Alam now resided in the palace of Xian, and he learned that the previous emperor had a staggering 100 concubines. After conquering the place, it was something he could rightfully claim, but honestly, Alam felt he didn’t have the energy for 100 women. So, he decided to skip the local tradition.
Meanwhile, he started changing up his usual look. His old leather jacket was replaced by a flowing robe of yellow silk, embroidered with intricate gold dragons. He wasn’t going to lie—just a 2 year ago, he and his people were on the brink of starvation during the winter war. Now, he had conquered one of the richest cities in the region, and his ego was definitely floating a bit.
Alam flicked on the intercom, summoning his Tibetan strategist, Light. “Hey, let’s talk about the aftermath of our brilliant victory.”
“Ah, yes! A stunning triumph indeed!” Light replied, his tone dripping with enthusiasm. “This will set a precedent for your benevolent rule. If you keep up the image of a liberator, the nearby nations will be lining up to submit. Just remember to treat them fairly. Prove you’re a merciful ruler, and they’ll flock to you!”
“Shhh,” Alam interjected, waving his hand dismissively. “I know the war isn’t over. We originally planned a slow, methodical takeover, but thanks to my lightning campaign, we’re holding central China faster than a kid with candy. The new plan? Focus on conquering the seashore. We need to isolate those pesky factions.”
“Brilliant!” Light exclaimed. “Seashores mean supply lines and naval attacks. If we cut off their outside support, they’ll be like fish out of water—literally!”
“Got any more spicy plans up your sleeve?” Alam smirked.
“Destroy the factions? Well…” Light grinned, clearly relishing the conversation. “If you want to crush their spirit, you need to do it quickly and decisively. Shock and awe, my friend! The fear alone could make them surrender.”
“Wait, what do you mean by ‘terror’?” Alam raised an eyebrow. “You know most of them are stubborn, right? I’d probably have to off a lot of soldiers first before—”
“Oh, dear,” Light interrupted, smirking. “Terror is a strategy, my friend. It’s about creating fear. Even the bravest soldiers will lose their nerve when they see their comrades fall in horrific ways. You want the enemy to doubt your mercy.”
“Sounds a bit… extreme,” Alam said, scratching his head.
“Welcome to war! Every conflict has its share of ‘war crimes,’ if you want to call it that,” Light chuckled. “Want to hear the tactic?”
“Yeah, lay it on me,” Alam said, intrigued.
“First, target someone beloved by the troops,” Light explained, his grin widening. “Not necessarily a leader, but someone who’s close to them. Create a situation that makes those soldiers fear for their loved ones’ safety. It’s pretty self-explanatory.”
“Oh, we’ve done some spec ops and targeted assassinations at the Siege of Xian. Propaganda and sabotage are our bread and butter,” Alam admitted.
“Good to hear! But there’s one more method—though it’s a bit more extreme,” Light said, leaning in closer.
“Okay, I’m listening,” Alam replied, intrigued.
“It’s about fear,” Light said, his tone shifting. “In a campaign like this, there are three levels of fear. The first is the fear of losing a battle. The second? Losing comrades in a conventional way.”
“Got it,” Alam nodded, already sensing where this was going.
“Then comes the third level—fear of losing everything,” Light said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“What do you mean by losing everything?” Alam asked, his curiosity piqued.
“When the enemy won’t surrender or negotiate, you need to apply that third level of fear. Make them believe that if they can’t beat you, they’ll lose everything—their nation, their lives, everything!” Light smirked. “You have to shatter their spirit.”
“Like, classic threats? ‘Surrender or I’ll kill your family and your pet?’” Alam pause considering. “Though, honestly, threatening the hamster is probably more effective these days. Everyone loves hamsters.”
Light leaned back, a sly grin on his face. “That’s a type of fear, but it’s pretty ordinary compared to what I’m talking about. Sure, it’s part of the third level, but it can’t be used in open combat.”
Alam raised an eyebrow. “Okay, then what’s your genius plan?”
Light chuckled mischievously. “You want to know? Alright, here it goes. War is all about breaking the enemy’s morale, right? So how about we aim right at their leader? Make him sweat, show him we won’t hesitate to take him out along with his buddies.”
“That sounds risky,” Alam said. “What if he’s charismatic? That might just fuel their resistance.”
“Exactly! The more he resists, the more we need to show him what happens when you say no,” Light shot back, grinning devilishly. “It’s just another way to instill fear.”
“Okay, I get it. But do you have any other ideas?” Alam pressed.
