Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the journey of an army of eight thousand Tang soldiers, led by General Li Lei Shi, as they march southward to support Li Xiao Gong. Despite the urgency of their mission, they proceed cautiously under the orders of Li Shen Fu, who is not genuinely committed to the rescue. As they rest for the night, they are alerted to the approach of Sui cavalry, prompting a retreat. Li Lei Shi realizes they are surrounded and sends two soldiers to Wuchang for reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Sui cavalry, led by Luo Cheng, plans to intercept the Tang reinforcements. The chapter also depicts a fierce battle at Fushui, where the Tang army struggles to cross the river against the Sui forces, suffering heavy casualties as they attempt to establish floating bridges.

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