Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Wei Zheng is confronted by Fang Xuan Ling regarding the Northern Three Commanderies, which are claimed by the Northern Sui rather than the Tang Dynasty. Despite Wei Zheng's arguments about the Tang's sacrifices in battle, Fang Xuan Ling insists on the principles of territorial ownership, stating that the Northern Three Commanderies were never Tang territory. Wei Zheng returns to report to Crown Prince Jian Cheng, who is warned by Fang Xuan Ling to be cautious in his actions. As Wei Zheng reflects on the Crown Prince's decisions, he grows concerned about potential conflicts between the Crown Prince and the emperor. Upon returning to Taiyuan, Wei Zheng finds that Crown Prince Jian Cheng is preparing to leave for the capital due to an emperor's decree, and learns that Li Zhongwen has accused the Crown Prince of overstepping his authority. This revelation raises alarms for Wei Zheng, indicating a brewing power struggle within the Tang Dynasty.

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