The survivors’ only wish was to return to Chang’an to reunite with their families. Cold and hungry, Wen Wuji began telling them about the delicacies of Chang’an to help alleviate their hunger. The Deputy Minister announces that the Lantern Festival banquet has commenced, and both officials and civilians begin to enjoy the wondrous lanterns. The sight triggers memories of the catastrophic Battle of Fort Beacon for Zhang Xiaojing. Soldiers of the Eighth Squad had run out of food.
幸存的兄弟唯一愿望是想回到长安城与家人团聚，可他们饥寒交迫，闻无忌就给大家讲长安城的各种珍馐美味缓解饥饿感。礼部侍郎张某言宣布上元夜放宴，大酺群臣与天下百姓共赏奇灯，张小敬触景生情，不由地想起那悲壮惨烈的烽燧堡之战。第八团的将士们已经断粮，在大家饥寒交迫的时候，负责搬救兵的陈行范及时赶回来并带来军粮。陈行范为了安抚军心，谎称大唐的援军不日就会到来。何游鲁中了敌军埋伏，张小敬眼睁睁看着何游鲁被敌军吊打羞辱却无能为力。闻无忌让兄弟们自由选择去和留，张小敬和闻无忌回到长安，张小敬做了长安郊县的不良人，他时常来闻无忌家帮忙干活，闻染对他渐渐产生了依赖。
