Republic of China, 1922: Rise from the Post-Zhili-Fengtian War

After saying all that, Gu Cheng was still a little worried: "Uncle Ji, besides the veterans, what's the reaction from the others? The new recruits, the junior officers, and the veterans who stayed in the ranks—do they have any thoughts on the reorganization?"

Ji Jinchun hesitated, "Master Gu, there are some things I'm not sure if I should say."

Gu Cheng exchanged glances with Zhang Tingshu, then leaned back in his chair and smiled, "Uncle Ji, what's wrong? We've been dealing with each other for a while now, and you're not one to dawdle... If you have something to say, just say it. There's nothing that shouldn't be said."

Ji Jinchun slapped his thigh and let out a long breath before saying, "Master Gu, to be honest, it sounds like I'm accusing someone. You know, Fourth Master Tang and Third Master Tang are sworn brothers, so there are some things that really aren't my place to say—but since you've asked, Master Gu, I'll just tell you the truth."

At this point, he slowly continued, "Actually, as you know, the old team has quite a few problems. Not to mention drill training, even getting up early is something we've only recently corrected."

It's said that when Master Tang was around, these men slept until noon every day, but now they have to get up before dawn for morning exercises. Some of the brothers don't say anything, but they harbor resentment.

As he spoke, he got up and walked to the desk, took out a booklet and handed it to Gu Cheng with both hands. The booklet was filled with writing. He turned to a page and pointed to a few lines circled in red pen, "I asked each company to report their situation. The new recruits are fine. They just joined the army and dare not complain. They do whatever they are told."

Several company commanders privately told me that the pace of the reorganization was too fast, and the men couldn't handle it. Especially at the construction site, after a long day of work, they still had to train at night; some men could even fall asleep standing up.

Gu Cheng didn't respond, but gestured for him to continue.

Ji Jinchun thought for a moment and continued, "Master Gu, I'm not complaining on behalf of the brothers. I feel that reorganizing the army is an important task that cannot be relaxed; but the brothers are also made of flesh and blood. We can't just make the horses run without feeding them. The main camp has a tight schedule, and the reorganization of the army has heavy tasks. With both sides pressing, the brothers are indeed exhausted."

Gu Cheng leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the old tree outside the window, and remained silent for a moment.

"Uncle Ji, you're right." He spoke slowly. "The mission is heavy lately. The brothers are building a large camp, which is exhausting, and they also have to train. We can't slack off on either end, but we can't let the brothers break down either."

He paused, took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and slowly smoked it.

"How about this, let's adjust the training schedule. The work at the main camp construction site can't stop during the day, but as for training... let's change it to once every three days, so the brothers can take a break. We'll resume normal schedule once the main structure of the camp is completed."

Ji Jinchun's eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly: "That's great! That's great! The brothers will be so happy when they find out."

Gu Cheng exhaled a puff of smoke: "Being happy is fine, but the quality of training can't be compromised. As for Liu Xiangjiu, have him rearrange the training plan, make sure he uses his time wisely, and doesn't dawdle."

Ji Jinchun straightened his back: "Understood! I'll talk to Xiang Jiu about it later."

Gu Cheng considered for a moment, then continued, "There's something else I've been thinking about... When I came to Jinzhou, my uncle gave me a settlement allowance. I haven't touched that money yet... Uncle Ji, you and Liu Xiangjiu have come all this way, haven't you settled your families in yet?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Jinchun immediately understood his meaning and quickly stood up, saying, "Master Gu, when Third Master summoned Xiang Jiu and me to Jinzhou, he had already made arrangements! My eldest daughter is studying at Fengtian Girls' Middle School, and our family has already provided us with food and drink; we really can't go any further—"

Gu Cheng raised a hand to stop him from continuing, saying, "The matters of reorganizing the army and the affairs of the camp, one thing after another, all rest on your shoulders. It would be really inappropriate for me not to do something in return."

He then chuckled and continued, "It's just that I have a long ear; I heard you have two sons, both sixteen or seventeen years old... After thinking it over, I thought it would be better to transfer them to Jinzhou. Not as ordinary soldiers, but as officers... I'm thinking of promoting thirty young men and hiring several instructors at a high price to train a new generation of officers."

In addition, I've had the housekeeper find you a small courtyard in Jinzhou to settle you in—from now on, you won't have to squeeze into the regimental headquarters anymore.”

Ji Jinchun was deeply moved: "Master Gu, I don't know what to say. Third Master was kind to me back then, allowing me to gain a foothold in the Fengtian Army. Now that you treat me like this, I would give my life to you."

Gu Cheng waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down: "Uncle Ji, you're being too polite. The best way to repay me is for you to work with me, take charge of the army's reorganization, and keep an eye on the camp's affairs. I don't care for empty promises; I only believe in one thing—if you do a good job, I will absolutely not treat you unfairly."

Ji Jinchun sat down again and nodded heavily: "Don't worry, Master Gu. I, Ji Jinchun, may not have many other great skills, but I'm absolutely capable when it comes to work. I will definitely do a perfect job for you."

Then Zhang Tingshu spoke up, "By the way, Uncle Ji, Jingchuan and I have been discussing that once the camp is completed and the troops are reorganized, we'll raise the brothers' pay. Not just a little, but a ten percent increase."

Seeing Ji Jinchun's surprised expression, Zhang Tingshu smiled and continued, "We both felt that Jinzhou, as the gateway to western Liaoning, naturally needs more defense than other places... Besides, we also wanted our brothers to have a better life with the 11th Mixed Brigade!"

Ji Jinchun looked at the two men, first giving them a thumbs-up in agreement, but then quickly added, "A pay raise is a great thing, but once the ranks are filled, there will be four thousand soldiers asking for money. An extra ten percent in pay will add up to a huge sum each month. Where will that money come from?"

Gu Cheng smiled: "I'll figure out the money. Once the Chamber of Commerce is sorted out, we'll have a source of tax revenue; once the main camp is built and the garrison size increases, the funding from Fengtian will also increase."

Besides, didn't the Japanese pay reparations? I kept a portion of that money specifically for this.

Ji Jinchun was silent for a moment: "Master Gu, you're... trying to completely win over the brothers' hearts."

Gu Cheng said solemnly, "Only by winning people's hearts can we win their hearts. Only by winning people's hearts can we get things done. Uncle Ji, remember this—if the brothers follow me, they won't suffer. As long as they are willing to work and follow the rules, I, Gu Jingchuan, will ensure they live a good life."

…………

A few days later, Jinzhou Middle School.

Two rain showers had just passed, and the gray-tiled old walls gleamed warmly in the morning light.

More than a hundred young soldiers stood in formation on the parade ground, their backs ramrod straight, their eyes all fixed on the person on the steps.

Gu Cheng stood on the cement platform, without a manuscript in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over the ranks.