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Chapter 06 Part 06 - Far Eastern Memories
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*Imperial Calendar, Year 776, May 7th, Far Eastern Army Academy…*
“Fellow students, welcome to the Academy! Let’s begin.”
Newly appointed Banner Masters from all over House ZiChuan had signed up for the advanced military studies at the Academy, and over fifty of them attended the cla.s.s taught by a sixteen year old Deputy Banner Master – ZiChuan Xiu.
“The subject of today is the Art of War. ‘*Move like wind, Compact like forest, Fight like fire, Unmoving like mountain!*’[[1]] So what does it mean? It is quite simple really. It basically says, when you are on the run from your enemies, make sure you run faster than wind, and hide in trees whenever possible. In case enemy set fire to the woods, then you may as well be ‘unmoving like mountain’ and die. Everyone got that? Good, next.”
“‘*War, vital to a nation, matter of life and death, the path to survival or to destruction.*’[[2]] In other words, war is our livelihood. Without war, we would be without a job, and without job, we wouldn’t get paid... Our Headmaster is a generous ruler. He intends to let us keep our jobs. That is why he keeps fooling around with House Liu Feng on the other side of the river. So let’s not make his job more difficult than it already is. If someone accidently wipes out House Liu Feng, we will all be sleeping on the streets!”
“Here is another quote on the same subject: ‘*Without capable men from within, without dangerous enemies from abroad, a nation wouldn’t last.*’[[3]] The meaning is obvious. In order to remain strong as a nation, the key is to stir more trouble and make more ‘enemies’ from outside. Only then will the nation be ‘everlasting’.”
“What if the enemies are too strong?”
“Too strong? If you can’t win by force, then try diplomatic solutions! Are you stupid or something? Did you bribe your way to the rank of Banner Master? There are many ways to resolve a conflict without bloodshed. We have international treaties, conventions and Humanitarian principles. Show them that we are vivid supporters of world peace. Just reason with them all right? Anything works! If House Liu Feng for some reason wouldn’t listen however, that would be a whole different matter all together, which is unfortunately beyond the scope of our cla.s.s today.”
The officers quietly mumbled to each other: “Where did they find an idiot instructor like that?”
“Sir Ge Ying Xing personally invited him as an Instructor for the Academy. I heard they are close relatives or something… But why did you choose to attend his War Stratagem Cla.s.s knowing he was a b.l.o.o.d.y idiot?”
“Why do you think? For the good grades of course. As long as you take the test, you get an A+, even if you don’t you still get a B+. It doesn’t even matter what you write on the test paper at all, as long as you get your name right, you get a bonus! Besides, he never starts his cla.s.ses on time, always leaves before the half time mark, and he never a.s.sign any homework… Where else do you find an instructor like that?!”
Another officer raised his hand, asking: “Sir, can you explain what this means? ‘*Accessible ground, entangling ground, temporizing ground, narrow ground, precipitous ground, distanced ground.*’[[4]] And how it affects us in actual battle?”
“Nice. Finally a good question. A meaningful question, a timely question, an educated question, a thoughtful question, a…”
“Sir, please answer the d.a.m.n question!”
“Hey, slow down. How could I not know the answer to such simple question? Let’s see, it is like this. The question is in fact a different question, I mean like. Ha. See, you’re getting it now. That wasn’t too hard was it? So… was that clear?”
“Not at all!”
“Sigh, I didn’t expect you to be this stupid. Very well. I’ll have to find someone with similar intellect to explain this to you! Comrade Stirling, wake up, stop napping during my cla.s.s!” ZiChuan Xiu forcefully shook Stirling’s chair.
“Instructor Xiu, I’m too dumb for this. I don’t understand the question at all.” Stirling quickly followed up with a whisper: “You are paying for next week’s meal at the Golden Pavilion!”
“Comrade Stirling, feel free to take your time, I’m sure you know the answer!” ZiChuan Xiu followed up with a whisper as well: “f.u.c.k off, that’s like daylight robbery! Fried noodles at the noodle shop. My treat!”
“Sir, I still can’t think of anything!” Stirling whispered again: “Final discount: Five meals at the Golden Pavilion Restaurant!”
“Comrade Stirling, I have faith in you, believe in yourself!” ZiChuan Xiu whispered back: “This is a b.l.o.o.d.y extortion! Three nights of fried noodles, that is final!”
“Urgh, I’m going to faint, Sir!” Stirling rolled his eyes backwards, toppling from his chair.
ZiChuan Xiu caught him as he fell, shaking him profusely: “Wake up! Hold on! Comrade Stirling!” While whispering: “Fine! You win! Golden Pavilion it is!”
