The Political And Military Thought of Xin Qiji (1140- 1207) With a Translation of His Ten Discussions (Mei Qin Shi Lun) (Chinese Studies)

This is a complete translation and annotation of the "Ten Discussions" ("Mei Qin Shi Lun") of Xin Qiji. An imperial memorandum written in the first year of the Qiandao period (1164), the work reflects the political and military thought of Xin Qiji, who was one of the most remarkable and successful generals and politicians of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). The "Ten Discussions" was written at a time when the Song troops had been defeated by the Jin in the battle of Fuli, and when the peace faction had control of the Song court and was implementing a policy of peaceful co-existence with the invaders. The aim in writing this Imperial memorandum was to inspire the fighting spirit of the Song court and to encourage the members of the war faction to take military action. In the "Ten Discussions", Xin Qiji analyses the political and military relationship between the Song and the Jin, using historical examples to support his argument and, at the same time providing a detailed long-term strategy for war against the Jin. Although this imperial memorandum was not accepted by the Song Emperor, and elicited no reaction from the court officials, his political and military thought had a great impact on later generations, and he has been highly regarded by scholars ever since.