Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

In the city of Shule, Commissioner Jia Huan prepares for an expedition against the Tujue, burdened by the weight of leadership and personal loss. Reflecting on his past life and military inexperience, he grapples with emotions of mourning, anger, and ambition. As dawn breaks, he bids farewell to his maid Qing and entrusts the city's affairs to his officials before leading 20,000 troops northward. After a successful capture of Naren City, he contemplates the complexities of war and governance, determined to defend his new territory while mourning the death of his friend Guo Wei. The narrative intertwines themes of duty, ambition, and the harsh realities of leadership.

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