Chapter 45: Martial Arts Hall

  In the scorching sun of the afternoon, about 300 newly recruited students stood in the training ground, watching the old students' training. The old students were divided into teams for normal training, with one team wearing backpacks and carrying wooden guns, jogging slowly around the training ground. Several teams were practicing formation drills in the middle of the training ground, their chests out, heads held high, striding forward with vigor and energy, and their formations were extremely neat.

  In the northeast corner of the playground, there was a muddy area about 50 meters long. At this time, Captain He Meng led all team members to train here. He Meng's head was tied with a big knot, his body was obviously sturdy, and he had a pair of bright big eyes, which made him look fierce and powerful. He saw him shouting loudly with his eyebrows upside down: Advance! Then he rushed forward and fell into the muddy water, then started to crawl forward on all fours. The following team members rushed forward one after another, advancing in the muddy water.

  He Meng was the first to crawl to the finish line, stood up and shouted loudly, reminding his teammates to pay attention to their movements. In the past year, He Meng has been among the top in the school in terms of mastering training skills and live ammunition shooting. His academic performance is also outstanding, and he is now fully qualified for the position of team leader.

  In the southwest corner of the playground, the 7th team is training to overcome obstacles. A young man, light as a swallow, ran for a while, nimbly stepped onto a one-meter-high balance beam, and walked steadily like flying. He jumped off the balance beam, leaped over several obstacle points, and finally faced a two-meter-high wooden wall, sprinted at high speed, and used his speed to fly over in a flash. This person is a team member from the north and is the captain of the 7th team.

  This kid is called Fan Tao from Shandong. Fan Tao grew up by the sea and has a good physique. Although his body is somewhat thin, he is very sturdy. His training indicators are ranked second in the whole school, just after He Meng. However, his swimming training far surpasses that of He Meng. Nowadays, every afternoon, two battalions from the school are sent to Huangpu River for swimming training, and Deng Zixuan requires all students to be familiar with water skills.

  The new students stretched their necks to observe, almost stunned. They didn't expect the school to conduct this kind of training. After a round of walking, Bai Sheng brought them back to Chen Jintang's side. Seeing these young men, excitement flashed in his eyes, and Chen Jintang said: "You have seen the unique educational approach of Yuren Academy. As for why we conduct martial arts training, it is to cultivate your willpower, bravery, and spirit."

  In order to seek benefits, Deng Zixuan decided that this year's recruitment of new students would be 300 people, and in the future, every year would follow this standard. Chen Jintang briefly finished his speech and then took the new students to the cafeteria, where they showed their loyalty to Deng Zixuan's portrait. Even if it was an old topic, he wanted them to get a preliminary impression of being loyal masters. In this era, advocating for loyalty is enough, as for what advanced ideological education is, it's just nonsense. Deng Zixuan, as their provider, is enough to play the role of gathering power.

  After settling the new students, Chen Jintang returned to the office and saw Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, Wan Chuan, and Zhang Man Cang seated inside. "Big brother! The new students have arrived, how many teams do you think we should divide them into?" Bai Sheng asked. Chen Jintang thought for a moment before saying: "I think we should divide them into 6 teams of 50 people each. You and Yifei will be in charge of three teams each for basic training, while Man Cang will be responsible for supervising the old students."

  Big brother! What am I doing? Not even mentioning the name of Wan Chuan, this kid is obviously in a hurry. Chen Jintang smiled and said: Mr. Deng has ordered, you have another use! What did Mr. Deng ask me to do? After Mr. Deng returns, he will personally arrange your work, as for what it is, I'm not clear about it either now! You're still being pretentious, hurry up and thank him for his kindness! Zhang Man Cang took the opportunity to take revenge on him.

  Wan Chuan glanced at him and said: Big brother! When will Mr. Deng come back? Estimated end of the month! Big brother! Our training outline is basically formed, according to the system examination, team leader He Meng, 7th team leader Fan Tao, 9th team leader Shang Hu, 3rd team deputy leader Zhang Bin, and 5th team member Hali De have outstanding performance, with the talent of a general, can be used in important tasks. Bai Sheng reported.

  Leng Yifei reported again that there were dozens of team members who excelled in the shooting aspect. Finally, Chen Jintang said: According to Mr. Deng's plan, Mr. Deng wants to find a hidden small island. Three years later, a group of students graduated and some went to Guangzhou, while the rest were taken to the small island for further training. According to Mr. Deng's arrangement, after the students arrived on the small island, they would form an artillery team, at which time we would cultivate artillery officers and instructors.

  Everyone's face lit up with joy. "Big brother! So Mr. Deng has gone to inspect the island!" said Wan Chuan quickly. Haha! After this, we'll have a hidden little island where we can conduct our training openly and without having to sneak around! Bai Sheng exclaimed excitedly. The others also chimed in, their hearts filled with eager anticipation.

