Re-Scrutinizing Master Sun's Art of War (Shan Fu's Instruction Day part 1)
'Any community that gets its laughs by pretending to be idiots will eventually be flooded by actual idiots who mistakenly believe that they're in good company.' - Rene Descartes (found them in 9gag, not verified).
XXX
In main city of Xinye, Province of Jing.
This man who call himself as 'Shan Fu' from Yingchuan suddenly intrude himself to the story without prior notice. In this sudden introduction, people was more overwhelmed and shocked when they learnt that Tohka without consulting or telling even her closest retainers and oath sisters appointed him as the advisor of the army; by this Tohka's Main Strategist.
Naturally, those who had served her since in Xuzhou questioned the reason of this appointment, seeing that this 'Shan Fu' was a new face but he already receive such promotion and position. Do this decision taken arbitrarily, seeing that this Shan Fu who dressed roughly and shabbily does not seems to have anything special or something imposing from his appearance or experience. Even he does not have any reputation which supported Tohka's decision.
"Aneue, are you really sure to gave him such position when he has not proven anything or when we does not even know of his background?"
Tohka who was struggling with the document before him was not really concentrating, instead she was just sighing; half crying and half lamenting. Once again, she is natural air head so she has great difficulties with them, but it is the sovereign duty to check the legislation and the administration of the county and once again she was leased of this province for her base to guard against Cao Cao's territory; hence she is trying not to fail.
"Auuuhhh…~"
"aneue?"
"Aisha…. Help me…."
"Did not your duty is just to check them? Sun Qian already did the troublesome part." Aisha sighing, seeing her sister making her own job more difficult than it should be.
"But I want to understand them, so I don't have to pretend that I understand them during inspection~"
"Aneue…."sighing once again after face palming, however… "Nevertheless about this, is it alright that you place that fellow 'Shan Fu'?"
"Eh? But Shan Fu Darren is capable…."
"for god sake, you are the sovereign." Aisha felt helpless seeing her sister spouting them "you don't need to address your own retainer that respectfully" Aisha then took a seat, suddenly feeling tired. "i have to say that I don't like that Shan Fu… suddenly barging in and to appoint him with such important role…. I have to say that aneue is really being unreasonable this time." Aisha thus directly stared at Tohka which made her wavered by her glaring looks. "how would he be capable?"
"E~….." due to the sudden question, Tohka was thinking hard, trying to come up with answer but seems like…. She does not really ask this Shan Fu of what he is capable of before. "ahahahaa…."
"You don't ask him…..right?" Aisha felt helpless seeing her sister.
"ahahaha….. sorry." Tohka felt bad making her sister worried on her. "But, Aisha… please know that your aneue has never misjudged anyone."
Aisha stood up from her seat, feeling helpless seeing Tohka's confidence. But she had to admit that those answers is to be expected from her sister. "I understand. Just that, those are what everyone felt after hearing that you promoted him greatly." She was raising her hand, and clasping them as she is about to leave…..
But….
XXX
Shan Fu suddenly entered Tohka's office, quickly closing them and barged them with his body, signing Tohka and Aisha who was surprised by his sudden entrance. He raised his finger to his lips, telling them to remain silent. Tohka and Aisha being absentmindedly due to this sudden action could only nodded.
From outside of their room, loud commotion could be heard, shouting 'where is he!? Damn! we lost him!' Then, when everything passed… and the outside returned to its quiet atmosphere, Shan Fu thought that it is already safe and sighed in relieve.
"…Shan Fu-daye…. What is that about?" Aisha asking in suspicion.
"Nothing. There is just some misunderstanding. I was just strolling around to check the surveillance and security and they thought that I was suspicious individual."
"I see…. Then, what do you think about it?"
"Eh?" Shan Fu was surprised but quickly returned to his composed look. "Nothing is worrying, just the lay out kinda confusing. I think placing guards outside is already sufficient."
"Hooo…." Aisha replying while still staring at him sharply….
"Well, let us just leave at that." Shan Fu coolly remarked "Both of you, what are you doing? I thought it is about time for troops training, aren't you going to oversee them?"
Tohka replied "I sometimes come when I could, usually…"
"I am responsible to see them and gave the report to Tohka-sama. But I think you are correct." Aisha remarked. "Unfortunately, Tohka-sama has not finished his task."
"Well… that would be a problem." Shan Fu remarked. "Let me help you a bit then."
""Eee~?""
XXX
After flipping around some document for several minutes, Shan Fu lazily dropped the document back to the desk. "This is already done, is not it? just need few data from the field for cross examination and fact-checked."
