Chapter 7, Guangling San

"In fact, you do not owe me anything; did I not exchange your precious notes for silver?" Wu Anguo did not wish to accept it and declined.

Xu Da, having listened to Wu Anguo's advice, understood that it was given with good intentions. He smiled and said, "To anticipate defeat before victory is the essence of becoming a good general. There is no need for you, Brother Wu, to be overly modest. After so many years of dealing with the Tartars, I may not necessarily win, nor can the Tartars gain any advantage from me." In just a few seconds, he had already stepped out of the shadows, regaining his calm demeanor, unperturbed by honor or disgrace.

Hey, you are quite the flatterer, Wu Dianshi. When did you learn to butter people up? Guo Pu noticed that the distance between both parties had suddenly narrowed, and he finally felt a sense of relief. He carefully perked up his ears to respond to Xu Da's question

In fact, for a seasoned general like the Marshal, engaging in a decisive battle against the Mongols does not require such a large army. There are no renowned cities or strongholds on the grasslands, and aside from the immediate tactics of confronting the enemy, what truly matters in warfare is logistics. In situations where logistics are inadequate, having a larger army can even be detrimental. Wu Anguo could not bear to see his idol in a difficult position and suggested to Xu Da: 'It would be better for the Marshal to streamline this army of three hundred thousand, selecting one hundred thousand elite troops, equipping them with fine horses and weapons, and training them day and night. We should seize the opportunity when the Mongols are unprepared, advancing to their city, which would be sufficient to annihilate their nation. Moreover, with their king recently deceased, they must be on guard against us; this is truly not the right moment to venture beyond the borders.' Wu Anguo was not very familiar with the warfare of the cold weapon era, but having seen many military works from the twenty-first century, he had a profound impression of the saying 'modern warfare is fundamentally about logistical support.' Although this idea was somewhat out of context, to Xu Da, every word sounded like a profound truth.

So that is how it is. No wonder this veteran, who has swept through half of the Central Plains, could not perceive this opportunity for success or failure. Wu Anguo finally understood the magnanimity of this ancient renowned general. Historical records state that in his later years, Zhu Yuanzhang executed his loyal ministers, and Xu Da, knowing he would surely die, did not rebel. It was not out of fear of Zhu Yuanzhang, but rather a fear of the resurgence of chaos and the Mongols taking advantage of the situation. This kind of broad-mindedness and demeanor is incomparably superior to those corrupt officials in the twenty-first century who speak of patriotism daily while secretly transferring national assets abroad. Upon realizing this, I stood up, bowed, and said, "I, a reckless youth, thank the commander for his teachings," feeling a surge of warmth in my heart, and my nose even tinged with a hint of acidity.

Jiang Ye tilted his head in thought and said, "Of course, I would not marry my sister to a blind person who is so oblivious." As soon as he finished speaking, he understood Wu Anguo's intentions and clasped his fists, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, sir." He turned and ran off to apologize to his sister, putting an end to the matter of foot binding. The trend of not binding the feet of daughters in Huairou County began from this point, eventually spreading further, causing great distress to the old scholars, but that is a story for another time and shall not be mentioned here

The horse galloped swiftly, leaving Guo Pu and the others far behind. Despite the calls from the crowd, Wu Anguo did not respond. Since arriving in this ancient time, he had never felt so moved by anyone; recalling Xu Da's impassioned words, his mind was in turmoil. All he could hear was the sound of the wind rushing past his ears, mixed with a voice incessantly asking him, where to go, where to go, ultimately where to go.

After talking for most of the day, the two accompanied Xu Da for lunch at noon. The bodyguards kept scrutinizing the two, wondering what kind of magic these two insignificant officials had used to gain such favor from our marshal. Wu and Li, seeing Xu Da in a position of great power, commanding numerous troops, and yet only having ordinary meals without any wine to accompany them, couldn't help but admire him in silence.

Since the Mongols withdrew from the Central Plains, our dynasty has engaged in no fewer than a hundred battles with them, yet we have never been able to gain control over the regions beyond the Great Wall. Does the Marshal know why this is the case

