Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

A prolonged autumn rain has created a desolate atmosphere in the northern part of Bingzhou, where the landscape is marked by bare trees and muddy roads. Farmers express their frustration towards the Tang troops stationed in Yuci County, who have imposed heavy labor on the populace, leading to a significant reduction in the autumn grain yield. The Tang cavalry patrols the area, and tensions rise among the soldiers, particularly with a young cavalryman who feels unfairly treated. Suddenly, they are ambushed by Zhou cavalrymen, who capture them and take them to a camp led by Wei Chi Gong. The captured Tang soldiers, including a frightened young cavalryman named Yang Jun, are interrogated to gather intelligence about the sentiments in Taiyuan City as the Zhou army prepares for potential conflict.

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