"E-?" Tohka was flustered when Shan Fu disinterestedly toss them aside as if being bored by those documents "data? Let see… market review, information about market price, agricultural report…"
"Those are attached beside the sericulture one." Shan Fu took some seat ignoring and lay down while Aisha and Tohka who looked flustered goes to check the report more throughly. "By the way, I am just taking some glance from the report….. but…. Is not the price for the grain and rice too expensive? We have just passed autumn harvest and when the next planting season come… the down pour might be heavy…. Have we checked whether we have enough for passing this winter? You have to suspicious about the price you know? Perhaps there is some people smuggling or hoarding them from market…. (oahemmm…~)"Shan Fu answered absent mindedly before using the long chair to sleep.
"Hey! Don't sleep there! Those are not your bed!" Aisha protested by his impolite act.
"Uhhmmm…. Shan Fu-daye…. How could you know…."
"See the price…. (Oahhemmm…) Why would not they get lowered even after harvest? I took glance from the weather report in your desk; we had a nice weather and no failure in harvest. Xinye is plentiful; hence there should be surplus in supplies of rice and grain… so how could the price remained high when the demand stays also everyone is selling?" Shan Fu ignored Aisha's protest and lie down on the long chair in sleeping Buddha position (like the one in Thailand), mumbling absent mindedly to answer Tohka question.
Tohka thus checked them herself and notice the oddity of the situation described by this Shan Fu and acknowledge it, she was surprised and asked her three civil retainers from Xuzhou to come. Aisha thus went out to get them, while Tohka was left staring with impressed looks at Shan Fu who fell asleep.
XXX
"As every individual, therefore endeavors as much as he can both to employ his capital in support of domestic industry and so to direct that industry that its produce may be of the greatest value; every individual necessarily labors to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, he intends only his own security and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest valu, he intends only his own gain and he is in this as in many other eases led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was no part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for public good. It is an affectation, indeed not very common among merchants and very few words need be employed in dissuading them from it." - Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations
Shan Fu lazily explains even though he is still unwilling and insist to continue his nap, but he finally relents when Tohka pleaded with a cute and almost weeping looks (wily fox indeed). Also, those girls has return here to listen to his lecture. Mi Zhu and Sun Qian stand with protesting looks due Shan Fu's claim that their reports still contain several flaws and unchecked fact.
"Then… what would that mean…?" Tohka was silenced by this text book explanation.
"Are you trying to say that the price of the market prime commodity is odd if we consider the current market situation which is being influenced by flow of supplies and demand toward the circulation of money?" Mi Zhu asserted.
"Well….duh." Snore….
"Don't sleep!" Aisha hit him in the head, which made Shan Fu forcefully awakened in pain.
"The-!? Why are you hitting me?" Shan Fu holding his head.
"You are sleeping in duty!" Aisha explain as if matter in fact
"I did not! I was just resting my eyes by covering it with my eye lids! beside is not this the girls chore!?" hearing Shan Fu's remark made the three girls admit the honesty of his words, but still… it must be irritating to hear it from the upstart newbie who intrude and given high position then callously showing off his wisdom.
"Ku…"
"Then, mister Advisor" Mi Zhu spoke in formal tone, to confirm of her refusal of his presence "Could you explain the possibility of this situation?"
"Without waiting the order for government, each people will do their parts. It is not as if they will have to wait from the order of the authority; (folks, we call them communism). In this situation hence the free market shall be established openly where they will do their best to get what they desire. But reading from your report; the price of the goods based on free market system has gone into unreasonable point. What I feared is when the goods are monopolized by profit taker and market speculator with big capital who amass goods with intention to exhaust them from the market into their own storage."
"But…"
"Do you forget about man named Bai Gui of the Warring States Period who capitalized the market by cleverly reading and analyzing the circulation of goods based on the cycle of season?"
"ah!"
"Profiteering would made the price go skyrocketing if we let by due to scarcity of goods in market. Hence when the price is high, they will sell them to gain enormous profit. What I think is, this is the time the government (by this I meant as us in Xinye) had to take action to control the system. The invisible hand is not so invisible, you know. I think that is what I learn from Keynesian economy"
"Key….what?" the other girls gave a questioning looks to the alien words.
"By this I mean let me rub your breast and stop asking stupid question." Shan Fu cleverly end the discussion with such cleverness unequalled by others.
"You…!" Aisha was the first to react.
