The night still cloaked Liang Cheng in its dark mantle as the city braced for another day of siege. Zi Chen's words echoed in everyone's minds, especially Xu Ping's. The veteran general, known for his pragmatism, had presented a sensible proposal, but one that clashed with the unyielding principles of his leader. Even so, the seed of doubt had been planted—not in his loyalty, but in his sense of responsibility toward his men. Xu Ping did not question the righteousness of the rebel cause, but he did wonder if honor, noble as it was, outweighed the lives of those he had sworn to protect.
Xu Ping spent the night sleepless, pacing through the fortress's narrow corridors. The distant sound of imperial drums marked the passage of time, a constant reminder of the threat that surrounded them. In his mind, Zi Chen's words intertwined with images of his soldiers—men he had watched grow, who had fought and bled under his command. Some were young, almost boys, who had taken up arms driven by the hope of a better future. Others were battle-hardened veterans, their scars telling stories of sacrifice and resilience. Could he, in good conscience, allow them all to die for an ideal, no matter how noble? Was it just to sacrifice so many lives in the name of a principle, even if that principle was justice?
With dawn, Xu Ping made his decision. He would stand with Zi Chen because he believed in the justice of their cause. However, he would not leave the survival of those who trusted him to chance. If the city fell, they needed an escape route, a path that would allow them to continue the fight from the shadows. It was not about abandoning the cause but ensuring that even in defeat, the resistance could rise again.
Gathering a small group of trusted officers, Xu Ping laid out his plan in the dim light of a secluded room. The air was heavy with tension, but his words were clear and firm. The men who listened were those he had shared countless battles with, those he could trust with his life and honor. Among them were Li Wei, a young officer with a sharp tactical mind; Guo Feng, a weathered veteran with calloused hands; and Guo Ling, Guo Feng's younger brother, whose intelligence made him Xu Ping's advisor.
"I trust our commander and the righteousness of our cause," Xu Ping began, his deep voice resonating in the small space. "But I also trust the need to be prepared. If Liang Cheng falls, we must not let our resistance end here. We cannot allow everything we've fought for to be lost in a single day."
The officers exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. None of them wanted to imagine the fall of the city, but all knew the possibility was real. Han Yue's forces were numerous and well-supplied, while the rebels relied on increasingly scarce resources and reinforcements that might not arrive in time.
"I've identified a hidden path to the northern mountains," Xu Ping continued, spreading a map over the table lit by an oil lamp. "It's an old trail, used by shepherds and traders in times of peace. If we keep it secret, it could be our salvation—a path to freedom, a way to continue the fight."
Li Wei leaned over the map, studying the details carefully. His ever-alert eyes gleamed with interest.
"The path is narrow and dangerous," he observed. "But if we prepare it properly, it could serve as a viable escape route. We'll need provisions and safe points along the way."
Xu Ping nodded, pointing to several spots on the map.
"Here, here, and here," he said, marking strategic locations. "These are key points where we need to store supplies. We also need to ensure the path is clear and free of obstacles. Li Wei, you'll lead a group to clear the path and mark the safe spots."
Li Wei nodded, his mind already working through the details.
"Understood, General. I'll select a small but capable team. We'll make sure the path is ready if needed."
Guo Feng, with his rough, deep voice, added:
"We'll also need to make sure the enemy doesn't discover the path. If Han Yue finds out, he'll block it or use it to ambush us."
Xu Ping looked at Guo Feng, appreciating his pragmatism.
"You're right, Guo Feng. Secrecy is key. Only a handful of people should know about this plan. Guo Feng, you'll oversee storing supplies at strategic points. Make sure the supplies are well-hidden and accessible only to us."
Guo Feng nodded, his face serious but resolute.
"Don't worry, General. I'll make sure the supplies are well hidden and ready when we need them."
Guo Ling, who had been quietly listening, spoke up with his soft but firm voice.
"And the messages and orders," he said. "We need a secure system to communicate during the retreat. If we use the path, we can't let the enemy intercept our communications."
Xu Ping nodded, looking at Guo Ling with appreciation.
"You're right, Guo Ling. We need a secure communication system. You'll ensure that messages and orders are transmitted safely. We can't let this information fall into the wrong hands."
Guo Ling nodded, his face calm but determined.
"Understood, General. I'll make sure everything is done with the utmost discretion. I'll use codes and trusted messengers to keep our communication secure."
The plan was simple in concept but complicated in execution. The path had to be prepared without arousing suspicion, ensuring supplies were hidden and safe points were marked. Xu Ping entrusted this task to his most loyal officers, who immediately dispersed to begin preparations. Each of them knew the success of the plan depended on stealth and discretion. Any mistake could be fatal—not just for them but for the entire resistance.
Meanwhile, life in Liang Cheng continued under the shadow of the siege. The days passed with sporadic skirmishes and constant vigilance along the walls. Zi Chen, unaware of Xu Ping's plans, led with a determination that inspired everyone. His presence on the battlefield, always at the front with his men, was a beacon of hope amid the darkness. Every morning at dawn, he walked the walls, speaking to the soldiers, reminding them why they fought. His words were a balm for weary hearts, a reminder that though the road was hard, justice was on their side.
Xu Ping, for his part, divided his time between the city's defenses and the secret organization of the escape route. He knew he was walking a fine line: any hint of betrayal could shatter the fragile unity of the rebel forces. But he did not see his actions as betrayal, rather as a safeguard—a safety net in case the worst happened. Every night, after ensuring the defenses were in order, he met with his officers to oversee the plan's progress. The reports were encouraging: the path was being cleared, supplies were being stored in safe places, and refuge points were being marked.
However, not everything was so simple. Xu Ping knew that even if the path was ready, it could only be used if the fall of the city was imminent. And that meant, at some point, he would have to make a difficult decision: when and how to give the retreat order. He couldn't do it too soon, risking weakening the city's defenses, nor too late, when there would be no time to escape. It was a delicate balance—a burden that weighed on his shoulders every minute of every day.