Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the arrival of Cui Junxu and his companions at a Turkic royal court, where they are accommodated well but face the cold reception of Princess Yi Cheng, who refuses to meet them. Instead, her brother, Yang Shan Jing, explains that she does not recognize them as part of the Sui dynasty. Yang Shan Jing reveals the impending threat of a Turkic attack on Nakahara, urging Cui Junxu to prepare. Princess Yi Cheng, despite her high status as the Kedun, is unwilling to persuade the Khan to avoid war unless certain political conditions are met, showing her disdain for the current Northern Sui leadership. As Cui Junxu and his party leave, Yang Shan Jing provides them with a command token for safe passage and warns them of the Khan's plans. The chapter concludes with Cui Junxu's return journey, where Lu Han seeks to help a captured slave, leading to a poignant interaction with her desperate father, who lacks the means to redeem her.

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