Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 887 It's been said that wherever he goes, the place will bear the surname Xia.
In the northeast of Kunming Pool, the official wasteland is full of spring sunshine. The freshly turned soil is mixed with the sour smell of decaying grass roots. In the distance, the Wei River is like a ribbon, with the white sails of the canal boats dotting the water. Nearby, only a few lonely imperial villas gleam with a glassy luster, which makes this vast land seem even more empty and desolate.

Xia Lin squatted at the edge of the ground, picking up a clump of damp soil with his fingers, his brows slightly furrowed. Behind him stood several officials from the Imperial Workshop and clerks from the Ministry of Works, all holding their breath.

"The soil quality is acceptable, but we need to think of a better way to drain it." He stood up, clapped his hands, and pointed to a low-lying area in the distance: "That place will definitely flood when the rainy season comes. We either need to raise the foundation or dig a deeper drainage ditch to connect it to the natural waterway over there."

A senior official from the Ministry of Works quickly agreed and hurriedly marked the blueprints. Another craftsman from the Imperial Workshop said worriedly, "General Xia, the first batch of building materials has arrived and is piled up in the temporary warehouse. But the manpower... Spring plowing is just around the corner, and the number of people we have to support is limited, so the progress really can't be fast."

Xia Lin gazed at the mountains of timber and bricks piled up at the Wei River wharf in the distance, along with large panes of glass awaiting installation. After a moment of silence, he spoke: "If we don't have enough laborers, we'll use soldiers."

Everyone was taken aback. Using soldiers for construction was not unprecedented, but mobilizing troops on such a large scale for the construction of workshops was rare.

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. The early completion of the industrial park is not just about a few greenhouses and workshops, but also about a shift in national policy. Starting today, five thousand elite soldiers will be drawn from the Imperial Guards of the Northern Garrison of Chang'an and the various guards in the capital region to form a temporary construction corps, which I will temporarily lead and be responsible for the construction of the park.”

The order caused a stir among those present.

Putting aside the fact that he directly skipped Her Majesty the Empress's summons of the Imperial Guards in the capital, everyone actually accepted this with a heavy heart. The Twelve Generals' Orders were on him, and as for the Li Tang dynasty, which recognized the legitimacy of the Tian Wei dynasty, Xia Lin was also their Grand Marshal.

But the problem is, how do I bring up the matter of mobilizing troops to repair bridges and pave roads...?

When the news reached the Northern Imperial Guard camp, it was during a break in training. The dust on the drill ground had not yet settled, and the soldiers, drenched in sweat, were immediately in an uproar upon hearing the order.

"Go lay bricks and build walls?" A burly foreman stared wide-eyed, almost thinking he had misheard: "I'm a knife-wielder, not a bricklayer!"

His adjutant beside him also frowned: "What does Commander Xia mean by this? Sending us to do hard labor, wouldn't that dampen the morale of the army?"

Whispers of complaint spread among the officers and soldiers at all levels. Accustomed to drilling formations and practicing archery and horsemanship, they naturally felt extremely resistant to suddenly having to wield hoes and carry timber.

However, military orders are absolute.

The next morning, before dawn, the five thousand soldiers who had been selected, led by their respective captains and brigade commanders, assembled in the open space outside the western camp.

The dark mass of people, their armor gleaming and weapons like a forest, clearly showed that these scoundrels were there to demonstrate, not to actually do any work.

Xia Lin arrived very early. He was not wearing armor, but only a military uniform. However, this military uniform was the uniform of a Grand Marshal. The two great powers of the Central Plains now only had this one marshal left. Originally, there was also Li Yuan, but Li Yuan is now the retired emperor. Apart from Xia Lin, the highest-ranking generals are all just generals.

He slowly ascended the makeshift wooden platform, his gaze sweeping over the silent military formation below.

Without a lengthy lecture, he got straight to the point: "I know that many of you are unhappy about being asked to put down your weapons and pick up hoes and pickaxes, and feel that it is an insult to your identity as soldiers."

A slight commotion arose in the audience, and many soldiers subconsciously straightened their backs, their faces filled with resentment.

Xia Lin abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "But I want to ask you, what exactly is the duty of a soldier? Is it merely to practice killing techniques and wait to fight on the front lines?"

He paused, and before the audience could respond, he answered his own question: "Protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people is the duty of soldiers! What does it mean to ensure the safety of the people? It means ensuring that the people are well-fed and clothed, and free from the suffering of hunger and cold! It means ensuring that the national treasury is full and the army is well-equipped! What I am asking you to build today is not ordinary housing, but an industrial park that can produce more food and more goods, strengthen the nation, and benefit all people! Isn't this another form of protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people? And isn't this another kind of battlefield, a battle against time?"

