Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1278 A Quiet Change, Like a Gentle Breeze

These past few days have been a rare period of leisure, so Ma Chao, along with Li Ru, Pang De, Zhang Song, Li Yan, and others, headed towards the martial arts academy outside Chang'an. As soon as they reached the outer perimeter of the training ground, they heard a series of orderly shouts. The young soldiers of the Youlin Army were practicing in formation, their spears and halberds forming a forest, their steps resounding. Although they were all just teenagers, they exuded a spirit no less impressive than that of adult soldiers.

Ma Chao stood on the high platform, watching the young men practice their formations. His gaze swept over the familiar faces, including the sons of generals and the offspring of former Xiliang generals. Each of them stood tall and moved with perfect form. He couldn't help but nod and smile, saying, "Not bad, much better than when you first entered the hall last year."

Pound, standing beside him, looked at his son in the ranks. The boy was gritting his teeth and thrusting his spear, sweat beading on his forehead but refusing to slacken. He was overjoyed and whispered to Xu Huang beside him, "Look at my son, he finally didn't embarrass me."

Xu Huang laughed and punched him lightly: "You think only your son is promising? My brat cried when he first entered the hall, but now he's standing straight as a board, isn't he?"

The generals watched their sons perform on the field with satisfaction on their faces. If Ma Chao hadn't established this martial arts academy, bringing these young boys together for unified instruction and training, they would probably still be running wild in their hometowns right now, and how could they have achieved such a remarkable level?

Zhang Song and Li Yan stood a little distance away, watching the scene unfold before them, their hearts filled with even greater turmoil. They noticed that in the ranks, regardless of whether they were sons of generals or children of ordinary military households, all wore the same armor, obeyed the same commands, and showed no favoritism whatsoever. Zhang Song whispered to Li Yan, "Ji Ran, look, these children have been trained together since childhood, eating and living together, like brothers. If any general were to develop disloyal thoughts in the future, not to mention whether the King would forgive him, I'm afraid his own son would be the first to object."

Li Yan deeply agreed, his gaze falling on Ma Yue at the front of the formation. The Crown Prince was personally beating the drum, directing the changes in formation. Though the boy's figure was still immature, he already possessed the authority of a commander. "The commander of the Young Lin Army is the Crown Prince," Li Yan said slowly. "These children have grown up and trained alongside the future heir. The bonds between the next generation have already taken root. How can there be any talk of disloyalty?"

The more they looked, the more alarmed they became, gradually discerning a deeper meaning. This military academy was not only training soldiers, but also shaping the foundation for the future of Xiliang. The position of heir apparent would be further secured by this relationship, unlike other feudal lords who would suffer internal strife due to infighting among their sons; even if their sons were to take up their fiefdoms in the future, their successors would have received the teachings of "loyalty to the emperor and service to the country" in this military academy, and would already be old acquaintances who had entrusted their lives to the future rulers, their loyalty being far beyond what was expected.

"The King's intentions have reached this point," Zhang Song murmured, his eyes filled with shock. He finally understood that the strength of Xiliang was no accident, and this strategic plan, which started from the next generation, was far more important than the gains or losses of a single city or territory.

Looking at the young men sweating profusely on the training ground, and then at Ma Chao calmly smiling on the high platform, Li Yan suddenly felt that surrendering to Xiliang might have been the best decision he had ever made. With such a far-sighted lord and such a secure future, how could he not achieve his great ambition?

As the sun set, the boys, having finished their training, lined up and left the field, each one full of energy. Ma Yue quickly ran to Ma Chao, bowed, and said, "Father, today's training is over. Please give your instructions."

Ma Chao patted his head: "Well done. Go and let your brothers rest. Give them another push tomorrow."

"Yes!" Ma Yue responded loudly, turned around and called his companions to leave. The laughter of the boys carried far and wide, full of youthful vigor.

The generals followed Ma Chao back, discussing the training they had just undergone, the atmosphere lively. Zhang Song and Li Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing certainty in each other's eyes; the future of Xiliang was truly limitless. Every young man in this martial arts academy was a new branch on the great tree of Xiliang, destined to eventually support an even broader sky.

The next day, Ma Chao led everyone to the workshop overseen by Xun Yu. As soon as they arrived outside the workshop, they heard the shouts of the craftsmen inside, a scene of bustling activity.

