The impact of Emperor Huizong's faith in Daoism and interaction with Cai Jing's faction on the political scene of northern Song = Song Huizong chong Dao yu Cai Jing ji tuan rou he wei yi dui bei Song zheng ju de ying xiang

Abstract

Although the impact on the political scene of the Northern Song is understandable, it is worth investigating an account for Song’s fall. This dissertation aims to consider not only Emperor Huizong 徽宗(r. 1102-1125) and the grand councilor Cai Jing蔡京(1047-1126) but also the interaction between the Emperor and Cai Jing’s faction. In doing so, there are a few perspectives which have been explored and have helped produce some insights into historical concern.

Firstly, Song policy of dominating the civil bureaucracy but limiting the power of military officials 崇文抑武is seen a root to facilitate such interaction leadig to Song’s fall. Secondly, the notion of Shaoshu 紹述stands for both Huizong’s and Cai Jing’s pursuit of continuity of the new policy. It is another perspective to end up their mutually-agreed-sense of connection of an ideal policy reform. Thirdly, Huizong adopts the early Daoist philosopy of a person who rules everything by doing nothing that goes against the nature 無為而治, His faith in Daoism and interest in art and gardens is another track to think over his unquiness. Lastly, summing up of the above brings up to an accourt for the interaction which acts as a catalyst for the fall of Huizong’s reign.

This dissertation is composed of 4 aspects. The first aspect regards Huizong’s conception of his ruling role. The second illustrates the rise of Cai Jing’s councilorship and the establishment of his faction. Interaction between Huizong and Cai Jing’s faction is another concern in the third aspects. It also involves Huizong’s close contact with the Daoists and eunuch officials, forming a superpower to strengthen the interaction anyway. The last discussion before the conclusion reveals the impact on the political scene of the Northern Song. Under the circumstances of that people suffer from a hard time due to the policy reform while military strategy depends onallying the state of Jin,Song’s fallis irritated inevitably. All in all, findings provide alternative ideas to reexamine Huizong’s reignand the late Northern Song.