Chapter Thirty-One: Great Upheaval

Just as everyone was preparing for their first-year exams, a major event shook society: a foreign power launched an invasion. The government forces retreated steadily, reportedly losing numerous cities in just over ten days.

Meanwhile, local warlords seized the opportunity; some mobilized their forces to head to the front lines, while others entrenched themselves in the mountains, claiming territory. Everything seemed to be descending into chaos.

Ma Yuan had only received the newspaper sent by Liu Shishi yesterday. This year, their correspondence had become increasingly frequent. Whenever he had free time, Ma Yuan would invite Liu Shishi out; even if it were just for a walk or a cup of tea, he would be overjoyed.

Seeing the news in the paper filled Ma Yuan with a heavy heart. A somber atmosphere permeated Huali Military Academy, affecting everyone from the school leadership down to the students. Though internal friction existed within the school, they were remarkably united when facing external threats. This was the very reason for the academy's existence—as long as the spirit endured, the blood would remain hot.

Soon, all students at Huali Military Academy received a notice: a general assembly would be held at Limin Square in three days to discuss the current situation and the academy’s subsequent decisions.

The entire academy erupted in fervor. The students were elated and filled with anticipation, eager to learn what course of action the school would take. In their hearts, they were already impatient to trade their pens for swords. This was especially true for the third-year students; they were only a year away from graduation, but given the current circumstances, they did not want to wait a single moment longer. They longed to enlist immediately and head to the front lines to fight.

Amidst the anxious waiting, the general assembly finally took place at Limin Square three days later, presided over personally by Principal Xiao Qingguo.

Today, Xiao Qingguo was dressed in a Zhongshan suit. His white hair was swept back and neatly combed. His face, etched with wrinkles, revealed a resolute determination as he walked toward the podium with firm, steady steps.

As soon as Xiao Qingguo stepped onto the podium, the crowd below fell silent. Everyone stared intently at him, having been stifled by the tension of the past few days, desperate to hear the school's decision.

"Ahem." Being elderly, Xiao Qingguo coughed twice after taking the stage. He surveyed the sea of heads below with a benevolent gaze, a smile appearing on his face.

"Students, your spirit is excellent. This brings me great comfort and joy; at the very least, our nation is not beyond salvation."

Xiao Qingguo spoke with clear, resonant tones, putting his full strength into his words, which struck the Limin Square of Huali Military Academy like thunder.

"I presume you are all aware that foreign invaders have encroached upon our lands, while our armies have abandoned their armor and fled. Our government remains inactive, and local warlords with their private militias are busy hoarding wealth. It is a complete mess, and it breaks our hearts."

"However, do not be discouraged. There are still many men of ambition seeking ways to save the nation. As a place that cultivates military talent, Huali Military Academy cannot fall behind. We must take action to show the world that our youth still possess courage and ideals."

"Therefore, the school board has decided to organize a Vanguard Army to head to the front lines. I have already communicated with Minister of Military Affairs Chen Chushen regarding the supplies. He has arranged for Xu Deling, commander of the Fifth Division of the Wei Army, to prepare the necessary provisions for our deployment. Everything is ready, save for the final push, and that is where you come in."

After Xiao Qingguo finished his address, he gestured for Li Zhongmin, who had been waiting below, to take the stage.

Li Zhongmin, dressed in a long gown, bowed to Xiao Qingguo before turning to the students. "Students, for this recruitment into the Vanguard Army, those who have no other brothers in their family and are under the age of fifteen are not permitted to apply."

"We are recruiting one hundred from the first year, two hundred from the second year, and five hundred from the third year, for a total of eight hundred students. You will be led by the academy's instructors to the front lines. Joining us will be students from the Yuanzhou Medical College, who will assist in field hospitals to treat the wounded. We are also tasked with protecting these medical students."

"Those who wish to apply should head to the Admissions Office after this assembly concludes. It will be first-come, first-served, followed by a screening process by the school. The departure is set for ten days from now. Students, this concerns the reputation of Huali Military Academy and the honor of our nation. Let society see the spirit of our youth, let the foreigners see our nation's refusal to concede, and let the world see our indomitable will."

Li Zhongmin’s body trembled slightly. He was middle-aged and longed to head to the front himself, but his age and physical condition did not allow it. He could only pin his fervent hopes on these young students before him.

As expected, after the mobilization meeting, all the students gathered early at the Admissions Office, fearing that they might miss their chance if they were late. The same scene unfolded at Yuanzhou Medical College, where students eagerly signed up, hoping to make their own contribution to the nation.

Fortunately, both Ma Yuan and Xiang Ting managed to sign up. Of course, this was partly due to Xiang Ting pulling strings through his girlfriend, Zeng Huixiang. He had met her at a social mixer; her family had been in the pharmaceutical business for generations and held significant influence in Yuanzhou City and connections to Huali Military Academy.

It was thanks to her father that Ma Yuan and Xiang Ting secured their opportunity to enlist. Ma Yuan believed he would not regret this decision.

There were three instructors leading the Huali contingent. Ma Yuan was very familiar with one of them: Fang Lei, known as 'Lei Zhentian,' who had overseen the freshman assessment training. The other two instructors were Li Xianqu and Deng Shu. The entire force was under the unified command of Fang Lei.

The eight-hundred-strong Vanguard Army was divided into three sections by grade level to avoid confusion. Fang Lei led the third-year unit, Li Xianqu the second-year unit, and Deng Shu the first-year unit. Deng Shu was relatively young, and the first-year group was smaller, which was why the school assigned them to him.

The medical contingent was led by an instructor named Li Daxian, an experienced surgeon. Such professionals were highly valued during times of war.