Chapter 0005: Training the New Army

Outside the tent, Feng He smiled at Zhang Yi and said, "Young man, you must know that your commander Zhao is nicknamed 'Mad Tiger', right? This guy's eyes turn red as soon as he steps onto the battlefield, and he recognizes no one. With his mastery of Baji Quan, he has few rivals in the army, so you must be careful."

The personal guard replied with a salute, "Yes!" and turned to go out and convey the order

Nie Shicheng nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and replied: "What you say is reasonable, but thirty people is indeed too few. Once there are any losses, it will be difficult to replenish the personnel. We can retain twenty individuals among those who are to be eliminated, so that we can replenish combat losses at any time"

Zhang Yi smiled bitterly to himself, realizing that if he wanted to pursue his ambitions in the military, he would inevitably have to overcome this hurdle. He then bowed and replied, "I am willing to compete with Captain Zhao. If by chance I win, all I ask is for Captain Zhao to assist me in training the troops; as for the position of captain, I would never dare to accept it!"

Over the years, the generals under my command have fought in numerous campaigns, achieving victory in every battle. Gradually, this has fostered their arrogance and sense of superiority. I believe it is time to bring them back to reality.

Zhao Shixiao flicked his robe sleeves and coldly snorted, "Kid, don't say I didn't warn you. In tomorrow's competition, I will show no mercy. You better take care of yourself!"

Nie Shicheng furrowed his brow and questioned, "Thirty people? What impact can merely thirty individuals have on the battlefield?"

Nie Shicheng's expression suddenly darkened after hearing this, and he said with slight anger: "What? Do I need you to question my actions? Back when you first joined my ranks, you were just a rookie, weren't you? At that time, what did you know about military books and strategies? In just three years, I promoted you to deputy battalion commander, and after another two years, I made you a battalion commander. Now you are already a guerrilla general. Why is that? Is it because of your seniority? There are plenty of others with more experience than you. I do not want old hands in my ranks who only rely on their seniority!"

Zhang Yi nodded in agreement

Nie Shicheng furrowed his brow slightly, feeling somewhat hesitant. After all, the task of organizing the new army is usually entrusted to the most important and capable generals under his command. If he were to directly appoint Zhang Yi, it would likely cause dissatisfaction among Zhao Shixiao and the other commanders. If these individuals were to be unproductive, it could hinder progress, as he cannot always keep a close watch. However, Zhang Yi is indeed a rare talent, possessing a vision that surpasses his own, not to mention the generals he has trained. This is what Nie Shicheng values most, as Zhang Yi can bring something different to the new army.

Zhang Yi replied: "My lord, this army will primarily focus on executing special military operations and will not appear on the conventional battlefield. Their tasks will mainly involve reconnaissance, counter-reconnaissance, assassination, and targeted elimination, aiming to disrupt the enemy's critical nodes through precise strikes. The objective is to undermine the enemy's command system, rendering their operations ineffective, and thereby altering the balance of power between us and the enemy. If we are to train a large number of new troops, this is not a task that can be accomplished in the short term. The formation of an army, the development of combat capability, and the forging of military spirit require several years to successfully integrate. I believe my lord understands this principle even better than I do."

Approximately fifteen minutes later, the two generals entered the main tent and met with Nie Shicheng

The two looked at each other in confusion, not understanding the situation

Zhang Yi smiled faintly and clasped his hands, saying: "Thank you, Lord Feng, for your concern. I am well aware of my situation. Tomorrow at the martial arts arena, I will need more guidance from Lord Zhao."

Nie Shicheng said: "Today I have decided that Zhang Yi will organize a new army, consisting of 200 personnel. The new soldiers will be selected from the three battalions of the training army, and Zhang Yi has the authority to choose the personnel. Zhao Shixiao, you must closely cooperate and must not delay! Feng He, all equipment, ammunition, and logistical supplies required for the formation of the new army will be prioritized and must not be delayed!"

Nie Shicheng said: "Do not show off your verbal skills in front of me. Who is superior and who is inferior will be made clear after tomorrow's military training competition. As for military formations and state governance strategies, let that be; even I, an old man, may not necessarily surpass Zhang Yi in this regard. Tomorrow, let us determine the victor through martial prowess. Issue orders to all camp leaders: gather at the military training ground early tomorrow morning to watch the competition. Now, you may all leave."

A personal guard immediately entered the tent and respectfully inquired, "What orders do you have, my lord?"

Nie Shicheng replied, "Alright, as long as you can truly train a fine troop, regardless of what demands you make, I will fulfill all that is within my power." After saying this, he shouted towards outside the large tent, "Come here!"

