Song Dynasty: Yuan Dynasty, you didn't expect this, did you? I'm still alive.

In the seventy-first year of Jingyan (1346), the chill of spring had not yet faded, but the air in Xinxiang was shrouded in a heavy sadness.

In the streets and alleys, plain paper money fluttered in the wind, white banners were hung in front of every household, and passersby all had solemn expressions and were sobbing softly.

A fantastical tale has long circulated among the people: Emperor Zhao Shi of the Song Dynasty received a celestial book from the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, cultivated supreme Taoist arts, and ascended to heaven in broad daylight after having relations with three thousand women, thus becoming a celestial being.

Although the rumors were absurd, they did not diminish the people's belief in them in the slightest.

Whether in Southeast Asia, India, or Australia, people there are always those who shed tears when they mention this emperor.

No one can accurately define Zhao Shi's position in their hearts—he is the savior who raised the banner of China in times of crisis, the pioneer who preserved the foundation of the Song Dynasty in the wild lands of Southeast Asia, and the great ruler who pushed the Song Dynasty's territory to its peak in hundreds of years.

At that time, the territory of the Song Dynasty had far exceeded that of the past: it extended east to the Japanese archipelago, west to the Afghan plateau, south to the Philippines and Indonesian islands, north to the Indus River basin, and even the distant Australian continent became part of the empire's territory, encompassing many countries and regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in later generations.

What's even more remarkable is that during Zhao Shi's reign, an unprecedented golden age was created: farmers had their land, weavers had their looms, residents had their houses, the elderly and children had someone to rely on, nursing homes were scattered throughout the prefectures, and the lonely, widowed, and destitute could all receive the protection of the imperial court.

This golden age far surpassed the Han and Tang dynasties, inspiring awe in later generations.

Politically, he pursued a lenient policy, avoiding factional strife and implication of relatives. Although there were differences of opinion in the court, he was always able to tolerate and accommodate them.

Culture and technology experienced explosive growth. Students at the Gewu Academy deduced mathematical principles and studied firearms, while literati and artists created countless masterpieces.

What is even more commendable is that he single-handedly founded Taoism, explored the principles of heaven and earth and all things, and left a profound influence on later generations.

The three immortal achievements of establishing virtue, establishing words, and establishing merit were perfectly unified in one person.

The question of what temple name to use to highlight the status of such a legendary emperor became a core issue of endless debate in the court.

Inside the Zichen Palace, candlelight flickered, and the courtiers stood on both sides, their arguments rising and falling.

An official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, I believe that the Holy Ancestor, during his reign, turned the tide of the dynasty in times of crisis and led the Song Dynasty to a revival. His achievements were outstanding, and he should be honored with the temple name 'Zhongzong'."

The title "Zhongzong" was originally an evaluation of the ruler who restored the dynasty, but the news was leaked for some unknown reason.

That night, countless people, armed with sticks, stormed into the official's home and beat him mercilessly.

The next day when he went to court, the official had a bruised and swollen face, dark circles under his eyes, and couldn't even lift his head.

Upon seeing this, his colleagues in the Ministry of Rites all changed their tune, and no one mentioned the name "Emperor Zhongzong" again.

Ultimately, after repeated discussions among the court officials, it was unanimously decided to use "Holy Ancestor" as his temple name to highlight his superior status compared to emperors of previous dynasties, and his posthumous title was "Emperor Wen Sheng Wu Ren Zhe".

Thus, Emperor Shengzu of Song, Zhao Shi, who possessed numerous honorific titles including Emperor Wen Sheng Wu Ren Zhe, Lingxiao Shangqing Tong Lei Yuan Yang Miao Yi Fei Yuan Zhen Jun, Jiutian Hongjiao Puji Shengling Zhang Yin Yang Gong Guo Da Dao Si Ren Ziji Xian Weng Yi Yang Zhenren Yuan Xu Xuan Ying Kaihua Fu Mo Zhong Xiao Di Jun, Taishang Daluo Tianxian Ziji Changsheng Shengzhi Zhaoling Tong Sanyuan Zhengying Yuxu Zongguan Wu Lei Da Zhenren Xuandu Jing Wanshou Di Jun, officially withdrew from the stage of history.

The wheels of history never stop because of an individual's departure.

After Zhao Shi's death, Crown Prince Zhao Wen naturally ascended the throne, changed the era name to Yongchang, and became the second emperor of the Eastern Song Dynasty.

His ten-year regency had already given him a solid foundation in the court, making his ascension to the throne uneventful.

