Chapter 0010: Selecting Soldiers

Be quiet

Even if one manages to deceive others now, the truth will eventually be revealed in the future

"Alas, I really am not cut out for studying; it's just not for me, truly not for me." A middle-aged strong man shook his head and walked out of the line, heading towards the adjacent group

Out of five hundred people, only one hundred and twenty-three soldiers remained.

Li Zhen's words spread, and the soldiers began to waver

Meanwhile, some soldiers turned their gaze towards Huang Shihai, who was standing not far away, hoping that he would step forward to speak. Huang Shihai and Huang Hu stood in silence, making it clear to all the soldiers that there was no way to evade the situation.

Huang Shihai believes that the soldiers under his command are exceptional and hopes that all soldiers can participate

Li Zhen did not believe that there was not a single one. He said coldly: "I reiterate once again, soldiers who have smoked opium or narcotics, step forward. If you remain inside and are found out, you will certainly be expelled from the camp. Those who stand out now can still stay in the camp and continue to go to the battlefield to fight. I hope you consider this carefully, do not deceive, and do not challenge my bottom line"

The first condition is that Li Zhen must shave his head

Huang Shihai and Huang Hu stand tall and proud at the forefront, brimming with vitality

More than 600 soldiers stood still, with not a single person stepping forward

Previously, he discussed the formation of a special operations unit with Huang Shihai, but did not select any soldiers

After a pause, Huang Shihai spoke to the *Tu* book, saying: "Sir, the soldiers in the army are all brave and tenacious, unafraid of death, hardship, or fatigue; they can all join the Special Forces."

Imagine this: during a close-quarters fight, if someone grabs your braid, it is undoubtedly game over. No matter how formidable your skills are, once your braid is seized, there is no way to break free. Moreover, if your head is shaved, you can always wear a wig, which can also help you deal with officials, thus the impact is not significant.

Scholars cannot become soldiers, yet the majority of soldiers are illiterate. Li Zhen aims to form an elite special forces unit, requiring soldiers who can read and write, as well as possess sufficient martial skills. The somewhat easier approach is to teach the soldiers literacy, gradually transforming them into individuals who are both cultured and skilled in combat. Although the journey is long, it is not impossible

Huang Shihai stood to the side, gently shaking his head

Li Zhen's lips twitched slightly, and he felt a bit nervous. He had overestimated these soldiers; not every soldier was willing to stay and learn to read and write. Most of the soldiers were ordinary commoners, illiterate and uneducated, and they had been instilled with the notion that they could not pursue education, which led to one after another withdrawing.

Gradually, one or two soldiers despondently stepped out of the ranks, and soon, more and more began to withdraw. Those who had taken the lead, like in a story, found that the psychological pressure on the subsequent soldiers was not as great; they voluntarily stepped forward to join those who had exited earlier. In this round, the number of departing soldiers was not too high, with only one hundred and twenty leaving, while nearly five hundred remained.

Li Zhen said, "I am very glad that you can stay, and I hope you can persevere until the end"

The soldiers shouted loudly, raising their voices.

The two individuals are military leaders and do not need to participate in the selection process

Huang Shihai was not surprised, as he had long anticipated the situation before him. Especially considering that more than 120 soldiers were able to remain, it was already quite good

Li Zhen arrived outside the camp, and the four soldiers on guard stood up straight, energetically welcoming him. Once Li Zhen strode in, the four soldiers finally relaxed. Upon entering the main tent, Huang Shihai quickly stood up from his seat to offer Li Zhen a place to sit. After Li Zhen sat down, he asked: "Shihai, how is the arrangement for selecting soldiers coming along?"

Such a significant gap surprised Li Zhen

The soldiers beneath the arena, you look at me, I look at you, both feeling quite strange

Li Zhen answered Qi Shan's question and soon left the main tent with Wu Qigong. He did not return to the camp with Wu Qigong, but instead headed alone towards Huang Shihai's camp.