Zhang Yi originally belonged to the training military sequence, yet now he has to collaborate with the commander of the Third Training Battalion to select personnel and train troops as a subordinate. Zhao Shixiao is genuinely frustrated; he feels he has lost face in front of his colleagues in the training military. In the future, he can forget about holding his head high among his peers, or he will be the subject of ridicule.

Seeing the situation stagnate, Feng He, who had been under Nie Shicheng for many years and shared a deep friendship, hurriedly said: "My lord, what Brother Shixiao said is not without reason; matters of the state cannot be treated lightly..."

Nie Shicheng pondered for a moment and said, "Shixiao, I understand that having Zhang Yi train the troops while you cooperate may put you in a bit of an awkward position, and I also recognize your capabilities. Since you have doubts, I will allow you to compete in a match similar to the last one. If you win, then the previous proposal will be nullified; however, if you lose, what else will you have to say?"

Nie Shicheng led this formidable army in battles across the south and north, akin to a lion that has fought a hundred battles. The generals under his command had also become accustomed to their power, displaying arrogance and an air of invincibility. For them to cooperate with a mere rookie in military training was something they could hardly accept. Zhao Shixiao was filled with indignation, and Feng He did not appear to be in a much better mood either

Zhang Yi replied from the side: "My lord, the value of troops lies in their quality, not quantity. A force of 200 is indeed excessive; firstly, I fear I may not be capable enough, and secondly, it would also deplete our military strength. I propose to use the personnel I have as a foundation, and then select 50 from the trained soldiers to form a new army. After special training, approximately 100 will be eliminated, leaving around 30. These 30 will undoubtedly become a sharp blade for the Qing Dynasty, invincible in attack."

Nie Shicheng paused for a moment and then said: "Now, let us discuss what assistance you need from me"

Having said that, he turned and left.

Zhao Shixiao clearly saw the helplessness and sarcasm in Feng He’s eyes, which made him feel even more uncomfortable. He bent down and asked, "My lord, the formation of the new army is a matter of great national importance, the foundation for strengthening the country and securing its defenses, and we, your subordinates, will naturally support it with all our might. However, how can such a significant military affair be overseen by a rookie who has been in the army for less than six months? Isn’t that clearly going to lead to mistakes! We, the subordinates, have fought alongside you on the battlefield, and some of us have been in service for over ten years. It is not that I am boasting on behalf of my colleagues, but in the Qing Dynasty, every officer under your command is top-notch. Even if new troops are to be trained, it should be us, these officers, who take charge for you. Military affairs cannot be treated lightly!"

Zhao Shixiao let out a cold snort and said, "Kid, I know you have some skills. In the future, the position of squad leader is certainly within your reach. However, if you want to defeat me, you might need to practice for another ten or eight years. As of now, you are still not up to the task"

Zhao Shixiao, filled with joy, bowed and replied: "My lord, I have not been idle for the past ten years. If I lose, I will have no complaints and would even be willing to cede the position of camp officer to Zhang Yi!"

Seeing Nie Shicheng's expression change, the two quickly responded affirmatively, for Nie Shicheng's strict military law was well-known throughout the Qing Dynasty, and they did not dare to provoke misfortune.

Upon hearing this, everyone hurriedly bowed and paid their respects, then withdrew from the main tent

Nie Shicheng stated: "There is no time to waste. This afternoon, Zhang Yi will accompany Zhao Shixiao back to the camp to select personnel. Zhao Guanbai can also recommend candidates based on your understanding of your subordinates' abilities."

Nie Shicheng frowned and let out an angry grunt

Nie Shicheng nodded slightly and said to Zhang Yi: "Young man, whether you can train a new army for me depends entirely on your own abilities. Zhao Guanbai's skills are also among the best in my camp. Tomorrow at the training ground, do not let me down..."

Faced with Nie Shicheng's fury, Zhao Shixiao felt a wave of dread wash over him and could only respond with a forced bravado: "My lord, I dare not presume, but Zhang Yi is under twenty years of age. I fear he lacks the capability to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. After all, organizing and training the new army is a significant matter, not to be taken lightly. My lord, you cannot entrust such an important task to him based solely on a few frivolous remarks. What if something goes wrong..."

Zhang Yi replied: "My lord, in the initial phase, I need you to assign me several cavalrymen to act as military supervisors and oversee their training; in the later phase, I require you to provide a sufficient quantity of firearms and ammunition."

Nie Shicheng said: "Pass my order, commanding the camp commander Zhao Shixiao and the supply commander Feng He to come and see me immediately"