After discussing the troublesome issue with Chiang Qing, Qi Taiguo couldnāt help but feel a bit of a headache when he thought of Ning Gang and the othersā intentions.
"Is there anything else?" Cheng Su asked when she saw him like this.
Qi Taiguo explained Ning Gangās idea: "... That kid, as you said, is a typical Crown Prince. If we let him come over here for practical training, if itās too demanding, you know, sigh."
Cheng Su was taken aback. This was tantamount to sending a kid from a prestigious family to intern in the military camp.
Usually, in ancient times, this would mean doing something symbolic, earning a few military merits, and then switching to some other position.
But now, entering a military academy is already considered being a soldier. Relying on their education and such, graduates become officers at either the platoon or company level.
Compared to those who joined the army as youngsters, going through arduous trials to earn a rank, these graduates achieve several grades higher.
So, no wonder Qi Taiguo had a headache. When the person comes over, heās at least going to be a platoon leader or company leader. Itās hard to know how strict one should be.
Moreover, such a kid from a prestigious family is proud and haughty, making them harder to serve.
"Since Old Master Ning and the others said so, just treat him like a new recruit who has just enlisted and donāt know their background. Train him the same way!" Cheng Su said, "A jade unpolished cannot be a vessel. I guess Old Master Ning and the others mean for you to temper his sharpness. Sometimes, the students in military school really donāt know how high the sky is. They have never really seen the cruelty of war and will always only know it from books or othersā mouths, thinking itās no big deal!"
Qi Taiguo nodded.
"So, just do what needs to be done, with clear rewards and punishments and equal treatment for all. Thatās the demeanor you should have as a deputy battalion commander. Gaining respect might be easy, but gaining heartfelt obedience is tough," Cheng Su said.
"When I was a new recruit, I also encountered such people. Some of those āRed Third Generationā were indeed proud and haughty, and we rural ones really had to grit our teeth!" Qi Taiguo sighed. "I never thought thereād be a day when Iād have to train a āMilitary Third Generation.ā
"The world changes, the more you experience, the more youāll encounter in the future. Keep it up!" Cheng Su patted his shoulder.
Just then, the phone rang, and Qi Taiguo said, "You start eating; Iāll get it!"
"Hmm!"
Cheng Su picked up a bun and took a bite, then sipped some porridge and asked, "Who is it?"
Qi Taiguo was somewhat surprised and spoke into the receiver, "Yes, I am Susuās husband, Old Master Cheng. Hello, thank you for taking care of Susu in Guangcheng!"
Hearing this, Cheng Su was stunned, put down the bun, and looked over.
Qi Taiguo nodded slightly, responded to the words in the receiver, and pointed to the bun, indicating she should eat more.
Cheng Su then quickly ate a few bites and moved to his side, mouthing to ask what was being said.
"Susu is here too. Why donāt I let her speak with you?" Qi Taiguo said, and with the other sideās permission, he handed the phone to Cheng Su.
Cheng Su took it and said, "Hello, Old Master, why are you calling so early? Is there something up?"
She was a bit puzzled; this was the first time he called home!
"Xiao Su, I have a request and want to ask you and Taiguo a favor," Old Master Cheng said.
Cheng Su quickly replied, "Do tell. If thereās anything we can help with, we certainly will do our utmost."
"Itās nothing much; itās just that our family member, Jia Sheng, is graduating from the military academy this year. I have discussed with your Big Brother Cheng and Second Brother, intending to send him to the local area to temper his character and physique. Qing City is a good place..."
Hearing this, Cheng Su was slightly surprised, opened her mouth wide, and looked at Qi Taiguo. Two at once!