Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter discusses the financial and military implications of the Song dynasty's conquest of Jiaozhi. Key points:. - 30,000 taels of gold from Jiaozhi was a significant windfall, equivalent to 500,000 guan in copper coins, which was seen as a "drop in the bucket" compared to the 4 million guan deficit. - The unexpected profitability of the Jiaozhi campaign surprised and delighted the emperor Zhao Zhen, who realized that war could be fought without spending money and could even generate profits. - Zhao Zhen studied the reports and realized that innovative military strategies, like striking from the sea instead of traditional land-based advances, were key to making the Jiaozhi campaign profitable. - However, there were concerns that the people of Jiaozhi may seek revenge and interfere with the Song's efforts to support the prince Er Lang, which could lead to further troubles. - Ironically, there were some who hoped the Song's soldiers would fail just to uphold their own worldview, but they faced continuous defeats. - Ultimately, Prince Li Ri Zun of Jiaozhi came to pay tribute and pledge loyalty to the Song dynasty, much to the dismay of those who had hoped for the Song's downfall.

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