Chapter 79: 79. On the Importance of Unity and Cooperation
After all, he is just an illegitimate child. Who is he to teach others about war?
If he learns so much and ends up fighting with Master Luo and Robb for the inheritance of Winterfell in the future, it could create problems for the Stark family.
As a lowly illegitimate child, he should expect to be treated as an outcast all his life, so how could he understand war?
Jon can learn writing and reading in Winterfell, and he can also pick up some knightly skills from Sir Roderick.
Otherwise, no one in Winterfell would risk offending Lady Catelyn or the future Duke, Master Robb, by teaching an illegitimate child.
Even Maester Luwin, who only follows the rules of the Academy, wouldn't dare to do that.
So, it's already impressive that Jon has been able to learn anything at all.
At least he wasn't smothered with a quilt, drowned in a well, or crushed by a frightened animal—there are many ways he could have met a tragic end without anyone noticing.
It's not easy for Jon to grow up safely; it's truly a struggle.
One reason for this is Ed Stark's protection, and another is that Catelyn Tully is not as cruel as many noble ladies.
To say Jon knows much about war would be a stretch.
When Mr. Jason mentioned that "teamwork" is a crucial factor in the outcome of a war, Jon couldn't help but ask, "I don't quite understand, Mr. Jason. Isn't war just a fight between people? If soldiers have good sword skills, won't they easily kill the enemy compared to those with poor skills?"
"No matter how good someone's sword skills are, if they can't work together with their companions, they could face problems. They might kill an enemy in front of them with their skill, but—"
Jason Liu looked Jon in the eye, teaching him while also reminding him, "On the battlefield, there are thousands of soldiers on each side. If you face countless enemies, what if they come at you with two, three, or even ten swords?"
"Uh—" Jon was stunned, and his mind suddenly cleared.
He realized he had never considered this question before.
In his understanding of war, he thought it was like the drunken soldiers from Winterfell bragging about charging forward with swords to behead enemies. If one soldier was brave and skilled, it seemed like they would be invincible!
These soldiers were just boasting to show off, not talking about the actual details of war.
Anyway, their bragging was all about highlighting their own bravery and strength, with no regard for anyone else.
Jon had been misled by these bragging soldiers.
He subconsciously believed that war relied solely on one person's strength, charging ahead to win!
Until today, Master Jason opened his eyes to the reality of war, showing him the battlefield's perspective, and Jon understood how shallow and foolish his previous ideas about war were.
Realizing this, Jon felt embarrassed. "Sorry, Mr. Jason! I was too ignorant! I should have realized that a battlefield is different from a one-on-one fight; thousands of soldiers are involved, and one person's strength alone can't defeat many enemies!"
Jason Liu was pleased to see Jon grasp his point so quickly. "I'm glad you understand this so well, Jon. It shows that I was right about you—you're a smart and promising person!"
Jon was happy to receive Jason's praise and inferred, "So, you train your soldiers to move together, teaching them to cooperate with one another, right? That's teamwork?"
"Yes, exactly! I'm glad you understood my intention so quickly!" Jason Liu smiled, though he was secretly frustrated.
Teaching is not easy.
He remembered how challenging it was during university military training; the students struggled so much that the instructor would get angry and call them fools. Even after a week, they couldn't even turn around properly!
The students who didn't even know a simple command were infuriating.
Not wanting to get mad at those clueless boys anymore, Jason Liu decided to let Jon take charge.
He turned to Jon with a serious expression. "Jon, can I trust you?"
Seeing Lord Jason's serious demeanor, Jon quickly replied, looking him in the eye, "Yes, Lord Jason!"
"Great! I'll leave the rest of the training to you. You've been watching closely; have you memorized what I taught?"
"Well, uh, Lord Jason, I—"
Before Jon could express his doubts, Jason Liu placed a hand on his shoulder. "I believe you can do it! So give it your best shot, boy. I have faith in you!"
After saying this, Jason Liu didn't wait for Jon's surprised reaction and walked towards the store.
Jon watched in shock as Lord Jason disappeared through the door, feeling bewildered and forced to smile bitterly.
After spending time with Jason, Jon realized that this young man, only a few years older than him, was indeed a noble. He didn't want to deal with hard work!
However, Jon didn't think it was wrong.
After all, Lord Jason is a lord from a prestigious family, and nobles can simply give orders to get things done.
Just like Lord Ed—when he gives instructions, everyone below follows them.
Isn't that how aristocrats operate?
With this in mind, Jon felt energized. He was ready to apply the movements Jason had taught him and make the soldiers perform them in unison according to his commands.
It would be easy!
At least it seemed easier than practicing swordsmanship.
So Jon confidently approached the 110 soldiers and began training them using Jason Liu's method.
The 100 new soldiers knew Jon Snow, the sword instructor favored by Mr. Jason.
No one dared to misbehave; they all trained hard under Jon's watchful eye, even when he had to scold them for their mistakes.
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