“Aha, Sir. I think I remembered!” Stirling, who was barely conscious a moment ago, suddenly regained his vigour, answering loudly: “So called Accessible Ground is a place where both you and your enemy can come and go as you please. In a place like that, it is important to seize the high ground first, secure the side that faces the sun and protect your supply line. Entangling Ground is a place that is easy to get in but hard to get out. In a place like that, it is only recommended to attack the enemy if you can catch them off guard, however if they have fortified themselves, it will be very dangerous. Next up, a place that is hard to attack into for either party is called the Temporizing Ground. In a place like that, your best option is to defend and ignore your enemy’s provocation…”
“Good. That was not too terrible of an answer. You got most of the basics right at least… So, was that clear?” ZiChuan Xiu turned towards Stirling and reprimanded him harshly: “Comrade Stirling, I’m so very disappointed in you! It took you forever to come up with an answer to such a simple question. What would you have done if you were on the battlefield right now, where death could come at a moment notice and your decision could decide the fate of thousand of soldiers’ lives? Do you really expect your enemies to give you time to think about it first?”
Stirling lowered his head in shame. He was terribly ashamed for having disappointed Instructor Xiu’s expectations.
ZiChuan Xiu continued angrily: “What is a genius? A genius is ninety-eight percent of sweat and two percent of inspiration! If you think you are clever, and do not work hard, you will never achieve anything in life! Stirling, I will see you in the Dean’s office this instant! Everyone else, it is self-study time!”
……
The duo left the cla.s.sroom.
“Hey, Xiu. Was that a bit too much? You ended the cla.s.s in just over ten minutes! Also, didn’t you already use this excuse the last time you skipped cla.s.s? I mean, I have totally lost track of how many times you have called me to the Dean’s Office so far.”
“No way, you remembered it wrong! Last time it was your Parkinson’s disease acting up and I had to bring you to the infirmary… And if that cla.s.s goes on any longer, I’ll have to declare bankrupt! Where did Di Lin go? Why isn’t he at the cla.s.s today?”
“He went to collect the protection money.”
……
In an enclosed dark alleyway, several lower ranked students at the Academy were forced into a corner. Through the unspeakable terror reflected in their eyes, Di Lin’s alluring smile slowly approached: “h.e.l.lo there. How is your day? Are you hungry?”
A slightly brave one answered: “Boss, we already paid last week…”
Before he could finish, Di Lin’s big army boots already landed square on his face.
Di Lin gently handed him a tissue for the blood coming out of his nose as he continued to speak with a smile: “Just because you took a s.h.i.+t last week, does that mean you don’t have to s.h.i.+t this week? Last time it was for the hundred-and-twenty-fifth Anniversary of His Highness, this time it is to celebrate the two-hundred-and-fifty-third birthday of our great founder, ZiChuan Yun. Those are two completely different things! As a future officer of House ZiChuan, do you not feel proud to be able to celebrate a historic day like this? Do you not feel the patriotic fever burning inside you? If not, I will be very disappointed…”
Di Lin cracked his knuckles loudly, showing his intense patriotic feelings and how “disappointed” he was to the “lack of patriotism” in his fellow officers.
Seeing Stirling and ZiChuan Xiu coming around the corner, the few low ranked officers immediately cried out for help: “Help! Sir Xiu! Di Lin is forcing us to pay him protection money!”
“Comrade Di Lin, you are bullying other students again! Looks like I will have to punish you severely this time! ZiChuan Xiu declared with indignation: “Fear not, fellow officers! If Di Lin dares to bully you again, report to the instructor’s office and I will skin him alive! Remember, you’ll need to file a report!” While his voice overflowed with righteousness, ZiChuan Xiu quickly dragged Stirling away from the alleyway…
Di Lin looked back at the few disappointed low ranked officer with a nefarious smile: “To let you in on a secret! Sir Xiu and I are thick as thieves! Anyways, enough with that. It is time to show your patriotism with your actions! But know this; I hold a serious grudge against those unpatriotic b.a.s.t.a.r.ds!”
……
Later, in the peach forest behind the academy, Di Lin gave Stirling and ZiChuan Xiu a candy bar each.
ZiChuan Xiu seemed disappointed: “That is all?”
Di Lin replied: “Not much I can do. It is the economy. Can’t even be a mafia nowadays. n.o.body seems to have any money.”
Stirling furiously devoured the candy bar while trying to speak: “I don’t approve of you guys bullying the other students……”
Di Lin frowned at him: “Stop eating it then if you hate it so much… You are always the first one to finish it too!”
