What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 290 The Way of Military Warfare! Su Mo and the Minister of War sat at the same table!
The armor-piercing arrows flew a full three hundred paces away, then swished and planted themselves all over the ground!
It went a full foot deep into the ground!

Zhong Yin, the Minister of War, couldn't help but look at Su Mo in shock, only to find that Su Mo's expression was strange, and he was staring blankly at His Majesty and Princess Baicheng.

Zhong Yin immediately became suspicious and subconsciously followed Su Mo's gaze.

But Princess Baicheng and the Empress had expressions that were both funny and exasperated.

Princess Baicheng coughed softly, lowered her head slightly, looked at Su Mo, and asked with a strange expression, "That's it?"

Su Mo...

How come this is exactly the same as what I just said?
You're learning too fast, aren't you?

However, Su Mo already felt that their reactions seemed a bit off.

Shouldn't we be shocked by our own brilliant ideas?

But! My own projectile tactic looks correct!
where is the problem?

A projectile has a longer range, and once a large-scale attack is launched, its destructive power will certainly be greater than that of a direct shot.

He raised his head slightly, frowning as he looked at Princess Baicheng: "Is there a problem with this?"

Princess Baicheng was too tall; when Su Mo spoke to her, he always felt inferior: "With such an attack, the range is longer, so how can we kill the enemy faster and over a wider area?"

Princess Baicheng suppressed a laugh: "I thought there was something special about Su Xianzi's projectile technique."

"Could it really be like that?"

Su Mo was dumbfounded and didn't know how to answer.

On the contrary, Zhong Yin, the seasoned contrarian, couldn't help but interject: "Young Su's method, using a crossbow to launch the arrow, has a much longer range than a straight shot. Relying on the force of the arrow falling, it is enough to kill the target. What's wrong with that?"

He always focuses on the issue, not the person.

After scolding Su Mo, she then began to defend Su Mo.

Princess Baicheng smiled and said, "Actually, what Minister Zhong and County Magistrate Su said is not wrong. It is indeed quite lethal when used to deal with ordinary soldiers, or bandits and rebels."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo and Zhong Yin exchanged a glance.

What does it mean to deal with ordinary soldiers and troops? Or even bandits and rebels?

It has considerable destructive power?

Does this mean it's useless against regular troops?

Zhong Yin looked at Princess Baicheng with a suspicious expression: "What is the explanation for this?"

"Is it acceptable to kill rioters and bandits, but not to kill regular soldiers?"

Princess Baicheng glanced at the Empress.

Seeing the Empress's ambiguous smile, it was clear that she understood the underlying reasoning better than Su Mo and Zhong Yin.

However, Zhong Yin was, after all, the Minister of War. Although he did not directly command the army, he was in charge of various military affairs and held a high position of power. Princess Baicheng had to give him some face.

He immediately explained, "Regular troops and ordinary bandits and rebels are not the same."

"This method of shooting can inflict greater casualties on the rebels and bandits."

"But arrows are rare, and we cannot waste them like this. We should just send out troops to push through and kill them."

Su Mo couldn't hold back any longer: "Then why can't the regular army use projectile attacks?"

He knew that most of the soldiers here were unarmored, let alone wearing helmets!

They have little protection against crossbows falling from the sky!

Princess Baicheng said calmly, "Regular troops are naturally different."

"To deal with a regular army, the key is to overpower them with force; the more powerful the weapons, the better."

She paused, then said, "It's a good time to gather the troops. I, the general, will conduct a practical exercise. Minister Zhong and Magistrate Su will understand the reason after they see it."

Zhong Yin and Su Mo, these two argumentative types, looked at each other in bewilderment.

However, Su Mo didn't feel ashamed.

After all, I don't have much knowledge of ancient military affairs.

Even in later generations, the limited military knowledge we have comes mainly from military parades and keyboard warriors on various forums.

The only time I had any practical experience was during my university years, when I participated in a month-long military training program.

