Throughout the long history of China, each great emperor has had their unique characteristics. Their wisdom and courage have not only shaped their era but also left a profound impact. Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, known as the Taizu of Song, was such a wise monarch. On his deathbed, he left three carefully considered ancestral precepts that still have a far-reaching impact on the Chinese people today.

The first precept is "people-oriented governance." This was the core philosophy of Taizu's approach to national governance. He believed that the prosperity and stability of a country depended entirely on the happiness and tranquility of its people. Therefore, he admonished his descendants to always prioritize the interests of the people in whatever decisions they made. This philosophy was deeply practiced in the later Song Dynasty, making it the only feudal dynasty in Chinese history that did not experience large-scale peasant uprisings.

The second precept is "emphasizing culture over military." This was an important guiding principle for Taizu's national policies. He believed that culture was the soul of a country, and military power could only bring temporary victories. Therefore, he advocated elevating the status of cultural education and suppressing the desire for military expansion. This policy led to unprecedented heights in cultural development in the Song Dynasty, making it one of the most culturally rich dynasties in Chinese history.

The third precept is "governing with integrity." This was Taizu's strict requirement for the conduct of officials. He believed that the integrity and uprightness of officials were the foundation of national governance. Therefore, he admonished his descendants to strictly select and supervise officials, ensuring that they were honest, dedicated, and impartial. This principle was strictly enforced in the later Song Dynasty, maintaining a high level of integrity among its officials.

Overall, the three ancestral precepts established by Taizu on his deathbed, namely "people-oriented governance," "emphasizing culture over military," and "governing with integrity," are manifestations of his deep consideration and foresight in national governance. These precepts not only influenced the development of the Song Dynasty but also had a profound impact on future generations.

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