C13.1. Sandbox Fighting (1).

C13.1. Sandbox Fighting (1).

After meeting Chu Mingfeng, Yuan Li returned the stewardship to Madam Yang.

Madam Yang readily accepted the responsibility this time. Upon learning that Chu Mingfeng had given Yuan Li three greeting cards, she specifically instructed Chu Hechao to accompany Yuan Li to visit the eminent scholars and officials.

In the past few days, Chu Hechao had delved into the five major military camps, exploring ways to procure provisions with his colleagues. Upon receiving Madam Yang's message, he was at the military training ground, sweating profusely, and reluctantly returned to the mansion.

Yuan Li stood crisply under the mansion gate, waiting for him, lips red and teeth white. When he saw him, he greeted him with a slight smile, looking pure and fresh like the morning mist, "The General has returned."

The tall man hastily approached, beads of sweat dripping down his chin. His handsome brow exuded a damp aura as he glanced at the envelope in Yuan Li's hand and casually asked, "Who are they?"

Yuan Li replied, "Grand Secretary Zhou Yukan, Minister of War Zhang Liangdong, Guard Commander Cai Yi."

The Northern Zhou's official system was somewhat complex, resembling the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers system, but with the addition of a Cabinet system to balance the powers of the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers, subsequently establishing a system of checks and balances between the Imperial Guard Bureau and the Cabinet.

These three officials held significant positions, with the Minister of War being one of the Three Excellencies, the Grand Secretary being one of the Nine Ministers, and the Guard Commander overseeing the supervision of all officials in the capital, all eminent figures in their own right.

"Chu Mingfeng seems quite attentive to you," Chuhao chuckled, tilting his eyelids, "Where does Sister-in-law wish to visit first?"

Yuan Li removed the letter addressed to "Minister of War Zhang Liangdong from the envelope, stating, "I only plan to visit Minister of War Zhang alone."

Minister of War Zhang Liangdong was the head of the Cabinet, overseeing national military affairs, holding the highest position among the three. At first glance, it seemed obvious for Yuan Li to choose the Minister of War, but in reality, the Minister of War held no real power, serving as a scapegoat for the Emperor.

On the contrary, the Grand Secretary and the Guard Commander held significant authority despite their lower official ranks.

Yuan Li was not shortsighted. He felt that Chu Mingfeng's severe illness concealed many secrets, and at such a critical juncture, it was wiser to interact less with the high-ranking officials wielding real power.

Moreover, although the Minister of War was a misrepresented position, Zhang Liangdong was a renowned scholar, well-versed in history and literature. There were countless individuals seeking an audience with him daily.

A word of praise from Zhang Liangdong could quickly elevate one's reputation in Luoyang.

Chu Hechao gave Yuan Li a profound look, tossed his broadsword to the servant, and returned to the mansion to change clothes.

When they arrived at the Minister of War's residence, they saw a long line of people waiting to visit Minister Zhang Liangdong, including many students from the Imperial Academy. Two proficient servants were placing four baskets in front of the gate to collect greeting cards and poems from the visitors.

Two baskets were already full by then.

Impressed by the scene, Yuan Li was about to join the queue at the back when Chu Hechao led him to the two servants, handing them the greeting cards.

Initially, the two servants thought Chu Hechao was trying to cut in line and showed displeasure on their faces, but upon noticing the greeting cards in Chu Hechao's hand, their expressions turned respectful. They asked Chu Hechao and Yuan Li to wait there for a moment and returned to the mansion with the greeting cards.

In a pavilion by the pond, Zhang Liangdong received the greeting cards, chuckled heartily, and passed them to his two friends, saying, "Come and see, these are Chu Mingfeng's greeting cards. The young man he praises in the letter is none other than Ruyang Yuan Li, the one he invites to married."

Ruyang Yuan Li?

Accompanying his father as a guest, Jian Shaoning, who was idle on the side, perked up his ears and looked over.

Ouyang Ting, holding the position of Minister of Works, and Jian Qibo, the Magistrate of Jingzhao, glanced at the greeting cards, stroking their beards, and revealing knowing smiles.

"So, Chu Boyuan intends for you to take this child as your disciple?" Zhang Liangdong said proudly. "Let's meet this boy then."

Soon after, servants led Chu Hechao and Yuan Li into the pavilion.

