Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Su Shi returns from Qin State, looking worn and thin after advocating for the Green Sprouts Law. At home, he complains about Wang An Shi, who is praised as a capable minister, arguing that his own brother-in-law deserves credit for the reforms. Wang Ning An, Su Shi's brother-in-law, tries to temper Su Shi's anger, reminding him of Wang An Shi's position as the chief examiner and the importance of mutual respect among officials. Wang Ning An explains the need for cooperation between him and Wang An Shi to avoid factional strife, emphasizing that both are working towards the greater good of the Song Dynasty. Meanwhile, the political atmosphere grows tense as complaints about the examination reform flood in, threatening the positions of many officials. Wang Gong Chen expresses his frustration over the reforms, fearing for their future, while others acknowledge the inevitability of change under the Emperor’s directives. The chapter highlights the complexities of political alliances and the challenges faced by officials amid reform efforts, as well as the internal conflicts and power dynamics within the Song Dynasty's bureaucratic system.

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