Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Xu Mao instructed: Later I will announce to everyone that those who wish to return home may receive travel expenses and leave. You must work diligently, divide tasks among yourselves, investigate the situation of these soldiers, register the names of those who intend to leave, and compile a list for me.

Once the list is confirmed, I will prepare the silver. After they receive the money and press their fingerprints, they will have no further connection with our Loyal Army. For those who remain, you must keep proper records and reorganize the complete roster of soldiers.

Remember, those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. You must clearly explain the operational style of our Loyal Army to these surrendered officers. Keep our principle in mind: loyalty to the people and willingness to sacrifice for righteousness.

The squad leaders nodded repeatedly: The Marshal is right!

Xu Mao’s serious tone affected everyone. They realized how important their roles were, straightened their postures, and regained their spirits.

If they cannot treat others equally, sincerely help the people, protect the people, but instead put on airs, flaunt their status, order others around, engage in extortion, cross the red line – rather than me driving them out impolitely, it would be better for them to leave early to avoid mutual dislike and eventual unpleasant confrontation.

Xu Mao repeatedly emphasized: Unified ideology is extremely important. You must pay special attention to this, otherwise our army will face major problems. Explain clearly to them in advance – we don’t force anyone. Those who can accept it may stay and work diligently; those who cannot may take the money and leave, as my gratitude for their contribution in surrendering the city. Meanwhile, you must remain vigilant in daily life to weed out bad elements and eliminate unhealthy practices in our ranks.

The squad leaders couldn’t help but clap, their eyes shining as they agreed: The Marshal speaks truly well!

Xu Mao cleared his throat and continued: Additionally, as newly joined soldiers, these surrendered troops need to be assigned among you squad leaders who will take charge of new squads. Take them around the camp, conduct routine training such as military posture, marching, and running drills. Inform them of the assessment requirements – they must pass both the written test and martial test. Only after passing the tests can they truly remain in the Loyal Army. This is our military rule.

The squad leaders acknowledged the order. Though suddenly tasked with training newcomers caught them off guard, hearing that these surrendered officers also had to undergo tests made their discomfort vanish instantly. They excitedly rubbed their hands, ready to take on the challenge.

Xu Mao initially considered setting training KPIs for the squad leaders – if the new soldiers’ pass rate was low, the squad leaders would be discharged. But upon second thought, such pressure might make them train the recruits so intensively that most would pass, rendering her efforts futile!

She decided not to set assessment requirements for the squad leaders, instead focusing on the new recruits themselves. As long as they found the harsh conditions difficult to accept and their resolve wavered, they would all leave.

After Xu Mao finished speaking, the squad leaders generally understood the situation. Knowing their responsibilities, they went to assist by sounding gongs and drums to assemble the surrendered soldiers.

When the surrendered soldiers gathered again, they looked around and noticed only they had been summoned this time. Aside from a few squad leaders, there seemed to be no sign of Xu Mao’s personal guards. This made everyone uneasy and apprehensive.

Xu Mao raised his hand to draw everyone’s attention. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he got straight to the point and declared loudly, I know that some of you joined the Loyal Army out of frustration—unable to bear the sight of corrupt officials manipulating power, engaging in graft, and perverting justice. After surrendering the city, you felt lost and ended up here. But after experiencing life here for a while, you’ve come to realize it isn’t what you truly wanted.

At the same time, I understand that many of you have served in the military for years, grown weary of war, and long for the days of family reunion.

The Loyal Army does not force anyone to stay. We seek talented individuals with firm convictions. Everyone is free to speak their mind. Let us unite and march toward our common goal: to defend our homeland, protect the people, and strive tirelessly to create a better life.

Xu Mao began by painting a grand but flimsy vision, full of logical holes. The irony of a rebel in the eyes of the court claiming to defend the homeland was almost laughable. The rest of his words were empty rhetoric and platitudes, lacking any concrete details. They went in one ear and out the other, leaving no trace in anyone’s mind.

The soldiers looked confused and bewildered—clearly, the intended effect had been achieved. Xu Mao continued, Before officially becoming a member of the Loyal Army, everyone must carefully consider their choice and decide freely whether to stay or leave.

Those willing to follow us must commit to rigorous training and study. Mornings will involve drills like standing at attention and marching in step—things you’ve likely observed these past few days. Afternoons will be dedicated to reading and literacy, balancing military and scholarly pursuits. In the end, a selection test will determine who stays. Those who fail will regrettably have to leave. During training, you may withdraw at any time.

As for those unwilling to join the Loyal Army, I will provide travel expenses as a token of gratitude for your role in surrendering the city. Take care on your journey home. With silver to support you, the road should be less arduous.

Xu Mao pointed to several squad leaders beside him. There’s no need to rush your decision. Think it over carefully. Those who decide to leave should register with them. The list of departures will be reported to me three evenings from now. On the afternoon of the fourth day, come to me to collect your travel expenses and depart.

Finally understanding Xu Mao’s intent, the soldiers gasped in unison, their hearts filled with panic and uncertainty, utterly at a loss.

They had always been forced to follow orders from superiors—no one had ever asked for their opinions. Suddenly handed the power to decide, they felt dizzy and confused, unsure of what to do.

After finishing his speech, Xu Mao left. The squad leaders stepped forward to answer questions and handle follow-up matters.

