Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xuan and his personal guards decide to dine at Bian Shui Tavern, where they encounter Yuwen Chengdu, who shares news of his own struggles and the challenges faced by General Yu Da. They discuss the formidable bandit leader Du Fuwei and the political implications surrounding him. Suddenly, chaos erupts as news breaks that the emperor's fleet is on fire. Zhang Xuan and Yuwen Chengdu rush to the scene, discovering that two auxiliary ships carrying palace maids and eunuchs are ablaze. The emperor, Yang Guang, learns that the fire was set deliberately, leading to the summoning of General Yuwen Zhi Ji, who is found to be negligent in his duties. As a result, Yang Guang strips Yuwen Zhi Ji of his position for his incompetence.

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