A Clash of Titans in Song Dynasty Politics

In February 1070, Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty made a startling political move—appointing Sima Guang, a vocal critic of Chief Councillor Wang Anshi’s radical reforms, as Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs. This unexpected appointment occurred during Wang’s self-imposed medical leave, sparking a high-stakes political drama that revealed deep fractures in the imperial court. The confrontation between these two intellectual giants—Wang Anshi, the architect of the New Policies, and Sima Guang, the conservative historian—would shape the course of Chinese governance for centuries.

The Roots of Conflict: Wang Anshi’s Ambitious Reforms

When Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne in 1067, he inherited an empire plagued by fiscal deficits, military weakness, and bureaucratic inefficiency. Inspired by classical Confucian ideals of statecraft, the young emperor turned to Wang Anshi, a brilliant but polarizing administrator. Wang’s “New Policies” sought to transform Song China through:

– The Green Sprouts Law (青苗法): Government loans to farmers during planting seasons to undercut loan sharks
– The Market Exchange Law (市易法): State intervention to stabilize commodity prices
– The Militia Law (保甲法): Local self-defense systems to reduce standing army costs

These reforms challenged the laissez-faire approach favored by conservative literati like Sima Guang, who saw them as dangerous departures from Confucian governance.

The Green Sprouts Controversy Erupts

The crisis came to a head when Han Qi—a revered elder statesman who had helped secure Shenzong’s succession—submitted a damning report from Hebei Province. Contrary to Wang’s utopian vision, Han documented how the Green Sprouts Law had become:

1. Compulsory lending where all households were forced to borrow
2. De facto 30% interest rates through manipulated grain valuations
3. Brutal collection tactics using state coercion

Han’s stature gave his critique unique weight. As a three-dynasty veteran who had voluntarily stepped aside to let Shenzong rule, his motives were unimpeachable. The emperor, shaken, began questioning his reform agenda.

Wang Anshi’s Nuclear Option: Political Blackmail

Facing imperial doubt, Wang employed a daring gambit—he “fell ill” and submitted his resignation on February 5, 1070. This was no ordinary sick leave but a calculated power play:

– Stage 1: Initial resignation citing health (Feb 3)
– Stage 2: Defiant absence from court (Feb 4 onward)
– Stage 3: Rejection of imperial conciliation (Feb 5+)

Wang’s message was clear: full support for his policies or his departure. No middle ground.

Sima Guang’s Ill-Fated Appointment

Seeking balance, Shenzong made his countermove on February 11—naming Sima Guang as Vice Commissioner. The emperor envisioned a “checks-and-balances” court where:

| Reformist Camp | Conservative Camp |
|—————-|——————-|
| Wang Anshi (Chief Councillor) | Sima Guang (Military Commissioner) |
| Radical reforms | Traditional governance |

But Sima, suspecting tokenism, refused the post through six successive memorials. His final ultimatum: abolish the Green Sprouts Law or reject my appointment.

The Fatal Misstep: Sima’s Draft Edict

Earlier, Sima had made a critical error as Hanlin Academy scholar. Tasked with drafting an edict recalling Wang from leave, he inserted blistering language:

> “You seek personal comfort amid national turmoil… This betrays Our trust!”

Though Shenzong claimed the harsh tone was accidental, Wang recognized Sima’s hand—confirming his worst fears about conservative influence. The edict backfired spectacularly, hardening Wang’s resolve to purge opponents.

Why Sima Guang Couldn’t Compromise

Elder statesmen like Han Qi and Wen Yanbo urged pragmatism. In a revealing exchange:

– Han’s Advice: “Accept office to influence policy from within”
– Sima’s Reply: “Many have fallen by compromising principles”
– Wen’s Verdict: “Sima acts like ancient sages, not practical politicians”

This ideological purity—while admirable—cost conservatives their last chance to moderate reforms from inside government.

Legacy: The High Cost of Intransigence

The 1070 confrontation set disastrous precedents:

1. Wang’s Victory: Returned to office with unchecked power, purging critics
2. Sima’s Exile: Withdrew from politics to write Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government
3. Polarization: Created reformist/conservative factions that plagued Song politics

Modern parallels abound—from New Deal opposition to contemporary technocrat-populist clashes. The episode remains a masterclass in how ideological rigidity can derail governance, even with noble intentions on all sides.

As Shenzong learned too late, true leadership requires neither Wang’s bulldozer tactics nor Sima’s unbending morality—but the wisdom to synthesize competing visions for the national good.