Xun Yu came out to greet them and led the group inside. There, rows of workshops were neatly arranged, and the papermakers were skillfully operating their machines, producing sheets of snow-white paper that were as thin as cicada wings, tough yet not brittle. “My lord, please look,” Xun Yu picked up a sheet of paper and said with a smile, “the technology has improved even more recently, reducing costs by 30% while doubling production.”

Ma Chao took the paper, his fingertips tracing its surface. The paper felt smooth and delicate, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Wenruo, you've worked hard. I've heard that even in the Central Plains, the reputation of 'Chang'an paper' is spreading?"

“That is indeed the case.” Xun Yu nodded. “Caravans from all over the country have come to purchase goods. Our lord’s decision to ‘not close the gates’ was indeed a wise one. Now, Chang’an paper is circulating throughout the world, not only making money but also spreading the fame of Xiliang far and wide.”

Ma Chao then spoke up, saying, "I didn't expect you to be so mercenary. I, Ma Chao, invented paper not for fame or profit, but solely so that books could circulate more widely, so that people would no longer keep their books locked away, and so that even the poor could have books to read, understand the principles of things, and comprehend the teachings of the sages."

Only then did everyone realize that Zhen Mi's maternal family, the Zhen family, had already merged with the Xiliang merchant caravans. Leveraging the circulation of Chang'an paper, they had expanded their business to the heart of the Central Plains, making a fortune. A large portion of these profits went into the military treasury, becoming a solid foundation for the Xiliang army. Zhang Song secretly marveled; his lord was not only skilled in warfare but also so adept at making money. No wonder he could support such a vast empire.

Passing through the papermaking workshop, a completely different scene unfolded. In front of several elegant houses, a group of young men were discussing a blueprint. Upon seeing Ma Chao and the others arrive, they quickly rose and bowed. Xun Yu introduced them to the group: "This is Zhong Hui, this is Yang Xiu, and here are Cao Zhi, Chong, and Lu Yu."

Ma Chao smiled and nodded: "I know you all. You study at the academy during the day and come here to help out at night. Thank you for your hard work."

Cao Zhi cupped his hands and said, "It is our honor to be able to learn from Master Xun about the way of governing the world. We dare not complain." Although Cao Chong was young, his eyes were bright. He pointed to the blueprints and said, "We were just discussing whether we could modify the water-powered machinery in the workshop to make it more labor-saving. Master Xun said we could give it a try."

Looking at this group of energetic young people, Ma Chao felt gratified. Although they came from different backgrounds, they were all studying diligently here, gaining both book knowledge and practical experience. They would undoubtedly become excellent administrators in the future.

Even more surprisingly, Xun Yu led the group to another courtyard, where several scholars were organizing classic texts. Upon seeing Ma Chao, they were somewhat reserved but still greeted him with composure. "My lord, gentlemen," Xun Yu said, "these are former officials of the late emperor, such as Wang Jie, and some scholars from humble backgrounds who were previously stranded in Chang'an, ignored by all. They are all learned men, so I recommended them, and my lord agreed. Some will serve as assistants in the workshops, while others will teach at the academy."

Wang Jie stepped forward and bowed, saying, "We are grateful that our lord does not despise us. We will serve him wholeheartedly." He had once been a favorite minister of Liu Bian and thought he would be neglected because of past events. However, Ma Chao did not care at all and even gave them the opportunity to show their talents.

Zhang Song observed this, and his respect for Ma Chao deepened even further. His unconventional approach to recruiting talent, regardless of background or past grievances, explained why he could gather so many insightful individuals. Whether they were scions of prominent families like Zhong Hui and Yang Xiu, former officials like Wang Jie, or scholars from humble backgrounds, everyone could find their place here and fully utilize their abilities.

As they left the workshop, the setting sun cast its rays upon the chimney atop the building, wisps of smoke rising and mingling with the sounds of reading aloud from the distant academy. Ma Chao gazed at this scene and said to Xun Yu beside him, "Wenruo, you not only produce excellent paper here, but you also create the future of Xiliang."

Xun Yu bowed and said, "It is all thanks to Your Majesty's foresight."

Zhang Song and Li Yan followed behind, exchanging a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. They finally understood that Xiliang's strength lay not only in its sharp cavalry, but also in its continuous stream of talented individuals and its inclusive and tolerant spirit. With such a foundation, how could they not achieve great things?

