The History of China

The people throughout China have been plunged into bitter suffering and tribulations since the Chiang Kai-shek Kuomintang reactionary government betrayed the fatherland, colluded with imperialists, and launched the counter-revolutionary war. Fortunately our People's Liberation Army, backed by the whole nation, has been fighting heroically and selflessly to defend the territorial sovereignty of our homeland, to protect the people's lives and property, to relieve the people of their sufferings, and to struggle for their rights, and it eventually wiped out the reactionary troops and overthrew the reactionary rule of the Nationalist government. Now, the People's War of Liberation has been basically won, and the majority of the people in the country have been liberated. On this foundation, the first session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference , composed of delegates of all the democratic parties and people's organization of China, the People's Liberation Army, the various regions and nationalities of the country, and the overseas Chinese and other patriotic elements, has been convened. Representing the will of the whole nation, [this session of the conference] has enacted the organic law of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, elected Mao Zedong as chairman of the Central People's Government; and Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Song Qingling, Li Jishen, Zhang Lan, and Gao Gang as vice chairmen [of the Central People's Government]; and Chen Yi, He Long, Li Lisan, Lin Boqu, Ye Jianying, He Xiangning, Lin Biao, Peng Dehuai, Liu Bocheng, Wu Yuzhang, Xu Xiangqian, Peng Zhen, Bo Yibo, Nie Rongzhen, Zhou Enlai, Dong Biwu, Seypidin, Rao Shushi, Tan Kah-kee [Chen Jiageng], Luo Ronghuan, Deng Zihui, Ulanhu, Xu Deli, Cai Chang, Liu Geping, Ma Yinchu, Chen Yun, Kang Sheng, Lin Feng, Ma Xulun, Guo Moruo, Zhang Yunyi, Deng Xiaoping, Gao Chongmin, Shen Junru, Shen Yanbing, Chen Shutong, Szeto Mei-tong [Situ Meitang], Li Xijiu, Huang Yanpei, Cai Tingkai, Xi Zhongxun, Peng Zemin, Zhang Zhizhong, Fu Zuoyi, Li Zhuchen, Li Zhangda, Zhang Nanxian, Liu Yazi, Zhang Dongsun, and Long Yun as council members to form the Central People's Government Council, proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China and decided on Beijing as the capital of the People's Republic of China. The Central People's Government Council of the People's Republic of China took office today in the capital and unanimously made the following decisions: to proclaim the establishment of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China; to adopt the Common Program of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as the policy of the government; to elect Lin Boqu from among the council members as secretary general of the Central People's Government Council; to appoint Zhou Enlai as premier of the Government Adminstration Council of the Central People's Government and concurrently minister of Foreign Affairs, Mao Zedong as chairman of the People's Revolutionary Military Commission of the Central People's Government, Zhu De as commander-in-chief of the People's Liberation Army, Shen Junru as president of the Supreme People's Court of the Central People's Government, and Luo Ronghuan as procurator general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the Central People's Government, and to charge them with the task of the speedy formation of the various organs of the government to carry out the work of the government. At the same time, the Central People's Government Council decided to declare to the governments of all other countries that this government is the sole legal government representing all the people of the People's Republic of China. This government is willing to establish diplomatic relations with any foreign government that is willing to observe the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mao Zedong Chairman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know it’s hard out there for a prince. The fourth sons of a fourth son, Khubilai of the Borjigin will grow up little recognized, and bound for a life of little more than comfortable obscurity. But between his mother’s machinations, his wife’s guidance, his own skills… and a healthy smattering of good fortune, he’ll find himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight and tasked with overseeing the conquest of the Mongols’ oldest foe. Time