Chapter Twelve: The Northern Champion (Part Seven)

“It’s not a problem,” Jing Riyu Ming said, forcing himself to stay alert. “As for martial arts, I imagine the king has already taught you. But I’m curious—which manual are you practicing?”

Of course, Jing Riyu Ming knew that Little Canglang was cultivating the Star Transformation technique, but as the ancestral king’s uncle, he certainly wouldn’t know that for sure.

Little Canglang, sincere and shy, replied, “After testing by my father, it was determined that Canglang is better suited to practicing the Star Transformation.”

“Hm.” Jing Riyu Ming nodded. “Xia Zhu, write a letter to Little Qianxue, asking him to return to the Northern Jing Royal Residence immediately. Tell him I’m not long for this world.”

“Prince Jing, don’t speak nonsense. You will live to a hundred years!” Xia Zhu frowned but followed Jing Riyu Ming’s orders.

Jing Riyu Ming turned to Canglang. “Wait until your uncle returns; he will teach you the Star Transformation.”

“Yes,” Little Canglang obediently nodded.

“Qiu Ju, arrange accommodations for Little Canglang and his companions. Canglang, today is your first day here. Since you just arrived, rest well today. Tomorrow, your lessons begin.” Jing Riyu Ming gestured towards the books Chun Lan had brought out—taller than a person.

Dizzy, Little Canglang nodded, feeling a looming darkness ahead, uncertain even how to find his lodging.

Thus began Little Canglang’s endless journey through the vast sea of learning.

That day, after finishing the two books Jing Riyu Ming had selected, the prince was testing Little Canglang when the steward suddenly reported, “Your Highness, Prince Qianxue has arrived with his friends Luo Bi and Wen Huang to pay respects!”

Curious, Little Canglang glanced toward the door; it had been a long time since he had seen Uncle Qianxue.

Jing Riyu Ming waved his hand, signaling the steward to admit them.

When Qianxue Riyu Ming entered with the two companions, Jing Riyu Ming teased, “Since when did our Little Qianxue become so courteous?”

Qianxue’s face flushed. Looking at the stunned Luo Bi, Wen Huang introduced, “This is my uncle, the Northern Jing King.”

In Luo Bi and Wen Huang’s minds, Qianxue’s uncle had to be at least in his forties or fifties, but Jing Riyu Ming appeared even younger than Qianxue himself.

The two forced a bow, “Greetings, Prince Jing!”

“Haha…” Jing Riyu Ming laughed. “Well done. It’s rare for Little Qianxue to bring friends today. Dong Mei, serve them tea.”

“Little Qianxue, accompany your friends. I’ll finish testing Little Canglang first, then join you for tea.”

Only then did Qianxue notice Little Canglang silently begging for help.

Knowing his uncle’s strict teaching style, Qianxue obediently sat aside, pretending not to see Canglang’s distress. He had suffered through the same way in his youth.

“How is governing a great nation like cooking a small fish?”

Jing Riyu Ming smiled faintly.

Hearing this, Qianxue recalled his former self.

Back then, he was young and pampered, never understanding the meaning of this phrase. Today, watching Canglang’s shy demeanor, Qianxue maliciously thought about his own painful past.

Luo Bi and Wen Huang watched Canglang with interest as well.

“Governing a country is like cooking a small fish—you have to control the heat carefully.”

As the heir apparent, Canglang had some exposure and at least answered better than Qianxue, who was stumped.

Jing Riyu Ming shook his head. “Your answer is too vague. Everyone can talk about grand principles, but how do you put them into practice? Everyone knows how to make money, but how do you actually earn it?”

Little Canglang blushed but offered no defense, muttering, “I’ve never cooked before, how would I know?”

Ignoring Canglang, Jing Riyu Ming turned to Qianxue. “You explain it to him.”

Qianxue glanced triumphantly at Canglang, causing Jing Riyu Ming to sigh and rub his forehead.

“This phrase means governing must be slow and steady, avoiding hasty changes in policy. It takes many years for a government decree to take effect.”

He gauged Jing Riyu Ming’s expression and continued, “For example, when you issue a livelihood policy, the order travels from the King’s Palace through many steps before reaching local areas. It takes time to implement, and officials must decide if it suits their region. The local authorities’ enforcement, the people’s support or opposition, and how to guide public opinion all matter. That’s why governance must be slow.”

Qianxue sipped tea, savoring the moment, proud to finally show off. Even Luo Bi and Wen Huang looked at him with newfound respect, never having seen such wisdom from their friend.

Jing Riyu Ming took a sip from a sweet herbal concoction, not wine but a tonic.

After some time, Long Zhu’s appetite improved; at least Jing Riyu Ming no longer looked as pale as the Void Young Master.

“Reciting by rote! Remembering dead knowledge—what use is that?”

Jing Riyu Ming’s disappointment was palpable. Qianxue’s pride vanished instantly, while Luo Bi and Wen Huang seemed to realize the truth, leaving Qianxue utterly embarrassed.

“What does it mean that a general need not obey orders in the field?”

Jing Riyu Ming looked at Little Canglang.

“The battlefield changes rapidly, so generals must have the authority to make on-the-spot decisions!”

Canglang looked at his ancestral uncle, waiting for guidance.

Jing Riyu Ming glanced at Qianxue and said to Canglang, “Good, that’s the idea. You’ve probably heard the story of Zhuge Liang tearfully executing Ma Su during the Ding Dynasty.”

Qianxue covered his face; he knew his uncle was using this lesson to indirectly criticize his own lack of flexibility.

“The battlefield and governance are opposites. Governance requires patience and stability; the battlefield demands speed and adaptability. Speed must be so fast that the enemy cannot react—quickly discerning their strategic intent and tactical goals. Adaptability means responding to the enemy’s moves, anticipating changes, cutting off their chances, and even turning their forces against them.”

“Yet governance and warfare share similarities: logistics, weaponry preparation, resource consumption, supply transport, and reserve forces all influence the outcome of a battle.”

“Nothing exists in isolation, not even martial arts.”

Jing Riyu Ming looked at the three of them.

“Either be so fast you kill the enemy before they can strike—there is a saying: ‘No fortress is unbreakable, only speed is invincible.’”

“Or win by technique, using subtle moves to leverage the opponent’s strength—that’s the art of outwitting with finesse.”

“Or overpower technique with sheer strength, crushing the opponent by foundation—that is the meaning of ‘a heavy sword has no edge, great skill appears unrefined.’”

“But remember, the greatest strategy is to attack the mind; besieging a city comes second. Whether in war or martial combat, this holds true.”

“If you can shake the enemy’s confidence before battle, half the fight is already won.”

“To win, always use your strengths to exploit the enemy’s weaknesses.”

“Most importantly, all military strategies teach the weak how to defeat the strong. If you are strong enough, these are all nonsense!”

“Qianxue, if you ever face someone you can’t beat, don’t argue—just draw your sword.”

After finishing, Jing Riyu Ming drank another sip of his tonic.

“And if drawing your sword still doesn’t win?”

Qianxue said blankly.

Luo Bi and Wen Huang could no longer bear to look at their friend.