Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying and his battered soldiers return from the Northern Frontier, covered in filth and blood, evoking awe and pity from the Ming soldiers who witness their arrival.
• Zhu Ying and his men are overcome with emotion, weeping for their fallen comrades as they finally return home.
• Fu Youde, the deputy commander of the campaign against Naha Chu, personally welcomes Zhu Ying, showing high regard for his military achievements.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying: Proven to be a formidable and dedicated commander who has led his troops through grueling battles, earning the respect of his men and higher-ranking officers.
• Fu Youde: Demonstrates his appreciation for Zhu Ying's military prowess by personally welcoming him, showing his fairness and recognition of merit.

Significant Themes

• The hardships and sacrifices of soldiers in war.
• The bond between soldiers and the grief of losing comrades.
• Recognition and reward for military merit.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and his soldiers: Share a deep bond, mourning their fallen comrades together.
• Zhu Ying and Fu Youde: Acknowledge each other's status and achievements, showing mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying's garrison battalion returns from the Northern Frontier after two months, having fought deep into Tatar territory and suffered heavy losses.
• Fu Youde, a Duke of the Grand Ming Empire, meets Zhu Ying and his soldiers, commending their bravery and sacrifice.
• Zhu Ying requests Fu Youde to submit a memorial to the imperial court for the families of the fallen soldiers, ensuring they receive proper compensation.
• Zhu Ying presents the head of Aha Chu, the Jianzhou Tatar chieftain, as evidence of his military merit, along with the ears of the enemies his soldiers have killed.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying: Proven to be a capable and compassionate commander, prioritizing the well-being of his soldiers and their families even after their deaths.
• Fu Youde: Demonstrates his respect and admiration for Zhu Ying and his soldiers, promising to ensure their military merits are recognized and compensated fairly.

Significant Themes

• Brotherhood and camaraderie among soldiers.
• The importance of recognizing and rewarding military merit.
• The harsh realities of war and its impact on soldiers and their families.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and Fu Youde: They show mutual respect and understanding, with Fu Youde acknowledging Zhu Ying's achievements and Zhu Ying seeking Fu Youde's help to ensure his fallen comrades' families are cared for.
• Zhu Ying and his soldiers: The bond between them is evident, as they collectively request compensation for their fallen comrades and present evidence of their military merits to Fu Youde.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying's army returns from a successful battle against the Tatars, bringing back a large number of enemy ears as proof of their kills.
• The total number of enemy kills is over 23,000, with minimal losses on the Ming side (around 1,500).
• Fu Youde rewards Zhu Ying and his men with new uniforms, meat, and flatbread, and promises a surprise for them the next day.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his leadership, courage, and strategic prowess in battle.
• Zhu Ying's men show loyalty, camaraderie, and high morale, willing to follow Zhu Ying into battle and share in the spoils.
• Fu Youde shows appreciation for Zhu Ying's abilities and rewards his men generously.

Significant Themes

• Military Glory and Honor: Zhu Ying and his men gain honor and recognition for their battle achievements.
• Camaraderie and Brotherhood: The soldiers under Zhu Ying's command show a strong bond and shared sense of accomplishment.
• Leadership and Appreciation: Fu Youde recognizes and rewards Zhu Ying's leadership, fostering a positive commander-soldier relationship.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts with his men, showing concern for their well-being and sharing in their triumph.
• Fu Youde interacts with Zhu Ying, showing appreciation for his military prowess and promising further rewards.
• The soldiers under Zhu Ying's command interact with each other, displaying camaraderie and good-natured ribbing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying returns to the main camp and is surprised to find an imperial edict awaiting him.
• He is awarded the hereditary title of County Baron and a thousand gold for his meritorious service in the Northern Frontier.
• The edict is read aloud in the presence of several Huai West generals, who show resentment and wariness.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying shows maturity and composure upon receiving his title and reward.
• The Huai West generals reveal their jealousy and concern about Zhu Ying's rapid rise in status.

