The March of Shadows

As dawn broke over the capital, the execution of their plan began to unfold. The first step was to inform Erdene and the Mongol army to commence their march toward the capital. They were to give a warning of war without engaging in actual combat. Zhang Wei knew that this was crucial to creating the necessary distraction for their rebellion.

With General Li Feng's authority, Zhang Wei found it easy to slip out of the palace. The guards, familiar with the general's orders, allowed him passage without question. Zhang Wei moved quickly through the bustling city, his thoughts focused on the task ahead. He needed to reach the outskirts, where he could call upon Kulan, his trusted falcon, to send the message.

Reaching the hillside area, Zhang Wei scanned the skies, his heart pounding with anticipation. He raised his arm, the falconry gauntlet securely in place, and let out a piercing whistle. Moments later, Kulan appeared, her powerful wings slicing through the air as she descended towards him. The sight of the falcon brought a sense of relief and determination.

Kulan landed gracefully on Zhang Wei's arm, and he wasted no time tying the note to her leg. The message was simple but urgent: Begin the march. Do not engage. Give the warning of war. He secured the note, giving Kulan a few treats as a reward. The falcon, sensing the importance of her mission, took off with a powerful thrust of her wings, heading north toward the Mongol encampment.

Watching Kulan disappear into the horizon, Zhang Wei felt a mix of anxiety and hope. This was the first real step towards their rebellion, and there was no turning back now. He turned and made his way back to the capital, his pace quickening as he thought about the next steps.

Re-entering the palace was just as smooth as his departure, thanks to General Li Feng's arrangements. Zhang Wei navigated the familiar corridors, his mind racing with the details of their plan. He needed to report back to General Li Feng, who was waiting for him in his office.

The door to General Li Feng's office was slightly ajar, and Zhang Wei entered without knocking. Inside, General Li Feng stood by the window, his back to the door. He turned as Zhang Wei approached, his expression a mixture of relief and determination.

"It's done," Zhang Wei said, his voice steady. "Kulan is on her way to Erdene. The Mongol army will begin their march soon."

"Good. This is the first step. We need to ensure everything is in place for when the time comes," General Li Feng nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of their shared mission.

"What do we do next, General?" Zhang Wei took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of their situation.

"We continue as planned," General Li Feng replied. "We must maintain our roles and ensure that the emperor remains unaware of our intentions. The moment the Mongol army gives their warning, the Tuliang formation will be deployed. That's when we make our move."

"I will stay close and be ready for any further instructions," Zhang Wei nodded, understanding the importance of timing and precision.

"We will succeed, Zhang Wei. Together, we will restore justice and bring an end to the tyranny of Emperor Ming Jian," General Li Feng placed a reassuring hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder.

As they prepared for the next phase of their plan, Zhang Wei felt a renewed sense of resolve. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was ready to face it head-on. With the support of General Li Feng and his allies, he knew they had a chance to change the course of history.

The march of shadows had begun, and with it, the hope for a brighter future.

The next phase of their plan required them to maintain their cover as imperial soldiers. General Li Feng and Captain Xue prepared to inform the emperor of the imminent Mongol threat. They moved quickly through the palace, their faces set with grim determination. Zhang Wei, meanwhile, remained behind, trusting them to handle this crucial step.

General Li Feng and Captain Xue burst into the imperial hall, their urgency palpable. The grand hall was filled with the echoes of their footsteps as they approached Emperor Ming Jian, who was seated on his throne. His eyes narrowed at their sudden entrance, signalling for them to speak.

"Your Majesty," General Li Feng began, bowing deeply. "We have received intelligence that the Mongol army is marching towards the capital. Their intentions are clear: they seek to engage us in battle."

"How reliable is this information, General Li Feng?" Emperor Ming Jian's expression hardened, and he leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity.

"It is confirmed by multiple scouts, Your Majesty," Captain Xue added. "We must prepare our defences immediately."

"Summon all the generals to the war meeting room. We must convene at once," the emperor's jaw tightened, and he signalled for a servant.