Stirling instantly shut up, and swiftly finished the left over candy.
ZiChuan Xiu spoke: “Did you hear? The officers from the Advanced Study program will be allowed for an early graduation next week!”
“Yeah!” Stirling said: “We heard! There are simply too many vacancies everywhere. They can’t wait to put us on active duty. I volunteered for the Border Army. Di Lin, where do you want to go?”
Di Lin smiled: “Border Army is good! That is where the battle against House Liu Feng is taking place, a good way to get some of those medals on your shoulder. I haven’t decided yet! I’m so envious of Xiu. He gets to live like a king and stay here in the Academy as an instructor!”
“Haha!” Stirling laughed: “I doubt that is going to last! Someone filed a complaint, saying that he was a failure of an officer and an instructor. I heard Sir Ge Ying Xing is considering moving him out of the Academy and send him to serve under Sir Luo Bo.”
“C’mon, Stirling. Some things are best left unsaid!” Di Lin could barely catch his breath from all the laughing: “Look at him. His face is all red! You better not make him angry!”
“I’m angry now! No more dinner for either of you tonight!”
“You dare break your promise?! Does your a.s.s itch for my boots?!”
“That is right! f.u.c.k him up! Let’s see if he dares!”
……
Golden Pavilion was the most exclusive restaurant near the Far Eastern Army Academy, but also the most expensive.
Stirling and Di Lin rushed forth in big strides, instructing the waiter: “We are going to bleed someone dry today! Bring the best of everything!”
ZiChuan Xiu followed behind with a troubled look, with the words “bitterness and severe loathing” written all over his face. Unhappy would be a grave understatement.
After the trio had their fill, Di Lin rubbed his belly in satisfaction, smiling: “I haven’t had this much for such a long time! I always feel so great whenever I get to enjoy a meal in Xiu’s expense, like everything just tastes so much better all of a sudden!”
ZiChuan Xiu touched his pocket briefly with his hands before quickly taking them back out. His face was all kind of strange. He asked: “I have got a question for the Mafia Boss – Di Lin, how many ways are there to properly do an eat and run?”
Di Lin considered for a second, and answered: “Number one, the way of c.o.c.kroach and flies; Number two, the way of run for your lives; Number three, the way of food poisoning; Number four, the way of big bad wolf… But, why are you asking? Are you telling me you didn’t bring your wallet?!”
“I didn’t say that, but I brought something else as well with my wallet…” ZiChuan Xiu pulled his pocket inside out, exposing a huge hole in his pocket, the size just big enough for a wallet to slip through.
Stirling asked surprised: “Didn’t you lose your wallet the last time? How is it that you keep losing your wallet repeatedly, and each time with such impeccable timing as well?!”
ZiChuan Xiu explained: “They are totally different! Last time I was only faking it, this time I lost it for real!”
The trio exchanged a look, Di Lin sighed: “Very well. Normally a high cla.s.s mafia like me wouldn’t resort to underhanded tactics like this, but…” As he said that, he unb.u.t.toned his s.h.i.+rt and rolled up his sleeves. Like a madman, he rose to his feet, flipping over a plate of sweet and sour carp fish all over the floor. Not feeling satisfied, Di Lin kicked over another bottle of wine on his left, shouting: “Is this something you feed the pigs with?! I have never tasted something so bad in my whole life! I demand to have a word with your chef right now!”
ZiChuan Xiu held on to his stomach, screaming in pain: “Urgh, I have food poisoning! Help!”
Stirling hastily moved aside, avoiding any of the shattering gla.s.s.
One of the senior waiters quickly came forward to access the situation and apologized: “Yes, of course! Please remain calm. Our chef will be with you shortly to address any complaints you may have.”
And that was the moment, when the most monumental event took place in the lives of the three young heroes of House ZiChuan.
……
*Imperial Calendar, Year 779, September 16th, Di Lin’s estate.*
Inspector General – Di Lin spoke with a smile: “I still remember the look on your face when Lin Xiu Jia came out of the kitchen with the chef ap.r.o.n on. You were literally staring and drooling more than when you saw the sweet and sour carp fish being served for the first time.”
ZiChuan Xiu protested: “I was no way the only one drooling! What about you? You instantly put up your gentle face even though you just broke their plate. I remember you asking: ‘Miss, did you prepare the dishes? I have never tasted anything so good my entire life! Miss, I would like nothing more than to enjoy your cooking for the rest of my life!’ And that was the first time you saw her. Did you really think you were being romantic?”
