An Imperial Caravan Arrives in Beiyang
Black banners with golden borders fluttered against the gray early spring sky. The imperial caravan passed through the gates of Beiyang amidst the respectful silence of the citizens and the watchful gaze of the sentinels. At its head rode Zhao Yuan, the Emperor's personal envoy, accompanied by twenty elite soldiers clad in ceremonial armor bearing the Jade Phoenix emblem.
Li Wei, standing before the command pavilion, waited with his characteristic calm. Though only eighteen years old, the poise in his posture and the precision of his campaigns over the past three years made him appear a seasoned commander.
Zhao Yuan dismounted and offered a measured bow.
— General Li Wei, I have come to deliver the will of the Throne.
🏯 A Proposal Without Dangerous Promises
Inside Beiyang's strategy hall, beneath tapestries displaying maps of Chu, Zhao unfurled several documents and spoke in a carefully composed tone.
—The Emperor has followed your actions closely these past three years. Your name is spoken with respect by the Ministers of War—and with fear by the envoys of Chu. Yet the Throne does not wish for a talent such as yours to fall prey to the petty struggles of provincial courts.
—The Emperor offers no titles, only silent backing. In exchange for pledging your loyalty to the Royal Faction, you will receive resources to strengthen your territory and elevate eleven of your most capable men. Thus, your influence will grow quietly—like bamboo beneath the rain.
The Benefits of the Pact
🔹 1. Military ReinforcementsThe Emperor authorizes the dispatch of 3,000 new soldiers, trained in central academies and ready to serve under Li Wei.
This brings his regular army to 9,000 active troops:
2,000 are permanently stationed at the Iron Serpent Pass, a key defense against Chu.
1,000 are kept as a standing garrison in Beiyang (after reinforcing the pass with 500 men).
The newly arrived 3,000 will be progressively integrated across multiple units: infantry, light cavalry, logistics, mounted archers, and a new scouting division.
🔹 2. Special FundingLi Wei receives 4,000 gold pieces to:
Reinforce grain and fodder stores.
Establish two new military forges.
Expand Beiyang's field hospital and enhance medical training.
Improve roads and rural outposts in interior villages.
🔹 3. Discreet PromotionsWithout drawing public attention or formalizing noble titles, Zhao delivers sealed scrolls of direct imperial recognition:
He Zhen (second-in-command): named Deputy Commander of the Pass, with full operational authority.
Ming Tao (scouts): placed in charge of a new frontier surveillance unit.
Lan Rui (heavy cavalry): granted command over new shock cavalry squadrons.
Shi Nuan (logistics & medical): appointed General Coordinator of Supplies in the Beiyang region.
All promotions are technical and functional, not aristocratic, to avoid angering noble factions who may see Li Wei as a threat.
The Tacit Pact
Li Wei remains silent for a moment. Then, in a calm tone:
— I seek neither power nor titles. But if the Imperial Throne wishes to secure its borders, then the interests of Beiyang and Qin remain aligned.
Zhao Yuan smiles with approval, understanding that the alliance has been sealed—without grandiose oaths or ceremonial words.
Before departing, the envoy leaves a personal message:
— Not all dragons are born in palaces. Some are forged in forgotten fortresses, surviving by iron and blood. When the time comes, you will be called—not by your lineage, but by your victories.
Summary: Li Wei's Current Military and Territorial Structure
Soldiers under direct command: 9,000
Iron Serpent Pass: 2,000 stationed permanently
Beiyang (capital city): 1,000 as standing garrison
Total under jurisdiction (including reinforcements/reserves): approx. 12,000 combatants
Territory controlled: Between 15 and 20 villages, managed through a military oversight system with subordinate local leaders