Xu Da was indeed a remarkably intelligent and astute individual. Observing that Wu Anguo hesitated to speak, he already understood what was on his mind and sighed, saying: "You must think that I have failed to advise you properly. Are you aware of the story from years ago when Zhuge Liang prevented the late Emperor from attacking Wu, resulting in his being left in Shu? Had Zhuge Liang accompanied the late Emperor, even if Shu had been defeated, it would not have severely harmed our vitality. I, Xu, am not talented; leading these three hundred thousand troops, I may not achieve victory, but I can at least ensure the safe return of the entire army. Now, Duke Cao (Li Wenzhong) is ill, Duke Wei (Deng Yu) is newly appointed, and Marquis Siping (Mu Ying) has not yet returned from his campaign in the west. If we provoke the Emperor and someone else takes command, I fear that these three hundred thousand troops may not remain intact. Once our vitality is harmed, the civil officials will surely advise the Emperor to build walls for self-defense, and thus our Ming army will vanish from the borders. The Central Plains have enjoyed peace for a long time, and the trend of valuing civil affairs over military matters is gradually rising. If this continues for no more than thirty years, the Mongols will once again become a great threat. When their iron hooves march south, the common people will suffer once more. You, my brother, have long resided overseas and may not be aware of the atrocities committed by the Mongols. My personal honor and disgrace are trivial, but the fate of the Central Plains is significant. I truly cannot indulge in momentary satisfaction, seeking the name of a loyal minister, and thereby cause the mountains and rivers to be shattered once again.

"The man who subdued the tiger with his bare hands in Huairou is indeed a hero. Today, upon seeing him, his heroic spirit is evident. Since ancient times, heroes have emerged from the youth; this saying is not without merit." Xu Da laughed heartily

Shisanlang and Wu Anguo had privately sparred in martial arts, and Shisanlang greatly mocked Wu Anguo for the knife techniques he learned in the workers' amateur sports team in the 21st century, believing that if it weren't for Wu Anguo's astonishing strength, he would not be a match for him even with ten moves. With that sheer strength, ordinary martial artists would only have the option of fleeing before Wu Anguo's knife. However, he was greatly impressed by Wu Anguo's karate, considering it to be bold and unrestrained, forming its own unique style, a true marvel in martial arts. Having known each other for a long time, Shisanlang tossed a book on knife techniques to Wu Anguo, claiming it was most suitable for someone like him, who was naturally strong and somewhat brutish. When Wu Anguo opened it, he found it was the "Spring and Autumn Knife Technique." The Spring and Autumn Knife Technique has been the most popular cavalry knife technique since the Tang Dynasty, emphasizing the use of waist power and the unity of horse and rider. Wu Anguo was a martial arts enthusiast and often practiced in his spare time, making rapid progress. As he wielded the knife, Shisanlang gradually found himself no longer a match for him. He admired Wu Anguo's comprehension greatly, saying, "It's a pity you haven't encountered a renowned master; otherwise, you could definitely establish your own school." This was what Shisanlang said after one of their matches.

Shisanlang believed that "wealth and nobility without martial skills are like a child walking down the street with a gold brick; sooner or later, it will be snatched away." Therefore, he was the first to propose the establishment of a martial arts program in schools, which received the support of Wu Anguo. Later, programs in commerce, agriculture, and metallurgy were also introduced. The commerce teacher was unexpectedly a foreigner named Muhammad, whom Shisanlang had recruited from a trading caravan, and he spoke fluent Chinese. By this time, the school's scale had doubled compared to the previous year, and some scholars who were indifferent to fame and those who had failed in the imperial examinations chose to study here to earn some money for their families. Typically, after studying for a few months, they could secure decent positions in various trading firms. The Confucian scholars had their criticisms, but with the crystal glass cups sent by Wu Anguo in their hands, the furniture provided by Wu Anguo in their homes, the low-priced tap water supplied by Wu Anguo, and their women dressed in the newly released satin from Huairou County, along with regular dividends from investments in Wu Anguo's enterprises, the voices of opposition gradually diminished and turned into praise. Although these minor skills may not compare to the great principles of the Spring and Autumn period, someone has to do them, otherwise what will we use? This was the thought of the elder Confucian scholars.

Shisanlang, whose name is Cao Zhen and courtesy name Ziyou, is nicknamed Shisanlang. Due to the prominence of his nickname, few remember his actual name. He is the son of a maritime merchant, born out of wedlock, and from a young age, he studied martial arts under renowned masters. In his youth, he enjoyed wandering as a chivalrous figure and had slain dozens of pirates. Later, due to discord with his legitimate elder brother, he left home to travel far. He worked as a bodyguard for merchant caravans and accompanied Persians to the regions west of the Golden Horde, becoming quite familiar with the geography of the western territories. Due to his business needs, he also gained an understanding of the laws of various countries. In the tenth year of the Hongwu era, he came to Huairou with a merchant caravan to purchase ironware. Upon seeing a notice in the county town's charity school offering high salaries for teachers, he decided to stay. He humorously referred to this as the "Florence University of the East" (Note: established in 1321). Wu Anguo found an immediate rapport with him, calling him the first person in the Ming Dynasty to open his eyes to the world, and he held him in high regard. Many management plans of the Hanyuan Trading Company benefited from his contributions. Later, as Wu Anguo became busy, he entrusted all school affairs to him, believing that this young man who had traveled to the West would bring new ideas to the area, and indeed, Shisanlang did not disappoint Wu Anguo.

