Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

In a snack shop in Chongye Fang, customers enjoy chilled sour plum soup while discussing court events. A girl named A Yuan orders soup, expressing her preference for the shopkeeper's recipe over her family's. She overhears gossip about Zhang Xuan, a newly promoted general, and rushes to inform Lu Qing, who is at odds with her mother over a marriage alliance. Lu Qing is upset that Zhang Xuan hasn't contacted her since arriving in the capital. Meanwhile, Madam Lu grapples with her daughter's actions and the Cui family's disapproval of Zhang Xuan. Tensions rise as Lu Qing Yuan confronts Cui Wen Xiang about the family's stance on Zhang Xuan, defending his status and potential as a son-in-law. The chapter ends with Lu Qing Yuan expressing his frustration over the situation.

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