After the intense fight with Wei Heng and his group of recruits, Xu Anping found himself following the rebel leader Li Heng, a man whose authority and experience were palpable from the first moment he emerged from the shadows. They walked in silence through the rebel camp, its disorganized tents reflecting the same lack of cohesion Xu Anping had observed since his arrival. The chaos not only permeated the daily training; it was a deeper problem corroding the foundations of the rebel army.
As they walked, Xu Anping observed the faces of other recruits and soldiers. Some looked exhausted, while others seemed completely unmotivated, wandering without any clear direction. The low voices of a few officers, giving scattered orders, barely managed to rise above the constant murmur of life in the camp. The air smelled of desperation and fatigue, a combination that made Xu Anping feel even more uneasy about the rebellion's future.
Finally, they arrived at a tent slightly removed from the noise, larger and better organized than the others. Li Heng gestured for Xu Anping to sit at a worn wooden table. The marks on its surface suggested it had been used in many previous meetings, crucial decisions likely made in that very spot. Without preamble, the rebel leader began to speak.
"I know you have questions," Li Heng said firmly, his eyes locked onto Xu Anping's. "What you saw today is just a small sample of the problems preventing us from advancing as a united force."
Xu Anping nodded but didn't rush to speak. He wanted to choose his words carefully before asking any questions. He couldn't afford to let his curiosity make him seem inexperienced or weak in front of a man like Li Heng, who clearly tolerated no nonsense.
"I don't understand something," he finally said, weighing each word. "If we're the greatest threat to the Empire, how is it possible that we're so disorganized? There barely seems to be any coherent command. How can we win if we continue like this?"
Li Heng let out a dry, bitter laugh. It was a reaction Xu Anping hadn't expected, but it immediately told him his doubts were valid, though the answer wouldn't be simple.
"That's precisely our greatest weakness," Li Heng responded, a bitter glint in his eyes. "Even though we're considered the greatest threat, the truth is we're far from being a unified force. Our rebel faction is nothing more than a fragmented coalition, made up of countless factions, each with its own leader, its own motivations, and its own way of doing things. For some, this is a fight for survival. For others, like me, it's an opportunity to build something greater."
Li Heng paused, studying Xu Anping's face carefully, as if assessing whether he was grasping the gravity of the situation.
"Our current leader," he continued, "is a nobleman who was caught conspiring against the emperor. After escaping, he merged his personal army with other traitorous nobles. Together, they now form the core of our rebellion, with about 50,000 well-trained and armed soldiers. Our leader commands 12,000 troops himself, but most of the other leaders come from the lower classes: peasants, bandits, and people who rebelled out of desperation or greed, seeking to improve their social status. Not everyone fights for principles or justice; many see this war as an opportunity to change their position in society."
Xu Anping pondered what Li Heng had explained. He had heard rumors about nobles rebelling against the Empire, but he hadn't imagined the scale of the conflict. It was becoming increasingly clear to him that this war was far more complex than he had initially thought.
"What about you?" Xu Anping asked. "What's your place in all of this?"
Li Heng smiled, but it was a smile devoid of joy.
"I'm the son of a merchant," he said with a hint of pride. "Unlike many here, I received some education, and thanks to my family's wealth, I've been able to buy many weapons and armor for my men. But what I lack are competent officers. I need talented people to lead the troops, and that's why I'm looking among the recruits."
Li Heng leaned forward, staring directly into Xu Anping's eyes.
"And I think you have that talent, Xu Anping. What you did today didn't go unnoticed. I need people like you, with intelligence and determination. I'm going to give you an opportunity. If you successfully lead a mission, you'll be the leader of your group of recruits and begin your career as an officer in my faction."
Xu Anping's heart raced at Li Heng's words. He knew this was a rare opportunity, but he also understood the immense risk involved. If he failed, his life would likely end right there.
"What mission?" he asked calmly, though his mind was full of uncertainty.
Li Heng stood up and walked toward a map hanging on the wall. He pointed to a location near the camp, a few kilometers to the north.
"There's a small Imperial outpost a few kilometers from here, to the north," he said. "It's manned by only 18 soldiers, basically a wooden-walled watchtower. It's an outpost with little strategic value, but it will serve to prove your worth. If you manage to take it, you'll become the leader of your group of 50 men, and you'll earn the recognition needed to advance. Are you interested?"
Xu Anping reflected for a moment on the offer. He knew that accepting meant taking a great risk, but staying as a mere soldier under the command of incompetent officers seemed even more dangerous. Each day in the rebel camp had fed his frustration as he watched the ineffectiveness of the higher-ups. This mission was his chance to change his destiny.
"I'll do it," he responded with determination in his eyes.
Li Heng smiled with satisfaction.
"Good. You have three days to prepare your group. The attack must be swift and flawless. We can't afford to lose many men on this mission. Go and rest; you'll need to be in top shape."
When Xu Anping left the tent, the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders. He walked toward his own tent, reflecting on what this new role meant. He would no longer only have to worry about his own survival but also about the 50 men now under his command. That night, he barely slept, his mind occupied with strategizing and considering different scenarios that might arise the next day.