Period Covered: 1215-1259 CE Major Historical Figures: Mongol: Tolui [c. 1191-1232] – 4th son of Genghis Khan, Khubilai’s father Sorkhokhtani Beki [c. 1190-1252] – Khubilai’s mother, Nestorian Christian Möngke Khaghan [1209-1259] – Tolui’s eldest son, 4th Great Khan of the Mongols Khubilai, Ilkhan of the Left [1215-1289] – favored grandson of Genghis Hulagu, Ilkhan of the Right [1218-1265] – 3rd son of Tolui and Sorkhokhtani Ariq Böke [1219-1266] – youngest son of Tolui, Otchigin “Hearthkeeper” Chabi Khatun [1225-1281] – Khubilai’s 2nd wife & only love, Tibetan Buddhist North China: Minister Yao Shu Liu Bingzhong, Buddhist Monk, Adviser & Architect of Kaiping/Shangdu city The Phagspa Lama [1235-1280] Dali Kingdom: King Duan Xingzhi [r. 1251-1254, 1256-1260 (as Maharaja)] Prime Minister Gao Taixiang [d. 1253] Major Sources: Atwood, Christopher P. Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. Broadbridge, Anne F. Women and the Making of the Mongol Empire. Clements, Jonathan. A Brief History of Khubilai Khan: Lord of Xanadu, Founder of the Yuan. May, Timothy (ed.). The Mongol Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia, vol. 1. McLynn, Frank. Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy. Rossabi, Morris. “The Reign of Khubilai Khan” in The Cambridge History of China, v. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States, 907-1368. Weatherford, Jack. The Secret History of the Mongol Queens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kubla Khan BY SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Or, a vision in a dream. A Fragment. In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers were girdled round; And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery. But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! A savage place! as holy and enchanted As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted By woman wailing for her demon-lover! And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething, As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing, A mighty fountain momently was forced: Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail, Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail: And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever It flung up momently the sacred river. Five miles meandering with a mazy motion Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, Then reached the caverns measureless to man, And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean; And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far Ancestral voices prophesying war! The shadow of the dome of pleasure Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure From the fountain and the caves. It was a miracle of rare device, A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice! A damsel with a dulcimer In a vision once I saw: It was an Abyssinian maid And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me Her symphony and song, To such a deep delight ’twould win me, That with music loud and long, I would build that dome in air, That sunny dome! those caves of ice! And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hangzhou is surrounded by the Mongol Yuan army, and is soon to fall. When the child-emperor and the Empress Dowager are taken captive, it will fall to the last two princes of House Zhao to flee to the islands and archipelagos of the Deep South, if they’re to stand any chance at all of keeping the flame of the Song from guttering out forever. Time Period Covered: 1275-1279 CE Southern Song: Grand Empress Dowager Xie Empress Dowager Chuan Emperor Zhao Xian (Gong of Song) [r.1274-1276, d. 1323] Emperor Zhao Shi (Duanzong) [r. 1276-1278] Emperor Zhao Bing [r. 1278-1279] Chancellor Chen Yizhong Mongol Yuan Dynasty: Khubilai, Mongol Khan & Emperor of Yuan General Bayan, Commander of the Southern Campaign General Atzuhan Admiral Dong Wenping Lt. Menkhutai Lt. Fan Wenhu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mongolia is gripped in a civil war of its own, meaning the Song Empire has a chance to breathe. But with the immediate threat allayed for now, other problems become apparent. And when the new Great Khan, Khubilai, returns his attention to the land south of the Yangtze, China will find out whether it was a decade well spent in preparation for the coming assault, on one utterly squandered. Time Period Covered: 1259-1275 