Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Du Gu Shun, a cunning strategist, suspects the Dou family's influence behind Li Yuan's proposal of Dou Lu Kuan for Prime Minister, highlighting the longstanding rivalry between the Du Gu and Dou families. During a conversation with Dou Wei, he subtly accuses the Dou family of manipulation while feigning indifference to the political situation. After Dou Wei departs, Du Gu Shun enlists his trusted general, Du Gu Wu, to provide supplies to Song Jin Gang, indicating his readiness to engage in the power struggle. Meanwhile, rumors circulate among wandering knights in Chang'an about the Heng'an Martial Arts School offering high salaries for protection work, attracting many hopeful applicants. In a tavern, Sun Dao Chang shares his experience of a brutal recruitment process, revealing the dangers of the job and the high stakes involved, as only a few candidates survive the trials.

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