His gaze was sharp as he swept over the several disgruntled generals in the front row: "You think carrying bricks and building walls is beneath your dignity? Let me tell you, the strength of an army lies not only in the victories on the battlefield, but also in the discipline of obeying orders without question, and in the ability to complete tasks no matter the circumstances! An army that can only fight in favorable conditions and can only do one kind of work cannot be considered a truly strong army!"

The audience was silent, and the resentment on the faces of many soldiers was gradually replaced by contemplation.

Xia Lin's voice rang out again, carrying an undeniable authority: "Since I am temporarily in command, you must abide by my rules. Today, I reiterate military discipline: all under my command, whether fighting on the battlefield or working in construction, must comply with it!"

He took a deep breath, and his voice, booming like a bell, echoed clearly in the open space.

This discipline was not Xia Lin's original creation; he had already used it when he was training troops in Fuliang, and then implemented it in his various units with remarkable results.

However, to the imperial guards in the Li Tang army, especially those in Chang'an who had long lived in peaceful times and whose relationship with the people had become increasingly distant, the story sounded quite novel, and even a bit too trivial and harsh.

"Not taking things from the people? Well... we occasionally take some fruits and vegetables, it's not a big deal, is it?" a soldier muttered in a low voice.

"Soldiers are rough around the edges, it's inevitable that they'll be a little rough..."

Xia Lin seemed to hear their thoughts and suddenly said sternly, "Perhaps some people think that these are trivial matters and have nothing to do with combat strength. But let me tell you, the decline of military discipline often begins with these small things! Only an army that does not harm the people in the slightest can win the hearts of the people and truly be invincible! How can an army that cannot even return borrowed items and compensate for damages be expected to obey orders and act as if it were its own arm?"

He then changed the subject again, his tone softening: "Strict orders alone are not enough to win people's hearts. From this day forward, all soldiers of the Construction Corps will receive an additional 20 wen of food allowance per day on top of their regular rations and pay, settled every ten days. Those who make meritorious contributions during the mission will be rewarded with military merits. During the construction period, all three meals will be provided, and meat will be included in both lunch and dinner!"

These words immediately caused a noticeable commotion among the audience. Twenty coins a day, six hundred coins a month—almost half a month's income for an apprentice! Not to mention the promise of "three full meals a day, with meat included." The treatment of the Chang'an Imperial Guards was already quite generous; an ordinary soldier's monthly salary was only two taels of silver, equivalent to about two thousand coins. This extra six hundred coins was truly no small sum.

And most importantly, building houses can earn military merits, which is much more comfortable than going to the battlefield and risking your life. Anyway, daily training is training, so why can't building houses be a form of training?
Xia Lin took in the reactions of the audience and continued, "I have ordered a temporary kitchen to be set up next to the camp, and the Crown Prince has allocated funds to purchase rice, meat, and vegetables. The rules are there, and what must be upheld must be upheld; what is due will not be shortchanged you in the slightest! What I want is a disciplined and highly motivated army, not a group of emaciated and resentful laborers!"

This combination of kindness and severity had an immediate effect. The resistance on the faces of many soldiers visibly dissipated, replaced by surprise and anticipation. Everyone could easily see the value in strict discipline if it brought doubled pay and a full meal every day.

After the briefing, each battalion was led back to their respective camps for further explanation of discipline and the announcement of new food and allowance standards. The initial dissenting voices almost completely disappeared, replaced by enthusiastic discussion.

"Twenty coins a day! That's six hundred coins a month! That's...that's equivalent to the annual harvest of half an acre of land back home!"

"With meat at every meal and so many subsidies, this hard labor is worth it!" "I heard that the new army under Marshal Xia has excellent food, and he always keeps his word. It seems we should also live up to this pay!"

Soon, as the construction project was fully underway, the dual effects of discipline and benefits began to emerge.

The Production and Construction Corps' barracks were adjacent to Huangzhuang and even nearby villages. When the soldiers first came into contact with the farmers and villagers, they still carried a bit of the arrogance of military officers.

But when someone was publicly whipped for picking a few wild vegetables from a farmer's field without paying, and when someone was promoted from a sergeant to pay for a damaged farm tool they borrowed, the atmosphere in the camp changed drastically.

And these scoundrels finally realized that being promoted really meant getting to work...

The villagers discovered that these usually aloof military officers were actually quite kind, fair in their dealings, always returned borrowed items, and honestly compensated for any damages. They even helped the elderly and weak by fetching water and chopping wood during their rest periods. The long-standing wariness and alienation gradually gave way to curiosity and acceptance.

On the construction site, the effect of strict discipline was even more evident. Land was divided, tasks assigned, and materials were dispatched—everything was carried out in an orderly manner. Although the soldiers were not yet skilled, they were willing to put in the effort and learned quickly. The delicious meat-scented rations and generous subsidies became real incentives. They swung their hoes until they were practically sparking, and that damned rotating red flag was truly a killer; some camps were working from before dawn just for that flag.

The land, which was originally expected to take more than a month to level, was already taking shape in just over ten days.

