Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Pei Ju enters the imperial study to find Emperor Yang Guang in a troubled state, reflecting on Zhang Xuan's recent actions. The emperor expresses his anger over Zhang Xuan's unauthorized negotiations with Goguryeo, while Pei Ju realizes that the emperor is more concerned with appearances than the serious issues at hand. Yu Shi Ji argues that Zhang Xuan's negotiations are justifiable, leading Yang Guang to draft an edict for Zhang Xuan to report and submit the Liaodong Peninsula. Yang Guang decides to reward Zhang Xuan with high titles and gold, revealing his intent to keep Zhang Xuan in check amid growing threats. The chapter concludes with Yang Guang plotting against Li Yuan, fearing rebellion from the powerful Guanlong aristocracy.

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