With the rise of the last of the 5 Dynasties, Later Zhou, the North China Plains is able to go onto the offensive for the first time in decades; not against the endless expanses of the northern steppes, but a new strategy to reinvigorate the north by seizing the fertile and as of yet untouched reaches of the southern kingdoms, who are ripe for the plucking. Through it all, a brilliant military commander by the name of Zhao Kuangyin will prove his valor and skill, and is ultimately rewarded with a fateful governorship to the city of Song. Time Period Covered: 954-959 CE Major Historical Figures: Later Zhou: Chai/Guo Rong (Emperor Shizong) [r. 954-959] Chancellor Wang Pu [d. 957] General Zhao Kuangyin Southern Tang: Li Jing (Emperor Yuanzong) [r. 943-961] Northern Han: Liu Chong (Emperor Shizu) [r. 951-954/5] Liu Jun (Emperor Ruizong) [r. 955-968]