Chapter Thirty-Six: Conscripted into the Army

Due to the intensifying national conflict, the graduation for Ma Yuan’s class was moved up by several months. Ma Yuan received notice from Huali Military Academy that all third-year students were required to attend the graduation ceremony the following day. Concurrent with the ceremony, recruitment representatives from the National Guard, the Imperial Guard, and various regional military factions would be on-site to enlist new soldiers.

Since returning from the Battle of Huizhou, Ma Yuan had felt his skills were lacking. Over the past two years, he had buried himself in military studies and actively participated in every academy exercise. Now a standout among the third-year students, he had achieved impressive results in various military competitions. He felt confident about the upcoming recruitment, believing his capabilities would allow him to make a significant impact in the military.

The stir caused by the announcement soon gave way to the following day. The Limin Square at Huali Military Academy was already bustling with activity, with the academy’s leadership arriving early. Over five hundred third-year students, all of whom had passed rigorous screening, were set to graduate.

"Students of Huali Military Academy, today you graduate. Whether you enter the military or the government, your future depends on your own efforts," Principal Xiao Qingguo declared in a resonant, formal tone once the crowd had gathered. "The national situation is critical. As the reserve force of our military, you are the hope of the nation. As your principal, I hope every one of you graduating today stays alive and earns glory on the battlefield."

Xiao read his prepared speech word for word, his eyes filled with high expectations for the students before him. In this time of national peril, he genuinely hoped these young people would grow into assets for the country.

After a series of rather tedious procedures, the ceremony drew to a close. Director of Instruction Fu Qinghua then stepped forward. "I assume you have all heard that representatives from various military branches have come to recruit. This is your opportunity. I hope you strive to earn their recognition, for that will pave a broad path for your future."

His words sparked a commotion among the students, particularly the top achievers, who were already restless and eager to prove themselves.

Under the school’s arrangements, soldiers in various uniforms stepped forward, each representative briefly introducing their respective forces. To Ma Yuan’s surprise, the representative for the Imperial Guard was an old acquaintance: Xu Ze, who had led him during the Battle of Huizhou and was now in charge of their recruitment.

Beyond Xu Ze, there was Tan Lang for the National Guard, Liu Huai representing the Ji faction of Jizhou and its surroundings, Zhang Qi for the Han faction of Hanzhou, Han Fu for the Zheng faction of Luzhou, and Shen Tian for the Chu faction of Chuzhou. These were all military powers from areas not far from Yuanzhou City, each looking to scout promising talent from the Huali graduates.

Ma Yuan had his own plans. While the National Guard and Imperial Guard were regular armies, the regional factions were also formidable, each holding sway over their own territories. As the nation faced crisis, these regional powers had become entities the central government was desperate to court.

Once the introductions concluded, the academy set up designated areas in the square for recruitment. Wang Xian found Ma Yuan. "Ma Yuan, which one are you aiming for?"

Ma Yuan was surprised. Though both had come from the Quhe Academy in Gaocheng, they hadn't been close since Wang Xian gained some fame. They had interacted occasionally since the Battle of Huizhou, but not significantly.

"I haven't decided yet," Ma Yuan replied, asking in return, "What about you?"

Wang Xian smiled slightly. "I want to join the Imperial Guard. The battle at Huizhou left a deep impression on me. I feel their combat effectiveness is very strong, which will suit my development."

Ma Yuan nodded. He respected the Imperial Guard’s conduct during the Battle of Huizhou, but he had his own reservations. "I wish you success, though I don't think I'll be joining the Imperial Guard."

Wang Xian frowned. "Do you not wish to serve your country?"

Ma Yuan shook his head. "No. Given the current situation, I feel I can serve the country anywhere."

Wang Xian, still not fully understanding Ma Yuan’s reasoning, went off to sign up with the Imperial Guard.

After some deliberation, Ma Yuan decided to join the Zheng faction. For one, their territory included Huixiang; for another, he had heard that the Zheng faction’s commander was a man who had risen from the ranks, a strategist of great talent. Ma Yuan’s primary concern was his lack of background and connections. He feared that if he joined the National Guard or the Imperial Guard now, he would simply be treated as cannon fodder.

After careful consideration, he chose the more favorable path of the Zheng faction, though he remained uncertain of how far he would go.

Ma Yuan approached the Zheng recruitment booth and handed his information to Han Fu. "Good day, Instructor. My name is Ma Yuan, from Gaocheng."

Han Fu reviewed the file thoroughly. "Not bad. You even participated in the Battle of Huizhou. With your skills, you would have no problem joining the national regular army. Why choose us?"

Ma Yuan had anticipated this. "Instructor, I am from Gaocheng, which is under Commander Zheng’s jurisdiction. I’ve heard much of his strategic brilliance, and I wish to develop with his faction. In this time of national crisis, I want to contribute my strength."

Han Fu nodded repeatedly, keeping Ma Yuan’s file. "Very well. Once you formally graduate, we will send someone to pick you up for the recruit camp. I hope you enjoy your coming days as a soldier."

Ma Yuan’s eyes lit up. After such a long wait, he would finally fulfill his wish and enter the military.