Napoleon once said: If I had enough medals, I could conquer the world.
Although it is a bit exaggerated, the logic is correct.
Soldiers have military ranks, which is a reflection of their ability and a symbol of honor. Not only that, Zhu Youxiao also made a batch of medals to be awarded to officers and soldiers who have made meritorious contributions in combat.
The first group of people to receive the medals were the officers and soldiers of Liaozhen, Dengzhen, Jinzhen and Dongjiangzhen who won the battle in Liaodong.
Medals are currently divided into two types: one is the Medal of Loyalty and Bravery awarded to officers, and the other is the Medal of Fearlessness awarded to soldiers.
The two medals are made of silver and bronze respectively, with exquisite style and workmanship. The words "loyalty and bravery" and "fearlessness" engraved on the back of the medals were written by the Emperor himself.
The scene of awarding medals and silver rewards is very formal and solemn. These are gifts from the emperor and cannot be measured by money.
If you get a medal like this, you can't wear it on your chest every day. You have to treasure it and keep it for your descendants to worship. It is a treasure that can bring honor to your family.
Feng Datie held his chest high, the scars on his face had not yet healed completely, and one of his arms was still in a sling, but the shining medal on his chest immediately made him a dazzling presence.
So many envious and admiring eyes were cast at him, making Feng Datie feel like a hero. Fearless, this is what the Emperor said, and it was engraved on the medal.
Compared with this medal, the value of all that silver immediately depreciated.
Zhang Pan also had a medal hanging on his chest. It was the "Loyalty and Bravery" medal awarded to him by the island master Mao himself when he went to the military meeting on Pi Island.
In the Battle of Lushun, the Left Army, as the main force, won face for the Dongjiang Army. Although it was a joint operation, they were not a military town after all, and no one wanted to show weakness and embarrassment in front of the friendly forces.
"The army's success lies in collective combat. Without comrades to defend the enemy side by side, no matter how brave one is, it will be difficult to resist the enemy in large numbers. However, I, the Left Association, will not bury the brave warriors who fight bravely."
After presenting the medals, Zhang Pan stood on the podium and announced loudly, "Every soldier of our Left Brigade fought bravely and tenaciously in the Battle of Port Arthur. Some of them even stood out, bravely persevering despite being wounded, and even killing several enemies in succession. After discussion, each soldier will be rewarded with ten taels of silver. For those with over a hundred brave soldiers, an additional fifty taels will be awarded."
There was an irrepressible uproar in the ranks of soldiers.
Although the new military law has a strict regulation prohibiting the taking of enemy heads on the battlefield, the reward for killing the enemy has not been finalized.
Now I finally understand the gist: as long as you win the battle and don't act like a coward, you'll get a reward. If you perform even more bravely, there's an even bigger reward.
Zhang Xiaoxi tried to keep it together, but he couldn't help grinning, laughing so happily.
Ten taels of silver is enough for several months of military pay! It can buy a lot of food and keep my family well fed and clothed!
Zhang Xiaoxi secretly glanced at Feng Datie, who had been promoted to captain, and felt a surge of envy. Fifty taels of silver, enough to buy a house, marry a wife, and still have plenty left over!
Next time, the next time we fight, I won't be a coward. I want the fifty taels of silver reward, and I want a promotion to lead the troops.
Zhang Xiaoxi felt that he was quite impressive for not running away or peeing his pants on his first battlefield. Of course, he was still far behind the likes of Feng Datie.
Not knowing when the next war would begin, Zhang Xiaoxi, who was originally afraid and worried, now actually felt a bit of anticipation.
From ancient times to the present, there are almost two ways to get promoted in the military: one is to spend time accumulating qualifications, and the other is to gain military merit in war.
In comparison, promotion based on military merit is the fastest and relatively fair. After all, if you are brave enough to kill the enemy, the officers will also need to win over some capable fighters.
Moreover, wars often provided opportunities for officers and soldiers to make fortunes. For example, in the early Tang Dynasty, the army was known for its "joy at the mere mention of war."
Zhu Youxiao was very envious and wanted to turn the Ming army into that. When they heard about the battle, they shouted excitedly, thinking that they were a force of tigers and wolves, invincible!
Now we can only say that there are some small signs, because there are already quite a few people who think like Zhang Xiaoxi.
Zhang Pan stepped aside and watched the salary-checking officer distribute reward money to the officers and soldiers, feeling extremely happy.
A lieutenant general is still a lieutenant general, as long as he is still the chief commander of a regiment, that's the end of it. There are two deputy generals under General Mao, how can you be higher than these three?
But Zhang Pan didn't care at all, because his left team was fully staffed again.
Although the new soldiers still needed a month or two of training, their weapons and equipment had been strengthened. If they were to be deployed again, he was confident that his left wing alone could resist tens of thousands of Jiannu and defend Lushun Fort single-handedly.
Well, the troops are well trained, and ammunition and supplies are stockpiled. It is almost time for the Jiannu to launch an attack during the winter.
When the time comes... Zhang Pan looked to the north and narrowed his eyes.
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