Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

After the court's decision in Chang'an, Qu Tutong retreated his troops to Jiangxia County, while Li Shi Min returned to report in Chang'an. Li Xiao Gong remained in Yiling County, receiving food supplies that alleviated his troops' crisis but opted against attacking Nanjun. As the imperial examination approached, the number of candidates surged to seventy-three thousand, leading to accommodation challenges in Zhongdu City. Scholars from the south received special provisions, which initially caused discontent among northern scholars, but the court addressed this with subsidies. In a tavern, Lu Han met Zhu Sui Liang, a fellow scholar, and they discussed their backgrounds and the examination. They shared insights on the political situation, particularly regarding Wang Shichong's actions and the implications for Luo Yang. Zhu Sui Liang invited Lu Han to stay with him in his room, offering a solution to Lu Han's accommodation troubles.

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