Di Lin laughed: “What do you know? Girls dig that stuff. The sappier the lines the better! But Stirling was definitely the worst. He instantly turned on us: ‘Miss, I’m telling you, both of them are up to no good. They are planning to do an eat and run! I’m the only good guy here!’”
“I still can’t believe he would betray us like that!”
ZiChuan Xiu agreed wholeheartedly: “Indeed. We were this close to finding out who the real Number One fighter of House ZiChuan was.”
It was getting late; ZiChuan Xiu had bid his farewell. On the way home, ZiChuan Xiu kept thinking about what Di Lin told him before he left. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how incredible his words were...
“Xiu, I know, you are about to leave for the Far East soon. That Xiu’s Company of yours, you know better than anyone what they are made of, so I won’t bother. But you need to know what is going on in the Far East right now. We may win one battle, two, three, or even a hundred, but you will never win this war, no matter how many reinforcement we send. The reason is, we lack the deciding factor that can turn the situation around, and that kind of deciding factor is not something you can gain on the field of battle. I said the same thing to Stirling once, but considering what he has been doing, he clearly didn’t hear a word I said. He is trying so desperately to plug the gap in the crumbling dam with his bare hands.”
ZiChuan Xiu asked: “Then in your opinion, what is this deciding factor that can turn the tide in our favor?”
Di Lin shook his head: “I don’t know. But do you want to hear one final warning?”
“Do tell.”
“Whatever you do, never move further than three days of march distance away from Fort Warren. Always be prepared for sudden turn of events.” Di Lin was being very serious.
Looking back, what was once an estate surrounded in lamp light, was now swallowed by darkness, shrouding it in an aura of mystery.
……
Two days later, something unexpected happened in the City of Di Du: Inspector General – Di Lin suddenly did a one-eighty, and began actively investigating Far Eastern Army Deputy Commander Luo Bo’s case. It seemed that he intended to make an example of him, as he declared resolutely: “I will make sure to involve the High Command with this, and show Luo Ming Hai who the boss is!” He even purposely spread the word that he would personally act as the prosecutor in this case: “I dare anyone to speak in his defence!”
The news quickly reached Supreme Commander – Luo Ming Hai’s ears. He only needed a few minute to consider before he took on a complete different stand, speaking greatly in Luo Bo’s favor. He even volunteered to be Luo Bo’s defender during the court martial, which the Headmaster - ZiChuan Shen Xing himself had promised to attend.
The court martial began as scheduled, but the entire trial had turned into Supreme Commander – Luo Ming Hai’s solo performance. He spoke vividly in Luo Bo’s defence; his every word filled with pa.s.sion and strength: “The defeat at Red Lake was beyond the means of any one man! Despite the devastating loss, Luo Bo defended Fort Warren against all odds. He did House ZiChuan Proud. If we are still to punish him for his valiant efforts, how could we face the hundreds of thousands soldiers who are sacrificing their lives over at the Far East as we speak? His speech was received by a sea of applause coming from Lin Bing and the Far Eastern Army officers present at the trial. Luo Ming Hai seemed even more satisfied of himself as he basked in the glory of his triumph.
In contrary, Di Lin’s performance came as a great disappointment to ZiChuan Shen Xing and everyone else present. His words lacked common sense and were often out of place. His argument contradicted each other, and even his indictment failed to clearly specify whether Luo Bo was accused dereliction of duty or failure in his command. And thus it wasn’t too surprising to see his accusations being mercilessly torn apart and dissected by Luo Ming Hai’s counter arguments.
As a result, ZiChuan Shen Xing declared publicly, that Luo Bo was clear of all charges. After the trial, the way Di Lin stared in defeat could only be described as a dog who had just lost a fight.
Luo Ming Hai gave Di Lin a scornful look, before returning to happily receive the congratulations from his fellow men: “Congrats, Sir. You definitely gave Di Lin a taste of his own medicine this time!” The words made Luo Ming Hai so happy that night he even made an exception and had a gla.s.s of wine.
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[[1]]‘其疾如风，其徐如林，侵掠如火，不动如山’ is a phrase from Chapter 7 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It means: Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest. In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.
[[2]]‘兵者，国之大事，死生之地，存亡之道’ is a phrase from Chapter 1 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It means: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
[[3]]‘内无法家拂士，外无敌国外患者，国恒亡’ is a quote from Mengzi (Mencius), a Chinese philosopher who is the most famous Confucian after Confucius himself.
[[4]]‘通形、挂形、支形、隘形、险形、远形’ is a phrase from Chapter 10 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It describes the various geological situations of the battlefield a general can face in battle. Its meaning will be partially explained in the rest of Part 6 of Chapter 6. If interested, feel free to search online.
