Chapter Forty-Eight: The Soldier's Duty—Always Ready!

The temporary garrison of the Independent Mixed Brigade had been established on a gentle rise north of Qingyuan County, known as Chen’s Hill. Though called a hill, it was more of a slight elevation above the surrounding land. Its considerable size and the sweeping views in all directions made it, compared to other places in Qingyuan, a defensible position—easy to hold and hard to attack. Thus, the brigade’s camp had been placed there for the time being.

At that moment, the vast parade ground within the camp was packed with the newly recruited soldiers. Thousands of men stood shoulder to shoulder, stretching as far as the eye could see. While the brigade did not yet number ten thousand, over eight thousand men assembled in formation was a sight to behold, powerful and awe-inspiring.

At the very least, Chen Qingzhi, standing atop a makeshift platform, felt the force of those thousands of eyes fixed upon him—a gaze as sharp as steel, silent and expectant. It was enough to stir anyone’s soul.

But Chen Qingzhi, in his previous life, had been the strongest king of soldiers in the Republic, and had witnessed far grander scenes—entire armies gathered for competitions, their numbers dwarfing this crowd. He would not be intimidated by mere numbers.

He took a deep breath, picked up the large loudspeaker beside him, and called out in a clear, commanding voice, “Brothers, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chen Qingzhi, and I am the commanding officer of this unit!”

“Today, the fact that you stand here means you have become a part of our Independent Mixed Brigade! First, let me congratulate you on joining this family!”

“From today, you leave behind the life of an ordinary citizen and become a soldier, honored and proud! From now on, we eat from the same pot and fight together in the trenches against the enemy—we are brothers!”

“I know you joined the army for the settlement allowance of twenty silver dollars and the monthly wage of four dollars!”

His words sparked laughter below. Some soldiers smiled knowingly, others, shy, looked embarrassed at the mention.

Chen Qingzhi raised his hand, quieting the laughter, his own expression sobering as he spoke solemnly, “Let me say this: there is nothing shameful in that!”

“A soldier earning his rations and pay is only right and proper. But…”

Here, Chen Qingzhi’s tone grew stern. “But since you take the army’s pay and eat the army’s food, you must uphold your duty as soldiers! You must honor the uniform you wear!”

“Just because you put on the uniform and pick up a rifle doesn’t make you a qualified soldier. Let me tell you, that’s a grave mistake—a serious misconception!”

His words caught the attention of the recruits below, drawing them in. Even the veterans listened with interest, pondering his meaning. If wearing the uniform and carrying a rifle weren’t enough, what then made a soldier?

Chen Qingzhi did not disappoint them, providing the answer. “Today, as you begin your service, I won’t speak in grand terms, but let me tell you what it means to be a soldier.”

“A soldier stands forth when the nation calls! A soldier rushes to aid his comrades in times of disaster! A soldier is the sword of the country and the pillar of the people!”

“A soldier forever stands firm on the most dangerous front lines, using his own blood and life to protect the nation’s territory and the safety of his fellow citizens!”

Chen Qingzhi’s words rang with passion. Below him, the crowd watched in silence, waiting for what would come next.

He continued, “Some say that a soldier’s meal is the meal of death, his head tied to his belt, and he never knows if he’ll see tomorrow’s sun.”

“I tell you, they are right!” Chen Qingzhi declared forcefully.

He looked out over the eight thousand men, his voice grave and resolute. “The highest duty of a soldier is to be ready at all times—to be prepared to sacrifice his life when the nation needs it. This is the most noble mission of a soldier.”

At these words, the new recruits glanced at each other in confusion; even the veterans found themselves at a loss. What officer speaks of death, sacrifice, and devotion on the first day of enlistment? Chen Qingzhi was the first.

He understood their doubts, but he said it nonetheless. He wanted to set a standard in their hearts, to impress upon them the true duty of a soldier.

“Of course, if anyone feels they cannot bear this hardship, or is unwilling to uphold a soldier’s duty, you may now remove your uniform and leave, return to your life as a civilian. Otherwise, once we enter battle, if anyone dares to desert…”

Here, his tone turned icy and severe. “I know your faces, but my rifle knows none! Military law shows no mercy—do not blame me for being ruthless!”

His words were heavy with threat. The recruits shivered involuntarily, looking at one another. Some showed hesitation, as if considering leaving, but in the end, not a single one took off his uniform.

After all, they were grown men, with pride. If others could bear the hardship, why couldn’t they? If they backed down today because of Chen Qingzhi’s speech, they would never be able to hold their heads up again in their home villages.

How could they ever face their neighbors?

Liu Dayou stood among the recruits, watching as Officer Chen spoke from the platform, and could not help but marvel at the man’s severity. He resolved to be cautious and never fall foul of him.

Thinking this, Liu Dayou recalled Chen Qingzhi’s earlier words. What was a soldier’s duty? Far from being frightened, Liu Dayou felt his blood stir; it was as if something deep within him was awakening—a resonance.

Yes, a resonance!

Though Liu Dayou had never been a soldier and knew little of lofty ideals, Chen Qingzhi’s words struck him as right, compelling him to obey. Especially those five words: “Always be prepared.” They gave him an indescribable feeling.

Upon hearing them, he felt his blood surge and his heart pound.

That was resonance.

In a moment of confusion, he could not help but shout out, “Always be prepared!”

His voice rang out, clear and bold, standing out in the quiet square. All eyes turned to him.

Immediately after, Liu Dayou regretted his outburst. What had possessed him to shout like that? Surely this would bring trouble; perhaps Officer Chen would expel him from the camp.

If that happened, his father would break his legs.

But to Liu Dayou’s surprise, after his shout, the parade ground fell silent for a moment, then erupted in a thunderous roar, as if waves crashing upon the shore.

“Always be prepared!”

“Always be prepared!”

…