Chapter 71: German Consultant Group

The next morning at dawn, before the Fifth Army camp's horn had sounded, Li Yuxuan was already reviewing the training plan in his office. From outside the door came the Adjutant's urgent report: "Report, Chairman!"

"Proceed." His pen never stopped, circling key points on the paper, his tone steady.

"The German Consultant Group has arrived at the camp gate, awaiting your audience." The Adjutant said, unable to hide his excitement—these were the military geniuses rumored to be able to turn the tide of war.

Li Yuxuan set down his fountain pen, rose and adjusted his uniform collar: "Understood, follow me to meet them."

On the open ground outside the camp, more than seventy consultants dressed in German army uniforms stood in formation. Their blond hair and blue eyes bore the seasoned resolve of battle‑hardened veterans; the medals on their shoulders glittered in the morning light, and an aura of lethal seriousness swept toward them. Li Yuxuan strode forward, nodding in fluent German: "Welcome to Huaxia, gentlemen. I am the Army Commander of the Fifth Army, Li Yuxuan."

The leading German Advisor stepped forward, raised his hand and performed a standard military salute: "I've long admired General Li." The German Advisors behind him introduced themselves in turn, their gazes carrying scrutiny and anticipation for real combat.

The group moved to the temporary conference room and, upon sitting, went straight to the topic. From armored unit coordination tactics, to the details of constructing defensive positions, to optimized logistics supply plans, Li Yuxuan spoke at length, and his profound grasp of various tactical theories left several German Advisors silently amazed.

"Li, your German is surprisingly fluent," the leading German Advisor said, breaking the silence first, his tone full of praise, "and your grasp of tactics far exceeds what books teach; it is truly rare."

Li Yuxuan tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingertips, a flash of youthful vigor flickering in his eyes before quickly settling into composure: "I studied in Germany years ago, and my mentor mistakenly praised me as a 'genius'." His words concealed a faint nostalgia for that period of study.

"May I ask how long you pursued advanced studies in Germany?" a consultant in charge of artillery tactics asked curiously, newly arrived in Huaxia and eager to probe this young Army Commander.

Li Yuxuan was about to answer when his gaze caught the silent consultant standing beside the leading German Advisor, and he shifted the conversation: "Empty talk is useless; why not first see the Fifth Army's combat foundation? By the way, I haven't yet asked this advisor for his surname and full name."

The leading German Advisor turned and introduced: "This is Erich von Manstein, whose expertise in defensive tactics and armored coordination is profound, especially adept at finding counter‑attack opportunities in disadvantageous situations."

"A pleasure," Li Yuxuan extended his hand to shake, already scheming—this German Advisor's defensive expertise could precisely fill the Fifth Army's shortcomings in positional warfare. He then said, "I previously invited two German friends to specialize in armored assaults; I can arrange for you to meet them later, perhaps sparking new tactical ideas."

"I am most willing, General Li," Manstein nodded in agreement, his gaze now showing added approval.

At that moment, the Adjutant rushed in: "Chairman, a guest has arrived outside the camp, claiming to be sent by your German friends."

"German friends?" Li Yuxuan was slightly startled, then instantly understood, "Understood." He turned to the consultants, apologetically saying, "Excuse me for a moment; I'll have the Adjutant first take you on a tour of the camp, and after handling the trivial matters I'll rejoin you."

"Please, go ahead," the group responded, each expressing understanding.

Li Yuxuan hurried out of the conference room and saw, in a corner of the camp, a slightly plump German standing in a crisp air force uniform, keenly observing the soldiers on the Training Ground. Hearing footsteps, the man turned, his face forming a warm yet unmistakably proud smile.

"You are the specialist sent by that friend?" Li Yuxuan stepped forward, asking in German.

"Indeed, sir," the man raised his hand in salute, his tone respectful yet unable to hide his self‑satisfaction, "I come by the leader's command to assist you in training the air force."

"Oh?" Li Yuxuan raised an eyebrow, assessing the man—being personally assigned by the higher‑ups was no trivial matter. "May I have your surname and full name?"

"Hermann Goering," the man straightened his chest, deliberately emphasizing the pronunciation, "May I ask when your nation's air force can commence training? I have brought the latest air combat manual, hoping to begin instruction as soon as possible."

"No rush," Li Yuxuan waved his hand, "the fighter aircraft will arrive in a few days; they are combat planes shipped from the United States, with decent performance. Perhaps first accompany me on a tour of the camp so you can see the foundation of my soldiers."

Goering's eyes flashed with a hint of urgency, yet he still nodded in agreement: "I will obey your orders. May I ask whether my lodging has already been arranged?"

"It has been prepared long ago," Li Yuxuan shouted toward the nearby Adjutant, "take Mr. Goering to the German Advisor residence, placed next to the other German Advisors."

"Yes, Chairman!" the Adjutant hurried forward, taking the suitcase from Goering's hands.

Goering followed the Adjutant to the residence, his gaze continuously scanning the camp scene: soldiers were conducting assassination training, the shouts and gunfire deafening; in the distant firing range, gunshots rose and fell, the trajectories dense and orderly. A barely perceptible smile curled at the corner of his mouth—indeed, the foundation was solid, and with a bit of polishing, perhaps this could become a respectable army.

Li Yuxuan stood still, watching Goering's back with contemplation. The higher‑ups sending Goering was far more than a simple air‑force training matter; his arrival signaled a deeper level of Sino‑German military cooperation. He turned toward the Training Ground and saw Manstein pointing at a Sand Table while Du Yuming whispered, Rommel demonstrating rapid infiltration tactics, and Guderian staring intently at a Tank model, his eyes flashing with fervent light…

Sunlight poured over everyone, weaving their silhouettes into a scorching tableau. Li Yuxuan suddenly felt that the Fifth Army was like an uncut jade awaiting polishing, and these German Advisors who had traveled from afar were the finest craftsmen. The future might still bring shortages of food and equipment, but as long as these star generals gather and the brothers' morale remains unbroken, there will be no obstacle that cannot be overcome.

From afar came the soldiers' orderly, resonant chant, piercing the morning mist, echoing into the sky, as if answering the oath in his heart: "Wait and see, one day this army will make the world take notice." Yet, with these German Advisors arriving, isn't an army of just over 60,000 men a bit insufficient? Perhaps I could quietly expand the force? The Young Master's funds should still be enough, I shouldn't think that way. After all, the Young Master has the Kong and Song families. Moreover, is this training for me? Is it for the future, hmm, tomorrow I'll continue to ask the Young Master for money. With these German Advisors here, training such a small army is not enough.