Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 942 Expansion of the Legion and Appointment of Positions!

After everyone calmed down a bit, Gao Yao began to elaborate on a more detailed organizational blueprint, demonstrating his profound understanding of modern military organizational structure: "Each group army is more than just a collection of numbers. It has four infantry divisions under its command, each with a designated strength of 18,000 men, serving as the group army's core striking force. In addition, there will be a cavalry division with a strength of 20,000 men to ensure our army maintains an absolute advantage in field battles, raids, and flanking assaults.

In addition, six dedicated infrastructure regiments, each comprising 2,000 men, were established to build roads, bridges, and fortifications, ensuring the movement and deployment of the army. The remainder comprised support forces such as personal guards, engineers, logistics, transportation, and medical assistance, totaling approximately 20,000 men. This configuration was designed to equip each group army with the comprehensive capabilities to conduct independent operations, sustain offensive operations, and maintain long-term defenses, transforming it into a self-sufficient strategic unit.

The strategy had been decided, and the next step was to find the people to execute it. Gao Yao's gaze shifted to Han Xin, the great general known as the "Military Genius." "Han Xin!" he called out his name.

Han Xin, immersed in contemplation of the new military system, was startled by the voice. He then quickly stepped out of line, approached the imperial steps, and knelt solemnly. "Your Majesty, I am here! Please give your orders!" Despite his outward respect, a sense of foreboding arose within him. He excelled at strategic planning and winning battles from afar. The tedious tasks of recruiting troops, organizing, and managing the troops were not his forte.

Gao Yao's gaze was penetrating, as if he could see through Han Xin's thoughts. "The implementation of the new military system prioritizes manpower. Recruiting, selecting, and initially training soldiers will be spearheaded by you, the great general, and will be implemented in consultation with the Ministry of War. I only need to focus on the outcome—a fully staffed, well-trained, and highly motivated new army of 500,000. As for the difficulties involved and the allocation of resources, those are issues you will resolve and coordinate."

Gao Yao's tone became more serious, with unquestionable majesty. "Don't think that being a general means all you have to do is stare at the map, plot strategies, and charge into battle. A general, especially one commanding the entire nation's troops, must know where the troops come from, how to rally them, and how to protect them. If you don't understand this, you're like water without a source, a tree without roots. Do you understand?"

"This..." Han Xin groaned inwardly upon hearing this. He had truly never imagined that he would one day personally oversee such a large-scale conscription operation. This was far more than simply posting notices and recruiting able-bodied men. After more than a year of continuous campaigning, while the original 300,000 Southern Border troops had not been destroyed by more than half, the combined losses from deaths in battle, retirements due to injuries, and veterans eager to retire from the military had made the number of casualties considerable.

Gao Yao's requirements necessitated a net increase of 300,000 high-quality troops within a short period of time! Furthermore, the specialized branches emphasized in the new organization, such as infrastructure, engineering, and logistics, required young and strong men with specific skills, and recruiting and training them was even more challenging than for ordinary infantry. This task was no less arduous than the comprehensive land reform and tax law overhaul Cao Shen was implementing, a massive undertaking with far-reaching implications affecting the entire nation.

However, the king's order had been given, so how could it be questioned? Han Xin knew this was a crucial test from Gao Yao. He took a deep breath, suppressed his chaotic thoughts, and replied in a deep voice, "Yes! I obey your command!"

There was a subtle hint of bitterness in his voice, but more of a determination to accept the challenge. He understood that Gao Yao's move was intended to force him to step out of his comfort zone as a purely military commander and truly stand at the national strategic level, understanding and controlling the entire military machine from construction to operation. This was the necessary experience to become a true general capable of coordinating the overall situation.

After arranging the most difficult issue of manpower, Gao Yao began to announce the appointment of the chief officers of each army group. This was not only a reward based on merit, but also an exquisite balance and layout of power.

"The commanders and deputy commanders of the four group armies will enter the hall in order to receive their titles. For the rest of the officers at all levels, the Ministry of War will work with the General's Office to draw up a list of promotions based on their military achievements and qualifications and submit it to the emperor." Gao Yao unfolded a scroll and read aloud in a clear voice:

"The commander of the First Group Army has been changed to Chen Zhao. The deputy commander will be Duan Wei, the former deputy general of the First Corps."

This appointment was significant. While perhaps not as renowned as Han Xin and Ying Bu, Chen Zhao was a steady general capable of shouldering important responsibilities at crucial moments. When Lü Gong plotted a rebellion, aiming to capture Nanhai County through internal and external collaboration, it was Chen Zhao who stepped in to defend the city, buying valuable time for Gao Yao to return and quell the rebellion.

For many years thereafter, he continued to hone his skills in important positions, his loyalty and ability having withstood the test. His appointment as commander of the First Army, once commanded directly by Han Xin and considered the army's ace, ensured the continued combat effectiveness of this elite force while preventing it from being overly stigmatized by Han Xin's personal influence, thus preventing the emergence of a "Han Family Army" and contributing to the nation's long-term stability. The transfer of Han Xin's former deputy general, Duan Wei, to commander of the Second Army, served as both a reward and a balance.

"The Second Army will be commanded by Duan Wei. The acting deputy commander will be Zhang Han."

Duan Wei, a former subordinate of Cao Shen and a long-time lieutenant, had accumulated military achievements and sufficient experience, making his promotion to the rank of commander-in-chief reasonable and logical. Zhang Han, a renowned Qin general who had surrendered, was undoubtedly a capable military commander, but his service had been brief and his achievements undefeated, making a direct appointment to a high position difficult to convince the public.

Giving Zhang Han the temporary position of deputy commander was both an opportunity for him to demonstrate his talents and integrate into the new system, and a form of observation and testing. If he served diligently, he could be promoted to full commander or even take on a full-time position in the future; if he harbored dissenting opinions, this was manageable.

"The Third Army, Commander Ying Bu. Deputy Commander Wu Ji."

Ying Bu was a valiant warrior with distinguished military achievements, but he possessed a rebellious temperament and was not directly from Gao Yao's lineage, requiring a check. Deputy Commander Wu Ji had long served as Gao Yao's personal guard commander, loyal to him since his humble beginnings. After Erniu's departure, Wu Ji assumed responsibility for the personal guards, earning Gao Yao's deep trust. His placement alongside Ying Bu had clear implications: first, Wu Ji would be able to learn practical combat command from a renowned general like Ying Bu, rapidly developing his skills; second, his role as a highly skilled "eyes and ears" would effectively intimidate Ying Bu, forcing him to exercise greater caution in his actions and ensuring the Third Army remained loyal to the throne.

At the same time, Gao Yao specially conferred a title on Ying Bu: "Ying Bu is conferred the title of Cabinet Assistant, with the right to participate in discussions!" This is not only a high honor, bringing him into the core decision-making circle, but also a higher level of winning over and control.

"The Fourth Army, Commander: Gao Erniu. Deputy Commander: Lü Ming."