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Empire: Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun) [r. 1221-1264] Emperor Duzong (Zhao Qi) [r. 1264 -1274] Grand Empress Dowager Xie [1210-1283] Chancellor Jia Sidao [1213-1275] Mongolia: Möngke [1209-1259] Khubilai [1215-1294] Ariq Böke [1219-1264] General Aju [1227-1287] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genghis Khan is old, wracked by pain in his body and heart, and in spite of his best efforts, has come to accept there is one foe he cannot defeat: mortality itself. Thus, even before setting out on his campaign against the Khwarazmian Empire, he will assemble his four sons and together reach a fateful decision - who among them will rule when Genghis is gone? Note: This is part 1 of the 2-part conclusion to the life of Genghis Khan, with the conclusion available to subscribers! Time Period Covered: 1220-1227 CE Major Historical Figures: Genghis Khan [Temüjin] (1162-1227) Börte Khatun (c.1161-c.1130) Jochi (1181-1226) Chagatai Khan (1183-1242) Ögedei Khan (c.1186-1241) Tolui (c.1191-1232) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mongol Khanate is on the warpath against all who would stand against it... until several unexpected system errors for the whole system to reboot. How will Song China deal with these unexpected years of preparatory time? Time Period Covered: 1241-1260 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Emperor Lizong Chancellor Jia Sidao Mongol Empire: Ögedei Khan Toregene Khatun Guyuk Khan Oghul Khaimish Khatun Sorkhokhtani Beki Möngke Khan Khubilai Ilkhan General Uriyangkhadai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just off of the heady victory over the Jin Dynasty with their new BFFs, the Mongols, a first-in-a-century visit to the Imperial Tombs gives the Song court a brilliant idea - what if we just took them back without asking? What's the worst that could happen? Time Period Covered: 1234-1241 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Emperor Lizong Chancellor Zheng Qingzhi Chancellor Shi Miyuan [d. 1233] General Zhao Kui General Quan Zicai Mongol Khanate: Ögedei Khaghan Töregene Khatun Prince Khödan Prince Khöchu Ambassador Wang Qi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the course of their pursuit of the fleeing Khwarazmian Amir, Genghis Khan's two top commanders have reached the shores of the Caspian Sea, and heard some of the strangest tales about what - and who - lay beyond. When the Great Khan gives his go-ahead to scout it out, they'll launch a three-year trek that will remake the world in their bloody image. Time Period Covered: 1220-1221 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jin Dynasty is surrounded on all sides. It cannot get out. Soon enough, the Mongol stranglehold around Kaifeng will signal the Empire of Black & Gold's death-knell. Time Period Covered: 1224-1234 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With enemies on all sides, and the Mongol sledgehammer poised to strike its crushing blow against them, the Jin Dynasty seeks an out by plunging southward, only to find that the Song defenses have become the anvil on which they rest. Exhausted, they’ll seek peace at any cost… but will it be enough to save the tatters of their empire? Time Period Covered: 1217-1225 CE Major Historical Figures: Song: Emperor Ningzong (Zhao Kuo) [r. 1194-1224] Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun) [r. 1224-1264] Empress Yang [1162-1232] Chancellor Shi Miyuan [1164-1233] Crown Prince Zhao Xun [1194-1220] Prince Zhao Hong [1207-1225] General Zhao Fang An Bing, Commandant of Sichuan Jin: Emperor Xuanzong (Wudubu/Wanyan Xun) [r. 1213-1224] Emperor Aizong (Ningjiasu/ Wanyan Shouxu) [r.1224-1234] Mongol: Genghis Khan (Temüjin) [r. 1206-1227] General Mukhali [1170-1223] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after 30 years... When you're ordered to forget, to remember becomes an act of defiance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jin Empire is all at once ripped apart from 4 different directions all at once: Shandong rebels from the east, Khitan from the northeast, Mongols from the northwest, and Tanguts from the West. So they decide to go the only direction left… and invade Southern Song. Time Period Covered: 1208-1217 CE Relevant Historical Figures: Song: Emperor Ningzong Chancellor Shi Miyuan Minister Zhen Dexiu Jin: Prince Wei Emperor Xuanzong Commander Hesheli Zhizhong Councilor Zhuhele Guoleqi Mongol: