Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

In the chapter, Man Mei grapples with the overwhelming demand for 2,000 war horses and 100,000 stones of Aoi salt to redeem 800 elite warriors, the Iron Hawks, captured by the Song Dynasty. Despite their noble backgrounds and warrior prowess, the ransom set by Sima Guang is exorbitant, leading Man Mei to seek negotiation. Sima Guang, however, remains inflexible, offering a poor exchange rate of one captive per two pennies paid. As the Song Dynasty's military strength grows, Western Xia faces pressure from multiple fronts, leading to a dire situation. Li Liang Zuo mobilizes forces, but the looming winter threatens their agricultural capabilities. Meanwhile, the Song Dynasty leverages its strategic resources and mobilizes additional troops, preparing to confront Western Xia indirectly through allied tribes. Amidst the turmoil, Li Liang Zuo attempts to negotiate peace, offering significant concessions, including the cancellation of imperial titles and royal marriages. However, Zhao Zhen and his ministers, driven by a desire for tangible benefits, reject these overtures. Wang Ning An proposes a compensation plan, setting the ransom at 2 million guan, which he believes Western Xia cannot meet, signaling an impending escalation in hostilities.

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