As the people in the pavilion watched them approach, Ouyang Ting was the first to notice Chu Hechao and couldn't help but chuckle, "Ah, Chu Ciye, are you here to start some trouble again?"

Zhang Liangdong's expression changed, and he busied himself looking for something.

Curiously, Jian Shaoning asked, "Grand Marshal, what are you looking for?"

With a mournful expression, Zhang Liangdong replied, "I am looking for a place to hide!"

Perplexed, Jian Shaoning's father explained with a smile, "The Grand Marshal is responsible for the country's military affairs and governs military and political matters. General Chu coming to Luoyang for provisions, the Minister of War is his first target. Lord Zhang, I heard he has tried to see you several times before but you avoided him by feigning illness?"

With a wry smile, Zhang Liangdong stopped looking for a hiding place, "I was thinking of adjusting the military stipend for him..."

However, as everyone in the court knew, the Minister of War was merely a nominal position, with real power lying in the hands of the Emperor.

Ouyang Ting sighed, "Forget it, forget it, the provision of food for the 130,000 soldiers in the Northern border is a top priority. When we return, let's present a joint petition to the Emperor to assist him."

As they spoke, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao had already approached.

The three officials were familiar with Chu Hechao, but they were more curious about Yuan Li and simultaneously turned their gaze towards him.

Yuan Li smiled gracefully with a handsome and dignified appearance, exuding a sense of inner strength that was appealing. At first glance, the three officials were impressed by Yuan Li.

Under their scrutiny, Yuan Li remained calm and courteous, bowing respectfully to them. Looking up, he caught the eye of Jian Shaoning, who was giving him a teasing look.

Jian Shaoning seemed pleased to have a companion of the same age and greeted him, "Brother Yuan."

Yuan Li was equally surprised and responded, "Brother Shaoning."

Jian Shaoning gestured for Yuan Li to sit beside him, and they exchanged a few pleasantries.

"You are also a student at the Imperial Academy, right?" Jian Shaoning asked. "Brother Yuan, when are you planning to attend lectures at the Imperial Academy?"

Yuan Li replied with a smile, "I should be going in a few days."

While they chatted, they also listened to the conversation of the officials.

Unexpectedly, Chu Hechao did not mention the matter of military provisions and instead leisurely sipped his wine, chatting and laughing with others. Despite his imposing stature, he appeared more like a scholarly general in this setting.

The conversation gradually shifted to Yuan Li.

"Ruyang Yuan Li, I have heard of your reputation. You are a filial and admirable young man. Chu Boyuan praised you as having both talent and strategy. Is that true?" Zhang Liangdong inquired.

Boyuan is Chu Mingfeng's official name.

Yuan Li chuckled, "Lord Chu is too kind with his words.

"Good boy, there's no need to be modest," Zhang Liangdong said, rubbing his beard.

Zhang Liangdong rarely wrote recommendations for others, much less in such an appreciative tone. He trusted Chu Boyuan's judgment and couldn't help but feel somewhat hopeful about Yuan Li. "I'll test you now."

Zhang Liangdong asked Yuan Li several simple questions taking into consideration the difficulty of studying at present. Yuan Li answered brilliantly and creatively, showcasing his quick thinking and analytical skills.

Excited, Zhang Liangdong asked, "By coming to visit me today, do you wish to become my student?"

Yuan Li's eyes lit up, "Yes, I have long admired you, Lord Minister."

 Zhang Liangdong had many disciples and was truly a renowned master in the realm.

Yuan Li felt that one more disciple wouldn't make much difference, and one less disciple wouldn't be a loss. He had a strong confidence in being accepted as a disciple under Zhang Liangdong.

As expected, Zhang Liangdong showed a slight look of contemplation and hesitation. After a while, he asked, "What do you wish to learn from me by becoming my disciple?"

"To learn the Five Classics, understand rites, music, literature, and mathematics," Yuan Li replied.

Zhang Liangdong then inquired, "And with this knowledge, what do you aim to achieve?"

"For the purpose of serving in official positions," Yuan Li stated.

Zhang Liangdong did not favor those solely driven by power and status, but found Yuan Li's honest and straightforward response refreshing. He continued to question, "What kind of official role do you aspire to? A high-ranking official in the central government, or a local official?"

Yuan Li smiled and replied, "I aspire to be an official who protects and serves the country."

Frowning, Zhang Liangdong asked, "Do you intend to join the military?"

