Chapter 6, Military Governance

Han Dong thought about the task he had just assigned to Zhang Rui and couldn't help but feel that Zhang Rui was quite efficient in his work, so he smiled at Zhang Rui and asked, "Have you finished it?"

Han Dong listened to Zou Chun and said, "After implementing the reward and punishment measures, military salaries will be issued monthly as usual. Rewards will be directly distributed from the monthly surplus, while penalties will be directly deducted from the next month's salary. The specific measures are being drafted; let’s go and take a look together."

Zhang Rui looked at Han Dong with a face full of confusion, seemingly unable to understand what Han Dong intended to do. Enforcing discipline and ensuring that subordinates obey their superiors is correct; at the very least, it can achieve the goal of strict compliance and strengthen military discipline. In the future, this could lead to the rectification of the army. However, Han Dong wanted subordinates to unconditionally and strictly obey the orders of their superiors. Wasn't this an attempt to establish military power? This was different from the thoughts of Emperor Taizu back in the day. Emperor Taizu separated military power to prevent its concentration, which could lead to a series of upheavals. Yet Han Dong actually wanted to restore this. Zhang Rui dared not think further. "Even erroneous orders must be executed, just in case..." Zhang Rui glanced at Han Dong, then retracted what he was about to say and changed his words, "I mean, just in case a general takes advantage of this to rebel?"

"Sweat more before the battle, bleed less during the battle"

Han Dong also said little, knowing that this was the time to strike while the iron was hot, so he asked Zhang Rui to announce the entire military discipline measures and the rewards and punishments.

As soon as I arrived outside Han Dong's residence, I saw Zhang Rui coming out from inside. Han Dong immediately pulled Zhang Rui back into the house to discuss specific rewards and punishments with Zou Chun.

Zhang Rui stood up straight as he saw Han Dong about to leave, saluting with a military gesture. "Yes, Captain Han, the task you assigned has been completed. Please review it, Captain Han." As he spoke, he extended both hands to present the document to Han Dong.

Han Dong, listening to the strong Qilu accent, did not beat around the bush and said directly, "I have looked into the situation of the army and would like to implement some measures to change the current state, as well as establish some reward and punishment systems to discuss with you."

Han Dong looked at Zhang Rui, who was smiling and bowing, and said sternly, "Be serious! You may return now."

Han Dong was suddenly interrupted by this action, momentarily taken aback as he realized that they had finally taken another step closer to success. "Deputy Captain Zou, please take a seat," he said, returning a gesture of respect.

"Deputy Zou, Team Leader Han is looking for you," Xiao Yi said, standing in front of Zou Chun and saluting.

Zou Chun listened to Han Dong's opinions and couldn't help but feel a bit impressed by this person from the military academy. After all, those from military academies possess certain insights, and his suggestions were precisely what their team lacked. It was also due to the absence of a correct measure to guide them that they had not been able to manage the military effectively. Now, hearing Han Dong's opinions, he felt somewhat swayed; if implemented well, the future would surely hold more than just these achievements. Throughout the border army, unless the leaders possess determination, most remain mediocre, and military discipline is still quite average. If this approach continues to be implemented, he believes that military discipline will eventually undergo a significant transformation. Zou Chun did not say much more, stood up, and saluted Han Dong, saying, "The team leader is aware of this."

Zou Chun also understood that as the team leader, he had no business to attend to in the Three Treasures Hall, so he welcomed Han Dong into the room to sit down, instructed the guards to serve tea, and spoke in a thick Qilu accent, "Sir, what brings you to seek me?"

Han Dong listened to Zhang Rui's words, a smug smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. After a moment of thought, he suddenly felt something was amiss. "Zhang Rui, from now on, when you see me, do not call me 'Sir.' Instead, address me as 'Team Leader Han' and salute."

Xiao Yi brought Han Dong to Zou Chun's residence, which was not far from Han Dong's place. They arrived quickly. After Xiao Yi knocked on the door, he received a response from inside and then walked in

Zou Chun was also aware that the key to this measure lay in the system of rewards and punishments. Recognizing the influence of wealth within the military camp, he refrained from saying much and directly shifted the focus to military salaries. "Team Leader Han, our Border Army's seven divisions, five cooperatives, and one team currently have a total of eighty-seven enlisted soldiers. The monthly salary for each soldier is one tael of silver. For the four positions of clerks, deputy team leaders, and team leaders, the total is ten taels. Additionally, the monthly supply needed for the cooks is twenty taels, along with over thirty taels for other expenses, resulting in a total monthly military salary of one hundred fifty taels of silver."

Han Dong just put the finished letter into an envelope, preparing to send it out with the guard, when he saw Zhang Rui approaching with a piece of paper.

"Sweat more before the battle, bleed less during the battle"

Han Dong looked at the punitive measures, then turned to the outside and called out, "Xiao Yi"

After Zhang Rui left, Han Dong finally laughed out loud, feeling that he had finally exhibited the demeanor of an officer. After a moment of pride, he suddenly realized that he should write a letter to Liu Yuan to let him witness his great ideas. He composed himself, suppressed his smile, and sat down at the desk to begin writing the letter.

