RPAGF Chapter 35 Martial Arts
Chapter 35 Martial Arts
Ma Su's expression suddenly changed, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.
As a well-known talent in Jingzhou, he was mortified to lose to an unknown person in public.
"Zongyu, if I were to send you to persuade Sun Quan to form an alliance, would you dare to cross the river alone?"
"Sun Quan is no jackal or wild beast, what is there that he dares not do? I will certainly not fail in my mission."
"Good!!!!" the crowd below shouted.
At this moment, Zhuge Liang, accompanied by Jiang Wan, stood at the back of the crowd. The two of them had heard Ma Su and Zong Yu's conversation clearly.
"Prime Minister, haven't you been troubled lately about who to appoint as an envoy to Eastern Wu? I think Zong Yu is suitable," Jiang Wan said.
"He is neither arrogant nor humble, and possesses extraordinary courage and insight; he is a truly talented individual." Zhuge Liang was very satisfied with his performance just now.
"However, he is still inexperienced and not qualified to take on such a great responsibility alone. He can serve as a deputy and go on a mission to Eastern Wu together."
"It seems the Prime Minister has already chosen the envoy to Eastern Wu."
After Liu Shan ascended the throne, Shu Han needed a stable external environment to both restore people's livelihoods and implement new policies.
Restoring the alliance with Eastern Wu and jointly resisting Cao Wei is the best course of action.
"Military Advisor Ma, do you have any further insights?" Dong Yun asked.
Although Ma Su was angry, he had no choice but to admit defeat, cupping his hands and saying, "Master Zong's courage and strategy are superior to mine. Ma Su admits defeat."
"The Registrar Zong is very knowledgeable."
"Military Advisor Ma has a fine demeanor."
Amidst the cheers of the people, the first round of written examinations came to an end.
"The second martial arts test, please welcome General Wang Ping," Dong Yun announced loudly.
Wang Ping strode forward, approached Liu Shan, cupped his hands, and said in a gruff voice, "Wang Ping greets Your Majesty."
"This round is about strategy and tactics, so you two ministers should do your best."
Although Ma Su lost the literary contest, his opponent in this round was the illiterate Wang Ping, and everyone felt that Ma Su had a better chance of winning.
"General Wang is illiterate, but if he were to lead troops into battle, he would undoubtedly be exceptionally brave. However, when it comes to strategy, I'm afraid he is slightly inferior."
"Military Advisor Ma is good at planning and making decisions, which is why Prime Minister Zhuge recruited him into his staff as a military advisor. If we were to compete in strategy, he would surely win."
Seeing that no one supported him, Wang Ping was furious, but with Liu Shan present, he dared not show his anger and could only stare helplessly.
Although Ma Su lost the civil contest, military tactics were his forte. Wang Ping was merely a minor general; how could he possibly be skilled in strategy?
If I beat Wang Ping, I can not only regain the face I lost in the previous game, but also be promoted to the advanced class, killing two birds with one stone.
"Your Majesty, please give us the question."
After a moment's thought, Liu Shan drew a simple map.
"When our army attacked the city, the enemy's 50,000 infantrymen came to reinforce us. Our army divided 20,000 troops to intercept the enemy reinforcements on flat ground here."
"The area is flanked by high mountains, with a large stream flowing through the middle. How should you two deploy your 20,000 troops to hold off an enemy force of 50,000?"
"Please write down your plans."
Although Liu Shan's map was drawn simply, it included the mountains, rivers, and terrain outlines, making it easy for people to understand.
After a moment's thought, Ma Su suddenly had a flash of inspiration and immediately began to write.
Wang Ping was also quick, following closely behind, but at an unusually fast pace.
Before long, Ma Su had already written down the deployment plan, while Wang Ping was still writing stroke by stroke, his forehead covered with beads of sweat.
"General Wang is illiterate; wouldn't he have to write all day?"
"Will this work or not? If it really doesn't work, we can ask someone to bring a pen."
"My friend, you are unaware of the truth. If someone were to bring a pen, wouldn't that just confirm the fact that General Wang is illiterate?"
