The atmosphere in the camp was tense. Although the days of training had brought some order, Xu Anping was not unaware of the problems brewing beneath the surface. He knew that discipline was fragile in a newly formed army, especially when men accustomed to the freedom of village life or the abuse of power found themselves under the pressure of a new structure. In the first few days, some soldiers had not paid enough attention in the literacy classes. Others, officers entrusted with leadership, began to abuse their power, forming cliques within the army. Rumors spread of recruits being forced to pay bribes, of officers arriving late to training and ignoring the rules Xu Anping had worked so hard to establish.
The news reached him through Wang Jian, one of the few who truly understood the broader vision Xu Anping had for the army. Wang Jian had witnessed one of the most egregious incidents: an officer who, taking advantage of his rank, was demanding money from new recruits and threatening punishment if they did not comply. Xu Anping was not the type of leader to tolerate corruption. He knew that small problems could grow into a plague that would destroy his army from within. If he allowed these actions to go unpunished, he would lose not only control over his men but also their respect. And without respect, no army would survive on the battlefield.
One morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, Xu Anping summoned Wang Jian to his tent. The cold morning wind blew through the camp, but inside the tent, it was warm and quiet. Xu Anping sat with a serious expression, reviewing a report from his officers. When Wang Jian entered, his leader slowly looked up.
"Is it true what you told me about Officer Lin Tao?" Xu Anping asked bluntly.
Wang Jian nodded firmly, without hesitation.
"Yes, it is. He has been demanding bribes from the younger recruits and threatening them with punishment if they don't pay. He also arrives late to training and uses his rank to avoid the hardest tasks."
Xu Anping set the report aside and stood up, his expression hardening.
"This cannot continue. If I allow it, it will be the downfall of everything we've built so far."
He knew he had to act swiftly and decisively. A verbal warning would not suffice. He needed to send a clear message to all the soldiers and officers: corruption and disobedience would not be tolerated. An exemplary punishment was necessary, one that would serve as a lesson and reinforce the authority he was trying to establish.
Moments later, Xu Anping summoned a group of trusted soldiers, including Wang Jian. Their mission was simple: find Officer Lin Tao and bring him to the center of the camp, where a general assembly of the entire army would be held. The soldiers set off immediately, and within minutes, they had located Lin Tao in one of the officers' tents, lounging and oblivious to what was about to unfold. When they informed him that he had to appear before Xu Anping, he tried to resist, citing his rank. But his excuses fell on deaf ears; the soldiers dragged him out despite his protests.
In the center of the camp, Xu Anping had already gathered all the men. The recruits and officers stood in orderly rows, murmuring among themselves, wondering what was happening. The tension in the air was palpable. In front of them, on an improvised platform, Xu Anping stood tall, his presence imposing under the grayish light of the dawn. The murmurs among the ranks began to fade as Officer Lin Tao was brought forward, his hands bound and his face pale.
Xu Anping stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over all present before fixing on Lin Tao.
"This man," he began, his voice clear and firm, "is an officer who has abused his rank to extort his own comrades. He has demanded bribes, neglected his duties, and corrupted the honor that must guide a soldier in this army."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the ranks. Lin Tao, sweating profusely, tried to defend himself, but his words were drowned out by the growing tension among the soldiers. Xu Anping raised his hand, demanding silence, and the entire camp fell into a deathly quiet.
"This army is built not only on strength," Xu Anping continued, "but on discipline, mutual respect, and honor. If I allow the actions of men like him to go unpunished, they will destroy everything we have tried to build here. I cannot and will not allow it."
All eyes were fixed on their leader, waiting for the next step. Xu Anping's expression was unwavering, cold as the wind blowing through the tents. He knew that, while this would be harsh, it was necessary for the future of his army.
"Betrayal of this army's principles comes with a price," Xu Anping said, his voice resonating across the camp. Then, turning to one of the soldiers guarding Lin Tao, he added coldly, "Execute him."
The impact of those words was immediate. The soldiers closest to Lin Tao seized his arms, and although the officer struggled and pleaded, his fate was sealed. In a matter of seconds, a sword was drawn, and with a single stroke, Lin Tao's life was ended. His body fell to the ground with a dull thud, and his head rolled a few feet away. The entire camp remained in absolute silence, broken only by the crackling of the torches.
Xu Anping stood still for a moment, allowing the scene to sink into the hearts of the soldiers. The message had been clear: corruption and indiscipline would not be tolerated under his command, regardless of rank or influence. None of those present would forget that morning. None would forget the fate of the officer who had betrayed the army's principles.
After a long and tense silence, Xu Anping raised his voice again, this time in a calmer but no less firm tone.
"Let this be a warning to all. In this army, merit, discipline, and respect are our greatest weapons. If any of you follow in Lin Tao's footsteps, you will suffer the same fate. It doesn't matter if you are officers or simple recruits; the rules are the same for everyone."
With those words, Xu Anping descended from the platform, leaving the soldiers to process what they had just witnessed. Wang Jian, who had been watching from the front row, felt a chill run down his spine. He knew Xu Anping was ruthless when it came to maintaining order, but this execution had been a clear demonstration of just how far he was willing to go to protect the integrity of his army.
Throughout the day, the camp remained unusually quiet. The soldiers went about their tasks, but a shadow of caution and respect loomed over them. There were no more excuses or tolerance for dishonest behavior or lack of discipline. The officers, who had once taken advantage of their rank, now walked more carefully, aware that their actions were being closely monitored. The recruits, for their part, began to take both the physical training and the literacy classes more seriously. They knew they were not only fighting to survive on the battlefield but also to meet the standards Xu Anping had set.
As the days passed, the effects of the execution became more evident. The soldiers showed greater unity and respect for the rules. Morale had improved, not out of fear of death, but from the understanding that they were part of something larger, something worth protecting. The army Xu Anping was building would not only be a fighting force; it would be a force that would change the fate of their land.