During the brief rest after dinner, while the recruits were still reeling from the shock and savoring the satisfaction of full bellies, the first lesson of military life quietly began.
The assembly whistle rang out across the camp.
On the broad parade ground, more than eight thousand people formed ranks again. Their lines were still uneven, but after a meal, much of the dazed confusion had faded from their eyes.
Qin Siyang stood on the raised platform. Beside him, Chu Baxing still looked thoroughly disgruntled as he supported Huo Dangkou.
The Wang brothers and She Haqiang stood behind them, already dressed in military uniforms.
To Wang Defa's left stood another young man, blond and blue-eyed, in a crisp officer's uniform. He looked about the same age as Qin Siyang.
"This man," Qin Siyang's voice carried clearly across the parade ground, "is Edward Strauss, Chief of Staff of the Qin Character Special Brigade! Starting today, Chief of Staff Edward will have full authority over the interpretation and enforcement of every regulation and code of conduct in this camp!"
Qin Siyang introduced Edward, the Qin Character Special Brigade's chief of staff, then had him read out the camp regulations.
"Soldiers," Edward began. His Chinese was clear and precise, carrying a faint note of authority that immediately silenced everyone present. "Today, I will teach you your first lesson-order."
As he spoke, a squad of soldiers carried heavy crates to the front of the formation and began handing out booklets with "Qin Character Special Brigade Camp Regulations Handbook" printed on their covers.
The handbook was comprehensive, covering everything from clothing and food to lodging and transportation. Qin Siyang had compiled it by adapting the Chu Character Legion's regulations handbook.
Edward continued, "The Qin Character Special Brigade Camp Regulations Handbook being distributed now is our