Chu Zhenglin's mind was filled with incredible imagination. He could not describe what a spectacular scene it would be like when he led this group of people to fight on the battlefield.
Although the two thousand people who came here were centurions and above, Chu Zhenglin was able to gain insight into the mental outlook of this army through the performance of these two thousand people.
Changsun Dechong stood before the centurions and solemnly announced, "The Imperial Government Affairs Office has officially confirmed that you belong to the Wei army. From now on, you may all wear armor and carry swords and participate in training openly. Your positions have also been officially confirmed. In the next few days, I will have the Ministry of Works make your respective official uniforms and general uniforms."
The centurions were all excited to hear what Chang Sun Dechong said. They could finally go to the battlefield with full justification, wield weapons, and fight bravely, instead of having to go through boring training with wooden sticks every day like they did now.
These people were originally refugees who migrated to Kaifeng from the Hedong Jiuzhou area. They could no longer survive in the Hedong Jiuzhou area and were forced to abandon the fields they once cultivated.
But there was simply not enough work for them to do in Kaifeng City, so they could only reclaim the wasteland around Kaifeng City and grow crops.
However, whenever they witnessed the majestic military appearance of the Kaifeng City Guards and heard the soldiers returning from the border talk about the dangers of the border and the fierceness of the war, their hearts could not help but surge with blood.
These soldiers fought bravely on the battlefield, achieved remarkable feats, and were rewarded generously. Whenever they smiled and shared their rewards, the refugees' hearts were filled with envy and yearning. They too longed to be like these soldiers, serving their country and defending their homeland against foreign invasion.
They also fantasized that if they could one day achieve military merit and receive a reward on the battlefield, they would not only be able to change their own destiny but also bring glory and well-being to their descendants. This desire for honor and wealth drove them to maintain hope for the future and loyalty to their country even in difficult lives.
Of course, there is another crucial factor, that is, only after they have made great military achievements and received corresponding rewards, will they have the opportunity to marry a better wife.
Now, they have risen from common people to centurions, thousand-man commanders, and some have even become lieutenant generals. As long as they continue to work hard, constantly make military achievements, and eventually become generals, they will be eligible to marry the ladies of the prominent families in Kaifeng City.
It was the appearance of Chu Zhenglin and Changsun Dechong that gave them hope. They knew that as long as they worked hard, they could become real warriors and no longer be nameless victims of disaster.
Chu Zhenglin and Changsun Dechong thought that as long as they were given armor and weapons, they would be able to quickly train into an elite army. With these motivated soldiers, the borders of Wei would be more secure.
Of course, these centurions only saw the smiles on the faces of the soldiers returning victoriously, but they failed to see that behind those smiles, there were many more who had fallen in pools of blood, sleeping forever on the battlefield. Only those who truly survived the cruel battlefield and returned home alive were qualified to show that victorious smile.
Chu Zhenglin stood in front of everyone, his eyes sweeping across everyone's face. He could see from their expressions their excitement at being able to become soldiers and make great achievements.
Chu Zhenglin took a deep breath, straightened his back, and said in a firm and powerful voice: "Everyone, I am Chu Zhenglin, the prince of Wei. Today, our great Wei is facing an unprecedented crisis. The Xiongnu and the Gan Kingdom have been eyeing our country covetously. The survival of our country hangs on a thread.
At this critical moment, I need the support and strength of each and every one of you. For our country, for our home, I ask you to follow me and fight for our country. Now, please state your name in turn, so that we can remember this moment together.
Chu Zhenglin's words echoed in the air, his voice filled with strength and determination, making everyone present feel an unprecedented sense of mission. They were deeply moved that a prince would actually fight alongside them.
However, at this moment, Changsun Dechong's face turned gloomy. He was originally the Minister of War, and had finally built an army with great difficulty. Now Chu Zhenglin wanted to bring this army under his command, which made him extremely dissatisfied and angry. Changsun Dechong thought to himself, "Chu Zhenglin is really going too far! How can I just hand over the army I worked so hard to build into your hands so easily?"
It was simply because the person standing in front of him was a distinguished prince, and there were many onlookers gathered around him, so he could not openly challenge the royal majesty on such an occasion.
After all, as a minister, one must maintain due respect for the royal family. At the same time, one must also consider the reputation of Prince Chu Zhenglin. After all, he is now the focus of public attention. If one is too tough, not only will he lose face, but it may also cause unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.
Immediately, a lieutenant stepped forward and announced his name. Of course, it would take a long time to hear over 2,000 names, let alone write them down. So Chu Zhenglin just listened to them and memorized his own name. Otherwise, he was afraid of being called a fake if he couldn't even remember so many people's names.
After an impassioned speech, Chu Zhenglin asked the centurions present to go back and convey this exciting news to the soldiers they led. They had officially become a regular army of the Wei State.
After returning to the tent, Chang Sun Dechong said to Chu Zhenglin with a gloomy face, "Chu boy, what exactly do you mean? Don't think that just because you're a prince I won't get angry with you. When did His Majesty ever say these 200,000 troops were yours?"
Chang Sun Dechong's voice was full of dissatisfaction and doubt, and it was obvious that he was very dissatisfied with Chu Zhenglin's behavior.
However, Chu Zhenglin did not seem to be afraid of Changsun Dechong's questioning. He smiled and asked, "Uncle Changsun, don't you know what the Royal Government Affairs Office where I work is responsible for?" Chu Zhenglin seemed to be giving Changsun Dechong some hint.
After saying this, Chu Zhenglin still smiled as he turned and left the camp. Chang Sun Dechong stood there, watching Chu Zhenglin's departing figure, his heart filled with anger and helplessness. He gritted his teeth, clearly extremely dissatisfied with Chu Zhenglin's behavior, yet unable to do anything about it.
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