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At the end of Tang, the revolting army leader Zhu Wen surrendered to Tang and was given an position in the government. Afterwards, his power increased rapidly. AD 907, he took over and changed the national name from Tang to Liang. For 50 years to follow, the regions around the Yellow River lived through the times of Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin and Later Zhou. There were 5 dynasties in total. All 5 but Later Tang had their capitals in Kai Feng.

During the years of the 5 dynasties, there were also other 10 regions that had power. This period was thus called the 5 Dynasties and 10 Countries period.

During this period, the dividing of power was severe, and the ruling was cruel. In the North, wars were frequent, and agriculture neglected. It wasn't until late Zhou that situation improved. On the contrary, the southern regions were safe and politics stable. thus, many northern people moved to the south to avoid the mess. Because of the increase in labour power and South's better laws, the economy was able to achieve development. Thus the center of economics moved from the Yellow River region to the South around the Yangtze River. The dependency of economics between the North and South gave the material background for unification. The people longed for unification, peace, and reduction of taxes.

During the later years of this period, the wish for unificaiton increased rapidly. Emperor of Zhou, Zhou Shizong, tried to decrease the influence of the 5 dynasties and 10 countries. His attempts at improving the laws of economics and military were fruitful and increased the national power of Late Zhou. He built the foundaiton for the unification of Northen Song.