An Ax Falling under the Candle Light:
A Royal Murder Mystery, History Writing, & the Political Culture of Song China
The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) is known for its remarkable political stability. Yet, its very first royal succession was shrouded in mystery-- murder mystery. Why did the founding emperor, Taizu, pass over his grown sons to designate his younger brother Taizong to be his heir? Or did he? Did Taizong kill his older brother Taizu, […]