Stabilizing the army (2)

The training began at dawn, when the first rays of sunlight barely illuminated the plains near the camp. The crisp morning air mixed with the sound of shouted orders and the rhythmic pounding of feet against the earth. The newly appointed officers, still adjusting to their sudden promotions, found themselves in the midst of the activity, overseeing the soldiers under their command. Some of them seemed enthusiastic about their new positions, their faces illuminated by a mix of pride and determination. Others, however, showed signs of uncertainty, as if the weight of responsibility was already beginning to overwhelm them.

The recent purge in the army's ranks had left vacancies that now needed to be filled quickly, and Han Yue, the supreme commander, was well aware that loyalty without competence was a waste. That was why he had ordered an intensive training program, designed not only to sharpen the soldiers' skills but also to test the new leaders.

Luo Wen watched silently from a nearby hill, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. Beside him, Yuan Guo, his mentor and trusted companion, observed with a neutral expression, as if evaluating every movement without passing judgment. Both had witnessed countless training sessions and battles, and they knew that a leader's true character was only revealed in moments of pressure.

"Han Yue is not wrong in wanting to strengthen the cohesion of his army," Yuan Guo said after a long period of observation, breaking the silence. "But loyalty alone does not make an army strong. An incompetent soldier is more dangerous than a skilled enemy."

Luo Wen nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the training grounds. Some of the new officers seemed to be handling themselves well, shouting orders with confidence and correcting the soldiers' postures in formation. Others, however, appeared uncertain, their voices drowned out by the chaos of training. It was clear that not all of them were ready for command, but the situation allowed no delays. War waited for no one.

"Do you think Han Yue trusts them?" Luo Wen asked, his voice low but filled with curiosity.

"He trusts their usefulness," Yuan Guo answered without hesitation. "He knows these officers see him as their benefactor and will do everything possible to please him. But that is not enough. Authority based on gratitude fades once battle begins. If they want to earn the true loyalty of their men, they must prove their worth on the battlefield."

And that opportunity would come sooner than expected.

That very afternoon, the scouts returned to the camp with alarming news. A group of bandits had attacked a caravan transporting supplies to the camp. Reports indicated that the attackers were not mere raiders but a well-organized band that had operated in the region for years. Han Yue wasted no time in making a decision.

"The new officers will lead the counterattack," he ordered firmly, his voice resounding through the command tent. "If they are to command my troops, they must first prove they deserve that position."

Luo Wen was not surprised by the order. It was a calculated move: to test the new leaders in a real situation while simultaneously eliminating a threat that could become a bigger problem in the future. However, he could not shake off a slight feeling of concern. He knew that some of these officers were not prepared to face such an experienced enemy.

The march toward the bandits' hideout was swift and efficient. Yuan Guo and Luo Wen accompanied the expedition, but only as observers. They wanted to see how the new officers handled the pressure of combat—how they reacted to the chaos and uncertainty of battle. It was a test not only of their tactical skills but also of their character.

When they arrived at the area where the bandits had taken refuge, Luo Wen noticed the tension in the air. The officers gave orders, but their voices lacked the firmness that came from experience. Some soldiers looked at them with doubt, as if expecting them to fail. It was a critical moment, and Luo Wen knew that any mistake could have disastrous consequences.

"This is the turning point," Yuan Guo murmured, as if reading Luo Wen's thoughts. "If the officers show weakness, they will lose their men. If they act too aggressively without control, they will be the first to fall."

The attack began at dusk, as the shadows of the trees lengthened and the sky turned a deep crimson. The bandits, though organized, did not expect such a well-planned offensive. The new officers led their troops with a mix of caution and enthusiasm—some with natural skill, others faltering in their leadership. There were mistakes, like confusing orders that delayed the advance, but there were also well-made decisions that secured victory.

Luo Wen paid close attention to one officer in particular, a young man named Chen Wei, who seemed to have a natural instinct for command. His orders were clear and precise, and his men followed him without hesitation. In contrast, another officer, Li Feng, was struggling to maintain control. His orders were contradictory, and his men grew increasingly disorganized.

"Chen Wei has potential," Yuan Guo said, pointing to the young officer. "But Li Feng… I'm not sure he will survive this test."

Luo Wen nodded in silence, sharing his mentor's concern. He knew that war did not forgive the weak and that those who could not lead with firmness were doomed to failure.

In the end, the bandits were defeated. Their bodies lay in the shadows of the trees as the soldiers collected stolen weapons and supplies. The new officers, though exhausted, had proven themselves. Some more successfully than others, but all had learned a crucial lesson about command. The battle had been a crucible that tested their character and their ability to lead under pressure.

On the way back to camp, Yuan Guo and Luo Wen rode together, conversing in hushed tones. The moon illuminated the path, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh grass.

"What do you think of them?" Yuan Guo asked, breaking the silence.

"Some showed potential, but others… I'm not sure they're fit for command," Luo Wen replied, his voice full of contemplation.

"That is natural," Yuan Guo said. "Leadership is not just a matter of training but of character. Not everyone can bear the weight of responsibility. Some will fall into despair, others will become reckless to hide their fear. Han Yue knows this, and that's why he tests them."

Luo Wen remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

"Han Yue is ruthless. He does not tolerate incompetence among his ranks. But… doesn't he fear that his methods will breed resentment?"

Yuan Guo smiled slightly, as if the question amused him.

"Resentment is inevitable when power is involved. But the important thing is to control that resentment, to direct it, to channel it. Han Yue does not fear being hated as long as he is respected. And that, Luo Wen, is something you must understand if you ever wish to lead an army of your own."

Luo Wen glanced at him sideways but did not respond. He knew Yuan Guo was right. War was not just about military strategy—it was about managing the emotions of the men who fought in it. It was a game of power, and every move had consequences.

When they arrived at camp, the soldiers cheered for the officers who had proven themselves capable. The victory had lifted morale, and Han Yue, watching from his tent, smiled with satisfaction. His plan had worked. The new leaders had been tested, and some had proven themselves worthy of their positions.

Luo Wen, however, could not help but wonder how long this stability would last. He knew that war was unpredictable and that the real challenge was yet to come. As the camp settled into the quiet of the night, Luo Wen remained awake, reflecting on what he had learned that day. War was a game of power, and every move had consequences. He knew he still had much to learn, but he also knew he was willing to do so.

After all, only those who understand war can survive it.