Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Li Yuan grapples with the decision to act against the Guanzhong nobles while facing an imminent rebel threat. Chen Shuda advises him to withdraw troops from Hedong County to focus on defending Chang'an, suggesting that only Prince Qin can effectively quell the rebellion. Despite Li Shentong's concerns about losing military authority, Li Yuan ultimately agrees to appoint Li Xiaogong as the commander for Chang'an's defense. Meanwhile, Li Yuanji is frustrated by his exclusion from military command due to Chen Shuda's influence, but Cui Wenxiang assures him that he can still achieve his ambitions through careful planning. The economic situation in Chang'an deteriorates, with rampant inflation and shortages of goods, as merchants prioritize trade with Zhongdu for gold, leaving the capital in a dire state.

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