Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Zhe Ji Min, the Fuzhou Governor, dies at 35, leaving his 14-year-old son, Zhe Ke Rou, as his successor. Despite concerns about the young orphan, Zhe Ji Min entrusted his brother, Zhe Ji Zu, to support Zhe Ke Rou. Zhe Ji Zu's dramatic vow to protect his nephew stuns onlookers, ensuring the family's legacy remains intact, though recovery will take time. In the northwest, the Zhong family, led by Zhong E, faces pressure from Grand Minister Pang Ji and the looming threat of the Western Xia, which has mobilized a massive army. Zhao Zhen, aware of the dire situation, sends Di Qing to defend Yan'an Prefecture. As winter sets in, Liao soldiers gather outside Juyong Pass. Yang Wen Guang prepares for battle, while Wang Ning An and Ou Yang Xiu manage reinforcements and supplies amidst chaos. Liu Yu commands the defense of Shanhai Pass, facing a brutal first wave of attack composed of civilians used as cannon fodder by Ye Lu Hong Ji. Liu Yu struggles with the moral dilemma of defending against the attackers, ultimately ordering crossbow fire to protect the city. The battle escalates with devastating catapult attacks, resulting in horrific casualties among the Liao forces. The Song army, emboldened by their defense, challenges the Liao to fight directly, signaling a shift in their confidence against the invaders.

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