Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter revolves around the political tension following the Song Dynasty's reclamation of Youzhou. Zhao Zhen, the emperor, grapples with the idea of allowing Zhong Yuan, a potential puppet emperor, to maintain control over Youzhou while resisting Ye Lu Hong Ji. Despite the insistence of civil officials like Zeng Gongliang and Wang Ning An, Zhao Zhen is reluctant to relinquish control over the territory he fought hard to reclaim. Wang Ning An, concerned about the implications of Zhong Yuan's potential power, warns Zhao Zhen of the risks involved if Zhong Yuan collaborates with the Liao nobility. He suggests that if Zhong Yuan is willing to be a puppet emperor, they should limit his military power to prevent rebellion. Wang Ning An's ulterior motive becomes clear when he proposes sacrificing Zhong Yuan to ensure peace between the Song and Liao, leading to a confrontation where Zhong Yuan realizes the precariousness of his position. Ultimately, he is left frustrated and regretful about his ambitions.

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