A resounding voice echoed across the entire camp, and Han Dong smiled as he observed it all, knowing that they were one significant step closer to success. Han Dong seemed to envision the cheers of victory and, unable to contain himself, joined the soldiers in their shouts. Seeing their commander shouting along, the soldiers raised their voices even louder.

"I do not wish to." As soon as all the soldiers saw this expression on their commander's face, they knew it was time to take things seriously. The voice echoed across the entire camp of the Fifth Battalion, attracting countless gazes

This seems to be the case, the military horn is resounding, but it still lacks synchronized steps. No matter, the slogans will come, the steps will come, the quality will come, and the combat effectiveness will certainly be there; everything will be there. Han Dong looked at the scene with satisfaction, thinking to himself.

"I don't want to." All the soldiers shared the same thought; Han Dong, upon hearing this voice, anticipated that his measures were indeed correct

The entire army also began to shout together

Xiao Yi immediately ran in from outside and saluted, saying, "Team Leader."

Indeed. Listening to Han Dong, Zhang Rui thought for a moment and felt that it was indeed the case, so he replied, "It should be this way, so shall we proceed accordingly?"

Looking at the soldiers who had already relaxed, Han Dong smiled slightly and said, "You all should know that the Northern Barbarians of Sangqi are in Pingzhou, and they might arrive here tomorrow. With the war looming, do you wish to die on the battlefield?"

Han Dong carefully reviewed the content and couldn't help but admire that Zhang Rui is a talented individual. After some thought, he suddenly realized that a system of rewards and penalties should be established to facilitate the implementation of these measures. He then asked Zhang Rui to formulate a system of rewards and punishments.

Tomorrow I will formulate a training plan for everyone, sweat more before the battle, and bleed less during the battle, do you understand?" Han Dong said loudly to the group of soldiers

When the new team leader asked him a question, the guard replied, "Sir, while you were away, the military pay is currently being kept by Deputy Team Leader Zou Chun."

Zhang Rui listened to Han Dong and thought about it. Indeed, in the future, with everything in black and white, they would not be able to escape their wrongdoing. "Alright, my lord, from now on I will be your scribe."

He instructed the guard to take him to find Zou Chun to inquire about the military pay, and the guard promptly led him there. On the way, Han Dong did not forget to impose his own standards of military discipline on the guard, who immediately performed a military salute and addressed him as Team Leader Han. This guard, in his early twenties, was small in stature with a round face, and at first glance, he still appeared somewhat youthful. His military uniform looked no different from when Han Dong had just entered military school. Han Dong asked some basic information, and the guard answered all of them, still addressing him as Team Leader Han. This guard was named Xiao Yi, a rather clever young man.

Hearing such a loud response, Han Dong, Zhang Rui, and Zou Chun all realized that the method they had in mind was gradually beginning to take effect, particularly the method conceived by Han Dong.

After watching Zhang Rui perform the salute and turn to leave, he took the letter and prepared to have a guard send it out. Just as he called for the guard, he suddenly remembered that he should copy the military discipline and the standards for rewards and punishments to send to Liu Yuan, asking his brother to help him consider it.

"Speak louder, I can't hear you. Haven't you eaten?" Han Dong looked at the soldiers, suppressing a smile and speaking with a serious expression.

Since we do not wish to perish on the battlefield, we must now exert a hundredfold effort to make up for the training we have previously neglected. Are you willing to do so?" Han Dong slightly changed his expression as he looked at the group of soldiers

Han Dong looked at the tall and robust man in front of him, who appeared to be around thirty years old. With a broad face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, he was a typical man from the Qi-Lu region. The military uniform he wore truly gave him the image of a regular soldier. "Deputy Captain Zou, I have something to discuss with you."

"Is it wrong?" Han Dong was taken aback, pondering for a moment, as if he had come to understand something. "Even if it is wrong, it should still be executed. Yes, it should be executed!" Han Dong emphasized his thoughts.

"Yes, the team is correct." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi immediately turned around and ran outside

In a previous life, I was not from a military background, and the military training at school was merely a formality. I have watched quite a bit of military-themed television, but I am unsure if it will be effective. In theory, military management is about discipline. First and foremost, there must be strict discipline, which I have learned from television. The enhancement of discipline should primarily focus on the enforcement of orders and prohibitions, with clear rewards and punishments. Perhaps we should start from this point. The enhancement of discipline should primarily focus on the enforcement of orders and prohibitions, with clear rewards and punishments. Perhaps we should start from this point.

Listening to what Han Dong said, Zou Chun then returned with Han Dong

Zhang Rui listened to Han Dong and found that what he was saying seemed somewhat similar to his own thoughts, so he pondered for a moment and said, "Discipline? How to enforce it?"

The matter of training was gradually imparted to them. Han Dong accompanied them for a day of training, leaving the entire team exhausted and swaying. Han Dong felt a bit worried today, but it was nothing to be concerned about; everything would gradually improve.

