Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1300: Chapter 1254: Zhao Yun’s Military Examination

After Wang Yi took Cai Yan’s note to borrow a few classic books from Chen Xi, Zhao Yun suddenly appeared at Chen Xi’s home.

”Zilong, have a seat, just make yourself at home,” Chen Xi said with a smile. Generally, Zhao Yun didn’t visit others’ homes often. Although he was very gentle with people, he didn’t have many deep friendships.

According to Zhao Yun, a friend is someone who, when you go to them for help, will find every way to assist you; similarly, when they come to you, you will surely do the same. However, it was rare to see Zhao Yun needing help from others.

”Military counselor, I came to inquire about the Spring Exam.” Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said.

”Oh, the Spring Exam is indeed happening next month. Are you thinking of recommending someone?” Chen Xi said with a smile, being very tolerant of such ’backdoor’ matters, especially from someone like Zhao Yun who had a firm character and wouldn’t do anything disreputable.

”I heard this Spring Exam aims to recruit based on talent assessment.” Zhao Yun showed little reaction to Chen Xi’s words. In Changshan, his hometown people who sought refuge with him, those with some martial prowess were sent into the army for honing, while the young ones were sent to study, which was unnecessary for now.

”Indeed, each department sets its own exams, and people can attend the exams at the specified locations. Since each department sets their own exams, Wen Ru will need to arrange the schedule.” Chen Xi nodded and said.

”Does our military need to recruit people as well?” Zhao Yun inquired. At this time, both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were absent, making Zhao Yun well-qualified to ask about it.

”I overlooked this matter. Since Zilong mentioned it, you and Zijian can be the chief examiners to select for the military department.” Chen Xi said after a brief contemplation.

”That would work; I’ll have time then. We know what kind of people we need: counselors, military staff officers, formation breaking warriors, flag guard officers; all these are required.” Zhao Yun nodded, naturally taking on the responsibility.

”As long as you guys have an idea, it’s fine. After all, recruiting lower-level officers isn’t just about martial prowess.” Chen Xi expressed his understanding but habitually gave a couple of reminders.

”My method might differ significantly from the civil department’s approach.” Zhao Yun thoughtfully said before speaking.

After all, some of the rough soldiers couldn’t read but might not lose to so-called good generals in leading troops. Lyu Bu and his Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry were defeated by Guo Si in Chang’an, and literacy was not uncommon among capable warriors in ancient times.

”No matter,” Chen Xi said, pouring a cup of tea for Zhao Yun, ”It’s already mentioned that the recruiting methods differ among departments. The craftsman department doesn’t test theoretical knowledge; they rely on practical skills. Each department’s needs are different; some seek exceptional talent despite lacking in other areas.”

Chen Xi looked indifferent. He was also recruiting some who excelled in poetry, discussions on metaphysics, and scripture interpretation, but those people followed Liu Yan, where they would form the propaganda department.

”I’m also recruiting people who appreciate and understand aesthetics, regardless of gender. Many may view these people as useless, but humans are creatures who first look at appearance, then listen to speech, and finally notice talent,” Chen Xi shrugged and said.

Previously, Chen Xi mainly recruited Zhang Clan and Mi Zhen for urban architectural aesthetics, but now that they were both busy, he had to recruit another batch of people.

”Then I am assured, for martial prowess is indeed a crucial criterion for soldiers; lower-level officers just need to follow orders, reading and writing are unimportant.” Zhao Yun said seriously.

Zhao Yun understood that knowledge could change fate, but in his view, martial prowess and destiny were not the only factors. If one could reach Lyu Bu’s combat power and not invite trouble, becoming a brave general would pose no issue.

Moreover, for lower-level officers, it’s better to focus on martial arts than to spend energy on reading and writing. Unlike civil officials in the rear, their duty is battlefield combat, where the stronger they are, the higher chances of survival and promotion.

Therefore, Zhao Yun believed lower-level officers should focus on martial prowess first and then be tutored in reading, writing, and military strategy after reaching the command level of Garrison Commander. Anything before that was a waste of time.

Because dedicating energy to reading and writing before reaching that stage could lead to death if one’s strength wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, as intermediate officers, their role would shift from leading charges to coordinating and dispatching.

In truth, when Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun took the lead in battle, they were very confident in their skills. Normally, a commander-in-chief shouldn’t be in the front; intermediate officers’ main duty would be to assist the chief in command and coordination.

However, exceptional strength among certain commanders led to a battle strategy where the chief would issue pre-battle orders while the Central Army Guard led by the chief advanced. Other soldiers would coordinate to suppress enemy assaults, creating opportunities for the central guard and the chief.

The benefit of this method is that as the chief leads by example, the entire army’s morale soars, allowing them to reverse an unfavorable situation into a large-scale counterattack, and once the center breaks through, the army can advance directly against the enemy.

Of course, the drawback of this method is if the chief isn’t strong enough and cannot gain an advantage even under the guard’s protection, then failure isn’t far. More frighteningly, if the opponent employs the same tactics but with greater strength, resulting in your defeat...

What follows is inevitable: a complete army collapse, impossible to stop as the defeat cascades from the top. It’s an unparalleled failure.

If both sides employ this method with equal strength, a single battle could exhaust the core elite troops, which is why unless a military general has immense confidence, they don’t use this tactic at the start of a battle.

However, Guan Yu often used such military formations, believing his initial strike could always gain an edge, asserting even if you were named Lyu Bu, you couldn’t withstand his first strike.

In contrast, Zhao Yun was much more reserved, emphasizing coordination and dispatch, thus understanding well the differing abilities required between low-ranking and ultimate officers.

Consequently, Zhao Yun always wanted to discuss soldiers’ literacy with Chen Xi. Unfortunately, it was either Chen Xi being unavailable or Zhao Yun having other duties, so it was delayed. This time provided a perfect opportunity for a discussion.

Since recruitment is based on talent, surely, soldier training should be prioritized too. For most soldiers, intensive training might be more important than reading and writing.