6 Strategists, 36 Stratagems, 3 Dreams
Xiangyang, The House of Sima Hui
In a room decorated with tales of great leaders and maps of ferocious battles, seven people sat in a circle around an old scroll.
"Today," the eldest among them, a wizened old man, announced: "we conclude our final lesson with the Wuzi, Wu Qi's book of stratagems. You all remembered to study for this day, didn't you?"
The student with the white feather fan grinned, and rapidly began to cool himself. "I've certainly perused Master Wu's work. But I remember that two of our classmates were out drinking last night."
Two other students turned bright red. "I, er..." The one with the turban smiled. "I thought we ought to celebrate our last moment together, before we go our separate ways."
The other, who waved a black fan as if challenging the white one, laughed out loud. "Wu Qi was a man who failed to win the hearts of his colleagues. They assassinated him because they felt he was too talented. Only a fool would emulate him and get himself killed."
The youngest blushed. "Zhongda, that is a horrible thing to say! Each of these great masters have been remembered for a reason: their wisdom and talent echoes throughout the age. For you to desecrate their memories..." Her clearly feminine voice seemed to inspire the others to shut up and listen intently.
But one student happened to wear a helmet. And with an elaborate gesture, he attempted to waive at his classmates to get them back on track.
"So it looks like some of us haven't read the material. Regardless, Master, what is the question you wish to ask? What will be our final test?"
At that point, the doors to the room were kicked open, and a young man with a red bandanna proudly strolled into the room.
"Gongjin! I finally found you!"
The one with the helmet sighed, his face flushed as he bowed before the teacher in embarrassment. "Bofu, not now, I'm in the middle of class."
The holder of the black fan chuckled with interest. "No no, don't be hasty Gongjin. We should listen to what he has to say."
"May we continue the lesson?" A palefaced classmate, the last of the six to speak, inquired.
"Of course, Fengxiao." Old man Sima Hui sighed as he took the Wuzi into his hands and scanned through it. As Sun Ce found a seat behind Zhou Yu, Sima Hui chuckled and pointed at a passage.
"Wu Qi claims that 'being victorious in battle is easy, but preserving the results of victory is difficult' (Sawyer 208). He states that nations that earn more than five victories are doomed to die, those that earn five victories will meet disaster, and four victories lead to exhaustion. But he claims that three victories allow hegemonies to arise, two establish grand kingdoms, and one allows a leader to be Emperor. My students, what do you think of these claims?"
Before any of the six could speak, Sun Ce rose from his seat. "The first claim is indeed wise. It is easy for those in the heat of battle and victory to forget that rulership and preservation are the most difficult parts of war. The battles are only more exciting. But I can't agree with the second point: haven't there been many cases in history when a dynastic founder slowly overcame opponent after opponent? The very founder of Qin, Qin Shihuangdi himself, had to eliminate the wayward states one by one, no? While Han Gaozu Liu Bang required a single key victory against Xiang Yu to become Emperor, Emperor Guangwu of Han had to gradually crush rebellion after rebellion as well. The idea that one decisive victory will win a war has merit and significant examples, but history shows that those who win many battles yet preserve their resources and overcome adversity can prevail as well."
Sima Yi and Jia Xu laughed out loud, while Zhou Yu palmed his forehead. But the student with the feather fan rose with anger in his eyes.
"The righteous cannot succumb to the idea that extending a war will bring victory. No, it is best to establish a balance of power as quickly as possible, to establish a situation where extended peace is possible. A single victory to unite an Empire is ideal in that regard. You mention Emperor Guangwu, who was indeed a wise Emperor of Han, but he was not ideal. You mention Qin Shihuang the tyrant, and clearly tyranny is not ideal! To advocate war and chaos is to spit in the face of Han!"
At this point Zhou Yu began to rise from his chair, but Sima Hui quickly bade them all be seated.
"Very good, both of you! Gongjin, your friend is certainly a perceptive lad. I'm sure the rest of you understood what they were saying. Now, Wu Qi also claims that caution is the greatest of treasures in terms of ensuring protection for the nation. Your thoughts?"