Significant Themes

• The importance of merit and loyalty in the Ming Dynasty military and court.
• The tension between established aristocracy and rising newcomers like Zhu Ying.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts with Fu Youde, the highest-ranking general present, who shows him respect and warmth.
• Zhu Ying is met with envy and wariness from the other generals, highlighting the political intrigue and competition within the military hierarchy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying receives an imperial decree conferring him the title of Baron.
• He is then promoted to Commander of the Thousand Households, commanding ten thousand troops, and receives rewards including armor, a sword, a bow, a red cloak, and two thousand gold.
• Zhu Ying is invited to a meeting with high-ranking generals and is offered a seat, signifying his new status.
• Fu Youde asks Zhu Ying about his plans for forming his new battalion.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying's status and influence grow significantly with his new title and promotion.
• He demonstrates humility and respect in his interactions with his superiors.
• Zhu Ying shows ambition and strategic thinking in his desire to form a cavalry battalion.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and reward for military merit.
• The politics of favor and influence within the army and the imperial court.
• Ambition and the desire for power and status.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts respectfully with Fu Youde, his superior officer.
• Other generals in the meeting express varying degrees of hostility or wariness towards Zhu Ying due to his rapid rise in status and favor from the crown prince.
• Zhu Ying's response to Fu Youde's question about forming his new battalion shows his confidence and strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying returns with nearly 12,000 warhorses.
• Fu Youde agrees to form a cavalry battalion under Zhu Ying, an assistant commissioner.
• Huai West generals object to the formation of the new battalion.
• Fu Youde decides to continue the assault on Jincheng, with Zhao Yong and Wang Bi taking turns as vanguard.
• Fu Youde asks Zhu Ying to stay behind for a private conversation.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying: Shows strategic thinking and understanding of the army's dynamics; remains calm and composed amidst objections.
• Fu Youde: Demonstrates his authority and ability to make decisions; shows concern for minimizing casualties.
• Huai West Generals: Reveal their competitive nature and desire for military merit; show resistance to Zhu Ying's rise in influence.

Significant Themes

• Competition for military merit and power within the army.
• The cost of siege warfare and the importance of minimizing casualties.
• The strategic use of cavalry and the significance of warhorses.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and Fu Youde: Fu Youde tests Zhu Ying's understanding of the army's dynamics and shows support for his request to form a cavalry battalion.
• Huai West Generals and Zhu Ying: Huai West generals object to Zhu Ying's request, revealing their competitive nature and resistance to his influence.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi: The two generals volunteer to take turns leading the assault on Jincheng, showcasing their eagerness for military merit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying is promoted to Commander of the Thousand Households and granted the title of Baron.
• General Fu Youde warns Zhu Ying to be careful in the army, hinting at potential danger due to his new status.
• Zhu Ying understands that his promotion is a political move by the Emperor to suppress Huai West's influence in the army.
• Zhu Ying's soldiers express their loyalty and willingness to follow him into battle, fearing he might abandon them after his promotion.
• Zhu Ying reassures his soldiers that he will still lead them as the commander of the newly formed Cavalry Thousand-Household Battalion.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying: Shows political awareness and strategic thinking, understanding the implications of his promotion. He also demonstrates strong leadership and care for his soldiers, reassuring them of his commitment.
• Wei Quan and other soldiers: Display unwavering loyalty and trust in Zhu Ying, willing to follow him unto death. They show concern that Zhu Ying might abandon them after his promotion.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and trust between soldiers and their commander.
• Political maneuvering and its consequences within the army.
• The bond between soldiers who have fought together and shared hardships.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and General Fu Youde: Fu Youde warns Zhu Ying about the dangers of his new position, showing a level of concern and respect for Zhu Ying's abilities.
• Zhu Ying and his soldiers: Zhu Ying's soldiers express their loyalty and fear of abandonment, while Zhu Ying reassures them of his commitment, strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying receives two chests of gold from the emperor and the Crown Prince.
• He opens five treasure chests, obtaining valuable items: Flintlock Musket blueprints, Treasure Ship construction blueprints, Premium Hemostatic Powder, Yellow Tier Mid-grade Tiger Head Great Saber, and Yellow Tier High-grade Golden Bell Shield martial skill.
• The Ming Army launches a full-scale attack on Jincheng, with Zhu Ying's cavalry battalion participating.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying's status and influence grow as he becomes the Commander of the Thousand Households and forms a cavalry battalion.
• Feng Sheng, the Great General, demonstrates strategic thinking and caution in his orders to the army.

