Beiyang Dream

Chapter 17: What happened to the art of war? How did it turn into digging trenches and squatting?

9 p.m., September 7, 1889, Berlin.

The Dean's Office at the Prussian War Academy.

Lieutenant General Brauchitsch put down the thick stack of answer sheets and rubbed his throbbing temples. On the sofa opposite the oak desk, Army Chief of Staff General Waldersee held a cup of coffee, but had no interest in drinking it, just watching the steam rising from the rim.

"What do you think?" Waldersee spoke first, his voice not loud.

Brauchitsch frowned. He picked up the answer sheet, flipped through it again, and finally shook his head: "Your Excellency, this Qing student... what he submitted cannot be considered a tactical plan at all."

"Oh?"

"This is... a construction drawing." Brauchitsch spread out the answer sheet, pointing to the jagged lines, shaded areas, and dense markings. "Look—the main resistance line, reserve positions, the last line of defense, communication trenches, barbed wire obstacles, machine gun nests, artillery reserve positions... and this 'engineering instruction manual'."

He pushed another sheet of paper over: "The whole thing is just calculations. It calculates how many meters of barbed wire are needed, how deep the trenches need to be dug, how large an area the machine gun fire can cover, and how much time it will take for the artillery to move. But it doesn't calculate how to annihilate the enemy or how to achieve victory."

Waldersee put down his coffee cup, took the "instruction manual" and read it carefully again.

It seems like something really did happen!

"And...it's incredibly negative!" Brauchit concluded. "And utterly rigid! It has none of the art of war in it; the soldiers are like construction workers on a site, and the officers are like foremen."

Waldersee didn't reply. He glanced at the drawings a few more times, then suddenly asked, "But do you think this tactical plan is meaningful?"

Brauchitsch paused, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded: "Yes! It offers a solution...that we've never considered before. While I don't believe this system can really hold off an entire army for 72 hours, for the sake of rigor, I can't say for sure it can't. After all, no one has ever done it before."

"Yes!" Waldersee nodded, leaning back into the sofa. "Nobody's ever done that before..."

In truth, he didn't believe the contents of this tactical plan either. How could the bayonets and courage of the German army, and the strategy and decisiveness of the Prussian officer corps, be stopped by a few barbed wire fences and trenches? The idea itself was absurd.

But he was the Chief of the General Staff, Moltke's successor. He needed to be professional and meticulous.

"Major Golds." Waldersee looked at the proctor who had been standing by the door.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"How are this Qing Dynasty student's grades in other subjects?"

Waldersee was thinking about something else entirely. A Qing Dynasty student being allowed to take the exam for the War College was primarily due to Captain Hannagan's recommendation and Li Hongzhang's influence. After all, Krupp's business in the Far East still needed clients like Li Hongzhang. Therefore, giving him an opportunity to take the exam was perfectly reasonable.

Whether he can pass the exam or not is his own business. Whether a Qing Dynasty student who fails the exam uses his "camping tactics" as a joke or a genius is not worth the Chief of the General Staff's concern.

Golds was prepared; he took a stack of papers from his folder and placed them on his desk with both hands.

"These are Chang Desheng's exam papers for mathematics, physics, English, and city construction."

Waldersee: "Did they all pass?"

"They all passed." Goldz paused, then added, "Not only passed, but their scores were quite high."

Waldersee and Brauchitsch exchanged a glance and each picked up a test paper.

Half a minute later.

"Mathematics... a perfect score?" Brauchit stared at the paper, where the handwriting was neat and the solutions were so concise they were almost elegant. Some of the solutions were ones he had never even seen before.

Waldersee has also finished reviewing the physics exam... a perfect score!

"This level," Brauchitsch looked up, his face filled with disbelief, "is good enough to get into the University of Berlin!"

Golts continued, "97 in English, 3 points deducted from the essay. For city building... a perfect score."

"A perfect score in city construction?" Waldersee was genuinely surprised this time. "What did he do before coming to Germany? Was he an architect who built palaces for the Qing Dynasty emperor?"

Goltz spread out the fort design drawings. Two German generals crowded around to look at them.

Wow.

The lines are clean and crisp, the markings are meticulous, and the sections, elevations, and detailed drawings are all complete. The angles of the gun emplacements, the protective design of the ammunition depot, the layout of the communication trenches... all demonstrate the skill of a professional architect.

"According to Captain Reiner's report," Golds said, "he was a student at the Beiyang Military Academy, and the top graduate of this class."

The office fell silent again.

Waldersee and Brauchitsch exchanged a glance, both seeing a deep sense of shock in each other's eyes.

The Beiyang Military Academy? That crash course that I heard was only run for a few years? Graduates' math and physics skills are good enough to pass the entrance exam for the University of Berlin, and their city construction studies are at the level of professional architectural engineers?

What exactly happened in the Qing Dynasty in those few years? Was Li Hongzhang's reform really that good?

"What about the other Qing Dynasty student?" Waldersee remembered someone else. "How are his grades?"