Although he had been handling state affairs for ten years, Zhao Wen still harbored a strong desire—he had not previously had the power to appoint or dismiss officials of the third rank or above, and many of his political ambitions could not be fully realized.

Now that he has ascended the throne, no one can restrain him anymore, and he can finally unleash his potential and implement his new policies.

As a monarch who relied on Taoism to secure his position as crown prince, Zhao Wen had already gathered a large number of ministers who were devoted to the study of Taoism.

In his view, those rigid and inflexible Confucian officials in the court were far less useful than these ministers who had followed the emperor.

How should we deal with these veteran officials? We can't just demote them directly.

Wouldn't you just call him crazy? Wouldn't you call him mentally ill?

He needed to find an excuse.

Zhao Wen was exceptionally intelligent. After a little thought, he came up with a brilliant excuse: The late emperor was obsessed with Taoism throughout his life and established a lasting dynasty. Now that he has passed away, shouldn't you, as his subjects, write an article about Taoism to express your remembrance?

He pondered in his heart: If you write it, it means you support Taoism and can continue to serve and govern the world with me; if you can't write it? I'm afraid it's not that you can't write it, but that you don't want to! In that case, I can pin the crime of "disloyalty and unfilial piety" on you and let you take a blow from my iron fist of disloyalty and unfilial piety Confucianism.

Zhao Wen was not a person who acted arbitrarily. After making up his mind, he immediately summoned his core confidants—Gongsun Yan, Minister of Works, Xu Xiuyuan, Vice Minister of Works, and Lu Junyao, Right Chancellor, an important ally—to discuss the matter in the Imperial Study.

When Zhao Wen revealed his plan to use the "Elegy for Daoist Scholars" to purge veteran officials from the court, Gongsun Yan and Xu Xiuyuan were initially stunned, their faces showing disbelief. They exclaimed in unison, "Your Majesty, this...this is probably inappropriate, isn't it?"

Xu Xiuyuan frowned and added, "During the late emperor's reign, the court was always harmonious. Although there were differences of opinion, very few officials were dismissed or demoted. Such drastic reforms will likely cause controversy."

But as soon as they finished speaking, the two looked at each other and a thought suddenly flashed through their minds: This has always been the case in the Song Dynasty!

When Wang Anshi implemented the New Laws, didn't the New Party also drastically demote officials from the Old Party after they came to power?

Among the Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties, Su Shi, Su Zhe, and Ouyang Xiu were all demoted due to the factional strife between the old and new parties.

It turns out there was a precedent for this!

That's fine.

A hint of excitement flashed in Gongsun Yan's eyes, and his previous concerns vanished instantly.

He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, that old fellow, the Left Chancellor Kong Yuanheng, is a die-hard Confucianist who has always opposed Neo-Confucianism and hindered the implementation of the new policies. This is a perfect opportunity to bring him down!"

Their actions were for the long-term stability of the Song Dynasty and the well-being of the people, not for personal power!

Xu Xiuyuan immediately echoed, "Minister Gongsun is absolutely right! The Way of the Way was founded by the late Emperor and is the foundation of our Great Song Dynasty. Those old Confucian officials are stubborn and inflexible; they should have been eliminated!"

Seeing that his two trusted confidants agreed, Zhao Wen nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze to Lu Junyao, who was deep in thought.

Unlike the Ming Dynasty emperors who could act arbitrarily, the Song Dynasty decrees had to be reviewed and countersigned by the prime minister before they could officially take effect.

Even if the emperor could bypass the procedure through "internal approval" or "imperial edict", it would inevitably provoke strong protests from court officials. Emperor Huizong's abuse of "imperial edict" was criticized by later generations as a violation of the legal system.

As the Right Chancellor, Lu Junyao's attitude was of paramount importance.

Lu Junyao lowered his head, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, his mind racing as he considered the possible consequences of this matter: a split in the court, local unrest, protests by Confucian scholars... But he also knew that if Zhao Wen's new policies on Taoism could be implemented, it would further promote the development of the Song Dynasty.

After weighing the pros and cons, he felt that he had the ability to control the situation and resolve the subsequent crisis. Moreover, his political views were similar to Zhao Wen's, and he valued Taoism more than Confucianism.

After a moment, Lu Junyao raised his head and said with a firm look in his eyes, "Your Majesty, I believe this is a feasible course of action. For the future of the Great Song Dynasty, I am willing to share the burden of any minor setbacks with Your Majesty."

