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Zhao Kuo left Zhao State without a specific date mentioned. To ensure that the change of generals in Zhao State remained confidential, even the farewell ceremony was omitted. When Li Mu woke up, he learned that the General had secretly entered Taihang Mountain.
Sima Shang had not left Zhao Manor in recent days. During Li Mu's recovery, he handed over the scrolls left by Zhao Kuo and informed him that the General had repeatedly emphasized the importance of developing cavalry archery before his departure.
Since King Zhao Wuling began advocating for Barbarian Clothing and Cavalry Archery based on the characteristics of open-field warfare, he decided to conquer the vast grasslands of Original Yang to strengthen the Cavalry Unit. This area was an excellent natural pasture, ideal for training cavalry. Additionally, the local residents were skilled in horseback riding and archery, which provided many favorable conditions for this plan's success.
In promoting Barbarian Clothing and Cavalry Archery, a large number of skilled riders were recruited from regions near the Xiongnu in the north to form a Cavalry Unit. Taking advantage of these individuals' innate advantages, they transformed the Ministry of War's infantry into a Cavalry Unit. Through generous rewards, they also incorporated many nomadic Xiongnu into the Charioteer Camp. Outstanding individuals among them were selected as cavalry instructors, rapidly establishing a powerful Cavalry Unit while training for combat.
A Cavalry must have warhorses to be considered a true cavalry. Zhao State had attempted to find quality horse breeds from the Xiongnu but faced various obstacles that hindered their plans. Eventually, they resorted to acquiring warhorses through land-based operations and sought to control Lin Hu Wang at that time, which allowed them to supplement their Cavalry Unit with a large number of fine horses.
The King Zhao, who first advocated for cavalry archery in the Central Plains, did not meet a good end, leaving the Zhao people lamenting. His indecisiveness regarding establishing a successor led to significant mistakes that directly resulted in Crown Prince Zhao Zhang leading troops in rebellion.
Upon learning the details, Young Master Li Cheng and Li Dui mobilized their troops to quell the rebellion. After Zhao Zhang's defeat, he fled to Sand Dune Palace, where King Wuling resided, seeking refuge. However, Li Cheng and Li Dui pursued him and killed Crown Prince Zhao Zhang during their assault on the palace. Fearing that King Wuling would seek revenge for Zhao Zhang's death, they found an excuse to besiege him within the palace for three months until he ultimately starved to death.
Despite this, the Barbarian Clothing and Cavalry Archery vigorously promoted by Zhao Wuling was preserved. As a result, Zhao State transitioned from weakness to strength, and its powerful Cavalry Unit became a headache for the rapidly growing Qin State. Although there were instances when Zhao State ceded land and cities, its Cavalry Unit rarely suffered losses against the Qin Army.
The historical emergence of Barbarian Clothing and Cavalry Archery in Zhao State prompted other Feudal States to develop their own Cavalry Units vigorously. The traditional combat model gradually shifted from chariot-based formations to individual cavalry units. Among the outstanding commanders who later emerged in various Feudal States commanding cavalry operations, Bai Qi of Qin State and Zhao Kuo of Zhao State were particularly renowned, along with later figures like Li Mu.
However, as these three dominant commanders encountered misfortunes one after another, much of the essence of cavalry tactics could not be passed down. This temporarily stunted the development of cavalry tactics for a considerable period.
Bai Qi of Qin State and Zhao Kuo of Zhao State were not strangers to each other; they were quite familiar and had both spent time at the Cavalry Command Academy established by Zhao State in Original Yang. At that time, Zhao State adopted a friendly and open attitude towards this initiative. Several Feudal States that maintained good relations with Zhao had sent students to study at the Original Yang Cavalry Command Academy.
According to strict definitions at that time, each cohort had its hierarchy. Bai Qi was a senior to Zhao Kuo, making Zhao Kuo naturally Bai Qi's junior. Among these two outstanding students who were highly regarded by Barbarian instructors were indeed exceptional talents. As for later generations' claims that Zhao Kuo was merely an armchair strategist ridiculed for thousands of years, it is best for wise individuals to dismiss such rumors.
Unexpectedly, the two would ultimately settle their rivalry on the battlefield. Throughout the Shangdang Campaign, the number of troops involved had far exceeded one million, not including the military industry responsible for logistics and those who silently contributed from behind the scenes.
Li Mu did not have the opportunity to participate in this large-scale battle that shocked both domestic and foreign audiences because he had to accompany Sima Shang with a Royal Decree to the border fortress of Zhao State, where he would achieve his remarkable accomplishments and thus become a highly sought-after figure in Zhao.
On the day Li Mu recovered from his illness and requested to take leave from Mother Zhao, she learned that these two brothers would be returning to Handan to meet King Zhao for their appointments. Therefore, she asked them to deliver a message to the king, stating that she did not wish for her son Kuo to command in this battle. If the king would heed her advice, he could replace this general. If he insisted on having her son Kuo as the commander, she hoped the king would not hold her accountable afterward. If there were any setbacks in this battle, her son Kuo would not survive alone. Dying for the country would mean he had not failed to live up to the king's expectations.
Li Mu understood Mother Zhao's implied meaning and admired her while assuring her that he would convey her words faithfully to King Zhao. As for what would happen afterward, with Li Mu and Sima Shang sharing meals, they would ensure that she would not go hungry.
This could be considered a bond of friendship. Li Mu subsequently fulfilled his promise. After learning that the elderly woman had suffered due to her son's involvement, he sent someone to bring Zhao Kuo's mother to his residence to serve her. The old woman passed away peacefully, which demonstrated that Li Mu's reputation for filial piety was well-deserved.
When Zhao Wang Dan heard what his aunt had conveyed, he felt somewhat displeased. The number of Allied Forces had reached eighty-five thousand; how could they still make such claims against a mere four hundred fifty thousand Qin Army? However, as an elder's words must be respected by juniors, he reluctantly agreed after Li Mu's repeated insistence, stating that there would be no repercussions for Zhao Kuo's family.
The so-called golden words referred to Li Mu receiving King Zhao's assurance, allowing him to finally relax. After bidding farewell to his mother at home, he left in tears as a general.
In stark contrast to Zhao Kuo's departure from Handan City, Li Mu and Sima Shang left with only a few dozen people. Following Sima Shang's suggestion, they planned to detour to Original Yang before heading to the border fortress because it housed Zhao State's most powerful cavalry training base. Against the nomadic Barbarian Tribe cavalry, infantry would clearly be of little help.
Sima Shang raised his whip and rode up a high ground, looking back at the magnificent Handan City with mixed emotions. This departure might mean years without return. Normally it wouldn't feel significant, but leaving like this truly made him reluctant.
"Our burden is heavy; I feel our future is too uncertain."
Li Mu pulled on the reins and glanced back at Handan City, laughing as he said, "As long as we believe in our hearts, we will know that there is no such thing as uncertainty in this world! Brothers! Let us learn to soar from this very place!"
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