The council chamber buzzed with tension. The map of the kingdom lay spread across the table, marked with red pins showing the bandits' most recent attacks. General Cao Ren stood by Li Wei's side, his arms crossed as he explained the situation.
"The Crimson Spear Bandits are bold and well organized," Cao Ren said. "They've established strongholds near key trade routes and use them to ambush caravans. Worse, they've recruited deserters from the southern provinces, making them stronger than your typical rabble."
Li Wei studied the map in silence, his fingers drumming against the table. "How many men do they have?"
"Estimates suggest at least 500," Cao Ren replied. "And they're armed with stolen weapons from royal outposts."
"We cannot allow this to continue," Li Wei said firmly. "Not only do they disrupt trade, but they embolden others to defy the crown. What do you propose, General?"
Cao Ren straightened, his voice steady. "I suggest we form a specialized force to deal with threats like this: an Elite Guard. They would answer directly to you, Your Majesty, and be trained to handle both military campaigns and internal unrest."
The council members exchanged uneasy glances. Minister Jiao, always wary of change, spoke up. "An Elite Guard would require significant resources. Can we afford this with our current reforms?"
"Can we afford not to?" Li Wei countered, his voice rising slightly. "These bandits have burned villages and stolen from royal outposts. If we let this fester, we risk rebellion spreading across the provinces."
Lin Mei, standing at the edge of the room, chimed in with her usual sharpness. "The Elite Guard would also serve as a reminder of the emperor's authority. A visible, powerful force loyal only to His Majesty."
"Precisely," Li Wei said, turning to Cao Ren. "Begin recruiting immediately. I want the best fighters, regardless of their background. Train them with the finest weapons we can produce."
Cao Ren saluted. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
As the meeting concluded, Lin Mei lingered behind, her arms folded. "You know this will ruffle some feathers. The nobles won't like the idea of a force they can't influence."
"Good," Li Wei replied. "Let them see that my authority is not negotiable."
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor. A soldier burst into the room, his face pale. "Your Majesty, urgent news! The Crimson Spear Bandits have taken hostages from a nearby town. They demand the crown pay a ransom or they'll execute them by dawn."
Li Wei's jaw tightened. "Dawn, you say? Then we ride tonight."