Genghis Khan Red Jacket Rebels: Yang the Saddler Khitan: Yelu Liuge, puppet-Emperor of Liao Dazhen Kingdom: Heavenly King Puxian Wannu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chancellor Han Tuozhou is down-but-not-yet-out following his ill-fated attempting to bring down the Neo-Confucians. Thus, in an attempt to salvage his career and reputation, he'll launch the Song Empire into full-scale war against the Jin Dynasty... with unexpected results. Time Period Covered: ca. 1200-1207 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Ningzong of Song Empress Yang Chancellor Han Tuozhou Minister Shi Miyuan General Wu Xi Commissioner Cheng Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neo-Confucianism has made a strong comeback through the synthesis of its various doctrines under the philosophical guidance of Zhu Xi of the Southern Song court. He and his likeminded ministers seek to bring back the perfection of eras gone by by being perfectly morally upright, and expecting everyone else to do the same. But when it turns out that certain other loose-living party-boys like Chancellor Han Tuozhou and Emperor Ningzong aren’t so thrilled about their buzzkilling ways, it will set up a massive conflict at court. Time Period Covered: 1194-1202 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Ningzong Chancellor Han Tuohzou Minister Zhu Xi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in Song China, we have a tale of two emperors: one who is devoted utterly to his father, and the other who's...well... not. Time Period Covered: 1165-1194 CE Major Historical Figures: Retired Emperor Gaozong [r. 1127-1162, as retired emperor 1162-1187] Emperor Xiaozong [r. 1162-1189, as retired emperor 1189-1194] Emperor Guangzong [r. 1189-1194] Empress Dowager Wu [1115-1197] Empress Li [1144-1200] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know you want to... www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Temujin Khan crushes his enemies, sees them driven before him, and hears the lamentations of their women!!! Time Period Covered: ca. 1202-1206 CE Major Historical Figures: Borjigin/Mongol: Temujin (Genghis Khan) Khasar, Temujin's Brother Börte - Temujin's 1st Wife Yesugen - Temujin's 2nd Wife Yesui - Temujin's 3rd Wife Jochi, Temujin's first son(?) Jirkho’adai (Jebe the Arrow) Khubilai Jelme Subedei Jadaran: Jamukha (Gurkhan) - Temujin's anda/nemesis Kereyid: To'oril (Ong Khan) Senggum, Ong's son Cha'ur Beki, Ong's daughter Naiman: Tayang Khan Queen Gürbesu, Tayang's Wife/Stepmother Works Cited: Allsen, Thomas (1994). “The Rise of the Mongolian Empire and Mongolian Rule in North China” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States. Kahn, Paul (tr.) (2005). The Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan. Onon, Urgunge (2001). The Secret History of the Mongols: The Life and Times of Chingghis Khan. Ostrowski, Donald (2002). Muscovy and the Mongols: Cross-Cultural Influences on the Steppe Frontier, 1304-1589. Pelliot, Paul (1959). Notes on Marco Polo, Vol. 1. Weatherford, Jack (2005). Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Weatherford, Jack (2017). Genghis Khan and the Quest for God. Weatherford, Jack (2011). The Secret History of the Mongol Queens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Temujin will enlist the aid of his recently-sworn father, To'oril AKA Ong Khan of the Kereyid to rescue his stolen wife, Börte. But his successful rescue of his beloved will only mark the beginning of his remarkable journey from isolated herder, to powerful khan of the steppes. Unfortunately, one of the sacrifices he'll be forced to make along the path to power will be that most-sacred: his sworn brotherhood with Jamukha, who will transform from Anda to Nemesis for Temujin. Time Period Covered: ca. 1178-1201 CE Major Historical Figures: Borjigin: Temujin, Khan of the Borjigin Börte, wife of Temujin Ho'elun, mother of Temujin Khasar, Brother of Temujin Belgutei, Half-Brother of Temujin Jelme, Companion of Temujin Bo'orchu, Companion of Temujin Jochi, Temujin's first-born son(?) Kereyid: To'oril, Khan of the Kereyid (Ong Khan) Jadaran: Jamukha (Gurkhan) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In spite of difficulties, Ho'elun and her family endeavor to persevere. Temüjin discovers the power of friendship, and the clarity of purpose that comes with true love <3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High in the wildlands