Chapter Forty-six: Taking Office

  Zhejiang Ningbo Xiqiao District 318 Brigade's garrison, 318 Brigade Command Operations Room.

  Deputy commander Zhang De'en was originally the most promising candidate to become the commander of the 318th Regiment. In terms of seniority, military achievements and other aspects, no one in the regiment could surpass him. As a native of Jinhua, Zhejiang, he had hoped to return home triumphantly after becoming the regimental commander. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Today, he received an order from the division headquarters that the commander of the 318th Regiment has been appointed by the highest military committee. Zhang De'en couldn't understand why such a small position would require direct appointment by the highest military committee, and now there is even news that it was personally appointed by Chairman Chiang.

  Zhang De'en let out a long sigh. It seemed that it was another case of nepotism. Zhang De'en couldn't understand how a young graduate could be directly appointed as the commander of a regiment without any military achievements, which was unprecedented and unbelievable.

  Zhang Deen looked at the battalion commander under his command and sighed with a somewhat dull expression: "The appointment of the brigade has been issued, and it is a student named Wang Mingyu who has just graduated from the 9th Central Military Academy as the regimental commander."

  Battalion Commander Luo Jiapeng suddenly stood up in surprise and said, "Comrade Regimental Commander, what's going on? Last time the Brigade Commander said you were fine, how did it change to someone else overnight?"

  Deputy Regiment Commander Zhao Guorui also looked disbelieving and said: "Yes, Commissar, since last month when Commissar Wang encountered difficulties during the bandit suppression campaign, we have considered you as our Commissar. What the...! How can a settled matter be changed? I don't accept it."

  Zhang De'en said helplessly: "This time I went to the Ministry of War, I heard about this person. In the Central Military Academy's exercise, he gave Chairman Chiang a boost in prestige. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a newly graduated young man to become a regimental commander. I remember that those who came out of the military academy generally started from platoon leader and company commander. However, this time, I heard that not only was this regimental commander appointed, but also four battalion commanders were appointed as lieutenant colonels. It's unprecedented. I really don't know what those officials in the National Government are thinking? Is fighting a war just child's play?"

  Deputy Regimental Commander Zhao Guorui slammed his fist on the table and cursed: "Damn it, a drill? Isn't that just like playing house? Anyway, you can't even kill anyone, how can this compare to our real battles in the midst of bullets and artillery shells? I don't accept this regiment commander!"

  Battalion Commander Luo Jiapeng thought for a moment and said: "Since this is the appointment of the highest military committee, let alone us, even the brigade department and division department dare not neglect it. I think we'll just pretend to welcome him on the surface, but secretly give him trouble. After all, what can a young kid do? At most, he's only read two more years of books than us. I think, if you say that the real battlefield is killing enemies, he's still tender! We'll let him know when the time comes and retreat with difficulty. Let him know what a true soldier is!"

  Zhang De'en smiled and said: "You guys, don't play too much, he's a top student from the Central Military Academy. Let's see later, if he can really make our brothers surrender, then I, Zhang De'en, will be his deputy, what's wrong with that? If he doesn't have any real skills, then I, Old Zhang, will be the first to disagree."

  "Alright then, let's do it!"

  "Just do it!"

  A few people shouted at each other, then discussed some specific details, and after saying a few more things, they dispersed.

  Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, Temporary Headquarters of the 67th Division.

  The commander of the 67th Division, Li Shusen, and the commander of the 110th Brigade of the 67th Division, Cai Bingyan, each held a teacup, sipping tea from time to time, chatting and laughing.

  Li Shusen smiled and said, "Old Cai, what do you think of this Wang Mingyu?"

  Cai Bingyan said with a bit of helplessness: "Master, you're not unaware that before yesterday, I was completely in the dark. I even thought that Zhang De'en, whom I had nominated, could take over as the commander of the 318th Regiment. But yesterday, an old friend called me and told me that the military committee's appointed regimental commander is from Ningbo, which makes him a fellow townsman of Chairman Chiang. Moreover, during this exercise between their military school and the training headquarters, he won great face for Commander-in-Chief. You're not unaware that Commander-in-Chief likes his students. This time, he suddenly decided to attend the exercise, and naturally, those who performed outstandingly would be rewarded. However, I think being promoted to lieutenant colonel battalion commander should be the greatest reward. If this person is promoted to middle school regimental commander, I think the biggest reason is that he's a fellow townsman of Commander-in-Chief. I reserve my opinion on this matter; I think it's a bit ridiculous. A young graduate, barely out of school, is put in command of over a thousand men - isn't that taking a joke too far? I think it would be better for him to stay at the company level for a while longer; only then would he be recognized as suitable."

  Li Shusen also sighed and said: "Yes, the two things that Dezu likes the most, he has both, it's hard not to become prosperous! The fate of a person is indeed unpredictable. Thinking back to when I was in Guangxi Wudang, then went to Huangpu for further studies, and finally came out as a junior lieutenant platoon leader, what a shame! It seems that the rear waves of the Yangtze River push forward the front waves, one wave stronger than the other!"

