The Study On The Development Of The Three Sheng System In Song Dynasty

Carrying on the system of the late Tang Dynasty, the early of North Song Dynasty set up the system consisted of Two-Fu and San-Si, Three Sheng (include Shangshu Sheng, Zhongshu Sheng and Menxia Sheng) left unused. Because all contradictions were intensifying at that time, many officials insisted on restoring Three Sheng system. However, in the early of North Song Dynasty, there was little result to go to reform. To some extent, it laid a foundation for the future reform.At the rule by Shenzong, he began to charge the reform of Three Sheng system by himself. But the reform brought about a lot of disadvantange:overlapped governmental organizatin; redundant governors and low efficiency, which all resulted from the limitations of Shenzong's reforming idea. In order to make the Three Sheng system apply to the need of society, the rulers of the late North Song Dynasty took further regulations, but Three Sheng system was spoiled gradually because of corrupted government, continued struggle of parties and prevailing imperial edicts.South Song Dynasty follows the North, in order to meet the struggle against Jin Dynasty, Three Sheng were merged into one. Prime Minister also had the power of Shumishi(the leader of Shumiyuan).At the rule by Xiaozong,the senior and second official names of the Three Sheng were canceled, replaced by left and right Prime Ministers, which were in charge of administrative power, army power, financial power and so on. As a result, the balance of Three Sheng was destroyed. Although the speed of making decisions was increased, at the same time, there was more and more error, which caused the great waste of resource. On the other hand, the merged Three Sheng led into the expansion of the Prime Minister's power, which destroyed further Three Sheng system. Finally, with the doom of the South Song Dynasty, Three Sheng system withered away.