Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 12 9-Year-Old Captain

In the Southwest Military Region Commander's office, Lieutenant General Chen Jianfeng put down the phone, a complex expression on his face.

He had just finished a call with his former leader, Lin Weiguo. As a young staff officer who had served under Lin Weiguo, Chen Jianfeng held this founding general in deep respect. When he saw Lin Zhe's file and learned that he was Lin Weiguo's grandson, he was both surprised and relieved. That's why he didn't immediately agree to the research institute director's suggestion. No wonder that kid was so outstanding; it turns out that like father, like son.

On the phone, Lin Weiguo's voice was still loud and clear, even though he was already eighty years old: "Jianfeng, you don't need to take special care of Xiao Zhe. Let him toughen up in the army; good iron needs to be forged in the furnace."

"Comrade Lin Zhe is indeed outstanding," Chen Jianfeng reported sincerely. "Not only was his performance in actual combat excellent, but his technical report even amazed Director Li of the research institute. I think we should transfer him to a position where he can better utilize his talents..."

"No need," Lin Weiguo replied decisively. "He chose his own path. If he wants to become the strongest soldier, he has to start from the bottom. Jianfeng, do you know why I agreed to let him go to the Southwest? It's because that's the toughest and most dangerous place. Jade is not made into a gem without being carved, and soldiers are not made into talents without training."

Chen Jianfeng solemnly replied, "I understand, old commander."

"However," Lin Weiguo changed the subject, "the honors that are due should be given. My grandson, Lin Weiguo's grandson, doesn't need special treatment, but he should be rewarded for his merits. You are the military region commander, so follow the rules."

"Yes! The military region is preparing to recommend Comrade Lin Zhe for commendation. His meritorious service in the border battle is one aspect, but the value of that technical report is even greater. We are studying how to reward him."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Jianfeng fell into deep thought. His old superior was right; a promising talent like Lin Zhe needed training, not preferential treatment. However, his technical contributions certainly deserved the recognition and reward they were given.

Three days later, the military region's Party Committee held a meeting.

A dozen or so generals sat around the conference table, and a huge military insignia hung on the wall. One of the agenda items was to discuss the awarding of Lin Zhe.

Chen Jianfeng chaired the meeting: "Regarding the commendation application for Comrade Lin Zhe, deputy company commander of the reconnaissance company of the 127th Regiment, everyone has reviewed the materials. His performance in the border battles is evident to all, and a third-class merit has already been approved. The difficulty lies in how to evaluate the three technical improvement proposals he submitted?"

The chief of staff spoke first: "Commander, the value of these three proposals goes beyond the scope of our military region. Director Li has reviewed them, and if they are promoted throughout the entire army, they will directly enhance the combat effectiveness of front-line troops. According to convention, this level of technological contribution should be nominated for the All-Army Science and Technology Progress Award."

"The problem is," the political commissar interjected, "that Comrade Lin Zhe is only nineteen years old and has been in the army for less than six months. If he directly applies for a national-level award, wouldn't that... draw too much attention? It might not be a good thing for his personal development."

Everyone fell into deep thought. Indeed, if a nineteen-year-old young officer suddenly receives too much honor, it may attract unnecessary attention and criticism, and may even affect his future development.

At this moment, Li Wei spoke up. The technical major general adjusted his glasses, his tone excited: "Gentlemen, I'm a tech guy, so I'll speak frankly. Comrade Lin Zhe's proposals aren't minor tweaks; they're groundbreaking innovations! Take the thermal imager, for example—half the cost, three times the performance! What does that mean? It means we can equip every border defense company with it!"

He stood up and walked to the military map on the wall: "How many outposts are there along the border in our Southwest Military Region? If each outpost had better night vision and thermal imaging equipment, how many unnecessary casualties could be reduced? How much could reconnaissance efficiency be improved?"

The meeting room fell silent. The generals all understood the significance behind those numbers—they represented the lives of soldiers and the security of the border.

"I suggest," Li Wei turned around, his gaze firm, "that we not only commend him, but reward him handsomely! This isn't just for Lin Zhe personally, but to send a signal to the entire army: the military encourages innovation and values ​​technology! Young people with ideas should receive support and recognition!"

Chen Jianfeng nodded: "Director Li is right. But we also need to consider Comrade Lin Zhe's age and seniority. Let's compromise: meritorious service in border combat will be rewarded according to the usual standards; technical contributions will be given a special reward within our military region."

