Shi Xinshu, a famous military general and founding hero in the early period of the Northern Song Dynasty, his life experiences and ending have been the focus of many history lovers. Shi Xinshu played an important role in the process of Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin founding the Song Dynasty. His loyalty and military achievements earned him the trust and respect of the royal family. However, the game of power is often accompanied by risks and uncertainties, and the ending of Shi Xinshu also reflects the complex situation in the early consolidation of imperial power in the Song Dynasty. This article will explore the later life of Shi Xinshu and his ending.

In the early period of the Song Dynasty, Shi Xinshu was awarded the title of "Founding Hero" by Zhao Kuangyin for his excellent military talents. He participated in suppressing the rebellion of Chai Rong, the Emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty, and made great contributions to Zhao Kuangyin's accession to the throne. During the reign of Song Taizu, Shi Xinshu was appointed as the Doctor of Xuanhui South Court, the Commander of the Guards Horse and Infantry, and other positions, responsible for maintaining the security of the capital and the training of the army.

However, with the accession of Zhao Guangyi (i.e., Song Taizong), the political struggle within the court became increasingly fierce. Although Shi Xinshu had a prominent position in the military, he was not good at political struggle. In order to consolidate his rule, Song Taizong began to exclude and suppress the founding heroes to prevent them from becoming a threat to his throne.

Against this backdrop, Shi Xinshu chose to withdraw actively. According to historical records, Shi Xinshu requested to retire soon after the accession of Song Taizong, that is, to resign from all official positions and withdraw from the front line. Song Taizong agreed to his request and awarded him the honorary title of "Commander of Zhongwu Army" to show his respect and gratitude. This move of Shi Xinshu allowed him to avoid the fate of being suspected and even persecuted like some other founding heroes.

Shi Xinshu's later life was relatively calm. He enjoyed his later years in his hometown, far away from the court intrigues and disputes. There is no detailed record of his death in historical materials, but it can be speculated that he spent the last years of his life peacefully at home. Although the ending of Shi Xinshu was not as glorious as some other founding heroes, he was able to withdraw in time and preserve his own life and the safety of his family, which was also a wise move in the political environment of that time.

In summary, as a founding hero of the Song Dynasty, Shi Xinshu's later life choices and ending reflect the suspicion of heroes by the emperor in the early period of the Song Dynasty and the self-preservation strategy of the heroes themselves. Shi Xinshu's withdrawal allowed him to avoid possible political storms. Although his life did not last on the political stage, his military achievements and timely withdrawal have left an indelible imprint on the history of the Song Dynasty.

　　Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement of your original copyright, please inform us and we will delete the relevant content as soon as possible.