Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhongdu, while grand, lacks the vibrancy of Anyang County, which has a significantly lower cost of living and a rapidly growing population. A cavalry unit led by Liu Lan Cheng arrives at the eastern city gate at night to capture Hu Hong Si, a secretive tenant in a narrow alley. After surrounding the area, they successfully apprehend him without a struggle. Later, Hu Hong Si is taken to a mansion in Zhongdu, which serves as the Qi Wangfu intelligence department's office. There, he meets Zhang Xuan, who expresses respect for military honor and offers Hu Hong Si a chance to serve him. Hu Hong Si reveals his precarious situation, being coerced by Li Yuanji to obtain sensitive intelligence, including the schematics for the beehive crossbow. Zhang Xuan refuses to provide the schematics but offers the less critical Hengyang boat designs, assuring Hu Hong Si that they are of no practical use to the Tang Dynasty. Hu Hong Si pledges his loyalty to Zhang Xuan, hopeful for a brighter future.

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