Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter details the tense atmosphere in Chang'an as envoys from Northern Sui arrive amidst fears of a Turkic invasion. Wang Shi Chong, concerned about the potential threat to his power, discusses intelligence reports indicating Sui military preparations and the possibility of a ceasefire that could endanger him. He orders an assassination of the Sui envoy, revealing his intent to take drastic action. Meanwhile, the Sui-Tang negotiations stall, with both sides unwilling to concede. Tensions escalate when a crowd disrupts the Sui envoy's convoy, leading to an ambush with crossbow bolts fired at the leading carriage.

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