of the Khentii Mountains, a tribe of hunters and scavengers comes into possession of a young and captured bride. Ripped out of her old life, she and the family her new husband create at the edge of the world will have to find a way to survive. Time Period Covered: ca. 1158~1170 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Song and Jin have a new set of emperors at the helm... it will mean war... and peace... but the riptides of history will ensure that, whatever the outcome of this conflict, very little will remain the same for much longer. Time Period Covered: ~1140-1162 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Gaozong really, *really* wants his dad's coffin. Qin Hui really, *really* wants to give the Jurchen whatever they ask for. The Jurchen really, *really* want the Mongol khan to stop tweaking their emperor's beard. Time Period Covered: 1135-1160 CE Major Works Cited: Allsen, Thomas. “Chapter 4: The rise of the Mongolian empire and Mongolian rule in north China” in Vol. 6, Alien Regimes and Border States. Franke, Herbert. “Chapter 3: The Chin Dynasty” in Vol. 6, Alien Regimes and Border States. Tao, Jing-Shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-Tsung” in Vol. 5, the Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

General Yue Fei will reach career highs as he strikes back against Jurchen aggression with remarkable success. He'll drive his enemies so fast and hard, that he'll drive the Jin Dynasty close to its breaking point. But on the precipice of victory, ministerial machinations back in Hangzhou will spell the undoing of him and his life's work... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first of a two-part look into the life and legend of this epic Chinese hero, we chronicle Yue Fei's early life and education, his induction into the military to serve his nation with utmost loyalty, his meteoric rise through the ranks, and his stalwart resolve in facing the greatest crisis his country his known in centuries, all while garnering a cult-like following of soldiers, and the panicked attention of the imperial court. Time Period Covered: 1103-1137 CE Major Works Cited: Foster, Robert W. The Human Condition in Premodern China. Jenne, Jeremiah. “The Execution of Yue Fei: 875 Years of Patriotic Myth” from radiichina.com Li, Xiaobi. China at War. Lorge, Peter. War, Politics and Society in Early Modern China, 900-1795. Mote, Fredrick W. “Ch. 13: The Southern Song and Chinese Survival” in Imperial China 900-1800. Tao, Jing-shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-tsung” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907-1279. Wills, Jr., John E. E. Mountain of Fame: Portraits in Chinese History. Zhou, Zuoren, trans. Tim Cronen. “A View of the Hero Yue Fei and the Traitor Qin Hui” in The China Heritage Quarterly No. 28, December 2011. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The JURCHEN JIN reigns. Having decimated the Song Dynasty, Emperor Jin Taizong now deploys his merciless legions to seize military control of the Yellow River Valley. Only Prince Zhao Gou and his band of LOYALIST ministers stand against the rising tyranny, certain that the last scion of Zhao can yet restore a spark of hope to the fight. But the Loyalists have been exposed. As the Jin cavalry speeds toward Yintian Fu, the brave heroes mount a desperate escape.... Historical Period Covered: 1127-1130 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Prince Zhao Gou, Prince of Kang (Emperor Gaozong of Song) [r. 1129-1162] Chancellor Li Gang [1083-1140] Yue Fei, LEGENDARY CHINESE HERO [1103-1142] General Zong Ze, He Tried [d. 1129] General Du Cheng, Brave Sir Du Cheng Ran Away... Bravely Ran Away, Away! General Han Shizheng, He Means Business Jin Dynasty: Emperor Taizong of Jin (Wuqimai) [r. 1123-1135] Prince Wanyan Wuzhu, Commander of Jin Strikeforce [d. 1148] Zhang Bangchang, Puppet Emperor of Great Chu [r. 1129-1129] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Song Dynasty manages to epically pull defeat from the jaws of victory when it manages to twice goad its nominal ally, the Jurchen Jin, into a border war. The first time, it’s beaten so badly that it has to give up almost half of its northern holdings. But when even that’s not enough to quench Emperor Qinzong’s delusions of grandeur, he and his regime will pay with everything they have… Time Period Covered: 1125-1127 CE Major Historical Figures: Northern