The smoke from the torches and incense filled the large tent as the rebel leaders gathered around an enormous wooden table. The air, heavy with tension and strategy, seemed to absorb every word spoken. A map of the empire was spread out before them, with red and black markings indicating fortresses, cities, and key military positions.
Zhang Bing, the general leader of the rebels, observed each of the leaders with sharp eyes, calculating their reactions. The proposal to attack Kastov had been put forth by Qin Mingwen, and although the idea was risky, the possibility of cutting off the imperial army's supplies was too tempting to ignore.
The debate continued.
"Taking Kastov won't be easy," warned a veteran general in a raspy voice. "It's quite far from the bulk of our forces, and there are numerous imperial fortresses between us and the city. Their garrisons are well-supplied and well-defended. They could delay our advance and wear us down before we even get close to Kastov."
Zhang Bing nodded with a grim expression. He was well aware of the challenges. They had been fighting for years, and every kilometer of conquered territory had cost blood and lives. He couldn't underestimate the imperial defenses.
"You're right," he said, lifting his gaze from the map and looking at the others. "It's a tough campaign, but if we don't seize this opportunity now, we'll lose our advantage. We can't let the imperials strengthen themselves after their victory over the barbarians. So, I will send a contingent of 60,000 elite soldiers from my own forces, along with 50,000 recruits. Adding the troops from my faction, that will give us a total of 200,000 soldiers."
Zhang Bing's announcement sparked murmurs among the other leaders. It was a risky gamble, but his commitment was clear. It was a huge sacrifice, but a necessary one if they wanted to wrest control of Kastov from the Empire.
Li Heng, a man with a cold and calculating gaze, spoke in a measured but firm tone.
"My forces will also join the campaign," he said, briefly glancing at Zhang Bing before continuing. "I will send 30,000 elite soldiers from my own troops. And my faction will contribute an additional 150,000 soldiers. We cannot afford a defeat this time."
Li Heng's declaration stirred the crowd. With the combined strength of the two largest rebel factions, the army marching toward Kastov would exceed 400,000 men. It was an overwhelming number, but there were still obstacles to overcome. The imperial forces, despite being smaller, were well-organized and led by Li Mu, a formidable strategist.
Qin Mingwen, who had remained silent while the men argued, spoke up then. Her sharp, calculated voice filled the space, capturing everyone's attention.
"I propose something else," she said, raising a gloved hand as her dark eyes swept over the faces of each leader. "To motivate the lesser commanders and ensure their full participation in this campaign, I propose that any territory conquered by a leader or their forces will remain under their control. This will increase competition and encourage everyone to give their best effort. The promise of land and power has always been an effective incentive."
There was an uncomfortable silence following her proposal. Zhang Bing and Li Heng exchanged displeased glances, but they didn't speak immediately. Both knew that ceding territories to their subordinates could strengthen the lesser leaders and weaken their own positions in the long term. However, they also understood that they needed the unconditional support of all the leaders to secure victory in this decisive campaign.
Murmurs spread among the lesser commanders present. Some smiled, others exchanged knowing looks. The promise of land and power was tempting. Many of them, veterans of years of war and conflict, saw in this campaign the opportunity to secure their own future. Qin Mingwen knew this, and her proposal had been calculated to ignite the ambition of those who wanted more than just glory in battle.
Finally, Zhang Bing slowly nodded.
"I accept the proposal," he said, though his eyes showed a trace of caution. "Each leader will own the territory they conquer. There will be no need to surrender it to the high command."
Li Heng also nodded, though his expression was rigid. He knew he was allowing the creation of a more dispersed power structure, which could complicate his control in the future. But at that moment, the priority was Kastov, and with it, the survival of the rebellion.
Qin Mingwen smiled slightly, satisfied with the direction the conversation had taken.
"Additionally," she added, as if what she had already said wasn't influential enough, "my family has smuggled enough weapons to equip 50,000 additional soldiers. These weapons will be distributed among the poorly armed recruits, which will significantly improve our combat capacity."
A murmur of approval swept through the tent. The news of the additional weapons lifted spirits. Although many of the recruits lacked proper training, at least they would be better equipped for battle.
Zhang Bing's eyes gleamed with determination. The plan, though risky, was coming together. The rebel army, now numbering over 400,000 men, would march with force toward Kastov. The imperial defenses would be challenged, the cities in between would be taken, and the Empire's supply lines would be cut. If everything went according to plan, the imperials, isolated and without reinforcements, would either have to retreat or face a catastrophic defeat.
Finally, Zhang Bing stood, signaling the end of the meeting.
"We've come to a decision," he said firmly. "A total of 400,000 soldiers will march to Kastov. We'll recruit more troops as we advance through enemy territory. The lands we conquer will belong to those who take them. And this time, we will win. Victory will be ours, and the Empire will fall under the weight of its own arrogance."
The leaders nodded, some visibly more motivated by the promise of land than by the cause of the rebellion. Nevertheless, the decision was made. The winds of war were beginning to blow once again, and this time, the rebels were preparing to strike a decisive blow.
As the leaders left the tent, Qin Mingwen lingered a moment longer, watching Zhang Bing and Li Heng. Her eyes gleamed with silent understanding. She knew that although Zhang Bing and Li Heng had accepted her proposal, both planned to reclaim those territories from their subordinates in the future.
As the torches slowly flickered out in the tent, the sounds of preparation began to echo outside. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, captains barked orders, and the rebel army began to mobilize. The path to Kastov was set, and with it, the fate of the Empire and the rebellion drew closer to a critical point.
War was coming, and everyone knew that the campaign for Kastov would mark the beginning of a new era.