Chapter 14: Winning Zhang Dabiao Over, Troop Strength Soars
Li Yunlong went to great lengths to assemble the various puppet troops with the intention of recruiting those who were still useful. After all, the New First Regiment was currently understaffed. These puppet soldiers possessed certain military skills and represented a valuable source of manpower.
“Let me introduce myself: I am Li Yunlong, commander of the New First Regiment, 386th Brigade, 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army.”
“I have a question for you all—do you still remember that you are Chinese?”
One of them snapped to attention and saluted sharply, declaring loudly, “Reporting to the officer, we are Chinese!”
Hearing this, Li Yunlong couldn’t help but stand up and curse, “Damn it! You bastard mule, at least you know you’re Chinese!”
“But knowing you’re Chinese and still serving those little devils as dogs?”
“Damn it! Seeing you like this just makes me furious!”
“You’re turning your backs on good Chinese people to be dogs!”
“Do you feel inferior in front of those little devils?”
“Is it comfortable being called traitors by your own people?”
“Or are you all just cowards who value life so much they’ve lost their faces and their dignity...?”
Li Yunlong’s words were relentless. The soldiers couldn’t raise their heads, shame flooding their hearts.
At this time, most of the puppet troops still had conscience and passion. Faced with Li Yunlong’s scolding, some stepped forward.
“Commander, we don’t like to hear this!”
“I never wanted to be a traitor, but a soldier’s duty is to obey orders. At first, we didn’t expect our superiors to become traitors...”
“When we fought the little devils before, we never backed down!”
“You can’t treat us like this!”
“Right!”
“You can disgrace us all you want. Kill us if you must—but if I even frown once, I’m a son of a bitch!”
Many soldiers spoke up in protest.
Seeing this, Li Yunlong softened his stern expression, a hint of satisfaction showing.
“Good, at least you have some blood in you!”
“Now I’m giving you two choices: one, join us and fight the devils together. Prove to yourself you’re not a coward or a traitor.”
“Two, for those hesitant, that’s fine too. Our army values voluntarism. If you don’t dare fight the devils, then take off that dog’s skin. I’ll give you two silver dollars so you can go home and live as honest civilians.”
“But one thing I must warn you—if I find anyone still acting as dogs for the devils, causing trouble, don’t blame me for being ruthless. They will be executed on the spot.”
The puppet troops felt the deadly seriousness in Li Yunlong’s words and trembled inwardly.
Li Yunlong said no more, quietly waiting for their decisions.
One of them stepped forward first and said, “Damn it, I’ve hated those little devils for a long time. I want to join the Eighth Route Army!”
“That’s right, if it comes to it, I’d rather die. Eighteen years old and still a hero!”
“I’ve had enough of this humiliation!”
“I want to join the Eighth Route Army too!”
...
Once one took the lead, many puppet soldiers stepped forward to join.
However, quite a few remained rooted in place.
Li Yunlong didn’t interfere; he just watched quietly, waiting for their choices.
Zhang Dabiao, standing nearby, was surprised by the number of soldiers joining. Li Yunlong’s words had struck a chord in every Chinese heart—they carried a force that inspired trust.
This commander of the Eighth Route Army was no ordinary man!
Zhang Dabiao thought to himself, “Following a commander like this might not be a bad choice.”
At that moment, he had already made up his mind.
Five minutes passed.
Li Yunlong gave no more chances. He ordered the seized silver dollars to be handed out to those unwilling to join, then led the gathered men away.
The ranks swelled from the original twenty to two hundred and thirty-two.
Two hundred and twelve new recruits were absorbed.
They also captured 381 rifles, 6 heavy machine guns, 18 light machine guns, along with plenty of ammunition, grenades, pistols, and other equipment.
Some soldiers had been on duty at checkpoints, but most were still at the camp headquarters, so the haul was considerable.
Zhang Dabiao admired the scene.
“Commander Li, you really are something. I’m convinced. From now on, I’m with you!”
“Congratulations on making a wise decision!” Li Yunlong smiled. “From now on, you’re a company commander.”
“But let me warn you—if you can’t handle it, resign immediately. Don’t blame me for not giving you a chance.”
Company commander?
Zhang Dabiao was taken aback. He hadn’t expected such recognition from Li Yunlong and felt honored.
“Thank you, Commander!”
“I promise to lead the troops well!”
Hearing this, Wang Gensheng and Wang Xikui were displeased.
“Commander, he just arrived and gets to be company commander?” Wang Gensheng protested stubbornly.
Li Yunlong shot him a sharp look and said, “Because he knows military affairs, has formal training, and understands how to lead soldiers and fight.”
“If you’re not satisfied, work harder and try being a platoon leader first.”
“Xizi can be a squad leader!”
“The specific organization will be decided after we reach the base.”
“Now, hurry up and leave!”
“Yes!”
Though reluctant, the two men obeyed Li Yunlong’s orders without hesitation.
Zhang Dabiao saw the impact his sudden arrival had on them and approached to communicate.
Li Yunlong paid no mind. The opportunity was given; whether Zhang Dabiao seized it was up to him.
Besides, he had other matters to attend to.
Though he had recruited over two hundred men, how many could be trusted was unknown; infiltration by enemy spies was a real concern.
As he pondered how to handle this, a system notification sounded.
[Ding! Congratulations, your military strength has reached 152 soldiers, achieving company level. Reward: 110 Zhongzheng rifles, 9 Czech machine guns, 2 Maxim heavy machine guns, 3 60mm mortars, and numerous ammunition and shells.]
[Ding! Congratulations on reaching company level. Reward: Loyalty Detection Skill.]
Li Yunlong’s heart quickened at the generous rewards.
This haul was enough to outfit a super-enhanced company.
He would have no trouble equipping two companies—indeed, he would be quite well supplied.
The New First Regiment had already been well-equipped, and with these captured arms and rewards, they were truly abundant.
What thrilled Li Yunlong most was the last reward.
Loyalty Detection Skill: The user can scan subordinates to assess their loyalty, aiding in judgment.
This meant dealing with enemy infiltration would now have an extra safeguard—traitors would have nowhere to hide.
A truly excellent skill.
Feeling exhilarated, Li Yunlong immediately scanned all his men.
When the results came in, Li Yunlong was taken aback.
This...
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