"The wall that holds Qin"
For three years, Li Wei, a young commander and noble of prestigious blood, has turned Jeiying Pass into a fortress worthy of legend. Located at the heart of his territory, Beiying, this pass marks one of the most sensitive access points to the inner regions of the state of Qin. Its defense is vital to the security of the kingdom's eastern frontier.
Anticipating a great war, Li Wei invested all his resources in building a triple-layered defensive structure:
First Wall: 8 meters tall, old but reinforced.
Second Wall: 13 meters tall, recently completed, 30 meters behind the first.
Third Wall (under construction): Projected to reach 20 meters, still three years from completion.
With this setup, Li Wei estimated that with 5,000 well-organized men, the pass could withstand up to 50,000 enemies for one or two years, depending on supplies and morale.
Defending Forces under Li Wei – 17,000 Men9,000 of his own well-trained and well-equipped troops:
4,000 veteran heavy infantry
1,000 "Colossi" (elite heavy infantry, giant men)
1,000 heavy siege crossbowmen
1,500 veteran heavy cavalry
500 elite heavy cavalry
500 elite mounted archers
500 mobile light cavalry
600 in logistics
400 in the medical unit
2,000 troops from the local Jeiying garrison, directly commanded by officers trained by Li Wei himself.
3,000 heavy infantry reinforcements from his grandfather Li Fang, a retired general and legendary figure of the northern frontier.
3,000 reinforcements from the neighboring marquis (father of Mei Ling), as a political alliance and future marriage bond.
Chu has mobilized a significant force, relying on numerical superiority to take Jeiying Pass and open a direct breach into Qin's inner territories. The attacking force includes:
20,000 heavy infantry
10,000 spearmen
5,000 archers
5,000 crossbowmen
5,000 cavalry
5,000 engineers and siege equipment (mobile towers, battering rams, catapults)
Their goal is to capture the pass within 3 months, before Qin can send significant reinforcements.Li Wei wastes no time:
Organizes three clear defensive lines:
First wall: to absorb the initial impact
Second wall: solid resistance and base for counterattacks
Third wall: emergency zone and last bastion if the front line is broken
Reinforces supply stores, enabling them to hold out for at least 10 months without external resupply.
Creates underground corridors to move troops between walls without enemy prediction.
Stations the Colossi between the first and second lines, where their size and strength can wreak havoc in close combat.
Positions elite mounted troops in the rear, ready to exit through side gates to cut off enemy supply lines or surround them if an opportunity arises.
Appoints his third brother as logistical coordinator in the rear, and his fourth brother as commander of the western wall.Li Wei knows that holding out means more than just enduring blows. It's about playing with time, psychological pressure, and strategy. He knows the enemy needs a quick victory. If he can hold, he'll not only protect Qin but also vastly increase his military and political influence. This siege could make him a legend—just like his grandfather before him.
And the emperor knows it too.