Chapter 1 The Beginning
The next day, at eight fifty in the morning, the auditorium of the Martial Department Headquarters.
The entire Zhanlong squad, led by Jiang Wuming, along with the chief political officers of the six legions and all personnel above the middle management level of the Martial Department Headquarters, were already seated in the auditorium.
Concurrently, five Martial Department elders, including Zhou Hetu, were seated on the rostrum.
Three seats remained empty in the center of the rostrum: those for Long Shengzhe, Qi Wufu, and Li Rui.
Qi Wufu and Li Rui were waiting outside to welcome Long Shengzhe. Once he arrived, the commendation ceremony would officially begin.
At nine o'clock, Long Shengzhe entered the auditorium, accompanied by Qi Wufu and Li Rui. Everyone, including Jiang Wuming, stood up and applauded to welcome him.
This had been arranged in advance by designated personnel to show respect for Long Shengzhe.
Long Shengzhe smiled and waved to the audience, then walked directly to the center seat on the rostrum, with Qi Wufu and Li Rui taking their seats beside him.
After taking his seat, Long Shengzhe's gaze immediately fell upon Jiang Wuming, his face wearing a smile.
This detail was instantly noticed by everyone present.
"Comrades, since its establishment, the Zhanlong squad has successfully completed three combat missions, safeguarding the safety of the nation and its people. In light of this, the Martial Department Elders' Council has decided to commend and reward the Zhanlong squad collectively and individually, to encourage them to continue forging ahead, and to inspire all soldiers of the Martial Department to more actively and bravely resist foreign enemies."
Martial Department Staff Officer Li Rui presided over the meeting. After explaining the purpose of the commendation ceremony, he continued:
"The Dragon Country Elder Council attaches great importance to this commendation ceremony of the Martial Department. Grand Elder Long Shengzhe will personally attend and present the medals. Now, let us once again welcome Grand Elder Long Shengzhe with warm applause!"
"Patter, patter, patter..."
As Li Rui finished speaking, enthusiastic applause once again filled the auditorium.
Long Shengzhe stood up and smiled, acknowledging the applause.
"Now, we invite Marshal Qi Wufu of the Martial Department to read the Martial Department's decision on the commendation and rewards for the Zhanlong squad." After Long Shengzhe was seated, Li Rui spoke again.
"The Dragon Country Martial Department Elders' Council has decided to award the Zhanlong Guardian Squad of the Eastern Region Legion a collective First-Class Merit. Comrade Jiang Wuming is awarded the Dragon Country Medal and concurrently appointed as Deputy Legion Commander of the Eastern Region Legion with the rank of Lieutenant General. Comrade Qin Xiaozhi is awarded the First-Class Heroic Model Medal and concurrently appointed as Deputy Staff Officer of the Eastern Region Legion with the rank of Major General. Comrades Xing Tian, Huangfu Weixia, and Dongfang Xiaoyao are awarded the Second-Class Heroic Model Medals with the rank of Colonel."
Qi Wufu picked up the commendation decision document from the table and read it aloud. He then added:
"Furthermore, after deliberation by the Elder Council of the Global God of War Hall, the God of War Hall has decided to award Comrade Jiang Wuming the Knight Medal in the name of the Hall."
"Patter, patter, patter..."
After Qi Wufu finished reading the commendation decision, a tidal wave of applause erupted in the auditorium once more.
Below the stage, as they applauded, almost everyone except Jiang Wuming wore expressions of surprise, even shock!
Although they had already deduced the significance of Grand Elder Long Shengzhe's attendance – that Jiang Wuming would become the successor to the Marshal of the Martial Department!
However, when they heard that Jiang Wuming had been promoted by skipping ranks to Deputy Legion Commander of the Eastern Region Legion with the rank of Lieutenant General, they were still astonished – the pace was too rapid!
What shocked them even more was the commendation for Qin Xiaozhi, who was not only awarded the First-Class Heroic Model but also directly promoted by skipping ranks to Deputy Staff Officer of the Eastern Region Legion with the rank of Major General.
This was completely beyond their expectations!
Even Qin Yuanzheng and Qin Xiaozhi himself were dumbfounded!
Only one person was an exception.
Jiang Wuming.
This was because the commendation decision for Qin Xiaozhi was something he had actively proposed to Qi Wufu.
Upon hearing Jiang Wuming's suggestion, Qi Wufu first communicated with Li Rui, the Staff Officer of the Martial Department Headquarters. Li Rui had a very high evaluation of Qin Xiaozhi, believing that Qin Xiaozhi possessed rare combat command abilities and could inherit his legacy in the future.
Not only Li Rui, but other members of the Martial Department Elders' Council also praised Qin Xiaozhi, considering him an outstanding commander who performed excellently in the two battles at the God of War Drug Research Institute and the East Sea Martial Academy.
Especially in the battle at the East Sea Martial Academy, when Jiang Wuming was injured and unconscious, Qin Xiaozhi bravely stepped forward, voluntarily took command, stabilized the morale of the soldiers, and made the best deployment, holding the battle until Jiang Wuming regained consciousness. He was crucial to the victory.
After a brief moment of surprise, Qin Xiaozhi glanced at Jiang Wuming. Seeing the youth's calm demeanor, he immediately understood the reason.
This filled his heart with gratitude, but he said nothing, nor did he linger his gaze on the youth's face for too long.
Brothers do not need to say thank you.
This was what Jiang Wuming had told him, and he had always remembered it.
Moreover, it was not appropriate for him to say anything to Jiang Wuming at this moment.
