Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Pei Ji suggests that Zhang Xuan's actions are premeditated, aimed at retaliating for a previous attack, rather than an immediate threat to Guanzhong or Chang'an. Liu Wenjing counters Pei Ji's argument, leading to tension among the ministers. Li Yuan seeks clarity on the situation, prompting the Deputy Minister of War, Zhao Ci Jing, to report that Zhang Xuan has made significant advances in the Nakahara region, indicating a strategic maneuver to threaten Guanzhong. Ma Sanbao advises recalling troops from the Nakahara region to bolster defenses in Guanzhong, but Li Yuan hesitates to abandon their gains. Despite orders for secrecy, news of the Sui army's advances spreads quickly, causing panic in Chang'an and skyrocketing rice prices. Amidst the turmoil, Gao Jin, a military advisor, receives intelligence about troop movements and the decision to recall some forces from Nakahara, which he relays to Yang Zhong Lan at the Sui army's intelligence headquarters.

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