Situ Yan pondered, "Let's not discuss the Northern Frontier for now. I have dealt with the Japanese pirates. They are a fierce bunch, capable of stabbing themselves in the gut without flinching, and adept at guerrilla warfare, elusive and deceptive. Eradicating them will be no easy task. As for the Huige and the Southern Barbarians, I am not very familiar with either. In Father Emperor's view, which of these two is easier to conquer?"
"Conquer?" Emperor Changwu was amused, a hint of mockery in his gaze as he looked at his son, "Xie Chuniao has fought with the Southern Barbarians for years without daring to say such a thing, and yet you have quite the ambition."
Situ Yan boldly declared, "What general doesn't wish to expand their territory and achieve great victories like Fenglangjuxu? It's normal to have some ambition. Didn't the old Duke Zhenguo once keep the northern tribes at bay for ten years?"
Emperor Changwu sighed, "Alas, where in the world are there so many Ouyang Zhen'ao?"
"If you don't try, how will you know if your son is incapable?"
"Ambition is a good thing, but one must also act within their means." Emperor Changwu looked with satisfaction at his energetic son. He pulled open a hidden compartment, took out a map, and spread it on the table, beckoning Situ Yan over to look. "Great Yin is located in the center, with Huige to the east, barbarians to the south, and the Northern Frontier to the north. Coupled with the Japanese pirates in the south, if they were to attack simultaneously, it would indeed be troublesome."
"That's why I wish to strike quickly and eliminate one of them first."
Emperor Changwu picked up a memorial and lightly tapped Situ Yan's head, "You've spent years in the Imperial College, yet you've forgotten the principles of warfare: the best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, then their alliances, then their army, and lastly their cities. Did you learn nothing in your military strategy classes, to speak only of fighting and killing?"
"Father Emperor's meaning is?"
"Attack alliances. Conquering cities is difficult, but disrupting their diplomatic ties is something worth considering."
A hint of admiration flickered in Situ Yan's eyes as he looked at Emperor Changwu, "I didn't expect Father Emperor, seated in the imperial court, to have such unique insights into military strategy."
Emperor Changwu retorted, "Do you think being an emperor is that easy?"
"Hehe, then Father Emperor, from which side do you think it's best to begin?"
"Huige. The Southern Barbarians are warlike; the Xie family army has suffered significant losses in recent years. In contrast, Huige has seen far fewer conflicts. If there's any nation among the three that wishes to avoid war, it's Huige. Otherwise, why would Fu Lingyun be content to hide in the capital and enjoy his leisure?"
"This humble son understands, Duke Cao is not exerting his full strength."
Emperor Changwu waved his hand, "It's not entirely so. Although Huige is a small territory, it is rich in resources and can be self-sufficient. The Southern Barbarians are different; they cannot survive without raiding and plundering. Fu Lingyun is not a belligerent person. He can defend his territory, but to conquer Huige, he still lacks the necessary drive."
"When the birds are gone, the good bows are put away. Perhaps he fears that without Huige, he can no longer maintain his own influence."
Emperor Changwu said earnestly, "Little Seven, it's fine to understand these things, but you don't need to spell them out. You cannot expect everyone to be like Ouyang Zhen'ao, devoted to the country and loyal until death."
"This humble son understands."
"If you understand, then go home and rest."
"What about Huige?"
"What? You wish to go?"
"Father Emperor's words imply I should go? My wife just gave birth. Unless absolutely necessary, who would want to leave home? But this matter concerns the court, and I still wish to make the trip. Although I am not skilled in negotiation, it would be good to see Huige's border towns."
"You rascal, still thinking about fighting? However, there's no harm in treading on their soil." Emperor Changwu was pleased. It seemed that while Little Seven doted on his wife, he was clear-headed when it came to matters of state. He clapped Situ Yan on the shoulder, "I still need to deliberate on this matter. You should rest well at home for a few days."
He was reluctant to see his son constantly venturing out, rushing towards danger.
But Little Seven's foundation was too weak. With more merits earned, he would be able to silence any opposition when he ascended the throne. Moreover, the court indeed needed another renowned general.
Situ Yan was delighted that his Father Emperor did not ask him to stay for dinner. He bowed and prepared to take his leave.
Before he had taken two steps, he was called back, "While you have free time these days, remember to visit the Marquis of Guangling's residence, and also spend more time with Gu Li."
Situ Yan, always direct, asked in surprise, "Why? Father Emperor has never liked my father, has he?"
"Gu Rong is not very capable, but he is rather shrewd, knows when to advance and retreat, and is generally well-liked in the capital. As for Gu Li, he's a bit slow-witted, which is just right for the Hanlin Academy. With the recent events in Shanxi, the court is short-handed. I have decided to hold an additional imperial examination next year, and Gu Li will be appointed as the chief examiner."
Situ Yan was bewildered, "What does this have to do with me?"
Emperor Changwu was exasperated, "If you can't even see something as simple as using a noble family as a shield for him, you deserve to be foolish." He waved his hand, "Figure it out yourself."
Situ Yan left the palace with a head full of questions. Meng Changdong was not there, and he had no one to discuss it with, so he simply decided not to think about it. It was just a visit to his father and uncle, and he was going to do it anyway.
For now, he needed to go home and hold his son.
Speaking of which, he hadn't even seen what his son looked like yet.