Chapter Nine, Prosperous Era (Nine)

If you can come, then come early. After next year, I fear that the peaceful days for the teacher will come to an end, and it will be time to take action!" Elder Yang smiled and shook his head

Where can one find a steed that compares to Fifth Brother's Qingyun Cong? That is truly a rare breed, one in ten thousand!" Li Xu cupped his hands and humbly replied

"It would be better to save it, as the little wolf at home is in need of food," Li Xu said with a smile, looking at a small bundle of beef jerky behind the mule. He leaped onto the mule and hurried home. Before he had even left Chengxian Street near the county school, he heard the sound of hooves approaching from behind.

"Do you not have confidence in this expedition to the East, sir? I heard from my father that there will be conscription next spring, and we will set out the year after. With such thorough preparations by the court, it must be a well-considered plan; how could they possibly be thwarted by a mere Goryeo?" After repeatedly analyzing the disparity in strength between the Sui Dynasty and Goryeo, Li Xu still reached the same conclusion. "I am prepared to attack where they are unguarded. Our weapons are excellent, and we have a large number of troops and generals..." After repeatedly analyzing the disparity in strength between the Sui Dynasty and Goryeo, Li Xu still reached the same conclusion. "I am prepared to attack where they are unguarded. Our weapons are excellent, and we have a large number of troops and generals..."

"Master, are you planning to travel far? Or is it in response to the court's invitation?" Li Xu asked in confusion, completely unaware of the faint bitterness reflected in Yang Fuzis smile.

"And don't rush off, you and I are brothers and also classmates and friends, let me walk you a few steps!" Zhang Wuwu's words made Li Xu feel a warmth in his heart. However, the next words from the other party revealed the true intention.

"Indeed, but my Great Sui Empire, a celestial nation, wields not less than a million spears!" Li Xu argued defiantly. Although he was forced to become a deserter, deep within, he still hoped that the Great Sui could sweep through Liaodong and establish a formidable reputation. As a youth raised in the Great Sui, he possessed an innate sense of honor. However, this court had never granted him any tangible benefits.

As the farewell approaches, both the elder and the young one are aware that it may not be easy to meet again in the future. One, taking advantage of this rare opportunity, offers heartfelt guidance through a good example, while the other, seizing the last chance, focuses intently on understanding. They express a few sighs and share a few laughs, and before they know it, their voices have already drifted out of the window

I heard that you also took out a wolf cub, with silver-gray fur

"What is this Qingyun Cong? Do you really believe the words of a horse dealer? Are you truly considering going into business? Don't you want to study at all?" Zhang Wu, feeling pleased with himself, tapped the silver saddle with his whip and asked with a smile.

It is merely a rumor among everyone; if there were truly such a large wolf, I would have been eaten by it long ago, leaving no opportunity to hunt it. Does my cousin have any other matters to attend to? Li Xu, lacking the leisure for idle conversation in the middle of the road, adjusted his mount and prepared to take his leave.

"Fifth Brother, I appreciate your kind intentions, but my father's wishes are already set, so I shall not go against his wishes." Li Xu once again cupped his hands and politely declined. As for the money from my maternal uncle Zhang Baoliang's family, who in Shanggu would dare to borrow it except those driven to a dead end? Last year, my uncle lent him over ten taels, only to lose half of his real estate in the process. If I, as his nephew, were to go and ask for a loan, I fear that the few acres of thin land owned by the Li family would not withstand my uncle's sweeping hand.

"Of course it's you I'm calling, besides you, I have a few brothers from the Xu family as well," Zhang Wuwu rode up, panting and complaining. "As soon as I saw you leave the county school, I hurried to catch up. I didn't expect this mule under you to be quite fast!"

"There is no rush, no rush; these are merely trivial matters of teaching and resolving doubts. As a teacher, I bear the responsibility of educating the people, and I truly cannot afford to disappoint the Emperor's grace!" Liu He, the scholar, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the capital, while saying there was no rush, yet his body had already escorted Li Xu out the door.

As he was about to descend the steps, the old gentleman suddenly recalled something and called out to Li Xu, who was about to leave through the door, asking: "Zhang Xiu from the county school is your relative, isn't he? Are your families close by?"

I won't continue studying. My father is getting older and needs someone to help him. Besides, I am not cut out for studying anyway

"Well then, traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books!" said Zhang Wuwai, shaking his head. He tapped the bronze stirrup with a whip and continued, "I heard that you hunted a she-wolf the other day, about the size of a donkey?"

This old thing, just a few days ago, was like crops hit by frost. How come it has come back to life today!" Outside the window, Mrs. Yang wondered.

Indeed, indeed. The Zhang family of Shanggu is a prominent local clan, and with Zhang Xiu around, this lineage will likely continue to flourish. I have long said that the child is indeed talented for studies. Hehe, you might as well spend more time with him; in the future, with both familial and classmate ties, when he achieves success, you will certainly benefit from his guidance

If it had not been for the enlightening words of Master Yang beforehand, this statement would surely have stirred great waves in Li Xu's heart. However, Li Xu has now seen through this layer; whether Master Liu is sincere or merely being perfunctory, he has grown indifferent to it. He cupped his hands and smiled, saying: "Thank you, Master, for your guidance. You must have important matters to attend to after working hard all day, so I shall not disturb you any further"

"Xu Guan, Xu Guan brothers!" The voice of Fifth Brother Zhang Xiu followed closely behind, resonating from the back of the picture book.

