Chapter 1134: Brother Lang opens the Whampoa Military Academy in the Tang Dynasty

Li Zhi said, "With the substantial growth of the Tang Dynasty's national strength and military, we've been receiving numerous requests for additional generals from various regions. There's even a thick stack of requests for leadership in the training of the newly joined Jianghuai Army."

He rubbed his brows, his tone filled with worry: "My dear brother, look at this table full of memorials, half of them are talking about the 'lack of generals'."

"Now the Tang Dynasty has to defend the four Anxi towns, pacify the Korean immigrants, and guard against any unrest in Tibet. However, the capable generals in the army are too old or too busy to be transferred. Do you have any solutions?"

Lin Lang walked to the table and picked up a border newspaper to read it carefully. His fingertips ran over the words "lack of generals and leaderless garrison soldiers". When he looked up, he already had an idea in his eyes.

"Brother, military commanders are the pillars of a nation. Relying solely on hereditary nobility and military promotions will ultimately fail to fill the gap. I do have a plan that may be able to continuously select useful generals for the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi's eyes lit up and he leaned forward. "Oh? Tell me, brother, what's the solution?"

"Your humble servant proposes that, in addition to the civil examination, we should also establish a 'military examination' to select brave and martial talents from across the country."

Li Zhi asked with great interest, "I hope you can tell me in detail."

Lin Lang's voice was steady, as he explained the exam clearly and logically. "This military exam is divided into three levels: township, provincial, and palace. It's held annually. Any man over sixteen years of age with a clean background, regardless of whether he comes from a farming, military, or artisan family, is eligible to register."

He spread out a blank piece of paper on the table and used a brush dipped in ink to outline the test items.

"The provincial exam first tests the 'basic' aspects of the exam, to see if the candidate has strength - those who can lift a 100-jin stone lock pass. Then they test wrestling and archery, and those who hit six out of ten arrows can enter the provincial exam."

"The provincial examination will also include tests on horizontal shooting, mounted archery, and horse lance. The test involves shooting at moving targets from a horse and using a spear to knock down pre-set wooden signs. This will test both horsemanship and weapon skills."

Li Zhi listened with great interest, his eyes becoming brighter and brighter.

Lin Lang continued, "Finally, we'll have to test military strategy. For example, how to respond to border threats, how to deal with mutinies, and so on. This is to avoid selecting reckless men who only know how to use brute force."

"When it comes to the palace examination, it will be presided over by my brother the Emperor himself, and the test will be on 'response ability'."

Li Zhi nodded repeatedly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the desk. "How should we respond to the palace examination?"

Lin Lang changed his tone, his eyes brightening a little, "The palace examination can have a simulated battlefield, allowing candidates to command small teams of soldiers to practice attack and defense."

"Then they will be tested on the key principles of military tactics and strategies from past dynasties. Those who can answer the essence will be ranked according to their performance. The best will be awarded the title of 'Wu Zhuangyuan', the next best will be awarded the title of 'Wu Bangyan' and 'Wu Tanhua', and the rest of the qualified candidates will be awarded the title of 'Wu Juren'."

Li Zhi suddenly understood and laughed heartily, "My dear brother, you are truly a genius of our time, possessing unparalleled strategic talent! Adding a 'military examination' to select brave and courageous men from across the land is absolutely a great way to address the shortage of military commanders!"

Wu Zetian, standing nearby, exclaimed in admiration, "Brother, you have proposed establishing a military examination in addition to the civil examination, to select brave and courageous talents from across the country, so that heroes will no longer be buried. This strategy will be recorded in history forever."

Lin Lang smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty, my brother and your wife are too kind. It is my honor to be able to contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the strengthening of its military."

Li Zhi couldn't hide his excitement and said, "How should we appoint those who passed the military examination? We can't just let them have titles in vain. How should we appoint them to military posts?"

Lin Lang put down his brush and said firmly, "Of course there is a way to employ it."

"The top martial arts champion can directly join the Imperial Guards as a lieutenant general, training under veterans for a period ranging from one year to three years. Further promotions will be made based on their talent."

"The second and third place finishers in the martial arts exam will be assigned to border towns as military officers, assisting the commander in handling military affairs. Once they have completed their training at the grassroots level, they will be promoted further based on their abilities."

"Those who passed the military examinations were assigned to various prefectures according to their performance. Some were appointed as generals commanding local garrisons, while others served as instructors in the newly joined army."

