Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

General Sheng Yan Shi commands thirty thousand Tang troops but faces internal division, with his deputy Liu Hong Ji loyal to a rival faction. After a palace coup, both generals remain silent on pledging allegiance to the new emperor, Li Yuan Ji. Sheng Yan Shi receives a personal letter from the emperor of Da Zhou, promising him a higher rank if he surrenders. Meanwhile, Liu Hong Ji, under pressure from his own orders, is uncertain about persuading Sheng Yan Shi to join him. However, after receiving news of internal strife in Sheng Yan Shi's ranks, Liu Hong Ji is hopeful. Wang Yao, Sheng Yan Shi's brother-in-law, delivers a letter indicating Sheng Yan Shi's willingness to ally with Liu Hong Ji. They plan to meet at the Wei River crossing, but upon arrival, Liu Hong Ji is ambushed and killed in a trap set by Sheng Yan Shi, who then leads his troops to surrender to Zhang Xuan.

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