Because Su Li flatly refused to discuss matters related to Princess Changle, Su Dingfang was left with no choice but to engage his younger brother on other topics. Strategy and tactics were no longer weaknesses for Su Dingfang, as years of learning from Duke Li Jing of Daigou had turned them into his strengths.
Su Dingfang casually shared some common knowledge about the art of war, only to find that Su Li quickly followed up with insightful responses. This surprised him, leading to a discussion with Su Li based on the basic theory of the art of war. However, given that Su Li was a newcomer, there was a limit to how much they could discuss in a short span of time.
To Su Dingfangs astonishment, he discovered that Su Li possessed a comprehensive and profound understanding of the art of war. Despite being considered basic knowledge, Su Li effortlessly provided fluent answers, even to obscure concepts. The systems accuracy was outstanding, ensuring that the knowledge provided was truly foundational and comprehensive.
The brothers continued their discussion for over half an hour, during which Su Dingfang realized that his younger brothers foundation was remarkably deep. Fundamentally speaking, there was little he could teach Su Li. So, Su Dingfang opted for more advanced and practical applications of military tactics.
When it came to basic warfare scenarios, Su Li flawlessly demonstrated his solid foundation and easily provided answers. However, as the questions delved into more complex large-scale operations and strategies, Su Lis mind became jumbled. While he recognized a certain correspondence between the questions and his introductory knowledge of the art of war, he couldnt formulate specific solutions. Everything seemed right, yet something felt off.
It was similar to encountering a challenging math problem, where the concepts seemed familiar but couldnt be solved using any established formula. After attempting to work through it, Su Li ultimately decided to give up.
No Su Li looked at his elder brother Su Dingfang honestly.
How could it be? Your foundational knowledge is so solid, Su Dingfang exclaimed, disbelief evident in his eyes.
In this era, the art of war was traditionally passed down through families. Thus, learning the art of war required careful progression, mastering one aspect before moving on to the next. Su Li possessed an incredibly solid foundation, studying various military strategies extensively. Su Dingfang didnt consider his questions too difficult, given Su Lis knowledge. Answering them should have been simple, in his opinion.
But
But I I memorized and learned them by rote, and I only recently started grasping their true meaning. I havent fully integrated or applied them yet Su Li vaguely responded.
This was a side effect of studying the introduction to the art of war and the introduction to medical skills. While the foundation was comprehensive, it remained somewhat disconnected. Advanced problems were difficult to address.
I understand Su Dingfang nodded, then eagerly began explaining to Su Li. The phrase like this and like that was repeatedly employed as they patiently discussed and answered Su Lis questions, guiding him to understand the foundational knowledge of military strategy and tactics.
Hmm After communicating with Su Dingfang, Su Li realized his talent for military matters was extremely lacking. Su Dingfang provided answers to certain questions, yet Su Li remained confused. A substantial gap existed between Su Li and his fantasy of being a military genius.
He was, in fact, a mediocre student who struggled to understand the lessons. Su Li had initially hoped to rely on himself to learn and understand the extensive foundational knowledge offered by the introduction to the art of war. However, having an elder brother who was a master of the art of war proved futile, as he couldnt comprehend the lectures even with the answers.
Su Li now understood that his aspirations of mastering the art of war were far from reality. Instead of wasting time, he focused on earning points by accompanying Princess Changle. It seemed more plausible to await the release of an advanced version of the Art of War than to attempt self-learning.
This is the reality Su Li sighed inwardly.
After all, Su Dingfang was one of the few military masters in the Tang Dynasty.
And in reality, it had been proven that there were indeed differences among people. Many individuals complained about bad luck or a poor environment, but the truth was that a majority of people would struggle even in different circumstances.
In his own experience, he hadnt been able to handle his interpersonal relationships well. Even his closest friends had borrowed money without repaying it, and the person he had admired for years ended up in someone elses sports car.
He struggled to understand the people around him, and he had never held a leadership position before. Talking to strangers filled him with social anxiety, and he often felt judged by groups of people.
Considering these personal limitations, why would he believe that traveling to ancient times would enable him to recognize loyal and treacherous ministers, govern the world, and compete with renowned heroes? Su Lis greatest advantage was his ability to recognize his own shortcomings, a truth he realized after living as a peasant for several years.
If something is not possible, forcing it will not make it happen. It is important to acknowledge our weaknesses and accept reality as it is.
However, Su Li had a system that could compensate for his shortcomings, which gave him an advantage. Despite initially losing interest in learning the art of war, he had a system that helped him improve.
During a conversation, Su Li shifted the focus to the experiences and circumstances of his two brothers. Through their discussion, Su Li learned about his own losses, Su Dingfangs growth path, and the fact that Su Dingfang had been abandoned.
To be honest, it was regrettable. Su Li felt sorry for Li Jing and Su Dingfang, two renowned generals worldwide. Li Jing was suspected by Li Er due to his lack of a team, numerous military achievements, and unique expertise in the art of war. Li Er even forced Li Jing to teach Hou Junji the Art of War.
As for Su Dingfang, his fate was even more unfortunate. He was originally a promising talent. Although not on the same level as Li Jing, he was still outstanding. However, he was abandoned due to his association with Li Jing. He wasted more than 20 years during the Zhenguan era, years that could have been spent otherwise. Su Dingfangs prime years were squandered in an official position below the fourth rank, with few allies, a high position in court, and no hope for the future. If it hadnt been for Li Ers utilization of Su Dingfang, his fate might have been one of mediocrity and despair.
Su Dingfang felt even more sorry for his younger brother. It was clear that no one could surpass him in martial arts in this world. He had a solid foundation in the art of war and should have been fighting on the battlefield, making significant contributions. However, he ended up marrying a princess who was dying, and his status prevented him from even entering the princess residence. Su Dingfang, already neglected, felt somewhat depressed about his life. There was also a hint of disrespect in his words.
Su Li didnt say anything in response to this. He understood Su Dingfangs emotions. However, Su Li still tried to comfort Su Dingfang. After all, Changle was innocent and he couldnt allow his frustrations to affect her. If he wanted to vent, he couldnt direct it toward Li Er. Moreover, the problems that Su Dingfang saw as unsolvable had potential clues for Su Li.
For example Princess Changle woke up. That would be the turning point, the opportunity for Su Dingfang to regain Li Ers favor through his connection as a brother-in-law and return to the battlefield.
Why dont you say that Changle is my lucky star Su Li muttered. As long as Changle woke up, many problems could be solved.