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In 1067-76ish, Wang Anshi, the Chancellor of the Song Dynasty, attempted to reform the Song dynasty with a series of plans known as the "New Policies."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Anshi

They were supposedly similar to a welfare state or controlled economy plans.

Now, what if the conservative factions in the imperial court had lost the struggle, and the New Policies were implemented and not repealed following Wang Anshi's death? What effect would it have on the Song Dynasty, and China in the long run?

EDIT: I guess Emperor Shenzong would have to live longer too... he only died in his thirties, so let's say Shenzong lives another decade or so, dying in ~1095-1100.
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