Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

At the Great Scatter Pass, Wei Zheng, a disillusioned Taoist priest with a bounty on his head, seeks refuge with Commander Zhou Wen Zhong. The pass is a strategic stronghold, difficult to attack. Upon arrival, Wei Zheng learns of a new military supervisor, Ma Zhong, who has been pressuring Zhou to sell military rations. Zhou refuses, valuing his integrity over profit. Ma Zhong threatens Zhou, claiming to have reported him to the emperor for secretly surrendering to the Zhou army. As tensions rise, Wei Zheng intervenes, killing Ma Zhong to protect Zhou. Faced with the consequences of Ma Zhong's death, Zhou is torn between loyalty to Wei Zheng and the potential repercussions from the emperor. Wei Zheng offers Zhou a final opportunity to act, leading them to discuss their next steps in private.

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