Significant Themes

• The power of rewards and recognition in motivating soldiers and building loyalty.
• The importance of strategic planning and caution in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts with his personal guards and the army, demonstrating his leadership and care for his soldiers.
• Feng Sheng communicates with his subordinates, showing his role as a strategic planner and commander.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ming Army's assault on Jincheng continues for five days with heavy casualties on both sides.
• Fu Youde, the Ming general, gives Zhao Yong and Wang Bi five more days to take the city.
• Zhu Ying is suggested to lead the attack, but Fu Youde rejects the idea.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi show their willingness to shift blame onto Zhu Ying.
• Fu Youde demonstrates his political acumen by protecting Zhu Ying and maintaining a low profile.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and blame within the Ming Army's command.
• The harsh realities and challenges of siege warfare.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi attempt to use Zhu Ying as a scapegoat for their failures.
• Fu Youde shields Zhu Ying from their attempts to shift blame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying volunteers to lead the assault on Jincheng to prove his capabilities and gain merit.
• Fu Youde agrees, hoping Zhu Ying can succeed where others have failed.
• Zhu Ying plans to attack under cover of night, using cannon fire to suppress the Yuan Army and draw their attention.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates confidence and strategic thinking, showing he's more than just a fierce warrior.
• Fu Youde shows trust in Zhu Ying, despite his reservations about Zhu Ying's siege warfare inexperience.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi underestimate Zhu Ying and hope he fails, revealing their disdain for him.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Fu Youde trusts Zhu Ying with the crucial task of breaching the city, while Zhao Yong and Wang Bi show their lack of trust and loyalty by hoping Zhu Ying fails.
• Ambition and merit: Zhu Ying seeks to gain merit and prove himself, while Zhao Yong and Wang Bi seek to undermine him and gain merit for themselves.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and Fu Youde: They show mutual respect and trust, with Fu Youde giving Zhu Ying the chance to prove himself, and Zhu Ying assuring Fu Youde of his capability.
• Zhu Ying and Zhao Yong/Wang Bi: They have tense interactions, with Zhao Yong and Wang Bi trying to provoke and undermine Zhu Ying, while Zhu Ying remains confident and composed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying is promoted and rewarded for his merits in the Northern Frontier battle.
• He assembles his cavalry battalion under the cover of night to prepare for an attack on Jincheng.
• Zhu Ying reveals his plan to use cavalry to storm the city, surprising his officers but earning their trust and loyalty.
• Zhu Ying discovers disloyalty among his personal guards using the Faction Panel and reassigns them.
• In Jincheng, Northern Yuan generals, including Prince Man Jier, are confident in their defenses and plan to counterattack once the Ming Army's supplies run out.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his charisma and leadership by rallying his troops and inspiring their morale.
• He shows strategic thinking by planning a cavalry assault on Jincheng, despite the risks involved.
• Zhu Ying's trust in his officers is evident as he does not question their surprise at his plan.
• He proves his vigilance and caution by detecting disloyalty among his personal guards and taking immediate action.
• Prince Man Jier and other Northern Yuan generals display overconfidence in their ability to defend Jincheng.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Zhu Ying values loyalty greatly, as shown by his removal of disloyal personal guards and his trust in his officers.
• Leadership: Zhu Ying's ability to inspire and lead his troops is a key theme, as is his strategic thinking in planning the Jincheng assault.
• Confidence vs. Overconfidence: Zhu Ying's confidence in his abilities is balanced, while the Northern Yuan generals display overconfidence in their defenses.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts with his officers, displaying trust and leadership.
• Liu Lei interacts with Zhu Ying, showing respect and curiosity.
• Northern Yuan generals interact with each other, displaying confidence and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Northern Yuan generals are confident in their city's defenses and provisions, discussing their ambition to counterattack the Central Plains.
• Zhu Ying leads the Daning First Assistant Commissioner Cavalry Battalion in a night assault on Jincheng, with two hundred cannons firing first to intimidate the enemy.
• Zhu Ying, at the forefront, charges towards Jincheng, followed by his troops, displaying exceptional morale and fearlessness.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying: Shows his fearless and fierce nature, inspiring his troops with his words and actions. He demonstrates his military prowess and strategic thinking by leading the charge.
• Man Jier: Shows concern for the defense of Jincheng and Kaiyuan City, displaying his strategic awareness and responsibility as a prince.
• Fu Youde: Recognizes the strong morale and military spirit of Zhu Ying's troops, comparing it to Emperor Wu of Han.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi: Criticize Zhu Ying's tactics, expecting him to fail in taking the city and hoping to diminish his reputation.

