Sweep Yuan

Chapter 160 Xu Da's New Stage

Shi Shan's profound remarks filled Shi Nai'an with awe, but also deepened his doubts.

"Bridging the North-South divide and building consensus among the Chinese people"—this is indeed a grand plan concerning the nation for millennia, but what does it have to do with my livelihood of writing novels?

Ultimately, novels are a minor genre; I only used them to pass the time because I had a lot of talent to show off.

Upon learning that Zhou Wendao and his companions came from the Red Flag Camp, Shi Nai'an rushed to Haozhou to meet Marshal Shi without hesitation. His heart burned with the grand ambition of assisting a wise ruler and helping him achieve hegemony! He longed to establish unparalleled merits amidst the flames of war for supremacy!

Time waits for no one; how can we continue to wallow in despair, wasting our precious energy on trivial novels? Thinking of this, Shi Nai'an couldn't help but plead with Shi Shan again, saying:

"In the past, the First Emperor swept across the six kingdoms and conquered the eight directions, which enabled him to implement the system of standardizing cart tracks and writing. Now that the Marshal has pacified the world and established his rule in the Central Plains, and has the authority and legitimacy in his hands, and has devoted decades to governing diligently, how can we not eliminate the division between the North and the South and eradicate the lingering poison of the Yuan dynasty?"

Shi Shan sighed inwardly, thinking, "Eliminating the lingering poison is not so easy."

Unifying the country is inherently a process of integrating and balancing the interests of various groups. By then, the so-called "righteous cause" will superficially belong to the emperor, but in reality, it will already be firmly locked by the vested interests of the founding nobles. How could they easily break free and implement genuine reforms?

Learning from Wang Mang's example, Shi Shan naturally couldn't afford to be an enemy of the world, but he also didn't want to repeat the mistakes of the Ming Dynasty. He needed to innovate during the process of conquering the land. Seeing that Shi Nai'an was still fixated on matters of military and national importance—such as battlefield warfare and establishing a nation—which were areas he wasn't particularly skilled in, he had to deliver a stern warning:
"No! It was precisely because the First Emperor waited until after the world was unified before implementing the standardization of cart axles and written language that it was already too late. Moreover, his methods of uniting people's hearts and building consensus were too simple and crude, which led to the great disaster of the dynasty's demise after only two generations."

We who come after, knowing the lessons of those who failed, how can we possibly repeat their mistakes?!

If it were merely a scholarly discussion, Shi Shan's remarks would naturally be difficult to convince others. However, as the person in a superior position, holding the initiative in the discourse, how could he allow Shi Nai'an to refute him? He then shifted his tone, directly addressing the core issue, saying:

"The ancient sages of China used the distinction between Chinese and barbarians to define the internal and external, and to differentiate between the Chinese and barbarians. However, the Liao and Jin dynasties enslaved the Han people for hundreds of years, and the Mongol Yuan dynasty seized the throne and defiled the land. Yet there were those spineless Confucian scholars who arbitrarily changed the great principles of Chinese and barbarians, destroying the spiritual foundation of our Han people."

Expelling the Tartars, rebuilding the land, and unifying the six kingdoms is merely the first step in a long journey, and I, Shi, am confident that I can accomplish this task.

Our ultimate goal is to eradicate the deep-seated problems of centuries of division between North and South and foreign rule, to reunite the hearts and minds of all Chinese people, to forge the indomitable spirit of future generations, and to ensure that foreign powers never have the chance to rule the Central Plains again.

"Master, your great talent is right here; I humbly request your assistance!"

When Shi Nai'an was presented with the weighty title of "forging the soul of China," he felt a surge of pride and realized that Marshal Shi's ambition was indeed a monumental undertaking that would transcend the rise and fall of dynasties.

Shi Nai'an was a learned man who knew that the characters “Hua” and “Xia” were interchangeable in ancient times, and that “Zhu Xia” was the same as “Zhu Hua”.

The combined use of "Huaxia" first appeared in the Book of Documents, Zhou Shu, Wu Cheng: "Huaxia and the barbarians, none did not submit." After the debate between Hua and Yi arose, "Hua" and "Xia" acquired new meanings: Hua refers to beautiful clothing, and Xia refers to flourishing etiquette.

In short, it was based on clothing, etiquette, and music to distinguish between Chinese and barbarians, and to build a sense of identity among the Chinese people with their own history and culture.

