losses.
In the end, under the pressure of the peace faction in the DPRK, Song Xiaozong had to agree to negotiate peace. Although the Northern Expedition did not fully achieve the expected goals, it was not without success.
The Song army regained a lot of lost territory, which greatly improved the strategic situation of the Southern Song Dynasty. More importantly, this Northern Expedition greatly boosted the morale of the nation and made the Jin people dare not underestimate the Southern Song Dynasty.
After the end of the Northern Expedition, Song Xiaozong was not discouraged. He profoundly summed up the lessons and lessons of this Northern Expedition and prepared for the next Northern Expedition. He said: "Although the Northern Expedition was not completely successful, we have seen hope. As long as we continue to work hard, we will one day recover the Central Plains! "
This Northern Expedition became an important milestone during the reign of Song Xiaozong. It not only changed the international status of the Southern Song Dynasty, but also left a strong mark on Song Xiaozong's history.
Later generations commented on the Northern Expedition and said: "Although it was not completely successful, Song Xiaozong's courage and determination are enough to be admired. He let us see that the Southern Song Dynasty was not only in a corner of peace, but had the ability to compete with the Jin State. "
This Northern Expedition also laid the foundation for the later struggle against Jin. Although Song Xiaozong himself did not see the day when the Central Plains was recovered, his efforts were not in vain.
Under his influence, the Southern Song Dynasty has always maintained its determination to resist Jin. It was not until decades later that the Southern Song army finally completely defeated the Jin State in the Battle of Yashan and completed the unfinished business of Song Xiaozong.
It can be said that although Song Xiaozong's Northern Expedition did not achieve the expected results, it ignited the flame of hope in the hearts of the Southern Song people, and this fire burned until the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty. It is an important chapter in China's history against foreign invasion and deserves to be remembered forever by future generations.