"This way, we can not only give humble students a chance to serve our country, but also inject fresh blood into the army. Your Majesty will no longer have to worry about lacking generals."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi laughed heartily and said, "Brother, you are truly a man of great talent. You can bring peace to the world with your pen, and conquer the world with your sword! Your foresight and profound strategies are truly admirable to me."

Li Hong, who was standing by, was young but was listening very attentively. He suddenly interrupted, "Foster father, if someone is very strong but doesn't know the art of war, can he still pass the imperial examination?"

Lin Lang smiled and rubbed his godson's head: "Hong'er, that's a good question."

"So the military exams must consider both civil and military skills. Strength alone will only get you through the county exam. Provincial and palace exams must focus on military tactics and adaptability. They aim to select generals with both courage and strategy, not just strong men who can lift stone locks."

The worry in Li Zhi's eyes vanished. "Great! This idea, my dear brother, is excellent! It's both fair and practical!"

"Tomorrow at court, I will order an imperial decree to implement a nationwide military examination, to be held regularly every year!"

"With this military exam, why should the Tang Dynasty worry about lacking generals? Why should we worry about the insecurity of our borders?" He looked at Lin Lang, his tone full of gratitude, "It is you, my dear brother, who has solved my urgent problem. The military strength of the Tang Dynasty has been stabilized by you, my dear brother!"

Lin Lang smiled and jokingly said, "Brother Huang, do you still have a reason to have a headache now?"

Li Zhi laughed heartily and said, "That's all! My dear brother has opened my eyes to new things. I believe that the introduction of the military examination system will be able to fulfill the country's mission of recruiting military talents. It is of far-reaching significance!"

"Brother Emperor, I have another plan for strengthening the Tang Dynasty's military. Should I share it?"

"Brother, if you have any good ideas, feel free to tell me!"

"I propose that, in addition to private schools, we establish a military academy as an official military school, emphasizing both civil and military education. This will provide a new path for students who are not interested in literature to join the army and serve their country."

"Oh? Tell me about it, brother." Li Zhi's horizons were completely opened by Lin Lang.

Lin Lang's gaze seemed to reflect the military training grounds of thousands of years later, and his tone held a certainty that transcended the times: "This martial arts curriculum must break away from the old practice of only training punches and kicks. Students must understand not only 'courage' but also 'strategy' and be able to apply 'innovation'."

Li Zhi couldn't wait to ask, "Brother, please tell me in detail."

Lin Lang continued, "The Whampoa Military Academy will establish artillery, engineering, logistics, and military police departments, and implement specialized teaching."

"Study tactics, weapons, fortification, topography, military system, field artillery drill manual, field artillery firing manual, battlefield duties, horsemanship manual, etc."

Li Zhi became more and more interested as he listened, his eyes lighting up. "Brother, please describe the Whampoa Military Academy in more detail. There are some things I don't understand."

Lin Lang patiently said, "First, there's the Whampoa Military Academy's basic martial arts class. It's not just the usual wrestling and chopping techniques, it's about developing detailed bare-handed combat techniques, not just relying on brute force. I'll teach the three armies a set of Shanghai-style military boxing."

"Cold weapon training must also be based on actual combat, and musket shooting exercises must also be included."

"The second is the weapons application and tactics class. This is the key."

"For example, horseback archery requires additional practice with moving targets, just like the provincial exam, but also requires teaching how to adjust the angle according to wind direction."

"Formation training shouldn't just involve memorizing the formula for the 'Single-Line Long Snake Formation'. Field exercises must be conducted outside the academy, allowing students to take turns being the 'general', directing chariots and infantry to advance and move through the formation. They'll learn firsthand how to change formations, encircle, and break out."

"As for the use of mines and artillery, we need to teach them how to dig pits and lay mines, and how to calibrate the muzzles of guns, so that these new technologies for hot warfare are no longer the work of craftsmen, but rather sharp weapons for soldiers."

"Finally, there are supplementary courses. This is the key to distinguishing a 'military man' from a 'talented general'. Military tactics can't be memorized by rote. They should be explained in conjunction with battle examples from previous dynasties. For example, why did Han Xin win the Battle of the Water? How would we fight today?"

"Geography is about understanding the directions of mountains and rivers, and knowing where to set an ambush so that a smaller force can defeat a larger one."

"It's even more important to learn how to survive in the wild. How to identify edible wild vegetables and fruits, how to make a fire in the rain, these are life-saving skills on the battlefield."

"We will also add courses such as communication duties, reconnaissance, and counter-reconnaissance. In short, the establishment of the Whampoa Military Academy will continuously cultivate high-level military commanders and military talents for the Tang Dynasty."

