The spearhead commander of the Khitan army launches an attack and captures Kang Jo. The emperor of Khitan threatens Kang Jo and the captured generals to become vassals of Khitan. Meanwhile, Hyeonjong receives the news that the Goryeo army was defeated, and Deputy Minister Kang advises him not to share the news with the people.

Deputy Minister Kang successfully deceives the Emperor of Khitan and returns to Gaegyeong to relay the news to Hyeonjong. However, the chancellors are not pleased as they believe he took the chance to negotiate with the Khitans. Meanwhile, Gwakju, Yeongju, and Sukju have fallen, and the Khitan army is on their way to seize the Seogyeong Fortress.