"I am joking." Shan Fu answered with a perfect straight face. "In this manner, this would made the worth of money to drop due to scarcity of goods. hence when the price of several bags of rice goes into the range of several copper coins right now, but if we let this goes on…. When the harvest is over and the rice commodity vanished from the market, the price of the same several bags of rice would not be the same price of several copper coins anymore like it should be but would rose even to several hundreds copper coins. This is what we call as 'inflation of money' or to be short 'inflation'."
"But how could the worth of copper and gold falls like that?" in the 21st century we know there are full bodied money and bank note (represented by a sheet of paper); technically full bodied money represent its own worth due to worth of rare metal used for its material however bank note or paper money are technically worthless because of its physique; the only difference is US Dollar which was printed as representation of gold the US government stored in their storage as guarantee; however after the Nixon Shocks the worth of US Dollar was now represented by the fiscal decision based on US GDP and the trust on their government; hence the running jokes if we use RMB or Euro they will go bankrupt.
But this case is technically different in this era.
"Food is more important than money. Don't forget about that. And common people are the first who suffered." Once again Shan Fu explained with smug face "Have you heard of how Guan Zhong's policy made Duke Huan as the First Hegemon without the need to actively performed in military campaign?"
"Is it about the strengthening the state of Qi's economy to subdue other states' economy?"
"Correct. Duke Huan want to subdue state of Lu and Song, however Guan Zhong dissuade his sovereign from sending troops for military campaign instead offered alternatives method. To subdue them using economy. Guan Zhong notices that both two states are renowned for their sericulture industry; hence he advised Duke Huan to made a national policy of using cloth from Lu and Song's sericulture as obligatory while forbidding his own citizen to produce the cloth which is state Lu and Song's characteristic; this decision at once boosted the sales of Lu and Song on sericulture industry due to overflow of import from state of Qi. In order to increase the supplies of their sericulture industry; the sovereign of Lu and Song ordered all his citizen to engage in sericulture. After hearing that sericulture became the main economic potential of both states and no other economic sector is being engaged (even agriculture!), Duke Huan of Qi under suggestion of Guan Zhong forbids the imports of good from Lu and Song's sericulture including their merchant. The surplus of cloth produced by their sericulture is disproportional even when they try to sell it to other states making the price of their cloths drastically dropped and because there is no one doing agriculture due to privilege to sericulture industry and neglecting agriculture this led to the price of food (grain and rice) to skyrocket. The other states does not want to sell their own food and this made the population dropped in both states of Lu and Song; and there is a big rush of escapee from both states to the state of Qi due to cheaper food price there due to Guan Zhong economic reform. With their economy and population is at brink of destruction, both sovereign from two states capitulate and submitted to the Duke Huan of Qi; hence the Duke subjugated other states without moving a single army."
"Eee…. Mi Zhu, Sun Qian , Jian Yong … is his story for real?" Tohka asked.
"Yes. But I never made such interpretation that goes that far." Sun Qian admitted.
"Congrats imperial sister… this man 'Shan Fu' has an ego equal to the worth of his wisdom. I admit it." Jian Yong clapped her hands sarcastically.
"Yes. Though it still annoy me…" Mi Zhu clasped her hand, admitting Shan Fu's talent in managerial and administration… he is really worth of his big mouth and rude attitude. His arrogance is fitting to his skill. "His wisdom surpassed even all of us here."
"Actually… this is basic knowledge that you should know." Shan Fu disinterestedly looked at them being astonished. "Book of Zhou says 'industry is the source of wealth; but agriculture is the source of life (food)'"
The Book of Zhou says, "Without farmers, food will be scarce. Without artisans, goods will be scarce; without merchants, three precious things will disappear; without mining and logging, there will be shortage of wealth."
XXX
"We will look on this matter later, Imperial Sister." Jian Yong spoke after hearing Shan Fu's explanation.
"I agree with what Jian Yong spoke." Sun Qian added. "We shall review on this matter."
Jian Yong then turned to Shan Fu who looked sleepy. "Advisor, we felt grateful for this new knowledge that mister advisor willing to share. That is why, we are eager to receive new lecture from you."
"Hee?" Shan Fu looked unwilling "you learn on your own…. Too lazy."
"Please Advisor Shan Fu daye." Even Tohka begged. "I also want to learn new thing."
"Why should I? I thought that is not part of my job description." Shan Fu looked lazy.
"Shan Fu! You!" Aisha looked angered seeing even Tohka had to lower herself before this rude advisor.
"What…? Are you going to force me with violence?" Shan Fu looked cold and sneered.
