usatvline Chapter 56 Game
Chapter 56 Game
Chapter 56 Game
Li Mu raised his hand in invitation: "Please speak freely, young master."
Zhao Heng then laughed and said, "I don't believe it, but General Li personally came to my humble abode today just to hear my presumptuous words based on common sense." General, you guard the border, and you know the mountains and rivers, the strategies for offense and defense, like the back of your hand. If the Yan Kingdom were to invade, you probably already have a plan in mind regarding their route of advance, their possible targets, and the strategic advantages our army can utilize.
"General, your visit is perhaps more about seeing for yourself whether my boastful words in the palace are merely a fluke or genuine insight, and whether they deserve the King and General's serious consideration. Am I correct?"
A glint flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and for the first time, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.
However, he did not deny it, but simply nodded slightly: "Your Highness is wise. I do indeed have this intention. This concerns the fate of the nation, so we must be cautious."
"In that case, General, I have a suggestion that might save a lot of talking and make things more interesting."
"I would like to hear the details."
Zhao Heng said, "General and I, each of you, should briefly write down your initial thoughts on how Zhao should respond should Yan invade, using charcoal, on wooden tablets or bamboo slips. After you've finished writing, exchange them for a look. What do you say?"
This method was novel, and Li Mu was intrigued upon hearing it. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement.
Zhao immediately summoned the servant waiting outside the door and whispered a few instructions. Soon, the servant brought two smooth, narrow wooden slips and two charcoal pencils, placing them on Zhao Heng's and Li Mu's desks respectively.
The two stopped talking, each picked up a pen, pondered briefly, and then quickly began writing on the wooden tablets.
Li Lingcheng listened to their explanation from the doorway and found it strange.
He knew that because of the troubles caused by the Xiongnu over the past year, King Zhao was uneasy and intended to reinstate Li Mu. However, Li Mu repeatedly refused to leave his residence, insisting that he was ill. If it weren't for King Zhao mentioning Zhao Heng's strange words this time, Li Mu would probably still be "recuperating" in his residence.
And Li Mu, a man who is usually so dignified, would actually accompany a young prince in such a playful manner.
Li Lingcheng couldn't resist his curiosity and went closer to take a closer look.
A moment later, the two stopped writing almost simultaneously.
Zhao Heng picked up the wooden tablet in front of him, and Li Mu picked up his as well. The two looked at each other, and Zhao Heng made a "please" gesture. Li Mu nodded, and the two simultaneously handed their wooden tablets to each other.
Li Lingcheng immediately disregarded etiquette and couldn't help but glance sideways, wanting to peek.
Zhao Heng took the wooden tablet from Li Mu and looked at it closely. He saw several lines of small characters written on it: "Feign weakness to lure the enemy, fortify the walls and clear the fields, let them penetrate deep into our territory, choose a strategic location and hold it firmly, exhaust their army and deplete their supplies."
Almost simultaneously, Li Mu also saw the words on Zhao Heng's wooden tablet: "Show weakness to the enemy, open the door to let the thief in, avoid their sharp edge, delay their supplies, blunt their morale under the fortified city, and wait for their morale to wane and their strength to be exhausted, and for internal changes to occur."
Although Li Lingcheng couldn't get close enough to see the specific words clearly, he could guess from Li Mu's sudden change in expression and Zhao Heng's "I knew it" smile that the two must have a great deal of similarity or resonance in what they wrote, and he couldn't help but marvel.
Li Mu put down the wooden tablet and looked up at Zhao Heng.
He remained silent for a long while before slowly speaking: "I initially thought that since you are young, your strategies might be too impulsive, but I did not expect that your strategies would be so similar to mine. However, it took me more than ten years to perfect your strategy for dealing with the Hu. You, young master, are not yet of age and live deep in Handan, having never experienced battle. Where did you get your idea of 'luring the enemy deep into our territory and striking later'?"
Li Lingcheng grew increasingly curious and observed silently.
Zhao put down Li Mu's wooden plaque and explained, "General, you flatter me. This idea of mine did not come from nowhere. Firstly, it comes from studying history. In the past, when Sun Bin besieged Wei to rescue Zhao, he set up an ambush at Maling, which is a classic example of luring the enemy deep into our territory and then annihilating them."