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Light’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “We need to spread rumors that our army is ruthless—surrendering won’t save anyone. The best way to do that? Show the consequences directly.”
“Won’t that just make them fight harder?” Alam questioned.
“Nope!” Light grinned cruelly. “It’ll have the opposite effect. They’ll lose their spirit before the first shot is fired. Fear will seep into their bones, and some might even run away, despite being capable soldiers. After that, they won’t dare resist.”
“Interesting. I’ve never thought of it that way,” Alam admitted.
Light smirked proudly. “I’m always one step ahead. While others underestimate me, I know my strengths—both in combat and psychological warfare. I can crush their bodies and their spirits.”
“Sure, but if I want to unite my territory into a confederation, will fear really keep them in line?” Alam asked.
“That’s the catch,” Light replied. “If you want genuine trust, fear alone won’t cut it. It’s useful for keeping some individuals in check, but if you overdo it, it’ll backfire. Use it selectively.”
“Or I could create a new branch of the army—let’s call them the ‘Black Goats,’” Alam said with a smirk. “They can do my dirty work, and then I’ll integrate them into the confederation.”
“Now we’re talking!” Light exclaimed. “Use ruthless tactics to break resistance, then gradually integrate them. That way, you won’t come off as a tyrant. They’ll see you as a great leader promoting peace.”
“Yeah, but I’ll still need to keep them in line,” Alam said.
“Exactly. That’s where your ‘Black Goats’ come in,” Light chuckled. “Just be careful—they might develop their own identity and cause trouble if you don’t manage them right.”
“Sounds like a potential headache,” Alam said, rubbing his temples.
“Oh, trust me, I’ve been there,” Light said with a smirk. “But I won’t spill the details. You’ll figure it out. If it turns into a mess, well, you’ll know what to do.”
“Great, thanks for the vote of confidence,” Alam shot back, rolling his eyes. “So, what’s your master plan for dealing with it?”
Light leaned in, an enigmatic smile on his lips. “Well, it’s an art form—manipulation, really. You should have it all figured out before you bring the ‘Black Goats’ into the fold.”
“Let me guess,” Alam said, “once their job is done, I’ll just disown them?”
Light grinned wickedly. “That’s one way! Or you could use them to absorb more factions. Their notorious reputation could instill fear in your enemies or even force them to ally with you just to deal with the ‘Black Goats.’”
“Interesting,” Alam mused. “I’ll consider it for the greater good.”
Light leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Good. But remember, don’t underestimate the situation. We’re talking about using a ruthless organization as a tool here. You might control them at first, but their own will can creep up later. There’s no guarantee they’ll always bow to your authority.”
“Great,” Alam replied, rolling his eyes. “Thanks for the pep talk. Now, let’s get down to business.” A few hours after their feast, Alam gathered everyone for the next phase of their campaign.
“Alright, here’s the plan. From Xi'an, we’re heading south to capture Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Qingdao, and finally Weihai,” he announced, his voice steady and commanding.
“Solid plan,” Zao chimed in. “We’ll crush any local resistance and secure our hold on the south.”
“Speaking of resistance,” Alam said, “do we have intel on what we’re up against?”
“Absolutely,” Fang replied. “Our scouts have mapped out the local factions and potential obstacles. Expect a mix of minor alliances and some stubborn locals. We need to ensure a steady supply line from Xi'an to Weihai.”
“Right. And how long did it take Genghis Khan to conquer the Jin Empire?” Alam asked, curious about historical precedents.
“About 18 years,” Fang answered. “Persistence and strategy were key for him.”
“And the Japanese in Manchuria during WWII?” Alam pressed.
“Six years of relentless campaigns before they really dug in,” Fang said. “They were strategic, and that’s what made them successful.”
“Good lessons there. Persistence and strategy. Got it.” Alam turned to Zao and Yang. “You two have been instrumental in the Xian campaign. Can you lead the army to Weihai?”
“Absolutely,” Zao replied. “We’ll tackle whatever comes our way—hills, forests, enemies, you name it.”
“It’ll be tough, but we’re ready,” Yang added, determination in his voice.
“Great. Fang, you'll oversee their progress and keep me posted,” Alam commanded.
“On it. I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly,” Fang said, nodding.
“Any questions?” Alam scanned the room, but his generals were all focused, ready to execute the plan.
“Good luck, everyone,” he said, saluting. The officers returned the gesture, their faces filled with determination. With solid intel backing them and a clear plan in place, they were ready to conquer the southern region of China, one city at a time.
