Chapter 1068: The Qualities of a Famous General

Chen Xi had read some military texts, but the truth was, military strategies were merely summaries of experiences. They weren’t universal principles that worked for everyone.

Military tactics were meant to be applied flexibly, not followed rigidly like scripture. Ultimately, it all came down to talent. Different people's interpretations of military tactics often contradicted each other, and that was normal—even if those people were renowned generals or ministers. They wrote their strategies based on their own era and experiences.

As mentioned before, each person’s understanding of military strategy reflected their own perspective and unique insights.

For example, The Art of War advises not to chase a desperate enemy, while The Book of Lord Shang suggests pursuing an enemy for fifty or sixty miles, and Bai Qi, a ruthless general, believed in completely annihilating the enemy. So, who was right? Do we measure success by their battle records?

In fact, when it came to such situations, it all boiled down to individual talent. If you had Bai Qi’s ability to chase down and destroy the enemy, then pursuing them wasn’t an issue. But if you lacked that ability and still chose to pursue, you might end up losing your own forces.

Thus, Chen Xi viewed military tactics as something to study casually. He knew his own limits. He might come up with a brilliant strategy once in a while to secure a major victory, but if he relied on surprises every time, it would be disastrous. He didn’t have that kind of talent. His role in warfare was more about being a stabilizing force, ensuring morale didn’t wane. Beyond that, he didn’t aspire to more.

When it came to famous generals, Chen Xi believed they were born with a certain innate talent for military strategy. Their studies and training simply honed their natural abilities.

As for turning an ordinary person into a renowned general, Chen Xi had never considered it. Cultivating someone into a first-rate general was already a stroke of luck. To become a legendary general, Chen Xi believed innate talent was more important than hard work.

After all, history had already seen an example of someone who didn’t study military tactics but relied purely on instinct and brilliance to remain undefeated. Such figures were rare, perhaps one of a kind, but their existence proved that raw talent played a significant role in military success.

Military strategy wasn’t something that could be mastered solely through hard work. You needed a baseline level of talent. Without it, a lifetime of effort might still only result in someone like Ma Su, who couldn’t adapt in battle. Huang Zhong charged down from the hills and slew Xiahou Yuan, while Ma Su might have been shot down before reaching the enemy. That’s the difference.

Some people are just born for war. Even if they haven’t studied it, they pick it up with astonishing speed, leaving others in despair at the difference talent can make when paired with hard work.

"I believe you have that potential!" Chen Xi said, patting Zhang Fei’s shoulder after recounting the story.

"You're not trying to trick me, are you? I’ve never heard Huo Qubing say something like that," Zhang Fei responded skeptically.

"You can ask Wenru and the others. They should have the records. Since Records of the Grand Historian was banned, there are some books you might not have seen," Chen Xi replied, shrugging. In ancient times, information spread slowly, and the government sometimes censored certain texts. It was understandable that Zhang Fei wasn’t aware of everything, and Chen Xi was sympathetic.

"Do I really have that potential?" Zhang Fei asked, staring at Chen Xi.

"You do. In fact, I plan to recommend to Lord Xuande that you lead a large army on your own soon. Only then will your true talent have a chance to shine," Chen Xi said, with an almost prophetic tone. He truly believed Zhang Fei had the potential to be a famous general, though how to unlock that potential was still uncertain.

"I..." Zhang Fei hesitated. He had confidence in his fighting skills, but leading an army on his own? That felt overwhelming.

Facing Lü Bu in single combat meant only risking his own life. But leading an army and losing a battle meant tens of thousands of families would lose their husbands, fathers, and sons. The weight of such responsibility, especially since Zhang Fei wasn’t proficient in military strategy, felt crushing.

"The burden is heavy, isn’t it? You’re worried that a single mistake could cost the lives of tens of thousands," Chen Xi said with a smile, his tone light despite the gravity of the situation. Zhang Fei’s willingness to think this way indicated that he was preparing himself mentally for what lay ahead.

Planning for failure before a battle—making mental preparations for what could go wrong—was a critical step in warfare. It meant Zhang Fei had already started taking the responsibility seriously.

Zhang Fei didn’t say anything, but his silence was as good as acknowledgment. Seeing this, Chen Xi continued.

"I once carried an even heavier burden. We faced a million Yellow Turbans with only thirty thousand of our own. My hands were shaking, but I still calmly told Lord Xuande, ‘It’s no big deal,’ because if I showed fear, the army would collapse. All our efforts up to that point would have been for nothing," Chen Xi said, smiling at the memory.

"I was seventeen then. You’re over thirty now. Is your burden really heavier than mine was back then?" Chen Xi asked with a proud smile. Breaking the Yellow Turbans had solidified his reputation, and that victory had been the foundation of Liu Bei’s rise to power.

"..." Zhang Fei mumbled something, but his voice was too soft for Chen Xi to hear. "What did you say?" Chen Xi asked.

"Hmph, you’re one of those prodigies who was born with wisdom, blessed by the words of the sages. Nothing ever seems to be a challenge for you," Zhang Fei repeated, albeit louder this time.

"I’m not even going to argue that. But trust me on this: go to the north and lead the army by yourself this time. Believe me, you’ll surprise everyone," Chen Xi said with a serious expression.

Maybe it was Chen Xi’s solemn tone, or perhaps Zhang Fei had come to trust Chen Xi’s judgment more than his own abilities, but after a moment, Zhang Fei nodded. "Alright, third brother will believe you. Since both you and big brother believe I can lead, I’ll take on this responsibility as commander of the army!"

"That’s the spirit!" Chen Xi said, giving Zhang Fei a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, this time you’ll exceed everyone’s expectations. Just let go and do what you need to do without hesitation!"

"Uh... Zichuan, could you give me some tips on what I should do when the time comes?" Zhang Fei suddenly felt a bit less confident and asked for guidance.

"You don’t actually think we’ve already made a detailed plan for you, and that you just need to follow steps, do you?" Chen Xi raised an eyebrow, feigning displeasure. While he had already prepared some things, giving them to Zhang Fei now wouldn’t be a good idea.

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