Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes a tense battle between the Sui army and a band of fifty thousand bandits led by Zuo Xiao You. The Sui soldiers, under the command of Zhang Xu Tuo, prepare for the bandits' charge with crossbows and bows, instilling fear in their enemies. As the bandits advance, they suffer heavy casualties from the Sui archers' deadly volleys, which create chaos and panic among their ranks. Despite Zuo Xiao You's attempts to maintain the charge, he is ultimately injured, prompting a retreat. Zhang Xu Tuo refrains from pursuing the retreating bandits, choosing instead to tend to the wounded and clear the battlefield. The chapter concludes with Zhang Xu Tuo receiving news of reinforcements led by General Zhang Xuan, which brings him hope for future engagements.

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