Chapter 10, the swan follows the great roc of its own accord

Blood relations are an innate bond, and Wang Kefan has high hopes for this唯一的弟弟, unwilling to hasten growth artificially

Zhou Guodong became increasingly excited as he listened, clapping his hands and laughing, "There is truth in that, great truth! You have articulated what others have not, addressing all my concerns... Yuntai, could you lend me that old book of yours to take a look at?"

Yuntai, you actually went to enlist in the army, why didn't you call me?!

Everyone experiences a rebellious phase in their youth, yearning to break free from their parents and family, striving to carve out their own space. Under intentional guidance in recent days, Wang Sheng has finally erupted.

"Is it possible to learn military affairs? Who is born knowing how to lead troops into battle? As long as one puts in the effort, with San Ge's intelligence, being a sentry officer is more than sufficient!" Wang Kefan said with a smile, "Tomorrow we will go to find County Magistrate Xu Bingzhong. With his letter of recommendation, you can recruit another 200 young and strong men, and this sentry officer position will be secured."

The road ahead is fraught with thorns, and Wang Kefan often feels weak and in need of a few like-minded friends to assist him. Wang Sheng, with his steady and substantial character, is an excellent helper

I shall faithfully obey the command of the Fourth Brother!" Wang Kebin nodded in agreement.

It is necessary to start anew and cultivate a new group of generals who possess neither the various bad habits of the Ming army nor the fear of the Qing army. Young individuals like Zhou Guodong and Tan Xiao, who are passionate, possess cultural knowledge, and have family background resources, are the best candidates that Wang Kefa can find

Soldiers must select young and strong farmers who are simple and honest, with a family background that is entirely clean. Before recruitment, they must provide a guarantee and sign a contract, which will be uniformly archived for future reference, in order to maintain control ... um, Third Brother, what brings you here

The two brothers were conversing when suddenly a sound of footsteps approached. As the door curtain was lifted, two young scholars entered. The man in front was tall and had a loud voice. Upon seeing Wang Kefan, he feigned anger and frowned.

Wang Kefan was feeling embarrassed, but Tan Xiao impatiently called out: "Alright, alright! Since there are no more concerns, what are we lingering here for? Hurry up and go with me to cancel your student status, and let's enlist together at Gongyi Camp!"

"Is it enough to only know swordsmanship to lead troops into battle? You have not yet completed your studies, and your resolve is weak. At most, you can be a mere fighter; how can you take on the role of a general?" Wang Kefan softened his tone and kindly advised, "Since my brothers of the Wang family have chosen to serve in the military, we must achieve a grand and remarkable undertaking. You should first hone your skills for a few years, gain knowledge of military affairs and principles, and then it will not be too late to discuss joining the army."

"I am talking about myself, is that okay?" Zhou Guodong pointed at himself, his tone and attitude very unfriendly, leaving Tan Xiao at a loss.

How could one not call? How could one not shout! Tan Xiaozhi from Yuezhou aspires to nobility, and this is indeed a prime opportunity to realize grand ambitions. Did I not hurriedly come to find you?

Those who are capable should be teachers. Since Wang Sheng has devoted himself to the military, he has increasingly respected Wang Kefan

Tan Xiao, however, did not mind. He scratched his head and said with a frown: "This is indeed a problem. Guodong is a good student, but leading troops into battle might be quite challenging. However, the three of us have always shared the same aspirations, and there is absolutely no reason to abandon one of our own..."

What is the use of staying in the military? Whether it is the Southern Ming army or the remnants of Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, they have all been fighting for many years. However, history has proven that they are no match for the Qing army.

"Yuntai misunderstood! The country has nurtured scholars for over two hundred years. At this critical moment when the state is in danger, we should share the worries for our ruler and father. I have long had the ambition to join the army and suppress the rebels!" Zhou Guodong is not tall, but he carries himself with a scholarly air in his speech and behavior. Yet there is a hint of stubbornness in his eyes, indicating a strong sense of self-esteem. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "But both you and I are scholars, unfamiliar with military affairs and not adept at fighting. Joining the army hastily may lead to poor leadership of the soldiers..."

Is Brother Si really enlisted? Is Seventh-rank Bajing also joining the army? So prestigious! I want to go too! Wang Kebin, with the temperament of a young man, cheered and clamored to drop out of school and join the army with Wang Kefan.

Wang Kefan interjected with a smile, "The selection of generals depends on their loyalty, righteousness, courage, diligence, integrity, simplicity, and perseverance, without considering fame and fortune... In my opinion, Guo Dong meets all these criteria. If he joins the army, he will surely become a good general in the future!"

Since that's the case, then I'll give it a try. In the future, I hope Yun Tai can provide me with more guidance in the military. Wang Sheng solemnly saluted. After a few days of contact, he greatly admired Wang Kefan's military talent and thought that this fourth brother had long had the ambition to join the army and had secretly studied military books.

"You still have some insight!" Tan Xiao is an outgoing person. He immediately turned his anger into joy and patted twice on Wang Kefan's shoulder. He pulled over a chair and sat down, saying, "I heard that you joined the army and wanted to drop out of school and follow you immediately. If it weren't for Guodong, this bookworm, stopping me, I would have taken off this green uniform a long time ago..."

Do you want to join the army? 汪克凡's mind turned like lightning, and he had guessed the reason roughly. He was delighted and said, "Of course you can. The Gongyi Camp is still short of six patrol officers. With your academic achievements as a scholar and the identity of a direct descendant of the Wang family, it is easy to plan for a patrol officer."

