Chapter 4

However, Nanxiang Bo squinted his eyes and listened attentively, suddenly saying: "You two brothers can be considered as a moment of brilliance. If one day on the battlefield you were to meet in a narrow path, how would you position yourself?"

Such a simple question could not stump Gongsun Yi. Standing upright at that moment, he recited in a flowing and unending manner the lengthy edict from the "Imperial Edict" in which the Hongwu Emperor reflected on why the Mongol Yuan lost the world, why the various heroes failed to succeed, and how the Ming unified the realm. Had it not been for the extinguishing of the incense, which interrupted him, he might have continued reciting like this for the entire day

Those who see them off wish that during these three years, they will not return home—once they enter the Military Academy, unless they are injured or eliminated, they are not allowed to go home for the entire three years, even if they are students from the Tianfu region.

Meng Jianqing drew the topic of summarizing the gains and losses of military systems throughout the dynasties, which was quite complex. During the time of a single incense stick burning, it was no easy task to think and speak simultaneously. While secretly counting how many sections he had already covered, Meng Jianqing also measured the burning speed of the incense stick with his peripheral vision. He aimed to simplify the complexity, and just as the incense stick burned out, he finished evaluating the military system of the Mongol Yuan dynasty.

The Lord of Nanchang pondered in silence

Meng Jianchen composed himself and added: "In the water towns of Jiangnan, where the forests are dense and the grass is thick, cavalry has no place to be utilized; as for the northern plains, the Mongols can employ cavalry, and I can also employ cavalry."

Gongsun Yi felt that he had answered well, standing there, looking pleased with himself

Nanxiang Bojun's cold gaze swept over He - Tu - Shu, and Gongsun Yi felt a chill run through his body, involuntarily retracting his air of self-satisfaction.

Nangxiang Bo slowly said: "How did the Hongwu Emperor seize the world? It was the armies of the Ming Dynasty that carved out this realm with sword and spear, do you understand?"

The Lord of Nanchang pondered for a moment before waving his hand to dismiss him to the side

Nangxiang Bo inquired: "Why did the Han cavalry lose their troops and territory a hundred years ago, yet a century later they were able to drive the Tartars out of the Central Plains? Do not use the words of praise to brush me off!"

The gaze of Nanxiang Bo swept over the two brothers

To dedicate oneself to the country means one can no longer speak of home

Meng Jianqing, the legitimate eldest son of Meng Zhiyuan, a hundred households of Ninghaiwei, was born to his mother, a maid named Yu, who was a dowry servant of Meng Zhiyuan's legitimate wife, the daughter of Duan Dezhi, a thousand households of Taizhou. Meng Zhiyuan had no children until the age of thirty, and upon seeing that Yu was suitable for bearing a son, he took her as a concubine, resulting in the birth of Meng Jianqing, while his mother remains an unnamed and unrecognized kitchen servant to this day. In the same year, the Duan family welcomed the birth of Meng Jianchen. Duan De was skilled in martial arts and had achieved remarkable military accomplishments, but due to his penchant for alcohol, he had never been promoted. Meng Jianchen was taught by him from a young age, while Meng Jianqing was personally instructed by Meng Zhiyuan and was sent to practice martial arts at Tiantai Temple at the age of thirteen. These two brothers, born of different mothers, had little opportunity to bond during their childhood, resulting in a lack of deep emotional connection. Furthermore, Meng Zhiyuan had a reputation for being fearful of his wife and was suspected of favoring his eldest son, which led to frequent disputes. This, combined with the inherent personality clashes and mutual disdain between the two brothers, further deteriorated their already poor relationship.

Although Meng Jianchen is arrogant, he is relatively simple and easy to see through; however, Meng Jianqing evokes in him a nameless unease

Meng Jianqing and Meng Jianchen's gazes met.

Everyone believes that Lord Nanxiang will inquire about how Meng Jianqing comments on the current military system

Meng Jianqing and Hu Jinyong did not bring back a single head, yet Hu Jinyong publicly declared that he accepted his defeat wholeheartedly

Hu Jinyong felt that this statement not only questioned Meng Jianqing but also questioned himself. In his anger, he said: "Brother Meng, teach this brat a lesson!"

The examination held by the Governor of Nanchang in Zhejiang Province selected a total of ten candidates, among whom were the brothers Meng Jianqing, both of whom ranked among the selected. After the beginning of the year, they were to be sent by the Hangzhou Military Command to the Yingtian Lecture Hall for military training.

Meng Jianqing listened to him speak eloquently about the swift and fierce Mongolian cavalry, feeling a subtle frown form on his brow

Since it is the father's admonition, as a son, one should diligently adhere to and practice it; this does not seem to be incorrect, does it

Perhaps it is merely a reflection of the old saying: "Talents emerge from humble beginnings." It is precisely the obscure and struggling family that compelled the two brothers to strive for progress. Just like the Southern Township Lord himself, did he not also rise from the fields?