After hearing this, Li Zhi was so excited that his fingertips trembled slightly. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Brother, your brilliant idea really opened my eyes. This Huangpu Military Academy must be established in the Tang Dynasty!"

Lin Lang smiled and said, "Huangpu Military Academy's martial arts enrollment is open to all. As long as they are willing to learn, even children from the Han family can get in."

"After four years of study, students will be assessed based on their graduation grades of excellent, good, or poor, and will be sent directly to the military. They can train with their newly acquired skills while also gaining practical combat experience alongside veterans."

"Within eight years, the Tang army will have a new group of Huangpu officers who are proficient in cold weapons and mines, muskets and artillery, and skilled in strategy. There will no longer be any worries about the lack of successors to the Tang military!"

Li Zhi laughed heartily upon hearing this, and patted Lin Lang on the shoulder. "Great! What a great Whampoa Military Academy that emphasizes both civil and military affairs! My dear brother, your idea of ​​establishing a new military academy will nourish the military for the Tang Dynasty for a hundred years!"

"At court tomorrow, I will not only announce the start of the military examination, but also decree the establishment of the Huangpu Military Academy. This will let everyone know that the Tang Dynasty is seeking talent, regardless of civil or military background!"

Wu Zetian, standing by, also took a half step forward, her eyes gleaming with wonder. "Using academies to train talented generals, and using new weapons to strengthen the military, these two strategies, combined with each other, will build an iron wall for the Tang Dynasty."

"You are too kind, sister-in-law."

"I simply want the Tang soldiers to be able to wield swords and spears steadily and understand blueprints; to be able to charge into enemy lines and accurately calculate the battle situation. This is the true way to strengthen the army."

Li Zhi could hardly contain his excitement and said, "If my dear brother can become the principal of the Huangpu Military Academy, his name will surely be on par with Sun Wu and Wu Qi in history books and in future generations who mention strategies for strengthening the army!"

Lin Lang replied readily, "No problem. Once I have put the Huangpu Military Academy on the right track and have standardized its management, I will recommend a worthy successor to the position of principal."

"That's great! Thank you so much, my dear brother. You are really my good brother!" Li Zhi gave Lin Lang a big hug.

"Haha..." Lin Lang hugged Li Zhi back and smiled heartily.

Empress Wu said with anticipation, "Once the Whampoa Military Academy is established, it will surely become a place of aspiration for students all over the world who want to join the army and serve their country."

Li Hong tugged at Lin Lang's trouser leg, looking up with admiration in his eyes: "Foster father, can Hong'er go to the Huangpu Military Academy in the future? I also want to learn how to lay mines and use artillery to protect the Tang Dynasty!"

Lin Lang let go of his sworn brother Li Zhi, leaned over and rubbed his godson's head, and replied with a smile: "Hong'er, remember that what you need to learn is the art of being an emperor. Learn how to govern a country and employ people wisely, balance the power of civil officials in the court, and check and balance the princes and military generals. Do you understand?"

Li Hong smiled sweetly and said, "I understand. Foster father, hold me!"

Lin Lang picked up his godson and kissed Li Hong on his little face that smelled of milk.

Li Hong hugged Lin Lang's neck and giggled childishly.

Li Zhi looked into his son's sparkling eyes, then thought about the new military examination system and the establishment of the Whampoa Military Academy. He felt a surge of heroic spirit in his heart, and said aloud, "With your devoted support, the Tang Dynasty will surely become a prosperous nation, a strong military, and a world power! Hahahaha..."

Just as he finished speaking, a maid's gentle announcement came from outside the palace. The palace servants from the imperial kitchen had brought in breakfast. The celadon bowls and plates were filled with warm porridge and exquisite side dishes, and the aroma instantly filled the air.

Li Zhi looked at the table full of food and felt his appetite whetted. He smiled and said, "My dear brother, please accompany me to eat. We can talk while we eat."

"Since Your Majesty is so kind, I will respectfully obey your command. I happened to come here in a hurry and just recently had not eaten enough."

Empress Wu clapped her hands and spread her arms. She looked at her son tenderly and said, "Hong'er, come here. Let me hold you. Let your adoptive father and father have breakfast and discuss government affairs."

"Yeah." Li Hong leaned into the arms of his mother, Wu Zetian.

Lin Lang sat down and had breakfast with his sworn brother Li Zhi. While drinking morning wine, the two brothers had a warm chat.