Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Zhang Xuan contemplates the long-term stability of Wu Commandery, realizing that appeasing the influential gentry, particularly the Lu, Gu, and Shen families, is only a temporary solution. He seeks the county magistrate Jiang Yuan Chao's advice on governance and the potential appointment of Li Bai Yao as governor. Jiang Yuan Chao expresses skepticism about Li Bai Yao's qualifications, citing his lack of practical governance experience and the potential for unrest if he were to lead. Zhang Xuan decides against making Li Bai Yao governor, instead proposing Jiang Yuan Chao for the role, to which the magistrate agrees. Meanwhile, Zhang Xuan learns of Meng Hai Gong's troop movements and strategizes to prevent his escape across the Qiantang River. As night falls, Meng Hai Gong's forces begin to retreat, and Zhang Xuan prepares his army for an attack, emphasizing the importance of capturing prisoners rather than indiscriminate killing. He issues orders for his generals to lead their troops in pursuit of the retreating bandits, aiming for a strategic victory that would benefit the Sui army. The Sui army, under Zhang Xuan's command, moves to engage the bandit forces led by Hong Ren Tao, who, unaware of the danger, boasts about capturing Zhang Xuan. The stage is set for an impending confrontation.

Full content