Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

In this chapter, the Deputy Minister of War, Zhao Ci Jing, expresses skepticism about using Chen Xiangguo's inflatable raft for navigation on the turbulent Yangtze River. Chen Shuda counters that the visible reefs make it safer for the raft, which can be reinforced with cowhide. Emperor Li Yuan decides to give the raft a try for urgent grain transport. Later, Li Yuan discusses military strategy with his son, Crown Prince Li Jian Cheng, emphasizing the importance of controlling Jingzhou and Jiangxia County. Li Yuan sends Li Jian Cheng to confront Liu Wuzhou and bring back his fourth brother, suspecting that the latter's negligence has allowed Liu Wuzhou to persist. Meanwhile, Lin Shi Hong, enraged by the deaths of his sons, suspects his fourth son of foul play and rushes to Jianchang County, only to fall into an ambush and is killed by archers.

Full content