The news of Feng's reinforcements spread quickly through the imperial camp, dampening morale. Li Wei knew he needed to act swiftly. The longer they waited, the stronger Feng's position would become.
That evening, he called a council of his top commanders in his war tent. The flickering lantern light cast shadows across their faces, highlighting the tension in the room.
"We can't afford a prolonged siege," Li Wei said, his voice steady. "If Feng's reinforcements arrive, we'll be outnumbered. We need to force his surrender before then."
"How?" Cao Ren asked, his brow furrowed. "His walls are strong, and his men are dug in."
Li Wei tapped the map spread across the table. "Feng's estate has one vulnerability: the eastern gate. It's heavily reinforced but poorly manned at night. If we stage a feint at the main gate, we can slip a small force through the eastern side and open it from within."
"It's risky," Lin Mei said, her tone thoughtful. "If the feint fails, Feng will realize what we're doing and cut off the eastern force."
"That's why I'll lead the eastern force myself," Li Wei said firmly.
The room fell silent. Cao Ren shook his head. "Your Majesty, I cannot allow it. If something happens to you—"
"Then the crown will endure," Li Wei interrupted, his gaze unwavering. "This is my battle, and I will see it through."
Lin Mei sighed, her voice laced with reluctant admiration. "You're impossible, you know that? Fine. But I'm coming with you."
"Good," Li Wei said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'll need someone to cover my back."
The plan was set. Under the cover of darkness, the imperial army launched a massive assault on the main gate. Arrows lit the night sky as soldiers clashed with Feng's defenders, creating a deafening cacophony of battle.
Meanwhile, Li Wei's small force approached the eastern gate, moving silently through the shadows. Lin Mei whispered to him as they crouched near the wall. "You've got that look again—the one that says you're about to do something reckless."
Li Wei smirked. "Reckless is just another word for bold."
They scaled the wall using ropes, their movements swift and silent. At the top, they dispatched the guards with ruthless efficiency, clearing the way for the rest of their force. Once inside, they made their way to the gate controls, opening it just as the main force reached the outer defenses.
The combined assault overwhelmed Feng's defenders, forcing them to retreat into the inner courtyard. As dawn broke, Feng himself appeared on the battlements, his armor dented and bloodied. His face was a mask of defiance.
"You think this is over, boy?" Feng shouted. "Even if you kill me, others will rise to take my place!"
Li Wei stepped forward, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Let them rise. And let them fall, just like you. Surrender now, and I might spare your life."
Feng laughed bitterly. "Never."
Before Li Wei could respond, an arrow whizzed past him, striking the ground at his feet. He looked up to see a group of archers taking aim.
"Get down!" Lin Mei shouted, tackling him to the ground as the arrows rained down.
The battle wasn't over yet.