Goltz shook his head: "Very bad. Except for artillery, which he passed, he failed everything else."

Brauchitsch suddenly asked, "This Chang... he wouldn't have cheated, would he?"

"Unlikely, Your Excellency," Goldz replied confidently. "He got the highest scores in all four subjects: math, physics, English, and construction. Who could he have copied from?"

Waldersee and Brauchitsch fell silent.

First place in four subjects, total score of 397. It would be a miracle if the Prussian War Academy didn't accept him with such a score... especially since he got a perfect score in fortification!

“In that case,” Waldersee said, looking at Brauchitsch, “we must take his tactical plan seriously. Let’s organize a defense and have this Qing student explain his idea behind this trenching and embankment tactic.”

Brauchitsch nodded and said to Goltz, "Major, go to the embassy first thing tomorrow morning and bring him here. Tell him the academy wants to hold a defense of his unique answer sheet."

"Yes, Your Excellency Dean."

......

At the same time, at 6 p.m., the Qing Dynasty's embassy in Berlin.

The atmosphere in the dining room was so heavy it could be squeezed out of you.

Hong Jun sat at the head of the table, slowly sipping his covered-bowl tea, his eyelids drooping, revealing no emotion. To his left and right, five students—Chang Desheng, Duan Qirui, Shang Dequan, Wu Dingyuan, and Kong Qingtang—stood with their hands at their sides, like schoolchildren being scolded.

Guo Shigui stood to the side, rubbing his hands, wanting to smooth things over but not knowing what to say.

"Zhenbang, Zhiquan," Hongjun finally spoke, his voice drawn out, "The exams are over today. Do you... have your scores yet?"

Duan Qirui's face turned ashen. He stepped forward half a step and cupped his hands, saying, "This student...this student is incompetent. I am lacking in mathematics, physics, and English. I fear...I fear I have failed your expectations."

After he finished speaking, he secretly glanced at Chang Desheng.

Hong Jun turned his gaze to Chang Desheng: "Zhenbang, what about you?"

Chang Desheng, with a "solemn" expression, also cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Excellency, thanks to you, I've done alright in most subjects. It's just that the tactical planning... the questions were extremely tricky, and I can only say that I'm leaving it to fate."

He had a clear plan in mind: math, physics, and English were the foundation, and those four subjects were secure. As for tactical planning, he was really leaving it to fate—who knows whether the German old men would slam their fists on the table or slap their foreheads when they saw his "World War I assignment."

But getting accepted is definitely not a problem. Making it into the top three... that's hard to say.

Hong Jun put down his teacup and sighed deeply.

"I've said it before, the War Academy is beyond your reach. Those four Japanese students were immersed in German military strategy from their early years at the Army Academy, which ensured their admission. You rushed into the exam; how could you possibly succeed by chance?"

He picked up his teacup, skimmed off the foam with the lid, and said in a more somber tone, "Now it seems that even the Berlin Military Academy is in jeopardy."

You could hear a pin drop in the dining room.

Duan Qirui lowered his head, feeling extremely frustrated! Shang Dequan and the others exchanged glances, none of them daring to utter a sound.

Guo Shigui quickly tried to smooth things over: "Sir, the children have done their best, they have done their best... Let's eat first, the food is getting cold."

Hong Jun waved his hand and began his hindsight-based lecture again. The central idea was simple: young people should be down-to-earth and not aim too high. This failed exam is a lesson, but considering your diligence, I will still try my best to secure opportunities for you to go to the Berlin Military Academy…

Chang Desheng listened respectfully on the surface, but in his mind, he was already calculating: This old man Hong wasn't a bad person; he didn't mention anything like "disgracing the nation," let alone "dying in Germany." He was quite decent. But once the results were announced, he shouldn't try to renege on his two hundred taels of silver and the recommendation for a substantive post. Even the employer has to uphold the spirit of the contract!

After the speech, everyone moved to the dining table. The atmosphere remained somber. Duan Qirui ate without relish, while Shang Dequan and the others silently ate their rice. Only Chang Desheng had a good appetite, picking at his braised pork knuckle twice and eating rice very quickly.

Seeing his expression, Guo Shigui thought to himself that Chang Zhenbang was really carefree, still eating so heartily even after failing the exam.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, followed by an announcement:

"Captain Rainier arrived with Major Golds from the War College."

Everyone in the dining room was stunned.

A moment later, Reiner led Major Goertz in. Goertz was dressed in a crisp Prussian army major's uniform, his boots gleaming, and his expression serious.

Hong Jun quickly stood up. Although he was the minister, Goltz represented the War Academy, and this demeanor clearly indicated that something was amiss.

"Your Excellency the Minister," Goltz said with a salute, speaking in perfect German, "I have come on the orders of Dean Brauchitsch to inform Mr. Chang Desheng."

Reiner translated from the side.

Hong Jun's heart skipped a beat: "Major, please speak."