Yuan Li nodded in affirmation.

Sighing, Zhang Liangdong, somewhat disapproving of the young man's lofty ambitions, asked, "Do you understand the challenges of leading troops, the complexities of military and political affairs?"

"Do you know how military laws are formulated?"

"How to earn the trust and obedience of soldiers?"

"How many horses and vehicles are needed for a ten thousand strong army?"

"How much food they consume daily? And how to calculate for armor, bows, crossbows, shields, and spears?"

"How to handle encounters with enemies, sudden natural disasters, or logistical issues?"

"What are the standards for rewards and punishments in the military?"

As he posed these questions, Zhang Liangdong's tone became increasingly pressing and serious. Jian Shaoning, feeling overwhelmed, nervously glanced at Yuan Li and shook his head internally.

Oh, brother, why boast so much? Look, even the Lord Minister is getting annoyed.

While not exactly angry, Zhang Liangdong had encountered many who were overly eager for success. Though he had initially held a favorable impression of Yuan Li, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment at this moment, "If you lack understanding in these matters, how can you speak of protecting and serving the country?"

Remaining composed, Yuan Li calmly remarked, "It is precisely because one does not know, that one must learn from their teacher. However, I assure you, I am not entirely ignorant of the subjects you mentioned."

This response caught Zhang Liangdong, Ouyang Ting, and Jian Qibo off guard. Yuan Li proceeded to articulate a clear and systematic answer to the questions raised by Zhang Liangdong earlier.

"If embarking on an expedition, there are five challenges. One, it is difficult to manage horses; two, it is hard to arrange for provisions; three, the march route is arduous; four, transporting supplies is troublesome; five, the weather poses difficulties."

"During peacetime, soldiers are allocated four liang of grain per person per day, but in times of war, this increases to six liang. The more soldiers there are and the more they consume, the faster the food supply diminishes. Even without enemy encounters, the daily tasks of marching, setting up camps, digging trenches, and building towers require significant effort. If soldiers do not eat enough, they won't have the strength to lift a blade or shield. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare sufficient provisions before marching, calculating the required consumption for both soldiers and horses."

"Additionally, military laws and rewards and punishments are equally vital. Clear and strict rules, distinct rewards and punishments, ensure that military orders are obeyed smoothly. 'Brave men do not advance alone, timid men do not retreat alone, this is the way of the masses,' this is the unity of the army and the key to victory. However, while many generals can enforce rules, achieving smooth operations in military campaigns has always been a historical challenge..."

Yuan Li spoke slowly, carefully selecting his words and articulating each point, giving others time to grasp his thoughts.

Zhang Liangdong appeared shocked, Ouyang Ting was equally impressed, scrutinizing Yuan Li with a mix of contemplation and realization. Even Jian Qibo, who had less knowledge of military expeditions, nodded along in understanding.

Chu Hechao listened intently, his eyelids half-closed.

Jian Shaoning looked up in disbelief at Yuan Li. Seeing the reactions of the elders, he tried to stay calm and follow Yuan Li's train of thought, even though he struggled to fully understand.

Eventually, Jian Shaoning gave up trying to understand and instead pretended to comprehend, nodding along with the others and gazing at Yuan Li with admiration.

Although he may not have fully understood, Jian Shaoning could see that Yuan Li was well-versed in military matters, articulating his points convincingly and logically.

"...If one can achieve this consistently, then greater victories can be obtained."

After finishing his explanation, Yuan Li looked up to see several pairs of eager eyes fixed on him, nearly startling him.

However, he quickly recognized the familiar expression as the look of someone eager to recruit a promising individual.

With a deep sigh, Zhang Liangdong expressed, "I am not as accomplished as you."

Yuan Li quickly humbly responded, feeling slightly chastened.

His knowledge was based on the insights and analyses of scholars from future eras, making him somewhat like a cheat compared to these esteemed individuals.

Ouyang Ting, impressed by Yuan Li's insights, asked, "Your points are well-founded and enlightening. I'm curious, do you have any knowledge of military strategy?"

Yuan Li pondered for a moment before replying, "I have some basic understanding."

Ouyang Ting then turned to Chu Hechao, saying, "General Chu is a renowned war hero of our Northern Zhou, exceptional in leading troops. Could I request for a discussion between General Chu and Master Yuan?"

Chu Hechao readily agreed, "Certainly."