Xu Anping left the tavern with Wang Jian, both in silence as the deserted streets of Duomai surrounded them in an atmosphere of uncertainty. The city, shrouded in dust and with the distant echo of war, seemed distant, almost ghostly under the starry sky. Wang Jian had been reserved throughout the conversation in the tavern, and the silence between them only heightened the sense of anticipation.
Finally, Wang Jian stopped under the faint light of a paper lantern hanging from a closed shop, turning to Xu Anping. —"I hadn't seen you around here before," said Wang Jian, in a neutral but evaluating tone. "Who are you?"
Xu Anping watched him for a moment before answering. He knew that if he wanted to accomplish anything in this meeting, he had to be direct. —"My name is Xu Anping," he replied, his voice calm but firm. "I've come looking for something more than just survival. I've heard about the rebels, about their divisions and internal struggles, but I've also seen the chaos of the Empire. I know this war can be won, but not if things continue as they are."
Xu Anping paused, his gaze fixed on the horizon, as if the answers to all his doubts were hidden in the darkness of the night. He could no longer continue living the same way, passively watching the world collapse around him. —"I've come to talk to you about the state of the world today," he continued finally, his voice loaded with determination, "and about how we could change it."
Wang Jian looked at him in silence, waiting for him to continue. Xu Anping took a breath, organizing his thoughts. —"I believe the rebels have a chance to win," he said with conviction. "The Empire is corrupt, collapsing under the weight of its own excesses. But the rebels are divided and disorganized. They need someone to unite and lead them. I want to be that person. I want to lead this rebellion to victory."
Wang Jian looked at him intently, absorbing his words. Until that moment, he had seen Xu Anping as a determined man, but he hadn't expected such clear ambition. However, it didn't bother him; on the contrary, it intrigued him. He knew that the chaos they were mired in needed someone with a clear vision, someone who didn't just talk about change but was willing to make it happen. —"And why do you think you could be that leader?" asked Wang Jian, still in a neutral tone, but with evident interest.
Xu Anping looked at him seriously. —"I don't have all the answers, but I know I can do what others haven't. I'm willing to unite the factions, to leave behind the feuds that divide us, and to focus on the real enemy: the Empire. I'm not just fighting to survive. I fight because I know this world can be better. And I need your support to make it happen."
Wang Jian observed him in silence for a few more moments, pondering what he had just heard. Although many rebel leaders had tried to recruit him, none had offered such a clear proposal as Xu Anping's. None had shown such firm conviction. Wang Jian wasn't naive; he knew that Xu Anping's military talent could be key to the rebellion's success. —"You're the first rebel leader who seems to have a real vision," Wang Jian said finally. "And that's why I'll support you. I won't deny your talent or the possibility that you can unite the factions. I also want to follow someone who sees beyond the internal struggles. If you can do that, I'll follow you. But you'll have to show me you can do it."
Xu Anping nodded, knowing it wouldn't be easy. But it was what he had decided to do long ago. It wasn't just about personal ambition; it was about changing the course of a war, destroying the Empire, and building something new, something better. —"I'll show you," Xu Anping responded firmly. "You won't regret supporting me."
Wang Jian gave a slight smile, one barely noticeable, but which showed a spark of hope. He knew that Xu Anping's words weren't empty. He had seen something in him that other leaders didn't have: a true will for change. —"Then it's a deal," Wang Jian said. "I'll support you in your goal to lead this rebellion. But remember, if at any point you lose sight of what brought us here, I won't hesitate to leave."
Xu Anping looked him in the eyes and nodded once more. —"It's a fair deal."
Both men began walking again, this time with a common goal. Xu Anping had found someone willing to support him in his quest to become the leader the rebels needed. And although the path would be difficult, he knew he had a chance, perhaps the only one, to change the fate of his world.
As they headed towards the center of the rebel camp, the conversation between Xu Anping, Wang Jian, and Liang seemed to have calmed the tensions. However, the weight of what was discussed still lingered, especially for Liang, whose face showed concern. Wang Jian, for his part, remained silent, evaluating every gesture and word. Xu Anping, noticing Liang's unease, decided to intervene, knowing they needed to talk privately. —"Wang Jian, if you don't mind, I need to speak with Liang for a moment," said Xu Anping, gesturing for them to stay behind while Wang Jian continued ahead.
Wang Jian nodded, understanding that the conversation between the two friends was necessary. Without a word, he continued towards the camp, leaving them alone. Xu Anping turned to Liang, who already seemed ready for a frank conversation. —"I know what you're thinking, Liang," said Xu Anping calmly. "But I need you to trust me. This alliance with Wang Jian is crucial for what we want to achieve."
Liang frowned, still worried about the trust Xu Anping seemed to be placing in Wang Jian. —"It's not that I don't trust you, Anping," replied Liang, his tone low but intense. "It's him I don't trust. There are too many rebel leaders with their own agendas. What worries me is that we're putting too much faith in someone whose true goal we don't know."
Xu Anping nodded, understanding his friend's concern. Liang had always been his anchor, the one who saw beyond enthusiasm and ambition. But this time, Xu Anping was convinced that Wang Jian was different. —"I know, Liang. And believe me, I don't blindly trust anyone," Xu Anping admitted. "But if we're going to stand out among the many rebel leaders emerging, we need talent. We can't do it alone."
Liang crossed his arms, watching Xu Anping. —"I'm not saying we should do it alone," replied Liang after a pause. "But we must be careful about who we give power to within our group. I don't want us to risk being betrayed or manipulated."
Xu Anping smiled slightly, appreciating Liang's sincerity. He knew his friend's concern was valid. Many rebel leaders had fallen by trusting allies who turned out to be traitors. But the situation required taking calculated risks. —"That's exactly why we need someone like Wang Jian," Xu Anping said more seriously. "He's different from the other leaders. He's not just seeking personal power. He has a clear vision of what's at stake. We need his experience and his ability to unite those who are scattered. Besides, he has the respect of the other rebel leaders, and that's key."
Liang sighed, knowing Xu Anping was right, but still struggling to accept the idea of relying on someone they knew so little about. —"All right," he finally conceded. "But I want to make sure we don't rely completely on him. If something goes wrong, we need an alternative plan."
Xu Anping nodded, recognizing the importance of that precaution. —"Of course. We'll always have a way out," he replied, placing a hand on Liang's shoulder. "But trust me when I say we need to surround ourselves with talent. It's not enough to have goodwill or an army. The best leaders have known how to surround themselves with skilled people. Wang Jian is just the beginning."
Liang looked at him for a few seconds before slowly nodding. Though he still had reservations, he knew Xu Anping was a shrewd leader, who listened both to his instincts and the right people. If Xu Anping believed Wang Jian was key, Liang would have to trust his judgment. —"I understand," Liang admitted. "But I want to make sure we don't lose our identity. I don't want us to become one of those groups that only seek power without a real purpose. You and I started this because we wanted something different. We can't forget that."
Xu Anping nodded, knowing that Liang's reminder was important.