Section 3, Starting Point
Liang Chongxin is increasingly unable to see clearly his immediate superior. Through two years of interaction, he has transitioned from resistance to respect. The broad and profound insights, deep understanding of current affairs, and proficient application of military knowledge have all made Liang Chongxin feel inferior. This time, when Wufeng was promoted to squad leader and strongly recommended him as his deputy, Liang initially thought that such a promotion beyond the usual hierarchy would not be approved by higher-ups, and he had little hope. However, he was unaware of the means Wufeng employed, as the approval was granted quite smoothly.
The Liang family has been engaged in the production of raw paper for generations. The products are then handed over to several well-known paper workshops for complex deep processing, ultimately entering the market as the renowned Huzhi paper. Liang Chongxin is the eldest son of this generation, yet he has no interest in the family business that has been passed down through the ages. Instead, he enjoys reading and practicing martial arts. The elders in the family are relatively open-minded, allowing him to pursue his interests. By the time he reached his twenties, he had not engaged in any serious work, which made Liang Chongxin feel somewhat ashamed. Four years ago, he secretly enlisted in the military without informing his family, claiming to be traveling. He is determined to achieve something significant, hoping to bring honor to his ancestors and return home in glory.
Reflecting on the performance of my young superior over the past two years, I feel that this young leader possesses not only extraordinary abilities and extensive knowledge but also a level of shrewdness that is incongruous with his youthful appearance. Although I have become quite familiar with him, to the extent that we can talk about anything, I have never been able to see through his true nature. He has even gifted me books on military strategies from various countries on the mainland, urging me to study and research them diligently. What is he truly thinking? What is his ultimate goal in joining the military? These questions remain a mystery, but Liang Chongxin believes he is certainly not an ordinary person. Moreover, his genuine concern and assistance towards me are evident. Looking back at how I was treated in the military before, and now with Wu Feng valuing me so highly, I realize that I am merely an insignificant individual, not needing to ponder too much. A soldier would die for someone who understands him; what does it matter if I were to give my life for him?
Wufeng also felt a sense of lamentation. Given Liang Chongxin's capabilities, it is not an exaggeration to say that he could handle not only the position of a small team leader but also that of a large team leader or even a brigade leader. The imperial bureaucracy, which places great importance on background and seniority, has undoubtedly buried countless talents. It is no wonder that the empire's national strength declines day by day, while neighboring countries eye it covetously, frequently instigating border conflicts and waiting for opportunities to wage war for their own gain. Some powerful regional governors within the empire are also stirring, openly complying with the court's orders while secretly defying them, creating a palpable sense of impending storm. The empire has sensed this, which is why it has strengthened its military preparedness to prevent potential crises. Wufeng, through frequent interactions and conversations with subordinate soldiers, has fostered closer relations between officials and troops, and has also discovered many useful talents.
The majority of the members in the Wufeng team are new recruits who have recently enlisted, all around the age of twenty. They possess commendable physical fitness and train rigorously, but they lack combat experience and need to gain practical experience in future operations.
Liang Chongxin was born into a wealthy family of workshop owners in Huzhou Prefecture, Jiangnan Province of the Empire. His family was engaged in papermaking. Huzhou's four treasures of the study—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—are renowned throughout the world. Many talented scholars and poets enjoy using Huzhou's four treasures, especially the products from several famous workshops, which are in high demand in the capital and Central Plains. High-quality paper has numerous requirements; from selecting raw materials to processing them into finished products, it involves multiple procedures and requires considerable craftsmanship.
Wufeng's words were like throwing a ladle of water into boiling oil, causing a stir among the soldiers. This was due to Liang Chongxin being promoted from squad leader to deputy team leader, and Kang Jianguo being directly promoted from an ordinary soldier to team leader, with his rank elevated by two levels. Both soldiers and officers felt a mix of envy and jealousy, especially since these two had previously challenged Wufeng when he first took on the role of team leader. This training session presented another opportunity, and everyone was eager to showcase their skills, hoping to gain recognition and be valued by their superiors.
One young man named Luman, with blonde hair, hails from a庶族 family in Huanggang Prefecture, Wuhu County. Although he is not skilled in martial arts, he is quite proficient in military logistics and supply, demonstrating considerable expertise when discussing the subject. His family is a prominent local landlord, engaged in the grain, textiles, and liquor businesses, and enjoys a good reputation in the area. Despite being a庶出, Luman's mother, a mixed-race woman, was a concubine his father married while conducting business abroad, and she is favored by him. Consequently, Luman spent his leisure time studying business management with his family, absorbing knowledge through experience. Coupled with his natural talent in this area, he quickly gained recognition within the family. However, this also incited jealousy among his other brothers, who conspired to slander him, leading even his father to believe some of the rumors. In a fit of anger, he decided to enlist in the military. Wufeng believes that although Luman's skills may not be immediately useful, as the situation evolves, with proper training, he will undoubtedly prove valuable. Therefore, he expresses great admiration for Luman's knowledge in this area, encouraging him to learn and practice more, assuring him that he will be able to make a significant contribution in the future.
