The recruits had just finished dinner, and there was still some time before bed. When they heard that their commander had summoned them, they immediately began gathering at the Training Ground. For many of them, this was their first time seeing their own commander.
The Training Ground was soon packed with people. Two thousand or so men was not a particularly large number. They formed up in a dense formation, with seventy men in each row and roughly thirty-five rows front to back. Gathered together, they occupied an area no larger than two or three classrooms. Qu Bing stood atop the Reviewing Platform, where every one of them could hear him clearly.
Qu Bing paced back and forth across the platform twice, sweeping his gaze over the recruits below. Only after everyone had quieted down and turned to look at him did he stop and shout at the top of his voice.
"I am the Shence Guard commander appointed by the Chieftain, Xie Qu Bing. From this day forward, I will live and fight alongside all of you.
"Today, the recruits of our Shence Guard have finally all arrived. You came here from the various commanderies and counties of the Han Tribe. I am honored that we can gather together and fight side by side. What's more, we are the Chieftain's personal army, the Han Tribe's imperial guard, and the ace unit among all its garrison forces. Every one of you is a member of this army."
After pausing briefly, Qu Bing shouted down at them again.
"Just now, your instructors reported to me that everyone had been discussing three matters. First, why your uniforms and armor still haven't been issued. Second, why you still haven't been assigned to any formations. Third, what exactly is inside those wooden crates delivered