Han Dong heard Zhang Rui say that this plan is acceptable, and he couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride in his heart. He hoped it would succeed; no, it would definitely succeed. "Then let's proceed with it. Oh, by the way, Zhang Rui, since you are knowledgeable in literature, please help me set a standard."

Han Dong listened to Zou Chun's polite remarks and decided to set them aside. It was not a bad idea to discuss matters as well, after all, Zou Chun did not seem to be a villain. He then laid out the measures he had in mind to Zou Chun.

... ...

Upon reviewing the reward and punishment measures drafted by Zhang Rui, Han Dong and Zou Chun both expressed their approval.

Han Dong was not unaware of this point, but the armies of later generations have always operated this way, and there have been no reports of significant errors. However, it is indeed difficult to resolve. If something were to happen, perhaps it could be avoided, but at this initial stage, what can we use to restrain? Moreover, he is merely a team leader, with only seventy or eighty personnel; perhaps he is thinking too far ahead. After some contemplation, Han Dong decided to set this matter aside for now, considering that there may be opportunities in the future. "Let us not discuss this point for the time being; let us assume it does not exist. It is sufficient to ensure that the officers do not make mistakes." After further reflection, Han Dong concluded that this was the best course of action for now. "Let us first implement some basics. For instance, soldiers should salute their officers; yes, a salute, showing respect, as is customary in military academies. Additionally, superiors must ensure that subordinates comply with orders; commands must be followed and prohibitions observed. Furthermore, we need to establish a set of training measures to enhance training, especially with the Northern Barbarians not far away."

Zhang Rui listened to Han Dong's intention to start reforming military discipline from himself. It made sense; when those above set an example, those below would surely follow suit. He smiled and saluted Han Dong, saying, "Yes, Captain Han!"

Zou Chun quickly stood up and went out to greet.

Zhang Rui stepped forward to present the plan, and Han Dong immediately placed the shiny silver he had brought from behind on the ground. Instantly, the soldiers' eyes lit up, realizing that the commander had indeed acquired something substantial this time, and they shouted loudly, "Yes, Commander." After saying this, they also performed a salute.

"One must not disobey superior orders?" Zhang Rui thought incredulously as he looked at Han Dong, "What if it is an erroneous command?"

Having determined where to start, Han Dong said to Zhang Rui, who was also deep in thought, "We should probably begin by focusing on discipline"

It seems that the officer is aware of the thoughts, this time the voice is somewhat soft and carries a hint of reluctance, "willing to engage with books."

Upon returning to the room with Zhang Rui, I suddenly realized what the situation in the military was like. Lacking any experience in military management, even the knowledge acquired in military school would require some time to apply here. What should I do?

Since Han Dong has just arrived here today and still has to deal with many trivial matters, he has not yet had the opportunity to take over such significant financial authority. Considering that the implementation of reward and punishment measures is imminent, it is essential to have financial authority, so he inquired with the guard.

Zou Chun listened to Han Dong's words and understood that he was here to request military funds, so he did not pay much attention to it. After all, he was only temporarily in charge, and now that the rightful person was in place, it would be inappropriate and unjustifiable to hold on to power. "My lord, you are being too polite. You are the one in charge, so just go ahead and implement whatever you need to. I will not oppose it."

Zou Chunli also began to shout.

Han Dong looked at everything that Zhang Rui was doing and couldn't help but feel deep gratitude for this subordinate and friend. With people around the commander executing orders so strictly, it was likely that lower-ranking officials would not resist too much. Han Dong took the paper that Zhang Rui handed over and read, "As a soldier, one must always remember the teachings of the commander. When entering or leaving in the presence of officers, one must salute and address them respectfully; this is the first principle; when an officer calls, one must respond and address them appropriately; this is the second principle..."

The letter to Liu Yuan was just sent out today, so I certainly cannot expect any assistance from him in the near future. Zhang Rui and others are not from a military background, and their understanding of military management is likely even less than mine, as I am a graduate of a military academy. However, I lack experience and do not dare to take charge casually; what if I mess it up?

You immediately go and gather all the soldiers, remember everyone, including the guards

When Han Dong, accompanied by Zhang Rui and Zou Chun, arrived at the large parade ground, seventy to eighty people were already standing there. Observing that their postures were not very crooked, he addressed the entire group, saying, "Relax a bit. I believe everyone has either met me or heard of me. Yes, I am your new team leader, Han Dong. In the future, you may refer to me as team leader or Team Leader Han."

He instructed the guard to copy this military regulation twice, and then called another guard, asking, "In general, who is in charge of the military pay for the army?"

Regarding how to enforce discipline, Han Dong has his own thoughts: "Orders must be followed, and rewards and punishments must be clear." After a moment of reflection, Han Dong suddenly added, "Subordinates must strictly obey their superiors and must not contravene the orders of their superiors"

Zhang Rui immediately raised his hand and shouted loudly, "Sweat more before the battle, bleed less during the battle"