183 Beijing Operas - Zhao Kuangyin - Number 54

Zhao Kuangyin

Beijing Opera - "The Dragon and the Tiger Fight"

In ancient China, Zhao Kuangyin was the first emperor of the Song Dynasty. There had been five boys in his family and he'd been the second eldest. The eldest and youngest brother had both died. Since Zhao's mother, the empress dowager, wanted all her sons to be emperors, she told Zhao Kuangyin that when he died, he must pass the throne to his brother.

After Zhao Kuangyin died, the third son became emperor.