Chapter 5: Gaining Two Brothers on the Cheap

Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were naturally pleased to hear about the break, but when they heard there was a new method for training soldiers, their eyes lit up with excitement and interest.

"Brother, what kind of training method is this? How do you plan to train the troops?"

"Brothers, what kind of soldiers do you think have the strongest combat power in an army? How can we enhance a military unit's combat effectiveness?"

"That's easy—train regularly, so the soldiers can master all kinds of combat skills and increase their ability to kill the enemy efficiently."

"Wenyuan is right, but he hasn't hit the nail on the head. While a soldier's individual combat ability is important and indispensable, it's not the key factor in determining the strength of an army."

This statement left Gao Shun and Zhang Liao baffled, as if they were monks trying to grasp something beyond their understanding. Isn't military training just about improving the tactical skills of soldiers? Only when soldiers can fight can the army achieve victory. Liu Zhan's words sparked confusion in the two, prompting them to ask for further explanation.

"Brother, then what do you say is the key factor in determining an army's strength?"

"Yes, Brother, don't keep us in suspense—tell us what it is."

Seeing that he had captured their attention, Liu Zhan chuckled to himself. He raised his cup to toast the two of them, then slowly and deliberately spoke.

"Obeying orders! Only when soldiers are trained to follow orders as described in Guanzi's Establishment of Government: 'When ordered, they move; when forbidden, they stop. Their conduct is aligned with the law, and customs are broken. They are like the hundred limbs that obey the heart, the epitome of governance. Though they are thousands in number, they act as one.' Such an army can be invincible in war."

"Well, the formations we use in the army seem to follow this principle too, don't they?"

"Our current army is far from that standard. Our troops need to achieve uniformity and awe-inspiring discipline, so that the enemy loses confidence and is struck with fear at the mere sound of our name."

"If Brother has such a good training method, what are we waiting for? Let's start training right away."

"Well, isn't it about time for your break? Don't you both need to go home and see your families?"

"What's the point of going home? What's more important than training?"

"Really not going home?"

"Not going."

Gao Shun and Zhang Liao shook their heads in unison, resolute in their decision not to go. Liu Zhan finally felt relieved and was secretly pleased with himself. This guy had clearly seized on their weaknesses, using their strong interest in training to lure them into following him.

"Since you two aren't planning on going home, then start preparing tomorrow morning. We also need to gather supplies for the journey, and we'll set out early the day after tomorrow. We'll train while we march. Of course, some of the soldiers we recruit later will have homes elsewhere, and they're allowed to go back. We won't force them."

"Understood, Brother. I'll arrange for someone to prepare everything we need for the march tomorrow."

After Gao Shun finished speaking, Liu Zhan nodded approvingly and continued.

"I estimate that at least 150 people will be traveling back with us. I'll divide them into two teams, with each of you leading one team. Two company commanders will assist you. As for how to further divide the teams, you can decide based on what best facilitates training and maximizes combat effectiveness."

Zhang Liao was stunned—this meant he was being made a captain! He had only been in the army for a short time and was still just a squad leader. He feared that such a promotion would be difficult for others to accept.

"Brother, this isn't proper. Promotions and the structuring of the army have strict regulations. Making such a hasty decision might be inappropriate."

"Wenyuan, don't worry. We're on break, and this is just a temporary arrangement to facilitate training. Once we're back and everything is formalized, we'll deal with that later. As for any soldiers who might not accept your authority, don't worry—if anyone challenges you, just spar with them. With your skills, you'll have no trouble putting a few arrogant fellows in their place."

"Oh? Brother, you haven't seen my skills—how do you know I can beat others?"

"Haha, Wenyuan, just consider me a prophet. Not only do I know your skills are decent, but I also know that your martial arts are better than Gao Shun's. I'm guessing you two have already had a match, haven't you?"