Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter summarizes the negotiations between the Song and Liao dynasties regarding tribute payments and trade. Key points:. - Wang Ning An negotiated a deal to cancel the tribute payments from Liao to Song, but in exchange, Song agreed to sell 200,000 bolts of silk to Liao annually at a preferential price. - Fu Bi, who had previously led the negotiations, felt disheartened as his efforts had only resulted in a minor concession rather than the full cancellation of tribute. - Wang Ning An suggested that rather than offering benefits to the people of Yan Yun (a region under Liao control), Song should instead entice Liao to "squeeze them dry" so they would understand the hardships of the outside world and eventually return to Song's rule. - Zhao Zhen, the Song emperor, acknowledged that it is easier to conquer a city than to win hearts, but Wang Ning An argued that winning hearts does not have to be gentle.

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