The fresh morning air enveloped the rebel camp on the outskirts of Xianfeng. The fields surrounding the village, recently redistributed among the peasants, stretched in all directions, dotted with men and women beginning their work on the land. The echoes of the recent victory still resonated in the hearts of the villagers, and the gratitude they felt towards Xu Anping and his army had started to transform the region. However, instead of continuing the expansion that many officers had anticipated, Xu Anping made an unexpected decision: to halt the campaign and consolidate his power in Xianfeng.
Liang, the ever-pragmatic second-in-command, couldn't understand the decision. They had conquered the village without much resistance, and other cities and towns of the empire seemed to be easy targets. Many rebel leaders across the territory were in a frantic race to conquer as much land as possible, hoping that the crumbling empire would allow them to solidify their own power. So when Xu Anping gave the order to focus on training his troops instead of advancing, Liang felt perplexed.
That morning, as the camp slowly woke, Liang decided to address the matter directly. He walked toward the center of the camp, where Xu Anping silently watched the daily activities. The new recruits were being organized, and the officers were instructing the peasants, who until then had never held a sword. Liang knew this was a crucial opportunity to strengthen the army, but was it really the time to stop?
"General," Liang began, with his usual respect but unable to hide his concern, "I understand that we've won the support of the peasants here in Xianfeng, but with all due respect, why aren't we moving forward? There are more vulnerable territories we could conquer. Every day we wait, other rebels are getting ahead of us, and if we wait too long, they could take everything that remains."
Xu Anping didn't respond immediately; he simply observed the horizon, arms crossed. Before he could open his mouth, a familiar voice interrupted from the side.
"It's simple, Liang," said Wang Jian, approaching with firm steps. His face, though still young, showed a confidence and understanding that surprised Liang. "We aren't in a race to accumulate territory like madmen. While other rebels are recklessly attacking every city and village, destroying everything in their path, we're taking a more calculated route."
Liang frowned, clearly intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Wang Jian continued, his tone firm but filled with a conviction that made it clear he had fully grasped Xu Anping's intentions. "Think about it. The higher-ups in the rebellion have made it clear that any territory we capture will be ours to govern. There are no strict orders to keep attacking without pause, and that's led many rebels to act like rabid beasts, fighting among themselves and looting senselessly. Everyone's so obsessed with getting more land that they don't stop to think about what it really means to govern."
Liang glanced sideways at Xu Anping, who remained silent, watching the conversation with a slight smile on his face. Wang Jian continued.
"We, on the other hand, are in a privileged position. We've won the support of the peasants here, and no one will come to take this territory from us while the others kill themselves over the larger cities. If we stop now and focus on strengthening our troops, training our officers better, and educating the new recruits, we'll be building a solid foundation. In the end, it's not the one with the most territory who wins, but the one who knows how to make the most of it."
Xu Anping nodded gently, confirming Wang Jian's words. Liang, though still somewhat skeptical, began to understand the logic behind the strategy.
"What Wang says is true," Xu Anping finally intervened, his voice calm but authoritative. "If we rush to expand without consolidating our position, we risk overextending ourselves. You've seen how some of the other rebel commanders act. They're conquering lands only to lose them soon after due to a lack of control. We're not in a race to capture the largest empire. We're building something that will last."
Liang crossed his arms, reflecting on what he had just heard. "But what if the other rebels take too much territory before we can make a move?"
Xu Anping looked at Liang with calm serenity. "Let them. It won't do them any good if they can't control it. When the right time comes, we'll be stronger, better organized, and our troops will be better trained. Not only will we be a larger army, but we'll be a more efficient one. And by then, those around us will be too worn down by their own mistakes."
The clarity of the strategy began to settle in Liang's mind. It was a risky bet, but it made sense. Xu Anping wasn't seeking rapid, unchecked expansion; he was building an army and a system that could sustain itself in the long run. Rather than losing soldiers in endless campaigns and chaotic battles for control of territories, he was betting on a cohesive force, prepared for a more calculated and decisive advance.
Wang Jian spoke again, this time addressing both Liang and Xu Anping. "Besides, this pause gives us the opportunity to educate the peasants and prepare future officers. If we continue recruiting voluntarily, instead of forcing people to join, those who enter the army will do so with real commitment. And at the same time, we can establish an education system that allows the peasants to learn skills beyond the battlefield. We need not just soldiers, but leaders."
Liang nodded slowly, increasingly convinced. "It's a long-term strategy," he said, more to himself than to the other two. "Improve the quality before the quantity."
Xu Anping smiled. "Exactly. Other rebels are blinded by greed, but we're thinking of the future. True power doesn't come from how much land you conquer, but how you govern it. And that requires well-trained soldiers, competent officers, and a people who trust us."
As Xu Anping's words resonated, Liang felt something click inside him. He had been so used to war, to the continuous struggle to advance, that he had forgotten how important it was to consolidate what had already been won. Xu Anping was seeing beyond the battlefield; he was building a nation, not just an army.
"So, what's the next step?" Liang asked, his voice filled with a renewed understanding.
Xu Anping looked him directly in the eyes. "First, we continue recruiting voluntarily. We'll only accept those who are willing to fight for something greater than themselves. Then, we focus on training and educating them. We'll make Xianfeng a stronghold, an example of what can be achieved when you govern with justice and order. And when the time is right, we'll advance. We won't be many, but we'll be the best."
Wang Jian smiled as he heard Xu Anping's words. He knew they were on the right path. Liang, now fully convinced, nodded.
"Well then, General," Liang said, with a slight touch of humor in his voice, "it seems we'll be very busy in the coming weeks."
Xu Anping smiled slightly. "Indeed, Liang. Indeed."
And with those words, the fate of Xu Anping's army was sealed. They wouldn't advance recklessly like the others, but when they did, they would be an unstoppable force. They had chosen the path of patience and preparation, and that would make them something far more dangerous than any other rebel army: a disciplined, cohesive force with a clear goal.