Wang Ping was already a slow writer, and he became even more anxious after seeing Ma Su finish writing so quickly.
Now, with everyone adding insult to injury, Wang Ping was even more flustered, and his pen stopped moving for a moment.
Seeing this, Liu Shan quickly comforted him, saying, "General Wang, please wipe your sweat. What I need is a good strategy; there's no need to rush."
Dong Yun ordered someone to bring a towel, and Wang Ping said while wiping himself, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
After about half a cup of tea's time, Wang Ping presented the bamboo slips.
Liu Shan read the answers written by the two men and showed an expression of "as expected".
Although the terrain of this street pavilion was simple, the two men's strategy remained unchanged, exactly the same as in future history.
Jiang Wan was also interested in this question and quickly asked, "Prime Minister, you are proficient in both civil and military affairs. Given the current situation, how should we make arrangements?"
Zhuge Liang laughed and said, "Your Majesty's question is quite interesting. To intercept 50,000 with 20,000 is definitely not an option."
"If it can't be defended, doesn't this problem defy common sense?"
"No. The key to this battle is not winning with fewer troops, but how to use 20,000 soldiers to intercept the enemy and buy time for the main force to attack the city. If the commander focuses on how to win, then defeat is inevitable."
After reviewing their plans, Liu Shan said, "My two ministers have different strategies, so naturally their answers will differ. Therefore, I will not debate this round with you two; you can debate it yourselves."
Ma Su and Wang Ping exchanged a glance, their competitive spirit ignited.
"General Wang Ping believed that to resist the enemy's 50,000 troops, they should set up camp along the way, build more fortifications, and resist the enemy."
After Liu Shan finished speaking, he ordered that Wang Ping's case file be made public.
This wasn't to let everyone see the content clearly, but rather to let them see the crooked yet legible characters on it.
This is enough to prove that Wang Ping did not cheat in the previous exams, and that every word was written stroke by stroke.
Most of the onlookers were ordinary people who didn't understand military matters. They thought that Wang Ping was a Yamen General, whose job was to build defensive fortifications.
Therefore, with the enemy pressing in, they naturally chose to focus on defense.
Jiang Wan initially thought so too, but after hearing Zhuge Liang's analysis that the key to this battle was not victory but prolongation, he agreed with Wang Ping's strategy.
But problems arose.
Ma Su's strategy differed from Wang Ping's, so how would he deploy it?
Jiang Wan knew that Zhuge Liang enjoyed discussing military matters with Ma Su, and that their discussions would often last from day to night, so he must have had some profound insights.
Liu Shan continued, "Military Advisor Ma believes that the army should be stationed on the mountain, where they can take a commanding position and advance with unstoppable momentum, surely defeating the enemy."
"good!"
Many people applauded the move.
They may not understand military strategy, but the advantage of being on high ground for an attack is a principle known to everyone, young and old.
After losing Jingzhou, Shu Han suffered another defeat at Yiling. The people were filled with resentment and hoped that one day their army would crush the enemy.
Ma Su's proactive move perfectly reflected their current mood.
Jiang Wan was somewhat puzzled.
According to Zhuge Liang, the key to this battle was defense, not offense. It was reasonable for Wang Ping to set up camp and build fortifications.
Ma Su, on the other hand, did the opposite, stationing his troops on the mountain and launching a preemptive attack when the enemy arrived, which was also correct.
Both of them made full use of their geographical advantages, so who was right and who was wrong?
He looked at Zhuge Liang, only to see that Zhuge Liang's expression suddenly became serious, and the fan in his hand drooped down.
"Prime Minister, Prime Minister!" Jiang Wan had never seen Zhuge Liang so absent-minded, and hurriedly called out in a low voice.
Zhuge Liang was in a daze for a long time before he came to his senses and sighed softly.
"Gongyan, what do you think of their plan?"
Jiang Wan thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, both sides have their reasons, and I... find it difficult to make a judgment."
Zhuge Liang knew that Ma Su was better at pacifying the people than at strategizing and commanding troops, so he didn't hold it against him. Disappointed and helpless, he said, "If Ma Su is the general leading the army in this battle, the army is in grave danger!"