Great Power Reclamation

Ye Yuze, with a pipe dangling from his lips, squinted as he pondered something. The milk tea in the pot steamed gently, exuding a wonderful aroma.

Yang Geyong picked up his cup, took a sip, and shook his head helplessly:

"Why doesn't it smell as good as the ones from northern Xinjiang?"

Ye Yuze exhaled a puff of smoke: "You're just used to the taste of the northern frontier. Different places nurture different people."

Yang Geyong nodded: "That seems to make sense. Just like the pigs here, even if we kill them and bleed them ourselves, they don't have that same aroma."

At this point, he couldn't help but curse, "These bandits with a jungle mentality, they raise pigs and then slaughter them, afraid of the pigs' suffering, so they use electric shocks to kill them painlessly. Haven't they plundered enough already? What hypocrites."

Ye Yuze laughed: "That's how the world is. No matter what you do, you have to find a reason for yourself."

Ye Yuze turned his head: "Have you stopped contacting any of your women? Why isn't Zheng Qian coming either? And you took your son with you?"

Yang Geyong didn't take it seriously: "Didn't you also fall out with Zheng Nannan? I'm not letting her mother come anymore either."

Ye Yuze laughed: "Don't follow my example. After all, you have children. My sons are all grown up, and I don't want to find women anymore."

Yang Geyong also lit his pipe: "Same here, seems to have lost interest in women. Watching Ye Feng having so much fun lately, I get all excited too."

Ye Yuze nodded: "Yes, our era has passed. Trade is now global, and our vision and perspective are outdated."

Yang Geyong retorted, "Don't underestimate yourself. They still need you. For example, you helped Ye Feng a lot this time."

Ye Yuze shook his head: "My actions won't affect the overall situation; they're just clearing obstacles. It seems that Bayonet Security is a sharp blade."

Yang Geyong looked at him and said, "Why don't you invest as well? Zhou Guihua will be retiring soon. Tiechui is good at fighting, but he's not very capable."

Ye Yuze thought for a moment and still refused: "You should keep control of this company, especially the security guards around those celebrities and politicians, as well as the secret action team. You must have complete control over them."

Yang Geyong nodded: "Don't worry, even if something happens, it won't involve the Ye family or the Warrior Group."

"By the way, Marshal Ye has been doing quite well lately. What are your plans for him? Are you going to groom him for a future career?"

Ye Yuze looked somewhat bewildered: "I don't have any plans. We'll talk about it when Ye Fei returns to China. I won't concern myself with these matters; they're the brothers' business."

Yang Geyong's eyes gleamed: "Are you playing a grand game?"

Ye Yuze closed his eyes and stopped talking, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long silence, he murmured, "Angela probably won't be able to sit still any longer..."

At the Military Reclamation Technical School in Junken City, students dressed in military uniforms marched in perfect unison on the parade ground, their movements no less impressive than those of a guard of honor.

Angela looked at her dashing son with pride; she hadn't seen him in a long time!
After training ended, Ye Fei ran to Angela's side: "Mom, when did you get here? Why didn't you call ahead?"

Angela patted her son's head, but Ye Fei, clearly uncomfortable, turned his head away.

"I've come to take you home, but you'll eventually have to go back to Moscow."

Ye Fei was clearly somewhat resistant: "I'm not going back. It's fine here. Grandma and Auntie are very good to me."

Angela patted her son's head: "Silly child, you have a lot on your shoulders. Your second brother is here. Your life is in Moscow."

Ye Fei shook his head: "I don't want to go back. Moscow is too unfamiliar to me..."

The slogans still rang out loud and clear. Angela looked at her son Ye Fei, who was a little taller than her. His face still had the immaturity of a boy, but his posture was upright, and his eyes already showed the determination of a soldier and his own thoughts.

“Ye Fei,” Angela said in a more serious but earnest tone. She knew that simple orders or emotional blackmail would no longer work on her son, who had been tempered in the military reclamation city.

“I understand you like it here; it's where your roots are, and where people who love you are. But have you ever considered that you have more than one root?”

Ye Fei pursed his lips, not immediately refuting, but just looking at his mother.

"Moscow, that's your home too. You have half-fighting Russian blood in your veins. Your grandfather, your uncles, they're all there. More importantly..."

Angela took a deep breath. "Moscow needs you. Not just someone who is Ye Yuze's son, but someone who is truly capable, well-established, and able to make a difference there."

"Your eldest brother, Ye Feng, has already forged his own path in business and politics. Your second brother, Marshal Ye, has established himself firmly in the quagmire of Ukraine and become a powerful figure in his own right. And you?"