Before the end of military training, I fell under the supervision of the instructors and fired a few shots from a semi-automatic rifle.

Back then, each person could fire three bullets. If they wanted to fire more, it would cost ten yuan per bullet, which Su Mo couldn't bear to do.

Su Mo wasn't afraid of losing face, but Zhong Yin, the Minister of War, was losing face.

He had just said that Su Mo was all talk and no action, but unexpectedly, Princess Baicheng retorted.

He strongly suspected that Princess Baicheng was avenging Su Mo!

Next, Princess Baicheng ordered the two armies to conduct drills.

The cavalry force of several hundred men responsible for supporting the army formation, along with three thousand infantrymen, broke off and launched an attack on the army formation as "enemy troops".

The Divine Arm Bow was launched as Su Mo had instructed—however, for safety, the arrows were replaced with wooden arrowheads…

Then, Su Mo witnessed a bizarre scene.

Arrows rained down on the enemy.

Suddenly, dozens of talismans flew out from above the enemy army, forming a barrier array that shimmered with white light above the army.

Most arrows, propelled by inertia, cannot penetrate the magical barrier. Even if some manage to slip through, they are utterly harmless.

Taking advantage of this gap, the enemy cavalry raised clouds of dust and charged toward the army formation at incredible speed!
By the time the archers had nocked their crossbows again, the cavalry had already closed to within a hundred paces.

This time, with the change to a horizontal shot, the power of the Divine Arm Bow was finally revealed.

Even with wooden arrowheads, the powerful impact still knocked down many cavalrymen, as well as the infantry who charged afterward.

Su Mo stared in disbelief at the scene.

He finally recalled the scene when Lin Moyin led her troops to attack the Tianmu Cult.

This is a world of cultivation!

That great battle even involved sorcery that could bring the dead back to life, and methods to absorb blood and condense blood corpses!

Using gravitational potential energy for projectile propulsion, it can indeed cause fatal damage to ordinary soldiers.

But the addition of that strange magical barrier makes all the difference.

Besides, there are quite a few people in the army who practice martial arts.

Even without the intervention of immortal sorcerers, gravitational potential energy attacks alone probably wouldn't be able to harm them.

No wonder the Empress tested the Eight-Ox Crossbow and the Divine Arm Bow multiple times, all to test their range and penetrating power.

This battle drill was meant to remind Princess Baicheng that fighting against Zhong Yin's large army was different from what ordinary people imagined.

She only revealed a magical barrier.

In a real battle, even more extraordinary methods will likely be employed.

Of course, these must be Princess Baicheng's trump cards, which she would not normally reveal. Even a single magical barrier, if suddenly unleashed, could turn the tide of battle.

Su Mo had mixed feelings.

I was indeed as Zhong Yin had said, only good at theoretical discussions.

However, he also realized that such Taoist magic techniques could only play a supporting role.

Ultimately, the overall strength of the soldiers is what determines victory or defeat!
In the world of cultivation, individual strength is extremely high, but the military's combat methods are somewhat limited, and its theories are not as advanced as those of the normal era of cold weapons.

But it's not as useless as I thought.

Anyway, it can't be that bad that they couldn't even think of such a simple attack method as projectile!

I was surprised that I had thought that such a simple tactic as projectile launching existed in the pre-Qin period, yet the generals here didn't understand it.

It's likely that Princess Baicheng was asking what a 45-degree projectile meant, and she simply didn't understand the meaning of "degree"!
Of course, Su Mo did not disregard the military discipline he valued most!
This is precisely why, for ordinary soldiers, military discipline becomes even more important when they want to fight against an enemy force with superior military strength!

The archers fired only three volleys of arrows before being overtaken by the cavalry. Due to the inexperience of the new recruits, their morale collapsed, and they fled in defeat.

Su Mo became increasingly aware of the importance of military discipline. With strict discipline, soldiers would fight to the death, potentially breaking several teeth of the cavalry and even turning the tide of battle!
As for archers, they can use the three-stage firing method to provide continuous firepower.