Wang Kefan looked up and glanced outside the window. It was already very late and the night was dark. If Wang Sheng came at this time, something unexpected must have happened. He immediately waved his hand to Shi Ada and the others, asking them to leave first.

What is the use of thoroughly studying military texts? Zhao Kuo spoke of military strategy on paper, yet it led to the demise of 400,000 troops. A renowned general of the Qing Dynasty only read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," yet remained invincible at the end of the Ming Dynasty

... ....

Yuntai's praise is too much, I dare not accept it! Zhou Guodong modestly bowed and then proudly smiled at Tan Xiao. Suddenly, he turned his face and asked, "I have also studied the Seven Books of Martial Arts, but I have never seen the selection criteria mentioned by Yuntai. I wonder which famous general described it?"

This... was found in an old book. It seems to describe a great sage who has lost his way in the countryside...

Politely declined the repeated retention of the teacher, calmly faced the surrounding discussions, after canceling his enrollment in the academy, Wang Kefan found his younger brother Wang Kebin.

In another two or three years, it will be time for the decisive battle between the Southern Ming and the Qing army. Wang Kefan is confident that he will be fully prepared by then. At that time, he will arrange a suitable position for Wang Kebin to be of great help to himself.

Wang Kefan does not want to get entangled in this sensitive issue and changes the subject, saying, "This wise person strongly agrees with scholars leading troops. The outcome of military affairs not only relies on the sacrifice of the three armies but also depends on the supply of provisions. The side with well-trained soldiers, sturdy armor, and fortified cities... In the end, it all comes down to money! Our dynasty has always been governed by scholars, and although scholars lack experience in leading troops, they are better at communicating and raising funds from various sources..."

I don't understand military affairs, I'm afraid I won't be able to perform well as a sentry officer... Wang Sheng seems to be tempted, but he has always been thoughtful, considering both the pros and cons, and his tone is somewhat hesitant.

Wang Kefan nodded with a smile and turned to Zhou Guodong to ask, "Oh, Guodong, why are you trying to stop us? Do you not support our enlistment?"

I am already 17 years old, not a child anymore!" Wang Kebin, undeterred, argued: "I am strong and healthy, I excel in the six arts, and I especially love swordsmanship. There is absolutely no problem in going to battle!

Zhou Guodong is merely a scholar, which is not a concern; military experience can be acquired. The key is to possess strong ideological qualities. Wang Kefan, as a member of the former People's Liberation Army, firmly believes in this.

Upon arriving at the academy to process his withdrawal, both teachers and classmates were quite surprised. When asked about the reason for his withdrawal, Wang Kefan did not conceal it, candidly stating that he had abandoned literature for martial arts and had already joined the Gongyi Camp

Warfare is not merely a military issue; it is also an economic and political issue. Under the historical conditions of the Ming Dynasty, individuals within the scholar-official system were better able to integrate and utilize national resources, thereby ensuring the combat effectiveness of the troops

Before he finished speaking, Tan Xiao shouted: "Who says I am ignorant of military affairs and unskilled in combat? Guodong, just find someone, and I will spar with him!"

That night, Wang Sheng stayed at Wang Kefan's home, and the two of them slept side by side, engaging in long conversations throughout the night. Early the next morning, Wang Kefan entrusted the final tasks of the conscription to four team officers, including Shi Ada, and together with Wang Sheng, they took a boat to Chongyang County.

Tan Xiao's family is a prominent clan in Yuezhou, with several generations of descendants among whom there are many scholars and high-ranking officials. However, Tan Xiao is an exception; although he was pressured by his parents to spend money to obtain a degree as a xiucai, he, like the character Shi Jin, the Nine-Patterned Dragon from "Water Margin," has never enjoyed studying. Instead, he prefers to practice martial arts and read military books and strategies.

Wang Kebin's eyes lit up, and he replied excitedly: "I understand! From now on, I will diligently study military texts and practice martial arts, so that I can join the army and assist Fourth Brother as soon as possible"

Who says that a scholar cannot lead troops

Wang Kefan quickly stood up to offer his seat. The two individuals were his friends from the academy, one being Tan Xiao from Yuezhou and the other Zhou Guodong from Tongshan. Both were scions of prominent families and held the status of scholars. Wang Kefan returned to the Valley Academy partly for the sake of these two.

When Wang Sheng suddenly burst in, Wang Kefan was in a meeting with four team officials

Indeed, both military strategy and martial arts must be learned, and one cannot neglect the study of classics and literature. The space for development as a military official is too limited, making one easily subject to others. It is essential to obtain a degree. At the very least, one should attain the status of a scholar, and being a successful candidate would be even better. Wang Kefan recalled history; the Southern Ming court also held imperial examinations and selected many officials from them. If Wang Kebin could obtain a degree, it would be much more convenient for him to serve as an official.

Upon arriving in Chongyang, the two went together to pay a visit to the county magistrate Xu Bingzhong, and then parted ways at the dock. Wang Sheng took a boat to Wuchang Prefecture to enlist in the army, while Wang Kefan headed east for twenty li, arriving at the Shangu Academy.

"It's nothing." Wang Sheng was reluctant to elaborate on the dispute with his father and eagerly asked, "Yuntai, if I were to join the Gongyi Camp, would the Niuxie Platform accept me?"

No! Wang Kefan rejected him without hesitation: "You are too young. Focus on your studies at the academy for now, and we can discuss it again in two or three years."