Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Gao Jibo, a vast marshland at the junction of Qinghe and Xindu Counties, served as a stronghold for bandits during the Sui Dynasty's chaos. In winter, it becomes treacherous due to thin ice and muddy ground. Yang Gongqing, leading 14,000 men, searches for a secret path crucial for survival, marked by a solitary willow tree. After locating the tree, they cautiously advance but encounter Sui scouts. Yang Gongqing realizes entering Gao Jibo is a trap and decides to retreat with his 5,000 troops. Meanwhile, a group of bandits falls into the mire, leading to chaos and significant losses. Zhang Xuan, commanding the Sui army, seals off their retreat and encourages surrender among the trapped bandits. Ultimately, nearly half of the bandits perish, and Yang Gongqing escapes to ally with the Wagang army, setting the stage for future conflict.

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