"Are you content with being an excellent student in the military reclamation city, and then step by step joining the ranks of soldiers, living under the wings of your father and brothers?"

These words struck Ye Fei's heart like a hammer.

He was indeed not satisfied. The training in the military reclamation city honed his physique and will, but it also ignited a greater ambition in him.

He had heard about his brothers' achievements since childhood, which was both a source of pride and an invisible pressure and impetus. He longed to prove himself, not just as a son of the Ye family, but as Ye Fei himself.

"But why must it be Moscow? Why a military academy?"

Ye Fei's voice lowered, the tone of resistance lessened, and the tone of discussion increased.

"Because that's where you can quickly establish yourself and leverage your unique strengths!"

Angela said confidently, "Your identity is a natural bond. The military foundation you built in the military reclamation city far surpasses that of other Russian youths your age—that's your asset!"

"Entering Moscow's top military academy will allow you to quickly stand out. The friendships and camaraderie you forge there will be your most solid political assets in the future."

"With military strength, connections, and the background and support of your Ye family, Ye Fei, there is a much wider world for you, a battlefield where you can truly realize your ambitions! Don't you want to be like your brothers, to personally build your own empire, instead of just maintaining what you have?"

That last sentence struck Ye Fei's deepest desire.

He recalled his father Ye Yuze's occasional reflections on the new era, his eldest brother Ye Feng's strategic brilliance and ability to stir up storms, and his third brother Ye Shuai's unwavering resilience in navigating complex situations. And then there was his second brother…

His blood seemed to flow faster.

He was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping once more across the familiar playground, the classmates he had marched and played with, and the distant, faint roar of tank engines—

He loved and was familiar with all of this. But in the end, looking into his mother's earnest and determined gaze, he slowly nodded.

"Okay, I'll go back with you. But I have conditions,"

Ye Fei's voice regained its composure, "I want to go to the best military academy, and I need a certain degree of autonomy."

Angela finally broke into a relieved and proud smile:
"Of course! My son, Angela's son, should naturally attend the best Frunze! As for autonomy, as long as you prove your ability, the skies of Moscow are enough for you to soar!" Ye Fei returned to school to complete the withdrawal procedures, saying goodbye to his grandmother, his aunt, and his friends. Although reluctant, his decision was understood and supported by his family.

And of course, there's Yang Xue, the girl who's been with him since birth...

After learning about it, Ye Yuze simply called Angela and gave her a few brief instructions:

"Since he has chosen his path, let him walk it on his own. If he needs support from his family, he can ask for it."

The language was as concise as ever, but the power behind it was undeniable.

A few days later, Ye Fei, along with his mother Angela, boarded a flight to Moscow. The environment was vastly different from that of a small town in Northwest China to a metropolis on the vast plains of East Europe.

Moscow, a city steeped in history and complex reality, welcomed the young mixed-race boy with its unique austere grandeur.

The ancient palaces, the imposing Kremlin walls, the wide streets, and the hurried, aloof crowds are all quite different from the orderly planning and warm, straightforward atmosphere of the military reclamation city.

Angela's family is quite influential in Moscow, so it wouldn't be difficult for them to arrange for Ye Fei to enter the preparatory class of the Frunze Military Academy, which is known for its rigorous and elite education (similar to a junior class or preparatory system, preparing students for entering top military academies).

Although Ye Fei was only sixteen years old, he was admitted through special admission after a series of assessments due to his solid academic and military foundation at the Military Reclamation Technical School and his special status.

Life at a military academy is far more rigorous and institutionalized than that at a military reclamation technical school. It's not just about drills, physical fitness, and tactical training; it emphasizes absolute obedience, iron discipline, fierce competition, and a deep understanding of military theory.

Elite children from all over Russia and even friendly countries gather here; many of them come from prominent backgrounds and are proud and arrogant.

Upon arriving in Russia, Ye Fei first faced subtle language and cultural barriers (although he was fluent in Russian, he needed to adapt to some slang and cultural references), but more importantly, he faced scrutiny and provocation from those around him.

His Asian-like features stood out on campus, and his "extraordinary admission" background quickly made him the focus of attention, and also made him a "soft target" in the eyes of some people who wanted to step on him to establish their authority.

During the first combat training class, a tall and burly student named Sergei, who came from a Cossack family, openly challenged Ye Fei, his words full of contempt, trying to give this "connected" student a hard time.

The other trainees immediately gathered around, whistling and waiting to see what would happen. The instructor, arms crossed, didn't stop them, clearly also wanting to see what the newcomer was capable of.