Everyone privately believes that Guo Pu deserves such praise as a governor. In various counties, there were immigrants who froze or starved to death, yet in Huairou County, not a single person died. Such governance methods are truly admirable

Upon entering the main tent and completing the formalities, Xu Da instructed his personal guards to bring over seats and serve tea. Guo Pu dared not sit down; as he turned to signal to Wu Anguo to be cautious, he discovered that the latter had already taken a seat nonchalantly, openly sizing up the Duke of Wei. This left Guo Pu feeling anxious and regretful for having forgotten to teach his younger brother the rules of the officialdom.

Xu Da brought it to his eyes and gazed at the distant mountains. In an instant, the grass and trees on the mountains seemed to be right before him, and he could even see the goat's beard clearly. Overjoyed, he realized that with this item, his chances of success had increased. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, Wu Anguo presented his own repeating crossbow, along with a quiver of bolts and the blueprints he had drawn at the blacksmith's camp, handing them all to Xu Da: "This is a self-defense weapon I made, capable of firing three bolts in succession, effective within fifty paces, and can penetrate heavy armor. The design is also included in the box. The materials used are steel, which has already been donated today. The commander can order the production based on this design, specifically to form a unit of crossbowmen, who can shoot in rotation when encountering the enemy. Even the most skilled Mongolian horse archers would find it hard to match this weapon."

Wu Anguo did not want to put too much pressure on Xu Da. After pondering for a moment, he said: "The earlier defeat was merely empty talk, truly reckless. This time, there may not be a lack of opportunity for victory. If the commander advances cautiously, step by step, and sends small cavalry units daily to raid the Mongolian herders' cattle and sheep, over time, the Mongolians will be unable to endure it and will naturally have to engage in a decisive battle with you"

Wu Anguo and Li Shanping were discussing the laws of the Ming Dynasty with Shisanlang at the school. According to Wu Anguo, laws are not meant to govern the people, but to protect them. Only laws that are formulated by the people and define the rights of the people can be considered true laws. Otherwise, they merely serve as a guise for the rulers to oppress the populace, as exemplified by the recent mass migration. Currently, the laws of the Ming Dynasty only provide the upper echelons with the satisfaction of issuing commands, but lack love for the people, and thus cannot be deemed as law. True law treats everyone equally. Until conclusive evidence is presented, all suspects are presumed innocent. How could the other two accept such radical views from the twenty-first century? They argued heatedly. Upon hearing that the county magistrate had urgent matters to discuss, they quickly took their leave. However, Shisanlang noted down Wu Anguo's earlier statements, saying he would reference Western laws to carefully examine whether it is indeed possible for the laws described by Wu Anguo in the books to exist in this world, in order to make Wu Anguo concede wholeheartedly.

Subsequently, they discussed matters related to mechanical manufacturing. Wu Anguo's knowledge from the twenty-first century was akin to the reincarnation of Lu Ban. Xu Da had long heard of Wu Anguo's reputation as a skilled craftsman, and today he personally verified it, feeling a deep admiration. He called over his personal guards and handed a firearm to Wu Anguo, informing him that this was the Thunderbolt Gun, crafted under the supervision of General Jiao Yu. Its speed was slightly inferior to that of a bow and arrow, but its power was significantly greater. He instructed Wu Anguo to take it back and study whether improvements could be made. "If this gun's accuracy and speed can match that of a bow and arrow, then our Ming army would not need one hundred thousand troops; thirty thousand would suffice to pacify the borders, and fifty thousand would be enough to reach the Golden Horde, ensuring the complete destruction of Genghis Khan's descendants." Xu Da solemnly wrapped the firearm for Wu Anguo, and in his usually calm eyes, which resembled a tranquil ancient well, a fervent expression unexpectedly emerged.

The governor personally escorted Guo Pu out of the gates, and everyone rushed forward to greet him. This esteemed Guo Pu might very well be promoted to the position of deputy governor in the near future; if they did not take the opportunity to get close to him now, when would they?