"I should call him Fifth Brother, my maternal cousin!" Li Xu turned back in surprise and replied. He had no particularly bad impression of Zhang's Fifth Son, but neither did he have a very good one. The two could be considered maternal cousins within five degrees of kinship, yet their family backgrounds were too disparate, causing the bond of blood to fade. Usually, when they encountered each other at school, they merely exchanged greetings. Zhang's Fifth Son had his own circle of wealthy friends, while Li Xu, being of a lower status, did not have the face to provoke his cousin's displeasure. The two could be considered maternal cousins within five degrees of kinship, yet their family backgrounds were too disparate, causing the bond of blood to fade. Usually, when they encountered each other at school, they merely exchanged greetings. Zhang's Fifth Son had his own circle of wealthy friends, while Li Xu, being of a lower status, did not have the face to provoke his cousin's displeasure.

What a pity, truly a pity. Just yesterday, Master Liu mentioned that among the entire county school, only you and I, brothers, have grasped the essence of studying. My uncle must have acted impulsively; otherwise, I would discuss it with my father and have him provide some financial support for you.

It is also a matter of fate for a teacher, after all, I have once received kindness from others Yang Laofuzi continued to shake his head, ultimately unwilling to clarify his words

Thank you, sir!" Li Xu once again clasped his hands in salute and turned to leave the Liu family's courtyard. Upon seeing his blue-and-white mule, he suddenly remembered that he had prepared a gift for Mr. Liu before coming. This farewell was too hasty, and he actually forgot to bring it into the courtyard.

There is no need for a million troops; if one can command as if with a single mind, a hundred thousand is sufficient to pacify Liaodong. The danger to the Sui Dynasty does not lie with Goguryeo, but within the ranks of its own forces. Once a great army is mobilized, I fear that once again, a million valiant souls will be unable to return home

If the disciple gains anything in the future, he will certainly come to seek guidance! Li Xu is also a person of keen insight, and he smiled, his face showing a hint of embarrassment.

"Is Master testing me?" Li Xu, having resolved his inner turmoil, replied with a smile. He had heard his father mention last night that the court had invested heavily in the campaign against the East. Preparations for provisions and armor had already begun, and the conscription of able-bodied men from across the nation would take place in the spring of next year, with the official departure expected in winter or spring of the following year. In his understanding, for such a large country to spend two years preparing for a war, it would be impossible to suffer defeat. However, today he heard a completely contrary assertion from the Confucian scholar.

In warfare, it is not merely a matter of having a large number of troops; one must consider the timing, the terrain, and the harmony among people—none of which can be overlooked. As we head to Liaodong, do we have the advantage of timing? As we head to Liaodong, do we have the advantage of terrain? On the surface, it appears that the Great Sui is launching an expedition against Goguryeo, using a larger force to defeat a smaller one. In reality, the Mohe, Khitan, and Shiwei, along with the countless unnamed tribes in Liaodong, are all in a precarious position, dependent on Goguryeo for survival. In this case, how can we claim to have the harmony among people? When discussing military affairs, the look of despair on Master Yang's face completely vanished, and his beard and hair stood on end.

Indeed, in those years, Tao Zhugong, who hailed from the merchant class, still assisted King Yue in conquering the State of Wu, did he not? This shows that heroes are not defined by their origins; when the time is right, one can certainly rise with the wind. Old Liu chuckled as he offered comfort, his eyes frequently glancing out the window. As for whether Tao Zhugong, Fan Li, first aided King Yue in defeating Wu or first amassed a great fortune, those are mere details, and surely not worth pursuing in front of a truant and unruly child.

That is, my master once taught me, "If one receives a drop of water in kindness, one must repay it with a fountain of gratitude" Li Xu responded in accordance with the master's words

When bidding farewell to Master Liu, the situation was quite different. This old scholar, who was known for his strictness in the county school, was not very old and had a robust figure. Although he did not possess the impressive credentials of Master Yang, who had once assisted in military affairs under the King of Yue, he was still a talented individual recognized for his scholarly achievements in the local area during his youth. Having read extensively, he was calm and magnanimous, and his speech naturally made people feel as if they were basking in the spring breeze.

Beyond Chengxian Street near the county school lies the bustling marketplace, known for its crowded streets where livestock can hardly run fast. Li Xu had no opportunity to pretend he did not hear his cousin's call, so he had to rein in his mount and turned back to ask: "Fifth Brother, are you calling me?"

Looking at Li Xu's bewildered face, the old master realized that it was still too early to say these words. Although children from poor families mature early, Li Xu was only fourteen years old, and there were some things he simply could not understand. Even if he could comprehend certain words, without the corresponding life experiences, he would be unable to grasp their true meaning.

"Rise, for I have taught for many years. Among my disciples, your talent is not particularly high, but you excel in your straightforwardness and sincerity." Master Yang, having observed people for many years, could certainly discern the unwillingness in Li Xu's words. With the intention of guiding this student once more, he spoke earnestly: "I fear that in the future, you may suffer losses due to this straightforwardness and sincerity! One must understand that life is full of uncertainties; right and wrong, good and evil, are not always apparent. What you see with your eyes may not be the truth, and what you hear with your ears may not be the reality!"

This statement may not be entirely accurate, but in life, how many people can truly free themselves from the bonds of their hearts? The old master laughed a few times and deliberately shifted the topic elsewhere, saying, "Let us not speak of it. We can only do our best and accept fate. While you are still here today, let us first discuss the principles of victory and defeat in the Eastern Expedition!"

Life is like a jar of wine; only through the fermentation of time can it produce its rich and mellow flavor. Young people are like freshly brewed wine; even if they are made from the finest grains and purest spring water, they still carry a hint of inescapable youthfulness.