Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 318 'Plagiarism'

This has been the predicament of the Northern Frontier Army for over a decade: a lack of capable successors, a serious issue for any military. Even though Emperor Jingtai and the Northern Frontier Army had reached a tacit understanding, and Emperor Jingtai believed the Northern Frontier Army wouldn't rebel, trust is one thing, and maintaining balance is another. Furthermore, the chaotic events of over a decade ago, which shook the entire nation, seemed to have exhausted the Central Plains' military talent. In the following decades, neither Emperor Jingtai nor the Northern Frontier Army could find suitable generals to succeed him. As for commanders-in-chief, they were practically nonexistent.

General Ying Chongming was the only commander in his time who commanded the respect and admiration of both allies and enemy soldiers. General Yuchi and Lin Chongshan could barely be considered half as such. Being a commander isn't simply about being able to lead troops in battle; after all, there are rules to follow and can be taught. But true commanders and stars in this world are bestowed by heaven, not something that can be created by human effort.

Although everyone is usually very united, the current situation, where they can face off against the princes of the grasslands and decide the outcome between the Central Plains and the grasslands, is a thrilling and honorful battle that stands on the historical dividing line. Regardless of whether they win or lose, they will be remembered in history, and it still makes everyone a little restless.

As the first general volunteered, one after another, they stared eagerly at Lin Chongshan. If Lin Chongshan were unharmed, there would be no reason for them to argue, as they all respected him. But Lin Chongshan was severely wounded, unable to fight on the battlefield, unable to contend with the princes of the grasslands. Why couldn't they take up the mantle? They had served in the army for decades, participating in countless battles, large and small. In terms of seniority and rank, they were capable of fighting. So why couldn't they? To be remembered in history was not only the aspiration of civil officials, but also the ultimate achievement for them as military generals!

What? You want to go too? What makes you think you can compete with me? You can't even beat me in a fight. Bah! What does leading troops in battle have to do with individual martial arts skills? No matter how high your martial arts skills are, you'll still be helpless against a thousand troops. I'm still better than you! You coward, you cried the first time you went to the battlefield. If I hadn't given you a hand back then, you wouldn't be here anymore. And now you want to compete with me? A hero doesn't dwell on past glories. Why keep talking about the past? The most important thing right now is the present! Now is the time to press our advantage. If we let the two princes escape, war will break out again within ten years. Our Great Jing has been plagued by natural disasters and man-made calamities year after year, and we can't afford another war. You talk as if you don't know anything. Then let me go. I'm confident I can capture those two princes! You…

Seeing that the generals below were no longer just exchanging glances, but had even started making subtle moves, Lin Chongshan felt a terrible headache coming on. Why hadn't she noticed how troublesome they were before? Even if she wanted to delegate authority, those few below were already acting like idiots before even going into battle—who could she entrust them to? Wasn't Jiu Que by her side more composed? Jiu Que?

Lin Chongshan glanced at Jiu Que beside him, whose face was filled with worry. Her martial prowess was there. Her ability to command subordinates was there, and her influence and appeal within the army were also there. To be honest, Jiu Que's influence in the Northern Frontier army was now even higher than his own and General Yuchi's. She even had the Emperor's appointment, and in crucial moments, even General Yuchi had to listen to her. The only thing she lacked was experience in leading troops in battle. But General Ying herself had never led troops in battle before her meteoric rise. As General Ying's direct disciple, Lin Chongshan remembered what she had said.

"Throughout history, few of the great generals who have emerged in history have become so through steady, step-by-step learning. Chongshan, you have exceptional talent, but you can only be considered half a great general. It is easy to find brave and skilled generals in this world. They may be able to command thousands of troops, launch surprise attacks, win with fewer troops, and gain the respect of their subordinates, the admiration of the court and the people, and the satisfaction of the emperor. But a great general is not something that can be given by others, but something that is born."

"I can only be considered a partial commander."

"How could you not count? You're so amazing, there's no woman in the world, no, no man or woman, who's better than you! In my heart, you're the greatest strategist!"

"Hahaha... Although I'm glad to hear you say that, this isn't something I can fool myself on. Alas, my current ability to command thousands of troops is merely a product of fate. His Majesty is actually not satisfied with me. Not only because I don't listen to him—of course, his words aren't pleasant either; he's incompetent and foolish, unable even to be a good emperor, yet he dares to presume to command me in battle. Cough cough cough, you don't need to remember this part so clearly. More importantly, he's wary of me being a woman. Perhaps you don't quite understand; initially, he would certainly be happy that someone could step forward to lead the battle at this crucial moment, because I am only..." "I am a woman. But now my prestige in the army is rising higher and higher, surpassing even that of the emperor. When he discovers that even as a woman, I can achieve more than him, he will become resentful. After all, he bears the responsibility for the lost territory, and history will surely record it harshly, even after his death, he will receive a derogatory posthumous title. But I am different. In chaotic times, the rise of a woman is inherently controversial; if this woman can also lead everyone to end this chaos, it will be even more remarkable. You must understand, this world not only has wars between nations, but also wars between individuals."

"Men have enjoyed privileges for thousands of years, how could they willingly hand over their power to women? Even the most useless man, once he marries, his wife must bear him children. He can not only rule his wife, but also his children. He doesn't have to do anything; he naturally enjoys this power to rule others. They say power makes people crazy. Chongshan, are you still willing to go back to your parents and let them buy and sell you?"

"Of course I wouldn't! Back then I had no power to resist, but now that old man dares to disrespect me in the slightest, I'll call my sisters to tear every bone in his body apart... I think I understand now."

"Yes, it's not easy being a person in this world, and it's even harder being a woman. That's why I established the Women's Army, not only to save the country, but also to give millions of women a different way of life. You must remember, reputation, family ties, so-called good marriage prospects... everything is less important than the weapon in your hand. Only by having power and supreme military strength can you be invincible."

"Truth lies only where the sword points!"

General Ying, recalling this moment, smiled somewhat embarrassedly, turned his head to look in the direction of the capital, his expression full of nostalgia.

"Actually, this isn't my own words. I guess you could say I plagiarized someone else's quote, hahaha..."

(End of this chapter)