Ah... Xu Da, upon hearing this, trembled slightly, causing the tea in his cup to spill out, clearly taken aback. In recent years, he had been cautious about speaking of the frontier, as these were precisely the matters that weighed on his mind daily. He had not expected that Wu Anguo would articulate them one by one. A common minor official could conceive such methods, yet under the command of Genghis Khan, there were no shortage of seasoned generals who should have been aware of this. With this thought, his expression grew even more somber

At the time of parting, Xu Da personally escorted the two individuals out of the tent. Wu Anguo noticed that Xu Da's hair had begun to turn gray and thought to himself that he was inexperienced in warfare and that there was no time to improve his firearms. However, he believed that the items he brought from the 21st century would certainly be of help to Xu Da. With this in mind, he had a sudden inspiration, retrieved the package he had placed outside the tent, and took out the high-powered Russian telescope he had brought from the 20th century, presenting it to Xu Da. He said, "This is a gift I brought back from overseas, which I seldom use, and I present it to the general, hoping it can assist you in your endeavors." He then carefully demonstrated how to use it to Xu Da.

Under the vast sky, could it be the king's land? Brother Shuye, Xu envies your carefree comings and goings! Reflecting on these past events, Xu Da felt a twinge of sadness in the corners of his eyes. The emperor now seems increasingly unpredictable; in spring, he heard that the corpses of migrants from Shanxi lay strewn along the roads, and he regretted the hasty decision to migrate. They even dragged out the Minister of Revenue, who had first proposed the migration, and executed him on the spot. Although he claimed to be a brother of the common people, he repeatedly tested Xu's loyalty. One day, he got Xu drunk and dragged him to the dragon bed. Fortunately, Xu had always been cautious; upon waking, he knelt for a long time and thus avoided disaster. Those civil officials, fearing chaos in the world, daily conspired against the military generals, speaking with the arrogance of scholars, recklessly discussing war and peace. This summer, upon hearing that the Mongolian emperor had died, they immediately submitted a memorial, demanding troops be sent north to unify the Nine Provinces. It is lamentable that this mounted emperor, having held the throne for so long, has lost his judgment, yielding to such civil officials and dispatching Xu to oversee the various troops to the frontier. To refuse would be disloyal to His Majesty, yet to go would mean being unprepared, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Master Dian, please refrain from joking. How much is the treasure note worth? I, Chen Xing, am clear in my heart. Great kindness does not require thanks; the lives of the Chen family have all been saved by you. In the future, through wind and fire, as long as Master Dian commands, if even one member of the Chen family frowns, they are no longer descendants of the Chen family! Chen Xing deeply bowed, set down his bundle, and took his leave. There are several similar stories of gratitude; the people of Shanxi seem to possess an innate business acumen. Many small businesses in the county are run by them. Having made a profit, they all rush to repay the debts to the families from whom they bought their treasure notes, embodying an ancient simplicity that is vastly different from the twenty-first century.

Just after the New Year, Wu Anguo received a heavy package filled with snow-white silver. This silver was sent by Chen Xing from Shanxi. In the autumn, Wu Anguo had exchanged his silver for a thousand taels of banknotes from Chen Xing, and this time he returned it all. The Chen family is a prominent household in Hongtong County, and this time they were nearly ruined by the authorities. Upon arriving in Huairou, after exchanging silver with Wu Anguo, the Chen family did not return to farming but instead rented a shop in the city to engage in business. Seeing that Huairou County encouraged industry, Chen Xing opened a fireworks workshop, hiring some skilled craftsmen from Shanxi who were residing in the city. The fireworks produced became famous far and wide, selling all the way to Nanjing, and it was said that they could burst into different colors in the sky. As the New Year approached, who wouldn't want to seek good fortune? Coupled with the prosperity of the land, Chen Xing managed to recoup his investment that year. Not wanting to owe anyone a favor, he specifically came to repay the money.

The Tartars flee east and west, waiting for our army to return, only to come and go again. It is like striking cotton with a heavy hammer, without any force to apply. Reflecting on my years as the governor of Beiping and Shanxi, I have not been able to expand our territory even a single step further. Xu Da, in his words, could not help but feel somewhat disheartened

For a long while, everyone was silent. Immigrants from various counties had all fled, many of them to Huairou in search of work. What they feared most now was that Guo Pu would take serious action, sending the displaced people back one by one, allowing the common folk to starve to death on their own land, which they could not bear. However, as minor officials with meager monthly salaries of just a few taels of silver, they were already considered upright if they did not accept bribes, so how could they manage so much? They could only blame themselves for not having the luck of Guo Pu, who seemed to have stumbled upon a god of wealth, turning stone into gold.

