Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xuan is surprised to see his old friend Luo Cheng, who has returned from a year of wandering and seeks refuge with him. Luo Cheng pledges his loyalty to Zhang Xuan, who welcomes him warmly and encourages him to sit. They discuss Luo Cheng's travels and his mother's concerns about his father's safety with the impending ascension of Li Yuan. Luo Cheng warns Zhang Xuan about Goguryeo's preparations for war, having heard from merchants that they are gathering a large army. Zhang Xuan orders the military strategist to be summoned, leading to a meeting with key military officials. They discuss the potential threat from Goguryeo and the possibility of an alliance with the Khitan. Three merchants from Goguryeo, who escaped, are brought in to provide intelligence about the troop movements and the chaos in Pyongyang. They confirm the large troop assembly and the panic among the people, prompting Zhang Xuan to take further action.

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