Chapter 79: Late Night Emo

Zhu Gaoxu, having been blocked at the door by his own mother, found himself unable to return home for the time being.

With no other choice, he could only return to the Military Camp first.

By the time he returned to the Military Camp, the sun was already about to set.

It could be said that Zhu Gaoxu had nearly run his legs off throughout this day.

This was only because there was no internet in ancient times; otherwise, he felt he could have topped the step-count rankings every single day.

Walking up to the command platform, Zhu Gaoxu observed the training of the New Army below.

It was already the tail end of the training, and most were still standing in military posture, but even so, Zhu Gaoxu watched with great interest.

For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to his university life, watching the freshmen undergoing military training on the sports field.

He watched until all the soldiers finished their training, then Zhu Gaoxu beckoned and called over the group of Embroidered Uniform Guards.

Ordering someone to bring paper and a brush, Zhu Gaoxu stood at the command platform's desk and said, "I have just come from Imperial Grandfather's side, and the benefits for our New Army have been finalized."

"I will begin speaking now, and you will begin recording; ensure that what I say is communicated to every single soldier."

After speaking, Zhu Gaoxu specifically found someone to start writing notices on large sheets of paper.

Once everything was arranged, he continued: "As the saying goes, a nation cannot stand without defense, and the people cannot be at peace without an army. Our New Army must strive to be the bravest of soldiers and the firmest of defenses!"

"Do what others cannot do, and kill the enemies others dare not kill!"

"Guard the most dangerous cities, and fight the most difficult battles!"

"Endure the hardships others cannot endure, and protect the peace and well-being of the common people."

"As of now, the benefits for the New Army have been set: monthly military pay of five taels of silver, ten taels of silver as a pre-battle reward, fifteen taels of silver for injury or disability, with the imperial court providing for the remainder of one's life, three generations of the family enjoying the honor of martyrs, the ability to seek help from local government offices at any time for family matters, an annual disability subsidy, twenty-five taels of silver for those killed in action, and for every battle won, the living shall all be rewarded with land, while the dead shall receive triple!"

"As for other matters such as family subsidies, new recruits will have their taxes reduced by ten percent for one year, twenty percent for two years, and so on; regarding other matters, land transactions..."

Zhu Gaoxu spoke for a full half-hour.

During this time, soldiers who had finished their evening meal passed by and began to listen as well.

Once these soldiers heard that the topic was about benefits, they hurriedly pulled over their companions.

Before long, the area below the command platform was filled with people.

Zhu Gaoxu did not mind this; he would have told them this tomorrow anyway.

But it seemed there would be no need to say it tomorrow, as these messages would spread throughout the entire Military Camp by tonight.

As the soldiers listened to the benefits from Zhu Gaoxu's mouth, they became increasingly excited.

These benefits were far too good; it could be said they were more than three times better than those of other armies.

Even for the Emperor's Imperial Guard, the benefits were only about this much, and perhaps even slightly less.

In truth, Lao Zhu had not set the benefits that high, but Lao Zhu had given Zhu Gaoxu great authority, and Lao Zhu had anticipated this situation.

However, Lao Zhu expressed that he did not care; it was only a thousand men, and he could afford to support even two or three thousand.

Of course, the prerequisite for everything was that this army was worth the price.

Zhu Gaoxu understood this principle, but he had the confidence to lead a bloodthirsty army, an army that would forge ahead without hesitation!

Zhu Gaoxu spoke for half an hour and finally finished detailing all the benefits for the New Army.

This was hard on the Embroidered Uniform Guard who was writing the notices, as he had written over fifty large sheets of paper.

Zhu Gaoxu looked at the hot-blooded soldiers below and nodded.

This was exactly what he wanted.

Although no one had quit yet, these soldiers had lacked a bit of enthusiasm.

Without that drive, it ultimately came down to the fact that there was nothing to be attached to in this army.

Or rather, there was nothing that could keep people here.

Zhu Gaoxu understood in his heart that most of these soldiers were the children of farmers, and certainly not children from wealthy families.

They could be kept with rice and flour for the first two days, but if they couldn't stand it after a few more days, they would likely all be gone.

Lao Zhu was supportive enough, so Zhu Gaoxu could not slack off; he had to maximize the effect.

Seeing the current situation, Zhu Gaoxu was very satisfied.

He did not take this opportunity to say anything more.

With so many people listening now, everyone would be his megaphone, and there would surely be some discussion when they passed the word along.

And did it even need to be said whether it would be good or bad?

These people would naturally advertise for him.

Thinking this through, Zhu Gaoxu did not linger.

He stepped down from the command platform and had someone serve him a bowl of hot white porridge, which he finished in a few quick gulps.

This day had truly exhausted him.

After eating, Zhu Gaoxu sat in the Military Camp, looking at the moon in the sky, and couldn't help but miss the world of his past life.

Although there was no noble status there.

Nor was there overwhelming power.

And even less was there a prominent family estate.

But there was the internet!

The long night was endless, and Zhu Gaoxu felt just like a worker from the later generations.

After a tiring day, he would return home and really want to open his phone to scroll through videos.

But he couldn't; after the exhaustion, he could only lift his head and look at the big moon in the sky...

No, he had to find something to do; tomorrow he would first take back that piece of land from Hu Weiyong, and then find an opportunity to do some business and earn some money.

He had to find something to do, preferably something that included some entertainment.