On the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, neat rows of soldiers stood solemnly on Zhuque Avenue in Chang'an. Ma Chao, dressed in a plain brocade robe, stood beside Dong Bai and Ma Yue, followed by Li Ru, Zhang Song, and other civil and military officials. The young soldiers of the Youlin Army followed closely in formation, each with a solemn expression. In the center of the street stood a tall stone tablet, densely engraved with names. These were the names of soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in battles over the years.

The sacrificial ceremony was simple yet solemn. Ma Chao personally offered the wine cup, Dong Bai carried the offerings, and Ma Yue led the children of the Right Forest Army in performing the three-kowtow ceremony. After the ceremony, Ma Chao walked to the monument, pointed to the names on it, and softly told the orphans of the fallen soldiers, "This is Pan Hu's father, Pan Feng... that is Wu Niu's father, Wu Anguo..."

As the children listened to their fathers' stories, tears streamed down their faces, falling onto their armor, yet they gritted their teeth, refusing to cry out. Ma Chao gently stroked one of the children's heads, his voice both gentle and firm: "They gave their lives for the peaceful lives we enjoy today; they are heroes. Remember, it wasn't for anyone's personal gain, but so that all the people could have enough to eat and sleep soundly. You must learn from them and become useful members of society."

The children nodded emphatically, tears welling in their eyes. Ma Chao then turned to the other Right Lin Army youths: "You may have occasional squabbles or childish frolicking at the military academy, which I never interfere with. But you must remember, you are the Young Lin Army, the future soldiers. A soldier's glory is earned with blood. The fathers of your comrades beside you sacrificed themselves to protect this peace. Anyone who dares to utter even the slightest insult to them will be immediately expelled from the military academy, removed from the Young Lin Army, and never to be recruited again!"

Looking at the reddened eyes of the orphans, and recalling the heroic deeds they had just heard, the boys were all ashamed and bowed in unison, replying, "We will obey Your Majesty's teachings!"

After the sacrificial ceremony, Ma Chao led the group to the medical clinic. As soon as they arrived, they were greeted by a rich aroma of medicine. Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, along with their disciples, were changing the bandages of the wounded soldiers. Upon seeing Ma Chao, they quickly rose to greet him. "Thank you both for your hard work," Ma Chao said, bowing slightly. "On this Mid-Autumn Festival, I'm still troubling you to look after the wounded."

Hua Tuo smiled and said, "My lord, you flatter me. Saving lives and healing the wounded is the duty of a physician." He led the group inside, where they saw that the clinic was clean and orderly. The wounded soldiers were lying or sitting, and although they were in pain, there was no sign of anxiety on their faces. A soldier with a broken leg saw Ma Chao and struggled to get up, but Ma Chao held him down: "Lie down and rest. It's important to recover from your injuries."

"Thank you for your concern, my lord!" The soldier's eyes reddened. "Although my leg is crippled, I am already extremely fortunate to be alive and able to see the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chang'an."

Zhang Zhongjing said from the side, "My lord, rest assured, the inn has plenty of medicinal herbs, and these brothers are all recovering well. Moreover, among the new disciples we have taken in this year, there are several with excellent comprehension, who will be able to share some of the burden in the future."

Ma Chao looked at the busy young disciples, then at the human meridian chart on the wall, and nodded, saying, "The medical hall is a place to save lives. If you need any medicine or manpower, just ask. Let the soldiers recover in peace and let the people afford medical care. That's what a festival should be like."

Dong Bai instructed the maids to distribute the mooncakes they had brought to the wounded soldiers and doctors. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus mingled with the aroma of medicine, creating a unique warmth. Zhang Song stood to the side, watching Ma Chao chat and laugh with the wounded soldiers, listening to the children's vows before the monument, and suddenly understood. The foundation of Xiliang lay not only in the drills of the military academy, in the paper and ink of the workshops, but also before this monument commemorating heroes, and within this hall where the wounded were treated.

As they left the medical center, the streets were already bustling with festive cheer, people carrying lanterns and smiling. Ma Chao looked at this prosperous scene and said to Ma Yue beside him, "Look, this is what those heroes risked their lives for. Only by protecting this peace can we not have let them down."

Ma Yue nodded vigorously, gripping the short sword at his waist. Sunlight bathed the father and son, and every corner of Chang'an, warm and bright.