Military Reorganization

In just three days, Three-Pot Head had exploded in sales in Fengchuan City.

The Rain-Listening Pavilion was packed every day, with many people coming specifically to try the famous good wine. Some who could usually drink several pounds found themselves tipsy after just one pot, feeling light-headed and blissful, which only made Three-Pot Head's reputation grow even more.

But Luo Yu, the mastermind behind it all, wasn't particularly impressed. He continued overseeing the construction of the new city in Cangqi. To him, the sales explosion was expected - it was simply a matter of finding the right sales channel.

The Rain-Listening Pavilion was his chosen partner.

Luo Yu called Xiao Shaoyou and the others to his military tent and got straight to the point:

"The wine sales are going well. With the silver, we won't have to worry about food. The first wooden wall is complete, and we've established a foothold in Cangqi.

But having silver and territory isn't enough. In Longxi, it's still true that whoever has the strongest army makes the rules. So Cangqi needs its own elite troops."

"Agreed."

Xiao Shaoyou agreed: "Whether it's to defend against future Qiang invasions, conflicts between noble families, or even bandits, Cangqi needs an army - and it needs to be elite."

Thinking about this made Luo Yu chuckle. Xiao Shaoyou had once looked down on the private armies of noble families, but now he was starting to build his own.

"These past two days, I've counted the people in the city."

Luo Yu spoke systematically:

"Three hundred soldiers who came with us to Cangqi, plus young able-bodied men willing to join the military. Most of the rest are elderly, women, and children.

These three hundred men will be combined into one company. They'll be Cangqi's first elite troops!

I believe that as Cangqi's population grows in the future, our military strength will grow as well."

Don't underestimate these three hundred men. They're all battle-tested veterans, far stronger than any ragtag group.

"In the past, the military structure was squad leaders, platoon leaders, fifty men to a company, then company commanders and battalion commanders."

Luo Yu said solemnly:

"But we have the three-man system, so the basic military structure must change.

From today on, there will be no squad leaders. Platoon leaders will be the most basic officers. Ten men to a platoon, divided into three three-man teams;

Three platoons to a company, with one company commander, totaling thirty men;

Three companies to a battalion, with one company commander, plus ten personal guards for the commander, totaling one hundred men;

Three battalions to a regiment, with one battalion commander, totaling three hundred men."

"Reasonable."

Han Shuo nodded slightly:

"The three-man system you proposed, I've seen it. It's very practical on the battlefield. One veteran working with two new recruits can kill more enemies than three veterans fighting separately.

Three men can create a small advantage, and when you put hundreds or thousands of three-man teams on the battlefield, their combat power is immeasurable."

Han Shuo was very experienced. When he first saw the three-man system, he was amazed, thinking Luo Yu was a genius. A small change could completely transform the army.

"The problem now is that we need a battalion commander for these three hundred men. I'm already the city lord of Cangqi, so I can't be this commander.

Who will lead the troops?"

Everyone's eyes were on Xiao Shaoyou and Han Shuo. Clearly, only these two had the qualifications and ability to be battalion commanders.

"Of course it should be Commander Han."

Xiao Shaoyou spoke first: "Commander Han has seniority and ability. Among the battalion commanders in Yungyang Pass, you have the most battle achievements. This position belongs to you."

"No, I've been in the military for over a decade and only reached battalion commander. People would laugh their heads off."

Han Shuo waved his hand indifferently:

"We all know that in terms of both ability and strategy, Shaoyou is far superior to me. I watched him grow under me for two years, no one knows his abilities better than me.

If I were battalion commander, I'd be a competent commander at best. But if he were battalion commander, he could quickly expand Cangqi's military strength and make this force stronger."

"No, I..."

Even knowing Han Shuo was right, Xiao Shaoyou still wanted to decline. Otherwise, he'd feel guilty about taking his superior's position.

"Don't be wishy-washy. I'm still your superior for now, this is an order!"

Han Shuo glared at him:

"I know you want to build an elite iron army. Isn't this your chance to show your talent?

I'm not stepping aside for you, but for Cangqi to become better and stronger!

This matter is settled!"

"I agree with Brother Han."

Luo Yu looked at Xiao Shaoyou:

"From now on, these three hundred brothers in Cangqi City are under your command. This isn't about promotion or wealth, but a heavy responsibility on your shoulders.

Don't let your brothers down, and don't let your parents down in their graves."

