Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Wang Ning An learns from Zhong Jia that the Zhong family, despite their military prowess, relies heavily on financial support from the Cui Jia family. This dependency comes with strings attached, as the Cui Jia expects vassals in return. Zhong Jia reveals that the Cui Jia family manipulated them into a disastrous military engagement at the Qu Ye River, leading to heavy losses. Wang Ning An deduces that the Cui Jia is using the Zhong army as a scapegoat to thwart the court's plans to relocate the capital to Luo Yang, fearing their own power would be diminished. As tensions rise, Zhong Jia seeks Wang Ning An's help to break free from the Cui Jia's influence. Wang Ning An agrees to assist, recognizing the Cui Jia's dangerous manipulations. He tasks Sima Guang to investigate the situation in Yun City, which is critical for salt production, as the Cui Jia has infiltrated various military factions. Just as Guang departs, reports of a civilian uprising in Qiongzhou prompt an urgent call for Wang Ning An to meet with the emperor.

Full content