Expedition (2)

Han Yue had decided to attack Liang Chen with the firm conviction that a decisive battle was the only way to quickly end the rebellion. However, he knew that the rebels, cunning and well-organized, would not face him in open fields, where his army could deploy its numerical and tactical superiority. Instead, the rebels were regrouping and strengthening, which meant that if he did not act quickly, the situation could spiral out of control. Liang Chen, the main rebel city, was the heart of the resistance: all supplies were stored there, and from there the war efforts were coordinated. Capturing it would not only deprive the rebels of crucial resources but would also force a direct confrontation. However, the task would not be easy, as Liang Chen was defended by 20,000 well-entrenched soldiers. Time was as formidable an enemy as the rebels themselves, and Han Yue knew he had to act swiftly and precisely to prevent the rebellion from growing further.

The advance of Han Yue's army towards Liang Chen had been swift and efficient, but halfway there, they encountered an unexpected obstacle. Before them, rising atop a strategic hill, stood a rebel fortress whose existence had not been accounted for in the initial plans. It was a robust structure, with high stone walls and watchtowers dominating the surrounding terrain. From above, the banners of the Yellow Flags fluttered defiantly, announcing the resistance that lay ahead.

The scouts sent ahead returned with troubling reports. The enemy garrison numbered around 15,000 men, well-armed and entrenched in a formidable defensive position. Worse still, Liang Chen was only a few days' march away, and the rebels were already mobilizing reinforcements to strengthen both the fortress and the main city. If they delayed too long here, they would lose the chance to take Liang Chen before it became impossible.

Han Yue gathered his generals and commanders in his command tent. In the center, a detailed map of the area showed the location of the fortress and the roads to Liang Chen. The air was thick with tension as the officers examined the situation with serious expressions.

"This fortress is a problem," Han Yue said in his relentless tone. "We can't bypass it and leave it behind, or they'll attack us from the rear when we move on Liang Chen. But we also can't afford a prolonged siege. We need a quick solution."

Luo Wen, arms crossed, studied the map carefully.

"How are their provisions?" he asked. "If we can cut off their food and water supply, we might force them to surrender without a direct assault."

Yuan Guo shook his head.

"Reports indicate they have enough supplies to hold out for several weeks, maybe months. Moreover, they've reinforced their walls and set up barricades along the supply routes. A siege would delay us too much. Liang Chen could be reinforced before we even manage to attack."

One of the generals spoke up with concern.

"A frontal assault will cost us many lives. The fortress is well-positioned on the hill, and their archers have the advantage from the heights. We could try a nighttime climb, but we don't know how well-guarded the walls are."

Han Yue slammed his fist on the table, impatient.

"There's no victory without sacrifices. But we won't waste men on a senseless attack. We need a strategy that minimizes losses without dragging the fight out too long."

Luo Wen exchanged a glance with Yuan Guo. They knew Han Yue was ambitious and determined but not reckless. Despite his impatience, he understood the importance of every soldier in the campaign.

"We can split our forces," Luo Wen suggested. "A distraction at the front while a select group tries to take one of the gates from the inside. If we manage to infiltrate, we could open the gates and allow a swift entry before the defenders can react."

Yuan Guo nodded slowly.

"A risky maneuver, but effective if executed well. We'll need scouts to identify weak points in their defenses and possible infiltration routes. We could also simulate a retreat after an initial attack to lure them out of their positions."

Han Yue considered the proposal for a few moments before nodding.

"We'll have to act quickly. We'll mobilize our best men for the infiltration while preparing an attack at the front. Coordination will be key. If we fail, the garrison could hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive, and then we'll be in serious trouble."

One of the officers, the veteran commander Wei Rong, crossed his arms with a thoughtful expression.

"If we want to draw their attention to the main entrance, we need the initial attack to be convincing enough that they don't suspect the infiltration. We can send a shock unit with catapults to simulate a traditional siege."

Another general, Sun Kang, added:

"If we can get them to come out for a counteroffensive, we could split their forces. At that moment, the infiltration team should take advantage of the confusion to open the gates."

Han Yue nodded in approval.

"Good, we'll proceed as such. Yuan Guo, select the best men for the infiltration. Luo Wen, you and I will oversee the frontal assault. We cannot fail this maneuver."

The commanders left the tent with their orders clear. The camp came alive immediately, with soldiers sharpening their weapons, checking their armor, and preparing for the impending battle. The scouts departed silently to gather crucial information about the fortress, while the officers organized the attack divisions and necessary supplies.

Luo Wen remained beside Yuan Guo, watching the activity with a mix of anticipation and concern.

"Han Yue does not accept defeat," Luo Wen remarked. "He's determined to take this fortress at any cost."

"That's how leaders are forged," Yuan Guo replied calmly. "But that's also how those who don't know their limits fall. We'll see which side of history he ends up on."

Night fell over the camp, cloaking it in a shroud of uncertainty. The next day, the battle would begin, and with it, the fate of the campaign could change in an instant.

Han Yue, aware that the rebel fortress would not fall without a well-planned assault, spent much of the night overseeing the preparation of the siege engines. Under his watchful eye, engineers and soldiers worked tirelessly to assemble and position the catapults, siege towers, and battering rams that would be crucial for the attack. The catapults, with their massive wooden arms and taut ropes, were strategically placed to hurl incendiary projectiles and rocks against the fortress walls. The siege towers, tall and sturdy, were built with reinforced wooden planks and equipped with platforms for archers to shoot from elevated positions. The battering rams, protected by roofs covered in wet hides to resist enemy fire, were prepared to smash through the main gates. Han Yue inspected each of the machines personally, ensuring every detail was ready for battle. He knew that the success of the assault depended not only on the bravery of his men but also on the effectiveness of these tools of war. With everything in place, he gave the final order: at dawn, the fortress would be subjected to relentless bombardment, and its walls would fall under the weight of the siege engines and the determination of his army.