"Thank you, sir!"
"Alright, if you're going to thank anyone, thank Hong Yu more! If you ever dare to mistreat her in the future, I'll break your legs!"
"Sir..."
Even though he knew Han Mo was joking, Han Shizhong's eyes turned red with emotion.
"Alright, you go prepare. Tomorrow morning, I'll go with you to the Grand Training Ground!"
Han Mo smiled and helped him up.
Whether Han Shizhong could turn the tide, Han Mo didn't know. However, before that, he really needed to help Han Shizhong stabilize the morale of the troops.
After all, these young men were all drafted from various places.
Among them were former Xiang Army soldiers and constables transferred from various government offices. These were all seasoned veterans.
If measures were not taken to stabilize their morale, even if Han Shizhong possessed immense skill, they would remain unresponsive.
After all, Han Shizhong did not have an official position yet. If he were to resort to extreme measures, it would not be beneficial for his future promotion.
"Yes!"
The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Han Mo, along with Han Shizhong and Li Bao, arrived at the Grand Training Ground in the city.
As soon as they entered the training ground, Han Shizhong's mouth twitched.
At this moment, the Grand Training Ground was already packed with people.
Although they were all wearing unified Song Dynasty military uniforms, these people were currently doing all sorts of things.
Some were in groups of three or five, sitting on the ground and talking loudly. Some were arguing and even fighting amidst their words, while others watched the commotion from the side, cheering loudly.
"Sir, these people..."
Seeing Han Mo step down from the carriage, Han Shizhong couldn't help but want to retreat.
These people were utterly beyond redemption.
To train them in five days and send them to quell the rebellion was simply a pipe dream.
"Don't panic. Give me an hour, and I guarantee they won't run even if I tell them to!"
Seeing his troubled expression, Han Mo smiled confidently.
"Sir, these fellows seem beyond redemption!"
Despite Han Mo's confident words, not only Han Shizhong, but even straightforward individuals like Li Bao found it hard to believe.
"Hahahaha, shall we make a bet?"
Han Mo suddenly smiled mysteriously.
"A bet?"
Looking at Han Mo's half-smiling expression, Li Bao resolutely shook his head.
"Sir, we are here under the General's orders to escort the prisoner!"
Just as Han Shizhong was about to say something, a squad of soldiers rushed in from outside, and a captain leading them knelt on one knee before Han Mo to report.
"Very good. Did General Wang tell you what to do after delivering the prisoner?"
"The General ordered that everything is to be done according to your instructions, sir!"
"Very good. What is your name?"
"My subordinate's surname is Du, and I am the third eldest. My brothers in the army all call me Du San!"
Du San said this while cupping his fist towards Han Mo.
"Du San, I'll remember you. From today onwards, you will temporarily serve as the Enforcement Officer, specifically responsible for assisting Lieutenant Colonel Han Shizhong and Li Bao in training these five thousand soldiers! Anyone who violates military discipline will be dealt with according to military law!"
Han Mo had a good impression of the men sent by Wang Bing.
After all, the spirit of battle-hardened soldiers they possessed gave Han Mo a sense of familiarity.
"Yes!"
"Beat the drums, assemble the troops!"
As the prisoners, bound and gagged, were brought in, the boisterous Grand Training Ground suddenly fell silent.
Although most of these people had no idea what military discipline was, seeing the fully armed soldiers, they all felt that something was amiss.
"Dong—dong—dong—"
With the rumbling of drums, the hastily drafted young men in the Grand Training Ground finally began to find their positions.
Although their formations were still loose, at least they had finally become completely quiet.
Everyone looked towards Han Mo and Han Shizhong standing on the high platform.
"I am Han Mo, an official of the Southeast Six Route Pacification Envoy Department. I have been ordered by His Highness Prince Xin, the Pacification Envoy of the Southeast Six Routes, to come to Mingzhou to assist the prefect in defending the city. This is the prefect's order. From today onwards, I will be training you in archery and horsemanship!"
Despite the presence of thousands of people, Han Mo on the high platform showed no sign of nervousness. His imposing aura deeply impressed Han Shizhong, who bowed in admiration.
"The Sage said: To punish without teaching is cruelty. Now, Captain Han will read the Great Song Military Law!"
After a brief self-introduction, Han Mo immediately signaled Han Shizhong to step forward and announce the military law again.
The Great Song Military Law was strict. Sixty-eight of the seventy-two articles prescribed immediate execution!
Coupled with the enforcement team, whose swords were drawn and arrows were nocked, the atmosphere became solemn.
After Han Shizhong finished reading the military law, most of the young men on the scene had become serious. However, even so, there were still more than a dozen seasoned veterans, chosen from the Xiang Army, who were drinking and eating meat at the back of the formation, completely disregarding Han Mo's words.
Han Mo had no intention of being lenient with these scoundrels. He simply waved his hand, and Du San, with his men, rushed forward.
"Damn it, why are you arresting Grandpa? If you have the guts, go kill the rebels outside the city!"
"Little Han, Grandpa isn't afraid of you!"
...
Seeing that their speech was already slurred, Li Bao's face showed a cruel smile. This was truly seeking death!
"Where is the Enforcement Officer?"
Han Mo didn't even bother to argue with them. He directly called out to Du San.
"Your subordinate is here!"
Du San quickly knelt on one knee before Han Mo.
"Let me ask you, what is the crime for drinking in the army?"
After glancing at them, Han Mo asked again.
"Replying to sir, according to military law, drinking in the army is punishable by death!"
Hearing this, those men finally realized something was wrong. However, these soldiers of the Shengjie Army were the elites brought by Wang Bing. With two men controlling one, how could they break free?
"What is the crime for disobeying orders?"
"Death!"
"Very good. Take them out and deal with them according to military law!"
Han Mo sneered and waved his hand.
"Yes!"
Du San did not waste any words. He immediately led his men to drag them away. Moments later, accompanied by screams, Du San and his men returned, and the execution soldiers held over a dozen bloody heads!