Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 4, 2021

 

Han and Tang Precedents and the Politics of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

(Abstract)

 

He Yuhong

 

Under the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Han and Tang precedents played an important role in Chinese history as the country moved from division to integration. The good governance of the Han and Tang was constantly narrated and imitated in the political setting of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. In political propaganda and the construction of regime legitimacy, rulers claimed descent from Han and Tang emperors or famous officials, indicating the political message of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms’ inheritance of Han and Tang rule. This demonstrates a distinctive feature of the era: rulers “traced back to historical roots” instead of “constructing the Mandate of Heaven” and “winner take all.” The systemic reconstruction of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms aimed to achieve the continuation of policies and stability of rule by imitating and following the old Han and Tang precedents. Han and Tang governance, with its emphasis on the significance of virtuous rule, benevolence, and civil administration, was regarded as an ideal political model, and returning to the unity of the Han and Tang dynasties was thus established as the direction of governance of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. This process presents a new perspective that allows us to discard the cognitive framework of the rise and fall of dynasties and of the difference in political systems between border peoples and the Han. This offers a new viewpoint that enables us to go deep into the inner spirit of political operations and ideas and observe the continuous nature of Chinese history.