Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Di Qing rides his horse for 30 li, returning to the military camp drenched in sweat, where he apologizes to Emperor Zhao Zhen for leaving him. The emperor rewards Di Qing with a fine horse, expressing that a good steed is more valuable than titles or gold. The discussion shifts to the need for a stable source of warhorses to strengthen the Song Dynasty's cavalry. Wang Liang Jin informs them that Tianzhu has many warhorses due to its fragmented states, which alarms the officials. Di Qing suggests acquiring 10,000 Marwari horses to bolster their cavalry against the Liao Kingdom. Wang Qing proposes a dual approach: breeding Marwari horses and trading with Tianzhu. They discuss exchanging sugar and mirrors for warhorses, with Zhao Zhen approving the plan and promising rewards for successful trades. Tensions arise among officials regarding the management of the trade, with Fu Bi and Wang Ning An arguing over the distribution of profits and responsibilities. Ultimately, Zhao Zhen orders collaboration among various departments to procure the horses. Wang Ning An reflects on the greed that has surfaced among the officials, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. He seeks out Su Ba Niang for support, accompanied by the clever Xiao Guan Yin, who expresses a desire for the Liao Kingdom's downfall.

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