Song: Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) [r. 1100-1126, ret. Emperor 1126-1127] Emperor Qinzong of Song (Zhao Huan) [r. 1126-1127] General Tong Guan [1054–1126] General Wang Bing [d. 1126] Jurchen Jin: Emperor Taizong of Jin (Wuqimai) [r. 1123-1135] Prince Wanyan Zonghan (Nianhan) [1080-1136] Prince Wanyan Zongwang (Wolibu) [c. 1073-1133?] Zhang Bangchang, Puppet Emperor of Chu [1081–1127] Major Works Cited: Levine, Ari Daniel. “The Reigns of Hui-Tsung and Ch-in-Tsung” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol.05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907–1279. Part 1. Lorge, Peter Allen. War, Politics, and Society in Early Modern China, 900-1795 Tao, Jing-shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-Tsung (1127–1162)” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol.05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907–1279. Part 1. Various. the Accounts of Jingkang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very sexy Halloween edition... Stir Fry - 1:45 Steel Skin - 4:15 Silkworm - 5:35 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our third entry of Seasonal Spookiness for your unsettling aural pleasure. From Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊齋志異) by: Pu Songling 1:25 - "The Girl in Green" 8:30 - "A Very Sharp Sword" 10:45 - "He Came Back" 18:25 - "A Transformation" 22:45 - "Mr. Miao" 34:05 - "A Prank" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Huizong’s Song Dynasty’s luck runs dry with a series of epic screw up that throw the whole system in disarray. War with the Tangut Xi Xia goes badly awry – and his generals won’t even tell him about it. And then rebellions start breaking out in the south – on by a millennialist death-cult led by a 12th century Jim Jones: Fang La… and another breaking out in the swamps and marshes of Liangshan, and led by Chinese Robin Hood of literary fame: Song Jiang. All of this will throw the Song military's carefully laid plans against the crumbling Khitan Liao into disarray, and make their would-be allies the Jurchen Jin wary of how reliable a partner the Chinese might actually be. Time Period Covered: 1103-1123 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) [r. 1100-1126] Chancellor Cai Jing [1047-1126] General Tong Guan, Commander of the Imperial Armies, eunuch [1054-1126] Fang La, lacquer farmer-cum-millenialist death-cult leader and rebel commander, mad as hell and not going to take it anymore [d. 1121] Song Jiang, Liangshan rebel commander, Leader Star of Destiny, “Timely Rain,” Haohan Hero [d. ca. 1123] "Chapter/Poetry Music" "Spring River Flower Moon Night" 古筝 - 春江花月夜 - played on guzheng Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To the north of Song China, sandwiched between Goryeo Korea and the invincible Liao Empire, a new force arises on the banks of the Black and Gold Rivers, that will shake the very foundations of All Under Heaven... Time Period Covered: 1099-1123 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Wang Anshi out of the picture, Emperor Shenzong's ministers find to their horror that theg uy they thought was radicalizing the monarch... had actually be holding him back this whole time. Now there's nothing to stop Shenzong from fulfilling his lifelong ambition to conquer Western Xia... nothing, that is... except the idiocy of the commanders he'll put in charge of the operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wang Anshi's heady, glorious dream at last comes crashing into the cold, mechanical reality of imperial bureaucracy, to everyone's chagrin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wang Anshi weilds his newfound power to implement, through his hand-picked Finance Planning Commission, a sweeping series of reforms aids at revitalizing that dynasty's sagging economy. They'll include a government loan program, new tax policies to pay for laborers, a rethink of the state's very relationship with commerce and traders, and a re-formatting of the empire's volunteer self-defense forces. Time Period Covered: 1069-1073 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first part of a mini-arc, southern provincial nobody Wang Anshi rises above his station and attracts both the curiosity and the attention of Emperor Shanzong and his court by laying out a bold new vision to lead the Song Dynasty out of its economic malaise before disaster inevitably strikes. But when neither Wang nor his critics are