Strategic Formations

The next day dawned with a crisp clarity that seemed to mirror Zhang Wei's newfound resolve. He made his way through the bustling palace corridors to General Li Feng's office. Today was crucial, and the weight of its significance pressed heavily upon him. As he approached the door, Zhang Wei steeled himself for the discussions that lay ahead.

Inside, General Li Feng was not alone. Captain Xue, Sergeant Chen, and Lieutenant Wang were already seated around the large, map-covered table. Their expressions were serious, their focus intense. The room was filled with a palpable tension, a mix of anticipation and determination.

"Good morning, Zhang Wei," General Li Feng greeted him as he entered. "Take a seat. We have much to discuss."

Zhang Wei nodded, taking his place at the table. He felt a surge of camaraderie with the men around him, each one a seasoned warrior and trusted ally. This was their inner circle, the heart of their rebellion.

"Today, we revisit our strategy," General Li Feng began, spreading out a detailed map of the empire. "Our focus is on the defences of the empire. We must understand them thoroughly if we are to succeed."

He pointed to various locations on the map.

"The empire's defence relies heavily on a formation known as the 'Tuliang' or 'Earth Rampart.' This ancient strategy has been the backbone of our defences for centuries."

The Tuliang formation, Zhang Wei knew, was a sophisticated network of fortified walls, strategic watchtowers, and interlocking defensive positions. It had been employed effectively by various dynasties to protect against invasions. Its strength lay in its ability to channel and control the movement of enemy forces, forcing them into vulnerable positions where they could be easily targeted by archers and soldiers.

"During the Han Dynasty, the Tuliang formation was perfected to defend against the Xiongnu invasions," General Li Feng continued. "It relied on the use of natural terrain combined with man-made fortifications. The Great Wall itself is an extension of this principle."

"We need to identify the weak points in this formation. Every defence has its flaws. If we can find them, we can exploit them," Captain Xue leaned forward, his eyes on the map.

"The key is mobility. The empire's forces are strong, but they are also slow to adapt. We need to use speed and surprise to our advantage," Sergeant Chen spoke up, his voice gruff but thoughtful.

"Even we know ourselves how that the communication lines between these fortifications are long and cumbersome. If we can disrupt their communication, we can create confusion and disorder," Lieutenant Wang nodded in agreement.

Zhang Wei listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. He thought of the lessons he had learned during his training, the tactics and strategies that had been drilled into him. Now, he would use that knowledge to dismantle the very system that had once protected him.

"We will also need to rally support from within the empire," General Li Feng added. "There are many who are discontent with the current regime. If we can gain their loyalty, we can bolster our numbers and create a network of resistance from within."

"And we must be prepared for counterattacks. The empire will not sit idly by while we move against them. We need contingency plans, escape routes, and safe havens," Captain Xue smiled grimly.

The discussion continued, each man contributing his insights and expertise. They debated tactics, planned ambushes, and devised ways to sow chaos within the enemy ranks. Zhang Wei felt a sense of purpose settle over him. This was more than just a rebellion—it was a carefully orchestrated campaign, a battle for the soul of the empire.

Zhang Wei sat at the table, absorbing the detailed discussion around him. The strategies, the tactics, the historical references—all these elements were crucial to their plan. But one question lingered in his mind, a question that could determine the success of their rebellion.

"General Li Feng," Zhang Wei began, breaking the thoughtful silence. "If we want the empire to deploy the Tuliang formation, wouldn't we need to make them aware of the Mongol threat? How do we ensure they react in the way we need?"

"You are correct, Zhang Wei. For our plan to work seamlessly, the empire must be aware of the Mongol threat and respond by deploying the Tuliang formation. This is indeed the best approach in mind," General Li Feng nodded as if anticipating this question.

He stood, pacing slowly as he elaborated.

"If we were to initiate an ambush on the empire directly, it would indeed cause immediate disruption and chaos. While this might seem advantageous, it works against our needs. Chaos within the empire would make it difficult for us to operate effectively from within. We need order and structure to execute our plans flawlessly." He stood, pacing slowly as he elaborated.

"An ambush would force the empire into a reactive stance. They would be scrambling to regain control, making it nearly impossible for us to navigate and manipulate the situation from within. The Tuliang formation, on the other hand, represents a controlled and predictable response," Captain Xue interjected, his tone thoughtful.

