To conduct skill drills, Nan Wushang gathered all the trainees at the shooting range.
With so many people around, he would be noticed wherever he went. That's why, when he received word that Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan were coming, he slipped out from behind the safety trench of the target.
Who would have thought that even after leaving the safety trench, he could still be hit by a stray bullet? Nan Wushang was on the verge of tears.
Upon hearing his explanation, Lu Qingwan and Si Fengwu were left speechless and amused.
"The bullets were hitting outside the safety trench. Are you sure you still want us to watch this skill drill?"
When Jing Shan Military Academy was built, Lu Qingwan personally oversaw many details of the firearms training grounds.
To prevent stray or penetrating bullets and arrows from injuring anyone, the safety trench behind the targets was specially extended ten feet to the left and right.
This meant that even if the person at the furthest end missed the target, the bullet would at most land within the safety trench.
For Nan Wushang to have been hit by a stray bullet outside the safety trench could only mean that the shooter was far from simply missing the target; they were completely inaccurate.
Nan Wushang himself didn't seem to feel guilty. "This is precisely what makes this skill drill more realistic, isn't it? Originally, I was considering allowing this batch of trainees to graduate early, provided you two and the old generals approved. However, this shot has reminded me. Early graduation is fine, but there's no need for a blanket decision. For those who truly can't make the cut, they can stay and study with the new trainees, graduating only when their skills are up to par. What do you two think?"
This arrangement was undoubtedly reasonable, but when discussing a comprehensive plan, how could everything go smoothly? Lu Qingwan, adhering to the principle of striving for perfection, argued with him without pressure.
"What if those who are held back can't pass the skill assessment? Will they live in the military academy forever? Especially for future trainees, unlike this batch who have a foundation in military skills, they come from all walks of life. Who can guarantee there won't be a few who are incapable? Have you considered how to deal with these people?"
Nan Wushang calmly raised three fingers. "Three terms. I will only give them three terms. If they are still not up to standard after three terms, it can only mean they are not suited to be soldiers of the new dynasty."
...
As they spoke, the group arrived at the review stand. Standing on the review stand, it became apparent that this simple platform was the core of the entire military academy.
In front of the review stand was the physical training ground, where a group of trainees were sprinting around the field amidst the excited shouts of their peers. To the left was the combat training ground, where a group of strong young trainees were putting all their might into taking down their opponents. To the right was the cold weapons training ground, where a fierce clash of clanging sounds was underway. Behind them was the firearms training ground. Fixed-point shooting, shooting while moving, alternating between cold and hot weapons… they had a lot of variety.
Lu Qingwan surveyed the review stand and asked, "Are these the only skill drill events, or are there others?"
"Of course, there are. However, you won't be able to see them here." Nan Wushang took a booklet from a nearby guard. "This is the overall plan for this skill drill. Please take a look."
Lu Qingwan lazily let Si Fengwu take it. She, however, hitched a ride on Si Fengwu's coattails. After just one glance, her eyes widened considerably.
"This, this, this… where did you get this from?"
The so-called overall plan for the skill drill was almost identical to the training syllabus of Buye Continent, with only a small portion of highly niche subjects like doing business and disguising removed. Traditional military training items such as strength training and horse riding were added. It could be said to be a grand compilation of ancient and modern military training.
"I have to thank the Princess Consort for this!" Nan Wushang proudly raised his eyebrows. "In just three years, Buye Continent has grown like wild grass. Previously, we even needed Li Jin to help. In the last year, the southeastern three kingdoms and most of the central provinces where problems needed to be solved with force have had their businesses monopolized by the people of Buye Continent. As you know, I'm good at everything except my strong curiosity. So, I sent people to investigate and, by chance, managed to 'borrow' the training syllabus of Buye Continent. I suppose I'm making full use of it, right?"
Lu Qingwan was speechless. "It's quite a feat that you could get Wu Ying to hand over the training syllabus. Since the syllabus is so comprehensively prepared, then my husband and I will eagerly await the day when this Jing Shan Military Academy blooms everywhere. You all have fun, we should be going back."
As she spoke, she looked at Si Fengwu with a questioning gaze. He nodded silently and directly led her away by the hand. Nan Wushang was accustomed to their swift actions and didn't try to keep them. He politely saw them out, then turned and went back without an extra step.
In the carriage, Si Fengwu's expression was calm. However, Lu Qingwan detected a hint of worry in his serene demeanor.
"What's wrong? Nan Wushang seems to be doing a pretty good job with the military academy. Why do you look unhappy?"
Si Fengwu silently took her hand, pulled it into his, and after a long moment of contemplation, spoke with a heavy tone, "The first batch of trainees for the military academy numbered three thousand. Looking around, they are either core members of the Xuan Jia Army or descendants of old generals in the court. Very few are without connections. Do you think a military academy like this is cultivating talent for the new dynasty, or is it paving a path to success for the descendants of these military families?"
Si Fengwu had led the Xuan Jia Army for many years and often interacted with the military officials in the court. Coupled with his profound internal energy and keen senses, he could recognize the core members of the Xuan Jia Army and the descendants of old generals from such a distance in such a short time. Lu Qingwan was not surprised by his perception. She was simply finding it hard to believe, "It shouldn't be like that, right? Nan Wushang, that person, he forgot his humble address when speaking to us. Would he dare to engage in nepotism out of consideration for the Xuan Jia Army or those old generals?"
Lu Qingwan truly couldn't believe Nan Wushang would do such a thing, not only because she trusted Nan Wushang's character but also because she was unwilling to accept that she and Si Fengwu had misjudged him.
Si Fengwu quickly explained when he saw her misunderstanding, "I'm not doubting Nan Wushang. If he dared to be corrupt, I would have kicked him on the spot. It's precisely because everything he does is in accordance with the rules that I feel helpless. Consider this: it won't be long, perhaps fifteen years at most, and all the military generals of the new dynasty will be descendants of the Qian dynasty old guards or core members of the Xuan Jia Army. Do you think other military commanders will have any chance to rise?"
It is human nature for people with shared interests to stick together. When the descendants of military families group together and the core members of the Xuan Jia Army group together, others will naturally be left to the side. Lu Qingwan instantly understood Si Fengwu's concern.