Chapter 14: Road to Rebellion

The carriage rattled over uneven cobblestones as dawn’s first light broke across the horizon. Li Xiao peered out the window, watching the palace walls recede into the distance. She felt a tremor of anticipation—and anxiety—at the journey ahead. The southern provinces lay many days’ ride away, and rumors of rebellion had already reached Liángzhōu.

Jin Tao sat opposite her, his expression calm but his crimson eyes shadowed with concern. He unwrapped a small bundle of rice balls and offered one to her. “Eat,” he said softly. “You must keep your strength.”

Li Xiao accepted the rice ball gratefully, biting into the sweet filling. The warmth of the soft dough soothed her nerves. “Thank you,” she replied, meeting his gaze. “I… I am ready to serve.”

He inclined his head. “Good.”

Outside, the countryside unfurled in rolling hills and patchwork fields. Li Xiao recognized terraced rice paddies, their bright green stalks swaying in the morning breeze. Villagers emerged from wooden homes to tend their animals, casting curious glances at the passing carriage.

After several hours, they reached the first waypoint: a small relay station where fresh horses and supplies awaited. Jin Tao oversaw the exchange with practiced efficiency, while Li Xiao helped arrange their provisions—dried meats, rice, herbs, and water skins.

A young rider approached, bowing deeply to Jin Tao. “My lord, news from the southern border: the rebels have seized the river crossing at Hanford Pass. They hold the toll bridge and demand tribute.”

Jin Tao’s jaw tightened. “Thank you. We depart immediately.”

He turned to Li Xiao. “Prepare yourself. The road ahead may be dangerous.”

Li Xiao nodded, swallowing her nerves. She secured her writing tools and the leather-bound diary Jin Tao had entrusted to her care. “I am ready,” she said.

They rode through midday sun, the heat shimmering over dusty roads. Li Xiao rode side‑saddle on a sturdy mare, her posture careful and balanced. Jin Tao rode a powerful black stallion, its coat gleaming in the sun. Guards flanked them on either side, their spears held at the ready.

By late afternoon, they reached a narrow mountain pass where the toll bridge spanned a swift, rocky river. The bridge’s wooden planks were broken in places, and a group of armed men—rebels by their ragged uniforms—stood guard.

As the carriage approached, the rebel leader stepped forward. He was a broad-shouldered man with a scar across his cheek and a crude halberd in hand.

“State your business,” he demanded, voice rough.

Jin Tao dismounted and approached, Li Xiao following. The rebels’ eyes flicked to her, and she felt a wave of unease.

“I am Counselor Jin Tao of Liángzhōu,” he announced, voice steady. “I come under the emperor’s command to negotiate peace and restore order.”

The rebel leader laughed. “The emperor’s command means nothing here. We hold this pass. Pay the toll, or turn back.”

Jin Tao’s crimson eyes narrowed. “I will not bribe traitors. Stand aside.”

The rebel leader sneered. “Then we take your carriage—and all within it.”

Li Xiao’s heart pounded. She gripped the reins of her mare, ready to flee if necessary.

Suddenly, a horn sounded from the road behind. A detachment of imperial guards, led by Lieutenant Zhao, thundered into view. Their spears glinted in the sun as they charged the rebels.

“Rebels! Lay down your arms!” Lieutenant Zhao shouted.

Caught between the counselor’s quiet authority and the approaching guards, the rebel leader hesitated. He raised his halberd, but the lieutenant’s spear shattered his weapon with a single strike. The other rebels, seeing their leader disarmed, dropped their arms and fled into the mountains.

Lieutenant Zhao bowed to Jin Tao. “Counselor, we intercepted your carriage. I bring reinforcements.”

Jin Tao inclined his head. “Thank you.” He turned to Li Xiao. “Are you unharmed?”

She nodded, her pulse racing. “Yes, Counselor.”

He offered her a small, reassuring smile before turning to the lieutenant. “Secure the bridge. We will proceed.”

Under escort, they crossed the repaired bridge and continued south. Li Xiao’s nerves remained taut, but the successful passage bolstered her confidence. She glanced at Jin Tao, who rode with his usual composure, the silver lotus handkerchief tucked in his robe.

