Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

A loyal soldier delivers a red message tube to Zhang Xuan, indicating urgent news: the Tang Dynasty has ordered Li Xiao Gong's Eastern Expedition Army to retreat to Jiangxia County. Zhang Xuan explains that they have eight days to prepare for war due to the time it will take for Li Xiao Gong to receive the emperor's decree and mobilize his forces. Meanwhile, Li Xiao Gong's army, stationed in Yuzhang County, is facing low morale despite having enough provisions. He worries that retreating to Jiangxia may disappoint his soldiers. General Huang Jun Han advises immediate retreat to restore morale, while Li Xiao Gong contemplates a risky charge toward Changsha. Ultimately, he decides to prepare for the march to Jiangxia. The journey through the Jiugong Mountain Range proves arduous, and Li Xiao Gong begins to suspect that the Sui army may be waiting for them ahead. He orders scouts to investigate and sends a message for reinforcements, feeling uncertain about the situation.

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