Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Gong Jin's mission was to decline Zhang Xuan's request for troops, but Zhang Xuan proposed that if the Qingzhou army defeated Gao Kai Dao, they would station troops in Liaodong, surprising Zhang Gong Jin. The next morning, he returned to Youzhou, while Zhang Xuan arranged military affairs for a northern expedition to Liaodong, aiming to establish a foothold there. Meanwhile, Luo Yi, now the Commander of Youzhou, felt threatened by the Emperor's appointment of Li Jing, who had control over the Lushui granary, signaling distrust towards him. Zhang Gong Jin reported to Luo Yi about Zhang Xuan's naval plans to transport troops to Liaodong, raising concerns about Gao Kai Dao's potential support from Goguryeo. Zhang Xuan, confident in the Sui dynasty's stability, believed Goguryeo would not risk crossing into Liaodong. As preparations were made to set sail at dawn, the weakened defenses in Liaodong faced the threat of Gao Kai Dao's forces, who had previously attempted to capture the city of Liucheng.

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