Chapter 13: The Tale of the Yue Kingdom!

The sunlight by the window gradually brightened, yet the recruits buried under their neatly folded blankets remained oblivious.

Chu An had spent at least ten minutes folding his blanket. But even after finishing, he didn’t stop.

Earlier, some of the fastest recruits had reported within three or four minutes, proudly calling Sergeant Wang over, only to be harshly criticized. Chu An felt his own blanket still fell short compared to the one Wang had just folded, so calling Wang over would surely earn him a scolding as well.

Since that was the case, he chose to keep refining it.

Even though he felt his blanket could no longer be improved at the moment.

Naturally, Chu An was not alone in this predicament.

After several recruits were criticized one after another, no one dared to report that their blanket was ready. Everyone was meticulously perfecting their initial folds.

Fortunately, this state of affairs didn’t last long.

“Beep! Beep!” suddenly came the whistle outside, signaling that the blanket folding session was temporarily over and that the famished recruits could finally eat.

Breakfast was simple: millet porridge with a bowl of hot and sour shredded potatoes.

As usual, Chu An downed two large bowls of millet porridge.

After finishing and returning to the dormitory, Platoon Sergeant Ma arrived and proceeded to inspect and comment on the blankets everyone had folded before the meal.

Unquestionably, Sergeant Wang’s blanket—standing behind Chu An without finding any fault this time—received praise.

Though it was just a brief commendation, considering there were still many flaws.

But that was enough to make others envious.

When he finished, Sergeant Wang brought in a thermos full of hot water.

This was for steaming the blankets.

Each recruit, perched on the edge of their seats, held an enamel cup half-filled with hot water, diligently working on their blankets.

“Be more careful, don’t keep steaming the same spot over and over. Also, don’t forget the edges and corners!”

“Watch out not to spill water on your blankets. Be careful, everyone!”

...

Sergeant Wang stood inside the dormitory, directing and pointing at everyone, while Platoon Sergeant Ma was nowhere to be seen.

Of course, it made no difference whether he was there or not.

“Stop!”

Suddenly, Sergeant Wang called out behind Chu An.

Chu An immediately stopped and turned around.

His blanket had just been steamed and he was about to start folding again.

He thought Wang was about to point out some flaw in his work.

But...

“Everyone, come here and have a look at how Chu An folds his blanket. Chu An, keep going!”

“Oh! Yes!”

Chu An was a little taken aback, then turned back.

So, it was to have everyone learn from him.

That was perfectly fine.

In fact, it even ignited a spark within Chu An.

By now, Chu An had come to understand.

Since joining the army was unavoidable, he was determined to be a good soldier, a standout soldier.

He thought simply: as a private, he had no rights; others would command as they pleased, making survival on the battlefield precarious.

To come back alive, his as-yet unproven ability to foresee events was not enough.

He needed to perform well, so that when war came, he could become a squad leader or at least a deputy, gaining some degree of knowledge and influence. This would give him more control over his fate than a mere private.

Therefore, he must show his best now.

Moreover, putting it more simply: with such an appetite, if he didn’t perform well, why should the unit take care of him every day?

With these thoughts, Chu An folded more meticulously, the image of Sergeant Wang folding blankets that morning vividly replaying in his mind.

He carefully followed that example.

He folded slowly, as if the blanket was uncooperative. Despite his efforts pressing it down and steaming it with hot water, the blanket still felt a bit puffy.

The fabric at the corners didn’t fold obediently either. No matter how many times he pressed and pinched it, it gradually rounded out.

But that was inevitable.

Chu An had observed that Sergeant Wang’s blanket was an old one, which probably explained its better compliance.

Regardless, he was now giving his utmost to make his own blanket the best it could be.

Ten minutes passed in a flash, with the other recruits and Sergeant Wang silently watching.

Finally...

“Good, very good!”

Sergeant Wang spoke as Chu An was still carefully tucking in the corners.

He looked at the surrounding recruits and pointed to Chu An’s blanket, shaped like a neat tofu block.

“You’ve all seen how Chu An folded his blanket, right? Now go back and work hard. Make Chu An your goal and model yourselves after Comrade Chu An, understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

The recruits responded in unison.

After addressing them, Sergeant Wang looked back at Chu An.

“Chu An, don’t touch your blanket anymore. Leave it here as a benchmark for everyone. As for you, take a break for now. If any other recruits need help, guide them.”

“Yes, sir!”

Chu An stood up and saluted.

Feeling recognized, he finally exhaled, relieved to have proven himself beyond his academic background.

He thought, when he went to the mess hall this time, they certainly wouldn’t say anything about his appetite.

With this in mind, Chu An threw himself into a new task: instructing other recruits on folding blankets.

The morning slipped by quietly. Apart from reporting when going to the restroom, the recruits spent the rest of their time folding blankets.

After lunch and during the noon break, Platoon Sergeant Ma returned.

He began telling stories—amusing anecdotes about camp life and daily work.

However, mid-story, Sergeant Wang suddenly asked, “Platoon Sergeant, these new recruits have just arrived, but they’ll be serving here with us. Could you tell them about our situation with the Yue country?”

“Old Wang!”

Platoon Sergeant Ma’s previously relaxed expression turned serious as he glared at Sergeant Wang.

“Heh... platoon sergeant, I’m just asking! Just asking!” Sergeant Wang looked sheepish.

Chu An, sitting cross-legged, watched them closely and sensed their expressions were a bit disingenuous.

“That won’t do!” Platoon Sergeant Ma looked seriously around at the recruits’ faces, then back at Sergeant Wang. “They’ve just arrived—what if we scare them? If they cry to go home, will you take responsibility?”

At that, Chu An inwardly sighed.

Such clumsy acting!

But...

“Platoon Sergeant, what’s the matter? I joined the army to serve my country and fight. Sacrificing for the nation is my honor. I fear nothing!”

“Yes, Platoon Sergeant! Nothing scares me, and I certainly won’t cry to go home. Please tell us about our dealings with Yue!”

“Exactly! Platoon Sergeant, please tell us!”

The young recruits were fired up.

Though Ma and Wang’s acting was poor, their innocence was undeniable.

Chu An was speechless but had no choice but to join in, declaring he wasn’t afraid and encouraging the platoon sergeant to speak.

“Well...” Platoon Sergeant Ma hesitated, then cast a sharp glance at Sergeant Wang. “Look what you’ve caused!”

Then he faced the recruits, who sat cross-legged on the floor.

“Since none of you are afraid and want to hear, I’ll tell you then!”

...