As Su Jin committed herself to the daring strike against the Blood Sovereign, tensions continued to rise within the kingdom. Those who had once pledged unwavering loyalty to her were now beginning to feel the crushing weight of the prolonged war. Doubts about Su Jin's ability to secure victory were spreading among her allies. Many vassals began reassessing their positions, and this internal wavering threatened to fracture the kingdom from within.
The war had dragged on for months, with increasingly fierce battles at the frontlines, yet no clear winner in sight. Meanwhile, in the capital, shortages of supplies, civil unrest, and a constant air of tension had led some nobles and vassals to question the future of the kingdom. Among the first to voice his concerns was Lord Yan, Su Jin's powerful northern ally. Once a key supporter who provided vital resources, Lord Yan had begun expressing doubts about the long-term prospects of the war. He even suggested, in private meetings, that perhaps a compromise with the Crimson Hand should be considered to preserve what remained of the kingdom.
One afternoon, as Su Jin was overseeing final preparations for her mission against the Blood Sovereign, a messenger arrived with a letter from Lord Yan. The letter was filled with concerns about the costs of the war and mentioned the possibility of negotiating peace with the enemy. Lord Yan hinted that, if the war dragged on much longer, his lands would be unable to continue supporting the kingdom's efforts.
Su Jin furrowed her brow as she set the letter down on her desk. She understood that Lord Yan's doubt was not just his own personal unease, but a reflection of the growing sentiment throughout the kingdom. If a core ally like Lord Yan decided to withdraw his support or reduce his contribution, the kingdom's future would be in grave danger.
That evening, Su Jin convened an emergency meeting with her most trusted advisors. Gu Tingfeng, Zhang Huai, and Lord An gathered in the dimly lit council chamber, the atmosphere thick with tension.
"Lord Yan has made his concerns clear," Su Jin began, her voice calm but laced with tension. "He believes we should consider negotiating or, at the very least, reducing our efforts at the front."
Zhang Huai was the first to respond, his voice sharp with frustration. "This is nothing short of surrender! If we show weakness now, the enemy will only push harder, exploiting our vulnerability."
Lord An, however, remained more measured, speaking slowly. "Your Highness, Lord Yan's concerns are not without merit. The war has bled many vassals dry. Their lands are crumbling under the strain, and if we don't see results soon, even the most loyal supporters may not be able to hold on."
Gu Tingfeng nodded in agreement. "We must face reality. We not only need to secure victory, but we also need to maintain our alliances. If our kingdom fractures from within, the Crimson Hand will have a much easier time dismantling us."
Su Jin stood in thoughtful silence, her gaze steady but burdened with the weight of leadership. She knew that military success alone would not be enough to preserve her kingdom. She would need to secure the loyalty of her allies as much as she needed to defeat the enemy on the battlefield. Any signs of internal collapse would only embolden the Crimson Hand.
The next morning, Su Jin made a decision: she would personally meet with Lord Yan to address his concerns and restore his faith in the cause. If she could convince him to remain loyal, the other wavering vassals might also rally behind her once more.
Several days later, Lord Yan arrived in the capital. The once formidable warrior now seemed tired and worn down by the war. His steps were heavy, and his eyes reflected the deep concerns he carried for the future. Su Jin greeted him at the palace and led him to a private chamber, where they could discuss the kingdom's future without interruption.
As they sat across from one another, Su Jin spoke first. "Lord Yan, I received your letter. I understand your concerns about the war, but we must face the truth. The Crimson Hand seeks domination, not peace. There is no negotiating with them."
Lord Yan sat in silence for a moment before responding, his voice slow and measured. "Your Highness, I have never wavered in my loyalty to you. But my lands are suffering, and my people are weary. The soldiers under my command have lost too many comrades. If this war continues, I fear we will lose everything."
Su Jin nodded, recognizing that a heavy-handed response would only alienate him further. "I know the cost has been great, but I believe we are on the verge of a breakthrough. I am planning a decisive strike against the Crimson Hand, targeting their core. If we succeed, their forces will crumble, and the war will end."
Lord Yan furrowed his brow, skepticism clear in his eyes. "Do you truly believe this plan will turn the tide?"
Su Jin met his gaze, her voice firm and resolute. "I do. But I need your support. If we falter now, the kingdom will face a far greater crisis. Your strength is critical to the success of this operation."
There was a long silence between them, as Lord Yan weighed her words carefully. Finally, he nodded, though his voice remained heavy with exhaustion. "You still have my loyalty, Your Highness. I will continue to support you. But know this—the people's patience is wearing thin. If this plan fails, I may no longer be able to hold them back."
Su Jin took a deep breath and nodded in return. "I understand. And I promise you, we will see this war through to the end."
After Lord Yan left the palace, Su Jin stood on the palace's highest balcony, staring out toward the distant battlefields. She had managed to secure her most important ally's support for the moment, but the uncertainty lingered. She knew that the internal unrest within the kingdom was still simmering. If her next actions did not bring success, the consequences would be dire.