Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Shen Jian is shocked by Zhang Xuan's sudden betrayal, as he seals off a significant portion of Jiangnan's shops and detains the fleet meant to transport Meng Hai Gong. As soldiers arrive to search the Fuguo Trading Company for illegal weapons, Shen Jian realizes the gravity of the situation, particularly because his warehouse contains thousands of sets of armor. He manages to buy time by promising to find the Pacification General. After a tense encounter, he learns that Zhang Xuan is serious about his intentions but allows Shen Jian to leave temporarily. Back at the trading company, Shen Jian orders the retrieval of old shipbuilders, suspecting Zhang Xuan may have plans for foreign shipbuilding. Meanwhile, in Luo Yang, the atmosphere is relaxed post-Emperor Yang Guang's inspection, and the fabric trade thrives, particularly for Huang's Fabric, owned by Huang Jin. Manager He, an informant for Zhang Xuan, meets with Deputy Zhou Mi, who is tempted to provide shipbuilding blueprints in exchange for gold to alleviate his financial struggles. Zhou, worried about the consequences, decides to go through with the deal, believing it might be his only chance to improve his dire situation.

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