Later that afternoon, Alam made his way back to the quaint village. but this time he decide to wear his old leather jacket, a peaceful landscape was a comforting contrast to the boring chaos of his military life. A cluster of modest houses surrounded a central plaza, framed by rolling hills and lush forests. As he approached, the familiar sight of Luo's small home brought a smile to his face.
Luo stood at her door, her face lighting up when she saw him. “Alam! You’re back!” she exclaimed, a warm welcome in her voice.
“Hey, I know I’m a bit needy, but can you cook me dinner?” he asked, half-joking, half-serious.
“Of course! It’ll be simple, but delicious,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. She led him into her cozy kitchen, filled with the aromas of spices and fresh ingredients.
As she began to prepare the meal, Alam watched her movements with appreciation. “What are you making?” he asked, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.
“Pot stickers,” she said, glancing back at him with a smile. “They’re a family recipe—seasoned meat and vegetables wrapped in a thin dough.”
“Sounds amazing. What makes them different from bakpao?” Alam asked, taking a seat at her small table.
Luo smiled, her enthusiasm infectious. “Well, bakpao are fluffier and sweeter. These are savory, with a crispy bottom from the frying pan. You’ll love them!”
Alam took a bite, savoring the flavors. “Wow, this is really good!”
“Glad you like it!” she beamed, her face lighting up with pride as she watched him enjoy her cooking. The kitchen filled with the sound of sizzling, and the aroma wrapped around them like a warm blanket.
“I need to tell you something,” Alam said, his tone turning serious. “My time in Xian is almost over. I’m heading east soon.”
Luo’s smile faded slightly, replaced with a look of understanding. “I know you have your duties,” she said softly. “I’ll miss you.”
“Funny coincidence, though,” Alam continued, trying to lighten the mood. “I dammed a river named Weihai, and now my next target is the port city of Weihai.”
Luo giggled, shaking her head at the irony. “Life has a strange sense of humor, doesn’t it?”
“Speaking of humor,” Alam said, “do you still have that huge stock of tea?”
“Oh yes! I kept plenty for when you came back,” she replied, her face lighting up again. “I knew you’d want some!”
“Great! But I can’t make promises, you know. I might just buy half of it,” he said, trying to sound casual.
Luo's smile softened. “That’s fine. It shows you care about us, even while you’re off conquering.”
Alam gazed out the window, watching the sun dip behind the hills. “Sometimes I wish for a place like this when I grow old. Just quiet and peaceful.”
Luo nodded, understanding the weight of his words. She could see the toll the wars had taken on him. “This village has its charm. It’s nice to escape the chaos, even if just for a moment.”
Alam stretched, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “I hope you live long and healthy, Luo. I really should be going now.”
“Take care, Alam,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
“Goodbye, Luo.” He stepped outside, and as he walked away, he glanced back one last time. Her smile was bright, but her eyes shimmered with a mix of hope and melancholy.
As Alam disappeared down the path, Luo stood in her doorway, feeling a bittersweet pang in her heart. She cherished the moments they shared, even as the reality of his departure sank in. The village remained tranquil, but the weight of Alam’s absence loomed large in the quiet air, leaving her to ponder the future.
Alam returned to the command center, the quiet village now a distant memory. The maps spread across the table called to him, the next phase of the campaign already taking shape in his mind. He decided to join the vanguard once more.
The Wanderer's vanguard force moves forward confidently across the rugged and scenic terrain, marching northward towards the Tainyuang city. Alam leads the way, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any potential threats or dangerous situations. The team traverses through the scenic valleys and mountains, encountering the spectacular landscape of the Qinling Mountains. As the team ventures further north and approaches the Taiyuan basin, the landscape becomes flatter and the city of Taiyuan comes into sight, it's sprawling urban skyline rising above the surrounding plains...
then one by one. from street to street, from village to village, from city to city. from warlord to warlord, alam conquer the old capital of beijing. the city was its former glory though. the industry, their tech is busted, and less populated compared with xian, the city will only become a merely symbolic victory, nevertheles. alam then rank up more new general. such yang for conquest of korea, everything is good.
As the generals feasted, a messenger arrived, his face grim. He handed Alam a sealed report. Alam broke the seal and read the contents, his brow furrowing. “It seems our victory here has not gone unnoticed,” he said, his voice low. “The Blood khaganate and red nation is on the move. They’re expanding their influence, and reports suggest they’ve developed a new type of heavy tank.”