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*Imperial Calendar, Year 776, May 7th, Far Eastern Army Academy…*
“Fellow students, welcome to the Academy! Let’s begin.”
Newly appointed Banner Masters from all over House ZiChuan had signed up for the advanced military studies at the Academy, and over fifty of them attended the cla.s.s taught by a sixteen year old Deputy Banner Master – ZiChuan Xiu.
“The subject of today is the Art of War. ‘*Move like wind, Compact like forest, Fight like fire, Unmoving like mountain!*’[[1]] So what does it mean? It is quite simple really. It basically says, when you are on the run from your enemies, make sure you run faster than wind, and hide in trees whenever possible. In case enemy set fire to the woods, then you may as well be ‘unmoving like mountain’ and die. Everyone got that? Good, next.”
“‘*War, vital to a nation, matter of life and death, the path to survival or to destruction.*’[[2]] In other words, war is our livelihood. Without war, we would be without a job, and without job, we wouldn’t get paid... Our Headmaster is a generous ruler. He intends to let us keep our jobs. That is why he keeps fooling around with House Liu Feng on the other side of the river. So let’s not make his job more difficult than it already is. If someone accidently wipes out House Liu Feng, we will all be sleeping on the streets!”
“Here is another quote on the same subject: ‘*Without capable men from within, without dangerous enemies from abroad, a nation wouldn’t last.*’[[3]] The meaning is obvious. In order to remain strong as a nation, the key is to stir more trouble and make more ‘enemies’ from outside. Only then will the nation be ‘everlasting’.”
“What if the enemies are too strong?”
“Too strong? If you can’t win by force, then try diplomatic solutions! Are you stupid or something? Did you bribe your way to the rank of Banner Master? There are many ways to resolve a conflict without bloodshed. We have international treaties, conventions and Humanitarian principles. Show them that we are vivid supporters of world peace. Just reason with them all right? Anything works! If House Liu Feng for some reason wouldn’t listen however, that would be a whole different matter all together, which is unfortunately beyond the scope of our cla.s.s today.”
The officers quietly mumbled to each other: “Where did they find an idiot instructor like that?”
“Sir Ge Ying Xing personally invited him as an Instructor for the Academy. I heard they are close relatives or something… But why did you choose to attend his War Stratagem Cla.s.s knowing he was a b.l.o.o.d.y idiot?”
“Why do you think? For the good grades of course. As long as you take the test, you get an A+, even if you don’t you still get a B+. It doesn’t even matter what you write on the test paper at all, as long as you get your name right, you get a bonus! Besides, he never starts his cla.s.ses on time, always leaves before the half time mark, and he never a.s.sign any homework… Where else do you find an instructor like that?!”
Another officer raised his hand, asking: “Sir, can you explain what this means? ‘*Accessible ground, entangling ground, temporizing ground, narrow ground, precipitous ground, distanced ground.*’[[4]] And how it affects us in actual battle?”
“Nice. Finally a good question. A meaningful question, a timely question, an educated question, a thoughtful question, a…”
“Sir, please answer the d.a.m.n question!”
“Hey, slow down. How could I not know the answer to such simple question? Let’s see, it is like this. The question is in fact a different question, I mean like. Ha. See, you’re getting it now. That wasn’t too hard was it? So… was that clear?”
“Not at all!”
“Sigh, I didn’t expect you to be this stupid. Very well. I’ll have to find someone with similar intellect to explain this to you! Comrade Stirling, wake up, stop napping during my cla.s.s!” ZiChuan Xiu forcefully shook Stirling’s chair.
“Instructor Xiu, I’m too dumb for this. I don’t understand the question at all.” Stirling quickly followed up with a whisper: “You are paying for next week’s meal at the Golden Pavilion!”
“Comrade Stirling, feel free to take your time, I’m sure you know the answer!” ZiChuan Xiu followed up with a whisper as well: “f.u.c.k off, that’s like daylight robbery! Fried noodles at the noodle shop. My treat!”
“Sir, I still can’t think of anything!” Stirling whispered again: “Final discount: Five meals at the Golden Pavilion Restaurant!”
“Comrade Stirling, I have faith in you, believe in yourself!” ZiChuan Xiu whispered back: “This is a b.l.o.o.d.y extortion! Three nights of fried noodles, that is final!”
“Urgh, I’m going to faint, Sir!” Stirling rolled his eyes backwards, toppling from his chair.
ZiChuan Xiu caught him as he fell, shaking him profusely: “Wake up! Hold on! Comrade Stirling!” While whispering: “Fine! You win! Golden Pavilion it is!”