Sima Yi rose. "That is a key statement indeed! How can a man expect to preserve his nation by not being cautious? Look at how recklessness claimed the life of the mighty Xiang Yu. He failed to properly consider the wisdom of his advisers, and consistently acted on his own. While many of his tactics are required reading, Xiang Yu fought and fought and fought until he dug his own grave. Zhang Liang outsmarted him and Xiang Yu thus died a broken man. Because Xiang Yu was reckless, a single battle proved enough to claim his life even when he excelled and winning so many skirmishes."
Zhou Yu rose. "Xiang Yu is an important example of the dangers of recklessness, but excessive caution is also unwise. If one hesitates, one will fail to seize opportunities or acquire important advantages. Many resources are lost to a commander who fails to grab them when appropriate. Even in the lives of commoners one who fails to acknowledge and seize opportunities will watch as others take profits and advantages. One must balance caution with decisiveness, and use discretion to know when to strike. Extreme policies from either perspective may lead to misfortune."
With a wide grin, Zhuge Liang rose. "Dear classmates, you are both wrong. Zhongda advocates caution, as do many cowards, and we see their fate. Gongjin advocates moderation, and while that may be enough for a commoner one cannot simply expect favorable outcomes to just appear out of nowhere. No, one must determine one's destiny through decisiveness! One determines one's fate. Xiang Yu's main flaw was a lack of insight, a lack of proper understanding. Truly wise men would never make the same mistake. As Liu Bang himself commented: 'Xiang Yu had Fan Zeng, but had no idea how to use him.' Wise men can utilize talented subordinates, but Xiang Yu was not wise. And foolishness, not bold decisiveness which you two call recklessness, is the flaw that doomed him."
"Kongming is most wise." Jia Xu nodded, which earned him a grin from his fellow strategist.
Yue Ying flushed. "And bold."
But Guo Jia shook his head. "Wisdom brings Prudence, and Prudence helps one determine when to strike and when to refrain oneself. I must agree with Zhou Yu. Excessive caution is not prudence, but timidness as Zhuge Liang points out, but excessive boldness is correctly defined as recklessness, which is not a virtue. One who fails to prudently consider the circumstances is doomed to die. There are times when fate makes fools of us all, and those who disregard fate are greater fools themselves."
Jia Xu smiled. "Guo Jia and Zhou Yu are most wise as well."
Yue Ying and Sima Yi both glared at their peer.
And Sima Hui laughed merrily. "Very good, all of you! Now, we have one final passage to discuss..."
The lesson was concluded. All six students, and the one auditing, bowed before their teacher for the last time.
"The land will have need for great minds. I hope that I have inspired you. Go now, and fulfill your destiny!"
As the various scholars began to gather their things, they began to chat with each other for what might be the last time.
"Yueying, as the youngest among us and a girl no less, what are your plans for the future?"
Huang Yueying blushed slightly at the question. "Gongjin, why would you ask such a question? You know as well as I the fate of women in times of war."
"That is why I wish to ask that question. Forgive me for saying so, but it seems that there are many who would fail to recognize your talents. And those that do may feel threatened. A wise man can be employed or coerced to serve, but a wise woman threatens their sense of power and prestige. Not a few men who were outwitted by their wives ended up committing horrendous acts against them."
Yue Ying sighed, and tried to avoid Zhou Yu's gaze. "Very true. Fate is cruel to women who are too clever. Rest assured, friend, I am not stupid enough to attract unwanted attention. I may be forced to fade into the margins of history."
Zhou Yu stamped his foot. "What a travesty! A talent like you, who could easily make a merchant into a king, may be forced to disappear because so many petty fools cannot accept that a women's wisdom can best that of countless men. For you to fail to assert yourself in this realm, it is a waste!"
Huang Yue Ying smiled and flushed slightly. "Thank you, Zhou Gongjin. I am sure that one such as you would achieve greatness in our time. Focus on your path and don't worry about me. Who knows? Perhaps we will meet again."
"Yue Ying, for us to part like this..."
"Say no more, Zhou Yu. Good tidings to you." Huang Yueying curtsied slightly before scampering off to speak with Zhuge Liang.
Zhou Yu suddenly felt a hand smack against his back.
"Gongjin, you should know better than to attempt to win that girl's hand. Her heart is dead set on that man."
"Zhongda?" Zhou Yu turned around and saw Sima Yi. "You were listening to our conversation?"
"Bits and pieces of it, you two are louder than you think."
"So what are you planning to do now?"