As the servant rushed to carry out the emperor's orders, General Li Feng and Captain Xue exchanged a glance. They knew this was the moment where everything hinged on their ability to play their roles convincingly.

In the war meeting room, the tension was palpable. The room was filled with the empire's highest-ranking military officials, all murmuring anxiously among themselves. Emperor Ming Jian stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding and severe. Empress Xia sat quietly at the back, her calculating eyes taking in every detail. She was the true mastermind behind the empire's current state, and she needed to hear everything to maintain her control.

General Li Feng and Captain Xue entered the room, taking their places among the other generals. Zhang Wei, as instructed, stayed behind. He knew that his presence would only complicate matters and that he had to trust in General Li Feng and Captain Xue to handle this critical juncture.

"Generals, we face a grave threat. The Mongol army marches towards our capital with the intent to attack. We must deploy our defences immediately and prepare for war," as the room settled into silence, Emperor Ming Jian began.

"Your Majesty, we must crush them before they reach our gates. An aggressive strategy will show them our strength," General Mo Tingfeng, one of the corrupted generals, spoke first.

"Yes, we must meet them head-on and annihilate their forces. Any show of weakness will be our downfall," General Tan Ling nodded in agreement.

"We should deploy our best troops and ensure that the Mongols are driven back at any cost," General Dong Guo, another corrupted figure, added.

"Your Majesty, while an aggressive stance is important, we must also ensure the safety of our citizens. The Tuliang defence formation will allow us to control the battlefield and minimize unnecessary bloodshed. It provides a balanced approach, ensuring both offensive and defensive capabilities," General Li Feng, maintaining his composure, spoke next.

The three corrupted generals exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed.

"Are you suggesting we hide behind our walls like cowards? The people will see it as a sign of weakness," General Mo Tingfeng sneered.

"An offensive approach will prevent the Mongols from getting close enough to do any real damage. It's the best way to protect the civilians," General Tan Ling chimed in.

"We need to show strength, not caution. Meeting them head-on will demoralize their forces and prevent a prolonged siege," General Dong Guo added.

"Your Majesty, the Mongol army is already approaching. To counteract them with an immediate offensive is risky. Not all our soldiers are prepared for such an engagement. Fortifying our defences under the Tuliang formation is a better approach. Again, it allows us to maintain control and order, ensuring that our forces are strategically positioned to counter any attack effectively," General Li Feng stood firm.

"General Li Feng is right. The Tuliang formation is our best option. It will enable us to maintain order and protect our people while effectively countering the Mongol threat," General Bai, known for his integrity and care for the people, supported Li Feng.

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as the generals considered their options. Empress Xia's eyes flickered with interest as she observed the discussions, her mind calculating the implications of each proposal. And with a second of glance she made with Emperor Ming Jian, the result is in.

"General Li Feng, you will lead our defences. Implement the Tuliang formation and ensure our forces are ready to meet the Mongol threat," Emperor Ming Jian turned to General Li Feng.

"As you command, Your Majesty," General Li Feng bowed deeply.

As the meeting continued, Zhang Wei remained outside, his thoughts racing. He knew the success of their rebellion depended on this crucial moment. Inside, General Li Feng and Captain Xue navigated the treacherous waters of imperial politics, their every word and action meticulously planned.

"General Li Feng, you will lead our defences. Implement the Tuliang formation and ensure our forces are ready to meet the Mongol threat," Emperor Ming Jian turned to General Li Feng.

"As you command, Your Majesty," General Li Feng bowed deeply.

As the meeting continued, Zhang Wei remained outside, his thoughts racing. He knew the success of their rebellion depended on this crucial moment. Inside, General Li Feng and Captain Xue navigated the treacherous waters of imperial politics, their every word and action meticulously planned.

When the meeting finally concluded, General Li Feng and Captain Xue emerged, their faces unreadable. Zhang Wei felt a surge of anticipation as they approached him.

"How did it go?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.

"The plan is in motion. We have been given the authority to lead the defences. Now, we must prepare for the next steps," General Li Feng placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Zhang Wei nodded, his resolve strengthening. Together, they would see this through. The rebellion was underway, and there was no turning back now.