Chapter 192 Debate 2

"Dear judges, fellow debaters, and fellow enthusiasts, today we are discussing the topic of 'Which is more effective in securing a nation, literary talent or military strategy?' We firmly believe that military strategy is more effective in securing a nation."

Yin Siyi's team uniform was blue, a perfect match for him. He looked tall and straight. Many women in the stands were pointing at him and whispering.

But at this moment, he was completely focused on his own argument.

"A nation's safety depends on its people. Military strategy is the sharp sword that protects the homeland, the spearhead that expands territory, and the vital tool that quells chaos. Since ancient times, its contributions to national security and stability have been radiant and irreplaceable."

"Military strategy is primarily about defending against the enemy. When foreign aggression strikes and war rages, only military strategy can turn the tide and save the impending collapse... Without such military strategy, the nation will never find peace, let alone security. While literary talent can enhance education in peacetime, when a powerful enemy presses in and war breaks out, it is difficult to turn the tide in the ever-changing battlefield."

"Furthermore, military strategy can expand territory and strengthen a nation. Throughout history, the rise and fall of many dynasties is closely related to the expansion of military power... If we rely solely on literary talent and persuasion, without the backing of strong military force, how can we gain the submission of other countries and achieve the expansion of territory and the strengthening of national strength?

"Again, military strategy can quell civil unrest and put an end to disasters..."

"In summary, whether defending against foreign enemies, expanding territory, or quelling internal strife, military strategy plays a decisive role at crucial moments in securing the nation. While literary talent is indispensable, at crucial moments of national survival, prosperity, decline, honor, and disgrace, the power of military strategy is even more direct and crucial. Therefore, we firmly believe that military strategy is more conducive to securing the nation, and this is an irrefutable fact. I hope we will reflect on this, attach importance to military preparations, and strengthen military strategy to ensure the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people."

"good!"

Yin Siqi not only spoke with great emotion, but also took a sword and started playing with it in the open space.

As he spoke faster and faster, the sword flowers in his hand became more beautiful, dazzling everyone.

Qin Mo looked at the audience's reaction in the stands. It was more intense than when Su Yichen spoke just now. He was very anxious. "Brother Su, did we lose?"

Su Yichen was nervous too, but as the team leader and the first debater, he had to remain calm. "Don't worry, the teacher said this is a comprehensive assessment. It's useless for him to say it alone. Later in the debate, the three of you should react quickly. Use your momentum and language to overwhelm the other party."

"Okay. I'll try my best." Qin Mo seemed very calm on the surface, but his legs were shaking constantly under the table.

Yin Siqi's speech did not exceed the time limit.

After all, they had five days to prepare, and the opening theory was of utmost importance, so of course it was finalized after repeated deliberation.

Gu Yuhe struck the gong. "Now we begin the debate."

As soon as the gong sounded, the competition field instantly became tense and full of gunpowder.

Qin Mo, the second speaker of the affirmative side, held a scroll in his hand, a confident smile on his face. He said, "Second speaker of the opposing side, I have a question for you. If a country only has brute force, and its soldiers only know how to wield swords but don't even know why they are fighting, and the people are also confused and ignorant of propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame, then even if such a country conquers a piece of land through force, can it hold on to it? It's like a person with only muscles but no brains. Don't you think that this is just strong limbs but a simple mind?"

Qin Mo said this, flexing his muscles exaggeratedly. But then his head tilted, his eyes rolled back, leaving only the whites, and his tongue lolled out. He looked like a strong fool.

The audience burst into laughter.

Upon hearing Qin Mo's words, the second speaker of the opposing team, Lin Yuxiao, stepped forward, put his hands on his hips, and responded loudly: "Second speaker of the affirmative team, don't be so careless! If you don't have a strong military strategy, and the enemy attacks, do you intend to use the book in your hand to block their swords, spears, and halberds? I see that before you even throw the book, it will be shot into a hedgehog by their arrows!"

Lin Yuxiao took Yin Siqi's sword and picked up two pieces of paper. With a little force, the paper was punctured.

Qin Mo took a step forward, getting closer to Lin Yuxiao, and teased, "Brother Lin, you're talking nonsense. Think about it, if the soldiers are uneducated, illiterate, and can't even understand a map, wouldn't they be like headless flies running around on the battlefield? At that time, your military strategy will be like a tree without roots and water without a source! In war, sometimes you rely not only on strength, but also on brains. Tell me, if a group of reckless men go to war, can they defeat those brave and resourceful armies? It's like hitting a rock with an egg!"