Secondly, there was the analysis of the situation. King Xi of Yan had just ascended the throne, and his power base was not yet secure. At this time, launching a military campaign against Zhao, even if there were voices in the court advocating war, there would certainly be many opponents. Therefore, if he were to send troops, he would seek a swift victory and great achievements to silence the critics. Furthermore, Li Fu, as the leading advocate of war, needed a clean and decisive victory to demonstrate his foresight and solidify his position. Thus, the Yan army was inevitably prone to greed for merit and rashness, eager for quick success.
He paused briefly, and seeing Li Mu listening intently, he continued, "When their troops are old and exhausted, their morale is low, and the transport of supplies is slow, I can gather my elite troops and choose a strong city to defend."
If the Yan army fails to capture the city after a prolonged siege, its morale will inevitably suffer, and internal opposition due to the protracted war will gradually arise, thus creating an opportunity for internal strife.
Once they reveal a weakness, my well-rested and replenished forces can launch a sudden attack, cutting off their supply lines, striking their exhausted army, and even launching a counter-offensive into Yan territory. The key to switching between offense and defense, and the timing of attacks, is far more clearly understood by the general, a veteran of countless battles, than Heng's. Heng's words are merely parroting others' ideas.
Li Mu listened quietly as Zhao Heng spoke eloquently, from strategic psychology to tactical execution, with a well-structured framework and self-consistent logic. In particular, his grasp of the enemy's and our own mentality and the rhythm of war far exceeded the knowledge that one should have for his age.
This is a level that cannot be reached simply by reading history or receiving guidance from a teacher.
This young man seems to have an innate, keen intuition about military affairs.
After a long silence, Li Mu sighed deeply. His gaze towards Zhao was completely different now, and he said solemnly, "Your words today have been very enlightening and even more astonishing. Your worries are the worries of the nation, and the depth of your thoughts is beyond what an ordinary young man can comprehend. Although I have temporarily left Dai County and am currently in Handan, I have never forgotten the situation on the northern frontier. I will immediately present a detailed account of the advantages and disadvantages of the threat to Yan to His Majesty."
Hearing this, Li Lingcheng was immediately overjoyed. Hearing Li Mu's words, it seemed that he would be fulfilling the king's wish and returning to the mountains to guard either Dai County or Yanmen.
Zhao felt reassured, realizing that his words had truly captured the attention of this military genius.
He rose and bowed solemnly to Li Mu once again: "General, your concern for the nation is truly a blessing for our Zhao state. I have spoken recklessly today. If you can give me some thought and it will benefit the future affairs of the country, then I will not have failed you and will not have been ashamed of my grandfather and you personally coming to consult me."
"You're too kind, young master."
Zhao Heng waved his hands repeatedly, then a shy yet expectant look appeared on his face: "If I have the opportunity in the future, I hope to learn from the general the art of riding and archery, and the art of military formations. Although I am young and weak, I know that in this world, being proficient in both literature and martial arts is the way to establish oneself and protect the country. I hope the general will not hesitate to give me guidance."
Looking at the young prince before him, whose eyes were bright, whose demeanor was graceful, whose knowledge was outstanding, and who never forgot to study diligently, Li Mu was filled with emotion.
If all the members of the Zhao royal family were like this, how could the state not prosper?
He returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his tone solemn: "Your Highness's ambition in this area is a blessing for Zhao and a hope for the future. If the opportunity arises, I will certainly impart all my knowledge to you without hesitation."
Li Lingcheng was very astute; he could easily see that Li Mu's affection and expectations for Zhao Heng were extraordinary, so much so that he blurted out his innermost thoughts without any restraint.
Fortunately, there were no other outsiders present at the time; otherwise, Li Mu's statement would have inevitably led to speculation.
Having said that, the objective had been achieved. Li Mu, not wanting to linger any longer, took his leave together with Li Lingcheng.
Zhao Heng, together with Madam Han who had come upon hearing the news, saw the two off at the gate of the mansion.
This time, Li Lingcheng's attitude towards Zhao Heng became much more affectionate. Before leaving, he whispered to Zhao Heng that if the young master had any important matters to report to the palace in the future, he could have someone send a letter to a certain person in a certain place, and the message would be immediately relayed to him.