“Aha, Sir. I think I remembered!” Stirling, who was barely conscious a moment ago, suddenly regained his vigour, answering loudly: “So called Accessible Ground is a place where both you and your enemy can come and go as you please. In a place like that, it is important to seize the high ground first, secure the side that faces the sun and protect your supply line. Entangling Ground is a place that is easy to get in but hard to get out. In a place like that, it is only recommended to attack the enemy if you can catch them off guard, however if they have fortified themselves, it will be very dangerous. Next up, a place that is hard to attack into for either party is called the Temporizing Ground. In a place like that, your best option is to defend and ignore your enemy’s provocation…”
“Good. That was not too terrible of an answer. You got most of the basics right at least… So, was that clear?” ZiChuan Xiu turned towards Stirling and reprimanded him harshly: “Comrade Stirling, I’m so very disappointed in you! It took you forever to come up with an answer to such a simple question. What would you have done if you were on the battlefield right now, where death could come at a moment notice and your decision could decide the fate of thousand of soldiers’ lives? Do you really expect your enemies to give you time to think about it first?”
Stirling lowered his head in shame. He was terribly ashamed for having disappointed Instructor Xiu’s expectations.
ZiChuan Xiu continued angrily: “What is a genius? A genius is ninety-eight percent of sweat and two percent of inspiration! If you think you are clever, and do not work hard, you will never achieve anything in life! Stirling, I will see you in the Dean’s office this instant! Everyone else, it is self-study time!”
……
The duo left the cla.s.sroom.
“Hey, Xiu. Was that a bit too much? You ended the cla.s.s in just over ten minutes! Also, didn’t you already use this excuse the last time you skipped cla.s.s? I mean, I have totally lost track of how many times you have called me to the Dean’s Office so far.”
“No way, you remembered it wrong! Last time it was your Parkinson’s disease acting up and I had to bring you to the infirmary… And if that cla.s.s goes on any longer, I’ll have to declare bankrupt! Where did Di Lin go? Why isn’t he at the cla.s.s today?”
“He went to collect the protection money.”
……
In an enclosed dark alleyway, several lower ranked students at the Academy were forced into a corner. Through the unspeakable terror reflected in their eyes, Di Lin’s alluring smile slowly approached: “h.e.l.lo there. How is your day? Are you hungry?”
A slightly brave one answered: “Boss, we already paid last week…”
Before he could finish, Di Lin’s big army boots already landed square on his face.
Di Lin gently handed him a tissue for the blood coming out of his nose as he continued to speak with a smile: “Just because you took a s.h.i.+t last week, does that mean you don’t have to s.h.i.+t this week? Last time it was for the hundred-and-twenty-fifth Anniversary of His Highness, this time it is to celebrate the two-hundred-and-fifty-third birthday of our great founder, ZiChuan Yun. Those are two completely different things! As a future officer of House ZiChuan, do you not feel proud to be able to celebrate a historic day like this? Do you not feel the patriotic fever burning inside you? If not, I will be very disappointed…”
Di Lin cracked his knuckles loudly, showing his intense patriotic feelings and how “disappointed” he was to the “lack of patriotism” in his fellow officers.
Seeing Stirling and ZiChuan Xiu coming around the corner, the few low ranked officers immediately cried out for help: “Help! Sir Xiu! Di Lin is forcing us to pay him protection money!”
“Comrade Di Lin, you are bullying other students again! Looks like I will have to punish you severely this time! ZiChuan Xiu declared with indignation: “Fear not, fellow officers! If Di Lin dares to bully you again, report to the instructor’s office and I will skin him alive! Remember, you’ll need to file a report!” While his voice overflowed with righteousness, ZiChuan Xiu quickly dragged Stirling away from the alleyway…
Di Lin looked back at the few disappointed low ranked officer with a nefarious smile: “To let you in on a secret! Sir Xiu and I are thick as thieves! Anyways, enough with that. It is time to show your patriotism with your actions! But know this; I hold a serious grudge against those unpatriotic b.a.s.t.a.r.ds!”
……
Later, in the peach forest behind the academy, Di Lin gave Stirling and ZiChuan Xiu a candy bar each.
ZiChuan Xiu seemed disappointed: “That is all?”
Di Lin replied: “Not much I can do. It is the economy. Can’t even be a mafia nowadays. n.o.body seems to have any money.”
Stirling furiously devoured the candy bar while trying to speak: “I don’t approve of you guys bullying the other students……”
Di Lin frowned at him: “Stop eating it then if you hate it so much… You are always the first one to finish it too!”
Stirling instantly shut up, and swiftly finished the left over candy.
