Chapter 558: Southern Students of the Northward Aspiration Martial Arts Academy

Xiangcheng Grand Camp, the night had grown deep.

In Yue Fei's central command tent, the lamps were still lit.

Yue Fei, Zhang Xian, Yue Yun, Wang Gui and a handful of other trusted generals gathered, the atmosphere solemn.

On the case table lay a sternly worded document from the Privy Council, as well as a notice from the Jianghuai Commissioner concerning delayed and deducted provisions.

"The situation, you all understand it."

Yue Fei's voice was calm, yet carried a heavy pressure.

"The Imperial Court's suspicions grow deeper, and interference never ceases. As for provisions, we can still raise them from various sources and barely maintain them, but if this continues, morale will surely be affected."

His gaze swept over the crowd.

"The secret alliance with the Northward Aspiration Army is now our army's vital external support and rear. Yet relying solely on material aid and strategic coordination is not enough."

Zhang Xian seemed to realize: "The Marshal means..."

"We must learn."

Yue Fei said firmly.

"The Northward Aspiration Army, in just a few years, has stood firm amidst enemies on all sides and repeatedly defeated strong foes."

"Its military doctrine, training methods, advantages in equipment, and even its strategies for dealing with the Imperial Court and the hidden black hand behind it must have unique merits."

"The Black Cloud Stronghold has established the 'Northward Aspiration Martial Arts Academy,' which specializes in training military cadres."

"My intention is to select from each camp a batch of young, loyal, quick-witted junior officers and veteran soldiers capable of being trained, and send them north in batches secretly to study at the academy."

Upon hearing this, several people in the tent were startled.

Sending officers to study at a force still nominally called 'bandits'? The risk is too great.

Once leaked, it would be concrete evidence of 'colluding with bandits and plotting treason.'

"Father, this matter…… is it too risky?"

Yue Yun spoke first, his face showing worry.

"Selection of personnel, route, and secrecy—if any mistake is made, the consequences are unimaginable."

Wang Gui also said: "Marshal, while the Northward Aspiration Army is certainly righteous, what is its interior like, and do its principles fully align with ours?"

"Will those we send…… be persuaded by them and change their aspirations?"

These concerns, Yue Fei had already considered.

"Risks, of course, exist."

He spoke slowly.

"But it is worth the risk. Although our army appears stable, it is actually like walking on thin ice."

"The Imperial Court's blade is already at our throats."

"If we do not seek change, broaden our horizons, and strengthen our strength, must we truly sit and await destruction, or wait to be swallowed by that 'Wind-Wave Pavilion'?"

"As for aspirations..."

Yue Fei looked at the generals, his eyes sharp.

"Those who are selected must be steadfast in their belief to resist the Jin Regime, deeply pained by the Imperial Court's current state, and yearning to find a true path to save the nation—loyal and upright individuals."

"Let them see whether, outside the Imperial Court's laws and the factional strife of officialdom, there is yet another way to resist the Jin and save the country."

"The Northward Aspiration Army takes 'Northward Aspiration' as its name; its aspiration is no different from ours."

"Sending them to study is to learn methods and strengths, not to change flags and emblems."

"If they lack even this conviction, how will they later face more complex situations?"

Zhang Xian pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"What the Marshal says is absolutely correct. Closing doors and making carts alone is never a long-term plan."

The Northward Aspiration Army can produce such marvels as the Evil-Subduing Crossbow and the Spirit-Stabilizing Bell; its academy must have genuine substance.

"Sending people to study, if they can bring back even one or two useful things, will be a great benefit to our army."

Seeing Zhang Xian also agree, Yue Yun and Wang Gui raised no further objection.

"If so, the selection of personnel must be done with utmost care."

Yue Fei decided: "The first batch should not be too large; about ten people will do."

"They must be absolutely reliable, of clean family background, perform outstandingly in the camp, and have ambition."

"And…… it would be best if they are dissatisfied with the current state of the Imperial Court."

He looked at Yue Yun: "Yun'er, this matter is for you and Wang Gui to handle covertly. Draw up a list, talk to each individually, ensuring they volunteer, and make clear the risks and mission."

"The northern route and rendezvous method—I will confirm again with General Shi, ensuring there is no mistake."

"Yes!" Yue Yun and Wang Gui received the orders solemnly.

Several days later, a carefully drafted list was placed on Yue Fei's desk.

Ten people.

There were young officers from poor backgrounds who had risen to the rank of Company Commander through battlefield merit;

There were clerks who had studied a few years and, angered by state affairs, joined the army;

Plus two veteran soldiers who were highly respected among the rank-and-file, quick-witted, and held the rank of Squad Leader.

Yue Fei personally met several of them in secret; from their eyes and words he saw eagerness, resolve, and a hidden dissatisfaction with the status quo.

"This journey is for study, and also to scout the way."

Yue Fei told them:

"Your eyes must be bright, your ears sharp, your mind active. Record everything about the Black Cloud Stronghold—the good, the bad, the novel, the strange—ask more, think more."

"But remember, you are members of the Yue Family Army, with the great cause of a northern expedition to Zhongyuan and recovering the homeland in your hearts."

"Go, so that the Yue Family Army may become better, stronger, and more capable of achieving this goal."

Ten people solemnly agreed, and in their eyes burned a light woven from sense of mission and curiosity.

After a few more days, on a moonless night.

