Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter details the significance of the Jiangxia Commandery as a copper and iron mining area during the Sui Dynasty, highlighting its transition from government control to private ownership under relaxed regulations. The Bohai Association capitalized on this change, becoming the largest iron producer in the region. However, corruption led to rampant illegal mining. Lei Shi Meng, a general under Xiao Xi, leads an army to demolish the Bai Shui Mine owned by the Bohai Association, executing stewards and confiscating resources. Meanwhile, in the Wu De Hall, Crown Prince Li Jian Cheng reports on the collection of pig iron and copper, emphasizing the urgency of securing a stable supply for the Tang Dynasty. The chapter concludes with the decision to send troops to reclaim the Jiangxia mining district from Xiao Xi, underscoring the critical need for copper and iron to sustain the empire.

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