Meng Jianchen drew the characteristics of the Mongolian Yuan cavalry.

Meng Jianchen could completely guess the various thoughts rapidly turning in Meng Jianqing's mind, and a mocking smile involuntarily surfaced at the corner of his mouth

Meng Jianchen turned his gaze towards the command platform and said softly, "Elder brother truly lives up to being the good son taught by that old sly one at home; this time, you managed to slip by again"

Meng Jianqing's voice lowered: "It may be acceptable for you to behave this way at home, but outside, speaking of your father in such a tone is likely to attract attention."

Nangxiang Bo waved his hand, instructing Gongsun Yi to stand aside

Nanjing Bo secretly sighed as the red brush fell.

Last night, the detailed information of twenty-one candidates was delivered to him. The two he is particularly concerned about are brothers Meng Jianqing.

Amidst the clamor, the Southern Duke had ascended the platform for summoning generals, and the training ground immediately fell silent

Tiantai Temple has always emphasized martial arts and physical strength. However, last night, Meng Jianqing and Hu Jinyong attempted to ambush the bandits at Tonglu Mountain. Although Hu Jinyong's account of the events was disjointed, the Southern Township Lord was secretly astonished by Meng Jianqing's achievements—this did not resemble a disciple trained by the monks of Tiantai Temple

The official announced the rules, requiring each of the twenty-one candidates to draw a question and answer it publicly, with a time limit of one incense stick.

However, both of these brothers exude an air of vigorous ambition and a disdainful superiority over others

It seems that after a long while, Meng Jianqing finally replied: "My father often says, on the battlefield, there are no fathers and sons. If there are no fathers and sons on the battlefield, how can there be brothers?"

Only then did Nanxiang Bo reveal a slight smile of approval, satisfied with the painting and the book, and waved his hand to signal him to step aside

Not only Gongsun Yi, but everyone present in the training ground could not help but feel their blood boil, responding in unison: "We understand!"

Meng Jianchen paused for a moment before replying: "There are always stronger individuals among the strong."

Meng Zhiyuan is merely an unknown commoner, yet he has managed to raise such two sons

The candidate was choked back, his face alternating between shades of blue and white, momentarily at a loss for words to respond.

However, if his response takes into account the bonds of brotherhood, it is likely that everyone will also believe that he is not a qualified soldier

Beside him, Meng Jianchen secretly sneered. It seemed that Hu Jinyong had completely become another follower after being manipulated by Meng Jianqing.

He wants to see how Meng Jianqing will confront this issue that leaves no room for ambiguity

In the eyes of the Southern Township elder, no expression can be discerned

Indeed, Nanxiang Bo suddenly asked: "Since the Mongol cavalry is so skilled in battle, why did they still lose the world?"

Gongsun Yi was uncertain whether he had passed the examination or not, and he did not dare to inquire recklessly. He stood anxiously at the foot of the platform, watching eagerly as the candidates were assigned to either his side or the other side of the selection platform by the flag officers. It was only when Meng Jianqing and his brother were assigned to his side that he finally felt relieved

Meng Jianqing glanced at the examinee and replied calmly, "My sword is meant for slaying enemies, not for competing with books."

What did Gongsun Yi draw: How did the Hongwu Emperor seize the world

There were also some unconvinced candidates shouting that if Meng Jianqing truly possessed exceptional swordsmanship, why did he not showcase it on the training ground yesterday? They feared that this match might also have some peculiarities.

Meng Jianchen snorted and turned his head away, no longer responding to him

A group of accomplished young men, they are the pride of Hangzhou Prefecture and also the pride of their families

The personal guard of the Lord of Nanchang brought out a large cardboard box, which had a small hole just big enough for a hand to reach in.

If his response is unyielding and impartial, although it may be reasonable in principle, it is likely that everyone, including Lord Naxiang himself, would find him excessively cold; since ancient times, loyal ministers have emerged from filial sons, similarly, if one cannot be affectionate towards their brothers, how can they be affectionate towards their soldiers and colleagues

Meng Jianqing was momentarily taken aback

This is the final examination; no one knows how many of the remaining twenty-one will be eliminated

The candidates from various states on the training ground were eager to know the details, but Hu Jinyong was not a good storyteller, repeating the same few phrases over and over; Meng Jianqing, of course, spoke in vague terms

Did Nanxiang Bo set a trap for him

Meng Jianchen originally intended to respond with words praising the brilliance of the Hongwu Emperor, believing that no one would dare to dispute such sentiments. However, after being interrupted by a remark from the Duke of Nanchang, he, in a moment of urgency, blurted out: "The bandit is both my enemy and my teacher"

The gentleman from Nanchang squinted his eyes, remaining noncommittal