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Chapter 269: Martial Examination
Luo Yi looked at them and said, "The Martial Examination also requires knowledge of strategy and military texts."
Instantly, more than half of the people lost hope. Being able to write their own names was already quite an achievement for them, and there were very few words in military texts that they could recognize.
"Hey, we can still fight without reading military texts. This Martial Examination is no different from the Imperial Examination; neither is something we can meddle in."
Zhang Hutan spoke up, "It doesn't matter if you don't understand strategy and military texts. If you can excel in Long Target, horseback archery, mounted lance, standing shooting, and carrying weights while climbing, you can still become a Martial Champion and directly enter the Jinyiwei."
The generals quickly turned their attention to Zhang Hutan. Although they were closer to Luo Yi, they knew that as long as this man was around, General Luo could not truly be considered the master of Liaodong.
The name of Jinyiwei was well-known even in Liaodong; it was rumored to be more enjoyable than holding an official position, allowing one to kill whoever they wanted.
"Duke Ping, how does one qualify for excellence?"
Long Target refers to a target made of silk with five concentric circles. The target is placed about a hundred paces away, and each person shoots ten arrows. If none land within the fourth circle, they are considered unqualified; hitting all ten arrows in the innermost circle qualifies as excellence.
The generals exchanged glances; being qualified seemed somewhat hopeful, but achieving excellence was difficult. None of them felt confident.
Someone flattered, "It seems only two generals have the ability to achieve excellence; we are far from it."
Li Shimin frowned and retorted, "Talented leaders are rare. If Duke of Wei intends to select talented leaders through the Martial Examination, then we should worry about picking someone like Zhao Kuo who only understands theoretical strategies.
Zhao Kuo isn't entirely bad; at least his talent is evident. As long as he isn't entrusted with significant power at the start and is allowed to observe on the battlefield, combining what he learns with actual combat experience—no matter how fine a jade is, it still needs to be carved and polished."
In the end, the two parted ways unhappily, leaving Li Mi to handle the matters of the Martial Examination. Duke of Wei and Qin Wang never saw each other again.
However, both of them had already reached such positions that it would be inappropriate to compete for the title of Martial Champion, as it would seem like a case of the strong bullying the weak, only inviting ridicule.
It was better to assess true talent through examination; a good general could also lead troops. Even without the innate ability to command, at least one could be a fierce warrior. Archery and cavalry battles could not be faked.
“Brave warriors can rise step by step in the Military. The establishment of the Martial Examination should select the talents most lacking in the court.”
“Prince Qin, if you only wish to pick some commoners, then that can be done through military selection. Why set up a Martial Examination to recruit talent?”
“The key to victory lies in assessing the capabilities of generals, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy, analyzing the terrain, observing the timing and advantages, securing victory before engaging in battle, and defending territory without loss. This is the path to assured victory!”
Duke of Wei undoubtedly valued military strategy more, while Qin Wang hoped to select brave and skilled generals through the Martial Examination.
But Li Jing remained resolute: “If a general does not strategize before battle, it is no different from driving innocent lives into danger or leading livestock into the jaws of wolves and tigers.
Li Jing insisted that the Martial Examination should not turn into a martial arts competition that merely selects a group of strong brutes.
Luo Yi remained silent; he believed he had some grasp on cavalry and archery but felt completely uncertain about long-range shooting. Zhang Hutan, however, excelled at archery and was also skilled with cavalry weapons.
In Chang'an, according to Your Majesty's decree, the Martial Examination was presided over by Duke of Wei Li Jing, with assistance from King Li Shimin and Yangdu County Duke Li Mi. They gathered together to meticulously discuss the details of the Martial Examination.
Li Shimin continued to argue; he himself was a born leader and naturally understood how rare such talents were. He did not comprehend why Li Jing foolishly believed there were so many uncut gems out there.
Residing in the Luoyang Imperial Palace, Li Jian Cheng felt a surge of emotions. This city was one he had witnessed being built, back when people like Yang Su were still around.
The emperor led the Queen to visit the Former Empress, who lived with several granddaughters in a villa outside of Luoyang City. Although she no longer enjoyed wealth and splendor, she lived comfortably and peacefully.
After all, her two grandsons were still alive, which showed that the emperor had a capacity for tolerance. Thus, she and her granddaughters had little to worry about.
For someone like her, who had experienced such great upheaval, this was already a very good situation. The Xiao Family held the emperor and empress in high regard, and the imperial couple treated them as their own children and younger relatives.
After taking their seats, the Xiao Family solemnly performed great rites to thank the emperor for allowing them to relocate the remains of their husband with such honor.
After more than an hour of conversation, the emperor and empress took their leave, leaving behind many gifts brought from Jiangnan.
For the Queen, this was her biological aunt; without her, the Xiao Family would not have enjoyed such good days after their country fell to the Sui Dynasty.
For the emperor, the Xiao Family had spoken highly of him several times in front of Yang Guang, doing their best to arrange his future. He had not forgotten this kindness.
Upon returning to the Luoyang Imperial Palace, the emperor issued an edict for Duke of Xun Yang You to bring his wife and children to visit and care for his grandmother.
The Queen was pleased with this, and thus generously rewarded His Majesty.
At the second Celestial Empire meeting, just as the emperor sat down, the Censor of the Court stepped forward to advise: "Your Majesty, Chang'an is the capital. When the Martial Examination begins, there will be hundreds or even thousands of people entering and exiting the imperial city with bows and swords. This may not be appropriate!"
Changsun Wuji stepped forward: "I support this. It would be wise to hold next year's Martial Examination in another location."
Li Jian Cheng did not think that hundreds or thousands of people could cause much trouble since they were unarmored, but he acknowledged that what the ministers said made sense.
He currently had a deep control over Chang'an; there was nothing that could escape his notice, especially not something as taboo as armor.
However, it might not be so easy for future generations. If a thousand brave elites suddenly donned armor and went on a rampage, it would indeed be difficult to suppress them easily.
The emperor nodded in agreement. Minister of War Fang Xuanling suggested: "Zhuojun is Your Majesty's hidden dragon territory; I believe..."
"Your Majesty, Yanmen..."
"I have decided that from now on, the Martial Examination will be held in Jiangdu. Jiangnan is the center of literary culture, but it lacks martial virtue. If we can balance Civil and Military affairs, with heroes who can fight on horseback and govern when dismounted, then we will truly have great heroes."
What could the courtiers say? This was not a discussion; it was an imperial decree.
"My Emperor is wise!"
From this, everyone understood what His Majesty favored; it was the cultivation of well-rounded talents in both Civil and Military fields. Thus, they would need to train gifted youths in this direction.
After the court session, many young nobles found themselves with an additional subject to study, and the prices for bows and horses in Luoyang rose significantly.
What the upper echelons favored would inevitably affect those below them.
The Emperor gradually returned to his pre-coup state, no longer as harsh towards the courtiers. Occasionally, he would host banquets or reward certain ministers for their commendable performances.
The tension that had gripped the court for so long finally began to ease. With the festive season approaching and scholars arriving in Luoyang for examinations, the bustling atmosphere reminiscent of previous years returned.
Naturally, the Emperor welcomed this development. He had already established his authority firmly; continuing a policy of high pressure would not benefit himself or the court.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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