"Excellent!" Zhao Wen was overjoyed and slammed his hand on the table. "With Minister Gongsun, Vice Minister Xu, and the Right Chancellor assisting us, it's like having the Crouching Dragon and the Phoenix Chick gathered together. What is there to worry about in achieving great things!"

The atmosphere at the court assembly the next day was unusually heavy.

Xu Xiuyuan stepped forward first, his voice booming like a bell, breaking the silence in the hall: "Your Majesty, I have something to say that I must speak!"

Zhao Wen slightly raised his hand: "Minister Xu, please speak."

"The late Emperor ushered in an era of peace and prosperity through Taoism, and built the impregnable defenses of our Great Song Dynasty with profound principles!" Xu Xiuyuan proclaimed loudly, his voice filled with fervor. "The workings of Heaven and Earth begin with phenomena and end with principles. Without the late Emperor's investigation of things and pursuit of knowledge, how could steamships traverse the four seas today? Without the late Emperor's deduction of Yin and Yang, how could thunder cannons guard the borders? Now that the late Emperor has passed away, how can all the subjects of our Great Song Dynasty remain unmoved?"

He paused, then changed the subject, declaring firmly, "Your Majesty, I humbly request that all officials of the court compose a 'Ode to the Way,' expounding upon their understanding of the Way, to highlight the late Emperor's educational achievements and to express their sincere remembrance!"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

The ministers were all taken aback, exchanging bewildered glances.

Then, several officials dressed in the robes of the Ministry of Works stepped forward and unanimously seconded the motion: "We second the motion! We beseech Your Majesty's permission!"

These officials were all from a Taoist background, and the courtiers instantly realized that someone wanted to use the late emperor's death to stir up trouble in the court and purge dissidents!

Minister of Revenue Shen Guanchou frowned and secretly glanced at the Left Chancellor Kong Yuanheng, who stood at the head of all officials.

Seeing that Kong Yuanheng was expressionless and calm, he gave a wink to Han Chengye, the Vice Minister of Revenue, who was standing next to him.

Han Chengye understood immediately, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that composing an essay to commemorate the late Emperor is the duty of a subject to fulfill his loyalty and filial piety. However, if it is restricted to a topic of Confucianism, it may lose the true meaning of the essay."

His tone was calm and his reasoning clear: "The essence of remembrance lies in genuine feelings. If we force it into a framework of academic disciplines, it will seem contrived and lack sincerity. The late emperor's virtuous influence was widespread, and many Confucian scholars benefited from his grace. Why not allow all officials to use their knowledge and strengths to discuss the Way, speak of Confucianism, recount events, or express their feelings, as long as it is sincere? In this way, we can see the court's inclusive spirit and also conform to the late emperor's benevolent and magnanimous heart."

Upon hearing this, Shen Guanchou secretly praised Han Chengye: "That kid is indeed clever!"

These words not only defused the offensive of the Daoist officials but also did not favor Confucianism. Instead, they silenced everyone by focusing on "sincerity."

After all, if the topic is limited to Confucianism, officials of the Daoist school still have an excuse to attack; but if the topic is not limited and they are allowed to express themselves freely, then the opponents will have no way to deal with it—this is precisely the best strategy of having no strategy.

Xu Xiuyuan was speechless for a moment after being refuted, his face turned red, and he cursed inwardly: These old scholars have no practical skills, but they are good at talking!

Just then, Gongsun Yan slowly stepped forward.

His expression was solemn. He first bowed deeply towards the throne, then turned around, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, and said in a deep and steady voice, "Your Majesty, I have heard that 'offering sacrifices as if the spirits were present, offering sacrifices as if the spirits were present.' The late Emperor was no ordinary ruler, but a holy ancestor who received the Mandate of Heaven, obtained the Mysterious Maiden, and transmitted the Great Dao!"

"Before his ascension, he left behind the 'Heavenly Book,' not out of personal interest, but to impart teachings on behalf of Heaven, to establish the nation based on the Way!" Gongsun Yan's voice gradually rose, carrying an undeniable authority. "The methods of firearms, the expansion of maritime borders—aren't these all the fruits of the Way's investigation of things and extension of knowledge? To remember the late emperor while avoiding the fundamental principles of the Way is like worshipping Confucius without mentioning benevolence, or worshipping Buddha without discussing compassion—is this not abandoning the essential for the trivial?"

These words directly muddied the waters.

Everyone understood that writing the eulogy was just a pretext; Gongsun Yan's real purpose was to openly attack Confucianism and pave the way for purging Confucian veterans.

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became tense and confrontational.