Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

In the Huai'an Commandery, Guo Shi Heng, a former general under Zhang Zhen Zhou, was appointed by Wang Shi Chong to command troops that remained after Zhang's death. As the Tang army attacked from two fronts, Guo Shi Heng hesitated to act on Wang Shi Chong's orders, instead seeking to assess the situation between the Tang and Northern Sui forces. During a meeting with Tian Zan, a recent defector to the Sui, Guo Shi Heng learned of potential positions and titles he could receive from both the Tang and Sui armies. Ultimately, he decided to align with the Northern Sui after receiving assurance of a Duke title, leading to the official surrender of the Huai'an army to the Sui. Meanwhile, Li Shi Min of the Tang army captured Nanyang County, increasing tensions as he prepared to secure his northern flank against the Sui advance.

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