Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Luo Cheng follows Guo Xuan, who is praised for his kindness but criticized for his greed. Guo Xuan has amassed significant wealth through inflated troop numbers and accepting bribes. Luo Cheng, initially skeptical of his father's views on Guo Xuan, now sees the truth in them. As Guo Xuan prepares to transport supplies back to Zhuojun, Luo Cheng expresses his desire to confront Dou Jiande's forces, but Guo Xuan dismisses his eagerness. Luo Cheng is troubled by the revelation of his father's alliance with the Bohai Society, which he finds disgraceful. Accompanied by Zhang Gong Jin, Luo Cheng reflects on Guo Xuan's motives for the southern expedition, realizing it is more about profit than battling bandits. A scout informs Luo Cheng that Dou Jiande's vanguard is approaching, and despite his initial excitement to ambush them, Zhang Gong Jin warns him of the risks involved. Luo Cheng ultimately decides to return to Wuyi County to prepare for battle, only to discover that Guo Xuan is not present, leaving them outnumbered and in a precarious situation.

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