Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

In this chapter, Wang Ning An demonstrates his political acumen by skillfully navigating the tensions among high-ranking ministers, particularly regarding the Western Xia and tax matters. He proposes using trade negotiations with Western Xia to exploit their internal conflicts, aiming to weaken their nobility while benefiting the Song Dynasty. Guang Guang, impressed by Wang Ning An's strategies, sees his own potential rise in status by aligning with him. Despite initial reluctance, Zhao Zhen agrees to Wang Ning An's plans, which involve manipulating trade quotas to incite discord among Western Xia's tribes. Meanwhile, Pang Ji, a minister of integrity, grapples with the implications of opening the blue salt trade, facing opposition from merchants who fear losing their profits. A faction of merchants, led by Liu Ji, conspires to block the trade, leading to uprisings against the introduction of Western Xia's salt. The chapter highlights the intricate power dynamics and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests in a politically charged environment.

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