ZiChuan Xiu spoke: “Did you hear? The officers from the Advanced Study program will be allowed for an early graduation next week!”
“Yeah!” Stirling said: “We heard! There are simply too many vacancies everywhere. They can’t wait to put us on active duty. I volunteered for the Border Army. Di Lin, where do you want to go?”
Di Lin smiled: “Border Army is good! That is where the battle against House Liu Feng is taking place, a good way to get some of those medals on your shoulder. I haven’t decided yet! I’m so envious of Xiu. He gets to live like a king and stay here in the Academy as an instructor!”
“Haha!” Stirling laughed: “I doubt that is going to last! Someone filed a complaint, saying that he was a failure of an officer and an instructor. I heard Sir Ge Ying Xing is considering moving him out of the Academy and send him to serve under Sir Luo Bo.”
“C’mon, Stirling. Some things are best left unsaid!” Di Lin could barely catch his breath from all the laughing: “Look at him. His face is all red! You better not make him angry!”
“I’m angry now! No more dinner for either of you tonight!”
“You dare break your promise?! Does your a.s.s itch for my boots?!”
“That is right! f.u.c.k him up! Let’s see if he dares!”
……
Golden Pavilion was the most exclusive restaurant near the Far Eastern Army Academy, but also the most expensive.
Stirling and Di Lin rushed forth in big strides, instructing the waiter: “We are going to bleed someone dry today! Bring the best of everything!”
ZiChuan Xiu followed behind with a troubled look, with the words “bitterness and severe loathing” written all over his face. Unhappy would be a grave understatement.
After the trio had their fill, Di Lin rubbed his belly in satisfaction, smiling: “I haven’t had this much for such a long time! I always feel so great whenever I get to enjoy a meal in Xiu’s expense, like everything just tastes so much better all of a sudden!”
ZiChuan Xiu touched his pocket briefly with his hands before quickly taking them back out. His face was all kind of strange. He asked: “I have got a question for the Mafia Boss – Di Lin, how many ways are there to properly do an eat and run?”
Di Lin considered for a second, and answered: “Number one, the way of c.o.c.kroach and flies; Number two, the way of run for your lives; Number three, the way of food poisoning; Number four, the way of big bad wolf… But, why are you asking? Are you telling me you didn’t bring your wallet?!”
“I didn’t say that, but I brought something else as well with my wallet…” ZiChuan Xiu pulled his pocket inside out, exposing a huge hole in his pocket, the size just big enough for a wallet to slip through.
Stirling asked surprised: “Didn’t you lose your wallet the last time? How is it that you keep losing your wallet repeatedly, and each time with such impeccable timing as well?!”
ZiChuan Xiu explained: “They are totally different! Last time I was only faking it, this time I lost it for real!”
The trio exchanged a look, Di Lin sighed: “Very well. Normally a high cla.s.s mafia like me wouldn’t resort to underhanded tactics like this, but…” As he said that, he unb.u.t.toned his s.h.i.+rt and rolled up his sleeves. Like a madman, he rose to his feet, flipping over a plate of sweet and sour carp fish all over the floor. Not feeling satisfied, Di Lin kicked over another bottle of wine on his left, shouting: “Is this something you feed the pigs with?! I have never tasted something so bad in my whole life! I demand to have a word with your chef right now!”
ZiChuan Xiu held on to his stomach, screaming in pain: “Urgh, I have food poisoning! Help!”
Stirling hastily moved aside, avoiding any of the shattering gla.s.s.
One of the senior waiters quickly came forward to access the situation and apologized: “Yes, of course! Please remain calm. Our chef will be with you shortly to address any complaints you may have.”
And that was the moment, when the most monumental event took place in the lives of the three young heroes of House ZiChuan.
……
*Imperial Calendar, Year 779, September 16th, Di Lin’s estate.*
Inspector General – Di Lin spoke with a smile: “I still remember the look on your face when Lin Xiu Jia came out of the kitchen with the chef ap.r.o.n on. You were literally staring and drooling more than when you saw the sweet and sour carp fish being served for the first time.”
ZiChuan Xiu protested: “I was no way the only one drooling! What about you? You instantly put up your gentle face even though you just broke their plate. I remember you asking: ‘Miss, did you prepare the dishes? I have never tasted anything so good my entire life! Miss, I would like nothing more than to enjoy your cooking for the rest of my life!’ And that was the first time you saw her. Did you really think you were being romantic?”
Di Lin laughed: “What do you know? Girls dig that stuff. The sappier the lines the better! But Stirling was definitely the worst. He instantly turned on us: ‘Miss, I’m telling you, both of them are up to no good. They are planning to do an eat and run! I’m the only good guy here!’”