The soldiers gathered to discuss whether to stay or go. After careful thought, one of them said, I want to stay. With Jin Province fallen, the court already sees us as traitors. Even if we flee back home and reunite with our families, we’d live in hiding. And if the Loyal Army’s grand plan fails, once the court turns its attention to us, we’ll all face execution.

However, serving in the Loyal Army is different. First, Marshal Xu shows compassion for the people, governs effectively, and cares for her soldiers—she even considers our wishes. Though we might choose to leave, she doesn’t hold it against us. Instead, she offers travel expenses for our journey home. I believe she is a wise leader worth following. Second, if the Loyal Army succeeds, we won’t have to worry about our future. We could return to our hometowns openly, and who knows—we might even earn military merits, secure titles and positions, and eventually return in glory to honor our parents and ancestors.

He was a minor captain in the Jin Province army who had eavesdropped on the teacher’s lessons outside the house, recognized a few characters, and understood reasoning better than ordinary people, so everyone trusted his words.

Once these words were spoken, everyone nodded in agreement. After all, fleeing home wouldn’t lead to a better life. Staying with the Loyal Army at least guaranteed food and drink without worry, and they wouldn’t be arbitrarily beaten. Such treatment was unavailable anywhere else, and they privately wished for the Loyal Army to endure longer.

As for the prospect of soon marching to other places to capture cities and wage battles, their hearts remained unperturbed. From the moment they joined the army, they had fully prepared themselves for a life of constant campaigning and homelessness.

To speak treasonously, they almost wished Xu Mao would immediately order an attack on their hometowns—they would charge at the forefront, persuading the defending soldiers to surrender.

The Loyal Army had always been strictly disciplined toward civilians after capturing cities, and since the townsfolk were their own blood relatives, they would never commit outrageous acts, ensuring the safety and peaceful reunion of their loved ones.

After much deliberation, aside from a small minority who couldn’t accept it and chose to leave, the majority firmly decided to stay. Comparatively, life in the Loyal Army was more practical and offered broader prospects.

Xu Mao dispatched squad leaders to conduct ideological work in turn, repeatedly explaining the real life in the Loyal Army: how the structure differed—there were no captains here, only group leaders and squad leaders, and squad leaders held no privileges. Instead, they had to fetch water for everyone, bring meals if training caused them to miss mealtimes, and resolve daily troubles for the soldiers.

Upon hearing this, their three-tenths intention instantly grew to seven-tenths.

What a heavenly life!

They had self-awareness—they were ordinary people with limited capabilities, not aspiring to be group leaders or squad leaders. The strict and specific demands placed on squad leaders didn’t deter them; instead, it precisely struck a chord in their hearts.

Previously, they had only endured scoldings and beatings. Coming here and suddenly learning that those in charge of them had to perform such tasks felt fresh, filling them with boundless yearning and anticipation.

Moreover, Marshal Xu had laid out all conditions clearly before them—both good and bad—explaining everything thoroughly, fearing that they might not understand or know, and later regret staying in confusion.

Marshal Xu had considered every detail for them, demonstrating the Loyal Army’s sincerity and care. Where else could they find such a benevolent leader and place?

Furthermore, they still had to pass tests to truly remain in the Loyal Army—it wasn’t as if they could stay just because they wanted to. An extra opportunity and choice were beneficial, and anything requiring selection through tests surely wouldn’t be bad.

Everyone dismissed their doubts, solidified their resolve, and decided to stay!

Soon, the three-day consideration period ended. The list was reported, and Xu Mao eagerly awaited, rubbing his hands as the squad leaders presented it.

Xu Mao thought to himself, I set assessment requirements—daily military posture drills, reading sessions, and endless battles ahead. After careful consideration and weighing the pros and cons, surely many would be war-weary and unwilling to stay, preferring to return home.

Though he thought this, he felt uncertain, restless with a wildly twitching right eyelid. Xu Mao rubbed his eyes, fervently persuading himself: The saying ‘left eyelid twitching for wealth, right for disaster’ is unscientific—feudal superstitions are not to be believed.

No sooner had the words been spoken than several squad leaders walked in, beaming with joy. Their spirits were high, faces glowing with health, and their eyes and brows brimmed with delight.

Xu Mao felt a sudden thunderclap in her head and sensed something amiss. The smile on her face froze instantly as an ominous premonition washed over her—their expressions were all wrong.

Stay calm. Let’s see how things unfold, she told herself.

Swallowing hard, Xu Mao pinched her palm to force herself to stay composed. She patted her chest and waited quietly to observe the situation.

In the next moment, the squad leaders presented a thin sheet of paper. It bore only a few lines of writing, with half the page left blank. Approaching cheerfully, their smiles widening, they bowed and reported, Marshal, everyone is captivated by your inspiring presence. They all expressed willingness to remain in our Loyal Army and asked when training would begin. Only this few have chosen to leave!

Xu Mao’s fingers trembled slightly, causing the name register to shake in her grasp. Her eyes stung at the sight of the vast blank space, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Are you certain this is all? Did you clearly explain the conditions in the army? Our life here is harsh—they must be mentally prepared! Xu Mao pressed, unwilling to accept the result.

The squad leader replied, Rest assured, Marshal. We did not slack off. We questioned every soldier about their intentions, and many even asked us about becoming vanguards!