Рrоlоguе
In the yeаr 998 АD, during the Yongхi era оf thе Nоrthеrn Sоng Dуnasty, Еmperor Taizong оf Sоng, Zhaо Guangуi, wаs in роwer. Аt thаt timе, thе fоremоst concеrn fоr the Grеat Song Dynаsty aftеr its founding was thе inсrеаsinglу роwerful Liaо Кingdom bеуоnd the Grеat Wаll tо the north.
Тhе Greаt Liao was еstablished during the lаtе Тang аnd Five Dynastiеs реriod. Оriginаllу thе Кhitаn tribe, whо livеd by fishing, hunting, аnd nomаdic herding, it bеgan tо еstаblish its statе nаmе аfter Liao Тaizu, Yelü Abaoji, unifiеd the various tribеs. Therеaftеr, thе Greаt Liao was consistently ruled by the Yelü surname. Before the establishment of the state name, the Khitan had over twenty tribes, each governing independently, with the eight most powerful clans being Yelü, Yaonian, Sun, Xi, Kuge, Mohui, Duoluo, and He, forming the Eight Tribes. From these eight tribes, a common leader was elected as the supreme chief, known as the "Chieftain of the Eight Tribes," also referred to as the "Khan." The Khan of the northern Asian peoples was typically produced through "hereditary" succession. The essential characteristics for a Khan candidate were: first, the candidate must come from one of the powerful tribes; second, they must be brave, strong, and accomplished; third, they should have the recommendation of the previous Khan's will; and fourth, they must be recognized through some form of assembly. Moreover, the Khan's term was three years, to prevent any single tribe from becoming too dominant.
The tribal chiefs of each tribe were collectively called "Yilidong."
During the early years of the Great Song Dynasty, it was precisely the period when the Liao Kingdom was growing increasingly powerful. Especially during Zhao Guangyi's reign, it marked the beginning of the Liao Kingdom's first golden age. Liao Shengzong—that is, Yelü Longxu—ascended the throne at the age of twelve. At the time, the Great Song believed that this young emperor was not to be feared and saw it as an opportune moment to annihilate the Liao in one fell swoop. Many ministers, citing the reason that "the ruler is young and the state is weak," dispatched a large army to attack, leading to the historically famous Battle of Qigou Pass. This battle not only failed to annihilate the Great Liao but instead resulted in a major defeat for the Song. The historical "Generals of the Yang Family" suffered heavy casualties in this battle. From then on, not only were the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun never recovered, but the Liao people's territory officially extended to the inner Great Wall. The Great Song was left with its gates wide open, gradually finding itself in a defensive position.
After Liao Shengzong ascended the throne, he advocated for Sinicization, promoting examinations and science, winning the hearts of the Han people, appointing capable individuals, and heavily relying on the Han official Han Derang as his prime minister. He established the Northern and Southern Courts, ruling the Khitan with Khitan laws and the Han with Han laws, thereby gaining widespread popular support.
Among the various tribes, an official hierarchy was still maintained. Below the Great King (Yilidong) were the Grand Preceptor, left and right prime ministers, Tiyin Officials, Xiangyin Officials, Shilie Officials, and so on. In each territory, Royal Palaces were established, each with its own administrative system.
To the northwest of the Great Song, the secondary external threat was Western Xia. Although Western Xia was not a powerful state, because the Great Song was also not strong, it adhered to the principle of "relying on the strong to bully the weak," watching both nations with a covetous eye and waiting for opportunities to act. During the Tang Dynasty, Western Xia had been pacified by the Great Tang and granted the imperial surname Li, so most people in Western Xia took Li as their surname.
Now, it's time for us to enjoy the story!
The love story interwoven into the serious historical trajectory is, of course, fictional. This is not a historical tale but merely a romance crafted against a historical backdrop. Dear readers, please do not be too critical! Just relax and enjoy.
Alright! Without further ado, open your eyes wide and immerse yourself in the magnificent desert scenery!
OpenNovel