Chapter 26: Branching Out (Three Rivers Seal, Second Watch!)

  The newly built transit barracks are located on the southwest side of Mr. Sun's former residence, Xuehai Building. Due to the large number of students in the second and third phases, all graduates of the first phase have been assigned to the school headquarters and teaching team as platoon leaders or company commanders. Some stayed at the school to serve as squad leaders or instructors for the next batch of recruits. Those who were not promptly arranged or serving at the school headquarters were temporarily accommodated in this row of bungalows in the transit barracks.

  As the news spread, An Yi's brothers came one after another, and the dormitory with 36 beds was filled with laughter. The famous brothers hugged An Yi, patted him on the head, making An Yi blush and beg for mercy on the bed.

  It wasn't easy to get the brothers to settle down, but An Yi sat up and loudly protested to Hu Zongnan, who was standing by the window plucking his mustache: "Old Hu, how come when Principal Jiang asked me just now, you didn't ask for my opinion at all? You immediately told everyone that I had long wanted to attend Huangpu? Old Song, Old Huang, and the rest of you are also like this - as soon as Old Hu finished speaking, you all hastened to corroborate, was it pre-arranged?"

  Hu Zongnan was the elder among his fellow students, and with his diligent studies and bravery in battle, he often had insights that went beyond those of ordinary people and unique methods of leading troops. As a result, he held relatively high positions and was deeply respected by his comrades. When he heard An Yi's question, he slowly turned around, adjusted his uniform, and replied calmly: "You're right! All of us brothers are here pursuing our revolutionary ideals, but you're the only one who's indulging in idle pleasures in the city, wasting your time. Can you expect us to just watch you degenerate? Besides, didn't you hear how the principal addressed you at the end? Comrade An! Did you understand? The principal called you 'comrade', and yet you still want to slack off, is that okay?"

  The brothers all burst out laughing, chiming in with their voices. Song Xi sat down beside An Yi: "Little Yi, stop daydreaming and focus on working together with the brothers. This period of time without your news, the brothers have been thinking about you every day. Think about it, before even entering school, you've already achieved great merit, and today in front of the principal and so many officials, you performed so outstandingly, who would be willing to let you go? Not to mention all these brothers with whom you have a deep bond, I'm still together with you through thick and thin, sharing life and death! Are you really willing to leave us brothers?"

  "It turns out that we all didn't know you had such high political awareness, and thought you were carefree every day, even if the sky fell it wouldn't matter to you. It turns out that a true man doesn't show his appearance, you little scamp has been deceiving us so much, you deserve a beating!" Huang Jie laughed and said.

  An Yi lowered his head: "You guys shouldn't be too happy yet, as far as I know, no one gets into Huangpu without taking an exam. If I do my best and still can't get in, don't blame me, brothers. In the future, when you have time, come to my humble abode for a drink."

  "Hu Zongnan burst out laughing: 'Don't listen to Xiao Yi's nonsense, this kid is cunning and has a belly full of evil intentions. I bet that if Xiao Yi doesn't pass the exam this time, my name Hu will be written upside down! Unless he intentionally did poorly.'"

  Hu Zongnan's words brought another round of criticism and warning, with everyone saying that if An Wei didn't pass the exam, he would be punished severely, such as being skinned alive or having his tendons pulled out. An Wei was so angry that he rolled his eyes: "Old Hu, are you intentionally taking revenge on me? Watch yourself... by the way, where's Old Chiang and Old He?"

  Du Yuming, who rushed over in a hurry, laughed and said: "Don't worry, Xiao Yi, Junshan and Wushan are special committee members, they were left behind by the principal and officials to attend a meeting. I think as soon as they come back, they'll know your future, haha! Stand up, let big brother take a look at how tall you've grown?"

  Everyone burst out laughing, this group of Huangpu elites who were usually strict and meticulous in their work, because of the arrival of a nonconformist kid, suddenly became abnormal, releasing the youthful vitality that had been suppressed for a long time.

  In the principal's reception room, everyone gave high praise to An Yi, and He Zhonghan and Jiang Xianyun sat upright with excitement in their hearts. However, the two were very mature and stable, always listening seriously to the words of their seniors, and no one took the initiative to speak until they were asked.

  Fang Dingying saw that everyone's discussion had come to an end, and immediately proposed his own suggestion to Chiang Kai-shek: "An Yi is a young man who is quite good. Through simple materials and the detailed introduction of two members, Jiang Xiyun and He Zhenhan, I think this person has great potential for development. He is flexible in handling affairs and has a firm character, making him very suitable for political work. Therefore, I suggest that he be assigned to the Political Department of the Fourth Batch of New Recruits in this period, where he can play his role."

  "Haha, I have a different opinion on this."

  Wang Boling was Chiang's junior fellow in the Japanese Army Academy, with a higher level of military theoretical knowledge. What's more rare is that he was extremely loyal to his senior fellow, almost to the point of blind obedience. This was also the main reason why Principal Chiang strongly supported him. Although Principal Chiang had high aspirations and was sharp-witted, with exceptional ability in reading people, he knew Wang Boling's weaknesses, knowing that his practical abilities and breadth of vision were not comparable to many others present. Nevertheless, he entrusted him with important responsibilities with peace of mind. Wang Boling had also accumulated sufficient experience, and his opinions often implicitly represented Principal Chiang's views. Therefore, every time he expressed his own views, it would attract everyone's attention.