"Well, you are aware of what is happening near my hometown, no? The facade of imperial power is beginning to crack. Mere ministers and even governors begin to hold more power than the Emperor. I will return to my hometown, and watch as the world begins to crumble. In time, I will emerge, and claim my place in the realm. Gongjin, your hometown is luckier. Lu Jiang may take some time before it sees the horrors of chaos. You have time to build up a force of your own. It will be unfortunate, but entertaining if we face each other in future."
"Zhongda, the world is beginning to crumble! Is it not your duty as a brilliant mind to work to stop the chaos? We have been blessed with knowledge and wisdom, and is it not proper to wield that wisdom for the people?"
Sima Yi laughed in Zhou Yu's face. "The very same people who will fear you and hate you? The same people who are so simple minded and weak that they have neither the intelligence to realize what is going on nor the strength to face their fears and overcome them? Those who suffer in the face of chaos deserve their fate. You are a wise man, make use of that wisdom to make your mark."
Gongjin watched as Sima Yi turned and walked away.
The helmeted strategist sighed, and as he turned to watch the rest of his classmates: Guo Jia and Jia Xu were laughing and about to leave together, Yue Ying was entering a carriage and about to depart, Zhou Yu saw Zhuge Liang watching the girl and walking towards her as if to join her.
"Kongming!" He called.
Zhuge Liang turned and smiled at Zhou Yu.
"I guess this is good bye, is it not?"
"You are not in a hurry, are you?"
Yue Ying nodded at them and motioned for the carriage to remain in place.
"I guess not. So, what are your parting words?"
"You are aware of recent events near the capital, are you not? Zhongda has the misfortune of having to return there, but you live near here in Longzhong. What do you intend to do?"
"Gongjin, you are implying that the chaos will reach Wancheng and come here very quickly after that, are you not? Lord Liu Biao does indeed seem to be the sort of man who wouldn't know what to do if the violence reached Xiangyang. I couldn't bear to serve such a simpleton."
"The Kuai brothers are indeed loyal and selfless to disregard their potential fate." Zhou Yu nodded. "But with you by their side, Xiangyang may see prosperity in spite of those horrors."
"Perhaps, but Liu Biao is not fit to restore Han. I will wait for someone who proves more worthy."
"Kongming, we have no time to waste. The land will soon be scarred by war and torment. Join me! Your brother has already left for Moling. You and I could achieve great things together in Lujiang." Zhou Yu paused for a moment. "You can even bring Huang Yue Ying along."
Zhuge Liang laughed. "I am sure we will meet again, but maybe those circumstances will not be so warm. If you want to risk yourself, Zhou Yu, go ahead. I doubt you will find a worthy opponent just yet. Jia Xu, Guo Jia, Sima Yi, they are all heading north. I will stay here. Perhaps you will be the first among us to make your mark, but keep an eye out for the others. I look forward to our next meeting, regardless of its context."
Zhou Yu frowned. "So you choose to hide and watch as the world burns? What, then, do you mean when you claim that you will 'preserve the Han?' To sit and watch and do nothing is to do nothing for the Han. Zhongda may share similar sentiments, but at least he doesn't try to pretend to be noble." Gongjin's eyes narrowed.
Kongming's face flushed red with anger. "Zhou Gongjin, you are truly a fool if you actually believe that acting now will benefit you in any way. You may die long before your dreams are achieved. The Southland will certainly lose its best chance to assert itself and its people if it loses you. If you want to waste your talent on nameless bandits and worthless mayors, go ahead. I meanwhile will make my mark alongside a truly worthy lord!" Zhuge Liang turned and entered the carriage. Huang Yueying gave Zhou Yu one last sorrowful glance before closing the carriage's curtain and leaving for good.
As Sun Ce came running to drag Zhou Yu away, Gongjin watched that carriage leave. What would fate bring for them in the future? If he did see his classmates again, would their meetings retain any of their old friendships?
AN: Inspired by The Ravages of Time and a Seminar I'm about to do about the 36 stratagems. This fic will mention each stratagem and attribute its execution to one of the Six. There will be some inspirations from sources like Dynasty Tactics 2 (HINT HINT), and ancient strategists like Wu Qi, Sun Bin, Sun Tzu, Jiang Taigong, and Zhang Liang.
Works Cited:
Sawyer, Ralph D. The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China. New York, Basic Books, 1993