There were many powerful prophets in ancient China who were able to accurately describe the changes in dynasties, which surprised later generations. For example, the “Pushing Back Map” written by Tang Dynasty figures Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang is full of mystery. During the Southern Song Dynasty, there was also a very remarkable prophet who actually revealed the time of the downfall of the Jin Dynasty and pointed out the dangers that the Southern Song Dynasty would face in the future. So who exactly is this legendary figure? Interested readers and history encyclopedia editors, let’s take a look together!
1、 Having both talent and martial arts
This person is Xin Qiji, a famous writer, poet, and military strategist during the Southern Song Dynasty! Xin Qiji was born in 1140 in Licheng, Jinan, when his hometown had already fallen into the territory of the Jin Dynasty. However, under the influence of his grandfather, Xin Qiji was determined to defect to the Southern Song Dynasty and restore the Central Plains. In 1161, Xin Qiji joined the Anti Jin Volunteer Army and served as the chief secretary under Geng Jing. In 1162, Xin Qiji, as an envoy of the rebel army, headed south to the Southern Song Dynasty.
When Xin Qiji returned, Geng Jing was betrayed by Zhang Anguo. He was very angry and led more than fifty people to break into the Jin army camp, captured the traitor alive, and then “offered prisoners and executed Anguo in the city”. The Southern Song Dynasty granted Xin Qiji the title of Jiangyin Judge, and he subsequently held various positions such as pacification commissioner in Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hunan, achieving great political success. He also trained a “Flying Tiger Army”. In addition to his political and military talents, Xin Qiji was also a great poet, known alongside Su Shi.
2、 His prophecy
In 1172, 33 year old Xin Qiji was appointed as the governor of Chuzhou, and it was in this year that he submitted a memorial to Emperor Xiaozong of Song. In this report, Xin Qiji made a very accurate prediction: “If the enemy is defeated in sixty years, China will be greatly worried.” The so-called “enemy” refers to the Jin Dynasty, while “China” refers to the Southern Song Dynasty. The meaning is that the Jin Dynasty will definitely perish in sixty years, and after the downfall of the Jin Dynasty, the threat faced by the Southern Song Dynasty will be even greater!
Later facts proved that Xin Qiji’s prophecy was correct! Sixty years later, in 1232, Emperor Aizong of Jin fled the capital city of Kaifeng, and the defending general Cui Li surrendered to the Mongols, causing the Jin Dynasty to exist in name only. In 1234, the Song Mongolian coalition invaded Caizhou, and the Jin Dynasty was completely destroyed. After the downfall of the Jin Dynasty, the Southern Song Dynasty did not benefit much and instead went to war with a powerful enemy. After decades of warfare, the Yuan Dynasty ultimately destroyed the Southern Song Dynasty.
3、 Strategic Master
Although Xin Qiji’s prophecy was correct, he actually doesn’t understand any divination, nor is he a prophet like Li Chunfeng, but a strategic master! There is a reason behind why Xin Qiji was able to make such an accurate judgment! Firstly, Xin Qiji comes from the north and has a good understanding of the situation in the Jin Dynasty. As mentioned earlier, Xin Qiji lived in the territory of the Jin Dynasty from birth until he moved south, and he had a good understanding of the situation in the Jin Dynasty.
Secondly, Xin Qiji was determined to launch a northern expedition and pay attention to the situation in the Jin Dynasty. Chuzhou is located between the Jianghuai region and is relatively close to the Jin Dynasty. After Xin Qiji took office, he strengthened local governance and collected intelligence from the Jin Dynasty. Xin Qiji believed that “the downfall of the state of Gai was not as cool as the grievances of the people and the uncertainty of the legitimate and common people. They were captured, and what would happen if they did not perish?” Although Mongolia had not yet risen at that time, Xin Qiji, who was attentive to the situation in the north, had already noticed this. Unfortunately, Xin Qiji’s memorial did not receive the attention of Emperor Xiaozong of Song and the prime ministers. It was not until the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty that someone discovered Xin Qiji’s prophecy!