Intuitively, Aisha felt pressured by his cold looks. Weird… why does she felt threatened by this weak willed and frail looking man? it is as if an unseen sharp blade was concealed and ready to be slashed to take her life if she move forward… he is empty handed; Aisha felt threatened.
"Please… let aneue to study from you…."Aisha lips moved beyond to what she expected…. She does not know why she felt great terror coming from him… her palm even sweating. She bit her lips in annoyance.
"… very well… I concede." Shan Fu sighed. "But v answer me this question…. What size is your brassier? 'cause I'm intrigued." Shan Fu asked in serious look
"YOU! What kind of question is that!" Suddenly the feeling of fear vanished and Aisha can pursue him to make him pay with blood for such bold question, but unfortunately Shan Fu's legs are quite fast that it is quite a hassle for her.
XXX
The Record of Grand Historian spoke;
'When men speak of military strategy, they always referred to the thirteen chapters of Sun Zi's Art of War.'
This mere sentence already spoke of this military treatise's fame which was held in high esteem. Hence even to this very day, Sun Wu was always highly regarded as the founding father of military science (in China…but we know that there is no other can compare to its long history :P okay perhaps Arthasastra but well…). The treatise itself is considered as a condensation of numerous experience of warfare summarized at that era with emphasis on precautionary and intelligence. Among all treatise in military subjects; The Art of War was the most widely read to this day (even US Marine Corps Professional Reading Program listed them among compulsory reading material, hence spoke of it).
Now this brought to the last question, what kind of fellow the author of this military treatise: the so called Master Sun; Sun Wu with style name Changqing? If you asked the darn author he will direct you to the figure of Sakura Kinomoto from Card Captor Sakura because he is a pedo (sarcasm… how classic); regardless… the record of history relates and draws as far as her ancestry back to the Tian clan of Qi which made her a relative to Tian Rangju, the famed general during the reign of Duke Jing of Qi and also the author of another equally famed military treatise 'The War Minister's Method' or 'Sima's Rules of War' or the 'Sima Fa'. Sun Wu left the state of Qi and departed to state of Wu which at that time was ruled by King He Lu who is one of the Five Hegemon of the Spring Autumn Period. Wu Zixu, high minister of state of Wu recommend Sun Wu for seven times to her sovereign which draws the attention of the said sovereign. Before the sovereign Sun Wu presented the thirteen chapters of her military treatise.
Sima Qian's Record of Grand Historian, on the Biography of Sun Wu and Wu Qi writes the following events:
Sun Wu, a native of Qi gained an audience with King He Lu of Wu on the strength of his military theory.
"I have read all thirteen chapters of your book," said the king "Will you train few troops as experiment?"
"Very Well."
"Is it possible to try this on women?" the King inquire.
"If you wish."
The King then sent him 180 beauties from his harem palace and Sun Wu divide them into two companies with the king's two favorite concubines as their leaders. Having made them take up halberds, he aked "Do you know the front from back ad your left hand from your right?"
The women assured him that they did.
"When I give the order to advance, go forward. At the order 'Left!' turn toward your left hand, at 'Right!' turn your right, at 'Retreat!' turn back."
The woman assented.
Having laid down these rules, he had executioners swords and axes made ready and repeated his instructions a third and order "Turn right!" The women burst out laughing.
Sun Wu said "If the rules are not clear and orders are not understood, the commander is to blame." One more he repeated his instructions a third and a fourth time, then beat drums and gave the order for a left turn. But once more the women burst out laughing.
Then he said, "If the rules are not clear and orders are not understood, the commander is to blame. But when orders are clear yet not carried out it is the officers who are to blame." He prepared to execute both company leaders.
The king, watching from his stand was aghast to see that his favorites were about to be executed and hastily sent messengers with orders saying "I can see you are an able general. But without these two concubines my food would lose all flavors. I beg you to spare them."
Sun Wu replied "I have been appointed commander and a general in field is not bound by his sovereign's order." So he had the two leaders killed as example and made the next two officers. This time, when he sounded the drums, the women turned left or right, advance or retreat and knelt or stood up exactly as they were told; not daring to utter a sound.
Then Sun Wu sent a message to the king, saying "The troops are in fighting trim, ready for inspection. Your Majesty can do what you please with them -they will go through fire or water."
"You may go back to your hostel and rest." Replied the King "I have no desire to inspect them."
Sun Wu said "Your Majesty is only interested in theory not in real thing."
King He Lu become convinced of Sun Wu's skill as commander and made her the general. In west he defeated the mighty Chu; wrecking its capital of Ying, In north struck awe to Qi and Jin making state of Wu's reputation known through all the states. All this was partly thanks to Sun Wu.
