Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhou Jun's strategic deployment against the Bashu army involved two main routes: one led by Xu Shiji with 50,000 troops advancing north through Badong County, and another naval force of 20,000 under Lai Huer sailing up the Yangtze River towards Chengdu. Additionally, Liu Lan Cheng commanded a special army of 10,000 internal guards, splitting into two groups to attack Badong County and Ba County. The Tang army in Bashu was reduced to 20,000 after troop transfers, with 5,000 stationed in Badong County for defense. Internal unrest in the southern counties due to heavy taxation worried the Tang Dynasty. Liu Lan Cheng's forces faced difficult terrain but successfully reached Qingjiang County, where they devised a plan to infiltrate Ba County through a collapsed city wall near Zhang Fei Temple. Under the cover of night, they stealthily approached Ba County, eliminating sentries to secure access to the military camp. The guards at the camp were unaware of the impending attack as Liu Lan Cheng's soldiers prepared to strike.

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