"So, by ensuring the Mongol threat is known, we can direct the empire to respond in a way that maintains order. This allows us to move undercover, to exploit their structured defence for our ends," Zhang Wei nodded slowly, beginning to see the wisdom in their approach.

"Precisely. When the Tuliang formation is deployed, the empire's forces will be focused on their external defences. This gives us the perfect opportunity to strike from within, to disrupt their lines of communication and to rally support among those dissatisfied with the current regime," General Li Feng's eyes gleamed with approval.

"Moreover, by making the Mongol threat known, we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed. The empire's forces will be concentrated at specific points, leaving other areas less guarded and more vulnerable to our influence. And if used to our advantage, can pin down the empire and force them to surrender," Sergeant Chen added.

"This way, we can minimize civilian casualties. Our goal is to bring about change, not to cause unnecessary suffering. By maintaining order, we can ensure that our actions are targeted and precise," Lieutenant Wang leaned forward, his expression serious.

Zhang Wei felt a sense of clarity as he listened to their reasoning. The plan was intricate and required careful execution, but it was sound. He looked around at the faces of his comrades, each one reflecting the same resolve and determination.

"Remember, Zhang Wei, our goal is not just to overthrow the current regime. We aim to restore justice, to bring about a better future for the people. This requires not just strength, but wisdom and strategy," General Li Feng placed a hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder.

"I understand, General. We will proceed as planned. We will make the Mongol threat known and ensure the empire deploys the Tuliang formation. From there, we will execute our plan and bring about the change we seek," Zhang Wei nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

As the discussions continued, a critical question emerged in Zhang Wei's mind. He looked at General Li Feng, his expression thoughtful.

"General, who will be in charge of the empire's defence? If we rely on the Tuliang formation, we need to know who will be giving the orders."

"Emperor Ming Jian himself will instruct everything. He will be the one orchestrating the empire's defence," General Li Feng's gaze sharpened, recognizing the importance of this query.

"But if the emperor is giving the orders, how can we ensure that the instructions align with our plans?" Zhang Wei's brow furrowed.

"The emperor may be the one giving the orders, but the execution of those orders falls to me, the main general. However, what the emperor doesn't know is that I have already overturned my allegiance to the Mongols," General Li Feng smiled slightly, a glint of cunning in his eyes.

"So, while the emperor believes he is directing the defence, you, General, will have the actual power to alter what needs to be altered," Captain Xue leaned in, intrigued.

"Precisely," General Li Feng affirmed. "Instructing the troops, positioning the defences, all those responsibilities lie with me. I can ensure that the deployment of the Tuliang formation is done in a way that serves our purposes. We can create vulnerabilities where we need them and strengthen our positions where it benefits us."

"So, you will be able to manipulate the defence from within, ensuring that our rebellion has the best chance of success," Zhang Wei felt a surge of confidence.

"Exactly," General Li Feng replied. "This dual role allows us to control the flow of information and the movement of troops. By the time the emperor realizes what has happened, it will be too late for him to react effectively."

"This way, we maintain the appearance of loyalty while strategically positioning ourselves to strike when the moment is right," Lieutenant Wang nodded in agreement.

"And with the Mongol threat as a catalyst, we can ensure that the empire's forces are spread thin, allowing us to target key locations with minimal resistance," Sergeant Chen added.

"Good. Now, let us finalize our preparations. Every detail must be accounted for, every possibility anticipated," General Li Feng smiled, a rare expression of warmth and pride.

The rest of the day was spent meticulously planning their next steps. They discussed the timing and methods for making the Mongol threat known, the signals they would use to coordinate their actions, and the safe houses they could retreat to if things went awry.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, Zhang Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but with the support and guidance of General Li Feng and his trusted comrades, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The meeting adjourned, and each man left with specific tasks to prepare for the coming days. Zhang Wei walked through the palace corridors, his mind a whirlwind of plans and contingencies. As he stepped outside, the cool evening air filled his lungs, and he looked up at the night sky, stars beginning to dot the twilight.

With a final deep breath, he turned back toward the palace, ready to continue the fight for justice and a better future for his people.