Chapter 84

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Liang Xiao's words, though they came to him in a flash of inspiration, were the result of long-term reflection.

When he read historical books, he saw countless debates on statecraft, from the ancient concepts of non-action and action, to the 21st century's centralization and democracy. Various political theories emerged one after another, dazzling and confusing. Each side had its own reasons, and no one could convince the other.

He had also pondered such questions but ultimately could not come to a definitive answer.

He could only give this answer. It might not be correct, but it was the result of his own thinking. He did not dare to expect that he could turn the tide and change the course of history, but since the opportunity was presented to him, he felt it would be a disservice to history if he did not speak up.

As for whether Liu Che would be influenced by this, that was not something he could decide. After all, Liu Che was a famous and powerful ruler who had manipulated countless virtuous ministers and brave generals, achieving great deeds and also slaughtering many heroes.

After listening to Liang Xiao's words, Liu Che and Liu Ling exchanged glances and said in unison, "Why do you say that?"

Liang Xiao was well-prepared and bowed again. "I have read little and cannot speak of great principles, but I have practiced archery for over a year and have some understanding. To shoot far, one must use the full strength of the body, the power starting from the feet, not just the shoulders and back. Only then can one draw a three-stone bow, shoot a hundred paces, and hit the target in the center of the autumn leaf. If one only knows how to strain the arms and shoulders, with a stiff back and straight waist, even if one's face turns red and one grits their teeth, they can only draw a hundred-pound bow and shoot aimlessly."

Liu Che seemed to be deep in thought, and Liu Ling's eyes flashed, as if she also had some insights. The two of them then engaged in a heated debate on how to harness the power of the people, and Liang Xiao once again closed his mouth, listening quietly.

The debate continued until midnight, and the two were still arguing, their mouths dry and their tongues parched, but they were still not willing to stop. It must be said that these two were the best debaters, both in eloquence and knowledge, far surpassing Liang Xiao. Perhaps only someone like Dongfang Shuo could be their match. But strangely, despite the commotion, Dongfang Shuo in the next room showed no reaction at all.

Liang Xiao thought to himself that in this grand drama, Dongfang Shuo should be the third or fourth male lead, and his visit to the melon field was likely arranged by Liu Che.

The waters of Chang'an are truly deep. If I hadn't been careful, I would have drowned long ago. I must not speak too much; silence is golden. Otherwise, I will eventually be caught in the crossfire. When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the pond suffer, and I am that unfortunate fish.

Liu Ling, being a woman, had less stamina than Liu Che and could not hold out. She left with Deng Guobin, saying, "We will continue this battle another day."

Liu Che, however, was still in high spirits. After Liu Ling left, he turned his attention to the spectator, Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao had been thinking all along and finally had the opportunity to speak, so he immediately presented his opinion.

"Regarding statecraft, I am not clear and dare not speak rashly. However, I do have some thoughts on the Xiongnu."

As Liang Xiao expected, Liu Che's eyes immediately lit up at these words. "Oh, go on, what are your thoughts?"

"My teacher taught me some military strategy. He said that to win a hundred battles, one must know both oneself and the enemy. To defeat the Xiongnu, we must first understand them. We must understand their customs, population, environment, and the strengths and weaknesses of their various tribes and their relationships."

Liu Che pondered for a moment. "The court has sent many envoys to the Xiongnu."

Liang Xiao shook his head, somewhat disdainfully. Liu Che, seeing this, became even more curious. "What is your opinion?"

"My teacher said that to gather intelligence, nothing is better than using spies. There are different types of spies: open, secret, living, and dead. Envoys are at best a type of open spy. The Xiongnu know their intentions and will certainly restrict them. Moreover, envoys are either pampered nobles or bookish scholars who are not suited for the harsh conditions of lying on ice and snow or disguising themselves."

Liang Xiao added, "If the envoys adhere to the principle of non-action and are willing to endure the humiliation of marriage alliances, then they are truly asking the blind for guidance."

Liu Che's eyebrows raised, and he hesitated to speak.

...

The next morning, although Liang Xiao had gone to bed very late the previous night, he still got up early and practiced archery according to his daily routine.

Liu Ling had said that his reputation was already out, and people would come to challenge him one after another. If he did not keep practicing, he might become a stepping stone for others.

What goes around comes around.

While Liang Xiao was practicing archery, a large head appeared over the wall. Dongfang Shuo was lying on the wall, grinning widely and laughing at him. Liang Xiao felt a sense of foreboding and pretended not to see him, continuing his practice. After enduring it for a while, seeing that Dongfang Shuo was not leaving, he finally asked, "Brother Dongfang, what can I do for you?"

Dongfang Shuo smiled even more broadly. "Hehe, someone visited you yesterday, right? Was the gift generous?"

Liang Xiao frowned. Asking this so early in the morning. Are we that close? "Is Brother Dongfang planning to give me something too?"

"I don't have anything to give you. I'm so poor that I had to pawn my clothes." Dongfang Shuo pushed himself up over the wall and jumped down, his chest open and his sleeves flapping. "Can you lend me some money to redeem my sword? A sword is a gentleman's weapon, and without it, I'm embarrassed to go out."

Liang Xiao was speechless. You're embarrassed, yet you're not embarrassed to ask for money. He looked at Dongfang Shuo and found him truly unsightly. He thought for a moment. "Alright, how much do you need?"

"Not much, just three thousand."

"Three thousand is not much?" Liang Xiao was at a loss. "What kind of sword do you have that is so expensive?"

"Ah, a family heirloom." Dongfang Shuo said boastfully. "Of course, the sword itself is only worth a thousand, but I'm borrowing a bit more to avoid frequent visits. Friends should share, and I don't think you would be stingy, right?"

"I really am stingy."

"Ha ha ha, just kidding, Brother Liang, you really like to joke." Dongfang Shuo laughed heartily and patted Liang Xiao's shoulder. "I like you. How about this: in the future, if someone comes to challenge you, I'll handle it for you. You don't have to thank me; just treat me to a meal every now and then. To be honest, I only get a bag of chestnuts each month, which is not enough. Look at me, I'm starving."

Liang Xiao was about to refuse but then thought again and agreed. Although Dongfang Shuo was unpredictable, his knowledge was vast and rare. He had many questions he could ask Dongfang Shuo. More importantly, this man was a wise person who could hide in plain sight and survive in the court by pretending to be crazy. With his guidance, Liang Xiao could avoid many pitfalls.

Of course, the more important reason was that this man was like a piece of chewing gum stuck to him, and he couldn't get rid of him.

"Lending money is not a problem, but we need to set some rules."

"No problem." Dongfang Shuo extended his hand. "Give me the money first; my family has no rice. Or you can treat me to breakfast."

Liang Xiao was completely defeated. Who would have thought that the famous Dongfang Shuo would be such a character? Fine, let's be a good person to the end. He called out, "Rong Qing, bring enough food for two more people. Today, I'm treating Brother Dongfang and his family to breakfast."

Dongfang Shuo also called out, "Bring more rice; I didn't eat yesterday."

Liang Xiao looked at Dongfang Shuo's large frame. "You didn't prepare to freeload yesterday, did you?"

"To be honest, I've been preparing since the day I met you." Dongfang Shuo turned and looked at the small courtyard, his bold and spirited eyebrows raised. "Do you think Li Danghu chose this courtyard by chance? Hehe, I recommended it."

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