Chapter 9 Leaves an Impression

However, upon seeing this, Wu Shaoting was somewhat surprised. He had originally thought that these old soldiers had become so complacent that they had reached a certain level of lethargy, yet he did not expect that these individuals still harbored a sense of fear towards their new superior

This point may not be understood by those in authority, but Wu Shaoting is very clear about it

Upon hearing these words, everyone appeared somewhat surprised and puzzled, wondering whether this was a compliment or a criticism

Strangely enough, although the people were gathered, there was no semblance of order in their formation. The soldiers merely arranged themselves into a few columns at random, without even adhering to any height hierarchy.

Wu Shaoting did not hasten to convene a meeting with the soldiers of the rear guard, not merely because he had not donned his official uniform, but primarily because he wished to provide both himself and his subordinates with a period of adjustment. Today, he observed the basic conditions of the rear guard and discovered that the system of this old-fashioned troop had completely decayed. Regardless of his experiences at the German military academy or in military life in the twenty-first century, he found himself at a loss for where to begin.

Brothers, regardless of the circumstances, today marks my first meeting with all of you, and I should properly introduce myself. My name is Wu Shaoting, courtesy name Zhenzhi, and I have just returned from my studies in the German Empire. It is a fortunate fate for me to lead you in this post, and I consider it a bond among us. My first impression of you today is quite good, as I had previously thought you were a bunch of useless individuals who couldn't even support themselves.

Although he granted half an hour of free time, only about ten minutes later, a few slightly groomed veterans jogged over to report.

Wu Shaoting looked at everyone's expressions, smiled slightly, and said: "You need not overthink it; my meaning is quite simple, which is that I have hope for you. The higher-ups have sent me to take over the rear guard, firstly to assess my capabilities, and secondly to show their importance to you. This is because, prior to this, there has never been a precedent of an overseas officer taking command of the old army."

Wu Shaoting had no interest in such flattering words; he merely nodded slightly and then ignored the old man, walking directly to the front of the line.

Someone with sharp eyes immediately spotted the brand new seventh-rank official's attire and shouted, "Quick, look! Our new officer has arrived! You lazy bum, why aren't you putting on your clothes quickly?"

From the perspective of training, he is confident that he can surpass the new recruits; as for the weaponry and equipment, it depends on whether the higher-ups have the intention to do so

More importantly, they found that this Lord Wu possessed a certain affinity, presenting a countenance that was both kind and dignified.

Suddenly, he saw Zhou Xiaohu, the boy was still bare-chested, his frail body glistening with droplets of water

After Wu Shaoting finished giving orders, he commanded the disbandment. He did not concern himself with what the soldiers would do, but instead walked alone to the archway at the entrance of the camp and casually found a dirt embankment to sit down.

Now everyone understands that the newly appointed officer is encouraging them

The old man finished speaking and, bowing his head and bending his waist, said to Wu Shaoting: "Lord Wu, please forgive me; this young lad is ignorant and does not understand. I hope you will not take offense."

The next morning, Wu Shaoting donned the official uniform of a seventh-rank military officer, adorned with a red tassel and a plain golden crown, and fastened an official sword at his waist. Upon looking in the mirror, he indeed appeared quite imposing. He waited until the first quarter of noon before leaving the dormitory and made his way to the barracks of the eastern outpost of the main parade ground.

The situation in the camp today is much better than yesterday; at least there are shadows moving around several barracks, which finally gives a sense of liveliness. However, these individuals clearly have just gotten up; some are taking showers, others are rinsing their mouths, and some are busy washing clothes. Although they are engaged in different activities, they share a common trait: none of them are wearing uniforms, at most donning a pair of military trousers or boots, while their upper bodies are dressed quite casually.

He walked slowly in front of the first row of soldiers in this formation, approaching the open space ahead.

Brothers, from now on we shall be comrades who share both hardships and joys. As long as you are willing to put in the effort, I will ensure that you become the most elite unit of the fire brigade. I am not a bureaucratic person; since this is our first meeting, I will refrain from saying too many formalities. Now, those of you who have not finished showering, hurry and take your showers, and those who are doing laundry, continue with your tasks. In half an hour, all team leaders come to see me. " Wu Shaoting said with great authority. Now, those of you who have not finished showering, hurry and take your showers, and those who are doing laundry, continue with your tasks. In half an hour, all team leaders come to see me. " Wu Shaoting said with great authority.

Once the words were spoken, the entire camp became lively, with everyone appearing somewhat curious and anxious. They hurriedly set aside their tasks and rushed to gather in the open space in front of the barracks. Those who were bathing had not had time to put on their clothes, and those who were rinsing their mouths still had salt foam on their lips, resembling a group of refugees.

At that moment, a middle-aged man standing next to Zhou Xiaohu reached out and tapped him on the back of the head, scolding, "How can you speak to an adult like that?"

Although they have always been quite lazy, and since the Qing court established the new army, the treatment and importance of the old army have been declining, as soldiers, they still subconsciously hold a sense of honor. However, this sense of honor has not been honed for a long time, much like a sharp sword whose luster is obscured by the rust of mediocrity

That night, he thought for a long time in the dormitory and made up his mind to lead this unit well. Although it was an old army, the new army was also selected from the old army; it was just that the training methods and the equipment were somewhat more advanced.

The soldiers felt that the new sentry officer, Wu Shaoting, indeed possessed considerable resolve, as he had only spoken three sentences during their first meeting. Previous sentry officers had either been verbose, rambling on with irrelevant talk, or had deliberately tried to assert their authority, putting on a show of vigor typical of a new official eager to make an impression.

The old man chuckled and said: "Last month, the brothers in the camp inquired with a few officials at the army headquarters and learned that our newly appointed sentry officer is named Wu, with the courtesy name Shaoting and the style Zhenzhi! Haha, indeed, Lord Wu has a fine name; it truly suits him, exuding great spirit.

Zhou Xiaohu recognized that the new officer was indeed Wu Shaoting, the same person from yesterday. Although he had felt a bit nervous earlier, seeing Wu Shaoting's friendly smile immediately put him at ease. He chuckled and replied, "We bathe in well water all year round; Guangzhou is much warmer than other places"

"You have a good physique. Are you brave enough to take a cold shower now that the weather has just turned warm?" he said with a smile to Zhou Xiaohu

In summary, he will give his all to everything he can do

Everyone secretly sighed in their hearts: Truly, one cannot help but admire someone who has studied abroad; they are indeed extraordinary

Wu Shaoting chuckled and asked, "Do you know my surname is Wu?"

As Wu Shaoting, dressed in formal official attire, entered the camp, he resembled a rural constable coming to inspect the household registrations