Future plans

Luo Wen stood with his arms crossed, observing the map spread out before him, his dark eyes tracing every line and symbol. Beside him, Yuan Guo remained silent, his hands resting on the worn wooden table. The room was illuminated by the faint light of an oil lamp, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Outside, the sound of horses' hooves and the murmurs of soldiers served as a reminder that the camp never rested.

The young strategist tried to hide his anxiety. He had dreamed of moments like this since he was a boy: maps, strategies, decisions that would change the fate of the Empire. Yet, the reality weighed much heavier than he had anticipated. Every line on the map represented human lives that depended on him, and every decision seemed to open a labyrinth of possible consequences. Luo Wen took a deep breath and let his gaze settle on Yuan Guo.

"If we want to succeed, it's not enough to defeat the rebellions," said Luo Wen, breaking the silence with a firm but controlled tone. "We need more than just victories on the battlefield. We need allies."

Yuan Guo nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the map. Though he respected Luo Wen's sharpness, he knew the young strategist sometimes underestimated the political complexity of his plans. Yuan Guo chose his words carefully.

"The four families control the capital, the center of imperial politics, but their influence outside of it is considerably weaker. If we can consolidate the support of the generals and commanders in the provinces, we can build a solid foundation. One that the Emperor can use to reclaim his throne."

Luo Wen leaned over the table, pointing to a region in the north marked with a red circle. His enthusiasm was evident, but Yuan Guo noticed the slight tremor in his hand. Was it nervousness or simply youthful excitement?

"Han Yue could be a good option for an alliance, though he's currently collaborating with the rebels," Yuan Guo stated calmly, breaking the silence that dominated the room.

Luo Wen stopped in his tracks, incredulous.

"What?" The word came out as a whisper, soon growing into a tone of disbelief. "Why would he do something so foolish? The rebels are a threat to the entire Empire. Even if they manage to weaken the four families, in the end, they'll only be strengthening a greater enemy."

"It's not that simple," replied Yuan Guo, pointing to the regions controlled by Han Yue. "Han Yue trusts neither the four families nor the Emperor. He's playing his own game, eliminating rival nobles while using the rebels as tools to secure his influence and power in this region, ensuring his safety in these turbulent times."

Luo frowned, trying to process the revelation. How could they trust someone willing to betray the Empire for personal ambitions?

"Han Yue seeks to consolidate his absolute power in the region," Yuan Guo continued. "He wants to eliminate the other noble families and establish his hegemony. Once he achieves what he wants, he'll likely betray the rebels as well."

For a moment, Luo Wen's thoughts overflowed. The image of Han Yue shaking hands with the rebels infuriated him. In his mind, he already saw the traitor rising as a tyrant amidst the ruins of the Empire.

"It's despicable," murmured Luo Wen, slamming a clenched fist on the table. "Aligning with the rebels... it's a betrayal of everything the Empire stands for. How can you even consider this, Yuan Guo?"

The veteran strategist looked at him calmly, as if he had already anticipated this reaction.

"Because we're not in a position of luxury, Luo Wen. The four families are organized, and their armies are formidable. If we try to face them directly, our chances of success are minimal. But with Han Yue on our side, we could tip the scales in our favor."

Luo clenched his teeth. He knew Yuan Guo was right, but accepting that truth went against all his instincts.

"And what if, after defeating the families, Han Yue decides to betray us too?" asked Luo, trying to find an argument to dismiss the possibility.

Yuan Guo traced a line on the map with his finger.

"That's why we must be more cunning than him. If we agree to an alliance, it will be on our terms. We need to ensure he can't turn against us once he achieves his goal."

Luo Wen let out a frustrated sigh and stepped away from the table. Despite his youth, he was aware that war wasn't a game of absolute principles but of strategies and sacrifices. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disgust at the idea of working alongside someone like Han Yue.

His thoughts drifted back to his childhood, to the days when he dreamed of becoming a hero. He had always imagined that decisions would be clearer, that the lines between good and evil would be evident. But now he saw that those lines were blurred, like the smoke rising from the battlefields.

"How do you plan to approach this?" he finally asked, crossing his arms.

"With caution," said Yuan Guo. "We'll send an emissary to begin negotiations. We'll present our proposal as a unique opportunity: to join forces to eliminate the four families and stabilize the region. But we must make it clear that our priority is to restore the Emperor's power, not to strengthen an ambitious feudal lord."

Luo Wen nodded slowly, though a whirlwind of thoughts still churned in his mind. What if this alliance ended up costing them more than they gained? What if Han Yue decided to switch sides at the most critical moment?

"Alright," he said finally. "But I want to be the one to oversee the negotiations. If Han Yue tries anything suspicious, I want to be there to see it with my own eyes."

Yuan Guo raised an eyebrow, surprised by Luo's declaration, but nodded after a moment.

"Very well. But remember, Luo, this isn't about proving bravery. We need caution and precision. We can't afford mistakes."

As the conversation came to an end, Luo Wen couldn't help but glance at the map once more. The marks representing Han Yue's troops stood out like both a promise and a threat. The young commander clenched his fists, determined to face whatever came, even if it meant working with someone like Han Yue.

That night, as the camp slept under the starlight, Luo Wen couldn't find rest. His mind continued to wrestle with Yuan Guo's words. It was clear that allying with Han Yue could change the course of their struggle against the four families, but it could also doom them if the man decided to betray them.

Luo stepped out of his tent, seeking the cold air to clear his mind. From a nearby hill, he could see the scattered lights of the camp, the soldiers on guard, and in the distance, the vast lands that had once been the heart of the Empire. That Empire now teetered, torn apart by ambition and corruption.

"This isn't what I imagined," he thought, clenching his fists. He remembered his strategy teacher, a man who always spoke of honor in war, of justice as the ultimate goal of any struggle. But now, every move felt like a compromise, every decision like a betrayal of those ideals.

"Do you have doubts?" Yuan Guo's voice pulled him from his thoughts. The veteran had appeared silently at his side, as if he had known exactly where to find him.

"It's not doubt," replied Luo Wen, though his tone lacked firmness. "It's frustration. Han Yue should be our enemy, not a potential ally. It's hard to accept that we need someone like him."

Yuan Guo gazed at the horizon, his expression grave but calm.

"War is never clean, Luo. If you want to restore the Empire, you must be willing to get your hands dirty. It doesn't mean you forget your principles, but sometimes you have to compromise to achieve the greater goal."

Luo Wen didn't respond immediately. In his heart, he knew Yuan was right, but accepting that truth didn't make the weight any less oppressive.

"Then I have no choice," he said finally. "I'll do what's necessary. But if Han Yue betrays us, I'll be the first to face him."

Yuan Guo smiled faintly, satisfied with the response.

"That's what I hoped to hear, Luo. Now rest. Tomorrow we begin to move, and you'll need all your energy."

As Luo returned to his tent, he felt the shadow of betrayal lurking around every corner of their plan. But he also knew there was no turning back. The fate of the Empire depended on decisions like this, even if they cost him sleepless nights and a moral burden he wasn't sure he could bear.