I think we can find answer to the questions that some of us have been raising about the plot if we look at the historical Emperors in which this fiction is based:
Duan Zi Ang represent the Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin, 927–976) Founder of the Song dynasty (r. 960–976). Originally a general, seized the throne in 960 establishing the Song dynasty and reunifying much of China. His goal was to end the era of division and warlordism. I think this is very well portrayed in this series.
Shu He represent Li Yu (937–978). The last ruler of the Southern Tang kingdom, known as a brilliant poet, painter, and musician—the most celebrated poet of the ci (詞) form in Chinese literature. He was a cultured, refined ruler, but not a military leader.
Song Conquest of Southern Tang (974–975):
Emperor Taizu’s forces invaded the Southern Tang. Li Yu’s troops were outmatched and surrendered. Li Yu was taken captive to the Song capital.Li Yu was treated with courtesy at first and given the title “Marquis of Dispossessed Virtue” (違命侯).
This historical fact confirms our suspicions about Duan Zi Ang brother role:
Emperor Taizu died suddently in 976, his brother Emperor Taizong of Song (Zhao Kuangyi) succeeded him. Taizong grew suspicious of Li Yu, especially after Li’s famous mournful poems. In 978, Li Yu was reportedly poisoned to death under Taizong’s orders.
Taizu and Li Yu relationship have been object of curiosity and writers have produced different pieces about them. However, there is no historical evidence to prove they had a romantic relationship. Most speculations have been based in Li Yu beautiful poetry written in captivity, but his longing feeling very likely refer to his missing freedom and not to Taizu.
@Yerisina added:
Thank you for your wonderful comment, MarazulOx!
I also looked into the history behind the drama’s characters and found some fascinating parallels—and a few major differences.
Li Yu (李煜), before ascending the throne in 961 known as Li Cong Jia (李從嘉), was the emperor’s sixth son—hence Xiao Shu He being the sixth prince in the drama. With Princes 3–5 dying in infancy and the second prince passing when Li Cong Jia was 14, he unexpectedly moved closer to succession, just behind his uncle Li Jing Sui and older brother Li Hong Ji (aka Shu Qian).
Historical records describe Li Hong Ji as a troubled, paranoid young man who resented both his uncle and Li Cong Jia —mirroring Shu Qian's hostility toward Shu He. Li Cong Jia tried to remain invisible, focusing on the arts.
But then Li Hong Ji poisoned his uncle to be closer in line to the throne.
(Fun fact—Shu Qian also kills their uncle in the drama! I only caught this on a rewatch—it’s such a subtle detail, it’s easy to miss.)
Li Hong Ji died a few months later, allegedly haunted by his uncle’s vengeful ghost.
At that time, Li Cong Jia’s father was still alive, and in 959, he appointed Li Cong Jia Royal Secretary. So unlike in the drama, Li Hong Ji did not kill his father to ascend the throne.
Despite being the eldest surviving son, some ministers considered Li Cong Jia weak and even pushed for his younger brother to be heir. Still, in 961, he was named crown prince, and after his father’s death later that year due to poor health, he became emperor.
Now to Duan Zi Ang, based on Zhao Kuang Yin (趙匡胤), who later became Emperor Taizu of Song 宋太祖. Unlike the drama, ZKY was never fostered, nor his (forster) family massacred nor did he grow up in an enemy land. However, he was a gifted warrior and archer—explaining DZA’s deadly skills and archery scenes with Shu He.
ZKY‘s rise was also far less violent. During a campaign, his loyal troops (with his brother Zhao Kuang Yi, aka Duan Huai Yi) proclaimed him emperor. The next day, they entered the capital, where ZKY banned looting and was peacefully accepted as ruler. This mirrors the drama’s scene where DZA forbids his troops from harming civilians during the Southern Hui invasion.
Fun detail: Duan Huai Yi (段懷義) is the only character whose name has somthing in common with their historical counterpart. He and Zhao Kuang Yi (趙匡義) both share the Chinese character 義 (yì), meaning righteousness, justice, loyalty. Whether that loyalty was genuine or corrupted? That’s for each viewer to decide.
Thanks again to MarazulOx for covering so much already—just had to add these extra details! It’s always exciting to see how history shaped the events of the drama.
