The icy northern wind cut like knives as Luo Wen and his men approached General Zhao Qing's camp. The mountains surrounding them stood like silent guardians, imposing and cold, as if watching their every move. Luo Wen adjusted his cloak, feeling the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. He knew this meeting could be the turning point in his struggle to restore the true power of the Empire, but he was also aware that Zhao Qing was not a man easily convinced.
Zhao Qing's camp was a fortress in itself. Tall wooden palisades stood firm, crowned with watchtowers where archers kept a vigilant eye. Soldiers, clad in dark armor bearing the Empire's emblem, patrolled with military discipline. Although Zhao Qing had maintained his independence from the Four Families that controlled the court, it was evident that he still held the pride and structure of a general loyal to the Empire.
Luo Wen dismounted his horse and approached the main entrance, where a group of soldiers stopped him with crossed spears.
"Who dares approach General Zhao Qing's camp?" one of the guards asked, his voice firm but not hostile.
"I am Luo Wen, a general of the Empire and a disciple of Yuan Guo," Luo Wen replied calmly. "I have come to speak with the general about matters of great importance to the Empire's future."
The guards exchanged glances before one of them nodded and left to inform Zhao Qing. As he waited, Luo Wen observed the camp carefully. The soldiers trained with precision, and the sound of clashing swords echoed through the air. It was a small army, but well-trained, and Luo Wen couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and concern. If Zhao Qing refused to join his cause, these same soldiers could become a formidable obstacle.
Finally, the guard returned and motioned for him to follow. Luo Wen walked with a firm stride, feeling the weight of curious gazes from the soldiers around him. He was led to a large tent at the center of the camp, where General Zhao Qing awaited, seated behind a table covered with maps and documents.
Zhao Qing was a middle-aged man with a battle-hardened face and piercing eyes that seemed to see through people. He wore simple but well-maintained armor, and his posture was that of a man accustomed to command.
"Luo Wen," Zhao Qing said without standing. "It has been a long time. What brings you here?"
Luo Wen inclined his head slightly in respect before answering.
"I have come to speak about restoring the true power of the Empire, General. The Four Families have corrupted the court and turned the emperor into a puppet. If we do not act soon, it will be too late to stop them."
Zhao Qing smirked coldly.
"The Empire still exists, Luo Wen, but its power has faded. The Four Families control the court, and though I do not like them, I see no reason to risk my men in a fight that could cost us everything."
Luo Wen felt a knot in his stomach, but he did not let his unease show on his face. He knew Zhao Qing would not be easy to persuade, but he also knew he could not afford to fail here.
"The Empire is not dead, General," Luo Wen responded firmly. "The Four Families have usurped power, but the spirit of the Empire lives on in men like you and my master, Yuan Guo. Together, we can restore the emperor's authority and bring back order."
Zhao Qing leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
"And what do you and Yuan Guo offer? A return to a past that no longer exists?"
"We offer the chance to build a future where the Empire is strong and united once more," Luo Wen replied. "A future where men like you can serve with honor and dignity, without having to submit to the intrigues of the Four Families. But to achieve this, we need your help."
Zhao Qing remained silent for a moment, as if weighing Luo Wen's words. Finally, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"You say the Four Families are a threat, but what guarantees do I have that your cause is not just as dangerous? What prevents me from believing that you are merely gathering allies for your own benefit?"
Luo Wen took a deep breath before answering.
"I cannot offer you guarantees, General. The only thing I can offer is the truth. The Four Families will not rest until they have eliminated all who stand in their way. You have maintained your independence for a long time, but that will not last forever. If we do not act now, you will soon be forced to choose a side, and when that time comes, the Four Families will not be as lenient as we are."
Zhao Qing stared at him intently, as if trying to discern whether Luo Wen was speaking sincerely. Finally, he sighed and stood up from his chair.
"I will speak with my men," he said, walking toward the tent's entrance. "But I promise nothing. If I decide to join your cause, it will be because I believe it is the best choice for my soldiers and this land."
Luo Wen nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. He knew he had not won the battle, but at least he had secured an opportunity.
"That is all I can ask for, General," Luo Wen replied, bowing slightly before leaving the tent.
As he walked back to his horse, Luo Wen could not shake the weight of uncertainty. He knew Zhao Qing was a pragmatic man, and his final decision would depend on what he deemed most beneficial to his interests. But he also knew that if he could win his support, they would have a real chance to stand against the Four Families and restore the Empire's lost glory.
The northern wind continued to blow fiercely, but Luo Wen held onto the hope that, perhaps, that wind would carry them toward a better future. A future where the Empire would once again be ruled by men of honor, not by the intrigues of the Four Families.
After the meeting, Zhao Qing reflected on Luo Wen's words. He knew the Four Families were a real threat, but he was also aware that joining a doomed cause would be suicide. However, Luo Wen had mentioned something that made him reconsider his stance: the alliance of Han Yue, the general who commanded the largest number of troops in the Empire, was with them.
"If Han Yue is on their side," Zhao Qing murmured to himself, "then perhaps they are not as desperate as they seem."
Finally, Zhao Qing made his decision. He gathered his officers and explained the situation.
"If the allied forces of the Four Families are weaker than those that Luo Wen and Yuan Guo can assemble, we will join their cause," he announced. "But if we see no chance of victory, we will maintain our independence."
The officers nodded, understanding the logic behind the decision. Zhao Qing was not a man who took risks without carefully calculating the odds of success.
When Luo Wen received the news, he knew he had won a small victory. Although Zhao Qing had not fully committed, he had at least opened the door to a possible alliance. Now, everything depended on their ability to gather more support and prove that their cause was viable.
The northern wind continued to blow, but Luo Wen clung to the hope that, perhaps, that wind would carry them toward a better future. A future where the Empire would once again be ruled by men of honor, not by the intrigues of the Four Families.