XXX
"Wait General!" Shan Fu suddenly shouted back as he was pursued by Yunchang. "Let us postpone this later. We will be late for troop training. Surely it would look bad if both of us were late."
"Wha-?" Aisha recall the situation and realize the matter "damn…"
"Let just let bygone on the matter of past. as the Art of War spoke 'The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity (loyalty/integrity), benevolence, courage and strictness (disciplines)' How could we gave them example if we are negligent on this matter." Shan Fu cleverly remark to make Aisha confused
"uhh…"
"Well then…. Adios!" Shan Fu swiftly vanished from her sight while she is still indecisive.
XXX
At the training ground… the troops the Imperial Sister Liu recruited were all collected here for review and training. Liu Bei and all her close generals and retainers have gathered here. They sees from afar while the Zhao Yun who is known as the smartest among them are the training supervisor with Liu Feng and Mi Fang acting as leading officers for the newly recruited troops and soldiers. Zhao Yun issued order and let Liu Feng and Mi Fang responsible in ensuring that the order being executed by the troops. Three moves and three basic formation were instructed for each of their movement. Discipline, attention were ensured whenever each instruction were issued.
Shan Fu silently make his appearance beside the other Liu Bei's officer who observed the training from afar. Zhao Yun notices his presence and while ordered both Mi Fang and Liu Feng to continue with the basic she approach that Shan Fu.
"Advisor… are you going to give instruction to let us learn from your knowledge in military matter?" Zhao Yun asked as she made a respecting gesture.
"No, let me see a bit." Shan Fu calmly replied, he took a long comfortable chair and already sat "for now I will settle here."
"I see… what a pity." while Zhao Yun made a mocking gesture belittling this Shan Fu as she return to her duty.
As Zhao Yun turned her back from Shan Fu, she did not notice that Shan Fu leisurely lying on his chair gestured the attendant to come near him "please bring me some tea…."
"eh…?" The attendant felt confuse seeing this officer asked tea be brought here on training ground as if he had no intention to take the training ground seriously. "Sure, Shan Fu Darren."
"Thank you…" Shan Fu then took some paper beside the desk and wet his writing brush with ink "oh… almost forgot…. And some incense stick"
XXX
Several hours have passed since Shan Fu made himself comfortable, and the troops in the training fields has almost finished their training. He had already enjoyed the tea brought by attendant as he watched the training, but then he get bored and neglected them.
"Good. You have learned a bit." Zhao Yun looked around seeing them. "For now stand by."
Zhao Yun then goes to report to Tohka. "Imperial Sister, is there any words you would give to the soldiers?"
"Eh? ….. aaa" Tohka thinking for a while. "Good work everyone. Thank you for today's effort."
"That would elevate their spirits." Zilong remarked. She then glance toward Shan Fu who are busy sipping the tea, and the paper were already dropped beside him as if giving up in making notes. She sighed in seeing that scene. "What about mister advisor? Surely the tea was not the only enjoyable thing here?"
"Impressive sight on how to give instruction, General Zhao Zilong." Shan Fu calmly remark. "As the Art of War spoke; Order ought to be clear and simple. I have seen how you also know to pass the order when spoken words does not go far enough by your institution of gong and drums, banner and flags. You surely learn your Art of War."
"Well… that is to be expected."
"Worthy of being the leader of the White Riders."
"I am grateful for the praise."
"It just…." Shan Fu stood and asked politely in friendly manner, which made Zilong softened. "Am I allowed to speak to the troops directly myself?"
"Well… why not? You are the advisor of the army."
"I see… so then I presume there is no problem in me making decision for them and spoke directly to the commanding officer of the troops?"
"….Very well… I shall allow advisor Shan Fu daye the authority to do so." Zilong then formally clasped her hands and gave the commander stick and tally to Shan Fu "Please act on your discretion."
"I am grateful for this." Then Shan Fu walked toward the troops and stand before them after receiving the authority.
XXX
"Mmm…. Everyone… you might not know me. But I am the strategist of the army." Shan Fu calmly spoke before the troops who gave him questioning looks. Some of them mocked his appearance in their heart. "I am called as Shan Fu." Shan Fu then gave respecting gesture. "Pleased to meet you." seeing his introduction manner made every soldier there secretly sneered at the lack of charisma this strategist possessed. Seeing his humble appearance certainly does not help either.
"On the other matter, we can let them step aside for a while, but for now…. I want to ask the commanding officers of your troops to come forward."
