Chapter 51: Start Military Training

Xianyang National Defense University, drill ground.

Li Guang's grandson Li Ling stood on the high podium at this moment, with the characters 'Virtue and Learning, Strengthen the Army and the Nation' carved on both sides; below were the newly promoted examination students, who were looking at him with a bewildered expression.

"By imperial decree, for the next half month I will serve as your instructor and spend together with you days that will be unforgettable for a lifetime."

Li Ling looked smilingly at the group of delicate-skinned scholars below, finally forcing a malicious smile.

The students led by Huo Guang and Wei Xiang looked blankly at Li Ling on the stage, listening to his upcoming arrangements.

Li Ling said loudly: "In the next half month, our school will give you military training; I hope you can pass the test."

The newly promoted scholars immediately erupted in an uproar.

Wei Xiang, Huo Guang, and others exchanged glances, their expressions varied.

Wei Xiang frowned slightly and spoke first: "This military training is quite a challenge for us scholars; we have always been engaged in literary pursuits and know little about military training."

Huo Guang, however, had bright eyes, full of eagerness to try: "I think this is a rare opportunity. Although our Han is strong now, the borders still see occasional fighting. If we pass the military training and acquire some military skills, we will have more confidence in serving the country."

One scholar looked troubled and said worriedly: "This military training will surely be extremely arduous; we are used to sitting in the study reading—how can we endure such intense training?"

Zhao Chongguo countered: "The emperor's move must have deep meaning; he surely hopes we will develop comprehensively—how can we retreat just because we fear difficulty?"

Then he waved his fist, excitedly saying: "I have always been interested in military affairs; this training is exactly what I wanted. As talents selected by the emperor, we should obey orders and strive to improve ourselves."

The students below were discussing noisily; Li Ling on the stage interrupted them, saying: "This is the emperor's arrangement—whether you like it or not, you must comply. Let's begin!"

That evening, at the moment the military training ended, Huo Guang, Wei Xiang, Zhao Chongguo, and the other students dragged their heavy steps back to the dormitories that had been prepared for them to rest.

Although they were exhausted, when they entered the building and turned a corridor, the sight before them made everyone stop in their tracks, their eyes full of disbelief.

Clean and bright dormitories came into view; each room was spacious and well-ventilated, the beds neatly arranged, the bedding spotless as snow.

The windows were spotless, and the evening sun streamed in unhindered, lighting every corner.

Huo Guang could not help but open his mouth wide, his eyes flashing with delight: "This… this is simply unimaginable; I have never seen such a clean and comfortable dormitory."

Wei Xiang also widened his eyes, stood frozen for a moment before murmuring: "I thought enduring the military training was already a great challenge; I never expected such a pleasant surprise awaiting us."

Zhao Chongguo's face was full of astonishment; he quickly entered the dormitory, reached out to touch the bunk, and exclaimed: "Compared to the crude conditions we had in the army camp, this is nothing short of heaven and earth apart."

Afterward, they went to the cafeteria, which was brightly lit and equipped with all modern facilities.

Shiny tables and chairs were neatly arranged, and exquisite decorative paintings hung on the surrounding walls; at the serving window, steaming dishes gave off an enticing aroma.

"This is nothing like a cafeteria; it is clearly a luxurious banquet hall." a student exclaimed.

"The emperor has been so thoughtful toward us, providing such superior living conditions—how could we not strive hard?" Huo Guang said excitedly.

Wei Xiang nodded heavily, his gaze firm: "Yes, we must not disappoint the emperor's expectations and contribute our strength to the nation."

The students gathered around, chatting excitedly, their eyes full of anticipation for the future; the fatigue from the military training seemed to dissipate at this moment, replaced by full motivation and hope.

Half a month later, when Li Ling announced the formal end of the military training, the students all felt relieved, yet their looks toward one another now held an added bond of affection and trust.

Especially many sentimental students, upon hearing Li Ling announce the end, at the moment of bidding farewell to everyone in the jianghu, gathered around Li Ling and the other instructors, eyes full of reluctance; after a few days together, they had already come to regard each other as comrades-in-arms.

"Brothers, I hope that one day we can fight side by side on the battlefield and serve the Han!"

Li Ling waved firmly, then lined up with the other instructors and departed.

The students were already weeping uncontrollably; men do not shed tears lightly, but they had not yet reached the point of heartbreak.

Along with the half month of arduous and outstanding military training life, the students, through this tempering, had long since shed the image of frail scholars, gaining growth in many aspects and achieving gratifying results.

In terms of physical quality, they gradually changed from weak scholars to having agile postures and strong physiques.

In terms of willpower, they underwent a complete transformation; at the same time they also mastered rich military knowledge and skills.

Most importantly, during these days of military training, the students supported each other and built deep bonds; they stood in military posture together under the scorching sun, discussed tactics together late at night, and each other's encouragement and help became their driving force to persevere.

The next day, the students had not yet emerged from the sadness of parting after the military training ended when Tian Qiu arrived early at the National Defense University to give instructions for the next arrangements.

"You will be assigned to various posts for internship in turn, and after completion you will be posted according to your performance."

After Tian Qiu finished speaking, he began to announce the job assignments for each student.

But when the notification letters reached the students' hands, they all looked bewildered.

At this moment Tian Qiu laughed and said: "The list above shows various job posts; you may go wherever you wish, entirely up to your own choice—I will give you half a day to consider."

Having said that, he turned and left, leaving the students to discuss among themselves.

Wei Xiang examined it carefully for a moment, still clueless, and then asked the steadfast Huo Guang beside him: "Zimeng, have you decided where to take up a post?"

Huo Guang gave a sly smile: "I'll tell you later!"

Having said that, he strolled away.

Zhao Chongguo then brought his big face close to Wei Xiang's, grinning: "I've decided—I will still join the Military Academy to study some theory and return to my old profession."

Having said that, he hurried off to report for duty.

Only Wei Xiang hesitated a moment, then steeled himself and chose "Foreign Affairs".

In Wei Xiang's heart, Marquis Bowang Zhang Qian had always been the person he most admired.

Wei Xiang often studied by candlelight at night, which was dull and tedious, but whenever the image of Zhang Qian's fearless mission to the Western Regions appeared in his mind, he felt renewed vigor.

He longed for the day when he could also embark on that unknown and challenging journey, to expand the Han's territory and spread its prestige.

"If I am fortunate enough to meet Marquis Bowang in person, my life will not have been wasted!"

Wei Xiang sighed slightly: after his second mission to the Western Regions, Marquis Bowang withdrew from public life, laid down his armor and returned to farming, as if he had vanished from the Han altogether.

He feared that in his lifetime it would be hard to fulfill his long-held wish.

"Wei brother, Wei brother, great news—do you know who the dean of the Foreign Affairs Institute is?"

At that moment a fellow student of the same year rushed in, waving his arms and legs at Wei Xiang.

"Could it be…?"

Wei Xiang suddenly rose to his feet, his face showing excitement, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.