King of Beiyang

"Third Young Master, it's been a long time."

When Song Qing met Li Jingyuan, he did not act like he was a senior figure.

Although he was three years older than Li Hongzhang, he still considered himself Li Hongzhang's subordinate.

"Uncle Song, you're too kind to me!" Li Jingyuan said modestly.

Putting aside the difference in their official ranks, Li Jingyuan had met Song Qing when he was a child, and Song Qing could be considered Li Jingyuan's elder.

"Admiral!" Ma Yukun bowed to Li Jingyuan.

Although they were both of the second rank, Li Jingyuan was the deputy admiral of the navy, while Ma Yukun was the general.

"General Ma, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Li Jingyuan held Ma Yukun in high regard.

As Song Qing's top general, Ma Yukun fought many bloody battles against the Japanese in another timeline and severely damaged them.

These generals and troops will also be useful in future battles against the Japanese invaders.

"Uncle Song, General Ma, may I ask what brings you here today?"

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Jingyuan got straight to the point.

It's snowing heavily on the Liaodong Peninsula right now. The two of them traveled two hundred li to Pulandian, so they definitely didn't come here for fun.

"Nephew, I won't beat around the bush with you then."

Our brothers in the Yi Army are suffering! With the heavy snow, they not only lack winter clothes, but also food, let alone the meat they get every meal like the Marines.

I implore my nephew, considering we both belong to the Beiyang clique, to offer some assistance.

Song Qing spoke directly.

Li Jingyuan then realized that Song Qing had come to freeload.

However, Li Jingyuan also respected the Yi Army. Giving them some supplies wouldn't be out of the question. At least, those supplies would end up in the hands of the troops fighting the Japanese.

"Uncle Song, no problem at all. Here's what I'll do: I'll arrange it. A cargo ship will arrive in Lushun in a few days. Uncle Song, just arrange for someone to receive it then," Li Jingyuan said.

"Very well, thank you very much, my dear nephew. If you have any requests, I will answer them without hesitation."

Li Jingyuan's accommodating gesture made Song Qing feel honored.

"Uncle Song, I only have one request. That is, after spring, please have the troops intensify their training. Perhaps war will break out soon," Li Jingyuan couldn't help but remind him.

Song Qing and Ma Yukun were both taken aback, not expecting Li Jingyuan to make such a request.

However, as soldiers, once war breaks out, they must go to the battlefield to fight the enemy. This is their duty.

"Nephew, there's no need for further explanation. If war breaks out, I and my brothers will have no choice but to die on the battlefield!" Song Qing said resolutely.

Li Jingyuan was very satisfied with this answer.

Afterwards, Li Jingyuan led Song Qing and Ma Yukun to observe the training of the Marine Corps.

  

Even in the snow, fighting with bayonets and digging trenches, they persevered.

This greatly shocked Song Qing and Ma Yukun.

They could tell that the Marines were truly preparing for war!

However, the equipment of the Marine Corps, including their weapons and the thick winter uniforms worn by the soldiers, made the two of them very envious.

That evening, the lavish meals served by the Marines left the two speechless.

It's true that even ordinary soldiers can eat meat every day!

Furthermore, generals and officers ate the same food as ordinary soldiers. This practice of treating officers and soldiers equally and without discrimination deeply impressed the two men.

It's important to understand that the military has always been a highly hierarchical organization.

Subordinates must obey their superiors unconditionally.

However, it must be admitted that this way of integrating generals, officers, and soldiers can indeed enhance the cohesion of the army.

It is foreseeable that when this army goes to the battlefield in the future, it will be able to unite as one and thus unleash greater combat power.

The next morning, Song Qing and Ma Yukun left the Marine Corps and embarked on their journey home.

"Admiral, the Third Young Master's approach is truly eye-opening! Perhaps, before long, the Marine Corps will be the most capable fighting force in the entire Qing Dynasty," Ma Yukun remarked.

Song Qing nodded: "Yes! It's a pity that this approach can't be learned. No one else can learn it either. Relying solely on that meager military pay would bankrupt us, let alone anything else."

"Admiral, the Third Young Master said there's going to be a war. Is that true?" Ma Yukun asked.

Song Qing's expression turned serious: "I don't know if it's true or not. However, it's always good to be prepared. After spring begins, the entire Yi Army will intensify its training for me!"

"Yes, Admiral." Ma Yukun nodded heavily.

As a general of the rank of commander-in-chief, he was naturally well aware of how cruel war could be.

If we can strengthen training, we can improve the combat effectiveness of the troops.

In this way, perhaps more people could survive the war.

"By the way, Admiral. The Third Young Master must be over twenty years old by now. I heard that he is still unmarried. My youngest daughter is sixteen years old and is incredibly beautiful..." Ma Yukun suddenly said.

"Get lost! Your daughter is big and burly, with fingers thicker than radishes. Do you think the Third Young Master would even look at her?"

You think you can become in-laws with the Grand Secretary? That's just wishful thinking.

My little granddaughter, though only fifteen, would be even more suitable!

Song Qing began to ponder.

"Admiral, so what if you're big and burly? That means you're strong and capable of working! Even on the battlefield, you can kill the enemy. Besides, your granddaughter isn't much better than my daughter!" Ma Yukun muttered.

"Get the hell out of here!" Song Qing roared in fury.

Song Qing and Ma Yukun returned to Lushun, and sure enough, just three days later, a cargo ship docked in Lushun.

On the Yi Zi Army's side, they received hundreds of tons of grain, fuel, winter clothing, and frozen beef, mutton, and pork from the cargo ship.

Although a large portion of them consisted of offal such as heads, internal organs, and limbs.

But for soldiers of this era, having anything to eat was already a blessing.

Even offal is a rare treat!

Now, Yi Zijun can finally have a good New Year.

Song Qing and Ma Yukun did not forget their promise.

After spring arrived and the weather warmed up, the entire Yi Army intensified its training under Song Qing's orders.

Furthermore, the Yi-character Army, like other units, originally had a number of vacancies.

However, seemingly considering the approaching war, Song Qing and Ma Yukun also tried their best to replenish the troops to full strength.

Li Jingyuan was also very satisfied with the performance of the Yi-character army.

Therefore, they would occasionally send them supplies and even equipment. Over time, the ties between the two armies became even closer.

And the Yi-character army will be able to unleash even more formidable combat power on future battlefields.