First-Class Daoist Gate.

Summary

Yang Guang's determination to proceed with the eastern campaign against Gao Li is met with resistance from his advisors, Zhang Bai Ren and Yu Shi Ji. They argue that the campaign is draining resources and causing suffering among the people. Despite acknowledging the dire situation, Yang Guang refuses to abandon the campaign, fearing the sacrifices made would be in vain. Zhang Bai Ren expresses concern over the potential downfall of the Great Sui, while Yu Shi Ji suggests stabilizing internal issues first. Tensions rise as they part ways, and Zhang Bai Ren later warns Empress Xiao about the disastrous consequences of the campaign, revealing the precarious state of the realm amidst famine and unrest. Their conversation takes a turn as personal tensions surface, leading to an unexpected and intimate encounter between them, interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, signaling impending trouble.

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