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Hello and welcome to the history of China.

Hello and welcome to the history of China.

Episode 64, the rise and fall of Southern Chi.

Last time, we watched the spectacular derailment of the Imperial Clan of Leo Song, a family that made the Bundies look just about normal, as well as the overthrow of their entire dynasty.

That feat had been completed by the Supreme Commander and thrice Savior of the Song Dynasty.

General Shao Dao Tung, who, after retiring Song's final emperor to a house in the country in 479,

assumed the mantle of emperor of a new state, southern Chi, and himself as its founding emperor, Gao, meaning the elevated

one. But all was not well in the south of China. The last few decades had proved nothing so much as that and the spade of

rebellions, plots, bloodletting as well as a good old continued dose of

straight out crazy would ensure that the stability of the South would remain a distant dream, and the

Chee Dynasty rapidly proved itself to be built on a base of crumbling sand.

A tale will be exploring this episode.

Emperor Gao, for his own part, would continue his trend of doing a pretty darn good job

of showing up support over the course of his reign.

He is recorded as swinging his new dynasty firmly back into policies of

frugality and avoiding lavish displays of wealth. The results of this policy

change aren't terribly well laid out, most likely because of the short period over which they had to take effect.

But it certainly couldn't have hurt.

In late 479, he proclaimed his eldest son, the eminent general Shaoza, who was notably only 13 years as father's

junior as his crowned prince and heir.

There were, of course, certain unfortunate but necessary details that had to be taken care of before he could really feel secure in his takeover.

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