Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter explores the tension between Fu Bi and Wang Ning An regarding governance in Youzhou. Fu Bi advocates for national law and fairness to win the people's loyalty, while Zhao Zong Jing defends Wang Ning An's ruthless methods against the Khitan nobility and Han gentry. Fu Bi argues for a more lenient approach to gain the people's hearts, emphasizing the need for equality since Youzhou has joined the Song dynasty. Zhao Zhen, observing the situation, realizes that Wang Ning An's governance in Ping County has led to significant economic development, contrasting with the chaos in regions governed by others. He witnesses the thriving agricultural activities in Jizhou, which challenges Fu Bi's negative portrayal of Wang Ning An's methods. The chapter concludes with Zhao Zhen learning from the local farmers about the positive changes brought by the Song dynasty, such as land distribution, which has earned their loyalty. This realization leaves Fu Bi feeling embarrassed as Zhao Zhen recognizes the effectiveness of Wang Ning An's governance.

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