After a pause, Li Zhen shouted loudly to the library: "Those who have smoked opium, step forward!"

In an instant, the five hundred soldiers beneath the arena fell silent.

... ...

Li Zhen took a deep breath and said loudly: "First, I will state a rule. While I am speaking, no whispering or side conversations are allowed. Anyone who violates this will leave. If anyone is unwilling to comply, stand up immediately." Li Zhen paused for a moment, scanning all the soldiers with his gaze, and asked loudly: "Is there anyone who does not wish to comply?"

Li Zhen looked at the noisy and chaotic scene, letting out a sigh in his heart

Li Zhen shook his head and said firmly: "Shihai, I have already told you that the Special Forces are not just about brute strength and some martial arts skills. There is much to learn and many things to pay attention to. Now, gather the nine hundred and twenty-eight soldiers capable of combat in the army and assemble them under the arena. I will personally select the soldiers."

Suddenly, Li Zhen shouted loudly

Two individuals emerged from the tent, one in front and the other behind. Li Zhen stood on the arena, waiting. In less than a quarter of an hour, all 928 soldiers capable of battle in the camp had gathered, standing in an orderly manner beneath the arena

Huang Shihai furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat absurd in his heart. However, he had already submitted to Li Zhen and would not go back on his word, nor did he dare to interfere with Li Zhen's actions, so he could only wait quietly. A quarter of an hour passed, and only two-thirds of the soldiers remained under the arena, with more than six hundred still present.

Ah, I still have to study! How terrifying!

There is none

In an instant, the soldiers beneath the arena erupted in a chorus of exclamations

Li Zhen instructed: "Huang Shihai, Huang Hu, stand aside, do not stand with the other soldiers." Huang Hu and Huang Shihai received the order and immediately stepped aside to watch.

Li Zhen continued, "You five hundred have initially qualified, but you still face a problem. Next, you will read and write, reciting texts like children and memorizing lessons like children."

Li Zhen continued, saying: "I know that many of you are illiterate and have not received an education. However, as long as you have perseverance, determination, and ideas, nothing can stand in your way. How to choose? It all depends on yourselves. I will also give you a quarter of an hour to consider; those who wish to study may stay, while those who do not wish to study may leave automatically"

Huang Shihai sighed inwardly and turned to leave

Li Zhen nodded in satisfaction and said loudly: "No one leaves, very good. You all know that I am going to select soldiers to form an elite special forces unit, but the first condition for selection is to shave your heads. Everyone must have a shaved head. Those who are unwilling to shave, step forward; those who are willing, stay. I will give you fifteen minutes to consider, and after fifteen minutes, we will proceed to the next selection phase involving the books."

Subsequently, Li Zhen entrusted the matter to Huang Shihai for handling

I am just a simpleton, illiterate, how can I read books

Yes, I will convey the order immediately

Immediately following, soldiers continued to emerge one after another

Huang Shihai nodded and said, "I have reported to you, my lord, everything has been arranged."

Moreover, many soldiers inherently believe that they are incapable of reading and do not trust in themselves

Next, it is time to select the soldiers

Register and then begin preparations for training the soldiers

The area beneath the arena was bustling and noisy, resembling a marketplace, with most soldiers displaying expressions of astonishment. In this era, the majority of educated individuals pursued official titles, aspiring to achieve recognition on the imperial examination list. The soldiers who enlisted were predominantly ordinary citizens who had not received an education, and the idea of suddenly having them study was deemed inconceivable.

Huang Hu reached out to touch his smooth bald head and broke into a grin

At his core, Huang Shihai remains proud

Li Zhenzhen, invigorated, said loudly: "All remaining soldiers are to be registered and become the first batch of soldiers in the elite special forces. I believe you will not regret today's decision, for you have chosen the path of the strong"

Huang Hu couldn't help but chuckle, hoping that Li Zhen would change his mind and stop studying

It is not possible; one cannot read books, cannot read them.