Chapter 346: Lord Prime Minister, Teach Me the Art of War!

Chapter 346: Lord Prime Minister, Teach Me the Art of War!

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In the study of the Lin residence, Zhao Kuo once again saw Lin Beifan. At this moment, Lin Beifan was holding a brush to paint. Stroke by stroke, calm and leisurely, full of relaxed elegance.

Zhao Kuo didnt disturb him, standing respectfully aside, watching Lin Beifan paint with his eyes flickering. Since getting to know Lin Beifan, he had noticed that Lin Beifan always had a slow and unhurried demeanor, not competing or rushing, as if nothing could trouble him or bring him down.

And indeed, it was the case. Amidst enemies all around and the song of defeat on all sides, in such a political environment, he could still rise step by step, standing above everyones heads, becoming the foremost figure of the current dynasty!

Amidst the rebellion of the three major vassal kings and the fragmentation of Great Wu, he led his troops to quell the chaos, allowing Great Wu to reunify! He even invented the sky-faring artifact Great Air Balloon, the waterborne tool Air Cushion Boat, and the construction artifact Cement.

Rumor has it that he also developed the high-yielding and bountiful Taiping Rice, each invention benefiting the country and the people!

Not to mention his many achievements, he was practically a living legend!

Sometimes, he doubts how someone as young as him could be so amazing.

Could he be an immortal who has descended into the mortal realm?

Lin Beifan set down the brush labeled 290 and looked at the composed Zhao Kuo. With satisfaction, he nodded and smiled, saying, Youve come! Initially, I estimated it would take you a few months to awaken, but it seems nearly a month has sufficed! Well done. I really have to thank that person named Sun Er, haha!

Zhao Kuo clasped his hands and loudly replied, The Prime Ministers intentions are deeply appreciated, and Im grateful beyond words!

Its nothing. I simply dont want to see a nations talents go to waste. If I can lend a hand, I will. If you couldnt awaken on your own, I wouldnt have any way to help either!

Zhao Kuo spoke loudly again, I still want to express my gratitude for the Prime Ministers assistance. Ive gained immeasurably!

Lets not dwell on this. What business brings you to me? Lin Beifan asked.

Prime Minister, I wish to learn the art of war from you! Zhao Kuo lifted his head, his gaze determined and unwavering.

Shaking his head, Lin Beifan smiled and said, You were born into a military family, well-versed in military texts since childhood. With such background, you dont need my teachings.

Only after engaging in warfare do you realize your own shortcomings! War is no childs play, and I dont want to repeat the same mistakes, Zhao Kuo continued while bowing, Prime Minister, you are a contemporary war deity, adept in military strategy! Therefore, I wish to learn the art of war from you, to mend my own deficiencies. I hope youll grant me the opportunity.

Lin Beifan spoke loudly, Alright! Since you want to learn the art of war from me, let me ask you, what is art of war?

Zhao Kuo pondered for a moment, then shared his understanding, The so-called art of war is the way of using military force, the method of marching and fighting!

Lin Beifan shook his head slightly.

Zhao Kuo was taken aback, Prime Minister, is what I said incorrect?

The lowest strategy is attacking the enemys cities with troops, which leads to the highest casualties and most sacrifices. Its the last resort and should be avoided if possible.

Therefore, those four battles of mine arent praiseworthy! Although they all ended in victory, each was a case of using the weaker force to win over the stronger. Yet there were sacrifices involved, causing significant losses to Great Wu!

Lin Beifan sighed, War is a matter of great importance to a nation, a matter of life and death, survival and destruction! Therefore, the best strategy is to avoid fighting if possible. If theres a method outside of warfare to solve conflicts, then use it. To bend others armies without fighting, to bend the enemys ruler without using force, to bend the enemys nation without war, this is the highest form of strategy!

Zhao Kuos heart trembled at this realization. The best strategy is to avoid fighting if possible! To use methods outside of warfare to solve conflicts! To achieve victory without fighting, to bend others armies without fighting, to bend the enemys ruler without using force, to bend the enemys nation without war, this is the highest form of strategy!

Each of these sentences overturned all his previous understanding, creating an unprecedented mental storm in his mind. Upon careful reflection, however, they were deeply thought-provoking, enlightening him.

To achieve victory without fighting is truly the best strategy. All the military strategies he had pursued and been proud of before now seemed to pale in comparison.

Zhao Kuo bowed with sincere admiration, Prime Minister, Ive learned.

Ill ask you again, what kind of general can be considered a good general? Lin Beifan posed the third question

Zhao Kuo quickly replied, One who is adept in the art of war can be called a good general!

Lin Beifan shook his head slightly, Not quite! A general who frequently wins battles with few losses can be called a general of consistent victories. Although they lose infrequently, if they lose in a critical battle, it could lead to complete defeat and even the downfall of the nation. So, they cant be considered good generals.

Zhao Kuo tried again, A general who wins every battle can be called a good general!

Once again, Lin Beifan shook his head, Thats not it either. Even though they win every battle, their victories are often achieved at great cost. While they achieve victory, the nation suffers in return.

Zhao Kuos puzzlement grew, Then what kind of general can be considered good, if not one who frequently wins battles and not one who wins every battle?

With a humble bow, Zhao Kuo asked, Please, Prime Minister, enlighten me.

Ive actually already told you before, Lin Beifan smiled.

Ive been told? Zhao Kuo was puzzled, realizing that it didnt seem that way.

I indeed have, Lin Beifan declared, To bend others armies without fighting, to bend the enemys ruler without using force, to bend the enemys nation without war, this is the highest form of strategy. The one who can employ this strategy is the best general.

Therefore, the best general is one who can make the enemy yield without resorting to combat. They can make the enemy open their gates without besieging, achieving comprehensive victory without expending a single soldier.

So, the more formidable a general is, the less theyll have spectacular records, and the less theyll have commendable achievements, as everything will happen naturally.

Zhao Kuo was profoundly shaken, realizing that he wasnt at all surprised by his victory. He understood that the best general is one who achieves victory without fighting. His previous pursuits and proud strategies all paled in comparison to this revelation.

Lin Beifan summed it up with a smile, In short, those skilled in war have no grand accomplishments.

Zhao Kuos mind was greatly shaken, Thank you for your guidance!