In the study presented by Guihua He, the author examines the interrelationships between politics and Daoism during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). This period is often associated with the revival of Confucianism in research, while Daoism is typically regarded as a marginal phenomenon and receives correspondingly little attention. In contrast, He demonstrates that many rulers of this time promoted Daoism and maintained close relationships with Daoist actors. The intertwining of state authority and religious institutions significantly contributed to the resurgence of Daoism after its decline. Methodologically, the study focuses on the motives behind historical actions. The emphasis is less on reconstructing individual events and more on understanding the reasons behind imperial decisions. It analyzes both phases of targeted promotion of Daoism and times of deliberate restraint. The actors are understood not only as products of structural conditions but also as capable subjects. In this way, the volume opens new perspectives on the political-religious relations in pre-modern China.