Qiu Yan Discusses Warfare

On the second floor of the restaurant, several tables were filled with people drinking and talking. Please use this site to access information.

The scene outside the window just now seemed like an interlude. The common people had no channels of communication, unlike the officials, and were unaware of the war in the south. After cursing the messenger, although some went to inquire about the reason, most returned to normal.

However, the students and scholars were very interested in military matters. They had just written their military strategies for the provincial Provincial Examination yesterday and were still enjoying the thrill of directing the southwest and making decisions far away. Now, upon hearing about military matters, their interest was reignited, and they were all eager to try and express their ideas.

"It shouldn't be the Marshfolk. They were subdued by the Song Dynasty's Marshfolk long ago and have lost their will..."

"I suspect the military intelligence is very likely related. The Barbarians are currently vying for control Longyou with the imperial Military Contest, and it's not surprising that they've sent small groups to harass Jiannan. This is exactly what the strategy of 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao' applies to them."

"That's right. I mentioned a point in my military strategy yesterday called 'holding firm and not moving.' It means that no matter how the enemy attacks, we will not move and will wear down their strength. Anyway, our Great Rui is vast and rich, so losing a few people is nothing."

"Yes, Brother Fang, what is your insight into that question?"

"Brother Qiu, you are also a renowned scholar. I wonder what your military strategies are like?"

Listening to the loud conversation at the next table, Zhang Zhen and the others did not react, but the Confucian scholars who were engrossed in their conversation asked questions from a distance.

At this time, the second floor had already gathered Confucian scholars, and it was inevitable that they would have thoughts of comparison among themselves.

"Brother Qiu, since someone has asked, you might as well share your own views. My idea of 'diligently practicing military strategy' still has many flaws. I should listen more and think more in order to gradually improve it. To be honest, I have always been quite interested in the art of military command." Fang Ziyan also pretended to be curious.

Qiu Yan shook his head, about to refuse, but before he could speak, he was interrupted by a series of hurried footsteps.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The footsteps were heavy and deep, and when they landed on the stairs, they had the feel of a storm; it was clear that they were not ordinary footsteps.

Then, three soldiers came up, dressed in military uniforms and thick leather boots, their faces showing anxiety.

As soon as the three soldiers came up, the entire second floor fell silent.

Then, the leading soldier clasped his hands and asked, "May I ask who Qiu Yan or Young Master Qiu are? Please come forward."

Upon hearing this, many people on the quiet second floor subconsciously turned to look at Qiu Yan.

Upon seeing this, the three soldiers immediately understood the reason and quickly stepped forward.

Observer Liu Jing had just received two more military intelligence reports, but after much discussion among the officials in the hall, they were at a loss. Left with no other option, he sent someone to find Qiu Yan and inquire about his situation.

Many people were dispatched, and the three soldiers were just one of them. They patrolled the streets and, after receiving the news, rushed to the restaurant.

"Is this Young Master Qiu?"

Following the gazes of those around him, the soldier walked to Qiu Yan's table and bowed with clasped hands.

"I am Qiu Yan. What brings you here?" Qiu Yan stood up and returned the greeting.

"Young Master Qiu, the matter is urgent. Please come with us to the government office. The Inspector wants to see you, but we cannot disclose the specifics." As he said this, the leading soldier glanced around.

Qiu Yan narrowed his eyes, already guessing the reason. Without saying anything more, he exchanged a few words with Zhang Zhen and the other two, then followed the soldiers downstairs. Before they even left the restaurant, two more soldiers came looking for them.

It was quite a while after Qiu Yan left that Zhang Zhen and Zhou Guan came to their senses. They exchanged glances and both saw a hint of doubt and unease in each other's eyes.

The surrounding Confucian scholars also recovered from their silence.

"The Inspector? That's the head of all the herdsmen in Jiannan!"

"Why does the Inspector General want to see Qiu Yan?"

"Does Qiu Yan have connections with the Inspector?"

The students talked and discussed.

Jealousy flickered in Fang Ziyan's eyes, then he gave a cold laugh and said, "Qiu Yan is truly remarkable. Even the Inspector General treats him with special regard. This chance of becoming a Juren is practically guaranteed."

These words immediately stirred up discontent among the other Confucian scholars.

"That makes sense. I heard that Qiu Yan Dao Examination, but there's something fishy going on."

"This man has a close relationship with the prefect of Yuan Ning; he even sent him a calligraphy piece to curry favor before the exam."

"I heard that the governor's son also took the exam this year and returned to his hometown in Jingxiang a few days ago. This governor's son has a good friend who is said to be exceptionally skilled in calligraphy!"

"Fang Ziyan is indeed up to no good."

Hearing these words, Zhang Zhen and the others became even more dissatisfied. Luo Jiayun was about to stand up and argue, but Zhou Guan held him back.

"With Brother Qiu absent, it's inconvenient for us to step forward, otherwise we'll be used by Fang Ziyan. The reason he said all this is to get you and me to step in. We mustn't fall into his trap. In my opinion, we should leave here first and discuss this further."

Zhang Zhen also said, "Brother Zhou is right, but Fang Ziyan is too clever for his own good. He even dares to fabricate rumors about the Inspector. He'll regret it eventually." As he said this, he grinned wickedly, and it was unclear what he was planning.

Immediately afterwards, the three got up to pay the bill and turned to leave, leaving Fang Ziyan with a moment of regret, but he quickly disappeared and chatted and laughed with the others.

Not long after, a middle-aged man dressed in dark blue clothes came upstairs and went straight to Fang Ziyan.