Ten students, having changed into civilian clothes and disguised as caravan attendants, quietly left the Xiangcheng main camp under the guidance of two veteran Yue army guides familiar with northern routes.

They avoided official road checkpoints, traversed hills and wilderness, hiding by day and moving at night.

They carried only a small amount of travel money and dry rations, besides an iron plaque proving their identity and a secret letter from Yue Fei to Chen Wen.

At the same time, Black Cloud Fortress also received a secret report sent back by Shi Dun.

"……Marshal Yue intends to send ten talented soldiers from the army to study briefly at our Martial Lecture Hall, to observe our methods and learn our strengths, in order to strengthen their army.

They will arrive soon; please settle them well, impart all knowledge unreservedly, and also pay attention to their aspirations, lest they become doubtful.

They are all fervent fighters against the Jin, and can be regarded as comrades-in-arms."

Chen Wen read the letter and smiled faintly.

"Marshal Yue truly is a person of great boldness and vision."

"This move may seem risky, but in fact it plants the seeds of reform for the Yue army and even the entire anti-Jin effort."

He summoned Wu Yong, who handles the Martial Lecture Hall's affairs, as well as Lin Chong and Chao Gai, who will also take on some teaching duties.

"These ten students from the south are a testament to the deep alliance between our Northward Aspiration army and the Yue army, and also a bridge for the future; they must be treated sincerely, without reservation."

"What is ordinarily taught at the Martial Lecture Hall ranges from formation discipline and small-unit tactics to equipment maintenance,

to the exposition of the Northward Aspiration concept, situation analysis, and even basic protective knowledge against Yuneng Pollution—all can be opened to them."

"But we must pay attention to the method, focusing on demonstration, discussion, and joint practice, avoiding imposition.

Let them observe, compare, and think for themselves."

Wu Yong lightly shook his feather fan and laughed.

"My lord, rest assured. This is indeed an excellent opportunity to spread our Way and make friends with heroes; I will ensure these southern youths do not make this trip in vain."

Lin Chong also nodded.

"I will arrange for them to participate in daily drills, eating, lodging, and training together with our soldiers.

On the battlefield, nothing can be faked; whether something is good or not becomes clear at a glance.

After more than ten days, having endured hardships, the ten dust-covered Yue army students finally reached Black Cloud Fortress.

They were led directly to the independent compound where the Martial Lecture Hall is located.

Upon first seeing Black Cloud Fortress's stern ramparts, busy and orderly workshops, and spirited troops,

especially the Martial Lecture Hall's unheard-of training equipment and course setup, which left the ten unable to hide their shock and curiosity.

Wu Yong personally received them, his attitude warm yet solemn.

"You have come far and endured hardship; Marshal Yue's sincere intention is felt by me and all of the Northward Aspiration army as our own.

"From now on, for a period of time, you will be members of our Martial Lecture Hall.

"All the hall's regulations, courses, and drills are open to your participation.

"If you have any questions, ask at any time; if you have any insights, raise them at any time."

"I only hope you will observe more, learn more, think more; take back what is useful, and keep what differs for further discussion."

There was no grand welcome, no flowery words.

There was only a sincere arrangement and a pragmatic attitude.

This instead let the ten southern students, who had originally been somewhat apprehensive, settle their minds a little.

The next day, they changed into uniform student attire, were assigned to different squads, and began their study life at the Black Cloud Fortress Martial Lecture Hall.

From the morning's earth-shaking collective drill chant, to the strict formation singing before meals;

from the instructors' meticulous correction of tactical movements, to heated classroom debates on the state of the world, the Song-Jin strengths and weaknesses, and civil-military relations;

from personally disassembling and maintaining the anti-evil crossbow, to learning to identify simple signs of Yuneng Pollution;

from participating in the construction of camp defenses, to listening to veteran soldiers recount the experiences and lessons of the Northward Aspiration army's past battles……

Each day was filled with novelty and impact.

They saw how an army turns the abstract concept of "Northward Aspiration" into concrete discipline, training, and action;

they saw how high-ranking commanders labor and train alongside ordinary soldiers, conversing casually;

they also saw how, outside the imperial court system, a group sharing the same ideals attempts to tread a different path.

There was confusion, there was amazement, there was comparison, and there was reflection.

In the deep night, when all was quiet, the ten crowded onto the students' bunk and whispered exchanges of their observations and feelings.

"Their spirit is truly strong! They train much harder than we do, yet no one complains; instead, each harbors a stubborn determination."

"That 'thought class' is somewhat interesting… before I only thought soldiering meant eating rations and obeying orders to fight.

but here it constantly makes you wonder: for whom to fight? why fight? how to fight to win, and to make the deaths worthwhile?"

"General Lin Chong personally teaches spear techniques, with no pretension.

Chao Gai, the Heavenly King, leads us in building walls, covered in mud, working harder than anyone…"

"Don't you notice, this place seems… to lack so much of the usual human etiquette and hierarchical distinctions?

If you are capable and willing to work, you earn respect."

"I hear their provisions are never shortchanged, and spoils are distributed extremely fairly… sigh, if only our side were the same…"

Their words gradually faded into a series of complex sighs, mingled with vague hopes for the future.

These southern seeds have already been quietly planted in the northern soil.

How much nourishment for change can they bring back to the Yue army?

And how will they affect the future trajectories of the northern and southern anti-Jin forces?

Everything remains unknown.

But the change has already begun.