On this day, Xia Lin and Li Zhi inspected the construction site together. Everywhere they looked, people were working hard, with shouts, the sound of tamping earth, and the sawing of wood all mixed together. The soldiers were shirtless, their bronze backs gleaming in the spring sun, sweat mixed with dust streaming down their faces.

Looking at the scene before him, Li Zhi couldn't help but sigh, "Father, these soldiers are completely different in spirit compared to half a month ago. Not only do they understand the rules, but they are also much more motivated."

Xia Lin nodded: "People need to have some spirit and some real goals in life. Knowing why you work, knowing where the rules and boundaries are, and knowing that you can eat and get paid if you do a good job, will put your mind at ease and give you more energy."

At this moment, a general from the Northern Imperial Guards, known for his bravery, led several colleagues over. He clasped his hands in a salute to Xia Lin, his tone carrying a mixture of admiration and resentment: "General Xia, we are convinced! The soldiers you lead work with such discipline and order, and their morale is so high. However... we still have a question in our hearts."

"speak."

Na Lang said, "We all know that the field troops under Commander Xia are the strongest in the world. But we don't know, if we put aside the advantage of firearms and only consider the individual skills of the soldiers, the coordination of the squads, and the formation drills, how do they compare to the Imperial Guards of Chang'an?"

His words immediately resonated with several generals around him. They had been worn down by discipline and were impressed by the efficiency and morale of the Production and Construction Corps, but deep down, the pride and competitive spirit that belonged to soldiers had never been extinguished.

Before Xia Lin could answer, Li Zhi's eyes lit up, and he preemptively said, "I think that talk is cheap. Since the generals have this question, why not take this opportunity to have a grand martial arts competition between the two armies?"

"A grand martial arts competition?" The generals were all taken aback.

“Exactly.” Li Zhi found the idea increasingly brilliant: “The Construction Corps needs rest and recuperation, but the daily training of the Imperial Guards cannot be neglected. Why not choose a location, designate a training exercise, and have Commander Xia select some elite troops to compete fairly with our Chang’an Imperial Guards? This will not only test the results of our daily training but also allow us to learn from each other and improve our strengths.”

Xia Lin glanced at his son and saw the eager glint in his eyes. He knew the boy wanted to see the true strength of his father's army and also wanted to use this opportunity to curb any arrogance that might exist within the Chang'an Imperial Guards. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement: "Alright. You decide on the project, you choose the time and place. I'll provide three hundred men."

Seeing that he agreed so readily, the imperial guards generals became excited and began to discuss the competition events.

"Both foot archery and mounted archery are indispensable!"

"We must compete in wrestling and marching with heavy loads!"

"Squad-based offensive and defensive confrontations reveal the true strength of the game!"

"Formation changes and signal responses are also fundamental!"

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Production and Construction Corps and the various garrisons of Chang'an. The military camp, which had been somewhat dull due to the labor, was instantly filled with renewed energy.

The soldiers were abuzz with discussion. Whether it was the three hundred elite soldiers under Xia Lin whose identities were yet to be confirmed, or the brave warriors in the Chang'an Imperial Guard who were expected to achieve great things, they all felt an invisible pressure and expectation.

The extra spoonful of fatty meat in the bowl, which was larger than usual, seemed to serve as an additional incentive before the competition.

The competition is no longer just about being competitive; it has become a silent contest about military discipline, training, willpower, treatment, and even beliefs.

As the setting sun dyed Kunming Pool red, Xia Lin and Li Zhi embarked on their journey home, gradually leaving the hustle and bustle of the construction site behind.

Li Zhi couldn't help but ask, "Father, what do you think... the outcome of the duel?"

Xia Lin gazed at the magnificent sunset on the horizon and said calmly, "Victory or defeat is not important. Your Imperial Guards are arrogant. They will suffer greatly on the battlefield. Weakness is not an obstacle to survival; arrogance is."

He paused, a smile playing at the corner of his eye, and said, "This competition comes at just the right time. The industrial park is a civil administration, and this competition is a martial arts contest. Both civil and martial arts are a form of training. Sometimes the core of a battle is not the weapon, but the tenacious will and the indomitable spirit. I know an army that still has fighting power even after losing more than 90% of its troops."

"How is that any different from an iron man?" Li Zhi was greatly shocked: "Is there really such a heavenly army?"

“Yes.” Xia Lin patted his son’s head: “Your old man came from there.”

At that moment, as Li Zhi faced the setting sun, he suddenly noticed that his father had a few more wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. This startled him, because in his memory, his father was always that smiling young man. Who knew that in such a short time, he would have the wrinkles of time...

As dusk fell, the military camp in Chang'an became somewhat restless due to the sudden announcement of the martial arts competition. During breaks from their work, everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to the training ground. In fact, everyone was looking forward to seeing if Commander Xia Daosheng possessed any magical powers. Could he really train his brothers from the same battalion into iron men in such a short time?
(End of this chapter)