Suppose you are an ordinary person, with no system, no cheats, whether physically transmigrated or soul-transmigrated, with no superpowers or enhanced memory. You can't recognize historical figures, don't know key turning points, and the people around you aren't the dumb side characters typical of historical time-travel novels. The most scheming thing you've ever done in your life was engaging in political debates in group chats. After decades of living, aside from terms like "flanking," "rat," and "mid-jungle synergy," you haven't executed any proper strategies.
Could someone like you, traversing the chaotic times of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the humiliation of Jingkang, and the tragic late Ming era, possibly survive?
Some people might already be cursing at such an opening—struggling just to make a living in modern times with its song and dance, and now you want me to survive in a cannibalistic feudal society, battling against cunning elites, with no mobile phone to boot? I wouldn't even do it if I were the protagonist of a novel. Can this start really lead to victory?
It is indeed a bit hellish.
What if I told you your name is Zhao Jiu, and the world you've transmigrated into is "Shao Song"?
Some may not realize the stature of "Shao Song." It is the first alternate history novel in Qidian's history category to achieve 100,000 average subscriptions. Sitting at the same table as "Shao Song" are titans from other genres—"Spare Me, Great Lord," "Lord of the Mysteries," "Da Feng Da Geng Ren," "Dao Gui Yi Xian," and more.
Besides being widely popular among readers in the realm of popular fiction, the electronic version of "Shao Song" has been collected by the National Library and Shanghai Library. Its physical publications are even used as reference readings in Song history research. "Shao Song" balances historical weight with readability, ensuring character motivations align with the logic of the era without stereotyping loyal or treacherous roles. Author Liudan Pashui respects the objective difficulties of Song Dynasty official systems, finance, and military affairs, controlling details and plots meticulously. It feels like deducing another possible timeline within the cracks of historical facts, leaving both new and old bookworms hooked.
The bad news is that due to thematic restrictions, "Shao Song" has never had the opportunity to appear on screen.
But the good news is that "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains," an interactive FMV game supported by the original author Liudan Pashui and officially licensed from "Shao Song," has arrived.
The most blood-pumping and addictive aspect of "Shao Song" is its rigorous historical research combined with romantic storytelling. The protagonist, Zhao Jiu, transmigrates into Wanyan Gou during the Humiliation of Jingkang—I mean, Prince Kang Zhao Gou. Coerced by surrenderist civil officials and eunuchs, he ascends the throne, becoming the unfortunate soul forced to bear the burden of nation and family.
Unlike the extravagant and indulgent Prince Kang, Zhao Jiu from modern times experienced pain and confusion, even considering giving up entirely. However, the hot blood inherited from decades of education in New China never faded within him. Though humble, he never forgot his concern for the nation. Without a system or deep blue stat points, even an ordinary man has his own way to save the country.
If we cannot sweep the world with gunpowder and firearms, then let us awaken everyone's sentiment to resist the Jin with our hot blood and hatred for national and familial enemies. Let loyalty and righteousness uphold the backbone of the nation, let villains meet their deserved ends, and smooth out every lingering regret. Even if we fail in the end, it means only the death of Zhao Jiu. When one Zhao Jiu falls, thousands more will rise.
The Song may perish, but the world must not!
If I don't understand military affairs, I let those who do handle them. If I don't understand governance, I let capable ministers wield their brushes. As I mentioned earlier, Zhao Jiu doesn't need to be omnipotent; he just needs to ensure the right people do the right things, and that is enough.
Thus, in "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains," players become Zhao Jiu, that "succubus" emperor, rectifying the court, recruiting great generals, fighting on the battlefield, and reclaiming lost territories. The production team has recreated every tear-jerking and loyal scene from the original work.
Do you want to regain Han Shizhong's trust with half a roast duck? Do you want to exchange a jade belt for a fierce general's support, just like the original protagonist? Do you also wish to fulfill the ultimate romance of "Since ancient times, no merit is greater than saving the emperor, but what if the emperor comes to save you"?
In "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains," you are Zhao Jiu, and your Han Shizhong awaits you in Changshe.
