Chapter Seven: Becoming an Official

Returning to his position, Ye Duling clearly did not wish to be looked down upon by the other party. He expressed with great emotion: "Had I known earlier that you had such a connection with the Emperor of Britain, during the Boxer Rebellion, I should have asked you to step forward and speak to the Emperor on our behalf. With your influence, I believe the Emperor would have granted us this favor, and the two countries would naturally coexist harmoniously. It is a pity, as it shows that our country indeed has many talented individuals."

Wang Hengyue and a few others were left speechless with laughter. Although this person could speak Chinese, the expressions used were quite inappropriate. Where is there a saying like "pushing tomorrow to today"?

"We all understand the rules." Qin Guangcheng smiled as he stood up and placed a brocade box in front of Ye Xuanbiao, saying, "This was brought back from abroad by Shuzhi, and I kindly ask you to take a look, my lord."

Ye Xuanbiao wanted to hide but failed, looking quite awkward: "Mr. Peter, where have I not been a good friend?"

Lord Douling, I have come to seek you again

This states 'Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Graduation Certificate of the British Empire'

Ye Xuanbiao was particularly fond of foreign goods; upon seeing a gold watch, his eyes sparkled with delight. He picked it up and played with it for a long time, praising it incessantly. Looking further into the brocade box, he found a silver note worth 2,000 taels.

Seeing that things were going so smoothly, Qin Guangcheng was in high spirits and was just about to invite Ye Xuanbiao to his home for a drink that evening when suddenly a stiff voice speaking Chinese came from outside

Given your background, it would be more than sufficient for you to hold a position as a commander. Unfortunately, there are arrangements in place everywhere, and the connections involved are ones I cannot afford to offend. After thorough investigation, I have found that the newly established Second Company of the Sixty-sixth Mixed Brigade of the Thirty-third Division is still in need of a team officer. If you do not mind the inconvenience, you could take this position, and I will certainly find a way in the future to transfer you to a more favorable post.

Upon their arrival, Wang Hengyue and several others were quite astonished. The voice seemed to belong to a foreigner. This high-ranking official had always shown utmost respect towards foreigners; how could there be any reason to obstruct their passage

Lord Douling, you are not a true friend

Peter persisted: "The matters I entrusted to you, you always postpone from today to tomorrow, and then from tomorrow back to today..."

Wang Hengyue and Du Charlie struggled to suppress their laughter, their faces turning bright red.

Considering that this "young master" is merely indulging in a pastime by joining the military, can his father truly be at ease leaving Wang Hengyue in the barracks for a lifetime? Sooner or later, he will have to return to inherit the family business. By flattering him now, there will be great benefits in the future.

Hengyue has made up his mind. Wang Hengyue stated, "Since I have wanted to join the military since childhood, and today, as Sichuan is organizing a new army, there is no reason for me not to want to join."

Peter, however, was unaware that he had misspoken. He raised his voice and said, "My lord, regardless of the circumstances, you must make arrangements for me today. Otherwise, I will not leave. I always keep my word; if I say I won't leave, then I certainly will not leave."

I did not expect that you, esteemed brother, actually graduated from a foreign military academy and have connections with the British royal family. I am truly humbled, I am truly humbled.

Thank you for your support, when Hengyue returns to the United States in the future, he will certainly mention Duling in front of his father

Upon hearing this, Ye Xuanbiao was so delighted that he almost forgot his own surname, laughing so hard that he could hardly close his mouth. These wealthy tycoons engaged in business overseas, as long as they let slip a little from their hands, would have enough to ensure a lifetime free from worries about food and clothing

Upon thinking of this, I slightly bowed my body at hetushu.com

Du Charlie gave Wang Hengyue a glance, and Wang Hengyue, steeling himself, took out the "graduation certificate" and handed it to Du Charlie

As soon as the words "British Empire, Royal" were uttered, Ye Xuanbiao's expression changed dramatically. Holding his diploma in both hands, he treated it as if it were a precious treasure. Despite his esteemed status, he did not hesitate to personally approach Wang Hengyue, respectfully returning the diploma to him.

Du Charlie presented his diploma to Ye Xuanbiao. Upon seeing that it was all in foreign language, Ye was completely bewildered, unable to understand a single word. However, Du Charlie pointed to the text and said:

Later becoming the Chief of Staff of the Kuomintang, Cheng Qian was currently serving as a first-class staff officer in the 33rd Mixed Brigade. Renowned generals of the Sichuan army such as Yang Sen, Ma Dezai, and Chen Wanren were at that time merely serving as company officers, just like him. Even figures like Wang Zuanxu, Li Gengu, and He Guoguang, who would later rise to prominence, were just small platoon leaders at this moment. In the blink of an eye, he found himself on equal footing with these future military luminaries, which was truly unexpected.

"You are too polite, esteemed brother." Ye Xuanbiao carefully put away the illustrated book and the gold watch, saying, "If all our compatriots were as loyal to the country as you, how could we not become strong? But may I ask what skills you have learned, esteemed brother?"

The squad leader is equivalent to a company commander. According to the organizational structure of the Sichuan New Army, each battalion consists of 612 personnel, divided into four squads, with each squad comprising 153 individuals. In an instant, he has become the commander overseeing more than 150 personnel, which is quite commendable. Wang Hengyue contemplated this in his mind. He also recalled that the 65th and 66th regiments of the 33rd Mixed Brigade truly produced a wealth of talent.

Wang Hengyue took the letter, carefully stored it away, and expressed his gratitude once more

Ye Xuanbiao asked a few people to wait, took the appointment document, and then picked up a pen to quickly write a letter. After sealing it with his personal seal, he handed it over to Wang Hengyue

Before Rong Ye could even take cover, a foreign youth with yellow hair, not much older than Wang Hengyue, burst in. Upon seeing Ye Xuanbiao, he immediately shouted:

Ye Xuanbiao opened the brocade box, only to find a gold watch that Wang Hengyue had given to Qin Guangcheng, which Qin Guangcheng then passed on to Ye Xuanbiao

The commander of the Second Battalion, Shi Fengrong, was personally promoted by me. He is currently recruiting and training new troops in Leshan. You may take the appointment and this letter of mine to him, and Shi Fengrong will certainly make proper arrangements.

Enlist in the military

Ye Duling was completely unaware that what he said would only make people laugh out loud, believing instead that he was correct. He was quite pleased with himself. At this moment, Wang Hengyue, possessing both a gold watch and silver as a meeting gift, as well as the identity of a "foreign officer," appeared significantly different in Ye Duling's eyes. After checking the roster for a long time, he said:

Wang Hengyue must have a mouthful of tea, otherwise he would certainly spray it all over Ye Xuanbiao. The Royal Academy is indeed related to the royal family, isn't it? This Lord Duling is indeed not mistaken in what Qin Guangcheng said; as long as there is any connection with foreigners, Lord Ye does not dare to be the slightest bit negligent.

Upon hearing this sound, Ye Xuanbiao's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted: "Block it, block it, just say that this official is not here, not here!"

Ye Xuanbiao was stunned there for a while before he finally reacted: "Your Excellency, our family has been merchants for generations, living a life of such ease and comfort, which is truly enviable. What is so good about being a soldier and eating rations? You must think this through carefully."

Upon hearing this, Ye Xuanbiao naturally adopted an official demeanor: "Well, esteemed brother, your ambitions are commendable, and I admire you for that. However, serving in the military is not the same as engaging in commerce; one must understand training and adhere to regulations. Ah, speaking of regulations, they are indeed of utmost importance in the military..."