In times of the North Song Dynasty, domestic political life was relatively stable, but smallscale riots launched by grassroots soldiers were unusually frequent. The causes for such riots were complicated: some due to soldiers themselves, some to government’s policies, and others to military regulations. The frequent riots of grassroots soldiers badly weakened the national and military strength of the dynasty, disturbed social order, and jeopardized people’s life and property, which caused very serious effects on the state and society.

times of the North Song Dynasty; mercenary system; grassroots soldiers