  Fang Dingying smiled slightly: "Mao Ru brother, go ahead and say your opinion."

  Wang Boling nodded, rarely praising An Yi: "I remember that before the battle of Longyandong, Huang Jie secretly investigated and brought back a hand-drawn map of Guangzhou by An Yi, which marked the positions of some Yunnan troops. The information was consistent with what we had obtained. I still keep that map to this day. A few days ago, when I compared it with our carefully measured military maps from recent years, I found that there were many similarities between them. Except for slight differences in accuracy and street directions, it can be said that it is an extremely rare work, enough to match the level of our graduates from the Military Academy. Adding his bravery in battle and fearlessness in crisis, after some tempering, he will definitely become an excellent general. Therefore, I think he is very suitable for further study at the Infantry Academy."

  "I agree with Mao Ru's point of view."

  "That day's battle I personally witnessed An Yi driving a car to break through the enemy formation, in just half a minute, his performance was astonishing, that kind of fearless and dauntless spirit left a very deep impression on me, the advisory team members and the principal. If such a brave general can be slightly polished, he will definitely be able to tap into great potential."

  Li Jishen nodded slightly, and the crowd looked at this orthodox military man who rarely expressed his opinion in surprise. Li Jishen seemed to be ignoring them, drinking a mouthful of tea calmly and saying:

  "Gentlemen, don't forget one detail: An Yi is someone Mr. Ou Yaoting holds in high esteem, possessing exceptional mechanical repair skills and driving techniques. Almost the entire city of Guangzhou knows that 'Tai Chang' has a young man with technical skills surpassing those of foreign technicians, and it's said he has his own unique views on business. I recall at a banquet last year, Mr. Ou Yaoting mentioned to me and Brother Zhong Ke that An Yi is a mentor who teaches wholeheartedly without reservation, being generous and open-minded. Therefore, I think it would be best to have him study management for the first period, and after our logistics and supplies department is well-prepared in the next period, he can take on the role of leading new recruits while continuing his studies. Perhaps this way, he can bring out his greatest potential."

  Everyone saw the disagreement was so great, all of them began to discuss in twos and threes. The Russian advisor, General Blyukher and military advisor Cherepanov listened to the translation and immediately started a tense discussion. The two seemed to be quite excited and soon reached an agreement. Advisor General Blyukher stood up to express the opinion of the advisory group, and the translator quickly translated his words into Mandarin to convey to everyone:

  "General Belyaev believes that the recruitment work for the fourth batch of students has gone extremely smoothly, and all the first four batches of students who have entered the school have excellent qualities, with an average level that exceeds that of the previous three batches. Unfortunately, almost all the top talents were assigned to the Progress Department and the Political Department, followed by the Artillery Department and the Management Department, while the very important Engineering Department did not receive sufficient attention, which is puzzling and worrying. In particular, the outstanding performance of a young man named An Yi that day left a deep impression on the members of the advisory group, and today we are fortunate to have been invited by the principal to meet this excellent and brave young man together, which makes us even more excited and happy. Engineering is a highly specialized branch of the military, and an excellent engineering commander must not only have extremely high political qualities but also master knowledge of weapons, surveying, mechanics, architecture, calculation, and overall planning, so after serious discussion, the advisory group believes that this rare talent should be assigned to study engineering, and we are very optimistic about his abilities and prospects. The engineering advisor, Major General Mutlin, also needs a young man like him who has comprehensive knowledge and experience in actual combat, and he is confident that he can impart all his professional knowledge to An Yi within eight months and make him grasp it firmly. These are our sincere opinions, and we hope that the principal and the committee members will carefully consider them, thank you!"

  The opinions of the advisory group have extremely authoritative effect in the military school, since the establishment of the military school, the advisory group has always made correct judgments at critical moments and played an important role in all battles, making outstanding contributions. Many members of the advisory group, including the highest military advisor Mr. Gallen, took the lead in charging forward bravely in key battles, greatly boosting morale and setting a positive example. Therefore, the words of the head of the advisory group, Belov, calmed down all controversies, everyone knew that An Yi's fate was decided, and he would receive full guidance and teaching from the loyal members of the advisory group.

  He Zhanchan and Jiang Xianyun exchanged a glance, their hearts racing with anxiety, but the situation had already reached this point, and they could only silently accept it. Not to mention that neither of them had any ability to overturn White Liev's opinion, even Principal Jiang wouldn't cause unpleasantness with a member of the advisory team over a small issue like department assignment for a young student, despite how much he liked this young man he had just met. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that the advisory team, which had never intervened in student admissions before, was making such a big deal about it this time because they were extremely optimistic about that young An Yi from earlier; otherwise, they wouldn't be acting so out of character.

  He Yingqin and others were slightly disappointed, but also felt lucky for An Wei. After all, not many people can enter the advisory group's law eye, except for a few people such as Jiang Xiangyun in the first phase and Zheng Jiemin in the second phase. An Wei is one of the very few lucky ones.

  An Yi was in the barracks chatting and laughing with his comrades, unaware that he would soon be joining iron plows and mud.