"With a hundred thousand troops, one can sweep across the world," Xu Da recalled that Chang Yu-chun had said something similar. Unfortunately, Brother Chang has passed away; otherwise, he could have persuaded the Emperor. Xu Da sighed again and said softly, "You only know one side of the story, but not the other. Since the Zhao and Song dynasties, the men of our China have favored literature over martial prowess, unlike the Mongols who are skilled in archery and horsemanship, often defeating five of our men with one of theirs in battle. If it were not for the dire circumstances we faced from the Mongols, which united us in a common cause, we might not have been able to drive them out of the Central Plains. The Mongols excel in archery and cavalry, while our army excels in firearms; however, the speed of firearms cannot match that of arrows. The sharpshooters cannot fight alone and must be protected by long spears and shields, supported by elite cavalry. Therefore, when fighting the Mongols, it is essential for all arms to coordinate and cooperate to outnumber the enemy. Now, with Tughus Temur commanding over 200,000 troops, we cannot match them with a smaller force, and if we gather more troops, we will face shortages in supplies, making victory uncertain. This time, many of the military generals are reluctant to engage in battle. The Emperor, having listened to the words of those scholars, has imposed his will, and it is difficult to go against the imperial decree; I can only do my best."

Since childhood, my nephew has been idle. In recent years, he has wandered beneath the forests and springs, cultivating his character and nurturing his nature, gradually becoming indifferent to the sounds of warfare. Moreover, a great man does not necessarily establish his career on the battlefield. In the past, when Zi Ling fished by the riverbank, Guangwu was just beginning his dominance; when Wu Hou had not yet emerged from Nanyang, Zhao Lie had already divided the world into three parts. What my uncle has accomplished is to defeat the enemy beyond the borders, while what Brother Wu has done is to bring peace to the people within the realm. Each has its strengths, making it difficult to distinguish who is superior. If we wish for lasting peace in our great Ming dynasty, I believe it does not rely on military might, but on governance... My uncle has accomplished defeating the enemy beyond the borders, while Brother Wu has brought peace to the people within the realm. Each has its strengths, making it difficult to distinguish who is superior. If we wish for lasting peace in our great Ming dynasty, I believe it does not rely on military might, but on governance... Xu Da picked up the letter beside him and could not help but read the key parts again.

Xu Da did not conceal anything and informed them that Cao Ziyou was his nephew, expressing gratitude to Guo and Wu for their care of Ziyou over the past year. He then inquired in detail about the killing of tigers and the slaying of dragons, as well as the establishment of charitable schools and factories. Guo Pu and Wu Anguo, seeing that he was approachable, explained everything in detail. When the conversation reached exciting points, Xu Da clapped his hands and laughed heartily. Upon learning that Wu Anguo had returned from traveling abroad, Xu Da eagerly asked about Mongolia. Fortunately, Wu Anguo had prepared for the lies about his background and had been attentive over the past two years, gathering information about the world from passing merchants. Xu Da was delighted to hear Wu Anguo's fluent responses regarding the customs, geography, and landscapes of the border regions, which made him stroke his beard in joy, revealing his intention to recruit.

Xu Da reached out to take it. As a seasoned veteran of the battlefield, he recognized at a glance that this item could be of great use. He immediately issued an order for the camp craftsmen to create it according to the design. Having received such a favor from Wu Anguo, he found himself momentarily without a gift to express his gratitude. After a brief contemplation, he instructed a personal guard to bring over a horse and handed the reins to Wu Anguo, saying: "Brother Wu, given your stature, I believe an ordinary Mongolian horse would not be able to carry you. This is a fine horse imported from overseas, bestowed by the Emperor last year, and I present it to you." Wu Anguo noticed that this horse was significantly taller than an ordinary Mongolian horse, with a body that was also longer by half, entirely jet black without a single blemish, and realized that this was a rare steed. Just as he was about to decline, Xu Da continued: "Originally, I wished to keep you in the camp to achieve great accomplishments, but you are a man of exceptional talent, surely not one to rely on others for success. To force you to stay would only hinder your future. This horse is named Thunderbolt, and I sincerely wish that it may soon carry you to great heights."

The Central Plains are often the site of battles for siege and conquest, characterized by complex roads and a large population. In contrast, the areas beyond the borders are more prone to open-field battles, with vast terrains and sparse populations. It is said that one does not fear a decisive battle with the Tatars, but rather fears their rampant movements in various directions. Xu Da pondered for a moment and summarized.

"It is not yet that historical text, what a remarkable person! It is said that Guo Pu visited the thatched cottage and the library three times to invite him out of retirement. This time, he pondered for three days and nights, comprehending the method by which the Persians fired crystal glaze. I believe the grain of the immigrants in Huairou County is entirely based on this." The magistrate of Wanping, Cheng Anping, exclaimed.

