Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

In Mayi County, a bustling trade hub in the Sui Dynasty, a weary caravan arrives after a long journey. The leader, Zhao Dan, and his companions, including Cheng Yaojin and Zhang Xuan, discuss their plans for rest and potential dangers from the resurfacing Black Horse Bandits. As they settle into the Longhu Inn, they contemplate the possibility of finding crucial medicine locally instead of venturing north. Zhang Xuan, feeling out of place in this era, observes a gathering of anxious merchants demanding action from the governor regarding disrupted trade routes. He witnesses a secret meeting involving Chai Shao and an official, hinting at hidden dealings related to the Turkic lands. Meanwhile, Liu Wuzhou, a local military figure, receives a letter from a Turkic man, indicating the Liu family's ties to foreign tribes and their influence in the region.

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