In the land of Bing County, the imperial examination system has been implemented for more than two years. However, the situation this year is different from the past. With the Emperor relocating the capital and the northern borders stabilized as the Xiongnu moved westward, Bing County is currently the most stable region in the northern territories. In the spring, during the threat of a Xiongnu invasion, the imperial examination was not conducted. This autumn session has become a long-awaited opportunity for countless individuals. While the autumn harvest is not yet complete, the various inns and shops in Jinyang City are already filled with distant travelers. Not only from nearby provinces but also from distant regions like Xu County and Jing County, people have traveled a long way to participate in the examination.
Within the Guo residence, Guo Tong looks at the row of people kneeling at the steps, his face turning grim. “You are all members of the Guo clan, yet you wish to take the examination? Aren’t you afraid of tarnishing the generations-long reputation of the Guo family in Jinyang?”
Back then, Guo Tong had put in a great deal of effort to secure the important position of Grand Zongzheng in Bing County. He had meticulously organized an assessment, selecting numerous talented individuals from noble families, to expand his connections with the upper echelons. Seizing the opportunity when various prestigious families were migrating south, he aimed to control the situation in Bing County.
However, things don’t always go as planned. In just a short period, the Emperor fled from Luoyang and relocated the capital far away. Meanwhile, Liang Feng, a seemingly ordinary and sickly youth, rose from the position of a regional governor to become a Grand General and Grand Minister. Forget about the title of Duke, just the power over three provinces in his hands made people unwillingly step back.
Guo Tong, understanding the current situation, quickly resigned and retired at home. With the imperial court having a new emperor and hoping for Bing County’s support, he didn’t dare to create any obstacles. Consequently, the position of Grand Zhongzheng, responsible for selecting talents, fell into the hands of the ruler of Bing County.
This turn of events was not favorable for Guo Tong. All his efforts became nothing more than fleeting clouds. To add to his frustration, the Guo family, whom he shamelessly sought alliance with, was now favored by Lord Liang. Being the prominent branch of the Guo family in Jinyang, Guo Xing received significant attention from Lord Liang.
Not stopping there, as hope seemed to vanish, some younger members of the family actually contemplated participating in the imperial examination! Upon hearing this rumor, Guo Tong was nearly on the verge of exploding with anger, immediately summoning the individuals involved to reprimand them.
The Guo family members kneeling below felt particularly wronged. Someone argued, “Uncle, with the current power of Lord Liang, how can we find a way out? The assessments will have to wait for another two years, but the imperial examination occurs annually. If we don’t seize this opportunity to compete for an official position, we might have no chance after two years…”
“Outrageous!” Guo Tong angrily declared, “A mere low-ranking official is disturbing your peace of mind, and you’re willing to sacrifice your dignity? Work hard, achieve excellence, that’s the path for our Guo family in Jinyang to enter officialdom!”
“The Emperor has moved the capital to Jianye, and in the future, the Southerners will hold key positions in the court. Where will we have a place to stand?” someone said with a sorrowful tone, “Uncle, times have changed!”
Seeing Guo Tong getting almost furious, Guo Jin, sitting beside him, hurriedly advised, “Brother, don’t be angry. The youngsters are just confused by the chaotic situation in the city, leading them to consider this unwise plan.”
“Unwise? Among the high-ranking families in Jinyang, has anyone ever sacrificed their dignity to take the imperial examination?” Guo Tong pointed at Guo Jin in irritation, “Is this also your idea?”
Seeing the fire directed at him, Guo Jin wrinkled his brow and sighed lightly, “How could I dare, Elder Brother? It’s just that among the high-ranking families in Jinyang, only our branch is left, and our future is uncertain…”
He didn’t explicitly state it, but Guo Tong’s imposing demeanor immediately diminished by three points. In this awkward situation, he realized that he had taken the wrong path initially. In pursuit of the position of Grand Zhongzheng, he had offended Liang Zixi quite a bit. The branch led by Guo Xing had emerged, and they even received substantial support from Lord Liang. How could Lord Liang forgive and favor him? He had chosen the wrong approach.
Now, with little hope left, some younger members of the family were even considering taking the imperial examination! Hearing this rumor, Guo Tong was almost infuriated and immediately summoned them to reprimand them.
Guo Tong was caught in a dilemma, and there were many like him in the entire Bing County. The irreversible momentum of change demanded a decision, whether to stay or leave.
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“Should we establish a martial arts school?” Leaning against a bamboo mat, plucking grapes from a plate, and enjoying the scenery before him, Liang Feng suddenly interjected.
“Hmm?” Yiyan put away his horse lance and turned to look.
Not wearing an outer garment, he held a nine-foot-long spear, standing in the courtyard. Sweat had soaked through his small clothes, giving his bulging muscles a shiny color. The vigorous and awe-inspiring performance just now, which seemed like thunder, had not disturbed his breathing. Now standing still, he looked as stable as a tiger crouching.
The appearance was eye-catching enough, but Liang Feng had already lost himself in thought, muttering to himself, “With the current pace of expanding the army, talents will be in short supply sooner or later. I’m thinking of establishing a martial arts school specifically to teach military officers how to lead troops into battle.”
“Like a military academy?” Yiyan understood already, asking casually.