As dusk approached, they made camp in a sheltered clearing beneath ancient pines. Li Xiao helped set up tents and prepare a simple meal of rice and roasted vegetables. The guards stood watch, their torches casting flickering shadows.

After the meal, Jin Tao called Li Xiao to his tent. Inside, a small brazier glowed, and cushions lined the walls. He offered her tea and gestured for her to sit.

“I am impressed by your composure today,” he said quietly. “You did well at the bridge.”

Li Xiao accepted the tea, its warmth comforting. “I only followed your example, Counselor.”

He studied her for a moment. “This journey will test us further. The rebels grow bolder by the day.” He paused, then added, “Rest now. Tomorrow, we reach the rebel-held city of Hanford.”

She bowed. “Yes, Counselor.”

As she left the tent, Li Xiao felt the weight of the coming days. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but she knew she would face it at Jin Tao’s side.

The next morning, the camp stirred before sunrise. Li Xiao wrapped herself in a light cloak and stepped outside. The clearing was bathed in mist, and the pines loomed like silent sentinels. She spotted Jin Tao by the brazier, warming his hands.

“Good morning,” she whispered.

He nodded. “Morning. Are you ready?”

She met his crimson gaze. “Yes.”

They rode in silence toward Hanford, the city’s stone walls appearing on the horizon like a jagged crown. Smoke rose from its towers, and the air carried the scent of burning wood and desperation.

As they approached the city gates, rebel banners—black with a crimson phoenix—fluttered in the breeze. The gates stood open, a sign of the rebels’ confidence. Li Xiao’s breath caught; she had never seen a city under rebel control.

Jin Tao reined in his stallion. “Stay close,” he instructed. “We enter as envoys.”

They dismounted and entered the city on foot, Li Xiao at his side. The streets were crowded with wary citizens—women clutching children, merchants packing goods, and soldiers in rough uniforms. The city’s vibrancy was tinged with fear.

At the central square, a raised platform held the rebel leader on a makeshift throne. He wore a crimson cloak and the same scarred cheek Li Xiao had seen at the bridge.

“Counselor Jin Tao,” the rebel leader called, voice loud. “You dare enter my city?”

Jin Tao stepped forward calmly. “I come to negotiate peace and restore order.”

The rebel leader sneered. “Peace? The emperor’s peace is built on oppression and greed.”

Li Xiao’s heart pounded. She could sense the crowd’s tension. She reached for the silver lotus handkerchief, feeling its comfort against her fingers.

Jin Tao raised a hand. “We will not speak of oppression. Let us discuss terms that benefit all.”

The rebel leader laughed. “Very well. But know this: we will not bow to an emperor who cares nothing for his people.”

Jin Tao bowed respectfully. “Then tell me what your demands are.”

The leader leaned forward, eyes blazing. “Lower taxes on grain. Return land to the farmers. And appoint local councils to govern.”

A murmur rose from the crowd. Li Xiao watched as Jin Tao considered the demands, weighing them against imperial decree. She felt a surge of admiration for his calm resolve.

He spoke after a moment. “Your demands are reasonable. I will present them to the emperor. In return, lay down your arms and allow imperial forces to enter without bloodshed.”

The rebel leader’s expression wavered. He glanced at his soldiers, who looked uncertain. The crowd held its breath.

Finally, the leader nodded. “I accept these terms. But know this: if the emperor reneges, we will rise again.”

Jin Tao inclined his head. “I give you my word.”

A cheer rose from the crowd, and the tension in the square dissolved into cautious hope. Li Xiao exhaled, relief flooding her.

Jin Tao turned to her, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips. “Come.”

He led her and the rebel leader to a side chamber to draft the agreement. Li Xiao knelt at the table, ready to record each clause with her steady hand.

As the morning sun climbed, Li Xiao realized that in the heart of rebellion, she had found her purpose: to weave peace from conflict, to stand by the counselor whose trust had carried her this far—and to help shape a future where duty and compassion walked hand in hand.