“I still can’t believe he would betray us like that!”
ZiChuan Xiu agreed wholeheartedly: “Indeed. We were this close to finding out who the real Number One fighter of House ZiChuan was.”
It was getting late; ZiChuan Xiu had bid his farewell. On the way home, ZiChuan Xiu kept thinking about what Di Lin told him before he left. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how incredible his words were...
“Xiu, I know, you are about to leave for the Far East soon. That Xiu’s Company of yours, you know better than anyone what they are made of, so I won’t bother. But you need to know what is going on in the Far East right now. We may win one battle, two, three, or even a hundred, but you will never win this war, no matter how many reinforcement we send. The reason is, we lack the deciding factor that can turn the situation around, and that kind of deciding factor is not something you can gain on the field of battle. I said the same thing to Stirling once, but considering what he has been doing, he clearly didn’t hear a word I said. He is trying so desperately to plug the gap in the crumbling dam with his bare hands.”
ZiChuan Xiu asked: “Then in your opinion, what is this deciding factor that can turn the tide in our favor?”
Di Lin shook his head: “I don’t know. But do you want to hear one final warning?”
“Do tell.”
“Whatever you do, never move further than three days of march distance away from Fort Warren. Always be prepared for sudden turn of events.” Di Lin was being very serious.
Looking back, what was once an estate surrounded in lamp light, was now swallowed by darkness, shrouding it in an aura of mystery.
……
Two days later, something unexpected happened in the City of Di Du: Inspector General – Di Lin suddenly did a one-eighty, and began actively investigating Far Eastern Army Deputy Commander Luo Bo’s case. It seemed that he intended to make an example of him, as he declared resolutely: “I will make sure to involve the High Command with this, and show Luo Ming Hai who the boss is!” He even purposely spread the word that he would personally act as the prosecutor in this case: “I dare anyone to speak in his defence!”
The news quickly reached Supreme Commander – Luo Ming Hai’s ears. He only needed a few minute to consider before he took on a complete different stand, speaking greatly in Luo Bo’s favor. He even volunteered to be Luo Bo’s defender during the court martial, which the Headmaster - ZiChuan Shen Xing himself had promised to attend.
The court martial began as scheduled, but the entire trial had turned into Supreme Commander – Luo Ming Hai’s solo performance. He spoke vividly in Luo Bo’s defence; his every word filled with pa.s.sion and strength: “The defeat at Red Lake was beyond the means of any one man! Despite the devastating loss, Luo Bo defended Fort Warren against all odds. He did House ZiChuan Proud. If we are still to punish him for his valiant efforts, how could we face the hundreds of thousands soldiers who are sacrificing their lives over at the Far East as we speak? His speech was received by a sea of applause coming from Lin Bing and the Far Eastern Army officers present at the trial. Luo Ming Hai seemed even more satisfied of himself as he basked in the glory of his triumph.
In contrary, Di Lin’s performance came as a great disappointment to ZiChuan Shen Xing and everyone else present. His words lacked common sense and were often out of place. His argument contradicted each other, and even his indictment failed to clearly specify whether Luo Bo was accused dereliction of duty or failure in his command. And thus it wasn’t too surprising to see his accusations being mercilessly torn apart and dissected by Luo Ming Hai’s counter arguments.
As a result, ZiChuan Shen Xing declared publicly, that Luo Bo was clear of all charges. After the trial, the way Di Lin stared in defeat could only be described as a dog who had just lost a fight.
Luo Ming Hai gave Di Lin a scornful look, before returning to happily receive the congratulations from his fellow men: “Congrats, Sir. You definitely gave Di Lin a taste of his own medicine this time!” The words made Luo Ming Hai so happy that night he even made an exception and had a gla.s.s of wine.
---------------------
[[1]]‘其疾如风，其徐如林，侵掠如火，不动如山’ is a phrase from Chapter 7 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It means: Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest. In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.
[[2]]‘兵者，国之大事，死生之地，存亡之道’ is a phrase from Chapter 1 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It means: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
[[3]]‘内无法家拂士，外无敌国外患者，国恒亡’ is a quote from Mengzi (Mencius), a Chinese philosopher who is the most famous Confucian after Confucius himself.
[[4]]‘通形、挂形、支形、隘形、险形、远形’ is a phrase from Chapter 10 of SunTzu’s Art of War. It describes the various geological situations of the battlefield a general can face in battle. Its meaning will be partially explained in the rest of Part 6 of Chapter 6. If interested, feel free to search online.