Su Mo was too embarrassed to bring it up, lest she embarrass herself.

As far as I can remember, this tactic was invented during the Ming Dynasty.

Although they used matchlock guns, the Ming Dynasty primarily used cold weapons. The Ming Dynasty understood the three-stage firing tactic, and it is estimated that the people here are also aware of it.

Su Mo subconsciously looked at Zhong Yin and found that the Minister of War had an even stranger expression than she did.

He looks like he just swallowed a big rat whole!

Su Mo understood his feelings.

It's understandable that a greenhorn like myself wouldn't understand military strategy.

But he is the Minister of War!

It was in charge of the selection, appointment, examination, and assessment of military and civilian officials, as well as military administration such as military system, training, conscription, garrison, border defense, ceremonial guards, imperial guards, postal services, stables and livestock, weaponry, tallies and certificates, military registers, and military academies.

The highest-ranking officials in the Ministry of War might even supervise troops on expeditions!
This department holds the power to reward, punish, promote, and demote generals, making its authority extremely significant.

Zhong Yin, as a high-ranking official, was utterly ignorant of military tactics; it was truly shameful!
Fortunately, Princess Baicheng wasn't the type of person Su Mo liked to show off and humiliate others.

After ordering the military exercises to cease, he then looked at Su Mo and Zhong Yin: "Minister Zhong and County Magistrate Su have never truly led troops into battle, so it is perfectly normal that they are unaware of the reasons behind it."

Zhong Yin glanced at Su Mo speechlessly.

In the eyes of Princess Baicheng, he, the Minister of War, was actually placed at the same table as Su Mo!
My heart was filled with mixed feelings!

Seeing Zhong Yin's ashen face and trembling beard, yet unable to utter a single word, Su Mo felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

Even this old troll has a day when he gets roasted and left speechless!
However, since the two were just "allies," it would be a bit much to kick someone when they're down now!
He could only force a smile!
I feel so suffocated!
As for being categorized by Princess Baicheng as someone who was not knowledgeable in military affairs, Su Mo didn't feel ashamed at all.

He's always said he doesn't understand military affairs, what a disgrace!

At this point, the Empress stepped in to smooth things over.

"Su Qing's ability to develop such powerful weapons as the Divine Arm Bow and the Eight-Ox Crossbow is already extremely remarkable."

"I am also reluctant to send Minister Su to the battlefield. It doesn't matter if he doesn't understand the art of war."

"With General Leng and Duke Zhang leading the large army, I believe that is sufficient."

As she spoke, the Empress turned to Zhong Yin with a smile: "Minister Zhong is in charge of the Ministry of War. He is conscientious and responsible, and his rewards and punishments are just right. He also manages the logistics, food, and weapons in an orderly manner, so that the army can fight without any worries. I am very pleased!"

Zhong Yin blushed slightly and could only say in a deep voice, "Your subject's knowledge of military affairs is insufficient, and I have made such a fool of myself. I dare not accept Your Majesty's praise!"

"When I return, I will dedicate myself to studying military affairs and strive to improve myself!"

Su Mo wasn't surprised that Zhong Yin didn't understand military strategy.

Not to mention now, even in future generations, it is all too common for leaders to lack technical knowledge.

As he said, a leader only needs to know how to use people.

Zhong Yin, the Minister of War, actually knew quite a bit about military affairs. His previous understanding that the army should not engage in business was quite forward-thinking.

Just as he was thinking this, Zhong Yin suddenly looked at him.

"What Su Xianzi said earlier, I now think about it, is indeed very reasonable."

Su Mo pointed at herself in astonishment: "Me? What did I just say?"

Zhong Yin said in a deep voice, "As Su Xianzi once said, professional matters should be left to professionals!"

He paused, then looked at Su Mo with a complicated expression: "I initially disagreed with the idea of ​​Su Mo becoming His Majesty's teacher."

"Now it seems that Su Xianzi truly deserves this qualification!"