Emperor Wu of Han dismissed all other schools of thought and exclusively honored Confucianism, granting it a high political status. Correspondingly, Confucianism was also required to shoulder the responsibility of educating the people and distinguishing between Chinese and barbarians.

Although this practice was imperfect in previous dynasties, it was still managed to be maintained with difficulty.

But when the Mongol Yuan dynasty came to power and unified the country, its territory was even larger than that of the previous dynasty. It even managed to consolidate its power and create the illusion of a "golden age". How could this "debate between Chinese and barbarians" continue?
This was naturally no challenge for those "pragmatic" Confucian scholars, and soon some of them concocted the fallacy that "whoever can follow the Chinese way will be the master of China," thus undermining the very roots of Chinese civilization.

This doctrine catered to the needs of the Mongol rulers to enslave the Han people and stabilize the Central Plains, and gradually became the mainstream under the deliberate promotion of the Yuan court.

It is precisely because of this fallacy that the so-called "intellectual elites" within the Great Yuan territory can grovel at the feet of foreign races with a clear conscience. When Liu Xingge was questioned by Shi Shan about the "distinction between Chinese and barbarians," didn't he also answer without any shame that "the defense between Chinese and barbarians lies in virtue, not in bloodshed"?

After the establishment of the new dynasty, it was imperative to re-establish the existing laws and regulations and cleanse the corrupt regime of the Yuan dynasty.

The debate between the Chinese and the barbarians will inevitably be brought to the forefront again. If we can seize this opportunity to reconstruct Confucianism, we might even be able to rebuild its millennia-old foundation... Wouldn't this achievement be far more profound than assisting a wise ruler in expanding territory?

pity!

Although Shi Nai'an considered himself to be erudite and exceptionally talented, he knew he was not a founding scholar of classical studies. While he was eager to undertake such a crucial task, he was truly incapable of fulfilling it.

The man hesitated for a moment, his face showing difficulty, then cupped his hands and said:
"I am merely sparsely literate and have a shallow understanding of classical texts. If the Marshal wishes to entrust me with this momentous task, I fear... I fear that he has entrusted me with the wrong person."

Seeing that Shi Nai'an mistakenly thought he wanted him to establish his own doctrine and debate with the Confucian scholars of the world, Shi Shan sneered inwardly: At the time of conquering the world, what is there to debate about!

He was a rebel leader who was just beginning to show his talent, and he was not good at this kind of thing. Even if he found someone to debate with all the Confucian scholars in the world, what use would it be?

In the end, it takes fists to conquer the world!

As for building consensus among the people? That requires a subtle and gradual process, quietly changing customs and habits, so that consensus is "created" without people even realizing it, rather than wasting energy on verbal battles and needlessly pushing groups that could have been won over and utilized into the opposing camp.

"The distinction between Chinese and barbarians was settled a thousand years ago. Once we conquer the world, great Confucian scholars will set the record straight. Shall we do it now?"

A glint of light flashed in Shi Shan's eyes, and he laughed:

"It is better to take action than to sit and discuss principles!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already taken a thin book from his bosom, which he treasured dearly, and handed it to Shi Nai'an, saying:

"It is quite a coincidence that I, Shi, have some thoughts on the unity of Chinese consciousness and also enjoy 'playing with words'. I would appreciate your kind guidance, Master."

Shi Nai'an took the booklet with a belly full of suspicion. His eyes fell on the cover, where nine large characters caught his eye: "Building a Chinese Community Consciousness"!
After Hongxian was refuted by Liu Xingge with the argument that "virtue is not found in blood," and after witnessing firsthand the chaotic understanding of the distinction between Chinese and barbarians among his contemporaries, Shishan has been pondering how to rebuild this spiritual barrier.

This collection of essays is a culmination of his painstaking efforts.

Although the concept of "building a sense of community among Chinese people" is not yet perfect, a clear outline can already be seen. It clearly emphasizes the importance of building a sense of community among Chinese people: the foundation of national unity, the basis of internal solidarity, and the soul of spiritual strength.

Its core content is still largely the same old clichés of loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and resistance against foreign aggression. It is not very new or comprehensive and needs to be gradually expanded in combination with the characteristics of the times. Shi Nai'an glanced at it and then turned to the implementation path at the end.

Shi Nai'an glanced at it briefly and then turned to the "implementation path" that he was more concerned about.

This is a collection of scattered notes on Shishan's daily thoughts and feelings, which are somewhat messy but reveal an unadorned authenticity.

