Final answer:
The solid edifice that 'broke down' refers to the decay of the Song state in ancient China, according to Wang Anshi. He advocated for tearing down and rebuilding the state, even if it caused temporary disruptions, based on his interpretation of the classics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The solid edifice that 'broke down' symbolizes the Song state in ancient China according to Wang Anshi, a Chinese statesman and poet. Wang believed that the Song state was decaying and needed to be torn down and rebuilt. He compared the state to a building that was rotting and needed to be reconstructed, even if it meant temporary inconvenience for the people. His ideas were met with resistance from the elite, but he believed he was right based on his interpretation of the classics.