Significant Themes

• Military strategy and tactics: Zhu Ying's fearless leadership versus the Northern Yuan's defensive strategy.
• Morale and military spirit: The Daning First Assistant Commissioner Cavalry Battalion's high morale and fearlessness in battle.
• Ambition and responsibility: Man Jier's ambition for the Northern Yuan and his responsibility in defending the cities.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying interacts with his troops, inspiring them with his words and leading them into battle.
• Man Jier interacts with the Northern Yuan generals, discussing the city's defenses and their ambitions.
• Fu Youde, Zhao Yong, and Wang Bi observe Zhu Ying's tactics and express their opinions, revealing their differing views on his military prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying, leading the Ming cavalry, breaches Jincheng's heavily fortified gate using his powerful saber skill, "Charged Saber Slash."
• The Yuan Army is shocked and struggles to defend against the sudden cavalry assault.
• The Ming Army, under Fu Youde's command, supports Zhu Ying's attack with relentless cannon fire.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his immense strength and skill, earning the respect of his subordinates.
• Fu Youde shows unwavering trust in Zhu Ying's strategy.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The importance of trust and cooperation between leaders and their subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and his personal guards (Liu Lei, Wei Quan, Zhang Wu) work together, demonstrating camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Fu Youde and Zhu Ying show mutual trust and respect, with Fu Youde supporting Zhu Ying's strategy without question.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying, leading his cavalry, breaches Jincheng's seemingly impregnable gate in a daring charge, catching the Yuan Army off guard.
• The Ming Army begins to establish a foothold within the city, engaging in close-quarters combat with the Yuan troops.
• Fu Youde, realizing the city gate has been breached, orders the main army to advance and launch a full-scale attack.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his exceptional combat skills and fearlessness, inspiring his troops and earning their respect.
• Fu Youde shows strategic acumen by quickly adapting to the situation and ordering a full-scale attack.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi express jealousy and regret for recommending Zhu Ying, as they realize they've lost the opportunity to claim the military merit for breaching the city.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and Strategic Thinking: Zhu Ying's fearless charge and Fu Youde's quick response to the situation highlight the importance of these qualities in warfare.
• Military Merit and Ambition: The generals' reactions to Zhu Ying's achievement emphasize the significance of military merit in their careers and the ambition driving their actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and his personal guards fight side by side, showcasing their camaraderie and loyalty.
• Fu Youde, Zhao Yong, and Wang Bi interact, revealing their jealousy, unwillingness, and regret over Zhu Ying's success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying breaks through Jincheng's defenses, leading Ming Army cavalry into the city.
• All of Zhu Ying's attributes break through 2,000 points, and he receives a Tier 1 treasure chest reward.
• Man Jier, the Northern Yuan Grand Commandant, decides to defend Jincheng to the death.
• The Ming Army launches a massive assault on Jincheng, aiming to capture the city.
• Zhu Yuanzhang grows furious at the lack of progress in the Liaodong campaign, but Zhu Biao reassures him.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying becomes increasingly powerful, with all attributes surpassing 2,000 points, and gains a Tier 1 treasure chest.
• Man Jier shows determination to defend Jincheng, displaying his resolve and leadership.
• Zhu Yuanzhang's anger at the slow progress in Liaodong reveals his impatience and high expectations for victory.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual strength (Zhu Ying's attributes and skills) in determining the outcome of battles.
• The importance of strategic planning and preparation (Naha Chu's defenses and Man Jier's resolve).
• The impact of a leader's mood and expectations on the morale and actions of their subordinates (Zhu Yuanzhang's anger and Zhu Biao's reassurance).

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying leads his cavalry in a fierce assault, inspiring and motivating the Ming Army to press forward.
• Man Jier and the Northern Yuan generals work together to defend Jincheng against the Ming Army's onslaught.
• Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao discuss the Liaodong campaign, with Zhu Biao attempting to appease his father's anger and boost his confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Biao presents a memorial about Zhu Ying's achievements in the Northern Frontier, including capturing ten thousand warhorses from the Tatars.
• Zhu Yuanzhang is pleased and promotes Zhu Ying to Commander of the Thousand Households, allowing him to form an Assistant Commissioner Cavalry Battalion.
• Zhu Ying leads the Ming Army in a night assault on Jincheng, breaching the city and slaughtering Yuan soldiers.
• Zhu Ying kills the Yuan commander Saritawen, earning significant rewards and military merit.

Character Developments

• Zhu Yuanzhang: Shows favor towards Zhu Ying and approves of his promotions and new battalion.
• Zhu Biao: Continues to support and promote Zhu Ying, solidifying his position as a rising noble in the court.
• Zhu Ying: Proves his military prowess and earns significant rewards and military merit, further cementing his status as a capable general.

