When we talk about mysterious events in the Song Dynasty, one of the most puzzling tales is the “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” legend. It revolves around the death of the founding emperor of the Northern Song, Zhao Kuangyin, and has been a source of debate for centuries. While many have speculated on the circumstances of his demise, the official account in the Song Shi (History of Song) is a mere sentence:

“On the evening of the Gui Chou day, the emperor passed away in the Wansui Hall at the age of fifty and was buried at the western steps of the hall.”

But how did the legend of “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” come about? Let’s explore this fascinating story.

The Origins of “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds”

Surprisingly, this story didn’t originate from an official history book but from a collection of anecdotes titled Xu Xiangshan Ye Lu (Sequel to the Notes of the Xiangshan Mountains), a work full of mythical elements. According to this account, before Zhao Kuangyin and his brother Zhao Guangyi became emperors, they had met a Taoist priest named Hundun, who frequently drank with them and even predicted Zhao Kuangyin’s future rise to power through the famous Chenqiao Rebellion.

Fast forward to the ninth year of the Kaibao era (976), and this mysterious Taoist reappears. When Zhao Kuangyin asks about his lifespan, the Taoist replies that if the weather is clear on the night of October 20th (Gui Chou day), he might live another twelve years, but if it’s not, he should prepare for his end.

On that fateful night, Zhao Kuangyin observes the sky from the Taqing Pavilion, where it is initially clear but soon turns to heavy snow. Realizing that his time has come, Zhao Kuangyin calls for his brother Zhao Guangyi to join him in a final drink. They are alone in the hall, with palace servants and attendants sent away. From a distance, people can see the flickering shadows of candles and hear the sounds of Zhao Guangyi repeatedly stepping back in the dim light.

At the third watch of the night, Zhao Kuangyin, using a jade axe, taps the snow, and in a final act, utters two words: “Good deed.” Shortly thereafter, he passes away, and Zhao Guangyi stays the night in the palace, taking the throne in the early morning.

The Legend’s Absurdity

The “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” tale, though dramatic, raises many questions about its authenticity. It was first recorded by a monk named Wen Ying during the mid-Northern Song period, and it seems more like a piece of myth rather than a factual historical account. Wen Ying may have originally intended to emphasize that Zhao Guangyi’s rise to the throne was destined, but instead, it sparked further suspicion about the true cause of Zhao Kuangyin’s death.

Later texts, including the Xu Zizhi Tongjian Changbian and Song Shi Ji Shi Ben Mo, also cited this story, with the phrase “Good deed” altered to “Good to do.”

Was Emperor Zhao Guangyi Involved in His Brother’s Death?

The real question is, did Zhao Guangyi have a hand in Zhao Kuangyin’s death? While the “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” story is likely a fabrication, there are historical records that shed light on the situation.

According to Sima Guang’s Shushui Jiwen (Records of the Water), immediately after Zhao Kuangyin’s death, Empress Song ordered eunuch Wang Jien to summon Zhao Kuangyin’s second son, Zhao Defang, to the palace. However, Wang Jien made a decision to call Zhao Guangyi instead. Zhao Guangyi arrived at the palace early the next morning and took the throne in front of the emperor’s body.

Clearly, Zhao Guangyi wasn’t with Zhao Kuangyin the night he died, so the “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” story seems to be nothing more than a tall tale. But does this mean Zhao Guangyi wasn’t involved in his brother’s death? Some accounts suggest that there were indeed suspicious circumstances surrounding the night of Zhao Kuangyin’s death.

The “Golden Coffer Pact”: A Fabricated Legacy?

Another curious tale involves the “Golden Coffer Pact,” which some say was a secret agreement made between Zhao Kuangyin, his mother Empress Du, and Zhao Guangyi, outlining the succession of the throne. However, the validity of this pact is highly questionable, as it was first mentioned years after Zhao Kuangyin’s death, and no concrete evidence exists to support it. Moreover, many of the figures involved in this story had personal motives that make the “Golden Coffer Pact” seem more like a political maneuver than a historical fact.

Conclusion: A Tale of Power, Death, and Myth

While the “Candle Shadows and Axe Sounds” story might not be true, it reflects the intrigue, ambition, and dark politics surrounding the Song Dynasty’s royal family. Whether or not Zhao Guangyi killed his brother remains an open question, but history is filled with stories of power struggles, and the Song Dynasty is no exception.

It’s said that history is written by the victors, and in the case of the Song Dynasty, that may just mean we’ll never know the full truth behind the mysterious death of Emperor Zhao Kuangyin. But one thing is certain—this tale will continue to captivate history buffs and mystery lovers for generations to come.