The Spirit Ginseng Pills given by County Magistrate Zheng were ordinary items, not special items with game prompts.
Zhou Yuan couldn't determine the specific effects of these Spirit Ginseng Pills, but he thought a magistrate wouldn't deceive a rural youth like him.
In any case, he had spent the money, and he did so in front of the bailiffs.
This not only reduced a lot of trivial matters but also balanced the wealth gap within the bailiff group.
"Shi Tou, why did you spend all your money? I'm telling you, it's better to save it.
When you have more money, you can find a wife and continue the Zhou family line."
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. Didn't you just get a hundred and ten coins? Lend me some."
"I can't lend it. Anything else is fine, but I need to save money for my kid's marriage."
Luckily, Zhou Yuan had no money left; otherwise, there would always be a few people trying to take advantage of him, which would be annoying.
Now, it's his turn to trouble others. After some effort, although he didn't borrow much money, he did gain some benefits.
A few bailiffs, admiring his bravery and having gained two hundred coins themselves, would bring him some good food to satisfy his cravings whenever they passed through towns.
As a result, even though the journey ahead was still arduous, it was much better than when they first left their hometown.
When the group finally reached the military fortress on the outskirts of Jingan City after much toil, the hundred or so bailiffs surprisingly hadn't lost much weight, and at least their spirits seemed fine.
"Folks, it's time to part ways after accompanying you for so long. Once we finish our task today, we'll head back.
Live well in this camp, endure what you must, the three-year auxiliary soldier period will pass quickly, and we'll come to take you back home then."
"Young master, you're different from them. You're likely to join the regular soldiers. Don't endure anything you don't have to.
While you're young and full of vigor, make a name for yourself so you can establish a long-term position in this camp."
Perhaps it was because they were in a foreign land, or maybe because they had shared hardships together, but the bailiffs' sense of camaraderie suddenly emerged, and they sincerely offered advice, hoping their fellow villagers wouldn't perish in a foreign land.
"Don't worry, chief. We're all honest farmers with wives and children waiting at home. We won't cause trouble."
The villagers expressed their intentions positively, stating their honest nature, while Zhou Yuan gripped the broken iron spear in his hand and nodded towards the direction of the military camp.
A group without ambition can endure, but one with ambition must be ruthless.
Since ancient times, the paths of literature and martial arts have been the upward channels in human society. Since the literary path was not feasible, he could only establish himself through martial prowess.
"Let's go, folks. Let us accompany you one last time."
Led by the bailiffs, the bailiffs lined up in front of the fortress gate, waiting for the Jingan Military Officer's inspection.
The robust military officer walked around the crowd, frowning and looking displeased, seemingly dissatisfied with the quality of the bailiffs this time.
Two leading bailiffs hurriedly stepped forward to explain in hushed tones, occasionally pointing in Zhou Yuan's direction.
"If what you say is true, I'll accept these people."
"How dare we deceive the general? The general will know upon inspection."
Surrounded by a dozen personal guards, the Jingan Military Officer, guided by the bailiffs, came before Zhou Yuan.
"I've heard you're a brave man, daring to fight a bear. Show me the certified document from the county."
"Yes."
The bailiffs had previously instructed that in the military, orders are acknowledged with 'Yes,' and if the general asks questions, one should acknowledge the order before acting.
The Jingan Military Officer took the document from Zhou Yuan, glanced at the Leji County seal, and finally nodded in satisfaction.
"Do you dare to join the Wuwei Camp and become a regular soldier?"
"I will follow the general's orders."
"Good, truly a fine young man. You have a clean background, are young and strong, and possess courage and determination. I'll recommend you to join A-Camp to train in strong bows and weapons.
A-Camp soldiers only train and fight, not engaging in miscellaneous tasks. You'll be assigned two auxiliary soldiers to assist you with armor and equipment and take care of your daily needs.
Choose two reliable ones from your fellow villagers. Assistants are more important than auxiliaries, with provisions for clothing, food, and money, benefiting friends and relatives."
"Thank you, Officer Ma, for your support."
"That's incorrect. In the camp, military officers have their own roles, and there's no distinction of size. I oversee the selection and training of soldiers, hence I'm the Vanguard Adjutant.
I come from the Qingxi Ma Clan, so you can also call me Officer Ma. Remember, the military is strict, and you must not address military ranks improperly."
"Zhou Yuan understands, thank you for the guidance, Officer Ma."
Having gained a warrior willing to fight, Officer Ma was in a great mood. He took the Vanguard Adjutant's seal from his personal guard and stamped the bailiffs' military service documents.
"I'll take these soldiers. Return early to report."
The bailiffs repeatedly cupped their hands in salute, watching the bailiffs enter the city before turning to leave.
The Jingan Army's management was very strict. As soon as Zhou Yuan entered the city, he was led by soldiers to the east of the city, while the bailiffs were divided into two teams and taken to the north of the city. Get faster updates on novelping.com.
He chose Li Dazhuang and Zhao Tieniu, two fellow villagers, as his assistants.
He didn't choose Big Huang Uncle because he was too old to handle the task of carrying armor and equipment.
"Good man, this is our Jingan Army's Wuwei Camp. We train for three days and rest for one. During leisure time, you can change into regular clothes and visit Jingan City.
But since you're a new recruit, the instructors keep a close watch, so it's best not to go out without reason."
The soldier leading the way said a few words, then went to the A-Camp soldiers, and after the handover, Zhou Yuan officially entered the city fortress.
Upon entering the fortress, Zhou Yuan felt one word: wealth.
In the camp, a team of soldiers was undergoing armor training, all clad in fine iron armor, steadily advancing with weapons in hand.
Surrounding them were auxiliary soldiers, some holding water bags and towels, others holding weapons. When the armored soldiers stopped, they entered in formation to provide water, wipe sweat, and change weapons.
Seeing this scene, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but wonder.
This treatment, this configuration, this level of training, is this what a county's military camp should look like? The martial virtue of Great Wei seems a bit too abundant.
"Incredible, isn't it? If you can stay, you'll gradually get used to it.
Stop looking, follow me to the dormitory. Later, when it's time to eat, go to the West Hall for your meal, and your assistants will eat at the East Hall.
A-Camp soldiers wear red, assistants wear black. Don't mix them up, don't switch them, or military law won't forgive you."
"Why are meals separated? We're all in the same camp, eating in different places, won't it breed resentment?"
"What resentment? If you want to eat better, become an A-Camp soldier yourself. Our camp doesn't prohibit assistants from becoming A-Camp soldiers.
A-Camp soldiers train hard, without meat and medicinal supplements, they'd urinate blood. If they suffer from exhaustion and injuries, how can they fight on the battlefield?
You're still young, it's the time to build your body, make sure to eat and train more, so you won't be sent back."
Upon reaching the dormitory, Zhou Yuan discovered that the treatment for A-Camp soldiers was indeed excellent.
The spacious room had four large beds, four sets of bunk beds, wooden cabinets, armor racks, desks, and chairs, all complete.
"Hurry up and settle your belongings, then follow me to the Military Supply Office to report.
Armor won't be issued initially, but you can receive a bow and arrow, a steel knife, and a long spear."
"Brother, I have a question. Is our Jingan Army very wealthy?"
"Hmm? Why do you say that? To the children of noble families, it's humble; to the children of good families, it's precious."