Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Ye Lu Hong Ji sent three envoys to ensure the Song Dynasty would lose face during a gathering of nations. Ye Lu Hua Ge, one of the envoys, was perplexed by the Song's decision to honor Liao warriors with a statue, questioning their strategy. The conversation shifted as Gou Ya Er emphasized the importance of competition and aspirations, asserting that the Song provided a fair platform for all. Fo Yin, a monk, supported this view, citing past competitions. The envoys decided to follow the Song's lead and invited the warrior Hei Hu to have his statue made. Hei Hu, initially confused, was pleased to learn he would be honored. However, when asked for his surname, Ye Lu Hua Ge hesitated, as Hei Hu was a slave. Song Xiang offered to give him the surname Song and a nickname, Ah Fu, for convenience, which Ye Lu Hua Ge reluctantly accepted. Hei Hu, overwhelmed with joy, knelt in gratitude but was reminded by Song Xiang that such gestures were not customary in the Song. After the envoys left, Gou Ya Er planned to spread the news of the Song's respect for warriors. Hei Hu, reflecting on his new status, felt a sense of dignity and began to see the Song as a better place than the Khitan, longing to remain there. Meanwhile, Wang Ning An arrived with envoys from the Western Region for Zhao Zhen's upcoming birthday.

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