Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The Sui troops, led by Liu Lan Cheng, had held their ground in Zigui city for 19 days, successfully intercepting the Tang army's main force. Liu Lan Cheng was puzzled about how the Tang army had managed to last for so long without supplies. He suspected that they must have received food from Badong County. Meanwhile, General Li Ke Shi arrived, informing Liu Lan Cheng that Qu Tutong was leading 10,000 troops to Yiling County, prompting Liu Lan Cheng to order a retreat. The Sui troops crossed the Yangtze River by boat and headed towards the Shu Road. Qu Tutong arrived at Zigui County, only to find that the Sui troops had escaped. He met with Li Xiao Gong, who was downcast due to the failure of the eastern expedition. Qu Tutong suggested that they feign an attack on Xiaoliang while securing Jingzhou and protecting the iron mines of Jiangxia County. Li Xiao Gong agreed to lead 30,000 troops to attack Nanjun, with Qu Tutong's support.

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