"Next, we invite all members of the Zhanlong squad to the stage to receive the collective First-Class Merit banner and medals."
Li Rui could clearly sense the surprise on everyone's faces, but he did not give them time to react, speaking again.
Upon hearing Li Rui's words, everyone came back to their senses. Jiang Wuming, accompanied by Qin Xiaozhi, Xing Tian, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Huangfu Weixia, ascended the rostrum and stood in a line.
A staff member of the Martial Department carried a banner and medals and approached the five individuals.
Long Shengzhe stood up and walked towards the five members of the Zhanlong squad.
According to the commendation ceremony arrangements, Long Shengzhe would present the collective First-Class Merit banner and medals to the Zhanlong squad.
Soon, Long Shengzhe arrived beside the five and presented the banner and medals to Jiang Wuming.
"Congratulations, and I hope you will continue to strive for excellence."
Then, Long Shengzhe said to Jiang Wuming with a smile, extending his hand to shake Jiang Wuming's hand.
"Thank you, Your Excellency."
Jiang Wuming thanked him and shook Long Shengzhe's hand.
Long Shengzhe smiled slightly and shook hands with Qin Xiaozhi, Xing Tian, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Huangfu Weixia in turn, before standing in a line with the five for a group photograph.
Seeing this scene, the audience below was momentarily stunned.
This was the first time Long Shengzhe had taken a photo with heroes of the Martial Department.
This honor had not even been bestowed upon Jiang Zhan in his prime!
More importantly, Jiang Wuming's achievements at this age had already far surpassed those of Jiang Zhan!
After the group photo, Long Shengzhe returned to his seat, and the five members of the Zhanlong squad descended from the rostrum.
"Next, we invite Comrades Xing Tian, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Huangfu Weixia to the stage."
Soon, Li Rui's voice sounded again.
Xing Tian, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Huangfu Weixia ascended the stage again, and Zhou Hetu and two Martial Department elders presented them with the Second-Class Heroic Model medals.
"Next, we invite Comrade Qin Xiaozhi to the stage."
After Xing Tian, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Huangfu Weixia received their medals and stepped down, Li Rui's voice rang out again.
Qin Xiaozhi stood up and walked towards the rostrum. Li Rui also stood up, and he would personally present the award to Qin Xiaozhi.
"Continue to work hard and do not let down the expectations of the organization."
Li Rui handed the First-Class Heroic Model medal to Qin Xiaozhi, expressing his high hopes.
Jiang Wuming's suggestion had played a role in Qin Xiaozhi's commendation and promotion, but the core reason for the Martial Department Elders' Council's agreement was Qin Xiaozhi's outstanding performance and demonstrated talent in combat command.
An excellent combat commander is a scarce talent in any era and any battle.
"Thank you, Your Excellency. I will continue to work hard!"
Qin Xiaozhi responded, then shook hands with Li Rui and posed for a photograph.
Seeing this, Qin Yuanzheng, seated below, had red eyes, and tears glistened within them.
Not long ago, the youth on the stage was the shame of the Qin family, a descendant he was unwilling to mention in any occasion.
However—
Today, the grandson he had once despaired of, who he had wished would be more promising, stood on the highest award stage of the Martial Department, receiving an honor that no Qin family member had ever received!
More importantly, the youth's position had soared like a rocket, surpassing his father Qin Linhai, becoming a core member of the Eastern Region Legion, and a strong contender to inherit the position of Staff Officer of the Dragon Country Martial Department Headquarters!
All of this was something Qin Yuanzheng had never dared to dream of!
Amidst the excitement and emotion, Qin Yuanzheng also noticed envious glances from his surroundings. He straightened himself up, revealing a triumphant smile – That's my Qin's grandson!
On the rostrum, Qin Xiaozhi could see his grandfather Qin Yuanzheng's reaction. This was a scene he had once longed for.
However, as his dream was realized, he appeared very calm.
He merely glanced at his grandfather Qin Yuanzheng, then turned his gaze to Jiang Wuming, to the young man who had changed his life.
I will follow you to the death, without regret.
He said to himself as he looked at the young man's smiling face.
Soon, the group photo ended. Qin Xiaozhi, holding his medal, stepped down, and Li Rui returned to his seat, speaking again:
"Next, we invite Comrade Jiang Wuming to the stage."
Swish, swish, swish...
Instantly, all eyes turned to Jiang Wuming.
Under everyone's gaze, Jiang Wuming stood up and once again ascended the rostrum.
Qi Wufu stood up simultaneously and walked to the center of the rostrum ahead of Jiang Wuming, waiting for him.
Hmm?
This detail caused a stir in the hearts of everyone present!
Long Shengzhe's eyes sparkled.
Because, from Qi Wufu's action, he saw Qi Wufu's determination!
Qi Wufu ignored the gazes of the crowd, handed the Dragon Country Medal to Jiang Wuming, and said word by word:
"Wuming, the Martial Department is proud of you!"
"Blade towards the abyss, sworn to protect!"
Jiang Wuming received the medal and responded in a deep voice.
Swish!
Upon hearing Jiang Wuming's words, Qi Wufu did not shake his hand like the others who had presented awards. Instead, he raised his right hand, clenched his fist, and placed it over his heart.
Swish!
Seeing this, Jiang Wuming returned the salute.
At this moment.
One old and one young, expressed their respect to each other with the most sacred ritual of the Martial Department.
This scene.
As it was perceived by the crowd, it was more like a transfer of legacy!