After an hour of discussion, the following resolution was reached:

I. The 127th Regiment's Reconnaissance Company was awarded a collective second-class merit (already awarded).

Second, Comrade Lin Zhe is awarded a second-class merit in recognition of his heroic performance and technological innovation contributions in the border battle.

Third, Comrade Lin Zhe is promoted to the rank of captain, exceptionally so.

IV. A special fund of 500,000 yuan is allocated for a pilot project to improve the equipment of the border defense forces, with Comrade Lin Zhe participating in the guidance.

After the resolution was formed, Chen Jianfeng specifically instructed: "Regarding Comrade Lin Zhe's technical contributions, we should not publicize them in detail for the time being. Just say that he 'made important suggestions on equipment improvement.' He is too young, and becoming too famous will attract unwanted attention."

A week later, a convoy drove into the 127th Regiment's barracks. Leading the way was the regimental commander's jeep, followed by two off-road vehicles with military license plates.

The regimental headquarters had already received the notification, and all officers and soldiers of the regiment were lined up on the training ground to wait. Regimental Commander Zhao Tiezhu stood in front of the line, his feelings complicated—he was of course proud that his regiment had produced such an outstanding soldier; but he also knew that the border defense regiment might not be able to keep such a soldier for long.

The convoy stopped. Commander Chen Jianfeng stepped out of the car, his lieutenant general's epaulettes gleaming in the sunlight. Accompanying him were several generals, including the director of the political department and Director Li Wei.

"Salute!" At Zhao Tiezhu's command, all the officers and soldiers of the regiment saluted in unison.

Chen Jianfeng returned the salute, his gaze sweeping across the ranks: "Where is Comrade Lin Zhe?"

"Reporting to the Commander! Comrade Lin Zhe is in the reconnaissance company; we have already notified him to come!" Zhao Tiezhu replied loudly.

"No need," Chen Jianfeng waved his hand. "Let's go to the reconnaissance company."

The convoy set off again, heading into the mountains. The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire regiment—the military region commander had personally visited a border defense company! This was unprecedented since the regiment's founding!

Upon receiving a phone call, Wang Dashan, the company commander of the reconnaissance company, hurriedly assembled the entire company. When the convoy entered the camp, more than eighty officers and soldiers were already lined up in neat rows.

Lin Zhe stood in the first row. He was dressed in a neat military uniform today, his posture upright as a pine tree. Although he didn't know the specifics of the matter, judging from the level of the urgent notice from the regimental headquarters, it was definitely not ordinary.

Chen Jianfeng got out of the car and immediately saw Lin Zhe. The young man stood there with a calm gaze and a restrained aura, not at all like a nineteen-year-old.

"Which one of you is Comrade Lin Zhe?" Chen Jianfeng asked, knowing the answer already.

Lin Zhe stepped forward: "Reporting, Commander! Lin Zhe, Deputy Company Commander of the Reconnaissance Company!"

Chen Jianfeng walked up to him and looked him over carefully. What a spirited young man! His brows showed both the fortitude of a soldier and the wisdom of an intellectual; no wonder he could write such a report.

"Comrade Lin Zhe," Chen Jianfeng's voice boomed, "your heroic performance in the border battle and the technical improvement plan you submitted have been commended by the Military Region Party Committee!"

The entire place was silent, with only the mountain wind howling.

The director of the political department stepped forward and unfolded the commendation order: "...In view of Comrade Lin Zhe's outstanding performance in the border defense battle and his significant contributions to military technology innovation, the Party Committee of the Southwest Military Region has decided to award Comrade Lin Zhe a second-class merit and promote him to the rank of captain!"

Thunderous applause erupted! The soldiers clapped excitedly, their eyes filled with admiration and envy as they looked at Lin Zhe. A nineteen-year-old captain was a rare sight in the entire army!

Chen Jianfeng personally pinned the Second-Class Merit Medal on Lin Zhe and then replaced his shoulder insignia with new captain's insignia. The accompanying propaganda officer from the military region recorded this moment.

After the ceremony, Chen Jianfeng spoke with Lin Zhe alone. The two sat in the company's makeshift meeting room, with two cups of tea in front of them.

"Comrade Lin Zhe, how is your grandfather's health?" Chen Jianfeng suddenly asked.