Xu Da waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for excessive formalities. He spoke softly: "I feel a sense of familiarity with you upon our first meeting, so I have shared some words that perhaps should not have been said. It brings me some relief. I have been in military service for over twenty years, having spent half my life on the battlefield; I am not one to be timid or hesitant. Both of you, my talented younger brothers, possess abilities and insights far superior to mine. In the future, if you are to become the pillars of the nation, remember to weigh matters carefully and not act impulsively."

What a clever county magistrate, able to guess at once that there will be a war, sending me fine steel, thus saving me the trouble of asking you for it. No wonder you can ensure that not a single one of the more than ten thousand immigrants perishes. Xu Da instructed his personal guards to make haste, and his fondness for Guo Pu increased a few more degrees.

Duke Xu Da of the Wei State, is a commoner brother of the current sovereign, ranking first among the Three Dukes, overseeing the military and civilian affairs of provinces such as Beiping and Datong, usually present in the court and only coming to Beiping during wartime. Guo Pu, a minor official of little significance, has never dared to hope for the favor of such a remarkable figure of the age. Not daring to be negligent, he hurriedly invited the scribe to come in

Xu Da, however, was unconcerned, and he scrutinized Wu Anguo from head to toe. The old and the young exchanged glances, their eyes sweeping over each other, and after a moment, they smiled at one another.

What kind of person is this Huairou Wuan Guo, who can win over this child Ziyou and have him follow him wholeheartedly? It is quite remarkable! Duke Wei, Xu Da, sat in the Beiping headquarters, unable to suppress his curiosity, with a letter from Cao Ziyou beside him. Cao Ziyou is the Thirteenth Young Master, and he is a distant cousin of Xu Da. Others are unaware of this, and he himself is reluctant to use Xu Da's name for show. This time, Xu Da is preparing to lead the army out of the pass and knows that Ziyou has been to the Western Regions. He wants to bring him along to achieve some military merits and bring glory to his family. However, to Xu Da's surprise, upon receiving Xu Da's letter, the Thirteenth Young Master actually declined Xu Da's kind offer, stating that he wished to establish a career in that small county, leaving Xu Da quite perplexed.

At the end of summer, while Guo Pu was planning to expand the small roads from the county to various townships into proper roads for the convenience of the people, Wang Hao came to report that Duke Wei, Xu Da, had sent a message.

It is only to do my best; after all, this concerns three hundred thousand lives. Can't you argue your case with reason?" Wu Anguo raised an eyebrow, feeling quite dissatisfied with this hero, who swept across the world yet appeared so cowardly. As this statement reached his lips, he swallowed it back down.

In the winter of the 11th year of the Hongwu era, the county magistrate Guo Pu did something that made all his colleagues look at him with new eyes. Surprisingly, when he submitted his tax donations to the government office at the end of the year, he presented a stack of banknotes. Even more astonishing was that the governor not only did not express anger but also praised him greatly. Afterward, the other county magistrates inquired and learned that Guo Pu had privately gifted the governor a set of crystal glass cups, which were said to be exceptionally clear and even better than those brought back from Persia by the Hui merchants. Since the tax silver belonged to the state and not to the governor personally, it was only natural for him to show some leniency in return for such a significant favor.

Indeed, in the Central Plains, the villages are densely populated, the people are inclined towards us, and our army's supplies are sufficient. In the border areas, the population is sparse, and our army has no means of resupply. The thirty thousand troops consume no less than a million in provisions daily, and the supplies we carry will soon be exhausted. Therefore, we must strive for a swift resolution; the longer the time extends, the more unfavorable it becomes for our army. If I were Tughus Temur, I would abandon the key towns of Yingchang and Hulin, circle around with you on the grasslands, and send cavalry to disrupt your supply lines. After all, the possessions of the Mongols consist mainly of yurts and livestock, which can be taken along. When your supplies run out and you retreat, I would follow closely behind, ensuring your complete defeat.

In less than five years, the population of this county is estimated to reach 200,000, and it will soon be upgraded to a medium-sized county, or so the officials think. While the upgrade may not necessarily bring in much more profit, it certainly enhances one's prestige.

The messenger was dressed in the colors of the flag bearer (the captain), with a hint of heroism in his demeanor. His speech was very courteous, which greatly impressed Guo Pu. Upon receiving the letter, he was even more astonished that the great general Xu Da had actually invited the county magistrate and the chief clerk to meet in the military camp. Guo Pu quickly agreed, took out some silver to reward the messenger, and began to compose a letter informing Xu Da that he would visit the military camp the next day. He then sent someone to summon Wu Anguo and Li Shanping to discuss the matter.

