Chapter Thirty-Six: Methods of Training Troops and the Creation of New-Style Furniture

Cui burst out laughing. "So our little prodigy can be absent-minded too! Did you forget what the main ingredient for perfume is? In the middle of winter, where am I supposed to find you flowers?"

Only then did Li Yi recall the matter, and with an awkward smile, he quickly changed the topic. "Second Brother, I need a favor from you tomorrow!"

It wasn't until evening that Li Yexu and Li Yesi returned, both smelling strongly of alcohol—clearly, they'd had quite a bit to drink.

"Big Brother, just say what you need, but could you please stop calling me by that title?" Li Yesi grimaced, frowning as he spoke.

"Ahem! No hurry, we can talk about that later. Tomorrow, help me invite some of your close friends over to our house. I want to host a luncheon for them at noon."

"Alright, got it. Don't worry, Big Brother!"

Li Yi nodded. "The two of you should go rest now—and try to drink less in the future, it's bad for your health."

Muttering under their breath, the two headed off to their rooms.

"Yi'er, tomorrow you plan to...?" Only after the two had left did Li Jing ask.

"Oh, it's like this: I've just arrived in Chang'an and have no friends here. You know the saying—a fence needs three stakes, and a hero needs three companions. I happen to have some free time these days, so I want to integrate myself into their circle as soon as possible."

"Yes, that's a good idea. But remember, the more friends you have, the more dangers may come your way. You must be discerning and watch people closely."

"Don't worry, Grandfather, I know what to do."

"Good. As long as you understand. Go on, tend to your business."

Li Yi nodded, bid farewell to Li Dejian and Madam Cui, and left.

Upon returning to his small courtyard, he found Chang Dong and Bingyu waiting for him inside.

"Heh, have you eaten?"

"We have," the two replied in unison.

"Why so serious? Sit down!"

"Chang Dong, how are they doing?"

"Heh, Young Master, this time you've truly stunned them. But the men I selected are not to be underestimated. Rest assured, not one will want to leave!"

"Good! Truth be told, I quite like them all—real tough men. But enduring my training won't be easy. I hope they all make it. Well, Dong, are you interested in joining the program?"

"Young Master, are you saying I can participate too?"

"Why not? You're only in your twenties, and you have a solid foundation. Unless you don't want to?"

"How could I not? Just hearing you talk about Hell Warriors gets my blood pumping! But if I join, who will be responsible for your safety?"

"Come on! At my age, you think I still need protection? Which one of you can beat me? And if I can't win, I can always run!"

"Pfft!"

"And you, girl, what are you laughing at? Are you making fun of me? Come here and let me hit you!"

"Hmph!"

"Ahem! Young Master, when do we start?"

"The day after tomorrow in the morning. I have things to do tomorrow, so you'll have a day off—think of it as your last bit of freedom before entering hell. From the day after, you'll begin three to six months of closed military training, completely cut off from the outside world. Make sure everyone settles their family affairs. Help them if there are difficulties; if they need money, let me know—I have plenty. If their families are far, write home and send money. The principle is this: I want them to have no worries at all."

Chang Dong stood up and saluted. "Please rest assured, Young Master!" Then he turned and left.

"Did I say he could leave? How rude! Wouldn't you say so, Bingyu?"

"Young Master, isn't that exactly what you taught him?"

"Ahem! Did I? You cheeky girl, talking too much. Come here and grind the ink!"

Bingyu covered her mouth, laughing, and with graceful steps, came to grind the ink for Li Yi.

Li Yi picked up his brush and fell into contemplation.

First, he sketched the blueprints for the furniture he would make tomorrow. It's always easier to work with diagrams. After half an hour, the drawings were complete, and he began pondering the matter of the special forces.

The reason Li Yi wanted these eight men was to train them into a kernel—a seed of special forces. He had discovered that the Great Tang Empire lacked both special forces and professional spies, the very tip of the spear and the eyes and ears of a nation. How could such a thing be missing? As for training methods, having served as a soldier himself, he knew them well, though he hadn't practiced in a long time and needed to think carefully. Since his transmigration, his memory had improved, especially regarding his previous life's experiences, but these things would take time to recall.

He now needed to write a basic outline for special forces training, focusing on fundamental abilities. But even this basic outline was no easy task.

"Special forces are the troops responsible for attacking the enemy's critical political, economic, and military targets, as well as carrying out other special assignments. Their individual combat skills are extraordinary, suitable for executing missions under all harsh conditions, and they often play a decisive role in war.

Training methods include: basic training, knowledge instruction, mountain training, wilderness survival, infiltration and counter-infiltration, reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, and more.

Basic training: mornings, weighted cross-country running..."

