Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter discusses the military training and recruitment efforts of the Great Song under Di Qing. Despite acknowledging the strength of the Xixia tribes, Di Qing is confident in the Song's standardized training system, which can enhance the combat effectiveness of Song soldiers. He recruits 5,000 Xixia refugees for training as a vanguard against Xixia. Wang Ning An visits Mei Cang Hong Yang, a once-renowned warrior who has become complacent and indulgent. Their interaction reveals Mei's decline and lack of ambition, which frustrates Wang. Wang learns that Mei's downfall may be linked to his recognition of a woman and child from his past, leading him to prefer a life of comfort over military duty. Wang decides to keep Mei around, recognizing his potential usefulness despite his current state. The chapter concludes with Wang receiving a mysterious item from a refugee, hinting at deeper connections to Khotan.

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