Lin Zhe was taken aback for a moment, then understood: "Thank you for your concern, Commander. Grandpa is in good health."

"Your grandfather was my former superior," Chen Jianfeng said with a smile. "I spoke with him yesterday and he told me not to give you any special treatment. But I'm here today not just because of your grandfather, but also because of your own performance—you deserve this honor."

Lin Zhe straightened his posture: "Commander, I was just doing what a soldier should do."

"No, you've gone beyond what 'should be done'," Chen Jianfeng said seriously. "Director Li gave those three technical reports extremely high marks. You're a technical genius, but you also have practical experience, which is very rare."

He paused, then said, "The military region has decided to allocate 500,000 yuan in special funds for a pilot program to improve the equipment of border troops. You will be involved in guiding this work. Do you have any thoughts?"

Lin Zhe's eyes lit up: "Commander, I think we should start with the most urgently needed equipment. For example, individual communication equipment. We can first improve the equipment of a platoon, test its effectiveness in actual patrols, and then gradually promote it."

"Good! We'll do it your way!" Chen Jianfeng nodded appreciatively. "But Lin Zhe, I need to remind you: with honor comes pressure. You're now the youngest captain in the entire military region, and many people will be watching you. Remember, stay true to yourself and keep your feet on the ground."

"Yes, Commander!"

After seeing off the military region leaders, the reconnaissance company erupted in chaos. The soldiers surrounded Lin Zhe, chattering amongst themselves:

"Deputy Company Commander, you're amazing! A captain at just nineteen!"

"A second-class merit award! We haven't had one in ten years!"

"Deputy Company Commander, it's a treat!"

Wang Dashan walked over, and the soldiers automatically made way for him. He looked at the new epaulets on Lin Zhe's shoulders, his feelings mixed—proud of his subordinate, yet also somewhat reluctant to part with him.

"Lin Zhe," Wang Dashan said, for the first time not using the title "Deputy Company Commander," "Come on, walk with me for a bit."

The two walked to the hillside beside the training field. The setting sun bathed the mountains in gold.

"Company Commander, is there something you want to say?" Lin Zhe keenly sensed Wang Dashan's emotions.

Wang Dashan lit a cigarette and took a deep drag: "Lin Zhe, I know the reconnaissance company can't keep you. With your talent and background, you're bound to go to a bigger stage sooner or later."

"Company commander, I..."

"Let me finish," Wang Dashan interrupted him. "Before you leave, I have a request: teach your skills to the brothers in the company. We border guards suffer, our equipment is poor, but our men can't be poor. Teach them as much as you can."

Lin Zhe nodded solemnly: "Company Commander, don't worry. As long as I'm still in the reconnaissance company, I will definitely lead everyone well."

"Good!" Wang Dashan patted him on the shoulder. "Starting tomorrow, you will be fully responsible for the company's training. I want you to make the reconnaissance company the best in the entire regiment within three months!"

"Mission accomplished!"

In the days that followed, Lin Zhe became even busier. In addition to daily patrols and duties, he also took on the training tasks for the entire company. He developed a scientific and systematic training plan, combining practical experience and technical knowledge, which greatly improved the training effectiveness.

Meanwhile, a pilot program for equipment upgrades was launched. With the support of the military region and research institute, the first batch of upgraded communication equipment arrived at the company. Lin Zhe personally instructed the officers and soldiers on how to use it and tested its performance during actual patrols.

One evening, while Lin Zhe was writing a training summary in his dormitory, Xiao Zhao knocked on the door and came in: "Deputy Company Commander, there's a letter for you."

It was a letter from his grandfather, Lin Weiguo. Lin Zhe opened it, and the familiar, vigorous handwriting jumped out at him:

"Xiao Zhe: I'm very pleased to hear about your outstanding performance in the army. But remember, with more stars on your epaulets comes greater responsibility. A soldier's greatest honor is not a medal, but the trust placed in him by the country and the people. Stay humble and keep striving. Yours, Grandpa."

Those few lines of text brought tears to Lin Zhe's eyes. He carefully put the letter away and continued working.

New rank, new responsibilities, a new beginning.

He is ready, taking one step at a time, and moving firmly toward the goal of becoming the "strongest soldier".

In this life, he not only wants to become an outstanding soldier, but also to lead the country's army towards a stronger future.