I have long heard of Marshal Xu rising from humble beginnings to rally troops, expelling the Tartars and restoring our sacred land, being one of the greatest heroes in the country. To see him today fulfills a wish of mine. Wu Anguo's response carried a hint of flattery, yet it was also his genuine sentiment. During his studies, he admired Xu Da as one of the ancient figures he respected the most, so meeting him in person today naturally evoked a sense of starstruck admiration.

Upon seeing this, Wu Anguo could no longer utter a word of refusal. In the bonds of brotherhood, what matters most is mutual understanding. Although he had only spent half a day with Xu Da, it felt as if they had known each other for years. After bowing deeply, he was about to mount his horse when Xu Da called for paper and pen, writing a decree instructing Wu Anguo to assist in the military affairs and equipment of Beiping, allowing him to act as he deemed fit. Wu Anguo understood that Xu Da, having seen the weapons he had forged, was concerned that someone might cause him trouble in the future, thus providing him with a way out in advance. A wave of gratitude surged within him as he solemnly accepted the decree, placing it carefully in his bosom, no longer expressing thanks, and rode off at full speed.

In the summer of April in the eleventh year of Hongwu, the Yuan successor, Ayulishi Dalai, passed away, and his son, Togus Temur, succeeded him. The Prime Minister, Lu Er, the barbarian Hala Zhang, Duke Tuo Huochi, and the Grand Councilors Wan Zhe Bu Hua, Nai Er Bu He Tu Shu Hua, along with the Privy Councilor Ai Zu, gathered forces in Yingchang and Helin. The Left Prime Minister of the Ming, Hu Weiyong, the Grand Inspector Chen Ning, and the Deputy Prime Minister Tu Jie jointly submitted a memorial, requesting Zhu Yuanzhang to issue an order for a northern expedition to seal off the Wolf Juxu and reclaim the lands of Huaxia. Zhu Yuanzhang agreed. He appointed Xu Da as the commander, with Fu Youde and Tang He as his deputies, leading an army of three hundred thousand to march out of the frontier. The Left Prime Minister of the Ming, Hu Weiyong, the Grand Inspector Chen Ning, and the Deputy Prime Minister Tu Jie jointly submitted a memorial, requesting Zhu Yuanzhang to issue an order for a northern expedition to seal off the Wolf Juxu and reclaim the lands of Huaxia. Zhu Yuanzhang agreed. He appointed Xu Da as the commander, with Fu Youde and Tang He as his deputies, leading an army of three hundred thousand to march out of the frontier. The military affairs were decided not by the generals but by the civil officials, and the veteran general Duke Li Wenzhong of the Cao family, who advised against this, was ignored, leading to his illness and inability to rise.

Jiang Ye and several orphans from Shanxi have settled down in the academy. At the request of Zhang Zhengxin, a kind-hearted woman was hired to take care of their daily needs. Jiang Ye's father was originally a scholar, which provided a solid foundation for the siblings. He progressed quickly in this school, and Shisanlang took a liking to him, personally teaching him reading and martial arts every day. Children without parents mature early; this child, only twelve or thirteen years old, already exhibits a demeanor akin to that of an adult. His sister, Jiang Min, has also reached the age for foot binding, and the woman caring for her intends to bind her feet. Jiang Min cried and refused, but her brother Jiang Ye surprisingly ordered her to comply with the customs of women. That day, coincidentally, Wu Anguo came to the school to visit them. Upon seeing this, he asked Jiang Ye why he insisted that his sister must have her feet bound. Jiang Ye, displaying remarkable maturity, replied, "This way, she can marry into a good family in the future, and as her brother, I can rest assured, fulfilling our parents' wishes." That day, coincidentally, Wu Anguo came to the school to visit them. Upon seeing this, he asked Jiang Ye why he insisted that his sister must have her feet bound. Jiang Ye, displaying remarkable maturity, replied, "This way, she can marry into a good family in the future, and as her brother, I can rest assured, fulfilling our parents' wishes." Wu Anguo gently patted his little head and asked him, "If a man only cares about whether your sister's feet are bound and not about her other virtues, would you feel comfortable entrusting your sister to such a man?"

