kvmb Chapter 213 Oath
Chapter 213 Oath
Chapter 213 Making a Vow
All 136 frontier soldiers present, upon seeing that their teacher was merely a young man with only the title of Tongsheng (a scholar who had completed the first level of the imperial examinations), revealed a deep sense of disdain in their eyes, even with the composure of soldiers.
“Sir, we are here to learn, not to play around with these students, nor are we here to be their guinea pigs. Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”
The leading general was taken aback, then realized what was happening and immediately said with displeasure.
"Confucius said: 'Be diligent in learning and not ashamed to ask questions of those who are less knowledgeable than yourself.' Even Confucius himself was not ashamed to ask questions of those less knowledgeable than himself, so why can't you? In learning, there is no distinction between superior and inferior; those who are accomplished come first. You have come to my Yingtian Academy to learn military strategy, not to provoke trouble, have you?"
Ye Ru frowned, then said coldly.
"What a fine way to say you're not ashamed to ask questions! May I ask how much knowledge you have? As for military strategy, I doubt you even know how to wage war?"
The general sneered and said, and the soldiers burst into laughter:
"Haha, ignorance is bliss. If that's really the case, how dare a boy who's not even sixteen years old teach us? Doesn't he fear that his tongue will get twisted in the wind?"
"I doubt he's ever even touched a weapon, has he? Deputy General Guo, let him see the might of our soldiers."
'Go learn to read, you little brat!'
These words from the soldiers made Ye Ru's lips curl into a sneer:
"I have long heard of the bravery of the frontier soldiers of Yanhuang, but I never expected them to be a bunch of brutes who only know how to make noise rather than have any real knowledge. It is a great irony. If I am not mistaken, the military camp sent you here to curb your arrogance."
"What did you say?"
Deputy General Guo took a deep breath, and his aura immediately became tense and aggressive.
“I’m telling you, you’re nothing but a bunch of rabble, green recruits.”
Ye Ru spoke each word clearly, his gaze fixed on Deputy General Guo, showing no fear whatsoever.
"You've been spouting nonsense. Since that's the case, let me see your talent. Let's have a literary contest, like a battle of wits and strategies. Do you dare? Although I am a scholar, and this might seem like bullying the weak, I will never back down for the honor of my soldiers. So, if you have the guts, do you dare to have a literary contest with me?"
"I said in a cold voice."
"What do you have to be afraid of? You are a mob, unable to even ask questions of those less knowledgeable. How can you talk about protecting your home and country? What I am doing now is to wake you up."
Ye Ru continued to sneer, while Mr. Ying frowned and said in a low voice:
"Ye Ru, what is the reason for this? I have read the information about this Deputy General Guo. He has fought against demons and monsters, and even defeated thousands of demons with only a hundred men. His strategy is outstanding. If you compare yourself with him in terms of military campaigns, tactics and strategies, aren't you just asking for humiliation?"
"Yes, don't be stubborn. These soldiers and scholars feel a little humiliated to see that you are only a junior scholar. Don't pay attention to them. When you start to teach formally, they will be impressed by your talent."
"Moreover, with your current talent and knowledge, you are not enough to stand up to him."
Another gentleman said in a low voice as well.
"Sir, we also wish to hear Brother Ye discuss military strategy and warfare. Is it presumptuous of us to come here so abruptly?"
At this moment, several voices sounded outside the door, and then a group of students, led by Zou Tianshu, slowly walked in, bowed to everyone, and said...
"Misfortunes never come singly... Zou Tianshu's arrival certainly came at the right time."
Mr. Ying sighed, then looked at Ye Ru, wanting to see how the other party would handle the situation.
"Alright, I agree. Let me see why these seasoned soldiers are so arrogant. How about we make a bet like in the military? You represent your 135 soldiers, and I represent myself. If you lose the literary contest, you run two hundred laps around the entire Yingtian Academy track without using your talent. If I lose, I'll run two hundred laps. How about that?"
Ye Ru let out a breath and then smiled.
This intensified the disdain in the soldiers' eyes, and then Deputy General Guo nodded:
"I promise you, if we lose, we will listen to your lessons in military strategy; if you lose, you must admit that you are not as good as us and will voluntarily step down."
"Then let's get started."
Ye Rudao.
"Alright, let's have a literary contest, using the gathering of talent as the standard. I'll ask you this: if you lead an army to resist demons, and in the end the entire army is wiped out, leaving only you as the sole survivor, and you have a chance to escape, what would you do?"
Deputy General Guo said, a complex look flashing across his eyes.
I will run for my life.
"Haha."
Those who are afraid of death are not fit to teach us.
"Get out of here! In the military, there are no scholars who live on their knees, only scholars who die standing!"
Many people showed anger on their faces; clearly, they despised those who deserted their posts.
"I will live. If I can study, I will definitely pass the imperial examinations to become a Juren, a Jinshi, and a Hanlin scholar. Then I will go to the frontier and use my loyalty and courage to kill as many demons as I can until I can no longer kill them."
"Because I know that with my strength as a mere student, even the demon soldiers would be stretched thin. All my comrades have perished. If I have a chance to escape, why not? As the saying goes, a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years. Besides, I only need to wait five years to enter the Hanlin Academy and kill even more demons. Why not?"
Ye Ru ignored the soldiers and spoke to himself, which silenced everyone.
"Quite the boast."
As everyone remained silent, a cold laugh suddenly rang out, and then Zou Tianshu stood up:
"Brother Ye, please allow me to speak further. Although your talent is exceptional, it may be difficult for you to pass the imperial examination and enter the Hanlin Academy. Moreover, the human race and demons are locked in a life-or-death struggle. Can you guarantee that your heart for the righteous path will not waver?"
"This is not hypothetical. I swear with the heart of the sage that when I become a scholar, I will fight against all the scholars of Jin and kill a demon general of a prefecture. When I become a scholar, I will fight against all the scholars of Jin and kill a demon teacher of a state. I dare to swear this oath. Do you dare?"
Ye Ru retorted, causing Zou Tianshu's face to turn ashen.
To be honest, he didn't dare.
"You dare to swear an oath, but let me ask you again, what should we pay attention to when marching, deploying troops, appointing generals, and using soldiers?"
Deputy General Guo took a deep breath, a hint of sadness in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and said.
Sun Tzu's Art of War states: "Those who contend for advantage over a hundred li will surely lose their generals. When marching, one must emphasize the strict discipline of the ranks while ensuring the safety of the rear guard's supplies. When deploying troops, one must emphasize the protection of the flanks and rear to prevent enemy attacks from the rear, thus avoiding chaos within the army. A general must possess strong mental fortitude, remaining calm even in the face of a collapsing mountain. Leading troops requires decisiveness and courage, and the use of force must aim to achieve the greatest victory at the lowest possible cost."
Ye Ru pondered for a moment, then raised his head and began to speak eloquently to Vice President Guo.