CHAPTER 1112: CHAPTER 1068: THE QUALITIES OF A RENOWNED GENERAL

Chen Xi had also read some military strategies. In fact, how should I put it, these strategies are actually a summary, a kind of experience, but this experience doesn’t necessarily suit you.

Military strategies are meant to be learned and applied flexibly, rather than being studied rigidly. This stuff values talent the most. To put it simply, it’s normal for different people’s strategies to conflict with each other. Even if those who wrote these strategies are renowned generals or ministers, it’s no exception, because they all wrote based on their own times and their own experiences.

It was mentioned before that everyone is different, and each person’s cognition also represents a kind of insight, marked with their own imprint.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu advises not to pursue a desperate enemy, while Lord Shang says to chase enemies for fifty or sixty miles, and Bai Qi insists on annihilating the enemy when pursuing. Which of these three is correct, or should we rely on battle records?

Actually, in such a situation, it truly depends on personal talent. If you have Bai Qi’s ability to catch up and annihilate the enemy, then there’s nothing wrong with pursuing. However, if you lack that ability and still pursue, you might end up losing even yourself.

Thus, Chen Xi mostly browses through military strategies. He knows his own limitations. Occasionally coming up with unexpected tactics can ensure a major victory, but doing so repeatedly is dangerous. He doesn’t have that ability yet. Leading troops into battle, at most he can serve as the seas-calming divine needle to ensure the morale of the army doesn’t wane. Beyond that, he doesn’t dare to hope for more.

Regarding those renowned generals, Chen Xi generally believes that they have some inherent potential in military strategies. Their learning and training are more about unleashing that potential.

As for training an ordinary person into a renowned general, Chen Xi never considered it. Cultivating a first-class general is already a stroke of luck, but to become a renowned general, Chen Xi believes more in the importance of talent over hard work.

After all, there have been myths of those who, not studying military strategies, relied purely on talent and instinctual flashes to remain undefeated. Although such godlike figures are likely unprecedented and unrepeatable, their mere existence already validates certain theories.

Military strategies are truly not something that can be mastered by effort alone. Apart from effort, you must at least have basic talent. Otherwise, you might end up like Ma Su, who doesn’t understand how to learn and apply flexibly. While Huang Zhong charged down from the mountain and cut down Xiahou Yuan in one stroke, you might charge down and get shot back. That’s the difference...

It must be said that some people are born for warfare. Even if they haven’t learned these things before, their rapid grasp can make ordinary people despair. In simple terms, those who have truly put in effort will know that the gap in talent, when the level of effort is the same, can be utterly disheartening!

"I believe you have this potential!" Chen Xi said to Zhang Fei after telling the story, patting his shoulder.

"You’re not fooling me, are you? How come I’ve never heard Huo Piaoqi say this?" Zhang Fei said with a face full of disbelief.

"You can ask Wen Ru and the others. They should have the classic books. Some books you haven’t seen because Records of the Grand Historian was banned," Chen Xi shrugged and said. In ancient times, information itself was already transmitted slowly, plus intentional blockades made ignorance of certain things normal, and Chen Xi understood this point.

"Do I really have this potential?" Zhang Fei looked at Chen Xi and said.

"You really do. You should know that I plan to suggest to Lord Xuande soon that you independently lead a large army. Only then will your talent have the opportunity to shine," Chen Xi said with a face full of mystery. However, he did admit that Zhang Fei had the potential of a renowned general, though how to turn him into one was uncertain.

"I..." Zhang Fei opened his mouth. To be honest, he was confident in fighting, but independently leading a large army felt somewhat beyond his current capabilities.

Even if he dies in a fight with Lyu Bu, it wouldn’t be more than just himself. But if he led an army to defeat, countless families would lose their husbands, fathers, and sons. This was far more brutal than his individual battle, especially since he, as the commander, didn’t understand military strategies.

"The burden is heavy, isn’t it? You’re worried that if you make a single mistake, tens of thousands might fall with you, right?" Chen Xi chuckled as he spoke, and there was a hint of lightness in his voice. Zhang Fei thinking this way meant he was somewhat preparing for the future. At least psychologically, he was ready.

Before calculating victory, calculate defeat. Even if it’s just making psychological preparations for failure, it’s significant for warfare.

Zhang Fei didn’t speak, but in this situation, silence meant he acknowledged what Chen Xi said, and naturally, Chen Xi continued.

"I carried a heavier burden than you before. When faced with a million Yellow Turbans and we only had thirty thousand men, my hands were trembling, but I still calmly told Lord Xuande it was nothing serious. Because if I lost confidence, then the army’s collapse wouldn’t be far, and all our previous efforts would be in vain," Chen Xi said with a smile.

"I was seventeen back then. Now you’re over thirty. Do you really have a heavier psychological burden than I did?" Chen Xi said proudly. The battle that broke the Yellow Turbans established his fame, and Liu Bei’s rise started with those million Yellow Turbans, the Yellow Turbans of Qingzhou made Liu Bei’s hegemony.

"..." Zhang Fei muttered a couple of times, but this time it was so quiet that Chen Xi couldn’t hear what he said, "What did you say?"

"Hmph, for a prodigy born with wisdom in the words of the saints, there’s nothing that can trouble you." Zhang Fei repeated his words.

"I can’t be bothered to explain such a notion, but if you trust me, go lead the army to the north alone this time. Trust me, you’ll do something that will shock the world," Chen Xi said to Zhang Fei with a serious expression.

Perhaps Chen Xi’s solemn and serious demeanor dispelled Zhang Fei’s doubts, or perhaps it was Chen Xi’s always hitting the mark, Zhang Fei didn’t much doubt Chen Xi’s words, and maybe Zhang Fei trusted Chen Xi more than he had confidence in himself.

In any case, under Chen Xi’s grave expression, Zhang Fei nodded, "I, your third brother, have decided to believe what you said. Since you and Big Brother both believe I can lead the troops well, then I’ll be the commander-in-chief of this army!"

"That’s the spirit," Chen Xi said, patting Zhang Fei’s shoulder as he looked at his high-spirited demeanor. "Rest assured, this time you’ll exceed everyone’s expectations. At that time, don’t hold back; just go all out!"

"Ahem, Zichuan, could you give me some tips on what to do then?" Zhang Fei, hearing Chen Xi’s words, suddenly felt a bit short of breath and turned to ask.

"You wouldn’t think we have the entire plan worked out, and you’re just to follow the steps?" Chen Xi raised an eyebrow, showing a displeased look, although he had long prepared things, it wouldn’t be good to just hand them over now. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to come to Qidian.com to cast your recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)