The author advocates a pluralistic view of history, arguing that the study of history requires scholars to explore the truth in a reasonable manner. The author meticulously dissects the Song Dynasty, exploring everything from rituals like the Feng Shan ceremony, the complex relationships between emperors and officials, and the level of political inclusivity. The book offer insights into the diverse personalities of scholar-bureaucrats and generals of the Song Dynasty through famous figures like Yue Fei, Qin Hui, Wang Anshi, Zeng Bu, and Mei Yaochen. The exploration extends to the Song Dynasty's education system and the impact of Taoism, examining the rise and fall of local official and private schools, problems within the examination system, and the propagation of Taoist beliefs. To offer a more detailed and vivid portrait of the Song Dynasty, the book further explores cultural phenomena like the sport of polo, the spread of enlightenment texts, and the humanitarian efforts undertaken by squires during famines.