The ability to throw heavy objects outside the city naturally relies on the Catapult device. In the chaotic times of the Warring States, it is a period when many heroes emerge. Due to various coincidences and differing ideals, the heroes of the world are scattered among the Feudal States and do not gather together.
Among the Catapult troops that accompanied the Wei army on this expedition, there was one such individual, Sun Yue, a person from Wei State. He shared his hometown with Wu Qi, who had never suffered defeat and authored "Wuzi's Art of War," both hailing from Taoqiu (present-day Heze City, Dingtao County). After studying at the Xihe Academy established by Confucianism in Wei Kingdom, he was recommended by his seniors to remain in Wei Kingdom for military service.
As for Xihe Academy, it is well-known throughout Wei Kingdom. Since Zixia, a disciple of Confucius, taught in Xihe, it has gained fame both domestically and internationally for spreading Confucian culture and academic thought. Many capable officials and fierce generals in the political and military circles of Wei Kingdom mostly came from Xihe Academy.
In Wei Kingdom, the seniors and juniors uphold Confucian Legalism and refer to themselves as a faction, later known as the Xihe School. The academy has produced numerous talented civil servants and military leaders, naturally forming a complex web of relationships. Sun Yue became part of this network due to his studies at Xihe School.
Those who can enter such factions are undoubtedly talented; no one would care for those who are mediocre. Sun Yue stands out among the younger generation and is highly regarded by his seniors, who recommended him to King Wei Anxi. After successfully passing the Imperial Examination, he did not disappoint their goodwill. At this time, due to his expertise in long-range projectile weapons, he was entrusted with an important position in the Catapult troops of Wei Kingdom.
Throughout the entire process of the Wei Army's attack on Wild King City, Sun Yue observed from the sidelines. However, due to his position, he felt powerless to participate in military matters. Witnessing losses among soldiers was heart-wrenching for him, prompting him to finally visit General Jin Bi that very night.
To thrive in both political and military circles in Wei Kingdom, one must understand relationships clearly to feel secure. Otherwise, being unjustly criticized is a common occurrence. If that time comes, one might even liken it to crying for half a day without knowing who has died.
Jin Bi's current status is not solely due to his connection with King Wei's family. He is well aware of the intricate relationships within the court. In these times, many ambitious young people seek to rise in status while secretly undermining others. When he saw a rising star from Xihe School come to visit, he naturally set aside his general's demeanor to greet him warmly.
Sun Yue is not someone who disregards others; humility and caution are his guiding principles. Seeing the general rise to greet him made him feel sincerely apologetic. Although he understood that this visit was also a gesture of respect towards Xihe Academy from Chu People’s family, as part of this group he should cherish its true significance even more. He hurriedly knelt down to pay respects to the general as a way to move past this formality.
Visiting late at night must indicate important matters to discuss. Jin Bi was preparing for tomorrow's siege and had just finished making arrangements when Sun Yue arrived. As the saying goes, a person's name carries weight like a tree's shadow; Xihe School is currently at its peak reputation. Previously busy with military affairs, he had not deeply interacted with people from the academy. Now seeing Sun Yue arrive, he got straight to the point.
"General Sun has arrived at just the right time! I was just planning to call you over for discussion! I intend to launch an all-out assault at dawn tomorrow and aim to capture the city by noon. At that time, I hope General Sun's long-range Catapult can lend us a helping hand!"
Sun Yue had come specifically for this matter and felt deeply moved that the general did not treat anyone as an outsider. As a subordinate, he could only comply with the attack plan without negotiation. The general’s willingness to share his intentions naturally placed him among those in command. "I thank you for your trust, General. I came here tonight precisely regarding the siege."
Jin Bi turned and walked to the Military Map, gesturing for Sun Yue to come over. "I didn't expect that the Qin Army in Wild King City also has long-range artillery. I wonder if General Sun can calculate their Catapult positions?"
Sun Yue looked down at the map of Wild King City and measured a vacant area in the center of the city with his hand. After confirming again, he said, "Based on the angle of their range, we can determine the distance between the two. If my calculations are correct, the Qin Army's Catapult should be positioned here!"
Jin Bi did not ask how many Catapults the Qin Army had deployed in the city at this time; instead, he focused on where Sun Yue was pointing. "General Sun! With our Catapults' current range, will we be able to take out the Qin Army's Artillery Position in one go tomorrow?"
Sun Yue had actually calculated his own Catapults' range earlier that afternoon and had already found a new position for them. However, he pretended to just understand and began measuring the distance on the map seriously in front of the general. After confirming several times, he finally stated:
"Reporting to the general! To capture the Qin Army's Artillery Position, we need to advance our Catapults sixty meters from their current position!"
The failed assault in the afternoon was largely due to the Qin Army's fire attack. If the Qin Army launched another wave like that tomorrow, there would be no way to continue fighting! Hearing this confirmation, Jin Bi nodded in satisfaction, indicating that if they could successfully capture Wild King City tomorrow, General Sun would be credited with the achievement!
Sun Yue clearly did not intend to take credit for himself. He repeatedly stated that this victory belonged to the State and naturally fell under the general's command. After saying this, he focused on the Military Map of Shangdang Region and fell silent.
A capable young man who knows how to be humble will always be well-received wherever he goes. Especially in this era where people become envious upon seeing others' achievements, such individuals are truly rare. Jin Bi naturally appreciated such young men; just as he was about to offer some encouragement, he noticed someone else's serious expression.
It seemed there were other matters at hand! Jin Bi grunted heavily. This time, dressed in Zhao attire for a secret expedition, suffering such great losses over a small piece of land was unacceptable. The Shangdang Region was already filled with troops from Feudal States, all watching others' misfortunes with keen interest. Because of this, it was believed that each country sent its elite forces. Joint operations could not afford to fail here.
The entire war zone had yet to receive updates from various feudal lords' forces, while the Wei Kingdom's elite had already paid a heavy price for capturing Wild King City. This matter could not be kept under wraps; if they failed to take Wild King City tomorrow, wouldn’t they become a laughingstock?
War! Is it really fought for pride? Sun Yue thought to himself with a sigh. If at first Jin Bi intended to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, now he was compelled by issues of pride and felt he must succeed.
Having understood this clearly, Sun Yue did not plan to offer personal opinions anymore but happened to glance up and see "Wuzi's Art of War" placed on the general's desk. His previously subdued mood suddenly brightened; if General Wu Qi were present, he believed he would act similarly!
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