Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter describes a conversation between Ouyang Xiu and Zhao Zhen, the emperor, in the Chui Gong Hall. Ouyang Xiu expresses his disappointment with the reforms and his desire to return to teaching. Zhao Zhen acknowledges Ouyang Xiu's frustrations and asks if he ever resented him. Ouyang Xiu admits that he and others were wrong in their simplistic approach to the reforms, realizing that the root cause lies in poverty and social issues, not just superficial solutions. The chapter then shifts to Zhang Xiao Jie and Ye Lu Hua Ge, Liao Kingdom envoys, who are trapped in an inn by angry citizens of the Song Dynasty. They discuss whether to return quickly or negotiate with Song. Eventually, they decide to meet with Wang Ning An, who arrives and breaks down in tears upon seeing the slain attendants.

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