The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 354

Zong Zhao didn’t offer further explanation but instead gestured for him to look over.

On the other side, Xu Wan was glowing with confidence. Smiling, she stepped forward and spoke eloquently, “I understand your admiration for General Zong. But before any general wins a battle, no one can be certain of his reliability. That’s precisely why we need this debate—to thoroughly analyze and dissect this campaign.”

Hearing this, Baili Xi was momentarily stunned. His brows furrowed before relaxing, and after a long pause, he stroked his beard and chuckled, nodding at Zong Zhao. “You’re right. I spoke too soon. You certainly know your wife well.”

It was clear to him that although Zong Zhao had only returned two months ago, his bond with his wife was strong.

Zong Jincheng exchanged glances with his brothers but didn’t argue. What Mother said seemed reasonable—military analysis shouldn’t rely solely on Father’s word, or else it wouldn’t hold up with anyone else.

Xu Wan continued, “Now then, esteemed future high-ranking officials, please set aside your blind faith in General Zong and judge the feasibility of the Battle of Changqi based on the historical facts and deductions you’ve uncovered.”

Shen Yibai immediately chimed in with a mischievous grin, “Since Auntie insists, I won’t hold back. Uncle Zong… prepare yourself, because I’m coming for you.”

Zong Zhao raised a brow and encouraged, “I look forward to seeing what you’ve got.”

Shen Yibai’s excitement flared at that. He quickly tugged at Wei Xinglu. “Come on, let’s switch sides and argue against Uncle Zong together!”

Wei Xinglu waved his hands dismissively. “No way, count me out. Uncle Zong was the martial arts champion—even before his military achievements, he was formidable. I’m not brave enough to debate against him.”

Shen Yibai scoffed. “Coward. I’m not afraid.”

To everyone’s surprise, Zong Wenxiu spoke up. “Yibai, I’ll join you.”

Shen Yibai immediately let go of Wei Xinglu and latched onto Zong Wenxiu instead. “Brother Wenxiu, you’re the only one with vision! You get me!”

Zong Wenxiu scratched his head sheepishly. “Actually, I just wanted to see if arguing the opposing side might lead to a breakthrough.”

Shen Yibai: “…” Well, that was disappointing.

Wei Xinglu nudged He Zheng and whispered, “Which side are you picking?”

He Zheng answered without hesitation. “The pro side, of course.”

No matter what Auntie said, the commander was still Uncle Zong. Given their eldest brother’s protective nature, he’d definitely stick with the pro side. And He Zheng? He was sticking with his big brother!

“Two against two—just waiting on you, Jincheng,” Shen Yibai said, tilting his chin up. “You’re picking the pro side, right? Hmph, go ahead. Just know, I’m not the same clueless kid from last year. This year? I’m terrifyingly strong. Bring it on, all three of you!”

The little devil smirked and patted his shoulder. “Good on you for the courage. But sorry, today I’m picking the opposing side. Try to keep up.”

Shen Yibai’s eyes widened. “???”

Wait, what kind of unexpected luck was this?

He couldn’t even convince Wei Xinglu earlier, and now the strongest debater in their class was suddenly on his team?!

Him, plus Jincheng? This was a guaranteed win!

He Zheng suddenly felt the sky collapsing. “Big brother!! Did I pick the wrong side??”

“Pfft—”

The others burst into laughter, leaving only a heartbroken He Zheng to mourn silently. He should’ve waited for his brother’s stance before speaking. A miscalculation—next time, he wouldn’t be so impulsive.

The teams were quickly finalized.

Pro side: Wei Xinglu, He Zheng.

Opposing side: Shen Yibai, Zong Wenxiu, Zong Jincheng.

Under Xu Wan’s guidance, the boys had cast aside their blind admiration for Zong Zhao—and three of them had even chosen the opposing side, arguing that his decision had been reckless.

Baili Xi found this hilarious. “So it really was blind worship before.”

Zong Zhao let out a long, resigned sigh.

Xu Wan reiterated the debate rules: “The contents of this debate must not be shared outside. No personal attacks against debaters—and of course, no attacks against the subject of the debate.” She meant Zong Zhao.

The little devil stifled a laugh. “Don’t worry, Mother. Father’s right here, and his martial arts surpass even Bu Yan’s. Attacking him would just be asking for a beating.”

Shen Yibai nodded like a woodpecker. “The only one I’d dare attack is Jincheng.”

The little devil immediately shot back. “Then maybe you shouldn’t dare at all.”

Zong Wenxiu hurriedly intervened. “Stop fighting. You’re on the same team now.”

Zong Jincheng: “Hmph.”

Shen Yibai: “Coincidence.”

…

While the two rascals bickered, Xu Wan declared the debate open.

He Zheng, still reeling from his team misstep, let Wei Xinglu take the first turn. “In the Battle of Changqi, our army of five thousand cavalry narrowly defeated You Country’s thirty thousand troops. The general in charge was not reckless—he acted after careful consideration. Though we don’t know the exact details of the victory, history is full of such outnumbered triumphs. Take the Battle of Chibi, for instance, where Zhou Yu led fifty thousand Sun-Liu alliance troops to crush Cao Cao’s two hundred thousand. Morale, strategy, and even weather can turn the tide—all things Baili Xi has taught us.”

Still ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‍sore over Wei Xinglu’s earlier refusal, Shen Yibai jumped in first. “Baili Xi did teach us that, sure. But how do you know that general had accounted for morale, strategy, and weather? Before this, he had no military achievements, no experience leading major victories—just the title of martial arts champion. Yes, I know that’s impressive, but martial prowess doesn’t automatically make someone a great commander. Otherwise, with Great Chu producing a new champion every three years, why were we suppressed by You Country for over a century?”

He Zheng finally snapped out of his daze and countered, “That’s flawed logic. Just because no one like that emerged in a century doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If we all assumed victory was unattainable before even setting out, why bother fighting at all? Should we just surrender outright?”