"Eh?" the troops murmured but coldly laugh in seeing his horrible attempt to show his authority.
"Yes… please come forward." Hearing this, both Liu Feng and Mi Fang come forward. They looked spiritless seeing the man summoning them, but order is an order, so they do so.
"Liu Feng, commanding officer for the first division is here." "Mi Fang, commanding officer for the second division is here." Both of them was about to cupped their hand before the unexpected happens…. Before they finished making report…. Suddenly Shan Fu punched the hell of both of them in the face. This unexpected action made everyone restless and shocked, even the victim themselves who are shocked and tossed away back by the sudden upburst that Shan Fu made.
"a..advisor…?" Both of them questioned the purpose of this act, but before long Shan Fu already beat them once again mercilessly.
"F*… you dare to speak to your supervisor when order has not given?" Shan Fu continues beating them, while both of them yelled in pain. "The Hell are you training you useless garbage…. You think this is some girlie dance?"
Another kick landed, and stomped at their throat while Shan Fu beckoned provost marshal to come. "Hundred lashes for being useless leading officers. Don't stop even if they fainted or knocked out."The provost marshal accepted and dragged them side and proceed with the punishment. Shan Fu ignoring them spoke to the troops directly. "I have observed everyone here since the start of the training… I noticed that everyone here still lacking in discipline. This is clearly visible when the instruction to change the formation was issued. You are all react to late and almost made the whole troops in mess."
"HUH! What is the importance of formation!? as long we are strong, there is no need for this formation crap and discipline crap!" one soldier shouted from behind.
Shan Fu heard it clearly but ignored the shouts. Seeing this, the other soldiers were also incited. Jeering and provoking words were thrown almost making the training ground fall into chaos. Shan Fu calmly asked for medium length straight tian type sword.
"I see…" he calmly remarked after the sword were delivered to him "I have read the report that almost all of you were formerly mountain bandits and fugitive. At first I wish to see what kind of characters are you…. I am glad to see it now. As the Art of War spoke; 'To know the enemy and yourself and no need to fear the result of hundreds battles.' I am really fortunate that I had know this just in this single day."
The soldiers was startled for once seeing the composure Shan Fu possessed.
"But I don't blame you all. Jingzhou is big and full of bandits and fugitive caused by war… but fortunately the Imperial Sister recruited you all disregarding your background…. Unfortunately, disregarding her kindness… we all know that old habits die hard… no wonder that your simple minded thought influence from you shady background made you not understand its simplicity." Shan Fu calmly walked to them with the tian sword in hand. "Indeed, no wonder you did not understand the importance of disciple and formation in the army…. Very well… they say seeing it once beat hearing for thousand times." Shan Fu stopped before the most forefront soldiers and suddenly strike him with his elbow thrust with made the front soldiers shot back, hitting the soldiers behind him… and like a stack of dominos, they are dropped down altogether befalling on everyone, making them unable to move… and without wasting anytime… Shan Fu swiftly move to the most rear of the soldiers, pointing the sword before the man behind.
"This is the importance of formation and discipline." The soldiers who was threatened with swords were much more enormous and strong looking compared to the other soldiers even made this fellow Shan Fu look pales in comparison. But seeing the sword pointed directly before him made him fall in fright. "the strength and power which everyone boasted previously is useless now, I presume. If due to disorder your comrades become hindrance in your movement, then what is the use of being strong?"
Shan Fu calmly pulled back the sword. As he goes by finishing his explanation "I hope everyone here pay great attention to my lecture and also…."Everyone started to try to stand once again, while they clearly were shocked by the sudden display of Shan Fu's character.
"I don't appreciate people questioning my order." Shan Fu calmly slashed the tian sword he held into one of the soldier throat which made him shrieked in agony, seems that Shan Fu located the soldier who previously incited the soldiers and almost made the training ground into chaos. This person who was being cut looked strong compared the other soldiers, but Shan Fu did not give any consideration and just slash his throat, while the blood bursting out from the throat and the indecipherable yell almost deafening, the soldiers felt immeasurable pain and wriggle. Shan Fu stabbed the tian sword penetrating it as the sword stabbed as far as to the back of his legs, making a grotesque scene which made everyone speechless. "so, make notes of this everyone."
The other spectator almost at loss seeing this vulgar scene of brutality, even Tohka almost fainted as she goes pale and turned her face away from the training ground.
"Don't turn away everyone…." Shan Fu calmly spoke. "Provost marshal…. Drag those two commanding officer (Mi Fang and Liu Feng) here. If they still fainted, splash them with water disregard if they choked."
