Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the near completion of the Kitakami Valley fortress, constructed rapidly by 30,000 soldiers under Zhang Xuan's leadership. With adjustments made to the original construction plan, Su Dingfang and Li Chun efficiently oversaw the project, leading to impressive advancements in just 20 days. Zhang Xuan inspects the fortress, noting its strategic design, including a low arch bridge that limits the Turkic army's mobility. The fortress is named Tiger Valley Fortress, and Zhang Xuan emphasizes the importance of training troops and strengthening defenses in preparation for potential Turkic attacks. Meanwhile, the Turkic forces begin mobilizing as spring approaches, with internal strife brewing within the Sijie tribe due to political maneuvering by Khan Qi Min. The chapter ends with a Turkic centurion demanding the Sijie army's assembly at the royal court.

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