Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Huaiyang County, a small area with a population of over 2,000 households, is the southeastern gateway of Xiapi County. A bandit leader named Luo Bing Qian, skilled in martial arts and loyal to Meng Hai Gong, leads 5,000 bandits to probe the Sui army's intentions. After waiting five days, he receives orders to advance to the north bank of the Huai River, which he eagerly accepts. Meanwhile, Zhang Xuan, stationed at the Huai River with a superior naval force, contemplates the bandits' movements, suspecting a trap set by Meng Hai Gong to lure him into a confrontation. He discusses the situation with General Wei Chi, realizing that the bandits’ actions may be a distraction for a potential attack on Jiangdu by Du Fuwei. Zhang Xuan decides to hold Shanyang County and plans to retreat back to Jiangdu, waiting for Du Fuwei's movements before taking action.

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