Generals of the Great Song Dynasty.

Summary

The chapter discusses the strategic and economic aspects of profiting from war, emphasizing the importance of production capacity and confidence. Wang Ning An mobilizes craftsmen to produce steam engines, significantly increasing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs. Wu Shi Cheng suggests transitioning to a firearm-based military, which Wang Ning An postpones due to cost and the continued effectiveness of cavalry. The chapter highlights the arms trade among nations, where various parties exploit the ongoing conflict for profit. Scholars, particularly Er Cheng, become influential in inciting wars, leveraging their status to manipulate both sides for personal gain. The narrative reveals the complex interplay between war, commerce, and politics, as nations prepare for conflict while merchants profit from the chaos. As the war escalates, the Great Song benefits economically, with increased coal production and a plan to expand steam engine usage. The chapter concludes with Zhang Heng seeking help from his uncle, Zhang Jun, after facing obstruction from the Kong family in land requisition matters.

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