Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

Gou Ya Er feels restless and dissatisfied with his lack of accomplishments at sixteen, especially compared to his father and uncle. He longs to lead troops and earn respect. His hopes are dashed when his father plans to return Wan Yan Ying Ge to the Qi Dan, which he finds absurd. Gou Ya Er's master, Xiao Guan Yin, has changed and encourages him to be obedient to his father. In a conversation with his father, Wang Ning An, Gou Ya Er learns about the complexities of the political situation between the Song Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom. They discuss strategies regarding the Jurchen and Qi Dan, with Wang Ning An advocating for a more cautious approach. Gou Ya Er initially suggests controlling the Jurchen, but his father explains the advantages of collaborating with the Qi Dan, who are more Sinicized and easier to manage. Wang Ning An shares his strategies for negotiating with the Qi Dan and supporting Ye Lu Hong Ji, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance of power. Gou Ya Er begins to appreciate his father's wisdom and realizes the depth of his father's plans. The chapter concludes with Wang Ning An needing to explain his decisions to Xiao Guan Yin, who reveals her motivations tied to family revenge.

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