Chapter 56: A country without military force has no dignity.
Fifty years after the decisive battle between Qianyuan and Northern Zhou, the Northern Zhou Dynasty relinquished territory for hundreds of miles. Both sides then entered peace agreements, focused on recovery, and refrained from further military engagements.
Over the past five decades, the realm had remained peaceful with two generations of emperors and stability in the dynasty, barring occasional disturbances from barbarians in the northwest and southwest.
In times of peace, the military wanes, giving rise to the ascendancy of civilian officers. The rulers of both dynasties prioritised literature over martial pursuits.
Having a military background and six years of combat experience in the northwest against barbarians, Lan Chi initially viewed Bai Yu as a seemingly useless scholar and held reservations about him. However, upon receiving Bai Yu’s poems, Lan Chi’s perception swiftly changed.
Not deceiving Bai Yu, Lan Chi genuinely appreciated the poems. Considering Bai Yu’s status as the chosen one and the emperor’s nighttime encounter with him, a meeting between them was arranged.
“Do you emphasise military strength?” Lan Chi asked eagerly.
“Do you prioritise martial arts?” He inquired.
Bai Yu nodded, asserting, “I am focused on military strength. A nation without martial prowess lacks dignity.”
“The measure of territory lies where the horse’s hooves tread and the soldiers’ fronts point,” he continued. “The enemy’s crops become our sustenance as we raise soldiers and forge weapons.”
Bai Yu’s words resonated with the second prince, who had spent six years in the military. The enthusiastic response shattered the table.
“Well said!”
“Indeed!”
“Hahaha! Bai Yu, I like you!”
Many civilian officials were spineless in the court, often involved in political manoeuvring and power struggles. If war were to break out, they would likely be the first to flee.
Lan Chi, despite disliking certain individuals, found himself compelled to win them over. To realise his aspiration of becoming a king, he needed the support of his subjects. However, Bai Yu, a scholar like no other, stood out to him—a maverick with depth.
In just a few words, Bai Yu spoke to the prince’s heart, emphasising the importance of military power as the dignity of a nation. This meeting elevated Lan Chi’s impression of Bai Yu, surpassing even the prominent ministers in the court.
Yet, Bai Yu’s revelation about not liking men dampened the prince’s initial excitement. Lan Chi, bewildered, shot a disapproving glare and clarified his preferences.
“I also don’t like men,” Bai Yu responded, maintaining a distance.
Still eager to share his ambitions, Lan Chi asked Bai Yu if he knew his grand vision. Bai Yu, calm and composed, welcomed the revelation. The prince passionately expressed his desire to raise a formidable army, conquer territories, and make Qianyuan’s banner a global symbol.
As Lan Chi spoke of his ambitions, his voice grew more fervent, as if envisioning the imminent realisation of his dreams. Unapologetically ambitious, he asked Bai Yu if he would support his cause.
Bai Yu, avoiding pessimism, simply nodded and remarked, “Your Highness’s ambitions can reach the clouds.” When Lan Chi inquired if Bai Yu would assist him, Bai Yu responded diplomatically, “If the opportunity arises, I am willing to serve like a loyal dog.”
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