willing to give an inch on their principles, sparks fly... Time Period Covered: 1021-1070 CE Relevant Historical Figures: Emperor Shenzong of Song (Zhao Xu) [r. 1067 - 1085] Wang Anshi, Economic Maverick [1021-1086] Sima Guang, Conservative Historian [1019-1086] Ouyang Xiu, "Old Drunkard" [1007-1072] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Like milk on a hot day in San Diego, it turned out that Emperor Yingzong was a bad choice." Time Period Covered: 1063-1067 CE Important Historial Figures: Song: Emperor Renzong (Zhao Zhen)[r. 1022-1063] Emperor Yingzong (Zhao Shu)[r. 1063-1067] Emperor Shenzong (Zhao Xu) [r. 1067-1085] Empress Cao [1016-1079] Chancellor Han Qi（韩琦）[1008-1075] Prime Minister Fu Bi Chief Censor Sima Guang [1019-1086] Minister Ouyang Xiu [1007-1072] Western Xia: Li Liangzuo (Weiming Liangzuo)[b. 1046, r. 1048-1067] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Renzong of Song continues to twiddle his thumbs. Confucianism get a much-needed adrenaline shot to the arm via Daoism. Zhuang superpatriot Nong Zhigao declares simultaneous war on China and Vietnam in the name of his people's liberation. Time Period Covered: 1043-1054 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Renzong of Song isn't exactly... into the whole "rule" thing. He'd much rather wile away his days talking about Confucian philosophy, writing calligraphy, and making love to his concubines. But he'll be forced to uneasily embody the might of Song China when the Tangut state of Western Xia declares its independence, triggering a massive conflict on the borderlands. Time Period Covered: 1033-1044 CE Major Historical Figures: Song: Emperor Renzong Chancellor Li Yijian Fan Zhongyan, Commander of Yanan Circuit Xi Xia: Li Yuanhao (Weiming Nangxiao), Emperor of Xia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Emperor Renzong of Song takes the throne, he's just a boy of 12 and surely in need of his mother's guidance... but how long until Mom becomes more of a hinderance than a help? ... And what if she's not really his mother? Time Period Covered: 1022-1033 CE Important Historical Figures: Emperor Renzong of Song [Zhao] (r. 1022- Empress Dowager Liu (-1033) Lady Li (-1032) Chancellor Ding Wei Chancellor Wang Zeng Assistant Minister of the Palace Library, Lu "Fish-Head" Zongdao (-1029) Sun Shi, Director of Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Q&A like this only comes around once in a thousand years! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After feeling forced to sign the costly and humiliating Treaty of Chanyuan with the Liao Dynasty to end the Liao-Song War, Emperor Zhenzong needs a pick-me-up to make himself feel better. He thinks that a ritual that hasn't been performed in 3 centuries might be the way... and that's when the text messages from Heaven start popping up in his inbox... Time Period: 1004-1022 CE Major Historical Figures Emperor Zhenzong of Song (Zhao Heng)[r. 997 - 1022] Wang Qinruo, Minister of Grand Ritual [c. 962 – 1025] Chancellor Kou Zhun [c. 961 – 1023] Du Hao, Imperial Antiquarian. Minister Sun Shi, Grand Imperial Buzzkill. Major Works Cited: Cahill, Suzanne E. "Taoism at the Sung Court: The Heavenly Text Affair of 1008" in Bulletin of Sung and Yüan Studies, No. 16. Choi, Mihwa. Death Rituals and Politics in Northern Song China. Lau Nap-Yin and Huang K'uang-Chung. "Founding and Consolidation of the Sung Dynasty" in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 5: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, Part 1. Li, Tao. Xu Zizhi Tongjian Changbian ("The Extended Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Government") Sima, Guang. Sushui Jiwen ("Records of Rumors from Sushui"). Toqto'a and Alutu. Songshi ("The History of the Song"). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Song Emperor, Zhenzong, sits uneasily on the Chinese throne after his father’s untimely death in 997. But court intrigues and attempted coups will only be the tip of the iceberg for this untested and unlikely sovereign, because the Liao Dynasty to the north has its eyes and hearts set on revenge for Chinese slights, and will send a massive force bent on crushing Song resistance to their will. Time Period Covered: 997-1005 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Rice is great if you're really hungry and want eat 2,000 of something." - Mitch Hedberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To the Northwest