With both its commanding major general and inspector general dead, three out of five brigadier generals fallen, and heavy casualties among the soldiers, the 10,000-strong division was plunged into chaos. Yet, amidst the turmoil, the two remaining brigadier generals strove to restore order, gradually bringing some semblance of order to the disoriented army.2

As dawn was just about to break, the sound of galloping horses echoed outside the large encampment. The group of riders rapidly closed in.2

"The ninth prince has arrived in person, where is Wang Xiaohe? Tell him to hurry up and welcome the prince!" A booming voice called out.5

Even after a long pause, there was no response, prompting the group to storm angrily into the camp.0

…2

"What? Wang Xiaohe has perished just this night? Assassinated by a fearsome expert?" The group of experts clustered protectively around a young man in black robes, shocked to receive such a bolt out of the blue.0

"How can this be? A month ago, General Wang was still in perfect health when he bade me farewell at Linjiang...8