Chapter Forty-Nine: Appointment!

“Always be ready!”

As Liu Dayou shouted these words, the soldiers responded in a thunderous chorus, their voices rising together in a tidal wave of sound. At first, only a few joined in, but gradually more and more voices swelled, until at last every man was shouting as one. The sound fused into a single, overwhelming roar, echoing to the heavens, as if the very mountains and seas joined in their cry. Even the clouds of smoke above seemed to tremble and disperse before the force of their voices.

Standing atop the platform, Chen Qingzhi watched as the soldiers below bellowed in unison, utterly taken aback by the response. He had merely, almost absentmindedly, uttered a phrase from the army of his previous life, never expecting it to resonate so profoundly with everyone. This was a surprise, indeed.

But it was a welcome one, and a satisfied smile touched Chen Qingzhi’s lips. Things were moving in the right direction.

The soldiers shouted for quite some time, many continuing even after their voices grew hoarse. Observing this, Chen Qingzhi raised his hands, palms down, signaling them to quiet. Instantly, silence fell. Every man stood at attention, gazing up at Chen Qingzhi, waiting for him to speak.

Chen Qingzhi was deeply pleased by what he saw. These were still raw recruits, not yet trained, yet already, just from that collective shout, they had become much more unified. There was already a nascent sense of discipline, of strict obedience to orders—a fortuitous gain indeed.

“Brothers,” Chen Qingzhi’s voice rang out, “now that you’ve chosen to stay with the army, you must adhere strictly to its regulations: defend our land, protect our country, safeguard our homes, and ensure the people’s peace! Anyone who dares violate military discipline—military law will show no mercy!”

His tone was cold, his words meant to instill a sense of awe and caution in the new recruits. But then he added, “Of course, to defend the land and people, to guard our borders and nation, we need weapons. We can’t expect to fight the Japanese with our bare hands, can we?”

A ripple of laughter swept through the ranks. After that shared shout, the new recruits already felt a sense of camaraderie, not only with the army but with each other. Gone was the awkwardness they had felt upon first arriving.

“Now, let us begin the formal reorganization and the weapon issue ceremony!” Chen Qingzhi declared loudly. Though such rituals might seem trivial, he knew full well that they were vital for fostering a sense of belonging and honor among the new soldiers.

Sure enough, at his words, the recruits stirred excitedly.

To be issued their rifles at last! It meant they would finally receive the weapons they had dreamed of. When they first joined the camp, watching the seasoned soldiers and officers march by with rifles slung over their shoulders, they had envied that imposing image. Now, their turn had come.

Every new recruit was filled with eager anticipation.

Chen Qingzhi did not keep them waiting. Producing a sheet of paper, he read aloud, “First, we shall conduct the appointment ceremony! From this round of recruitment, we have enlisted a total of 7,953 men. Including our veterans, our strength now stands at 8,531!”

“I plan to reorganize these eight thousand men into three infantry regiments, plus one artillery regiment! In addition, we’ll establish a separate guard battalion and an anti-aircraft battalion!”

“Each infantry regiment will be at full strength, 2,500 men apiece. Now, let me announce the official appointments from headquarters.”

At these words, every ear strained to catch the next, all aware that a pivotal moment had arrived.

Chen Qingzhi’s voice was steady: “Commander of the First Regiment, Fang Xiaodong—conferred the rank of Colonel! Fang Xiaodong, step forward!”

“Yes, sir!” Fang Xiaodong stepped out, saluting, his face betraying a flash of excitement before he quickly mastered himself, suppressing his emotions. In a composed voice he declared, “I thank the brigade commander for his trust and guidance!”

“Very good! Fang Xiaodong, I’m entrusting you with the First Regiment. Train them into a unit that will fight fiercely and fearlessly. I expect you to forge them into a crack force!”

“Rest assured, sir! I will make the First Regiment a unit that will strike terror into the enemy—one the Japanese will dread!” Fang Xiaodong replied with firm resolve.

“Excellent!” Chen Qingzhi nodded and gestured for Fang Xiaodong to rejoin his men, then continued, “Commander of the Second Regiment, Zhang Hu—conferred the rank of Colonel!”

Zhang Hu, known as Tiger, stepped forward to salute, though his face showed little outward excitement. For him, serving at Chen Qingzhi’s side was all that mattered; he would follow willingly, no matter the task.

After a few words of encouragement to Tiger, Chen Qingzhi went on, “Commander of the Third Regiment: Wang Yachuan, who is also promoted to Colonel!”

At this, Wang Yachuan stepped out from the ranks, taking his commission with undisguised joy. Although he had long speculated he might be made a regimental commander, until the appointment was formalized, he had remained anxious. Now, his hopes fulfilled, he was at peace and deeply grateful to Chen Qingzhi.

This was true recognition, true appreciation. In his old unit, Wang Yachuan had labored tirelessly, winning one battle honor after another, but without anyone to champion him, he had never been promoted. Here, in the Independent Mixed Brigade, he had risen from senior company commander to colonel and regimental commander in a single leap—a mark of trust and esteem that filled him with inexpressible gratitude. As he took his commission from Chen Qingzhi’s hand, Wang Yachuan resolved that he would follow this man into battle against the enemy, come what may.

“As for the artillery regiment commander…” Chen Qingzhi paused, and all below immediately fixed their attention on him, hanging on his next words.

The fate of the artillery regiment was the hottest topic within the entire brigade. Artillery was no ordinary force—it was a weapon of devastation on the battlefield! In most units, even a whole division might possess only a few pieces, but the Independent Mixed Brigade was to have a full artillery regiment! When they first heard Chen Qingzhi propose this, everyone had been astonished.

Currently, thanks to captured Japanese guns and those supplied from higher up, the brigade had a fair number of artillery pieces—enough for perhaps a battalion, but a full regiment would require at least twice as many. They were all curious where the brigade commander had managed to acquire so many guns.

But more than that, they were excited at the prospect: with artillery, their combat power would multiply. No longer would they face Japanese guns with nothing but grit, unable to strike back.

On the battlefields of the Republic, Chinese troops had often lost not for lack of courage, but because their equipment was so poor. Time and again, when they steeled themselves to fight the Japanese, enemy artillery would rain down, causing heavy casualties. Then, when the Japanese infantry attacked, the defenders would already be on the verge of collapse. How could victory be possible under such conditions?

That was why everyone in the brigade was so concerned: would there really be an artillery regiment, and who would command it?

With all eyes upon him, Chen Qingzhi at last spoke: “The commander of the Independent Mixed Brigade’s Artillery Regiment will be…”

“Zhu Xiaocheng!”