Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

In Luo Yang, a salt shortage crisis affects 300,000 people, prompting Zhao Zhen to convene a court meeting. Officials gather, divided into two factions: a hardline group led by Wang Ning An and Si Ma Guang, and a more moderate group led by Liu Ji. Bao Zheng and scholar Wang Gui join Wang Ning An's side, infuriating Liu Ji's faction. During the meeting, Wang Ning An proposes importing salt from Western Xia to alleviate the crisis. Other officials, including Wen Yan Bo and Bao Zheng, suggest punishing hoarding merchants. Liu Ji argues for leniency towards merchants facing financial difficulties, but Zhao Zhen dismisses this. Tensions rise as Wang Ning An insists on prioritizing the common people over the salt merchants, leading to a decisive conclusion where Zhao Zhen orders the termination of contracts with uncooperative merchants and the establishment of a fair salt supply. Liu Ji and his supporters leave feeling defeated.

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