Chapter 250 - Checkmate
Since the founding of the Reun Dynasty, except during the reign of the founding emperor—when constant warfare made martial prowess a source of pride—the nation gradually shifted toward governance through wisdom and higher learning once stability was achieved.
The status of scholars rose higher and higher, while martial practices fell into decline. Other than those forced to practice martial arts due to being unable to get an education, it was mostly martial arts sects that kept the tradition of martial training alive.
The official who had spoken derisively was Zhang Li, a man nearing fifty who was known for his ordinarily steady demeanor.
As a vice minister responsible for assisting the External Prime Minister in governance, Zhang Li’s loyalty to the Qi faction was no secret. Everyone present knew clearly that Zhang Li was a staunch supporter of Qi Zongbi, often the first to cheer him on whenever he acted.
However, when Zhang Li’s words left his mouth, not only did the military officers' faces turn sour, but even the members of the Qi faction present looked displeased. Everyone knew that the Ruen Dynasty valued scholars over warriors, but no one dared to say so openly under such public scrutiny for good reason.
The scholars, clever as they were, understood that wars ultimately depended on generals. While they might privately look down on warriors, they avoided making their disdain too obvious. This was not only to prevent a backlash from the military but also to avoid creating chaos that would leave the Emperor with a mess to clean up, forcing them to bear the brunt of the fallout.
That such words came from the typically composed Zhang Li surprised everyone. As soon as he finished speaking, another official from the Qi faction quickly tugged at his sleeve, trying to rein him in.
Su Yi calmly turned his head to look at Zhang Li. Their gazes met for a fleeting second before they both looked away.
Then Zhang Li continued loudly, "Why are you trying to stop me? Did I say anything wrong? Did I? Minister Qi is at the border in the midst of a critical battle. Sending someone to take over now would be reckless! Minister Qi might already have a plan. How can we risk ruining it by sending a general to interfere?"
"You old fool—" A military officer could no longer tolerate it. He stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Li by the collar, and punched him squarely in the face. "I can't stand you today!"
Li Qingling, the military officer, was a captain of the Imperial Guards and came from a hereditary military family. He often clashed with scholars, and tensions between the two groups ran high whenever he was involved.