He sighed deeply: "With just this one sentence, Su Xianzi has the qualities to be an imperial tutor!"

Finally, a cold glint flashed in Zhong Yin's eyes: "I will not interfere with the fact that Su Xianzi and Princess Baicheng are jointly running a wool business!"

Su Mo felt a little embarrassed this time.

He always treated others with respect, showing them a great deal of respect in return.

He then said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, you flatter me."

"As the saying goes, 'a trade is like a mountain,' so Your Excellency need not blame yourself."

"The princess is well-versed in military affairs, and the Minister is a strong support for the army. It is truly a great fortune for the Great Wu to have the assistance of the Minister and the princess. The army will naturally be invincible."

After a pause, Su Mo humbly added, "This humble official can only contribute to His Majesty's army with some ingenious ideas."

"In addition, we should try our best to earn more money for His Majesty, assist the Great Wu army, and wipe out all the evil spirits and monsters!"

The Empress rolled her eyes at Su Mo.

But the slight upturn of his lips clearly couldn't hide the smugness in his heart.

"Minister Su, please stop talking, or I will become complacent!"

The Empress paused slightly, then looked at Zhong Yin: "Minister Su has presented the Divine Arm Bow, the Eight-Ox Crossbow, the Flat Box Cart, and the method for refining fine steel. I believe he should be rewarded."

"General Leng's military exercise has also proven the enormous role of the Divine Arm Crossbow and the Eight-Ox Crossbow in military combat!"

"Minister Zhong, what do you think is the best way for me to reward Minister Su?"

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yin's heart skipped a beat!
To everyone's surprise, the Empress sent him a general at this time!
Is this really to seek an official position for Su Mo?
Or should I force myself to take a stand and choose sides?

Su Mo suddenly became the Imperial Tutor, and it was done without his consent. The Empress had not consulted with the six ministers of the cabinet or the nine ministers of the court beforehand.

The cabinet was extremely dissatisfied.

Even other high-ranking civil officials and military leaders were indignant.

The six Grand Secretaries contacted He Jiang, the Minister of Personnel, overnight to discuss stripping Su Mo of his status as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Phoenix Cry Division.

As the Minister of War, Zhong Yin was well-informed.

Although Xiao Yuan did not inform him of this matter directly, he sent a servant to let him know.

Zhong Yin was an upright official, not a fool!

The title of "upright official" is a persona; an upright official can rise through the ranks and eventually become the Minister of War.

A fool can never become a minister!
Under such circumstances, if I were to propose a promotion or a higher rank for Su Mo...

Wouldn't that be cutting ourselves off from the cabinet and the six ministries?

Then there's only one path left: to go all the way down the wrong road and become a complete imperialist!
However, he recognized Su Mo's contributions.

It would be unreasonable not to reward them.

Even though Zhong Yin understood that Su Mo's titles of Imperial Guard Commander, County Magistrate of Gufeng Mountain, and Tiger Robe all came from this, he knew that Su Mo had certainly been rewarded.

But there has never been an official announcement about it!

Seeing that the Empress, Princess Baicheng, and even Su Mo were all staring intently at him.

Zhong Yin remained silent for a moment before finally saying in a deep voice, "I believe..."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo was secretly thrilled.

I thought that old fox Zhong Yin would definitely leave something unsaid this time, something to do later.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Yin then decisively said, "In my opinion, Su Xianzi has rendered great service to the court and certainly deserves a reward!"

"Since Master Su is proficient in military equipment development, I think it would be better to send him to..."

Su Mo perked up her ears in excitement!

Suddenly, the old man frowned, hesitated, and didn't continue.

Dog day!
Isn't this just teasing us?
Su Mo is in so much pain!

Zhong Yin, would he really want to become an officer in the Ministry of War's artisan battalion?

I am a centurion, a sixth-rank official.

What kind of official would it be to manage the artisan battalion in the Ministry of War?

　This chapter is an extra update!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)