Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Wang Jun Kuo anxiously awaits news from a trusted soldier in the Tang army's main tent as the clock nears the second watch of the night. He fears that a failed message to Zhang Xuan could jeopardize his plans. The Tang troops are divided into three factions: a poorly trained local faction, a strong Guanlong faction loyal to Qu Tu Tong, and a resentful Bingzhou faction. Qu Tu Tong, aware of the Bingzhou soldiers' discontent, employs strategies to keep them stable. As the second watch begins, Wang Jun Kuo learns that his soldier has successfully delivered the message, prompting him to disguise himself and leave the camp for the west city. Meanwhile, Qu Tu Tong prepares for a possible night assault from the Zhou army, suspecting Wang Jun Kuo's loyalty. When Qu Tu Tong's soldier checks on Wang Jun Kuo, he finds him drunk and disorderly, raising concerns about military discipline. Qu Tu Tong, despite his worries, recognizes Wang Jun Kuo's troubled state and instructs his soldier to assess the situation in the west city. As siege engines emerge from the Zhou camp, Qu Tu Tong commands his troops to prepare for battle.

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