Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Liu Lan Cheng's cavalry maintained a standoff with the Tang army, which was in a defensive position. As the day turned into night without an attack from the Zhou army, Liu Lan Cheng received orders to withdraw slightly. The Tang army's morale crumbled, leading to mass desertions. In a tent, Li Shentong met his brother, who urged him to surrender to Zhang Xuan for promises of wealth and titles. After contemplating his options, Li Shentong decided to surrender but plotted to eliminate his nephew Li Xiao Gong, whom he poisoned. Li Xiao Gong fought back, but ultimately died from the poison. Li Shentong ordered the entire army to surrender, marking the end of the Tang army's main forces in the region. Five days later, Zhang Xuan's forces surrounded Li Shi Min in Yuanliang County, where he learned of his father's death and the surrender of Li Shentong. In despair, Li Shi Min contemplated his fate. The narrative concludes with Zhang Xuan's ceremonial ascent of Mount Tai to solidify his rule and unify the empire, marking the beginning of a prosperous era for the Da Zhou Empire.

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