Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter details the strategic assault of the Tang army on Jiangling City, led by Commander Li Xiao Gong and later by Prince Li Shi Min. Following a tacit agreement between the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Tang forces launched a coordinated attack on the Southern Command, capturing key territories and weakening Xiao Xi's defenses. As the siege progressed, food shortages and morale issues plagued the defenders, leading to mass desertions. In early May, Li Shi Min took command of the assault on Jiangling, preparing a significant offensive. The Tang army utilized siege tactics, including the use of siege hammers and fire, to breach the city defenses. The chapter culminates in the burning of the drawbridge, setting the stage for a full-scale assault on the city.

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