Lu Zhi kept Ma Chao by his side for guidance and arranged for Pang De to be tempered in the military camp. After attending the court assembly, he returned home to explain and test Ma Chao. In his leisure time, he would take Ma Chao to the military camp, using tents and maps to explain military laws and battle formations to both Ma Chao and Pang De.
In the study, winter sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the floor. Lu Zhi sat upright at his desk, his expression focused and serious, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
Ma Chao stood ramrod straight to one side, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed intently on Lu Zhi, his eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge and reverence.
Lu Zhi slightly raised his right hand, pointing to the books on the desk, and softly said, “The Classics, Histories, Philosophers, and Anthologies are the crystallization of worldly wisdom.” His voice was deep and magnetic, as if it could pierce through time.
Ma Chao leaned forward slightly, listening intently, afraid to miss a single word. When he encountered a doubt, he would furrow his brow, part his lips, and unhesitatingly ask questions, a hint of eagerness in his eyes.
Lu Zhi smiled, his eyes full of affection and admiration. He patiently answered Ma Chao's questions, guiding him to think deeply with encouraging glances.
Under Lu Zhi's meticulous tutelage, Ma Chao's gaze grew more resolute, and he secretly resolved to study diligently and not disappoint his master.
— — Dividing Line — —
Lu Zhi, Ma Chao, and Pang De sat around a map. Lu Zhi pointed to a certain location on the map and said, “Today, let us discuss the Battle of Changping.”
Ma Chao and Pang De's gazes were firmly fixed on the map, their eyes filled with concentration.
Lu Zhi continued, “The Battle of Changping was a grand battle in history. That Zhao Kuo, who only knew how to talk about war on paper, what was his end? He lost completely!”
After speaking, he glanced at Ma Chao and Pang De, then continued, “You two must not be like Zhao Kuo, having only theory; you must learn to apply it in practice!”
Ma Chao nodded firmly and said, “Master, why was the Qin army able to win?”
Lu Zhi smiled slightly and replied, “The Qin army's general, Bai Qi, was both brave and resourceful. He was skilled in military strategy and also knew how to utilize terrain. This is what you need to learn.”
Pang De interjected, “If we encounter such a situation, what should we do?”
Lu Zhi pondered for a moment and said, “You must be good at observing the terrain and understanding the strengths of both the enemy and ourselves. Moreover, you must adapt to circumstances and never be rigid.”
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao and Pang De nodded repeatedly, as if deep in thought.
...
Another day, Lu Zhi prepared to assess the two's leadership abilities and led them to the training ground. As a mythical figure in the military during the late Han Dynasty, although Lu Zhi was not currently leading troops, many of those currently leading were his former subordinates. Therefore, he could move freely within the military camp, and the soldiers were even more excited to see him, cheering, “Great General, Great General...” Lu Zhi smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
“Hey, do you know? Lu Zhi is a great general of the world, capable in both literary and martial arts!” an excited soldier said.
“That's natural, his connections in the army are extraordinary!” another soldier nodded in agreement.
“I even received guidance from General Lu before!” another soldier interjected.
“Really? That's so lucky!” The surrounding soldiers all showed envious expressions.
“General Lu is not only skilled in martial arts but also resourceful, truly admirable!” someone exclaimed.
“Yes, with him, our army's strength will definitely reach a new level!” everyone echoed.
Lu Zhi stood on the high platform, his authoritative gaze sweeping over the noisy and excited soldiers below. He raised both hands, signaling for everyone to be quiet, and his resonant voice rang out: “Everyone, quiet down!” The clamor gradually subsided.
Lu Zhi then continued, “Today, I will recruit two teams of soldiers, to be led by Ma Chao and Pang De, for a combat exercise.”
Upon hearing this, the soldiers below became excited, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, and they eagerly raised their hands, eager to be chosen.
Ma Chao and Pang De stood to one side, their faces brimming with confidence and expectation.
Lu Zhi mused to himself, “Ma Chao and Pang De are both promising talents; this exercise is a good opportunity to train them.” So, he called out loudly, “Ma Chao, Pang De, today you will each draw two teams of soldiers and lead them in an exercise.”
Ma Chao and Pang De exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation, and they answered in unison, “Understood!”
Lu Zhi then said solemnly, “This exercise aims to test your tactical command abilities. You must give it your all and not be negligent in the slightest.”
Ma Chao secretly vowed, “I must seize this opportunity to show my strength and not fail my master's expectations!”
Pang De also encouraged himself in his heart, “I will lead my team to achieve excellent results and let my master see my abilities!”
With Lu Zhi's command, the exercise officially began.
Pang De took the lead, his weapon brandished impressively, leading the soldiers to charge like a swift wind.
Ma Chao, on the other hand, was calm and composed, skillfully deploying tactics, and unhurriedly directing the soldiers to respond to the enemy's attacks.
Dust flew on the training ground, and shouts echoed deafeningly.
Lu Zhi stood at a high vantage point, closely observing the progress of the exercise, his heart filled with satisfaction: “These two disciples truly did not disappoint me.”
Before long, the victor between the two teams was decided, with Ma Chao gaining the upper hand.
Lu Zhi slowly walked to the front of the crowd, first gazing at Ma Chao, his eyes full of admiration, and slowly said, “Ma Chao, you performed exceptionally well in this battle. When leading the army, you were courageous and decisive, and your tactical application was ingenious, truly a talent for a general.” Then, he shifted his gaze to Pang De, and earnestly said, “Pang De, your bravery is known to all. However, you are slightly lacking in strategy. If you can improve in wisdom, you will surely become a great leader in the future.”
Ma Chao cupped his hands and said, “Thank you for your praise, Master. I will certainly redouble my efforts!” Pang De then said loudly, “I will diligently follow Master's teachings and redouble my efforts in the future to make up for my shortcomings.” Ma Chao patted Pang De's shoulder and encouraged him, “Brother Pang, do not be disheartened. We should learn from each other and make progress together.” Pang De nodded in agreement, “Brother Ma is right; I will practice diligently.”
Lu Zhi looked at Ma Chao and Pang De, a satisfied smile on his face.
He turned to face all the soldiers and said loudly, “In today's battle, all of you performed quite well. The bravery of Ma Chao and Pang De is also evident to all. However, victory and defeat are common in warfare; there is no need for any of you to be disheartened.”
“The essence of our army lies in unity and courageously moving forward. Your performance today has proven the strength of our army. In the future, you must continue to train diligently, in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.”
Lu Zhi paused, then continued, “I believe that with the combined efforts of all of you, our army will surely be victorious in every battle and conquer every foe!”
Upon hearing Lu Zhi's words, the soldiers' morale was greatly boosted, and they shouted in unison, “Victorious in every battle! Conquer every foe!”