- During the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Western Xia army invades the frontier.
- The Yang family’s third-generation hero, Yang Zongbao, is in charge of defending the border.
- Yang Zongbao, who is fifty years old, commands with authority, and his reputation remains strong.
The Song and Western Xia armies engage in multiple battles, with heavy casualties on both sides, resulting in a stalemate. 
- The Western Xia army sets up camp under the Flying Dragon Mountain, a strategic location that is difficult to defend.
- The locals inform them of a dangerous pass called Ming Lou, which could lead them to the rear of the enemy.
- Yang Zongbao, along with General Yue Yanyi, decides to personally inspect the pass to find a way to overcome the enemy.
- At night, Yang Zongbao orders Ma Zhong to prepare the White Dragon Horse.
- Along with two trusted soldiers, he rides under the moonlight, heading straight for the Ming Lou Pass to begin the assault.
- At dawn, Yang Zongbao rides the White Dragon Horse back to the camp.
- Yue Fei rushes out to greet him, only to find an arrow lodged deep in Yang Zongbao’s chest—he has already died.
- Yue Fei sends men to search for Zongbao’s companions, discovering that the two loyal soldiers who accompanied him also died in battle, and Zhang Hu was severely injured as well.
- When the Western Xia army learns of Yang Zongbao’s death, they intensify their attack, making the situation extremely dire.
- Yue Fei hurriedly sends Meng Liang and Jiao Zan on a night-long journey to the capital to request reinforcements.
- Upon arriving at the Yang Mansion in the capital, Meng Liang and Jiao Zan find the front yard quiet and peaceful, while the inside is filled with joyful atmosphere.
- It turns out that today is the day of Yang Zongbao’s 50th birthday, and the entire family is busy preparing for a grand celebration.
- The banquet hall is adorned with festive lanterns, radiating brightness and splendor.
- Madam Yang, originally a female general known for her prowess in battle, is now dressed in red.
- Though joyful on the surface, she is deeply worried about her husband stationed at the remote frontier. She prays silently for his safe return and long-lasting health.
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- Yang Zongbao’s mother, Lady Chai, is also in high spirits. She personally helps her daughter-in-law, Madam Yang, prepare the decorations.
- At this moment, the family servant Yang Hong rushes in to announce that Meng Liang and Jiao Zan have arrived.
- Lady Chai and Madam Yang, knowing they are here to deliver news about Zongbao, are both filled with worry and anticipation.
Lady Chai and Madam Yang come out to greet them. Seeing Meng Liang and Jiao Zan dressed in simple clothes with anxious expressions, they are immediately startled and suspect something is amiss.