Sweep Yuan

Chapter 38 In chaotic times, one has no choice but to act.

After humans developed military organizations, the concept of military uniforms gradually emerged.

Only when the army wears uniforms of the same style can it formally break away from the category of "military personnel".

The reason for this is not only that uniform military uniforms have a military aesthetic appeal, but also that uniform clothing and insignia can help officers and soldiers better establish a sense of teamwork, which is conducive to organization and command.

Wen Sijiu had been sent back to Xuzhou these past few days and was unaware of the matter of tailoring military uniforms, but he was deeply attracted to the new uniforms the moment he saw them.

"This one, huh? This one looks pretty energetic too."

It's no wonder Wen Sijiu was blind; these three robes all shared the same design concept and were very similar in style, with hems reaching the knees and cuffs that were gathered. The only differences were between open-front and straight-cut robes, and between round and pointed collars.

Regardless of the outfit, paired with black cloth trousers and boots, it makes the soldiers look very smart.

Moreover, the design of these three sets of clothing fully considers the needs of combat. For example, the robes are decorated with "wind-venting" embellishments under the armpits, which are modeled after the "arrow robes" of the Jianghuai region, so that they will not tear when riding a horse and shooting arrows.

In comparison, the simple style and uniform color of the Yuan army's braided robes were far inferior, and the "uniforms" of the Xuzhou Red Turban Army, which even lacked a unified red turban on their heads, were even less worthy of respect.

If the two armies were to recruit soldiers together, there would be no doubt that Shishan's troops would be more attractive to the unsuspecting civilians.

"Don't just stand there. Come on, demonstrate some movements like wielding a spear, slashing with a knife, drawing a bow, crouching, mounting a horse, and leaping, just like fighting the enemy on the battlefield. Make the movements big, and don't worry about tearing your new clothes."

Following Shishan's instructions, the three soldiers performed the corresponding actions one by one.

They all look pretty much the same when they're still, but once they move, you can see the difference in quality between the three outfits.

The military uniform that Wen Sijiu took a liking to at first sight was too tight around the waist and back. Although it made him look tall and straight, it made it difficult to move freely. Small movements such as standing and walking were not a problem, but they would be affected when fighting desperately.

In ordinary times, this small problem is not a big deal, but in the critical moment of fighting the enemy on the battlefield, the movements that could be done properly are deformed because the uniform is too tight, which can be fatal!
Wen Sijiu quickly understood this point, and his old face became somewhat embarrassed.

"Uh, it was our oversight."

Seeing that Shishan was distracted, he stopped pressuring him.

"That's the only bad thing about Lao Wen, he's too formal! Alright, get back to your business."

Wen Sijiu left the government office with his mind preoccupied, only to realize that he hadn't asked Shishan whether he had considered the feelings of Marshal Li, General Zhao, and others in the city, given that these military uniforms were so different from those of the Red Turban Army in Xuzhou.

But their organization is completely different from that of the Xuzhou Red Turban Army, so what's wrong with unifying the style of their uniforms?
Immediately, Wen Sijiu thought of the twenty bolts of red cloth among the gifts sent to Xuzhou, and thought to himself that Shishan must have thought of this long ago. Even if he met Marshal Li, he would definitely have a way to deal with it. He suddenly felt a little bored.

"Fine, it won't be long before we send troops to Suzhou. Let him explain to General Zhao himself then."

Not long after Wen Sijiu left, Shishan finalized the design of the new military uniform and instructed Chen Cheng:

"Using this design as a model, the infantry will use a straight hem for easy sewing, while the cavalry will use a double-breasted hem to avoid affecting riding. Other parts will not be changed too much."

Furthermore, the sewing of garment parts such as the front, sleeves, buttons, and belts was done separately whenever possible. Each person was responsible for only one part, which greatly reduced working time and allowed women and children who were not skilled at sewing to participate in the simpler tasks.

Chen Cheng agreed to each request, then took out a small booklet from his pocket and handed it to Shi Shan. "I have compiled the soldiers' physical measurements. Please take a look, sir."

Shishan took the booklet and carefully flipped through it.

In addition to recording the specific data of each soldier, such as height, shoulder width, arm length, waist circumference, leg length, and foot length, the book also summarizes three types and three sizes of nine universal clothing sizes, and makes special notes for those with unusual physiques.

"Very good! Old Chen is reliable. The soldiers will definitely be able to wear well-fitting and smart military uniforms."

During this reorganization, Chen Cheng "voluntarily" withdrew from the combat ranks. Shi Shan reciprocated by promoting two members of the Chen family to squad leaders, which brought the two closer together, resulting in them addressing each other more casually.

"It's all thanks to the deputy commander's guidance; how dare I take credit for it?"

Shishan seemed satisfied with Chen Cheng's statement, nodded, and added:
"We cannot linger at Chulan Station. The troops may have to set off at any time. We must hurry up with the cutting of military uniforms, and we must also keep up with the forging of weapons, weaving of tents, and repair of carts. Although you are no longer leading troops, your new mission is even more important."

Chen Cheng understood the earnest expectation in Shi Shan's words, and quickly stood up, bowed, and said:

"Your subordinate would never dare to fail the trust placed in you by the Deputy Commander!"

Shi Shan stepped forward, put his arm around Chen Cheng's shoulder, and patted him gently to show his trust.

"Okay, do a good job!"

Chen Cheng took his leave with the three "models," and Shi Shan insisted on seeing them to the gate before strolling back to the official hall.

Don't be fooled by how casually he spoke to Wen Sijiu; the reorganization of the troops involves the adjustment of interests, and it's not that easy.

He barely managed to achieve this by leveraging the prestige of his recent victory, the generous rewards offered to those at the bottom, the terrifying deterrent of the soldiers' bloody revenge, Chen Cheng's "voluntary" withdrawal, and various overt and covert exchanges of benefits.

The scheming and sordidness involved are beyond human comprehension, but if one wants to gain a foothold in chaotic times and achieve something great, one cannot be morally fastidious. This step must be taken, and it must be taken as soon as possible.

The reorganization and re-equipment were also an essential part of Shishan's military plan.

—In order to create a private army that can be mobilized at any time in a very short period of time, it is necessary to imprint this army with a profound mark that is different from other Red Turban armies in every aspect, from organization to clothing.

The actual results are also very good.

After eight days of training, all the bright red battle robes tailored for the soldiers were completed. After changing into their new uniforms, the team looked completely different.

Wearing the new uniforms that are uniform in style, well-tailored, and eye-catching in color, the soldiers are not only more passionate on the training field, but they also walk with a straighter back.

If given a month or two, Shi Shan was confident he could transform the team. Even if they weren't yet elite enough to fight tough battles, they would at least be able to obey orders and no longer be a rabble that relied on sheer numbers to embolden themselves.

Unfortunately, the chaos had already begun, and everyone was caught in the middle. On the third day after the troops changed into their new uniforms, Sesame Li's latest orders arrived from Xuzhou:
He ordered Shishan to lead his troops westward, to be under the command of Generals Peng and Zhao, and to join the main army in attacking Suzhou.

(End of this chapter)