Examples include: compiling legends of Chinese heroes, printing illustrated "picture books" (children's books), organizing anti-Yuan performance troupes to go deep into the countryside, and advocating that the whole nation practice martial arts to strengthen their physique. Although some of these included novel terms, Shi Nai'an could still understand their meaning by guessing and piecing together clues. Integrating serious and dry educational issues into secular entertainment, subtly changing people's perceptions, was precisely his forte.

At this point, Shi Nai'an finally understood Marshal Shi's true intention in recruiting him.

The gradual promotion of universal education mentioned in the entry, including adding courses such as history and geography, so that all Chinese descendants can learn the same characters, speak the same language, and recognize their cultural ancestors, is also easy to understand.

After the world is unified, a national flag will be set, a national anthem will be composed, and a map of the whole country will be hung in government offices, academies and other places... The vague concept of "Huaxia" will be transformed into a tangible, colorful and audible thing. All kinds of wonderful ideas made Shi Nai'an exclaim with admiration.

Shi Nai'an was so engrossed in it that when he finished turning the last page of the not-so-thick book, he felt somewhat unsatisfied.

The man suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on the stone mountain, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of excitement, and said:
"Government is shaped by its system, education by its effectiveness, and the people by their customs. Does the Marshal intend for me to use this art of 'customs' to promote the work of 'education'?!"

Seeing that he had already understood, Shishan praised him loudly:
"Indeed! I have long said that you, sir, are of great talent and will surely be able to shoulder this important task! The position of Director of the Xuan Cao Office of the Marshal's Office has been vacant for a long time. I wonder if you, sir, would be willing to condescend to help me accomplish this great undertaking?"

"Alright!" Shi Nai'an said decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

……

"Steward, they're here!"

In the intercalary third month, early summer had arrived, and the warm breeze was intoxicating. Xu Da led five hundred elite troops, hiding in the shade of a peach grove on the north bank of Chaohu Lake, where unripe peaches hung in abundance. His eyes were sharp as he kept a close watch on the vast, misty lake, waiting for the approaching ship.

Previously, Xu Da had made a great contribution by venturing alone into Hefei City to persuade the garrison commander Zuo Junbi to go to Liang County to meet Marshal Shi. As a result, Shi Shan promoted him to the rank of commander of a second-class battalion.

Subsequently, Wu Fulai came to surrender and offered a strategy to control Chaohu and take Hefei.

Shi Shan had lofty ambitions and ordered Zhang Desheng to return to Chaohu to prepare for the establishment of a naval force. He also summoned Xu Da, Li Song, Fei Ju, and Wang Bi, and gave them some intelligence. He then gave each of them a strategy to submit within three days on the topic of "Preparing for the Establishment of the Chaohu Naval Force".

Xu Da knew that this was a golden opportunity for him to rise above his circumstances and not to be missed.
He first visited soldiers who had been to or lived on the shores of Chaohu Lake to learn about its conditions; then he consulted his comrades who had worked as boatmen to learn the essentials of sailing and naval warfare, eagerly absorbing the mysteries of this unfamiliar body of water.

What pleased Shi Shan even more was that Xu Da had keenly discerned the strategic significance of Chaohu as a springboard—the navy that the marshal wanted to build could never be confined to Chaohu alone; its future stage would surely be the mighty Yangtze River, the vast Dongting Lake, and even the boundless sea!
The strategies he devised were also closely laid out around this grand plan.

During these three days, as the army was returning to Haozhou, Xu Da was simultaneously marching and contemplating strategies for building a navy. He devoted himself to these tasks, spending less than three hours a day in a row, repeatedly revising and refining his plans. The final strategy he presented was indeed superior to his peers and displayed remarkable vision.

Given that the size of the navy was still uncertain, Shishan specially appointed Xu Da to an informal but important position—the commander of the navy—and replaced all of his officers and soldiers with strong men who were good at swimming, and expanded his troops to five hundred men.

Upon returning to Haozhou, Xu Da immediately requested permission from Shishan to suspend the infantry's regular drills and replace the entire battalion with naval short weapons and throwing weapons. They then practiced naval combat skills such as rowing, boarding, and close-quarters combat on the Huai River.

On the Chaohu side, Zhang Desheng moved with lightning speed.

