The Ambitious Reign of Emperor Shizong

In the spring of 958 CE, Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou dynasty returned triumphantly to the capital, Daliang, after a prolonged and successful campaign against the Southern Tang. With the southern threat subdued, the emperor turned his attention northward—toward the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, long held by the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. This strategic shift marked a critical turning point in Shizong’s reign and set the stage for one of the most enigmatic events in Chinese imperial history.

The Strategic Importance of the Sixteen Prefectures

The Sixteen Prefectures, encompassing modern-day Beijing, Tianjin, and parts of Shanxi and Hebei, had been ceded to the Khitans in 938 by the infamous “Son Emperor” Shi Jingtang of the Later Jin. This concession stripped the Central Plains of their natural northern defenses, leaving them vulnerable to nomadic incursions. For Shizong, reclaiming these lands was not just a military objective but a necessity for the long-term security of his empire.

Historically, these territories had served as a bulwark against northern invasions, fortified by natural barriers like the Yan Mountains and the Great Wall. Their loss had haunted successive dynasties, and Shizong, driven by a vision of reunification, saw their recovery as imperative.

The Northern Campaign of 959

By early 959, Shizong mobilized his forces for a northern expedition. The campaign began smoothly: key border fortresses surrendered without resistance, and the Zhou army advanced rapidly. At Yijing Pass (modern-day Bazhou, Hebei), local defenders capitulated, and Shizong’s forces pressed onward. However, logistical challenges soon emerged—narrowing waterways forced the emperor to abandon his fleet and proceed on horseback with a small guard.

It was during this vulnerable moment that Zhao Kuangyin, then a mid-ranking officer, rushed to Shizong’s aid with a cavalry detachment, averting potential disaster. This act of loyalty would later prove pivotal.

The Mysterious Wooden Plaque

As Shizong consolidated gains in the north, an unsettling discovery was made: a wooden plaque bearing the cryptic inscription “点检做天子” (“The Inspector General shall become Son of Heaven”). This ominous message, whether a divine portent or a political forgery, deeply troubled the ailing emperor. The “Inspector General” in question was Zhang Yongde, Shizong’s brother-in-law and commander of the Palace Army.

Fearing a coup, Shizong swiftly replaced Zhang with Zhao Kuangyin, a trusted subordinate. The move, ostensibly a precaution, inadvertently positioned Zhao for his future rise.

Theories Behind the Plaque

Historians have debated the plaque’s origins:

1. A Fabrication by Zhao’s Faction – Though Zhao benefited, evidence suggests he lacked both motive and means. His relationship with Zhang was cordial, and the outcome was uncertain.
2. A Plot by Rival Li Chongjin – Unlikely, given Li’s absence during the campaign and his earlier reconciliation with Zhang.
3. Later Mythmaking – The most plausible explanation. Song-era historians may have invented the story to legitimize Zhao’s later usurpation, casting it as “divine mandate.”

Shizong’s Final Days and Legacy

The northern campaign was cut short by Shizong’s sudden illness. Returning to Kaifeng, he died in June 959 at just 39 years old, leaving the throne to his seven-year-old son. His death aborted ambitious plans to secure the Sixteen Prefectures and unify China.

The wooden plaque affair, whether real or contrived, underscored the fragility of power in the Five Dynasties period. Within a year, Zhao Kuangyin would seize the throne, founding the Song dynasty. Shizong’s unrealized ambitions and the mysterious intrigue surrounding his final campaign remain a poignant “what if” in Chinese history—a moment when destiny hinged on a sliver of wood and the whims of fate.

Conclusion: A Realm Unfinished

Emperor Shizong’s reign was a fleeting blaze of military brilliance and administrative reform. His northern campaign, the wooden plaque, and Zhao Kuangyin’s ascent illustrate the interplay of strategy, superstition, and sheer chance in shaping empires. Had Shizong lived longer, China’s trajectory might have diverged dramatically. Instead, his legacy became a cautionary tale—of ambition cut short and the unpredictable tides of history.