The camp of Luo Wen was engulfed in a silence as heavy as a stone slab. Torches, mounted on wooden posts, flickered under the night wind, casting elongated shadows over the worn canvas tents. In the central tent, the air was thick with the scent of melted wax, aged leather, and the unspoken tension of men who knew that the fate of the empire hung by a thread. On a splintered wooden table, a war map stretched out like a miniature battlefield. Red and black ink traced routes, fortifications, and strategic points, while small stones represented armies and resources.
Luo Wen stood at the head of the table, arms crossed over his chest. His armor, stained with mud and dried blood, gleamed faintly under the dim flames. His dark, piercing eyes scanned the map with the intensity of a hawk stalking its prey.
—The time has come—he finally said, his deep voice resonating like distant thunder—. While the world watches Guangling, we will strike at the heart of the empire.
The officers gathered around the table exchanged glances. Some frowned, others clenched their fists. Zhao Min, always defiant, planted both hands on the table and leaned forward.
—Splitting our forces?—he asked, dragging out the words cautiously—. It's a risky move. If An Lu discovers our plan, he'll crush us before we can regroup.
Luo Wen did not take his eyes off the map. With a calloused finger, he pointed to two key locations: first, Guangling—An Lu's fortress—marked with a red ink circle. Then, the imperial capital—a golden symbol drawn at the center of the parchment.
—The key is not to defeat An Lu—he explained, drawing an invisible line between both points—. It's to end the Four Families' grip on the emperor. While their eyes remain fixed on Guangling, we will send an army to the capital and take control of the throne.
Lin Xue, leaning against a tent pole with her arms crossed, lifted her gaze. Her face, illuminated by the dim torchlight, showed a mixture of concern and determination.
—It's a bold move—she said, her voice measured—. But if we fail to save the emperor, we lose everything. Not just the war, but the trust of our allies. The Four Families, our current allies, and An Lu will all turn against us at once.
—I know—Luo Wen responded, pressing his lips together—. That's why we must choose carefully who will lead the attack on the capital. I cannot do it myself—I must face An Lu personally. I need someone I trust completely.
Silence stretched like a shadow, broken only by the crackling of the flames. The officers exchanged looks, weighing the magnitude of the decision. Then, Luo Wen lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Jiang Yu—the strategist with a penetrating stare and a calculating mind.
—Jiang Yu—he called, leaning slightly toward him—. I want you to lead our forces to the capital.
The strategist, who had remained silent until now, slowly lifted his head. His eyes, narrow and gleaming like silver coins, scanned the map before resting on Luo Wen.
—If I accept this responsibility—he said, his tone calm and unwavering—, I will need the best men, safe routes, and cooperation from our allies within the city.
—You'll have them—Luo Wen assured him, pointing to a series of markings on the map indicating alternative routes and meeting points—. This route was planned by Yuan Guo beforehand. We cannot afford hesitation. We will act before the Four Families can react. Our speed will be our greatest advantage.
Zhao Min exhaled heavily, then slammed his fist against the table.
—If anyone can pull this off, it's you, Jiang Yu. But this will be a path filled with betrayal and spies. We cannot underestimate those bastards.
—I won't—Jiang Yu replied, a barely visible smirk tugging at his lips—. I know their games. And this time, we'll make them play by our rules.
Luo Wen placed both hands on the table, his gaze sweeping over his officers. He felt the weight of fate pressing on his shoulders, as if every word he spoke was carving the future into stone.
—This is our only chance—he said, lowering his voice until it became a whisper heavy with meaning—. If we fail, the empire will remain in the hands of tyrants. If we succeed, we will have changed history.
The torches flickered, casting dancing shadows over the officers' faces. No one spoke another word, but in their eyes burned unwavering resolve. The war was about to enter its final phase.
At dawn, the camp transformed into a hive of activity. Soldiers, roused by the sound of war horns, hurried to prepare their weapons and gear. The forges echoed with the hammering of steel, as blacksmiths sharpened swords and repaired armor. In the kitchens, the smoke from campfires mingled with the scent of freshly baked bread and dried meat.
Luo Wen, mounted on his black stallion, rode along the lines of men and women who would soon march on Guangling. His dark, piercing eyes met every face, memorizing their expressions of determination, fear, and hope.
—We do not fight for glory or riches today!—he shouted, his voice rising above the wind—. We fight for a future where our children will not have to wield swords to be free!
A roar of approval erupted from the ranks. Shields struck the ground, spears pointed toward the sky. In that moment, Luo Wen knew that, no matter the outcome, these men and women would follow him to the bitter end.
Meanwhile, in a secluded tent, Jiang Yu reviewed the final details of the plan with a select group of officers. On a smaller table, a detailed map of the imperial capital displayed streets, buildings, and strategic points.
—The eastern gate is our best option—he said, pointing to a marked location—. It's less guarded, and our allies inside the city will ensure it's open when we arrive.
A young officer, his face marred by a fresh scar, frowned.
—And if they betray us?—he asked, fiddling with the hilt of his sword—. The Four Families have eyes everywhere.
—That's why we will march at night—Jiang Yu responded, sliding a finger along the marked route—. Once we leave the city, we'll push forward at full speed, moving at a forced march to minimize the risk of failure.
The officer nodded, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. Jiang Yu couldn't blame him—treachery was as dangerous an enemy as any army.
By dusk, the forces had divided. Luo Wen, leading the bulk of the army, set out for Guangling with Zhao Min and Lin Xue at his side. Jiang Yu, commanding a smaller yet equally lethal force, rode toward the capital.
As they rode in opposite directions, Luo Wen cast one last glance over his shoulder. His eyes met Jiang Yu's, and in that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. No words were needed—they both knew that the fate of the empire depended on their success.
Torches ignited on the horizon, lighting the path to the final battle. The war for the empire's future had begun.