Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xuan and Zhi Shi Si Li discuss the aftermath of a battle that decimated Zhi Shi's tribe, with Zhi Shi lamenting the loss of young warriors and the impending rise of Ashina Tuo Bi as Khan, which poses a threat to his tribe due to past conflicts over pasture land. Zhang Xuan offers to let Zhi Shi return home under the condition that his tribe will not invade the Hexi Corridor, to which Zhi Shi agrees. Zhi Shi expresses a desire to return the Khan's body to the grasslands, and Zhang Xuan accommodates him, recognizing the political implications. Meanwhile, Wei Zheng, an envoy from Taiyuan, arrives to discuss post-war matters, but finds himself in a difficult position as Zhang Xuan avoids direct confrontation. Fang Xuan Ling outlines the spoils of war captured, but Wei Zheng struggles to negotiate the ownership of territories, as Fang Xuan Ling insists on adhering to principles of military engagement. The chapter ends with tensions regarding territorial control remaining unresolved.

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