Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xutuo faces a dire situation as his military rations run low, with grain aid from Zhang Xuan delayed. He refuses to use seized grain that could implicate Yang Qing. Desperate, he sends for grain supplies, particularly from Liangjun. When news arrives that thirty thousand stones of grain have been detained by Xun Wang’s patrol, Zhang Xutuo realizes it’s a trap set by Yang Qing and the Wagang army. As he attempts to rescue his troops, they are ambushed near Chenqiao Post Station. Despite being outnumbered, Zhang Xutuo leads a fierce charge against the Wagang forces. The battle rages on, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Just as defeat seems imminent, Sui cavalry led by Luo Shixin arrives to rescue Zhang Xutuo, who learns that both Weicheng and Kuangcheng have fallen to the Wagang army. Overwhelmed by despair, he collapses from his horse.

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