"Regarding Mr. Chang Desheng's tactical proposal, the academy will hold a small defense session. Please come to the academy tomorrow to explain his plan in person."

Hong Jun was stunned.

Thesis defense? Tactical scenario planning?

His first thought was: Oh no, there's a big problem with Chang Desheng's answer sheet! Did he write something treasonous that angered the Germans and now they're investigating?

His face was a little pale, and his voice was tense: "Major, what...what does this mean? Is there...something wrong with Chang Sheng's answer sheet?"

Golts shook his head: "The answer sheet is fine. It's just that the content... is quite unique. His Excellency the Chief of the General Staff and the Dean wish to hear Mr. Chang's thoughts in person; this is a routine procedure for important exam papers at the War College."

Your Excellency Chief of the General Staff?

Hong Jun's mind went blank. He had spent several years in Europe and knew the weight of the German Chief of the Army General Staff—it was equivalent to the Grand Councilor of the Qing Dynasty, holding absolute power over the military! That was a true military strategist!

The German chief military officer wants to meet with Chang Desheng?

He suddenly realized what was happening and blurted out, "Chang Sheng... he passed the exam?"

Golts nodded, his tone still calm, but his words were like a bombshell: "Yes. Of the five exams, four have already been scored. Mr. Chang Desheng scored 397, with only 3 points deducted. His score for the tactical strategy is yet to be determined; it will be decided by the Chief of the General Staff and the Dean after his own defense."

The dining room was deathly silent.

Duan Qirui's face went from ashen to deathly pale. He stared at Chang Desheng, his eyes filled with disbelief. 397 points? Only 3 points deducted from four subjects? How could this be? They boarded the ship together, studied German together, prepared for the exam together… Could he really be a genius?

Shang Dequan, Wu Dingyuan, and Kong Qingtang stared wide-eyed at Chang Desheng as if he were a god, while Guo Shigui's chopsticks clattered onto the table.

Reiner blushed with excitement, wanting to speak but holding back.

Hong Jun was stunned for several seconds, then his face instantly brightened, revealing an expression of mixed surprise and delight. He abruptly turned to Chang Desheng, his voice rising eight octaves: "Zhenbang! You have truly... truly given me an immense surprise!"

He strode over, grabbed Chang Desheng's arm, and said in an unprecedentedly gentle tone, "Good! Good! When you see Chief of Staff Waldersee tomorrow, be sure to answer well and carefully! Speak your mind, whatever you have to say! Don't be afraid!"

He lowered his voice and added, "As long as you pass the defense well, I won't wait for you to return to China. I will immediately send a letter to Minister Li to recommend you for a substantive post! I mean what I say!"

Chang Desheng was amused by Hong Jun's quick change of expression, but he had to keep a straight face and respectfully said, "This student will do his best to live up to your expectations."

"Good! Good!" Hong Jun patted him on the shoulder, then smiled at Goltz, "Major, you've worked hard. Tomorrow morning, I'll send a carriage to take Zhenbang there."

Goltz saluted and took his leave, and Reiner saw him off.

As soon as they left, the dining hall erupted in cheers. Guo Shigui was the first to shout, "Zhenbang! 397 points! Only 3 points deducted from the four gates! You...you've truly brought honor to our Great Qing!"

Shang Dequan and the others also crowded around, chattering amongst themselves. Only Duan Qirui silently retreated to the side, watching Chang Desheng surrounded by the crowd, his lips pressed into a straight line.

He suddenly turned around, walked out of the dining room without a word, and went back to his room to review his studies—he hadn't passed the War Academy entrance exam, but he had to do well on the Berlin Military Academy entrance exam!

Chang Desheng glanced at his retreating figure, thinking to himself: "Duan Qirui, after this blow, should be spurred on by shame, right? No, he was already quite courageous; this time he'll definitely be even more determined! Maybe his military skills will even surpass Wu Xiucai's..."

But right now, he has to figure out tomorrow's accounts—how to explain his "dig trenches and squat" tactics to the Prussian Chief of the General Staff and the Dean.

He made an excuse that he needed to prepare for his defense and went back to his room.

He closed the door, but instead of flipping through a book or making a draft, he spread out a piece of paper and picked up a pencil.

First, I drew a coordinate axis, then I drew an ellipse—this represents the dispersion range of the shell impact points.

Then list the formula next to it: Hit probability = Target area / Area of ​​scatter ellipse.

Another simplified diagram was drawn: When the attacking side shells, the main defending force prepares its positions on the reverse slope. As the artillery fire extends and infantry charges, the main defending force moves into its forward positions via trenches…

As he drew and calculated, he muttered to himself, "I have to make that old German guy understand that war isn't about who charges the most impressively, it's about who calculates the best and survives the longest..."

Outside the window, the autumn night in Berlin is deepening.

In the direction of the War Academy, only a few scattered lights shone, like the eyeballs of a drowsy war monster.

Tomorrow, he's going to wake up this war monster and tell it: You might encounter some trouble in the future, so you need to start preparing in advance...