Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Three days after departing Luo Yang, Zhang Xuan and Chai Shao joined a merchant caravan led by Zhao Dan, heading towards the grasslands. The caravan was well-equipped with mules and camels carrying valuable goods, and they planned to take the Bingzhou route. During the journey, they encountered challenges, including the inn they intended to stay at being burned down, forcing them to travel at night. As they pushed forward, Zhao Dan mysteriously disappeared after a sudden attack, leading Zhang Xuan to investigate. He discovered a group of ragged thieves, among whom was a burly man named Cheng Zhi Jie, who was negotiating a ransom for Zhao Dan. Zhang Xuan cleverly proposed a bet instead, offering to pay Cheng if he won, while revealing Cheng's background and motivations for turning to banditry. This unexpected twist set the stage for further negotiations and potential alliances.

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