Zhongxuan Chuliang thrice refused the letter of surrender, leaving Yang Jiande with no choice but to decisively raise troops and issue an imperial edict for the whole country to expedite an aide to the king.
From the perspective of "public opinion," Yang Country's mobilization of troops to attack the forces that were blockading its borders was both justifiable and reasonable, and above any reproach.
But at the same time, to maintain the order in the Eastern Region, Qi Country dispatched troops to contain the spread of the epidemic, a rationale that also held water.
Especially since Yang Country was once a vassal of Qi Country, from a ceremonial point of view, the Yang realm could also be considered as Qi territory.
Moreover, Zhongxuan Chuliang's forces had locked down Yang Country ostensibly only to combat the epidemic, without invading an inch of Yang Country's land. If Yang's troops launched an attack, a counterattack would also be within the bounds of reason.