Both of them were forcefully awaken and forced to stand. Then Shan Fu deliver another blows to them "failure … in making the troops discipline…. I never seen in my whole life … such insolent attitude toward commanding officer!" and he finished them after delivering a flying kick to make them awake to their sense and bursting out the inside of their stomach from their mouth….. now both of them revealed what they just had for their early lunch and breakfast (ha…haha….) "I haven't finished." Without looking at them, he ordered the provost marshal to once again straighten them up.
"I clearly seen here that everyone really lack the aptitude for battle formation. Four instruction to change the formation and it take too long for the order to be applied!" As Shan Fu shouted on this fact, he pointed to the joss stick burned to the incense bowl. About five or six burnt stick were implanted there…. One incense stick was almost equal for an hour…. So that means… six hour already passed. "This is clearly the fault of the commanding officer!"
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Zilong shouted. Swiftly she rushed to the field to stop what he feared most.
"Did not I already receive the authority to do so?" Shan Fu disinterestedly spoke on matter of fact. "Provost marshal, direct General Zhao Zilong to leave the field."
"I say this is enough. You are being excessive, advisor!"
"General in field not bound by sovereign order!" Shan Fu sharply glare at Zilong, and this time Zilong felt the same reaction which Aisha felt earlier. Suddenly the unspeakable pressure overwhelmed her. she was unable to speak and just stunned there. "Provost marshal. Please direct general Zhao to get out."
"I shall speak once again." Shan Fu announce to everyone after Zilong leave the scene…. She was drenched in cold sweat. "If anyone interfere with my authority here…. I shall cut them myself disregarding who they are!"
XXX
"Also, I have gone through all the documents and knows that your commanding officers neglected the formation training…. To few were given to you. He shall be held account for this mistake and I presume everyone understand that from tomorrow on…. You shall be trained with emphasize on military formation and tactical deployment!"
Suddenly, all the troops who previously underestimated and mocked Shan Fu behind him become firm and disciplined troops. Perhaps this Terror act which was borrowed from Maxmillian Robespierre is greatly effective for overconfident bunch and trouble making rag tags like these former mountain bandits troops.
"Yes Advisor Darren!"
And Shan Fu looked satisfied on the result of the training. "make them stand. I will make them pay for neglecting the basic military training which accosted to the troops inaptitude in the art of war."
Shan Fu prepared to deliver another beating to Mi Fang and Liu Feng. Liu Feng accepted after seeing how Shan Fu swiftly taught the training and felt embarrassment. After being beaten by a punch to solar plexus he fall to his knees and fainted…. Shan Fu then left him and proceed to Mi Fang…
"Please advisor… I can't take it anymore…."
"If you can talk, then I have not done my duty." Shan Fu remarked and unleashed the tian sword. He then knee and elbowed front and back of Mi Fang's throat almost incapacitate him, and stomp on his head. "keep in mind of this…. Once again you dare neglected to your duty…. I will make you regret for living…."
"He….Help!" Mi Fang cried…. His pitiful sight made anyone looked away in fear.
The sword was placed beside his ear… "so… you still does not understand the concept of discipline…? Well I think your ears are just useless accessory…. Let me take them off from you…"
"Hiieee…!" For anyone who does not dare to look, they closed their eyes and covered their ears.
"Don't worry… this sword is kinda sharp… it will cleanly peel them….."
"Advisor! Wait!" a small girl rushed to the scene. This girl is Liu Bei's retainer; Mi Zhu. She pulled Shan Fu from continuing what he is trying to do.
"…Did not I say that whoever interfere me in exacting my authority shall be punished regardless whom they are?" Shan Fu calmly spoke.
"Cut me if you want. but please spare him. I can not stand such atrocity anymore."
"He neglected his duty. What kind of commanding officer being lax to their troops which sacrificed their discipline in performance and being too slow in responding to order?"
"I understand…. But… but… please spare him for this time…. You can do anything what you want to me, but …"
"No excuse. Why should I do that? Failure of one commanding officer will affect the whole troops and even the whole army's morale. "
"Please… if you won't do it for him… please do it for Imperial sister and the Mi clan of Xuzhou who had loyally served her. after all…. he is the only relatives that I had…. No matter how distant our relationship are…."
"….very well… but you shall be account for this. Military regulation shall be upheld." Shan Fu released his sword and foot from stomping Mi Fang's head.
Mi Zhu whispered gratitude and quickly ran to Mi Fang…. "cousin…. Are you alright?"
