Title: Cannon Fodder Rebellion

CHAPTER 15

Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm

The morning after their hard-won victory, the fields outside the town were quiet, but the air still buzzed with the tension of the previous day’s battle. Though they had managed to hold off the Xu family's guards and capture Ren, Xia Lin knew they had only delayed the inevitable. The Xu family would not let this challenge go unanswered.

Xia Lin sat by a small fire with Xu Luanyo and Mei, both of whom were as exhausted as she felt. The silence between them spoke of the toll the struggle had already taken. The people had returned to their homes for the time being, but the fight was far from over.

Xu Luanyo stirred the embers of the fire with a stick, breaking the silence. “We’ve bought ourselves a little time, but it won’t last. When the Xu family strikes again, they’ll come with even more force.”

Xia Lin nodded, her mind working through the many challenges that lay ahead. "We need to prepare. We can't keep fighting them with just farming tools and makeshift weapons. We need real resources, and we need more people."

Mei, who had been quietly watching the flames, spoke up. “And we need allies. The townsfolk who’ve stood by us are brave, but if we’re going to survive, we’ll need support from outside. The Xu family has influence in other towns, and we’re only just beginning to push back.”

Xia Lin sighed. She had known this would be difficult, but the weight of it all was beginning to press down on her. “I agree. The question is, who can we turn to? The Xu family’s reach is far. Most towns are too scared to go against them.”

Mei’s eyes flickered with a spark of hope. “What about the other families? Not everyone is loyal to the Xu family. There are smaller houses and independent merchants who’ve suffered under their rule. They might be willing to help if they see we have a real chance.”

Xia Lin considered this. “It’s a risk, but it might be our only chance. If we can show them that we’re strong enough to stand on our own, they might join us.”

Xu Luanyo tossed his stick into the fire. “But we have to move quickly. Every day we wait, the Xu family regroups. We need to strike before they can rebuild their strength.”

Xia Lin stood, her mind made up. “Then we split up. Mei, you and Mr. Chen go to the neighboring towns and see who’s willing to stand with us. Tell them what we’ve done here and that we’re ready to fight for our freedom. Xu Luanyo and I will stay behind to prepare for whatever the Xu family sends next.”

Mei’s eyes flashed with determination. “We won’t let you down. We’ll find the allies we need.”

---

As Mei and Mr. Chen left on their mission, the mood in the town shifted. Word of the recent battle had spread quickly, and while some of the townsfolk were inspired, others were afraid. They knew that the Xu family wouldn’t take their loss lightly.

Xia Lin and Xu Luanyo worked tirelessly to fortify the town’s defenses, rallying the remaining townsfolk and preparing for the next attack. Makeshift barricades were built, and volunteers were trained in basic defense tactics. But despite their efforts, Xia Lin couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be enough. The Xu family’s resources were vast, and they wouldn’t hesitate to crush any opposition.

The tension in the air grew thicker with each passing day, and it wasn’t long before their worst fears came true.

One evening, just as the sun was beginning to set, a scout came running into the town square, breathless and wide-eyed with fear.

“They’re coming!” the scout shouted. “The Xu family’s forces—they’re on their way, and they’re bringing reinforcements from other towns!”

Xia Lin’s heart sank. She had known this moment would come, but the reality of it hit her like a blow. “How many?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Dozens,” the scout replied, his face pale. “More than we can count. They’ll be here by morning.”

Xu Luanyo cursed under his breath, pacing back and forth. “We’re not ready. We can’t face that many.”

Xia Lin felt a cold dread settle over her. They had worked so hard, fought so bravely, but now it seemed that the Xu family’s power was too great. She could see the fear in the faces of the townsfolk as they gathered around, whispering among themselves. Some looked ready to flee, while others were paralyzed with uncertainty.

She couldn’t let this be the end.

“We can still hold them off,” Xia Lin said, her voice loud and commanding, silencing the murmurs around her. “We have the advantage of knowing the land. We’ll use the forest to our benefit, just like last time. And we’ll show them that we won’t be broken.”

Xu Luanyo stopped pacing and looked at her, his expression uncertain. “Are you sure about this? We barely survived the last fight, and that was with fewer numbers.”

Xia Lin met his gaze, her resolve hardening. “I’m not sure of anything. But we don’t have a choice. If we run now, the Xu family will hunt us down one by one. We need to make a stand here, while we still can.”

Xu Luanyo hesitated, then nodded. “You’re right. We fight.”

The crowd around them seemed to take heart from her words, and soon the town was buzzing with activity as preparations for the coming battle were made. But despite the show of unity, Xia Lin knew that the odds were stacked against them. The Xu family was coming with everything they had, and this time, there would be no mercy.

---

That night, Xia Lin stood at the edge of the forest, looking out toward the horizon where the enemy forces would soon appear. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the town.

Mei and Mr. Chen hadn’t returned yet. Xia Lin hoped that they had found help, but there was no time to wait for reinforcements. The battle would come whether they were ready or not.

As she stood there, Xu Luanyo joined her, his face set in grim determination. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we’ve done all we can.”

Xia Lin nodded, her mind heavy with the weight of what was to come. “We’ll hold them off as long as we can. But if it comes to it, we need to be ready to retreat. We can’t afford to lose everyone in one fight.”

Xu Luanyo was silent for a moment, then said, “And if they catch us? If we don’t make it?”

Xia Lin didn’t answer for a long time. Finally, she turned to him, her eyes hard. “Then we’ll fight until the end.”

The next morning, just as the first light of dawn broke over the hills, the Xu family’s forces appeared on the horizon, a sea of soldiers stretching as far as the eye could see. The sight of them sent a chill through the town, but Xia Lin stood tall, refusing to show any fear.

This was it. The battle for their freedom had begun.

And they would fight with everything they had.