Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Wang Ning An reflects on Si Ma Guang's shortcomings in warfare, feeling uplifted. Zhao Zhen inquires about his ideas, and Wang suggests using salt from Western Xia to alleviate the northwest crisis. Despite initial resistance from Wen Yan Bo, who fears empowering Western Xia, Zhao Zhen supports Wang's strategy, citing past successes with Liao state trade. Wen Yan Bo provides insights on Western Xia's weakened military situation, suggesting they may seek benefits rather than outright conquest. He acknowledges the dire state of the Song Dynasty's military and resource shortages, leading to a consensus that trade with Western Xia could be beneficial. Wang Ning An proposes allowing aoi salt from Western Xia, which would lower prices and disrupt the existing salt monopoly that burdens the populace. He argues that this could ultimately undermine Western Xia's power and potentially benefit the Song Dynasty. Zhao Zhen and Wen Yan Bo express concern over changing a long-standing national policy and the loss of salt tax revenue. Wang remains confident that the strategy could increase overall revenue.

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