Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Guang Guang, newly promoted as the transport official, invites his master, Wang Ning An, to a bath. As they relax, they discuss Guang Guang's recent trip, where he feels a mix of pride and shame about the challenges he faced. Wang Ning An encourages him, emphasizing that many start strong but few finish well. Guang Guang recognizes the ongoing issues with salt prices and the struggles of salt merchants in the northwest. He believes that gaining the support of the common people is crucial for addressing these problems, despite the difficulties involved. Wang Ning An advises him to identify capable junior officials to assist him. After a conversation with his uncle Pang Ji, Guang Guang learns about the complex relationships between officials and salt merchants. Pang Ji advises him to serve faithfully and expresses concern about the escalating situation. Guang Guang successfully meets with Pang Ji, who decides to withdraw from the conflict to avoid trouble. Taking charge, Guang Guang promotes four junior officials who help establish a new system for salt sales, allowing the populace to trade grain for Aoi salt. This disrupts the salt merchants' business, leading to a significant drop in salt prices across the region. As the situation evolves, the Aoi salt from Western Xia floods the market, leading to a decline in prices and a stabilization of salt tax revenues. The Wang family's strategies begin to take effect, and tensions rise as salt merchants react to the changing dynamics, prompting the emperor to express his anger at their deception.

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