With the help of his old comrades, the money and supplies allocated by Shishan, and the deterrent force of the first batch of fifty elite soldiers, nearly two hundred heroes were gathered in less than ten days. They also acquired more than sixty fishing boats and set up a naval camp on Laoshan Island.

Upon learning of Zhang Desheng's rapid progress, Shi Shan immediately ordered Xu Da's troops to end their acclimatization training and rush to Chaohu to join forces with Zhang Desheng.

"Steward! The ship is here!"

Chaohu Lake has a very wide surface area, with misty waves that resemble a vast ocean.

At the end of the shimmering water, a few black dots first quietly "emerged" from the horizon. As they drew closer, their outlines gradually became clear.

When he saw it clearly, a shadow quietly fell over Xu Da's heart—most of the boats that came were small single-masted fishing boats that could only accommodate three to five people, with only two slightly larger "bird boats" that could probably squeeze in more than ten people.

"If these little sampans were at sea, my big ship could easily capsize them with the waves it creates as it sails by!"

The speaker was Yang Polang. After establishing a stronghold on Laoshan Island, shipbuilding and repairing ships became the top priority. Even though there was a shortage of timber and it was difficult to build large ships, Shishan still sent Yang Polang and two shipbuilders to the island first to train apprentices.

Xu Da shared the same concern. With such a small boat, let alone following the marshal in his quest for supremacy, even a charge into the Yangtze River seemed beyond their capabilities. But as the commander-in-chief of the navy, how could he show weakness in front of his subordinates? He immediately declared loudly:
"Everything is difficult at the beginning. Commander Zhang joined the army alone, returning to the lake with only fifty brothers. At first, we had only a few small fishing boats along the shore. In less than half a month, we have grown to this size. Now, with the great help of you masters, why should we worry about not having large ships?"

After arriving in Haozhou with Zhou Wendao, Yang Polang volunteered for an external mission and was assigned by Shishan to be Xu Da's deputy. Being a straightforward man, he realized that his earlier words might have dampened morale after hearing Xu Da's words, and quickly tried to smooth things over:
"The steward is right! I was ignorant!"

Yang Polang was a rare naval genius, and Shishan specially ordered him to assist in training the navy, strictly forbidding him from engaging in battle. Xu Da knew that his knowledge of naval warfare was shallow, so he often humbly sought advice from Yang Polang. The two got along quite well and would not have any grudges over such a trivial matter.

During the conversation, Zhang Desheng and his group had already landed.

"This humble general, Zhang Desheng, pays his respects to Chief Steward Xu!"

The messenger had already conveyed the marshal's order. As soon as Zhang Desheng landed, he went straight to Xu Da, clasped his hands in a respectful salute.

"Commander Zhang, there's no need for such formalities!"

Xu Da stepped forward, took Zhang Desheng's arm, and said gently:
"Battles on water are quite different from those on land, and there are many tricks to them that I, Xu, still need to learn from you. We are both entrusted with important responsibilities by the Marshal, and only by working together with one heart and one mind can we conquer this vast expanse of Chaohu Lake!"

Zhang Desheng had anticipated Xu Da's arrival—if it were him, he wouldn't have entrusted the entire navy to one person either. He had previously worried that the newcomer was unfamiliar with water and even tried to force him into a corner. Now, seeing Xu Da's humility and sincerity, his worries were relieved, and he said with relief:

"This humble general is but a poor fisherman who makes a living on the lake. It is only because of the Marshal's trust that I have achieved my current wealth and status. As long as the commander-in-chief gives the order, this humble general will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

"it is good!"

Although Xu Da wasn't a man raised by the water and wasn't yet familiar with naval warfare, he was well-versed in various fields and possessed his own strategic acumen. He was fearless in commanding the navy, only worried about discord among his subordinates. Seeing Zhang Desheng's understanding of the greater good, he was naturally pleased. He immediately abandoned formalities and went straight to the point, saying:

“We have brought a lot of provisions and weapons with us, but the small boats have limited capacity, and we may not be able to carry them all in one trip. Brother Yang, you should lead two hundred brothers to the island first and settle down. The rest of us will follow shortly.”

"Understood!" Yang Polang clasped his hands in response.

Although Zhang Desheng had over eighty boats, most could only carry three to five people. The lake's waves were unpredictable, necessitating transport in batches. Seeing that Xu Da wanted to stay, he also said:
“In that case, I will also stay and learn from the commander about the construction and defense arrangements of this water fortress.”

(End of this chapter)