Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xuan, analyzing a map in the army's main tent, identifies the Khitan tribe as a significant threat to the Sui army's campaign against Goguryeo. He learns from Du Ruhui that the Khitan's population is concentrated in two areas, with a standing army of twenty thousand in Songmo City. Zhang Xuan devises strategies to outsmart the Khitan cavalry and emphasizes the importance of logistics, as grain shipments from Wugucheng are crucial for the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, Lu Han, a talented scholar and nephew of Lu Chu, is introduced. After discussing his disqualification from the imperial examination due to a protest, Zhang Xuan decides to bring him into the fold. As dawn breaks, the Sui cavalry stealthily approaches the Khitan encampment, leading to a brutal surprise attack that results in widespread slaughter. Taiga Mohui, the Khitan chieftain's son, attempts to flee but is ultimately surrounded by Sui forces. The chapter concludes with the aftermath of the attack, leaving the grasslands stained with blood.

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