of the Song Empire, a group of non-Chinese known as the Tanguts have long been subject to the whims and subjugations of their greater neighbors. But with the Chinese focused on their struggle against the Khitan Liao, and the Tibetans and Uighur states having collapsed to the far west, the Tanguts need to unite - in spite of their often fractious nature - if they're to seize the moment and carve out their place in history. Time Period Covered: ~735-1001 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Emperor Taizong of Song (Zhao Jiong) [r. 976-997] Emperor Zhenzong of Song (Zhao Heng) [r. 997-1022] Western Xia: Governor-General Tuoba Sigong (Li Sigong)of Dingnan, Duke of Xia [d. 886?] Li Yiyin/Yixin, Prince of Xia (posthumous) [d. 967] Li Kerui, Governor-General of Xia [r.967-978] Li Jiqian, rebel leader against Song Dynasty[963–1004] Li Deming (post. Emperor Taizong of Western Xia), founder of Xi Xia Dynasty [981–1032] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Song's second emperor, Taizong, wants to achieve the heights of Chinese glory, power, and territory just like the Tang and Han before him. But aspirations are easier than results, and he's going to have to contend with neighbor states on all sides far more powerful than his predecessors - and with his own position far weaker. Still it's either that or the utterly unthinkable: acknowledge that China is no longer the preeminent superpower of the East, but now just one state among equals. Time Period Covered: 976-986 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zhao Kuangyin has seized the north and now aims to reunify China under his new Song Dynasty by smashing the south. And it’s super effective! But when a strange order of succession leaves question mark surrounding his legacy, it’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen next. Time period covered: 960-976 CE Major Historical Figures Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin) [r. 960-976] Emperor Taizong of Song (Zhao Guangyi) [r. 976-997] Prince Zhao Dezhao [951-979] Chancellor Zhao Pu [922-992] Liu Chang, Emperor of Southern Han [r. 958-972] War Elephants!!! Li Yu, King of Southern Tang [r. 961-976] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Duke of Song Circuit and Grand Marshal of the armies of Later Zhou is dispatched by the 6-year-old emperor and his mom to the northeast to investigate and drive out a reported incursion by the Khitan Liao and their Northern Han allies. But he won’t make it very far at all before the nature of his mission changes dramatically… Time Period Covered: 960-962 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Gong of Later Zhou (Guo Zongxun) [r. 959-960, d. 973] Zhao Kuangyin (Emperor Taizu of Song) [r. 960-976] Zhao Kuangyi (Guangyi) [939-997] Zhao Pu (922-992) Governor Li Yün of Luzhou [d. 960] Governor Li Chengjin of Yanzgzhou [d. 960] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We round out our overview of the 10 Kingdoms of the south by looking at the trials and tribulations of Chu, Former & Later Shu, Jingnan, and Southern Han’s travails against Annam… but little do they know, they’re one and all riding for a fall… Time Period Covered: 870-960 CE Major Historical Figures: Huang Chao Chu: Governor Liu Jianfei, King Ma Yin, Minister Gao Yu, King Ma Xifan, Prince Ma Xi’ou, King Ma Xiguang Former/Later Shu: King Wang Jian (“Bandit Wang Eight”) [r. 903-918], Minister Feng Juan, Minister Wei Zhuang, King Wang Yan [r. 918-925] King Meng Zhixiang [r. 933-965] Governor Dong Chang [d. 930] Jingnan: King Gao Zhichang [r. 907-] King Gao Congmei Southern Han: Governor Liu Qian, of the Man People [d. 896] Prince Liu Yin of Nanhai [r. 896-911] Emperor Liu Yan, “The Heavenly Dragon” [r. 911-942] Emperor Liu Hongdu [r. 942-960] Annam (N. Vietnam): Governor Duong Dinh Nghe [d. 938] Ngo Quyen [r. 939-] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sweep over 4 of the southern kingdoms along the southeastern coast. WuYüe: which remains rich and prosperous owing to its favorable trade and geographic positions at the mouth of the Yangtze. Wu: which starts off strong only to be subsumed from within, giving way to Southern Tang. Min: whose coastal location is fatally undermined by it own geographic atomization, unto civil war, breakup, and destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

✩★★★★ Worst. Hotel room. EVER! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices