Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Qu Tutong, standing on the ramparts of Taiyuan City, is anxious as the Zhou army hesitates to attack. He understands the psychological toll of a prolonged siege on his troops and hopes for a battle to boost their morale. After receiving a challenge letter from the Zhou army marked 'No Battle!', he becomes frustrated and decides to provoke the enemy into attacking. He hangs mocking banners on the city walls, but the Zhou army responds in kind with their own banners. Meanwhile, in Hedong County, Li Shimin prepares for an inevitable battle against the Zhou forces, feeling the pressure from the emperor and the unfavorable odds. As the Tang army sets up camp outside Hedong City, the Zhou commander Wei Wen Tong remains confident in his defense, despite the unexpected support for the Zhou army from the local populace. The chapter ends with the Tang army preparing for battle as war drums sound.

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