The tent was heavy with tension.

"I'll take on this responsibility."

Xiao Shaoyou stopped being shy, bowed to everyone, and made a military oath:

"Please rest assured, City Lord, and all my brothers. If Cangqi City doesn't have an elite iron army within a year, cut off my head!"

"Good, you said it yourself!"

Luo Yu stood up straight and said loudly:

"From today on, Xiao Shaoyou is battalion commander, Han Shuo is deputy battalion commander, Dong Chuan, Meng Hu, and Lu Qingyun are company commanders, each leading a battalion.

The horses we brought from Yungyang Pass number about a hundred. Divide them among the three battalions and form a cavalry platoon in each battalion.

In addition to building the city walls, you must train the troops, not a moment can be wasted."

"Understood!"

Everyone was full of fighting spirit. This was a new beginning for them. Who knew if years from now there might really be an elite army dominating the Longxi region.

Little Wu suddenly walked into the tent and saluted:

"City Lord, the owner of the Rain-Listening Pavilion, Mr. Jiang, has arrived."

Little Wu had become a bodyguard and would now stay by Luo Yu's side.

"Here already?"

Luo Yu smiled slightly:

"Let's go see him."

...

Jiang Shu, dressed in brocade, didn't mind the dust in the camp, letting his robe drag on the ground as he looked around, clearly surprised:

"City Lord Luo is truly ambitious. Instead of using the old walls of Qi City, you've blocked off the mountain pass to rebuild the city. But this way you only need to build one wall, saving time and effort, and can use the advantage of three sides being surrounded by mountains to protect Cangqi in the middle, very safe.

Very smart."

"Mr. Jiang has keen eyesight."

Luo Yu smiled: "I heard the Rain-Listening Pavilion has been doing great business these past two days. How did you find time to come here?"

"Of course to thank City Lord Luo. Three-Pot Head has doubled the Rain-Listening Pavilion's business in just a few days. I, Jiang Shu, came specially to thank you.

And to discuss future business."

Jiang Shu bowed and gestured for a servant to bring in a tray, piled high with silver:

"Three hundred taels of silver, please accept it, City Lord Luo."

"Three hundred taels? That doesn't seem right."

Luo Yu was very calm: "I remember you only paid fifty taels as a deposit. The remaining payment should be four hundred and fifty taels."

"You misunderstand. This isn't the final payment for the first batch, but a deposit for the second business deal."

Jiang Shu explained:

"In a month and a half, it will be Fengchuan City's wine market. Not just the citizens of Fengchuan City, but guests and merchants from other cities will come.

Each tavern will bring out their best wines to attract customers. It's both a competition between taverns and an opportunity to attract business. Three-Pot Head is of superior quality and will surely make a big name for itself at the wine market. The Rain-Listening Pavilion will naturally benefit.

So I've come to reserve a batch of wine, two hundred jars. At eight taels per jar as City Lord Luo previously said, that's sixteen hundred taels for two hundred jars. These three hundred taels of silver are the deposit."

"Wine market? Can you sell wine to other cities?"

Luo Yu's eyes lit up. If Three-Pot Head could sell everywhere, wouldn't he make a fortune?

"The second business deal is easy. As long as the Rain-Listening Pavilion pays, Three-Pot Head will naturally be sold to you."

Luo Yu's eyes narrowed: "But I want to ask about the final payment for the first batch?"

Jiang Shu smiled and looked at the bustling camp:

"City Lord Luo has so many men who need to eat. You just arrived here, and this is such a remote place, buying food isn't convenient. It just so happens that I know a grain merchant who can get cheap grain.

The four hundred and fifty taels for the goods have all been converted into grain for City Lord Luo. Five hundred stones in total, to be delivered to Cangqi before sunset today.

I acted on my own initiative, I hope City Lord Luo won't blame me."

Luo Yu was slightly surprised, his lips curling into a playful smile:

"Very good, I like doing business with smart people. Mr. Jiang has thought of everything."

"Since I truly want to do business with City Lord Luo, I naturally must be thoughtful."

Jiang Shu clasped his hands in a bow: "And as City Lord Luo requested, I haven't revealed a single word about the source of the wine. No one in Fengchuan City knows that Three-Pot Head comes from your hand."

Luo Yu suddenly liked this young owner. He chuckled:

"Before the wine market starts, two hundred jars of Three-Pot Head will be delivered to you in full. Don't worry about it."