In the era of hegemony, the Song Dynasty tried to use auspiciousness to strengthen the country, but why did it become a joke during the Warring States Period?

The struggle for hegemony in the Spring and Autumn Period can be regarded as a battle of wits and courage for power in history. After Duke Huan of Qi came to dominate, the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period were peaceful for a period of time. It was not until the death of Duke Huan of Qi that the struggle for hegemony among the vassal states began again. Among the vassal states vying for hegemony, Song State is impressive. The Song Dynasty also joined the ranks of the struggle for hegemony, trying to strengthen the country with auspiciousness, but it was like a flash in the pan and became a joke of the Warring States Period. Why is this? In fact, the Song State did not have the capital to compete for hegemony, and there were many internal conflicts. In addition, the Song State's geographical location was unfavorable, and failure was inevitable.

1. The leader is incompetent and insists on his own way

After the death of Duke Huan of Qi, Duke Xianggang of Song Dynasty was tempted by power and wanted to take the position of overlord of Duke Huan of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period. Duke Xianggang of Song Dynasty did not have military capabilities. , his ideas are rotten, his tactics are all derived from ancient books, and they are copied without any flexibility. Not only that, he also refused to listen to Sima's advice, which led to the disastrous defeat of the Song army and the great victory of the Chu army. In fact, when Song Xianggong wanted to strive for hegemony, only a very small number of people in the Song Kingdom supported it, and many ministers were opposed to it. Song Xianggong insisted on going his own way, had no support, and lacked morale. How could he win?

2. The geographical location of Song State is unfavorable and not suitable for hegemony

Song State has a small land area and is surrounded by other countries, which is not conducive to defense. The territory of the Song Dynasty is also dominated by plains and small hills, which is not suitable for war at all. It is very difficult for a small country to strive for hegemony, not to mention that it does not meet the geographical conditions.

3. The Song State did not have the capital to compete for hegemony and was isolated and helpless

The Song State was a remnant of the Shang Dynasty. After King Wu of Zhou destroyed the Shang Dynasty, the prince of King Zhou of Shang was granted the title of Song State. The king of the country, so other vassal states were on guard against the Song Dynasty. It was impossible for the Song Kingdom to gain support from the Zhou Dynasty in its struggle for hegemony. Apart from helping Qi Xiaogong become the king of Qi, the Song Dynasty had no other achievements. The Song Dynasty has not won a single victory since its struggle for hegemony. Even small countries cannot be conquered, let alone big countries. Moreover, Chu State defeated Song State, and Song State became a complete joke. Therefore, it is still very important to fight at the right time, place, and people.