Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, led a legendary life. However, at the end of his life, he chose to pass the throne to his younger brother Zhao Guangyi instead of his own son. What story is hidden behind this?

1. The Mystery of Zhao Kuangyin's Throne Inheritance

After establishing the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin established a rule of "passing the throne from brother to brother", which means that the throne should be passed from the older brother to the younger brother. However, his son Zhao Defang became the first victim of this rule. Zhao Kuangyin had two sons, Zhao Dezhao and Zhao Defang. According to common sense, the throne should be passed to the eldest son Zhao Dezhao. Nevertheless, Zhao Kuangyin chose to pass the throne to his younger brother Zhao Guangyi. This act has caused much speculation among later generations, and there are many theories about why Zhao Kuangyin chose to pass the throne to his younger brother instead of his son.

2. The Reasons Why Zhao Kuangyin Passed the Throne to His Younger Brother

2.1 Deep Brotherhood

Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi had a deep bond of brotherhood. They grew up together and went through many challenges together. During the establishment of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Guangyi was Zhao Kuangyin's trusted assistant and made great contributions to the founding of the dynasty. Therefore, Zhao Kuangyin passed the throne to Zhao Guangyi out of trust and gratitude for his younger brother.

2.2 Political Stability

The Northern Song Dynasty had just been established at that time, and the domestic and international situation was grim. To ensure the stability of the country, Zhao Kuangyin needed a capable and competent person to inherit the throne. Zhao Guangyi was exactly such a person. He had high achievements in military and politics, and was Zhao Kuangyin's ideal successor.

2.3 Avoiding Royal Strife

If Zhao Kuangyin passed the throne to his own son, it would inevitably cause strife within the royal family. However, as the younger brother, Zhao Guangyi was more likely to gain the support of other royal members. Passing the throne to Zhao Guangyi was conducive to maintaining the unity and stability of the royal family.

2.4 Young Sons

At that time, Zhao Dezhao was still young and unable to shoulder the responsibility of governing the country. On the other hand, Zhao Guangyi was already a mature politician with the ability to lead the country. Therefore, from the perspective of national interests, Zhao Kuangyin chose to pass the throne to Zhao Guangyi.

3. Conclusion

The reasons why Zhao Kuangyin passed the throne to his younger brother were influenced by both his deep brotherhood and political stability. Although this act has caused much speculation among later generations, we cannot deny that it was Zhao Guangyi's wise rule that led the Northern Song Dynasty to prosperity and glory.

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