The sun was just beginning to rise when Xu Anping, from his command post, observed how the army under his control was spreading across the newly stabilized village. The peasants, now more organized and protected, worked with renewed vigor under the supervision of the officers. The improvised walls were beginning to rise, and food reserves were being stockpiled in the newly expanded warehouses. The village, once defenseless and vulnerable, now seemed like a developing fortress, a symbol of Xu Anping's growing power and his rebel army.
Despite the stability in the village, Xu Anping knew he couldn't remain idle. His enemies, both imperial and other more ambitious rebels, continued to move and conquer territories. However, he had learned that unchecked ambition could lead to disaster. He decided to expand, but not immediately. He would only begin expansion once the village was completely stabilized, and the improvised walls were in place to offer minimal defense.
He summoned his trusted officers, including Liang and Wang Jian, for a strategic meeting. Once everyone was gathered in the command tent, Xu Anping stood, his expression serious but calculated.
"We have secured this village," Xu Anping began, addressing his high command, "but it is not enough. We cannot stay here and wait for our enemies to come for us. We must continue expanding our control, but we will do it our way."
He paused, observing the reactions of his officers. Liang, always impatient and hungry for more conquests, seemed on the verge of suggesting a direct advance towards the nearby cities. Wang Jian, on the other hand, waited in silence, his mind clearly occupied with more detailed tactics.
"We will take the neighboring villages," Xu Anping continued. "We will not attack the cities. Not yet. The cities are larger, better defended, and their casualties would be too high. We cannot risk losing so many men when we are still building our forces. Villages are easier to control, and they will provide supplies and men for our army."
Liang nodded, though with a slight shadow of discontent in his eyes. His aggressive nature pushed him to want more direct confrontations, but he trusted Xu Anping's leadership, even if his caution sometimes frustrated him.
"Liang, you will lead the raids on the neighboring villages," Xu Anping ordered. "I don't want any mistakes. I don't want unnecessary casualties. Go in with strength, but also with intelligence. Rally the villagers to fight with us against the local nobility, and accept the surrender of enemies; some might even join us if we prove we can protect them."
Liang flashed a grim but determined smile. The orders for the attack were all he needed to hear.
After organizing the expansion orders, Xu Anping made a personal decision that he had been contemplating for some time. He knew that the front lines were becoming increasingly dangerous, and he had heard troubling rumors of imperial soldiers raiding supply routes and logistics teams. His sister, Xu Sanhua, was still involved in the logistics of the rebel army, something that deeply concerned him.
"I want Xu Sanhua brought here," he announced, specifically addressing Wang Jian. "It's much safer to have her with me than in the logistics camps. I've heard that some imperial groups have been attacking those areas. I can't let anything happen to her."
Wang Jian immediately nodded, not questioning the decision. He knew how important Xu Sanhua was to Xu Anping, even though she hadn't yet shown great military or logistical talents. Wang Jian understood that Xu Sanhua was crucial to keeping Xu Anping focused and balanced. Her presence was essential for the leader's morale, something that couldn't be ignored.
He set out to organize a detachment to bring her safely to the fortified village.
While Liang prepared for the raids on the neighboring villages, Xu Anping focused his efforts on strengthening the defense and military structure in his territory. The improvised walls around the village continued to grow under the supervision of his best engineers, and the food warehouses were filling quickly thanks to the reserves collected from the villages under his control.
However, it was Wang Jian who proposed one of the most innovative ideas during the strategic meetings.
"We need a reserve system," said Wang Jian in one of the meetings, looking directly at Xu Anping. "We can't just rely on the men we have now. Every village we control should have a contingent of reservist soldiers, trained men but not in active service. That way, if we are attacked on multiple fronts, we will always have men ready to fight."
The idea was received with interest. Liang, although more focused on offense, understood the value of having troops ready to defend what they had conquered. Xu Anping, always thinking long-term, saw the potential in Wang Jian's proposal.
"It's a good idea," Xu Anping said, nodding slowly. "We will establish a rotating training system. The men not in active combat will be trained in the villages, and when needed, they can be mobilized quickly. Additionally, this reserve system will not only keep our forces fresh, but it will also serve to defend the territory when the army is out on campaign."
With this final observation, Xu Anping made it clear that it wasn't just about increasing the number of soldiers, but about ensuring that their conquered lands wouldn't be left defenseless while he and his main forces advanced into new areas. This would create a defense network that would secure his control.
This move not only strengthened the defense of the villages but also ensured that the lands under his control would not be left unprotected while his main army continued advancing. Wang Jian, with this proposal, not only proved his worth but also earned a higher position in the high command.
With the implementation of the reserve system, Xu Anping decided to reward Wang Jian. During a ceremony in the village's central square, in front of the gathered soldiers and peasants, Xu Anping promoted Wang Jian, recognizing his strategic ability and long-term vision.
"Wang Jian," Xu Anping announced, raising his voice for all to hear, "you have demonstrated your loyalty and ingenuity time and again. From today on, you will be part of the high command. Your ideas and strategies will be key to securing our victory."
Wang Jian bowed his head, showing respect to Xu Anping, but also knowing that this promotion was a well-deserved recognition. From that day forward, Wang Jian joined Liang as one of the most powerful men within Xu Anping's rebel army. While Liang excelled in fierce raids and offense, Wang Jian positioned himself as the careful and meticulous strategist, capable of foreseeing future challenges and preparing the army to face them.
With the fortified village, the soldier reserves in training, and Liang's raids taking more villages, Xu Anping began consolidating his power in a way that few had anticipated. Instead of advancing unchecked and expanding his territory rapidly, he was building a solid foundation, a well-trained army, and a defense system capable of withstanding attacks from the empire or any other rebel faction.
However, Xu Anping knew that this strategy didn't guarantee long-term victory. While his forces were strengthening, so were his enemies. The empire, though weakened by revolts, wouldn't remain idle. Other rebel leaders, more ambitious and less cautious, continued to expand and could become a threat in the future if they managed to consolidate their own power.