In reality, did you shed tears for the tragic death of Yue Fei (Yue Pengju)? Did you feel indignation that Wanyan Gou recalled Yue Fei with twelve gold medals, causing over a decade of northern expedition efforts to fail at the last hurdle? Do you wish to burst into Fengbo Pavilion and rescue the loyal Yue Pengju from the fabricated charge of "perhaps there is"?
In "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains," you are the Emperor of the Great Song. Your choices are imperial decrees. You must stand against the entire court of officials shouting that while everyone else in the world might collude with the Jin, Yue Pengju never would.
"Repaying the favor of the Golden Terrace, I wield the Jade Dragon to die for my lord." In reality, who wouldn't want to walk arm-in-arm with these named heroes from history, facing national calamity and family vengeance together? Who doesn't hope to save these great heroes, reverse all tragic songs, and soothe every lingering regret?
When Elder Zong Ze screams from his deathbed for you to cross the river, when Zhang Qi goes mad on the Huai River, defeating the remnants of Jin Wuzhu's forces without asking for rewards or silver, only choking back tears and desperately wanting to go home—going home so badly he loses his mind—the weight of history and the hatred for national and familial enemies seem to materialize.
I say I am Zhao Jiu of the Song Duck Clan. I say press forward with the dragon banner, and the army advances. I say return to the old capital, and we raze the enemy's stronghold. I say march north to resist the Jin and reclaim our rivers and mountains; if we fail, I have nothing left to live for and will die without a whole corpse.
Through intricate plot arrangements and excellent costumes, makeup, and props, "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" almost completely unfolds the most captivating aspects of "Shao Song." From character development to the recreation of famous scenes, the game reaches a top-tier level for live-action FMV games. Players truly feel like they have become Zhao Jiu, who transmigrated after falling into a well, growing step by step from a cowardly ordinary person, carving a bloody path, with ministers heading south while the monarch stands alone in the north, holding back the collapse of an entire era.
Of course, setting aside the passionate, heavy, and serious moments, "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" doesn't fill every moment with grand narratives and heroic ambitions. The production team thoughtfully incorporated funny and interesting small details from the original work into the storyline.
For instance, fans often discuss the encounter between Jin Wuzhu and Zhao Jiu, described as "an unknown soldier versus an unknown soldier."
Or perhaps the sudden appearance of "Please execute Yang Yizhong" from the original work, popping up like a punchline in a crosstalk comedy—you say "Yang Guifei" was misplaced, I say that's the right flavor, anyone get it?
The craftsmanship of the "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" production team is evident.
Regarding specific strategic executions and some branch endings, the production team does not skimp on resources. For example, sandtable simulations appear at important time nodes to help the Great Song emperors keep up with the pace.
Or perhaps players momentarily fall for the Jin's tricks, blinded by setbacks, and choose to give up. The production team of "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" quite mischievously serves the emperors a plate of delicious last meals—as long as you can manage to take a few bites amidst the relentless pursuit by Jin soldiers.
I won't reveal too many specific details; suffice it to say, please explore the earlier areas on your own later.
For many book fans, not seeing a TV series dedicated to "Shao Song" remains a major regret. Fortunately, "Shao Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" was born from the efforts of fans, strictly controlling quality in costumes, makeup, and props. It not only breaks the fourth wall with famous scenes like "Han Shizhong restrained by a jade belt" and "Zhang Jun secured by half a roast duck," but also fully develops the character arcs of Zhao Jiu, Han Shizhong, Zhang Jun, and others. Though the crew is small, it is complete, featuring many excellent actors. The content also has the support of the original author, Liudan Pashui.
All this hard work aims to authentically recreate "Shao Song," allowing passionate men to return to that era of broken nations and shattered lands, raising the golden banner when necessary, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with loyal ministers and famous generals—Are you willing to follow me, Zhao Jiu, back up Bagong Mountain? Return to the old capital, reclaim our Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, expel the barbarians, and restore China?
Without a doubt, it shall be pressing forward with the dragon banner!
Cross the river! Cross the river! Cross the river!