Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Shao Yan Shan reveals his unintentional collusion with Turkish traders, leading to the smuggling of warhorses and soldiers into the Central Plains. Despite his pleas for mercy, Zhang Xuan holds him accountable for his actions and orders his imprisonment. Zhou Yuan Qing, brought in next, claims ignorance of the situation but acknowledges his negligence in allowing the smuggling to occur. Zhang Xuan decides to hold him accountable as well but spares other officials. He emphasizes the need for thorough inspections of shipments moving through Beihu Kou, where he later inspects defenses and finds them lacking. Zhang Xuan proposes building a fortress in the valley and plans to recruit laborers from Anle County with tax exemptions to expedite construction before mid-February.

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