Time passes quickly; in the blink of an eye, another year has gone by. The calendar has turned to the year 689 of the mainland Gregorian calendar. During this period, the team led by Wu Feng has excelled in routine formation training, tactical drills, and individual combat competitions. Wu Feng's approachable demeanor, which stands in stark contrast to many officers from noble families, has garnered him considerable favor among the leaders of the squads and battalions composed of commoners. As a result, he was exceptionally promoted to the position of captain of the Third Squad. The former captain of the Third Squad was reassigned to the First Squad as its captain, taking over from the original captain of the First Squad, who retired due to injury. With Wu Feng's strong recommendation and efforts, Liang Chongxin was also exceptionally promoted to the position of vice-captain of the Third Squad, with his rank elevated to sergeant. Kang Jianguo was promoted to the position of captain of the Third Team due to his outstanding performance in individual combat, and his rank was raised to corporal.
During his travels across the continent, Wufeng studied at the renowned Heidelberg University in the West for six months through a work-study program. He explored various aspects of Western politics, military affairs, economics, and cultural arts. However, due to time constraints, he primarily focused on military studies and research. Wufeng aimed to compare the military strategic and tactical thoughts of the Eastern and Western continents, leveraging strengths and avoiding weaknesses, in order to find the optimal method to enhance the construction and management of the army. Unfortunately, the timing is not yet ripe, and it cannot be practically applied at this moment.
Due to outstanding performance in the military, he was promoted to squad leader two years ago. However, because he comes from a free citizen background and lacks connections, he has not been able to successfully advance to team leader. Meanwhile, Wu Feng was appointed as team leader from a new recruit, which has caused many comrades to voice their dissatisfaction. Wu Feng gradually learned about these matters after becoming familiar with the soldiers.
At the time when the entire squad was fervently engaged in training, Wu Feng did not take the lead as he had previously, personally overseeing every detail. Instead, he merely instructed Liang Chongxin to intensify the supervision of training, focus on training methods, and strive for optimal results, while he himself occasionally ventured into the city, appearing particularly enigmatic. Although Liang Chongxin felt somewhat puzzled, he still followed Wu Feng's directives, organizing training sessions daily, personally supervising assessments, and extending the methods originally implemented in the second team to the entire squad.
The 3rd Division, where Wufeng is located, is a mixed division, while the 5th Battalion of the 4th Regiment is a light infantry battalion. Due to its recent formation, some veterans were transferred from other units to serve as the backbone, thereby enhancing combat effectiveness. After more than a year of rigorous training, Wufeng significantly improved the combat capabilities of the squad. During this time, Wufeng taught the soldiers a breathing technique originally imparted by his master, which can quickly restore a fatigued body. Although it has no other effects, it greatly aids in physical conditioning, resulting in the overall physical fitness of the squad's soldiers surpassing that of other squads.
Upon assuming the position of captain of the Third Squad, Wu Feng immediately initiated a training movement throughout the entire squad. Wu Feng required the other teams to emulate the Second Squad, whose training results were evident to all. He also announced at the soldiers' assembly that this intensive training would last for three months, with the aim of enhancing the overall combat capability of the entire team. Each squad was expected to strive to match or exceed the combat effectiveness of the Second Squad. This training would be organized, implemented, and assessed by Deputy Captain Liang Chongxin. During the training, those who resisted management would face strict military discipline, while outstanding performers would be promoted beyond the usual criteria. Wu Feng reiterated at the soldiers' assembly that this intensive training would last for three months, with the aim of enhancing the overall combat capability of the entire team, and that each squad was expected to strive to match or exceed the combat effectiveness of the Second Squad. This training would be organized, implemented, and assessed by Deputy Captain Liang Chongxin. During the training, those who resisted management would face strict military discipline, while outstanding performers would be promoted beyond the usual criteria.
The days of growth passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a year had gone by. Wu Feng led the second squad, and the entire team engaged in intense training throughout this year. Through the training, Wu Feng quickly became familiar with the soldiers in the squad. Everyone noticed that Wu Feng was completely different from other noble families, showing none of the arrogance, pride, or haughtiness typical of ordinary nobles. As a result, they gradually grew closer to him, and Wu Feng also began to understand his subordinates better.