Chapter 1296: Wang Chongs Counterattack! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
The capital of the Great Tang.
Flap flap! Countless messenger birds flew over the high walls of the Wang Family Residence and into its courtyard. Thump! A few moments later, Su Shixuan and Xu Keyi ran into Wang Chong's study as if they were on fire.
”Milord, it's bad!”
”The situation has worsened! Li Junxian of the Confucian Sect has written two books, one 'Benevolence and Righteousness' and one 'Doctrine of Birds and Beasts', both of them targeted at us. The entire capital is agitated, and all the Confucians have joined together to oppose us.”
Xu Keyi and Su Shixuan panted for breath, their faces red and uneasy.
Wang Chong's book 'Might Makes Right' had created a far greater stir in the capital than they had imagined. The tens of thousands of words within it had stimulated all the illustrious Confucians of the capital into fierce opposition.
Countless Confucians had joined together to rebuke Wang Chong, and many of them had imitated Li Junxian by writing their own tracts critical of his ideas. Wang Chong was now the target of the entire capital, and countless storms and gales were making their way to the Wang Clan and Wang Chong, making the two of them extremely worried.
Public opinion was powerful enough to melt metal, and accumulated slander could wear away at the bones. There had never been a militarist who had offended the entire Confucian school like Wang Chong. The sheer power of their verbal and written rebukes could make anyone tremble in fear. Su Shixuan and Xu Keyi couldn't help but be worried about this!
”I understand!”
Wang Chong's indifferent voice rang out in their ears as he sat behind his desk, his expression calm. This voice was infused with some inexplicable power that immediately caused Su Shixuan and Xu Keyi to calm. Both of them stared in a daze at the seated Wang Chong.
”I expected the Confucian school to respond sooner or later. There's no need to worry about it!” Wang Chong nonchalantly said as he moved his brush across the paper on his desk. A few moments later, he had finished writing the last words and placed the brush back on the rack.
”Since I've written 'Might Makes Right', I might as well publish this 'Doctrine of War' as well. Make arrangements to have this book sent to print as quickly as possible!”
Ten-some papers were stacked together on the desk. It was not as thick as 'Might Makes Right', but it wasn't a thin book either.
The two of them lowered their heads and respectfully replied, ”Yes, Your Highness!”
”Mm.”
Wang Chong nodded. This 'Doctrine of War' was an elaboration of the 'intercountry relations' discussed in 'Might Makes Right' and extended the discussion to 'methods of war', and 'the purpose of war'. The one billion taels of gold Wang Chong had demanded from the Arabs in the Battle of Khorasan had caused a stir throughout the empire.
This was a brand-new method that was unprecedented in history. Even Gao Xianzhi had been greatly shocked by it.
There was no need to occupy enemy territory or kill even more enemy soldiers. By relying on negotiation and threats, one could reap enormous rewards and enrich the country. This was a breath of fresh air to all the generals!
Wars were fought in service to the empire. This was a simple principle. But in this era, in this world, not many people understood. Wang Chong had already had the idea of writing a book so that he could try and alter how the people of this era thought about war.
Given the stir he had already created, he decided that there was no better time than now to write it.
”…In addition, Su Shixuan, Xu Keyi, have you prepared the things I asked you about?”
Wang Chong stood up, placing his hands behind his back.
Su Shixuan bowed and said, ”Your Highness, although it took some time, everything Your Highness requested has been found! In this task, Chen Burang played a major role!”
”Mm. Reality is superior to any fierce argument! Remember, our opponent is not the Confucian school, but the hearts of the people. Whether it’s a thousand words or ten thousand arguments, none of them can compare to one's own eyes! Begin the operation!”
Wang Chong looked through the door toward the endless sky, his eyes shining with wise and profound light.
Thump!
After handling all these matters, Wang Chong waved his sleeve and went to another room. This room was pitch-black, its doors and windows sealed so that no light could get in. A black-clothed Old Eagle was standing within, silently waiting.
”How was it?” Wang Chong asked.
”Your Highness, General Bahram was able to successfully escape. In addition, according to Your Highness's orders, we have already sent a threat to the Arabs: if the Arabs continue to pursue, the Second Battle of Khorasan will soon take place.
”The Arabs are still extremely apprehensive about Your Highness. Although the pursuers were incredibly unwilling, they still decided to retreat. In addition, the ballistae that General Su Hanshan had waiting in ambush for them also made them much more obedient!” Old Eagle said.