Upon seeing this man, Fang Ziyan immediately stood up to greet him, saying with a slightly respectful tone, "So it's Mr. Li. Mr. Li, what brings you here?"

Fang Ziyan recognized the man; he was a retainer of Censor Li Qi, and Fang had seen him when he visited Li Qi's residence.

Fang Ziyan intended to join the New Party and had contact with Pan Xiang, but he mainly relied on Li Qi's connections. Li Qi was a legitimate Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), while Pan Xiang was merely recommended by someone else. No matter how you looked at it, his prospects were not as good as Li Qi's.

When Mr. Li arrived, he led Fang Ziyan to a corner inside the building and said, "I've come to convey my master's message."

"Oh? Does Lord Li have something to say to me?"

Fang Ziyan hearing this, Fang Ziyan immediately perked up. Li Qi was still grading papers and could hardly leave the Examination Hall, so it would be difficult for him to send a message out. Yet, he deliberately sent someone to find him, which showed how much he valued Li Qi, and naturally, Fang Ziyan was delighted.

However, Mr. Li's next words caused Fang Ziyan's expression to change drastically, turning from sunny to cloudy.

"My master told me to tell you to stop all those schemes against Qiu Yan. He is a very talented man. Instead of suppressing him, we should try to win him over. You can try to befriend him."

"What? The Imperial Censor is actually going to let Qiu Yan off the hook?" Fang Ziyan asked, his face full of confusion.

Seeing this, Mr. Li smiled and said earnestly, "Young Master Fang, I know what you're thinking, but what hatred in this world can't be resolved? Some people are exceptionally talented, and others may envy them, but if you can win them over and make them your right-hand men, it's always better than turning them into enemies. In the future, officialdom doesn't necessarily have to be a fight to the death. Besides, you and that Qiu Sheng don't have any deep-seated hatred. Please consider this..."

Fang Ziyan shook his head. "This is absurd. Qiu Yan is close to Ma Yang. Once he enters officialdom, he will immediately become an obstacle. We must nip him in the bud before he gains any influence!"

Mr. Li shook his head and simply said, "I'm just passing on a message; you'll have to make the rest yourself." With that, he left.

On the other side, Qiu Yan followed the soldiers to the center of Jiannan City, entered the Yamen, and went straight to the main hall.

Soldiers were stationed throughout the government offices, and security was tight.

In the hall, the officials scrutinized the scholar with some suspicion, but remembering the military strategy he had just presented, they dared not underestimate him.

"Student Qiu Yan greets all esteemed officials." Qiu Yan showed no fear as he raised his hand in greeting.

The list of Provincial Examination has not yet been released. He is only a Xiucai who passed the county-level imperial examination), but he already has the academic title and does not need to appear humble in front of officials.

"You're Qiu Yan?"

Looking at the composed and confident young scholar before her, Liu Jing couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill. "You've come at the right time. With your intelligence, it shouldn't be difficult to guess why I've summoned you here. Then I won't waste any more time..."

As he spoke, he picked up the military strategy table beside him and asked, "We were just discussing this, and we still have some questions about the use of troops."

His aide immediately stepped forward and said, "Simply mobilizing garrison troops, in terms of manpower and combat strength, seems insufficient to contend with the Marshfolk. Perhaps we should concentrate our forces and annihilate the enemy in one fell swoop..."

Qiu Yan didn't waste any time. After bowing, he listened to Liu Jing's advisor give a general description of the situation before saying, "The government troops have just suffered a defeat, their morale is low, and their hearts are unsettled. It's not suitable for a direct confrontation with the enemy. However, although the Marshfolk seem to have a large army, they are actually internally unstable, with each tribe suspecting the others. Moreover, they have divided their forces into two groups, one of which has been used as bait. Our army can use this as a breakthrough point, Balancing Suppression and Pacification..."

Qiu Yan eloquently. He could learn about the Marshfolk's movements through his true form, while he relied on his Heart Demons to spy on the Barbarians. As for Biaoxin, although he led his troops alone, he always maintained contact with the Barbarians. In this way, he left no trace, allowing Qiu Yan to indirectly grasp his movements.

As the saying goes in Military School, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

Although Qiu Yan is unable to control the situation due to his status, he possesses a wealth of information, which allows him to fully utilize the information asymmetry and thus gain a strategic advantage.

Qiu Yan had a grasp of the internal conflicts among the Marshfolk, the strength and objectives of the Barbarians, and even the location of Biaoxin. However, to avoid suspicion, he still had to use analytical and speculative language to describe it, but he did so clearly, progressing from the superficial to the profound.

The surrounding officials initially had doubts, but then they nodded in agreement.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Liu Jing affirmed Qiu Yan's words. "Your method is more reliable. Why not write down a guide to military operations?"

Unexpectedly, Qiu Yan said, "After all, I am not familiar with the Great Rui military town. I only talk about military strategy on paper. When it comes to marching and fighting, we should let a great general like Song Jiedushi make decisions on the spot." His words were a subtle advice to Liu Jing not to interfere in the command.

Liu Jing remained silent for a moment, then finally smiled and said, "Very well! In that case, I will convey your words to Military Governor Song."

After he finished speaking, he ordered his men to leave. Soon, a Daoist priest appeared outside the hall. He wore a wide-collared robe and had a handsome face. As soon as he entered, he calmly bowed and finally looked at Qiu Yan.

"This humble Jingquan Zi, Jingquanzi, greets Young Master Qiu." (To be continued. PS: Thanks to "Piaoxue Zhanying" for the monthly ticket!!)