Title: Cannon Fodder Rebellion

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13: The First Strike

Rain hammered against the rooftops as Xia Lin, Xu Luanyo, and Mei hurried through the narrow streets, the weight of their encounter with Ren hanging heavily over them. The darkness of the night seemed to press in on all sides, and Xia Lin’s mind raced with the implications of what had just happened. Betrayal from within was the last thing they needed at such a critical moment.

"We can't wait any longer," Xu Luanyo said, his voice barely audible above the rain. "The Xu family is planning something. Ren’s betrayal confirms it. If they know our next move, they’ll strike before we can gather any more support."

Xia Lin nodded, her face grim. "We have to change our plans. We'll organize the rally in secret and move it to a new location. The Xu family expects us to be predictable, but we need to outmaneuver them."

Mei’s eyes were filled with concern. "But how? Ren and the others are watching us. They’ll inform the Xu family the moment we make any preparations."

Xia Lin paused, thinking quickly. "We need to spread false information. Let them believe we’re moving forward with the original rally plan, but in reality, we’ll strike from a different angle. We can’t allow the Xu family to control the narrative."

Mei nodded, her determination returning. "We’ll use their own tactics against them."

---

The next morning, the storm had cleared, but the tension in the town had only grown. Xia Lin could feel the undercurrent of fear and uncertainty among the people, but there was also something else—an anticipation, a readiness for what was to come. She knew that the Xu family had spread their lies well, but not everyone had abandoned the cause. Those who still believed in the movement had become even more resolute.

Xia Lin gathered her closest allies in the stable later that evening. Mei, Xu Luanyo, Mr. Chen, and a few other trusted figures sat around a small table as she outlined the new plan.

"We’ll hold a decoy rally in the town square, just as we originally intended," she began, her voice firm. "But it will be small, only a few of us there to distract the Xu family’s forces. The real rally will take place in the fields to the east of town, where the Xu family won’t expect us. It’s remote enough to avoid immediate detection, but close enough to gather everyone who still stands with us."

Xu Luanyo raised an eyebrow. "You’re taking a big risk, Xia. If they realize it’s a diversion too soon, we could be exposed before we have a chance to mobilize."

Xia Lin met his gaze. "I know. But we don’t have any other options. We need to strike before they do, and this is our best chance to outmaneuver them. If we can gather enough people in the east fields, we’ll send a message that we’re still strong. The Xu family thrives on fear and intimidation, but if they see we haven’t been broken, it could change everything."

Mr. Chen leaned forward. "And if they send their guards to the fields?"

Xia Lin’s expression darkened. "Then we stand our ground. We can’t back down now."

---

The following days were spent in careful preparation. Word was quietly spread among the most loyal supporters, while the false rally was advertised loudly, making sure that Ren and the other informants caught wind of it. Xia Lin kept a close eye on the movements of the Xu family’s guards, watching as they mobilized in anticipation of the rally. Everything seemed to be going according to plan.

On the morning of the rally, the tension in the town was palpable. Xia Lin stood at the edge of the town square, watching as a small group of her followers began to gather. Mei and Xu Luanyo were there, their faces resolute, along with a few merchants and townsfolk who had stayed loyal despite the rumors.

"Ready?" Xu Luanyo asked, his voice low as they prepared to face whatever was coming.

Xia Lin nodded. "Stay here and hold their attention for as long as you can. I’ll head to the fields and lead the main rally. Signal me if the Xu family’s forces start to move."

Mei gave her a tight smile. "We’ll be fine. Just make sure everything goes smoothly in the fields. We’re counting on you."

With a final glance at her friends, Xia Lin slipped away, her heart pounding as she made her way through the narrow alleyways toward the eastern fields. The air was thick with anticipation, every step feeling like it carried the weight of the entire movement.

When she arrived at the fields, her heart swelled with hope. Hundreds of people were already gathered, their faces lit with determination. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and a makeshift platform had been erected for the speeches. The sight filled her with a renewed sense of purpose. Despite everything—the lies, the fear, the betrayal—these people had not given up.

Climbing onto the platform, Xia Lin raised her hand to quiet the murmuring crowd. "Today, we stand together," she began, her voice carrying across the fields. "Today, we show the Xu family that we will not be broken. We have been lied to, threatened, and betrayed, but we are still here! We will not let fear define us!"

The crowd roared in approval, their cheers echoing across the open space. Xia Lin felt the surge of unity that had always been the heart of the movement, a fire that no amount of oppression could extinguish.

But as the cheers subsided, a figure emerged from the crowd, pushing through the people toward the platform. Xia Lin’s heart froze as she recognized Ren, his face set in a hard, determined expression. He stopped just short of the platform, his eyes meeting hers.

"I told you it was over, Xia," he said loudly, so that the crowd could hear. "You’ve led these people into a trap."

Before Xia Lin could react, the sound of hooves thundered from the distance. She turned to see a line of Xu family guards approaching from the west, their swords drawn, and her blood ran cold. Ren had betrayed them after all.

But as panic began to ripple through the crowd, Xia Lin stepped forward, her voice rising above the growing fear. "Do not be afraid! We’ve come too far to run now!"

The guards drew closer, but the people stood firm, their collective strength giving them courage. Xia Lin raised her fist, a signal to stand their ground. "We will not run! We will not surrender!"

The crowd surged with renewed energy, standing shoulder to shoulder as the guards approached. The tension crackled in the air, a moment of stillness before the inevitable clash.

Xia Lin locked eyes with Ren one final time. "You may have betrayed us, Ren, but you can’t take away what we’ve built. This movement is bigger than you. Bigger than all of us."

And with that, the first strike was made.