Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Zhao Zhen, the grandson of the excessive Zhao Er, reflects on his ancestor's actions with unease. Shen Duan informs him of Chen Lin's potential support for the Tai Zu faction's restoration, prompting Zhao Zhen to investigate. Although no evidence emerges from Chen Lin, rumors and praise for Zhao Da circulate among storytellers, raising Zhao Zhen's alarm. Wang Ning An argues that the nostalgia for Tai Zu is fading as the older generation dies out. He shares a story illustrating how ideologies change over generations, suggesting that the current sentiments are not genuine. Zhao Zhen contemplates the real motives behind the calls for restoration and realizes they may be aimed at opposing reforms rather than true loyalty to Tai Zu. Zhao Zhen acknowledges the power of old-school officials and the fragility of the reform faction. He recognizes the need for collaboration with Wang Ning An to strengthen their position against conservative forces. After a moment of reflection, he expresses regret for his earlier suspicions. The chapter concludes with Zhao Zhen ordering further investigations into Chen Lin and Shen Duan, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the Politburo and military families linked to the Tai Zu faction, determined to root out any threats to his reign.

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