Chapter 149: The Training Camp (Part Three)

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Zhen Qian recalled the renowned general Zuo Zongtang’s Nine Tests and Nine Skills for selecting talent during the late Qing dynasty.

The so-called Nine Tests were nine methods of evaluation: assigning a person to a remote post to observe loyalty; placing them nearby to assess diligence and caution; giving complex tasks to evaluate capability; handing sudden missions to test quick wit; setting unexpected agreements to gauge trustworthiness; entrusting valuables to see their character; warning them of danger to watch their integrity; getting them drunk to observe demeanor; and mixing them in diverse groups to check for moral failings.

The Nine Skills were nine standards of ability: a benevolent commander who upholds morality and etiquette, sympathizes with the hungry and cold, and pities others’ hardships; a righteous commander who faces danger unafraid, is unmoved by gain, and chooses honorable sacrifice over disgraceful survival; a courteous commander who remains humble in success, respects the virtuous and endures humiliation; a wise commander who stays calm amid chaos, turns misfortune into fortune, and triumphs in crises; a trustworthy commander who clearly distinguishes reward and punishment, gives timely rewards, and fears no powerful figure in meting out justice; an infantry commander swift as a warhorse, capable of facing a thousand foes, skilled in close combat and long-range archery; a cavalry commander adept at climbing heights and dangerous terrain, shooting while riding swiftly, leading charges and covering retreats; a fierce commander unmatched in courage, unafraid of formidable enemies, disdainful of petty fights but daring to face great foes; and a great commander eager to learn from the wise, quick to seize beneficial causes, open to advice, magnanimous yet resolute, neither servile nor arrogant.

Zuo Zongtang’s Nine Tests and Nine Skills were undoubtedly the cornerstone ensuring the success of his western campaigns and his fundamental principle in governance and administration. His ideas reflected universal truths about talent selection, applicable not only on battlefields but in workplaces and daily life, frequently cited and validated in modern corporate culture.

These methods were excellent for assessing individuals, but for Zhen Qian, the urgent need was not to test these new recruits’ abilities but to uplift their morale, ignite their hopes, and unleash their potential. Only by getting this army into fighting shape immediately could they begin proper assessment and training, and thereafter carefully select and cultivate those truly capable.

“Very well. Everyone dreams of land and home, full granaries, virtuous wives and concubines, and many descendants. But none of this falls from the sky; all must be fought for. Now, Heaven has given us such an opportunity. The court and the emperor have summoned those of you who lack food, warmth, land, and family to come here.”

“I know you have lost your fields and homes, harbor resentment, and have lost hope in life, but think of your wives, children, and families—you are their hope to survive. Why not give yourselves a chance to start anew?”

“You should not see this opportunity as a hardship but as a chance—a grand chance to change your circumstances and your families’ fate. Brothers, the chance lies before us. Will you watch it slip away?”

Zhen Qian spoke at length, his heart stirred by his own words—not merely to rally the troops but also a personal reminder that life itself is a series of chances and challenges.

“Good. Opportunities are rare. None of us know when the next one will come. We must always be prepared so that when opportunity strikes, we won’t miss it but grasp it firmly with our own hands. How to prepare? Only one way: training, training, and more training. Only by honing your skills can you avoid missing or being crushed by opportunity. Now, prepare for assessment and training. The first opportunity will be before you: excel, and I will appoint you as squad leader or even section leader. It all depends on your ability. Are you ready?”

“We’re ready!”

Excitement and hope shone on every eager face, filled with longing for a new life.

Zhen Qian’s words ignited the recruits’ fervor. Turning to Coach Song behind him, he smiled slightly. “Coach Song, please address the troops!”

The militia camp nominally belonged to Luquan County and was not a private force. Training followed the Tang military system with appointed coaches—low-ranking provincial officers responsible for new recruits’ training. Each squad had one or two coaches; the left first squad had three, a suggestion from Zhen Qian himself to hasten these recruits’ adaptation to military life and discipline.

The militia was no regular army. Coaches usually had little interest dealing with these peasants, as the soldiers often embarrassed them.

Coach Song appeared no older than twenty-six or twenty-seven, slender, with a dark complexion and several shocking scars that made one wary to meet his gaze. Rumor had it he had fought in battle but retired after severe injuries and blood loss, his presence radiating a chilling aura of deadly intent.

Coach Song’s sharp eyes met Zhen Qian’s with no hint of a smile, nodding once. “I didn’t expect you to be so good at rallying morale. You’d be wasted not becoming a general!”

“I’m just good with words, don’t laugh at me. From now on, the left first squad is in Coach Song’s hands!” Zhen Qian said and stepped aside.

“Just now, the words of Instructor Zhen were well spoken. I carefully observed your formations and was surprised that those of you who were mere peasants days ago could now line up so neatly. That pleases me greatly. Honestly, even the new recruits of the Divine Strategy Army don’t have better formations...”

Hearing this, the recruits grew excited—praise from a real officer was a rare honor.

“Do you feel proud or even a bit pleased with my words?” Coach Song smiled, though it was an ugly smile, making his scars even more frightening.

Zhen Qian sensed something off. Sure enough, Coach Song’s tone suddenly grew stern.

“You’re mistaken. Compared to peasants in the fields, you may be a bit better, but that’s all. Against true veterans who have survived the bloodiest battles, you are worthless scum—less than scum. In your current state, if you were sent north to fight the Khitan or Uighurs, I’d bet not one of you would return alive.”

“War is no child’s play. Don’t think being militia means you won’t see combat. I’ll tell you honestly: in three months or six, you may be dragged into battle. Whether it’s forest bandit suppression or frontier warfare, even seasoned soldiers face high mortality. If you want to know how to improve your chances of survival, I’ll tell you: while those who feed you still hang around your necks, train hard now. Only then will you have a slim chance to survive tomorrow.”

The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air. The path ahead demanded resilience and unwavering dedication.