Significant Themes

• Military prowess and merit: Zhu Ying's actions and achievements highlight the importance of military prowess and earning merit in the Ming Dynasty.
• Loyalty and service: Zhu Ying's dedication to serving the Ming Dynasty is emphasized, as is Zhu Biao's support for him.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao: The emperor and crown prince have a positive interaction, with Zhu Yuanzhang approving of Zhu Biao's decisions regarding Zhu Ying.
• Zhu Ying and the Yuan Army: Zhu Ying's ferocity and skill in battle are demonstrated as he leads the Ming Army in slaughtering Yuan soldiers and ultimately killing their commander.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying's army breaches Jincheng, killing the Northern Yuan's commander, Saritawen, and routing the Yuan soldiers.
• Zhu Ying pursues the retreating Yuan Army, breaking through their defensive lines and approaching the city's commandery residence.
• Meanwhile, Zhao Yong and Wang Bi lead their armies into Jincheng, aiming to capture Man Jier, the Yuan Army's commanding general, but struggle against Zhu Ying's momentum.
• Outside Jincheng, Fu Youde awaits news of the city's fall, hoping to claim the foremost merit in the campaign against Liaodong.
• Inside Jincheng, Man Jier decides to defend the city to the end, rallying his personal guards to face the Ming Army.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates exceptional valor and leadership, boosting his army's morale and increasing his attributes.
• Man Jier shows courage and determination, choosing to defend Jincheng despite the dire situation.
• Fu Youde reveals his ambition to gain more military merit and secure his family's future.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a general's personal example in boosting morale and inspiring soldiers.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent and overestimating one's own abilities (illustrated by Zhao Yong and Wang Bi).
• The struggle for merit and recognition among military commanders.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying's army interacts with the routed Yuan Army, pursuing and killing them.
• Zhu Ying's army clashes with the Yuan Army's defensive lines, with Zhu Ying leading the charge.
• Man Jier interacts with his personal guards, deciding to defend Jincheng together.
• Fu Youde interacts with his personal guards, awaiting news of Jincheng's fall and discussing reporting to General Feng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying aims to slay the enemy's commanding general and claim all credit for breaching Jincheng.
• Man Jier, a Prince of the Northern Yuan, rallies his troops and faces the Ming Army.
• Zhu Ying leads the Ming Army in a fierce battle against the Northern Yuan forces.
• Zhu Ying kills Man Jier, boosting his attributes and earning a Tier 1 treasure chest.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his strategic thinking, leadership, and combat skills.
• Man Jier shows resilience and determination, but ultimately falls to Zhu Ying.

Significant Themes

• The clash between the Ming Dynasty and the Northern Yuan, highlighting their enmity.
• The importance of morale and leadership in battle, as seen in Man Jier's rallying of his troops and Zhu Ying's inspiring his own army.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying and Man Jier have a brief but intense interaction, culminating in Man Jier's death.
• Zhu Ying inspires his troops, leading to a surge in morale and a successful charge against the Northern Yuan forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Youde's army remains outside Jincheng, awaiting the battle's outcome.
• Zhu Ying's army successfully breaches Jincheng, and he personally kills Man Jier, the Northern Yuan commander.
• Fu Youde orders the execution of resisting Yuan soldiers and the sparing of those who surrender.
• Zhu Ying enters Man Jier's residence, finds a treasure storeroom, and begins storing away the riches.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi arrive at the general's residence but find it already secured by Zhu Ying's troops.

Character Developments

• Fu Youde demonstrates strategic patience and concern for his soldiers' welfare.
• Zhu Ying shows tactical prowess, decisiveness, and greed for wealth.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi display determination and unwillingness to accept defeat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of merit and recognition in warfare.
• The chaos and opportunities presented by wartime.
• The contrast between the Ming Army's discipline and the Yuan Army's collapse.

Character Interactions

• Fu Youde and the commander of his personal guards discuss the battle's outcome and reward the soldiers.
• Zhu Ying and Liu Lei work together to secure the treasure storeroom.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi share their thoughts on the situation and Man Jier's fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Ying's forces successfully breach Jincheng, and he kills the commanding general, Man Jier.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi arrive at the Jincheng commandery residence, intending to loot its wealth.
• Zhu Ying confronts them, publicly humiliates them, and claims the commandery residence's treasures for his own troops.

Character Developments

• Zhu Ying demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness in dealing with Zhao Yong and Wang Bi, showing no fear of their authority.
• Zhao Yong and Wang Bi reveal their greed and lack of self-control, leading to their public humiliation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the military.
• Zhu Ying's growing influence and willingness to defy established authorities.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Ying vs. Zhao Yong and Wang Bi: Zhu Ying outmaneuvers the two generals, publicly shaming them and claiming the commandery residence's treasures.
• Zhu Ying vs. Zhuang Wei: Zhu Ying supports Zhuang Wei's refusal to let Zhao Yong enter the residence, further solidifying his alliance with the Qianshi Battalion.