The next morning, with the sun already high, the blinding sunlight woke Li Yi, who had been up late into the night, managing to finish only part of his work. There was still much to do today.

He yawned and muttered a few lines of a calming chant like "Amitabha," got out of bed, dressed, washed up, opened the door, and shouted, "Where's Bingyu? I challenge her to a three-day, three-night duel!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Bingyu came running over, face flushed and panting. "Young... Young Master, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong with me? The question is what's wrong with you. I was just practicing my voice in the morning. Why are you so out of breath?"

"Hmph! It's because you were shouting nonsense. I thought you were having a fit and rushed over!"

"Alas, your physical condition is too poor—just a couple of steps and you’re panting. Looks like I'll have to design a training program for you as well!"

Bingyu quickly shook her head in protest.

"Protest denied! Go make me something to eat, I'm starving!"

Bingyu shot him a helpless look and went to prepare food while Li Yi took the opportunity to stretch.

Soon she returned with some porridge and pickled vegetables. Li Yi quickly washed his face and started eating. It seemed there was much to be done today.

The first bite made him frown; it was utterly tasteless. He sorely missed the food from the modern era.

"Bingyu, have you eaten?"

"Yes, I have."

"Oh." Li Yi swiftly finished everything in front of him. To a bystander, it might have looked like the food was delicious, but only he knew he simply didn't want to let it linger on his palate—it was pure torture.

"Come, accompany me to the workshop!"

A stick of incense later, Li Yi arrived at the workshop and found Lin Jiang and Tie Yan.

"Uncle Lin, good morning!"

It was Lin Jiang who answered; Tie Yan remained as silent and aloof as ever, though now, there was a hint of respect in his eyes when he looked at Li Yi. "Ah, Young Master! You're up early! I was just about to fetch the blueprints from you. Didn't expect you'd come yourself!"

"Early?" Li Yi glanced at the sun, which was already high in the sky—must be past seven or eight. "Uncle Lin, when do my two brothers usually get up?"

Lin Jiang smiled awkwardly. "Uh, that's not really for me to comment on..."

"Forget it. Bingyu, you tell me."

Bingyu replied with a deadpan face, "They usually skip breakfast."

"What do you mean? You mean... Seriously? That's a bit much! Bingyu, go wake them up now. If you can't, pour water on them. In two quarters of an hour, I want them in the parlor!"

Bingyu gave a quick acknowledgment and left once again.

"Sigh! Why is it that with my lively nature, I've ended up surrounded by such silent types—Li Zixuan the same, and Old Iron too. The Silent Three Musketeers, all around me! Damn it!" Li Yi grumbled as he pulled out the blueprints he had drawn the previous night. "Uncle Lin, Old Iron, take a look at these and see if you can understand them."

Lin Jiang and Tie Yan’s demeanor changed instantly as they took the blueprints, adopting the airs of top engineers and mechanics—clearly, they were the real deal.

Lin Jiang's diagram was the simplest, so he finished first. "Young Master, these items aren’t complicated, but what are they for?" he asked, pointing to a semi-circular object with a puzzled look.

"Uh, I can’t tell you that right now. Just make four sets according to my specifications. One thing you must remember—keep this strictly confidential. This is top secret!"

Seeing Li Yi's seriousness, Lin Jiang became nervous at once. "Don't worry, Young Master, I’ll make them myself. No one else will know."

"Good. Use only the best materials—don't scrimp. Bring them to me when they're done."

"Understood!" Lin Jiang replied, then quietly went off to work.

After he left, Tie Yan finished studying his own set of blueprints. "Young Master, where did you get these designs? Genius—absolute genius! These pieces will be a huge hit!"

Watching Tie Yan’s hands tremble and the adoration in his eyes, Li Yi felt a chill. A man in his forties, still acting like a fanboy!

Taking a step back, Li Yi said, "Never mind where I got them. Just tell me if you can make them."

Tie Yan didn't even look up, still staring at the blueprints, thumping his chest in assurance. "Absolutely! If I can't make them, I'll bring you my head!"

"What nonsense—what would I do with your head? You think you're Xingtian or something?"

Tie Yan scratched his head awkwardly. "I just wanted to show my resolve."

"Heh, no need for that. Just do your best. Oh, you'll be busy today—I’m hosting a luncheon for guests, so I need you to make a large dining table that seats twenty, plus matching chairs. They don’t need to be ornate—just functional for now. You can add the carvings after the luncheon. But you must have both ready by noon, with all workers helping out. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all, Young Master. Consider it done!"

"Ha! That's what I like to hear—very motivating. Off you go, then. I need to go check on my two wayward brothers!"