Chapter 66: Fifth Army Preparations 3

Morning mist like gauze, still hasn't lifted the chill from the hall. Li Yuxuan stood quietly in the center, his fingertips resting on the spread-out massive map, slowly rubbing. From the desolate Northeast Forest Sea to the towering Southwest Peaks, from the imposing Coastal Fortress to the crisscrossing Inland Hub, every latitude and longitude he touched repeatedly, the paper's edges had begun to fray faintly, soaked with the warmth of his fingertips.

Yo, old man, have you gone mad these past few days? Li Nian'an, with his schoolbag on his back, walked out of the inner room, seeing his father in that state, couldn't help teasing, "You've been staring at the map all day, your eyes are about to embed into the paper. Keep looking like that, you'll make a hole in the map."

Li Yuxuan withdrew his hand, the pads of his fingers still tingling with the paper's rough texture. His gaze landed on the two characters Jiangcheng on the map, his voice as light as a whisper in the morning mist: "Nothing, just feeling a bit homesick."

If you miss home, just go back. Li Nian'an tightened his backpack strap, his tone dismissive, "Jinling to Xikou is only a few days by train, not unreachable."

Can't go back, it's too far. His voice, tinged with the dampness of the morning mist, concealed an unmistakable sorrow.

How can Xikou be far? Li Nian'an frowned, genuinely unable to understand his father's obsession. Last month, grandmother had asked someone to bring over rice cakes, saying the family's osmanthus tree had blossomed again, its fragrance drifting half a street.

Hahaha… Li Yuxuan suddenly laughed, his laughter echoing through the spacious hall, yet wrapped in an inescapable sourness. As he laughed, tears fell without warning, splashing onto the map, spreading a small dark stain. This home isn't far; what's far is the home in his memory.

Li Nian'an was stunned, the backpack strap slipping off his shoulder unnoticed. He had never seen his father cry—the man who rode into battle with sword drawn and argued with reason in council, always seemed indomitable. Yet now, Li Yuxuan, looking at the side of the map, his brows showing fragility, resembled a lost child.

Oh… the boy mumbled, swallowing the complaint that rose to his lips. He scratched his head, awkwardly changing the subject: "By the way, I went this morning to see the Fifth Army's regiment commanders; they were conducting a Sand Table exercise on the field, didn't look that impressive."

What do you mean? Li Yuxuan wiped the moisture from his eyes, quickly suppressing his emotions, though the red streaks in his eyes hadn't fully faded.

Their tactics are too outdated. Li Nian'an recalled the scene, officers circling the Sand Table, arguing incessantly—either charging head‑on or retreating to wait for reinforcements, with no hint of innovation. "If it were me, I'd have a better method."

Hmm… Li Yuxuan pondered briefly, picked up the army cap from the back of the chair, "Coincidentally, I'm also heading to the Fifth Army today; you go to school first, and after classes come straight to the camp to find me."

Alright. Li Nian'an lifted his backpack, took a few steps then turned back, softly saying, "You… stop crying over the map; it's not good if others see."

Li Yuxuan chuckled, waved his hand: "Got it, hurry to school."

The Fifth Army's temporary camp was set up on the wasteland outside Jinling City, a few rows of crude barracks just outlining their shape, while the field was already noisy and bustling. Over thirty officers in fresh uniforms gathered around the Sand Table, faces flushed, necks thick, arguing fiercely, spittle nearly splashing onto each other's faces.

On what grounds are you the regiment commander while I'm only fit for the deputy? the tall officer grabbed the other's collar, fury burning in his eyes. "In terms of seniority, I graduated a year before you. In terms of battle merit, during the Northern Expedition I led a company to hold the Railway Bridge; where were you then?"

Because the principal favored me! The officer being grabbed, unwilling to back down, shoved him away. "Chairman personally signed the appointment; you disagree? If you do, go to the Chairman and report me!"

Nonsense! The principal must have been given a mind‑blurring soup by you…

All quiet!

Officer Li arrived—!

The Adjutant's loud announcement fell like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing the tension on the field. The General Officers who had just been on edge fell silent together; the officers who had sat down immediately stood up. As they turned, they saw Li Yuxuan standing at the entrance of the field, his military boots stepping through the morning dew, his gaze calmly sweeping the crowd.