Ye Fei narrowed his eyes. This scene made him feel as if he had returned to the training ground in Junken City for a moment, except that his opponent was a tall and strong Russian bear.

He didn't waste any words, but calmly assumed a stance, a starting position honed through countless trials in the military reclamation city, a fusion of military combat techniques and traditional Chinese kung fu, as steady as a mountain, yet containing explosive power.

Sergei roared and charged like a wild bear, attempting to crush him with his strength.

Ye Fei did not confront him head-on. He nimbly dodged to the side, and at the same time, he delivered a swift and powerful chop to Sergei's neck.

Sergei's charge faltered, and he let out a muffled groan, clearly having been badly hit. He turned around angrily, his fists whistling through the air.

Ye Fei, taking advantage of his relatively "short" but more agile stature, dodged and weaved, avoiding heavy blows time and time again, and each strike precisely hit Sergei's joints, ribs and other vulnerable points.

This is not a contest of brute force, but an absolute crushing victory in skill, speed, and precision.

A few minutes later, Sergei was panting heavily, his body aching in many places, but he hadn't even touched Ye Fei's clothes.

Finally, Ye Fei seized an opening and executed a clean back throw, slamming the massive Sergei heavily onto the mat. He then followed up with a submission hold, completely subduing him.

The entire process was fluid and efficient, full of a cold and ruthless beauty, completely unlike the style of Russian wrestling or boxing commonly found in military academies.

A hush fell over the scene. Everyone abandoned their dismissive gazes, their eyes filled with surprise and a hint of awe.

The instructor's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded. From then on, no one dared to underestimate Ye Fei because of his appearance or age, and the reputation of "Chinese Kung Fu" and "that tough Eastern boy" quickly spread among the trainees.

But this was just the beginning. Ye Fei knew that being good at fighting wasn't enough.

He was determined to do his best in every aspect.

He put in 200% effort in academic subjects, military theory, map exercises, live-fire shooting, wilderness survival, tank driving, and more.

The spirit of perseverance and hard work cultivated in the military reclamation city has played a significant role.

While others rested, he practiced extra; while others complained, he studied diligently. His shooting scores quickly rose to the top, and his understanding of tactics often yielded unique insights that impressed his instructors.

At the same time, he did not completely shut himself off. After earning respect through his abilities, he also began to selectively make friends.

He was a righteous man, unlike some aristocratic sons who were arrogant and haughty, and he was extremely reliable in critical moments.

During a winter field training exercise, he risked his life to save a classmate who had fallen into an ice hole, earning him the sincere respect of many.

He gradually built a small circle around him, which included tough guys like Sergei who became his loyal supporters after being beaten into submission, as well as elite students from military families who admired his abilities.

Angela was very pleased to see her son adapt quickly and begin to stand out in military school.

She quietly provided him with the necessary support and information, guiding him to understand the intricate network of relationships in Moscow and even the upper echelons of Russia.

Ye Fei was not oblivious to what was happening around him. He closely followed the international situation, especially the developments in Ukraine, where his third brother, Marshal Ye, was located.

He knew that his third brother was treading carefully in that quagmire and needed support.

He also learned about his elder brother Ye Feng's extensive influence in the global business and political circles through family connections.

His brothers' achievements and the challenges they faced served as both motivation and pressure, making him realize the importance of building his strength in Moscow.

He vaguely realized that his father, Ye Yuze, might really be playing a grand game, and the three brothers might be the three key pieces on the chessboard, distributed in different positions, but needing to respond to each other.

A year later, Ye Fei, with his outstanding overall performance and remarkable leadership potential (he successfully led his squad to a comeback victory in a joint tactical exercise), not only successfully entered the regular courses of the Frunze Military Academy, but also obtained the cadet officer rank, a symbol of honor.

In the college auditorium, as he received the sash and certificate from a retired general, his mother Angela and several relatives who had come to witness the ceremony sat in the audience.

The lights shone on his young yet angular face, which exuded a cool and aloof air, and the audience erupted in applause.

At this moment, he was no longer a boy relying solely on his father's glory. He was Ye Fei, a rising star at Moscow's top military academy.

His gaze pierced through the auditorium, as if he could see into a more distant future—a future filled with ice fields, torrents of steel, complex political maneuvering, and his own legend, which he was about to write.

The harsh cold of Moscow was merely the crucible for forging his sharp edge. He knew his journey had only just begun. Meanwhile, in the distant East, his father, Ye Yuze, was perhaps squinting, watching yet another chess piece steadily settle into its place on the board. (End of Chapter)