Zhao Heng was naturally grateful and agreed.
After seeing Li Mu off, Zhao Heng returned to the side room on the west side of the outer courtyard where he was handling documents for Gongsun Yang, and fell into deep thought.
Li Mu's visit and affirmation will at least ensure that border defenses are better prepared and that they will gain more advantages.
Wei Jia's safety might be better protected as a result. At the same time, establishing initial contact with Li Mu, the future pillar of the nation, is an unexpected bonus.
At this moment, Luan Ding, following his previous instructions, quietly came to wait outside the door. Zhao Heng looked up, saw him, and beckoned him in.
"Young Master, what are your orders?"
Zhao Heng originally wanted Luan Ding to investigate whether the person he suspected was related to the Snow Maiden, but he suddenly changed his mind before he could finish speaking.
At present, the little snow maiden is easily frightened and has already confessed. Perhaps maintaining the status quo, observing secretly, and exerting influence from other aspects would be a more prudent approach.
He pondered for a moment, then asked Luan Ding, "Have you heard anything unusual or unusual from Crown Prince Dan of Yan recently?"
Luan Ding was slightly surprised, but still answered truthfully: "Young Master, I have recently been mainly responsible for following up on the relationship between Zuiyuelou and Wu Ji. As for the Crown Prince of Yan, it is mostly Brother Gongsun who is keeping an eye on things. From what I have heard, there seems to be nothing particularly unusual."
Zhao Heng didn't say much, but simply told him to go and call Gongsun Yang over.
Soon, Gongsun Yang arrived at the room. Zhao Heng, without exchanging pleasantries, went straight to the point and inquired about the progress of Yan Dan's case.
Gongsun Yang stroked his beard and reported, "Since the young lord returned from the palace that day, he instructed us to keep an eye on the movements of the Crown Prince of Yan. I then sent men to keep a close watch on the area outside his hostage residence and among the spies who frequent the marketplace. For the past ten days, Yan Dan himself has been staying at home, mostly reading and practicing martial arts in the residence. He has not had any further contact with the Qin hostage and is acting as usual. There has been nothing unusual about him."
Zhao Heng nodded, about to speak, when Gongsun Yang frowned and said, "However, it was this attention that made me notice some details that I might have overlooked before. Firstly, the Crown Prince of Yan has several retainers, many of whom are wandering swordsmen. These people usually associate with all sorts of people in Handan, and seem to have some connections with some street urchins, merchants, and even city gate guards. The Crown Prince of Yan is generous and doesn't strictly control his retainers, so the network of relationships he has built is not to be underestimated."
Secondly, and this is a recent anomaly, since around the time the Yan delegation left Zhao for the north, the Yan crown prince's retainers seem to have significantly reduced their social interactions with the outside world, spending most of their time in their residences. I wonder if this counts as unusual?
Upon hearing this, Zhao Heng couldn't help but smile.
It seems that my brother Yan Dan is not entirely passive in Handan City.
After a moment's thought, he immediately instructed Luan Ding: "In a few days, you should personally go to the Yan Kingdom's hostage residence and deliver a letter to Crown Prince Dan of Yan, saying that I have recently found a master of the xiao (vertical bamboo flute) to be my teacher, and have diligently learned a piece. I feel that I have made some progress and am delighted. I would like to invite him to my residence to brew tea and play the xiao together, so as to continue our friendship."
"Here you are."
"Mr. Gongsun, please prepare a short note immediately and send it to the palace in my name. Give it to Li Lingcheng and ask him to pass it on to the King. I wish to see General Li Mu again to discuss important matters."
"I will go and do it right away." Gongsun Yang immediately accepted the order and turned to hurriedly prepare the documents.
After Gongsun Yang left, the hall fell silent for a moment.
Zhao Heng then put his hands behind his back and slowly paced across the sun-drenched ground, as if sorting out his thoughts.
Luan Ding, standing to the side, hesitated for a moment before asking, "Young Master, should we continue investigating the clues about Wu Ji's friend?"
"You and Ji Cheng, find a safe place that won't attract attention. Try to invite Madam Wu over there."
Zhao Heng turned around and said indifferently, "Don't frighten her, but please invite her here. There are some things I need to talk to her about alone."