Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Wang Ren Ze's army has significantly decreased from 27,000 to 22,000 men in just four days, with low morale and unrest among the troops. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he contemplates ways to boost morale. His deputy, Tian Zan, suggests a break with food and coins, but Wang Ren Ze dismisses this, proposing instead to allow his soldiers to plunder Fengxiang County. Despite Tian Zan's objections regarding the Emperor's orders against pillaging, Wang Ren Ze insists on his plan, leading to a successful morale boost as the army ravages Fengxiang and later Changshou County. Meanwhile, the Tang army, led by Zhang Xuan and Huo, prepares to corner Wang Ren Ze's forces. As Wang Ren Ze discusses strategy with his chief clerk, Su Lun, they devise a plan to cross the Han River and escape the encroaching Tang troops. The Zheng army successfully crosses the river at night, leaving behind empty tents as a diversion. The Tang forces, led by Huo, realize too late that they have been deceived, as Wang Ren Ze's army heads toward the lightly defended Xiangyang City.

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