  I can tell you some good news, Lin Zhanggui is back to inform us that Mr. Deng has obtained a hidden small island, located in the outer sea of Jinhua called Jinshan Island, about 30 nautical miles from the shore. Currently, Lin Zhanggui is organizing workers on the island to build docks and houses, it's estimated that by next year all the projects will be completed before we move to the island. Chen Jintang was beaming with joy, and several brothers were overjoyed.

  Chen Jintang replied, "Lin Zhanggu told me that Mr. Deng went to Fuzhou to meet with the Minister of Navy Shen Baozhen and signed a contract for the purchase of steamships. In a few years, we will have our own fleet of steam-powered cargo ships." The brothers sighed again, then began to busy themselves with their respective tasks. Chen Jintang was not only in charge of the overall affairs of the school but also led a team of instructors. This team of instructors was selected from among the older students and trained as officers. When Deng Zixuan was at home, he would often give lectures to this team of instructors every few days, so Chen Jintang spent most of his time with them.

  At dusk, He Meng and Fan Tao, among other team leaders, gathered to exchange training experiences. After some casual conversation, Fan Tao suddenly said: I have a premonition, don't know if it's accurate or not? What kind of premonition! Speak out and let everyone share! Why so mysterious! Everyone chimed in with different opinions.

  Living and training together, everyone has formed a deep friendship, so the conversation is straightforward. Fan Tao looked around and whispered: I feel that Master's intention of letting us master military skills is self-evident, especially letting us master foreign gun shooting training, which will be useful for future rebellion!

  Everyone gasped, and He Meng said: "Don't talk nonsense without basis, it's very unfavorable to the master." Fan Tao said: "Gentlemen, even in the Qing Empire, the powerful Huai Army does not conduct such rigorous military training. I guess the master uses foreign training methods, strengthening his body is just an excuse. Today, 300 new students were recruited, and maybe every year new students will be recruited. Think about what it will be like after a few years, so I guess the final goal must be to overthrow the corrupt Qing court!"

  He Mengdao: Actually, from the beginning of the training, I saw the signs. It seems that our lord is a man with great ambitions, secretly accumulating power. Damn it, I've long hated this bastard dynasty. If our lord really rebels, I'll follow him to death without hesitation! Brother He is right, I have a deep hatred for the imperial court. I decide to follow our lord to death. Yes! Our lord is wise and trustworthy! Our lord is kind and generous, worthy of our support!

  He Meng exclaimed: Since our aspirations are the same, we swear to be loyal to our lord and sacrifice ourselves without hesitation! Everyone echoed in agreement, with hands clasped together. Unbeknownst to them, this group of young people had found their goal - they firmly believed that their lord would lead them towards a glorious future. This was the effect of subtle influence, allowing these young people to gradually awaken on their own, achieving Deng Zixuan's expected purpose.

  Deng Zixuan returned and went back to the manor to inspect the school, visited the new students, and encouraged them to study hard and strive for excellence. As for the old students, he was concerned about their daily life and health, and did not mention anything else. After listening to Chen Jintang's report, Deng Zixuan left with Wan Chuan couple that day and stayed at the mansion in the city.

  During dinner, Wan'er pulled away Mrs. Wanchuan from the table, and Wanchuan, who had been holding back for a long time, said: "Mr. Deng, don't make me play dumb riddles anymore, what do you need me to do?" Deng Zixuan smiled and said: "Brother Wan is still too impatient, this won't do, tomorrow you will be in control of one side, how can impatience work?!" Mr. Deng, your guidance is correct, I was indeed rash. Wanchuan nodded his head.

  Deng Zixuan said: "Now our manpower is expanding, so it's time to establish our own intelligence organization. Your sense of smell is very keen, you're a professional from the newspaper industry. From today on, you'll be the head of my intelligence department! Thank you, Mr. Deng, for your trust, I won't disappoint you, and will serve you wholeheartedly!" Wan Chuan stood up and slightly bowed to show his sincerity.

  Old Wan! There's no need to be so tense. For now, you're the sole commander, and after this, members of the intelligence organization will rely on your development. Activity funds can be withdrawn from the Fu Kang Money House in various locations. Your headquarters is temporarily set up in Nanjing, which can take care of both Jiangnan and Jiangbei's intelligence work. Yes! Subordinate obeys orders!

  Deng Zixuan added: I need all kinds of intelligence, including local customs and conditions, official activities, natural disasters, as well as commercial information. In addition, I have assigned two students from Tongren Academy to accompany you to Nanjing. The two students are highly skilled in painting. From now on, not only do you need to gather intelligence in various places, but also draw maps of each place. Our future military operations cannot be separated from these maps.

  Deng Zixuan smiled and said: "It just so happens that I have to go to Nanjing to meet with the Governor, you can come with me to Nanjing. You can settle your family in Nanjing at your convenience, and I can introduce my brother-in-law to you, he can help you in Nanjing." The master's consideration is so meticulous, I will follow orders!

  A few days later, Deng Zixuan and his wife, Wan Chuan and his wife, two fellow students of the Tongren Academy, took a small steamer against the green waves to Nanjing.