When enemy forces breached the capital during the Jingkang Incident of the Song Dynasty, one man escorted the emperor to the enemy’s camp for negotiations. Defending the dignity of the royal family, he berated the enemy soldiers with such fervor that his defiant voice was only silenced when they took his life. This is the story of Li Ruoshui, a loyal minister remembered for his unmatched bravery and sacrifice.
A name reflecting adaptability
Li Ruoshui, originally named Li Ruobing, served as the Vice Minister of Personnel during the Northern Song Dynasty. His original name, Ruobing, meaning “icy,” was changed by the emperor to Ruoshui, meaning “like water.” The emperor hoped this name would inspire flexibility and adaptability in his missions. Little did he know that this name would shine brightly in history.
In the first mission to negotiate with the Jin, Li Ruoshui recognized that the Jin Prime Minister, Wanyan Zonghan, was intent on continuing the war rather than reaching a peace agreement. On his second mission, while traveling with other officials, they encountered chaos as the Song soldiers guarding the Yellow River panicked at the thought of a Jin invasion. Li Ruoshui’s resolute leadership calmed the situation. He declared: “How can we follow their example? I will gladly give my life for my country if the Jin soldiers arrive!” His determination inspired the group, stabilizing their resolve.
Standing firm in the face of humiliation
As the Jin army’s attacks grew more aggressive, they demanded the emperor’s presence for negotiations. Despite the Northern Song military’s numerical strength, Emperor Qinzong’s fear and reliance on deceitful advisors led to his submission. Li Ruoshui volunteered to escort the emperor to the Jin camp, demonstrating his courage.
Tragically, the Jin captured Emperor Qinzong and forced him to remove his imperial robes, replacing them with Jin attire. This act of humiliation deeply outraged Li Ruoshui, who embraced the emperor and wept bitterly. He denounced the Jin soldiers as “dogs,” enduring severe beatings until he lost consciousness. Recognizing his integrity, Wanyan Zonghan sought to win him over and ordered his safety. However, Li Ruoshui refused to betray his loyalty, resorting to a hunger strike as a form of protest.
An unyielding spirit
The Jin soldiers, attempting to persuade him, promised wealth and comfort if he defected. Li Ruoshui’s response was resolute: “There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor can I serve two masters.” Even his servants urged him to surrender, citing his elderly parents’ well-being. He rebuked them, declaring: “A loyal minister must die for his sovereign. Inform my parents of my death gradually to spare them grief.”
Ten days later, Wanyan Zonghan summoned Li Ruoshui to discuss replacing Emperor Qinzong with another ruler. He fiercely opposed the idea, arguing that the emperor had committed no fault and warning Zonghan of the Jin’s impending demise due to their dishonorable actions. His defiant words infuriated Zonghan, who ordered him dragged away.
Even as he faced death, Li Ruoshui’s resolve only strengthened. When the Jin soldiers tortured him by smashing his mouth, he spat blood and continued his denunciations. Finally, they slit his throat and cut out his tongue, silencing him forever at the age of 35.
A legacy of loyalty
Li Ruoshui’s unwavering loyalty and courageous death deeply moved the Song court. Emperor Gaozong posthumously honored him with a high rank and the title “Zhongmin” (Loyal and Sorrowful). Eyewitnesses recounted his composed demeanor in the face of death, and his final lament, a poignant verse, became a testament to his bravery: “I look to the heavens, but they remain silent; if dying for my country is wrong, what is right?” Even the Jin soldiers, once his captors, grew to respect his unyielding spirit.
Li Ruoshui’s story was immortalized in historical records, serving as an inspiration for generations. His sacrifice exemplifies the enduring spirit of loyalty and righteousness, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Song Dynasty and the broader Chinese civilization continues to resonate through time.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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