The competition between the two camps lasted for a full day.
In the end, the Fifth Camp won the match by a very narrow margin.
As Fang Er stood up from his chair and announced the final results, the men of the Fifth Camp were so excited that tears streamed down their faces.
This was an acknowledgment, an acknowledgment of their hard training for the past two months.
Fang Er cleared his throat.
"Men of the Fifth Camp, congratulations. You have earned the opportunity to go on campaign, with abundant military merits and rewards awaiting you.
However, do not celebrate too soon. Remember, in Liaodong, there are veterans waiting to give you a tough welcome!"
As soon as he said this, the excited Fifth Camp's relaxed mood tensed up once more.
That's right! Those veterans had marched north with the Marquis, conquering Liang Shidu, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
They had fought and won countless battles. All they had achieved was the chance to go on campaign; what was there to be proud of?
Compared to them, their achievements were not even worth mentioning.
Seeing the change in the expressions of the Fifth Camp soldiers, Fang Er nodded.
A sense of pride was absolutely unacceptable.
After speaking to the Fifth Camp, he turned his attention to Wu Yong's Fourth Camp.
"Although you will not be going on campaign this time, your responsibility is equally heavy!
I am entrusting the care of Fang Family Village to you! You must have already learned about what is inside the workshops during these past few days.
Here, there are skills that noble families dream of, firearms and armor that enemy nations covet.
And even artisans who can change the destiny of countless people!
Therefore, your burden is no less than that of the Fifth Camp going on campaign.
Lift your spirits and tell me, can you guard this home?"
Hearing Fang Er's words, the Fourth Camp, which had been somewhat dejected, perked up.
They actually had such an important duty!
Wu Yong stepped forward and bowed to Fang Er on the command platform.
"Please rest assured, my Lord! With the Fourth Camp here, we guarantee the safety of the workshops and Fang Family Village!"
As soon as Wu Yong finished speaking, the more than a thousand men of the Fourth Camp roared in unison.
"Please rest assured, my Lord!"
"Please rest assured, my Lord!"
"Please rest assured, my Lord!"
Fang Er nodded with satisfaction, then announced the order of dismissal, and kept Zhang Tian behind.
He instructed him to select some men to go to the shipyard and learn how to operate the landing craft.
After all, they would be the main force in future landing operations.
Having made these arrangements, Fang Er and Cheng Yaojin left together.
Old Cheng looked somewhat unsatisfied.
"Brother, for the same training, why do I always feel that Yangwei Army is a little worse than your Tianhuo Army?"
Fang Er smiled faintly.
"Brother, do you know why I have always insisted that the Tianhuo Army read and study in addition to their training?"
Cheng Yaojin asked, puzzled, "What does that have to do with anything? Wouldn't it be better to spend that time on more drills?"
Fang Er shook his head.
"Reading allows them to understand reason and know what they are fighting for. Simply telling them to fight for the Great Tang and the Emperor is too hollow; it has nothing to do with them!
I have them read to broaden their horizons, and then tell them that if they win, they will get money, land, and women!
Cheng Yaojin scratched his head.
"I don't hear any difference in that. Money, land, women—I tell the brutes of the Yangwei Army the same thing!"
Fang Er beckoned to Huang Sheng outside the military camp.
Huang Sheng quickly started the pickup truck and drove it over. After they got into the vehicle, Fang Er continued.
"This is the power of culture. Scoundrels are not scary; what's scary is a scoundrel with culture!
This applies equally to the army. With culture, they can clearly understand the purpose of each training session, thus avoiding any resistance.
Do you think that blindly following orders to train, and actively training after understanding the purpose, will yield the same results?"
Cheng Yaojin slapped his forehead. "Holy cow! I get it! I'll have to get a few people from you to give extra lessons to those brutes in the Yangwei Army!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Alright, we're home. Elder Brother has not returned all day, so you should go back and report to your wife. I won't keep you."
Fang Er said with a smile.
The pickup truck stopped in front of the Fang residence. Fang Er got out and instructed Huang Sheng to take Cheng Yaojin home, and to ask Hua Niang for two buckets of noodles to bring back for him.
After seeing Cheng Yaojin off, Fang Er entered the courtyard.
Chai Yue was sitting in the courtyard reading. The book was a manuscript transcribed by Zheng Lao Er and his men.
Zheng Lao Er and his men were quite sensible. They diligently translated the professional books from simplified to traditional characters, hoping that after transcribing them, Fang Er would show leniency and send them outside the Great Tang, which was better than being beheaded.
Although they knew Fang Er might not agree, it was at least a glimmer of hope. And in the military camp, although they still lacked freedom, it was much better than being in a cold, damp prison.
Fang Er walked quietly behind Chai Yue, took the book from her hand, closed it, and placed it on a nearby table.
"Don't look for too long; it's bad for your eyes."
Chai Yue smiled faintly. "My Lord, you're back so early."
Fang Er nodded. "We'll probably be setting sail in a few days, so I have to make time to come back and accompany you, don't I?"
As soon as he said this, Chai Yue looked a little disappointed.
During her time in Fang Family Village, Chai Yue had already come to regard this place as her home.
Her staying here was at Li Shimin's behest, asking her to urge Fang Er to set sail actively.
Thinking of Fang Er going to sea, and her having to return to the Chai residence, Chai Yue felt a little unhappy.
"My Lord, how long will it be until you return from this voyage?"
Seeing her unhappiness, Fang Er comforted her. "If things go quickly, I'll be back by the New Year. If not, it will be by the spring of next year at the latest."
After hearing Fang Er's words, Chai Yue began to calculate how much time was left until next spring.
Xiao Qing came over with tea.
"Young Master, Madam is reluctant to part with you. Why don't you take Madam with you?"
These words caught Fang Er's attention, and his eyes lit up. "That's right, Yue'er, why don't you come with me as well."
Chai Yue shook her head.
"My Lord, an army going on campaign is no trivial matter. If you take Yue'er with you, what would that look like?
You are a Marquis and the commander of the Tianhuo Army. You should set an example. Otherwise, if everyone below follows your lead and brings their families, what will happen?"
Fang Er looked unconcerned.
"It's fine, it's decided. This way, you can also see the scenery outside."
Seeing that Fang Er had domineeringly decided on the accompaniment, Chai Yue no longer objected.
In the days that followed, they began the final preparations.
The uniforms for the "Mie Lu Jun" (Enemy Annihilation Army) and the uniforms for the Tianhuo Army staying in Shenyang.
Firearms, ammunition, cannons, artillery shells, and other military equipment.
Doctors and craftsmen accompanying the ships.
All supplies needed for the voyage were being inventoried and sealed.
They were just waiting for the day the "Wu Ya Da Jian" (Five-Tooth Great Ship) was launched!