As soon as Qin Mo finished speaking, the third debater next to him took out a stone and an egg from somewhere.

The stone broke the egg with just a little force.

Lin Yuxiao's face flushed slightly, and he was about to refute, but the third debater of the opposing side, Lu Jinglan, raised his hand to stop him.

Lu Jinglan strode forward, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's. He shouted, "Look at the dynasties in history. Which one didn't rely on brilliant military exploits and the expansion of territory to establish a vast empire? Without powerful military strategies, where would the vast territory come from, where would the rich resources for national development come from? You can't just wave that folding fan in your hand and bring land to you, right?"

The third debater on the affirmative side, Jiang Huaijin, first reacted by wanting to hide the fan in his hand. Queen Rui then remembered that she was in a competition and quickly calmed herself down.

He slowly stood up, a half-smile on his face as he said, "Brother Lu, you are so naive and endearing. Expanding territory is certainly important, but governing the conquered land is the key. If the people in the newly conquered lands refuse to submit to your rule and constantly cause trouble, what good is winning the battle? In times like this, you must rely on literary talent to spread culture, promote enlightenment, and make the people willingly accept your rule. It's like catching a tiger. If you don't tame it, it will eat you sooner or later."

Lu Jinglan frowned, gritted his teeth, and took a step forward, almost face to face with Jiang Huaijin. He shouted, "You're just talking big! Without strong military force to back you up, who would listen to you spread culture and promote enlightenment? They'll just kick you out!"

Jiang Huaijin, however, remained composed, pressing his fan against Lu Jinglan's chest. He took a small, unhurried step back, chuckling softly, "Brother Lu, calm down first. You can't win the competition even if you kill me. You start brandishing swords and scare people, and who would want to communicate with you? Cultural communication requires subtlety and quiet effort. You have to guide them, like coaxing a child, until they feel your culture is good and naturally accept it. If you act like a fierce monster, children will cry when they see you. How can they accept your teachings?"

The laughter from the audience was so harsh that Lu Jinglan was forced to retreat continuously.

Xiao Jincheng, the fourth debater on the opposing side, strode forward and stood beside Lu Jinglan. "Fellow debaters on the affirmative side, despite all the talk, at a critical moment when a nation faces life and death, military strategy is the most direct and effective means. When the enemy is at the gates, do you plan to repel them with poetry and song, or rely on military strategy? Please allow Zhao Hegui, the fourth debater on the affirmative side, to answer."

Zhao Hegui, the fourth debater on the affirmative side, was stunned for a few breaths. He thought he wouldn't be needed in this battle. He was just a spectator.

Su Yichen slapped him twice before he finally realized what was happening. "Brother Xiao, you're being too absolute. In times of national crisis, military strategy is certainly important, but literary talent can also play a significant role. Think about it, using diplomacy and literary talent to persuade other nations to join forces against the enemy—wouldn't that be twice the result with half the effort? Furthermore, after the war, rebuilding the country, resuming production, and comforting the people—which task doesn't require literary talent? Without literary talent, the empire you've conquered would be in ruins. How could you still be king?"

There was a lot of back-and-forth fighting, and people in the stands felt like they could hardly react.

Sometimes I think Lu Jinglan is right. Sometimes I think Zhao Hegui is right.

After listening for a while, most people were confused. Which one is more important?

"Ding~" a gong sounded, and the debate session ended.

Then came the free debate. Both sides engaged in another heated exchange of words. If they hadn't been a little more sober, a fight would have nearly broken out.

Finally, there is the closing statement, which is delivered by the fifth debater.

After the intense competition, the fifth debater was no longer nervous. Both sides summarized their speeches, once again leading the audience in the stands.

"I think the students on the left are right. How many people would die if there were constant fighting?"

"But if we don't have military force, what will we do if we encounter robbers or foreigners? Will we rely on our mouths?"

Not only did they watch, they also had their own opinions and started a heated discussion without caring that the competition on stage was not over yet.

And everyone on the judges' panel nodded frequently.

"Yes, I remember that Zhao Hegui is rather introverted and never likes to talk. I didn't expect that most people would be unable to cope with his words." Principal Min's eyes were full of admiration.

Gu Jiayue answered while writing down the scores on the grading sheet in front of her. "Well, Zhao Hegui doesn't talk much, but his grades and exams are good. He's an academic talent."