After realizing that he was saved and spared, suddenly Mi Fang felt immense hatred and emotional outburst feeling in him. Unable to see the relative who had saved his life, he knocked her and cursed. "Damn! move aside! You should have act faster!" That bastard! His mind shouted.
Mi Zhu was knocked and slapped by him and shrieked… "Aa…!"
Without spouting anything, Shan Fu stomped his foot once again to Mi Fang's head "Damn! Move! don't you know that I am a man from the Mi clan of Xuzhou who loyally served the Imperial sister!? You shall pay for this!"
"Then what?" Shan Fu disinterestedly asked. He quickly kicked him upward and punch the hell out of him, shattering his jaws and rendering him unable to speak. "The promise is to let you alive. let see…. Why don't I cripple you now to teach a valuable lesson?"
The force knocking him were to great that Mi Fang was sent flying.
"In the field, the officer who held highest authority decide all matter disregarding whether he gave command even to the royal family themselves. Remember that." Mi Fang were knocked down to the ground and Shan Fu ordered the medical officer to treat everyone who was wounded.
"Time is up, training over. Everyone is dismissed." And hence…. The terror named Shan Fu has ended.
XXX
"Report to Imperial Sister Liu. The training is over. Everyone is motivated and discipline has ascend among the soldiers. With much more training… you can rely them as your fighting force." Shan Fu reported to Imperial Sister who looked pale with a very calm expression.
"Shan Fu daye…. Was that kind of training really necessary? You told me before but…"
"If Imperial Sister objected due to your merciful trait… I understand, but let me ask….. what make you lose in Runan then? And how many life lost due to your failure? Sun Zi spoke…. 'The art of war is of vital importance; 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.'… you may recall that out of fifty thousand …. Only thousand survived from that disaster…. Are you going to repeat that feat?"
Tohka looked distraught being reminded by her failure which cost the lost of many soldiers in Runan and run off weeping. RinRin pursued her "Tohka-neesama….!"
"Aneue!" Aisha was bothered. "You!" she turned to Shan Fu who does not have any look of remorse speaking the truth, and she slapped him hard. "Don't you have any consideration of her feeling!?"
"Why don't you ask the soldiers who perished because you neglected this matter." Shan Fu standing unfazed even after being slapped. "You yourself acknowledge the truth contained in my word."
"What!? Do you think I would approve of such vulgar display of your cruelty?" Aisha looked offended.
"If I recall… General Guan once had the chance to serve Cao Cao in the past….. How do you feel …. After you had the chance to witness the might of her whole army and elite division?"
"What…!" Guan Yu was left standing by Shan Fu there…. His words struck deep in her heart… something that she does not want to acknowledge and now being spoken by this new face.
"Please think about the seriousness of this matter." As he walked away, he approached Mi Zhu who was lying down after being attacked by Mi Fang in the training ground and lifted her in his arms.
XXX
That day, everyone in Liu Bei's faction was troubled by this preacher.
And their thoughts are in turmoil…. clouded by their old pedantic value of righteousness and unrighteousness. How could you dream of saving this country if you afraid to make the move?
This brought them to an epiphany…
They say…. After the dark…. comes the light… the contradiction of being merciful and benevolence… and being noble and majestic…. The face of sovereign who rules over the empire...
The duty of being a monarch…. Like a King watching over his kingdom.
Author Note:
Answering review….
Sohara Mitsuki: well yes…. We all know who he is right? Donald Duck.
P4Nd0RaS: no, he is Yogi Bear; because he is smarter than common bear and swipes my pic-e-nic basket.
Fire lord 626: no, he is Po the Panda from Kungfu Panda.
Enigma95: well… I don't do anything to her. honest! I don't rape her, don't kill her don't do nothing. We all know author don't kill character, but the word and action of character do KILL the character :P nah… how could a cute girl like Karin is a demon. About your question in Sun Zi, I will write them in PM because too long.
NO2 is Nitro boost.
o… my mistake, but Asiapac seems to publish them also in Philippine as far I recal..'
nope. Everyone will have a happy ending.
REVANOFSITHLORD: yoi lah…. Dia kan yang paling cakep…. Tipe cewek yang gua doyan! Yang lain boleh ke laut, tapi yang ini jangan….. buat ku saja….. jarang dapet cewek kayak gini… di dapur yahud, di salon oye, di kasur woookey! Apalagi sepaket sama Ei-chan….
Kazuto mah seperti puisi ini 'kalau berburu kepalang ajar, bagai bunga kembang tak jadi.' Jadi biarken saja doi tu….
