Chapter 925 - 99: Creating Gods, The Flames of War Rise

He saw the "Han Xin’s battle with his back to the water" as an ancient example in the book, and suddenly developed a different opinion: "In this battle of the Han Huaiyin Marquis, later generations often say ’place in a land of death and then live,’ but upon careful examination of his deployment, arranging the troops with their backs to the water was indeed in a desperate situation; however, it was the two thousand elite soldiers that were sent ahead to raid the enemy camp that were truly the pivotal point of victory and defeat."

"Without this prior arrangement, relying solely on the troops with their backs to the water would have been nothing but a desperate struggle."

"This is not just a simple division of direct and surprise moves, but rather a continuous cycle of ’strategizing position’ and ’creating opportunity’..."

This thought even slightly surprised himself.

This has surpassed the understanding of ancestral annotations and borders on a critical, globally oriented reinterpretation.

What surprised him even more was that alongside the leap in thinking, there seemed to be delicate changes happening in his body.

The fatigue from days of burning the midnight oil while reading disappeared without a trace, and the small calligraphy on the pages became crystal clear, with even the texture of the paper seeming to contain some decipherable information.

His ears seemed to catch the rhythmic footsteps of the family guards patrolling at night, and even the subtle rustle of wind blowing through the bamboo leaves outside the window corresponded faintly with the military strategy simulations flowing through his mind, as if everything in the universe could be incorporated into the calculation of ’momentum.’

The impact brought by the enhancement of attributes was vividly evident at this moment.

He put down the book and walked to the hanging map of Kyushu.

Previously, when looking at this map, he mostly focused on memorizing the names of mountains and rivers and the distribution of tribes.

Now, when he looked again, the lines crisscrossing seemed to come alive.

Where are the locations favorable for large army assembly and supply?

Where are the usual routes of marauding by nomadic cavalry?

Where can one establish outposts, and where should one practice scorched earth tactics... Various strategies, risks, and response plans almost instinctively generated, compared, and optimized in his mind.

He subconsciously circled a lush area on the map with his finger, and immediately multiple hypothetical scenarios emerged in his mind: If the enemy’s main force gathered here, how would one lure, divide, and strike them?

How many troops are needed?

What are the amounts of provisions?

How do seasonal and climatic conditions affect?

This nearly ’intuitive’ yet tightly logical simulation ability was something he never possessed before.

It was as if a thin veil clouding his mind had been abruptly lifted, revealing the operating principles of the world and the key points of battle victories and defeats with unprecedented clarity and profundity.

Gu Yan took a deep breath, suppressing the shock and subtle excitement in his heart.

He knew that a wondrous and fundamental change had occurred within him, the cause of which he did not understand, yet was undeniably real.

Almost instantly, his mind turned to another possibility.

——The spirit of the ancestors!

Indeed, although Gu Yi rarely descended obvious miracles, as the legacy of the Gu Clan grew longer, the tools used over these years increased.

Whether it be a sudden epiphany or an unexpected recovery.

When such things occur frequently.

Naturally, it becomes somewhat mystical.

Especially since the Gu Clan always maintained the habit of leaving behind autobiographies about their experiences, the notion of ancestral spirits has naturally become a widely circulated idea within the family.

However, such matters cannot be spoken to outsiders since the foundation of Gu’s School lies in revering and keeping a distance from gods and spirits.

But it’s quite different within the family.

At this moment, Gu Yan only felt his thoughts instantly calm down.

Without any unnecessary words, he got up and headed straight toward the ancestral hall.

And within the mysterious realm.

Gu Yi was also quietly watching this scene.

Of course, he could not fully comprehend what was on Gu Yan’s mind at that moment, but that did not affect him making various moves, and seeing Gu Yan enter the ancestral hall, he promptly took out the Spirit Communication Jade and immediately injected a notion for Gu Yan.

——Unify the Northern Border!

This time, Gu Yi targeted not only Gu Yan but also the contemporary patriarch of the Gu Clan.

Gu Yan was still young and had not yet entered the officialdom.

There are some things he could abstain from interfering.

But given the current situation which were excessively severe, he must sort out the path ahead under any circumstances.

...

Yingtian Prefecture, the cabinet’s duty room.

The warm breeze swept through the corridor, causing the iron bells at the eaves to tinkle, yet it could not disperse the stagnant air within the duty room.

Comparing it to the times when Gu Hui held the helm of the cabinet.

The current cabinet has undergone drastic changes.

Elder Chen Kang, in his seventies, a patriarchal figure across three reigns, with hair and beard like silver, sat firmly at the main seat like an ancient pine and rock.

He is the most steadfast supporter of "Gu Hui’s old system," with protégés and old subordinates scattered across navigation, salt and iron, and agriculture-promoting divisions, being regarded as the leader of the "pragmatic faction."

His political style is stable and cautious, always stressing compliance with rules and precedents, especially emphasizing the benefits of maritime trade and navigational operations, deeming them the national foundation.

The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Zhao Ruyu, standing beside him, is astute and efficient, managing the country’s finances, serving as Elder Chen Kang’s right-hand man in financial affairs, often carrying a calculating gleam between his brows.

The second minister Yu Yunwen, although also promoted by Gu Hui, is more adaptable, and due to years of coordinating military governance and managing border garrisons, he gathered a group of officials originating from the military or concerned with defense affairs, faintly forming the "border affairs faction."

His posture remains upright, his gaze piercing, with reports of border situations in Northern Border, Sichuan, and Shaanxi often piled on his desk.

The Deputy Minister of Ministry of War Wang Youzhi, standing beside him, has a dark complexion, large knuckles, having guarded the northern territory for years as an old general, quiet and reclusive but with an imposing presence.

Cabinet member Tang Sithui, originating from a refined family of Jiangnan, represents an increasingly evident force of the "clear discourse."

They promote the parts of Gu’s School that focus on "moral education" and "propriety and law," often criticizing the "stench of money" in overseas colonization and the "arrogance" of military men, advocating the cultivation of internal virtues and harmony with the four barbarians.