Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Ling Jing arrives in Pencheng County and meets Lin Zheng Tai, who expresses his intention to surrender to the Northern Sui with three requests: pardon for the soldiers, sparing his young brothers, and noble burial for his father. Ling Jing agrees to the first two but denies the third. Lin Zheng Tai is appointed as Duke of Poyang and Minor Supervisor of the Secretarial Province. Meanwhile, Lin Zheng Biao consolidates power in Yuzhang County, absorbing troops after poisoning General Zhang Bian Wei. He discusses strategies with the Lv brothers, who advise against retreating and suggest defending their homeland. Despite internal dissent from Zhao Yan Lu, Lin Zheng Biao remains determined to reclaim Poyang County, believing the Sui army's position is vulnerable.

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