Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the layout and significance of the imperial city of Luoyang, focusing on its central axis and key structures, including the Tianjin Bridge and the three grand halls. Zhang Xuan attends his first court assembly, where he interacts with various officials, including Pei Ju and Yang Gong Ren, who discuss appointments and the political situation in Qingzhou. Zhang Xuan learns of his potential reassignment to Jianghuai, causing him anxiety about losing control over Qingzhou. Despite his concerns, he is encouraged to prepare for an important report, which is deemed crucial for his future career. The court assembly is characterized by dull discussions on tax reductions due to drought, and Zhang Xuan prepares for his report, realizing its significance amid the Sui dynasty's precarious stability.

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