  Cai Bingyan said: "Master, I think this is an unusual phenomenon. In the past, there were hardly any people who had such encounters, but this time, there are several people at once. I think it's also a means for Master to make Tianzi Gate disciples serve him better. The high-handedness of this approach can be seen from this! At present, when the international situation is most delicate, the purpose of Master's actions is self-evident!"

  Li Shusen nodded and said, "What you said makes sense. I reckon in a while, the few of them will arrive at your place, and we'll have to personally go to receive them. This treatment is quite high-end!"

  Cai Bingyan sighed and said: "Alas, Master, the Minister of Military Affairs personally entrusted him, it's impossible not to be valued, but I'm happy about it. He knows Minister He, so in the future our equipment and military pay will be readily available, haha!"

  Li Shusen smiled and shook his head, saying "You, you..." Just as he was about to speak, a messenger outside reported, "Commander, there is someone standing at the door who claims to be Wang Mingyu, the commander of the 318th Regiment, and says he has come to report for duty!"

  "Alright, you can go now!" Li Shusen said indifferently, then smiled and said: "Look, speak of the devil. Let's go out and take a look. See what kind of person can receive such attention from Director Chiang."

  The 67th Division's department entrance, Wang Mingyu and several others were dressed in military attire, neat and uniform, waiting to meet the division commander.

  Li Shusen took big strides forward and smiled: "Welcome, welcome! You are the top students of our Central Military Academy, it's a blessing for our 67th Division to have you here! Which one of you is Commander Wang?"

  "Wang Mingyu and several others stood at attention, saying: 'Reporting for duty, sir! Wang Mingyu, a student of the 9th term infantry department of the Central Military Academy, has arrived with six men.' After finishing speaking, he handed over the appointment letter to Li Shusen."

  Li Shusen took over the appointment book and smiled: "Well, I see you still have some momentum. This time, we'll assign you to our 67th Division. To be honest, I didn't expect it either. But don't feel too awkward, just treat this place like your home. I'm your division commander Li Shusen, and this is your brigade commander General Cai Bingyan."

  "Wang Mingyu and several others immediately stood at attention and said: 'Greetings, Master! Greetings, Traveler!'"

  Li Shusen glanced at the appointment letter and said: "As for you, I've received it, so I'll hand you over to your brigade commander. That's all, I have something else to attend to, so I'll take my leave." Li Shusen didn't seem too curious about them either, just taking a brief look before leaving. In fact, he was also somewhat skeptical in his heart - these guys looked way too young, especially that Wang Mingyu, who seemed to have good military bearing but might be all show and no substance. Li Shusen thought that even if they had some ability, how strong could they really be? These days, there aren't many people who can actually fight!

  Wang Mingyu and several others bowed to Li Shusen and said: "Yes! Sir, slow down!"

  Cai Bingyan looked at Wang Mingyu and others with a faint expression: "You are appointed by the highest military committee. Since you have arrived at our brigade, we are now in a superior-subordinate relationship. If there is any difficulty in the future, tell me, it doesn't matter, but I also hope that you can lead your troops well and don't disappoint the party and country's expectations!"

  Wang Mingyu's face was solemn as he said, "I understand!" In fact, Wang Mingyu had learned all these phrases from watching TV before. Those were the ways underlings addressed their superiors, and he was just applying them in real life.

  Cai Bingyan smiled and said: "I'll take you to your team now, but I can tell you that your team is a bit complicated. Originally, we recommended your deputy Zhang Deen to take over as the team leader, they didn't expect someone like Cheng Yaojin to suddenly appear halfway through. I think it won't be easy for you either, but I believe in your abilities. If you can't even handle this matter, then what qualifications do you have to come to our 318 team as a team leader?"

  Wang Mingyu was taken aback for a moment, then said: "I understand the meaning of your words, I will not disappoint your expectations."

  Cai Bingyan didn't waste any words either, smiling and nodding his head as he said, "Follow me!"

  After finishing speaking, Wang Mingyu and several others followed Cai Bingyan's car, and on the way, they were all busy thinking about their own affairs. As for who was not convinced, these things were actually easy to handle. Military personnel are all admirers of the strong, and the best way is to compare with them and make them convinced. In this regard, Wang Mingyu and others still have a lot of confidence. The special forces training method currently in use is almost unmatched in the world, and it's not an exaggeration to say that Wang Mingyu's 7-man team would have no suspense against any other 7-man team in the same situation. In general, they wouldn't take a hundred or so people seriously, but these were things that would happen after their training was completed. Now, after only two months of training, they didn't dare to boast about it.

  Wang Mingyu had originally planned to visit his elderly father upon returning to his hometown, but with military orders in hand, he had no time to spare and thus delayed. Wang Jie and others had already sent the telegrams, this time summoning Wang Jie back for a task, instructing him to return directly to Ningbo, and also to bring back the profits of Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical and Zhongsheng Military School. Additionally, he was asked to procure more penicillin and morphine. Wang Mingyu's plan was taking shape, knowing that logistical support was the foundation of war.

  But Wang Mingyu also knew that having good weapons and medicine was not enough. If they were not used properly, it would still be a loose sand, unable to form combat effectiveness. Only through hard training could one achieve true strength. The formation of any iron-blooded army was not achieved without arduous training, and with the addition of super strong willpower, they forged miracle after miracle.