Chapter Fifty: Zhu Xiaocheng, Receive Your Rifle!

"Appoint Zhu Xiaocheng as the commander of the artillery regiment of the Independent Mixed Brigade, and grant him the rank of colonel!" Zhou Weiguo turned toward a certain direction in the crowd and smiled. "Zhu Xiaocheng, I'm entrusting the artillery regiment to you. This is the ultimate weapon of our Independent Mixed Brigade—you must train them well!"

Zhu Xiaocheng! The moment this name was announced, murmurs erupted among the assembled men. Who exactly was Zhu Xiaocheng? Why was he being made the commander of the artillery regiment? Among those present—veterans and new recruits alike—none seemed to know who Zhu Xiaocheng was. Whispered debates broke out, and all eyes followed the gaze of Chen Qingzhi.

As all attention converged, a young officer stepped forward, parting the crowd at the spot where Chen Qingzhi’s eyes rested. He appeared to be just over twenty, with upright features and a smart officer’s uniform. His bearing was spirited; even as he walked, he paid careful attention to his stride. Once he stood at attention, he held himself tall and proud, his gaze steady and unwavering.

Was such a young man truly to be the commander of the artillery regiment? Doubt flickered in the eyes of many, and whispers circulated. But Zhu Xiaocheng paid no heed to their scrutiny. He straightened his uniform, saluted Chen Qingzhi calmly, and spoke in a clear, resolute voice: "Thank you, sir, for your trust. I will not disappoint the brigade commander's expectations. I will train a qualified and courageous artillery regiment."

His voice was not loud, but his tone was firm, and there was a palpable confidence about him. Hearing this, the crowd could not help but believe this young man might indeed forge a powerful artillery regiment.

"Excellent! Zhu Xiaocheng, you have not failed my expectations!" Chen Qingzhi clapped and laughed heartily.

As for Zhu Xiaocheng, his background was impressive. He had been a student in the artillery division of the eleventh class at the Whampoa Military Academy. When the Japanese army attacked Nanjing, the eleventh class graduated early and rushed to the front.

Zhu Xiaocheng joined the army at that time, marching to Nanjing to fight. Unfortunately, when Nanjing fell to the Japanese, his artillery unit was scattered, leaving only a handful of fellow artillerymen fleeing together, until they were taken in by Chen Qingzhi’s forces.

Initially, Chen Qingzhi was unaware of Zhu Xiaocheng’s talents, but the young man was often seen studying the brigade’s mortars. After a conversation, Chen Qingzhi learned of his experience, and was overjoyed—he had found a treasure! Chen Qingzhi had long wanted to form an artillery regiment, but the Independent Mixed Brigade lacked a suitable commander. It was as if fate had delivered him the answer.

Now, with a Whampoa artillery graduate before him, Zhu Xiaocheng was naturally the ideal candidate for regiment commander in Chen Qingzhi’s eyes.

As these thoughts passed through his mind, and seeing the doubts among the men regarding Zhu Xiaocheng’s appointment, Chen Qingzhi spoke: "Zhu Xiaocheng is a graduate of the artillery division of Whampoa Military Academy. His skills are exemplary. At present, he is the most suitable candidate to command our brigade’s artillery regiment. If anyone has objections, step forward and speak!"

At this, the crowd fell silent. Whampoa was the highest military academy in the Republic; anyone who studied there was sure to be exceptional. So, they accepted Zhu Xiaocheng's appointment. Moreover, with the brigade commander’s endorsement, and since most of the brigade consisted of new recruits with few artillerymen, there was truly no one else fit for the role. Zhu Xiaocheng was the natural choice, and all doubts faded.

"As for the anti-aircraft battalion and the guard battalion, they will be directly under brigade command—for now, I will oversee them personally," Chen Qingzhi continued. "As for the basic combat officers, veterans will assume those roles. Each regiment commander will submit recommendations for their officers, and I will review the lists in due course."

There were no further objections, and with the appointment of the key military officers complete, the next event was the moment the new recruits had been eagerly awaiting—the 'rifle issuance ceremony.'

Knowing their impatience, Chen Qingzhi wasted no words. With a sweeping gesture, he signaled, and heavy boxes were carried out by soldiers and placed before the new recruits.

The boxes were opened, revealing rows of rifles—brand new, untouched.

At this sight, the recruits’ breathing quickened, their eyes riveted on the pile of rifles, unable to look away.

Chen Qingzhi stepped down, took up a rifle, and demonstrated as he explained, "Many of you may not recognize this weapon. It’s called the Mauser 98k, developed and produced in Germany—a standard-issue rifle. Compared to our Republic's Type Zhongzheng and the Japanese Type 38, its performance is significantly improved."

"Its accuracy, recoil, and stability are all superior to rifles in its class. It’s highly reliable in harsh conditions—a cost-effective weapon. This rifle is widely issued in the Central Army of our Republic; the Chairman’s German-trained divisions all use it."

After the introduction, Chen Qingzhi added, "Once rifles are issued, everyone must quickly familiarize themselves and understand their performance. Don’t make a fool of yourselves in battle—if you mess up, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!"

"Rest assured, sir! We will train diligently!" the three regiment commanders responded eagerly.

The soldiers gazed longingly at the rifles; if not for military discipline, they would have rushed forward to snatch them.

Observing their fervor, Chen Qingzhi wisely said no more and waved his hand. "Begin distribution!"

At his command, cheers erupted from the troops as the regiment commanders began distributing rifles to their men in order.

Soon, every soldier held a rifle, lovingly polishing it, excitement written across their faces.

Though only rifles were issued—no ammunition yet—the soldiers were already thrilled. Most were ordinary citizens before enlisting, never having touched a firearm. Now, possessing a rifle of their own, their excitement was overwhelming.

Some of the stronger soldiers even cradled machine guns, proudly showing them off, drawing envious glances from the surrounding recruits.

Within the Independent Mixed Brigade, each regiment not only received rifles for every man but also a number of light and heavy machine guns, ensuring ample firepower.