He does look spirited. Li Yuxuan walked slowly, his gaze flicking over each person's face, finally landing on the Sand Table. "What's all the fuss? I heard it from the camp gate—it's louder than a vegetable market."

Officer Li, good! The officers snapped to attention, standing straight, not daring a breath. The two who had argued most fiercely earlier now seemed to shrink their necks into their collars.

Everyone, sit down. Li Yuxuan waved his hand, taking the first seat on the horse stall beside the Sand Table. "I was out there earlier, and I understand now. It's nothing more than an appointment issue—some think a higher rank can't be kept in check, others think a lower rank bends."

As soon as he finished speaking, two voices rang out simultaneously: "Chairman, I object!"

The speakers were Du Yuming and Hu Zhongnan; the two exchanged a glance, both eyes carrying a competitive glint.

Du Yuming stepped forward, his tone clearly defiant: "On what grounds does Wang Lingji tower over us? Back in Badong, it was me and Zhongnan who led troops to capture him alive! Now he's become Deputy Army Commander, and we have to obey his orders—what's the logic?"

A chorus of agreement rose from around them, clearly many were holding that resentment. Wang Lingji stood behind the crowd, his complexion shifting between pallor and flush, ultimately not daring to speak.

Li Yuxuan tapped the edge of the Sand Table, his voice deepening: "This appointment was personally decided by the principal. Wang Lingji knows the Southwest terrain well and has considerable experience in mountain warfare. The Fifth Army will later guard the Central Plains, inevitably dealing with the Southwest Warlord Faction; using him is not inappropriate."

He looked at Du Yuming: "If you object, you may go to the President's Office now and discuss it with the Chairman. But as long as you remain in the Fifth Army for even a day, you must obey orders and follow the rules. Understand?"

…Yes, Chairman. Du Yuming clenched his fists, ultimately bowing his head.

Chairman, I object too! Huang Wei stepped out of the crowd, his face showing grievance. "Why can they all command troops in battle, while I'm assigned to the Logistics Department handling supplies? I'm also from Whampoa First Class; in tactics, I'm no worse than anyone!"

Li Yuxuan looked at him, suddenly smiling: "Your matter can be discussed later. I know you're meticulous, and handling logistics does indeed slight you. But the unit is newly formed; any mistake in supplies, arms, or uniforms is unacceptable, and I truly cannot do without you."

Huang Wei was momentarily stunned; seeing Li Yuxuan's sincere gaze, his anger subsided considerably, and he muttered: "Well… I'll keep at this for now. When a battle comes, you must transfer me to the front line."

Alright, noted. Li Yuxuan nodded, scanning the crowd. "Today you all rest for a day, tidy the barracks, and arrange proper quarters for the brothers."

He paused, his tone adding a hint of anticipation: "A few days ago I wrote several letters to Germany, requesting a few military instructors for you. They are veterans who fought on European battlefields, well‑versed in trench warfare and armored combat. If they can come, you should study them diligently, and stop clinging to old methods."

Chairman, the German Regiment Commander who led us against Hongcheng during the Northern Expedition? Hu Zhongnan's eyes lit up, recalling the blond‑eyed, blue‑eyed German commander who wielded troops like a deity.

Exactly them. Li Yuxuan smiled and nodded, adding that his several old partners were also tough nuts. However, whether they can come remains uncertain; the situation in Germany is tense, all depends on luck.

The officers instantly became excited, chattering animatedly. Those German regiment commanders were renowned among Huangpu Faction officers; back then at Hongcheng's city walls, it was his artillery tactics that literally blasted open the city gates.

Li Yuxuan watched the eager young officers before him, feeling the knot of frustration gradually loosen. He knew these men still harbored pride and some dissent, but with careful honing, fine equipment and advanced tactics, they would eventually become the Fifth Army's sharp blade.

The sun rose higher, the morning mist cleared, golden light spilling onto everyone's faces. The arguments on the field had vanished, replaced by heated discussions of tactics and the busy silhouettes of those tidying the barracks.

Li Yuxuan stood before the Sand Table, his fingertip lightly tapping the spot representing the Central Plains. Here will be the Fifth Army's battlefield, and also his unfulfilled ideal.