"This child, Ziyou, truly resembles his master. Brother Shuye, you have a worthy successor." Xu Da set down the letter and sighed, the image of a deceased friend emerging before him. As one ages, there is a tendency to reminisce, and even a great hero like Xu Da is no exception

Suddenly, a commotion of shouting and neighing horses was heard outside the camp. A personal guard entered the tent to report: the magistrate of Huairou County, Guo Pu, along with the chief clerk, Wu Anguo, has brought 100,000 pounds of fine steel as a gift, as promised.

After dinner, when discussing military affairs, Guo Pu, being a scholar, feigned ignorance. Xu Da, wishing to test Wu Anguo, asked him to predict the chances of success and failure for the upcoming expedition.

Uncle Yang Ye is the mentor of the Thirteenth Young Master, known in the martial world as Yang Buyi. He is named for wielding a sheathed iron sword and always wearing a set of exceptionally clean cloth garments. He is known for his free-spirited and chivalrous nature, having once received a meal's worth of kindness from Zhu Yuanzhang in his youth. Later, when Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da raised an army to resist the Yuan dynasty, the common people of Jiangnan secretly supported the rebel forces with funds, which were often transported in secrecy by Yang Buyi. On one occasion, he was ambushed by a group of bandits from Maoshan, sustaining three arrow wounds and over forty injuries, yet he still managed to slay several thieves and protect the silver cart, breaking through the encirclement and delivering the funds to the rebels as scheduled. Zhu Yuanzhang, grateful for his contributions, offered a substantial reward, but Yang Buyi only took a small portion of the silver to buy a new long robe in the market, leaving with a hearty laugh. After Zhu Yuanzhang established his rule, he sought to recruit the best martial artists to guard the imperial palace, inviting Yang Buyi several times, all of which were politely declined. This refusal filled Zhu Yuanzhang with great anger. One day, upon learning that Yang Buyi had settled on Bagua Island, he decided to emulate the story of Jin Wengong and Jie Zitu, sending naval forces to besiege the island and ordering Lan Yu to invite him with five hundred warriors. When the imperial edict arrived, Yang Buyi was playing chess with friends and asked Lan Yu to wait. After finishing a game and counting the points, he downed a cup of wine and said to his friend, "You once asked me to teach you this sword technique, and I have always kept it to myself. Today, I will demonstrate it all for you, so watch closely." With that, he drew his sword and began to dance beneath the autumn trees, starting slowly and then speeding up, until his figure became indistinct, the sword energy sweeping through the air, and the falling leaves resembling rain. Lan Yu and the others were completely entranced. After a moment, when the sword dance came to a halt, he stood under the tree, sword in hand. When Lan Yu and the others regained their senses and approached, they found him already lifeless. It turned out that during the sword dance, he had severed his own meridians, choosing death rather than being bound by others.

Not entirely, this person is a talent skilled in various trades such as iron smelting, mining, lime burning, and cement production. This time, luck was on his side as he struck gold in the mountains, and I heard that the gold mine can yield over ten taels daily. Many of the immigrants from my area have gone to Huairou County, where the living conditions are better. I cannot bear to see them starve, so I allowed them to leave. If the court investigates this matter, I would truly find it difficult to account for it, " said the magistrate of Miyun County, shaking his head and sighing. Many of the immigrants from my area have gone to Huairou County, where the living conditions are better. I cannot bear to see them starve, so I allowed them to leave. If the court investigates this matter, I would truly find it difficult to account for it, " said the magistrate of Miyun County, shaking his head and sighing.

In the current Yi School, following the suggestions of Wu Anguo and Vice President Shisanlang, new courses have been established in Business Studies (Management and Accounting), Mining Studies, Engineering (Metallurgy and Manufacturing), Martial Arts, and Military Strategy. These subjects are considered electives, allowing students the freedom to choose. A significant number of the teachers have been recruited from across the country through past merchant caravans. Scholarships have been set up for students; any student whose performance in any subject is unanimously recognized by the entire class and faculty can receive a monthly scholarship of five taels. Those who achieve notable learning outcomes or make inventions can receive even more. The academic atmosphere at the school has greatly improved. Regarding questions that are not clearly understood by everyone, the school has stipulated that anyone can express their opinions, regardless of the status of teachers or students, leading to a vibrant culture of debate within the school.

Wu Anguo mustered his courage and asked, "Great General, having spent half a lifetime in military campaigns, could you enlighten me on the differences between warfare in the frontier and that in the Central Plains?" He was initially unaware of the impending conflict, but after a lengthy discussion yesterday with Guo Pu, Li Shanping, and others, he concluded that there would soon be military actions in the frontier. Upon returning and reflecting carefully, he felt that the outcome remained uncertain. Today, upon hearing that an army of three hundred thousand was to march out of the frontier, he became even more convinced of his assessment