Chapter Sixty-Six: Conversation

“All right, there’s no need to discuss this further. It’s settled then. Rest well this afternoon and evening, and reflect upon what happened. Once you’ve recovered, you can begin training with us again. By then, I’ll make a schedule for you.”

“Brother Xuan, what exactly is a schedule?” Although Zhao Yun had heard many of Zhang Xuan’s peculiar terms, he often didn’t understand them. Still, whenever he could, he would always ask for clarification.

“A schedule is simply a list of everything you need to practice in a day, arranged by time. When a certain time comes, you just follow the instructions on the schedule and begin your training. Isn’t that straightforward?” After Zhao Ding’s antics earlier in the morning, Zhang Xuan suddenly felt that Zhao Yun, like Zhao Ding, was determined to get to the bottom of everything. They truly were related.

Zhao Yun nodded, still somewhat confused. He figured he would understand once Zhang Xuan actually made the schedule and he could just follow it. “But, Brother Xuan, why don’t Brother Yang and the others have schedules? Why are you making one just for me? Aren’t you worried they’ll feel left out?”

“There’s no need to worry about that. They already have their own set training routines. The schedule is just for you because you need extra practice. Don’t complain later if you can’t keep up.” Zhang Xuan had considered making a schedule for Yang Hu, Yang Zaixing, and Yuwen Chengdu as well, but they were already at a certain level and each had their own methods. He usually just offered suggestions for their training content and saw no need to specially arrange a schedule for them. Zhao Yun, on the other hand, was like an unpolished gem—newly unearthed and untouched—just the kind he liked to nurture. The thought of cultivating a future great general filled him with joy.

“Oh, right. Considering your performance today, let me give you two phrases. The first is: ‘Swift execution of orders.’ The second: ‘When the general is on the field, he may disregard the sovereign’s commands.’ At first glance, these might seem contradictory, but you have to put yourself in the situation to understand their meaning. Reflect on them carefully; perhaps you’ll gain some insight. Judging by that furrowed brow, you don’t understand, do you? Well, you’re still young, so perhaps you haven’t come across these before.”

“Let’s start with ‘swift execution of orders.’ It means that when an order is given, you act immediately, and when a stop is ordered, you halt at once. This comes from the Book of Master Guan, which you probably haven’t read yet. Xiaoyunzi, when you’re practicing martial arts, never neglect your studies. Besides military tactics, you should also read the Analects, Mencius, and so on, to broaden your horizons. We don’t expect you to memorize every word—just reading them and forming an impression is enough. When you speak of them later, you’ll have something to say. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Sorry, I digress. Back to our topic—‘swift execution of orders’ means strict discipline and serious execution. You must faithfully carry out your superior’s commands—do what you’re told, and don’t do what you’re forbidden. As for ‘when the general is on the field, he may disregard the sovereign’s commands,’ it means that when a general is leading troops far from home, he must be able to adapt to emergencies without waiting for the ruler’s instructions. Think about it: in war, victory or defeat can be decided in an instant. If you can seize the moment, you can strike a decisive blow against the enemy. But if you wait for permission, precious opportunities may slip away, and that could mean losing the entire battle. So in unexpected situations, you must be able to make decisions on your own. This phrase probably comes from The Art of War by Sun Tzu, though I can’t quite recall—I haven’t read that many books myself.”

Zhao Yun was left utterly dazed by Zhang Xuan’s words. Perhaps this was what Zhang Xuan meant when he was said to speak in grand theories.

“Take your time to ponder these things. They can only be understood through experience; I can’t teach them to you directly. While you’re recovering, reflect on them—they may help you one day when you’re in command.”

“Brother Xuan, did you say I would command troops one day?” Zhao Yun wasn’t sure about everything he’d just heard, but those two words—‘command troops’—stood out clearly.

“Did I say that? I don’t recall. In any case, we train in martial arts with the hope that one day we’ll fight on the battlefield and make a name for ourselves. You have to set a goal and keep striving toward it—don’t you agree, Xiaoyunzi?” As he looked at Zhao Yun, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help thinking, You are the talent I’m cultivating—if you don’t lead troops, then who will?

“All right, take your time with those two phrases I mentioned. If you don’t understand, ask your cousin—he’ll explain them to you.” With that, Zhang Xuan turned to leave. Halfway out, he muttered to himself, “Perhaps I should add some reading time to the schedule. I haven’t read a single book since I got here. I should drag my elder and second brother along with me.”

Just then, as Zhao Yun sat at his door, someone happened to walk in.