Ning Zhiheng naturally responded warmly to Zhu Weihua's deliberate attempt to befriend him. After all, they would be comrades-in-arms fighting side by side in the future. On the battlefield, having a comrade-in-arms to support each other is no less valuable than having an extra life.
Ning Zhiheng and Zhu Weihua had a warm conversation that lasted until late at night before they went to rest.
The next day, Ning Zhiheng and Zhu Weihua arrived at the military camp next door, where the Fifth Detachment and the Special Service Brigade were stationed.
As soon as the assembly whistle sounded, the entire military camp sprang into action, with all personnel quickly assembling. The six hundred-plus operatives from the special operations brigade were the quickest to react.
Their military bearing was impeccable, and their reaction was swift. They quickly rehearsed their formations, and Ning Zhiheng couldn't help but nod in approval. Such a high-quality army was rare even within the entire Nationalist Army. They were the cream of the crop of the Military Intelligence Investigation Department, and now they were all about to be handed over to him.
As for the Fifth Detachment, their assembly speed was a bit slower. Many soldiers hadn't had time to put on their caps and belts, and the ranks were somewhat scattered. But this was understandable, as the Fifth Detachment's personnel came from diverse backgrounds, mostly Green Gang members, refugees, and students. They were hastily assembled, so it was inevitable that they were not used to it. However, they were still personnel who had experienced several battles, so they did look somewhat presentable.
Zhu Weihua stepped forward and gave them a brief speech before ordering the Fifth Detachment to disband, leaving only the personnel of the Special Operations Battalion behind.
He then announced the superior's appointment of Ning Zhiheng. As soon as the order was given, there was some discussion in the special agent team, but it quickly quieted down.
Ning Zhiheng stepped forward, looked at his subordinates, took a deep breath, and spoke in a clear voice. The volume was not loud, but every soldier could hear it clearly.
"I think some of you have heard my name, and some haven't. Some know me, and some don't, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that from now on, we'll be in the same boat, sharing the same fate. My requirements aren't high: that you obey my orders on the battlefield without any compromise. Otherwise, you'll be court-martialed. As for what I can assure you, no matter when or what the circumstances, I will be by your side, sharing life and death, and I will never abandon you."
Ning Zhiheng didn't say much, but his words were simple and straightforward, making everyone feel that he was very sincere and genuine, without any pretense or exaggeration.
"All squadron-level officers, stay here. We'll assign tasks. The rest of you, disperse!" Ning Zhiheng then ordered.
As soon as the group dispersed, a buzz of discussion arose from the previously quiet ranks.
"Who is this new officer? He looks so young and is only a major, but Captain Weng is already a lieutenant colonel."
"He's already a major at such a young age, his background must be impressive. He's definitely qualified to be our superior."
"Shh, shh! Keep your voices down. You're not at headquarters in Nanjing, so you don't know how formidable this man is. He's Ning Zhiheng, the most capable young officer in our Nanjing headquarters, the team leader of the Action Section, known as the infamous Ning the King of Hell. I never expected headquarters to send him here!"
"Oh, what's so special about it? Tell us about it!"
Amidst the discussions, the crowd dispersed, leaving only three majors at the company level. Ning Zhiheng had already learned about the Special Agent Brigade and had considered the personnel arrangements for the next phase the previous night.
The special operations brigade has three companies, each originally consisting of four hundred soldiers, but now all of them have suffered heavy losses.
The first company commander was Song Han. The second company commander was Man Gaoge. The third company commander had been killed in action, and the position was held concurrently by the deputy commander, Wen Tongfu.
Upon arriving at his office, which had originally belonged to the brigade leader Weng Xiangrong but had been vacant, Ning Zhiheng took over the office.
Looking at the officers seated before him, Ning Zhiheng said, "I've already said what I needed to say. Now I'll go straight to assigning positions."
Major Huo Yueze will serve as the captain of the third squadron. In addition, forty elite personnel will be selected from each squadron to form a reconnaissance squadron, with Sun Jiacheng as its captain. Execute immediately!
"Yes!" the crowd answered in unison. In the army, the orders of the military commander are not to be disobeyed. Military law is strict and military orders are as solid as mountains. Ning Zhiheng's strong personality means he doesn't need other people's opinions; he only needs their obedience.
Next, Ning Zhiheng led several officers to Depu Hospital in the South District to visit Weng Xiangrong, the former battalion commander who was seriously injured and hospitalized.
This Weng Xiangrong is also a veteran agent, one of the Chief's old hands. This time, in order to take control of the special operations team, the Chief mobilized his trusted men from all over the country and placed them in key positions. Weng Xiangrong was one of them.
Ning Zhiheng and his group arrived at Depu Hospital, only to find the entire hospital packed with wounded soldiers. Even the corridors were filled with makeshift beds, where many wounded soldiers who had been evacuated from the battlefield lay with bandages on their bodies. Doctors and nurses moved among them, treating them.
These are wounded soldiers who have been withdrawn from various battlefields over the past month or so. The losses on the main battlefield have been too great, the casualty rate remains high, and the number of wounded is increasing. Many soldiers cannot receive effective treatment, and those who can be transferred to hospitals for treatment are already lucky. Many soldiers do not make it here and die.
Ning Zhiheng and his group did not linger and went straight to a ward, which was the officers' treatment room, but it was also crowded with four wounded officers.
Weng Xiangrong was among them. Song Han quickly stepped forward to introduce Ning Zhiheng. Only then did Weng Xiangrong look at Ning Zhiheng. He had been shot in the abdomen and had difficulty moving, so he could only wave his hand slightly.
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