Currently, there are measures in place for promoting officers within the military. Once someone became a junior officer, they needed to have at least a basic understanding of mathematics and simple documentation. In the Thunderbolt Army, aspiring to become a gunnery officer required proficiency in mathematics and surveying. Even in Zhang Bin’s staff, they were looking for someone to teach military strategy.
It could be said that the foundation of military training was already taking shape.
“Something similar. But it needs to be more systematic than now, with a longer course of study. In addition to mathematics and military books, students should learn history, practice skills, and cultivate virtues, just like a county school,” Liang Feng explained.
This was essentially the embryonic form of a military academy. In fact, during the Song Dynasty, military academies had appeared. With a three-year curriculum, they taught military books, military history, various military skills, and basic political thought education. It was precisely this advanced educational approach that allowed the Song military to resist the Liao, Jin, and Mongol Yuan dynasties for over a century in the absence of sufficient horses.
The current situation in Bing County bears some similarities. Surrounded by powerful nomadic tribes, it’s likely to be a constant cycle of changing adversaries. If they only focus on training soldiers and neglect training commanders, it will inevitably lead to trouble.
While Yiyan understood, he didn’t fully agree, “If that’s the case, the selection process will be troublesome. Lord, who currently controls only three provinces, might face uncertainties.”
Yiyan was referring to the issue of the loyalty of the students. Although Liang Feng’s influence was considerable, he was still just a regional lord. Once the students trained in the military academy pledged allegiance to the court or even the Xiongnu, it would be like shooting oneself in the foot.
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng responded, “I do have this concern.”
This highlighted the importance of legitimacy. To avoid becoming a pawn for others, one needed a strong foundation. Given the short time Liang Feng had been in power, having a continuous supply of grassroots military officers from his fief was already quite remarkable.
“In the end, we still need to find ways to expand and augment,” he sighed lightly.
The more chaotic the world, the more military talent it would produce. However, these talents couldn’t be adequately covered by just one province or one county.
Just like Zhang Bin, if he hadn’t volunteered, Liang Feng wouldn’t have known there was such a capable individual. Wang Mang, who assisted Fu Jian in the future, was also one of the leading military strategists during the Sixteen Kingdoms period. It was unreasonable that during the Three Kingdoms era when various warlords emerged, brilliant strategists were abundant, but by the time of Western Jin, they became scarce. Ultimately, it was due to the insufficiently broad channels for recruiting talents.
Seeing his lord lost in thought, Yiyan subtly furrowed his brows and approached, holding his horse lance, “Lord, I’ve completed the maneuvers.”
Liang Feng was momentarily stunned, but then he regained his composure and smiled, “How was it? Does the horse lance feel comfortable to use?”
“Far superior to spears,” Yiyan replied calmly.
In reality, during the Han and Tang dynasties, the horse lance was the weapon of choice for renowned generals. Although it looked like a long spear, the construction of the lance shaft was entirely different. The lancehead resembled a short sword, forged together with the lance shaft. The iron rod was encased in flexible wood or bamboo, bonded with glue made from fish or insect secretions, and then coated with paint and wrapped in hemp. Therefore, the lance was quite heavy, requiring a strong warrior to wield it. However, due to its intricate design and use of composite materials, the horse lance was flexible, durable, and wouldn’t break even during high-speed charges.
However, crafting such a weapon was time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it required great skill. Only martial aristocrats could possess it. Liang Feng had commissioned its creation only in the past two years when he had sufficient funds. Upon testing it, the reputation of the horse lance proved well-deserved.
Hearing Yiyan’s praise, Liang Feng shook his head, “Unfortunately, it’s too expensive. If we could form a cavalry unit armed with horse lances, that would be an unstoppable force.”
With long-range bows and crossbows, close-range horse lances, and the addition of Wusun’s Maminglei armor, the mere thought of it sent shivers down one’s spine.
Yiyan reached out, placing the sweat-drenched horse lance at Liang Feng’s feet, “This iron rod seems like it could be replaced with wood. Forming a team of fierce warriors armed with lances is not a bad idea. But after today’s hard practice, Lord, won’t you reward me?”
Steam rising, bodies glistening with sweat, and with unreserved gray-blue eyes, the scene was almost sensual. Liang Feng chuckled at the playful insinuation, sensing a touch of modern fitness center flair.
Leaning back, Liang Feng lifted his foot and stepped onto the damp, firm abdominal muscles of the other man. Without wearing shoes, his toes pressed against the flesh, and he could feel the scars on the surface.
“What kind of reward do you want? A night’s stay, perhaps?” Liang Feng raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
Liang Rong had just set off for Shangdang yesterday, and Liang Feng had sought out Yiyan for what else? If he couldn’t go home, discussing “official matters” with someone seemed like a reasonable alternative.
Feeling a tightness in his breath, Yiyan grabbed the slender ankle and, with his fingertips, traced along the ankle bone, moving upward in a gentle caress, “The night is short, and the day is long. Let’s add a little more.”
“Indulging in daytime debauchery is not the conduct of a true gentleman.” Despite the playful banter, Liang Feng did not avoid it. He boldly met the other’s passionate lips with his own.
Author’s note:
Liang Rong: Father, did you send me to Shangdang just for experience… QAQ
Translator’s note:
Boyuan got bolder day by day ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
