Expedition (1)
The roar of war echoed in the air like distant thunder, announcing the arrival of a conflict that would shape the destiny of the Empire. Han Yue, with his cold and calculating gaze, was ready to take the next step in his ascent to power. Having consolidated his army and eliminated any trace of internal dissent, it was now time to act alongside Yuan Guo and Luo Wen so that the families in the capital could remain at ease while they prepared for the coup. The expedition against the rebels was a crucial mission for their future plans, but it would not be a simple military campaign.
The rebels were not a passive enemy waiting to be destroyed. They controlled several heavily fortified cities, strategically positioned to hinder the advance of any army seeking to subdue them. Furthermore, their cause was not isolated—other nearby rebel factions viewed the Yellow Banners as a symbol of resistance and were willing to support them in the war. However, Han Yue could not afford defeat. Beyond the imperial mission to restore order and reassure the families for the future plan, this campaign was a test of his control over the region and his personal ability to command a large army. He was not only securing the loyalty of his troops but also solidifying his position as an indispensable leader for the Empire's future.
In the fortress, under the dim light of torches, Han Yue convened his military council. The command tent was filled with an air of solemnity and tension. At the center of the room, a massive map of the imperial territory was spread across an oak table. Red and black markings indicated the positions of the warring factions, painting a picture of chaos and disorder. Yuan Guo, his expression calm and thoughtful, ran his hand over the map's surface as if he could feel the weight of the lives that would soon be lost in those places.
"The Emperor has entrusted us with this mission because he understands that the rebellion has reached a breaking point," Yuan Guo said firmly, breaking the silence. "We cannot allow the insurgent forces to continue destabilizing the Empire. If we do not act now, the chaos will spread like an uncontrollable wildfire."
Luo Wen, arms crossed and expression unreadable, nodded slowly. He knew this campaign was not just a battle against the rebels; it was a statement of power. Defeating the Yellow Banners would not only consolidate Han Yue's position but also prove to the Empire that order could still be restored. Yet, deep in his mind, a lingering question remained—were they fighting for the Empire or for the ambition of a single man?
Han Yue, with his characteristic strategic precision, leaned over the table and pointed to the location of the Yellow Banner Army, the most powerful and well-organized rebel faction.
"They are our primary target," he declared coldly. "We cannot allow them to continue advancing. If they fall, the rebellion will fracture, and the remaining factions will crumble like a house of cards."
The generals and officers nodded in silence, fully aware of the importance of this campaign. Victory would not only bring glory but also ensure their survival in a world where power shifted hands as quickly as a lightning strike.
Han Yue had gathered an impressive force for the offensive—60,000 soldiers from his personal army, loyal and disciplined veterans who had sworn to follow him to death; 20,000 troops brought by Luo Wen and Yuan Guo, battle-hardened warriors who had proven their worth in previous campaigns; and 100,000 soldiers recruited from the local population, a mix of hastily trained militiamen and peasants drafted to swell the army's ranks. Though the latter lacked experience, their sheer numbers were enough to intimidate any enemy.
But most importantly, Han Yue was not entering this war with all his enemies against him. The rebel factions that had once secretly counted on his support understood that the balance of power had shifted. Rather than resisting, they surrendered to Han Yue, who, in an act of "mercy," "pardoned" them and integrated them into his army.
"They fight for me now," Han Yue said with an inscrutable smile when Luo Wen remarked on the unexpected turn of events.
Yuan Guo was not surprised. He knew that Han Yue was neither a man of faith nor of mercy. Forgiving the rebels was not an act of clemency but a political maneuver. If he had executed them, others would have resisted more fiercely. By incorporating them into his army, he demonstrated that his cause was the winning one—that the only options were to follow him or perish.
Yet, even with his vast army, the campaign would not be easy. The Yellow Banners were not an opponent easily broken. They not only had an army of 150,000 to 200,000 soldiers but also controlled strategic fortified cities. Their walls were tall, their defenses well-prepared, and their supplies seemingly sufficient to withstand a prolonged siege.
"We might face a war of attrition," Yuan Guo commented as he studied the map.
"Then we won't give them that option," Han Yue replied. "We need to strike quickly before other rebel factions can come to their aid."
It was a calculated risk. While the rebels had impressive numbers, their forces were not homogeneous. Most were peasants armed with spears and farming tools—men who had taken up arms not for glory or ambition but out of desperation. Despite their numbers, they lacked discipline, training, and experienced military leadership.
Luo Wen carefully examined the scout reports.
"They seem like a formidable force," he remarked. "But most of them are inexperienced peasants."
"Numbers do not compensate for lack of organization," Yuan Guo replied with a faint smile. "An army of lions led by a lamb will fall to an army of lambs led by a lion."
Han Yue smirked with disdain.
"A fanatic who believes the rebellion will triumph through the people's will," he said coldly. "His fervor blinds his judgment. He does not see that his army is a disorganized mass of hungry, poorly armed men. And his faith in sheer numbers will be his downfall."
The march began at dawn, thousands of soldiers moving in perfect formation. The sight of the vast army was awe-inspiring. From atop a hill, Luo Wen watched the long column of armed men, banners fluttering in the wind, the sound of drums setting the pace of their march. The air vibrated with the energy of war, and every soldier knew that his life depended on the skill of his leaders.
Han Yue reorganized the ranks, integrating the former rebels into units mixed with his loyal troops. In doing so, he ensured that mutual distrust kept them in check. He knew that loyalty was not earned through words but through actions, and he was determined to prove that his leadership was unshakable.
In the distance, the fortified rebel cities loomed on the horizon, awaiting the inevitable clash. The walls looked imposing, but Han Yue knew that the true strength of an army was not in its defenses but in the minds of its leaders. And in that aspect, he had the advantage.
"We cannot give them time to prepare," Han Yue said, breaking the silence. "We must attack before they can reinforce their defenses."
"But a frontal assault would be a waste of troops," Yuan Guo pointed out, frowning. "We need to weaken their position before launching a full offensive."
Luo Wen drew a line in the dirt with the tip of his sword, dividing the valley into three sections.
"We can split our forces into three," he proposed. "A harassment unit will keep them under constant pressure while the main forces position themselves for the assault. If we wear them down enough, their morale will break before the battle even begins."
Han Yue gave a slight approving smile and nodded.
"The rebels believe this war will be won through fervor and numbers," he said. "We will show them that order and strategy are far more powerful."
That night, as the army prepared for battle, Luo Wen walked alone through the camp. The air was thick with tension, the sound of smiths sharpening swords and soldiers murmuring creating a symphony of anticipation. Near the watch post, he found Yuan Guo gazing at the horizon, his expression pensive.
"Tomorrow will be the true test," Luo Wen said quietly.
"And it will be Han Yue's test as well," Yuan Guo replied without looking away.
Luo Wen hesitated before asking, "Do you think Han Yue is truly fighting for the Empire?"
Yuan Guo turned to him, his eyes reflecting the torchlight.
"He fights for order," he said firmly. "Not for the Emperor."
Luo Wen remained silent, sensing an unsettling truth in those words. He knew that by dawn, the Empire's fate would be decided—and that, regardless of the outcome, nothing would ever be the same.
The wind blew fiercely, carrying away the last remnants of peace. War was about to begin, and with it, the future of all.