Bright Sword: This unit is really ruthless

Zhang Ling's heart sank. He quickly took the letter and opened it. His brows furrowed. The letter was written in his wife's handwriting. The content was brief but full of anxiety: "Zhang Ling, my father is very ill. I plan to send him to your military hospital for treatment. Please approve it!"

Zhang Ling's hands trembled slightly, and a complex emotion suddenly surged in his heart. As a son-in-law, he certainly didn't want to see his father-in-law seriously ill, and he didn't want to let his wife worry. But at the same time, he was also very clear in his mind that the resources of the military hospital were extremely limited, especially during wartime, when the hospital was full and ready to respond to emergencies of the wounded on the front line at any time. If his father-in-law was sent to the military hospital, it would not only take up precious medical resources, but it might also cause dissatisfaction and suspicion among other officers and soldiers.

Zhang Ling put down the letter, took a deep breath, and frowned. At this moment, Zhao Gang pushed the door open and saw that Zhang Ling looked strange. He asked with concern, "Chief, what happened?"

Zhang Ling did not answer immediately, but handed the letter to Zhao Gang. Zhao Gang took a quick glance and immediately understood the seriousness of the problem. He was silent for a while before whispering, "Commander, your situation is indeed very difficult. If it were normal times, it would not be a problem to send my father-in-law to the military hospital, but now... it is indeed not appropriate."

Zhang Ling sighed, his tone revealing helplessness and anxiety: "Yes, it is wartime now, and the hospital is receiving wounded soldiers from the front every day. There are no extra beds and resources. I know how Xiaofang feels, but this matter... I really can't agree to it."

Zhao Gang nodded, "Commander, I understand your difficulties. Family matters are indeed a headache, but our duties are also important. You are our commander, and every decision is related to the morale and combat effectiveness of the entire unit."

Zhang Ling knew that Zhao Gang was right, but this did not ease his inner conflict. On the one hand, he did not want to disappoint his wife, but on the other hand, he had to consider the overall interests of the army, which put him in a dilemma.

Zhao Gang saw Zhang Ling's hesitation and said softly, "Commander, I have a suggestion. Perhaps you can consider it."

Zhang Ling raised his head, with a hint of expectation in his eyes, "What suggestions?"

Zhao Gang said slowly, "You can write back to your sister-in-law, explain the situation of the military hospital, and suggest that she send her father-in-law to a nearby civilian hospital. Although the conditions in the civilian hospital may be worse, at least it will not cause conflicts within the army."

Zhang Ling pondered for a moment and felt that Zhao Gang's suggestion was a good compromise. He nodded, with a hint of gratitude in his tone: "Zhao Gang, you are right. This is the best solution at the moment."

Zhao Gang continued, "Commander, you can also write more caring words in the letter to express your concern for your family. Your sister-in-law may understand your difficulties."

Zhang Ling felt relieved after hearing this. He knew that Zhao Gang had always been his right-hand man. He was not only smart and decisive on the battlefield, but also could always give reasonable suggestions in dealing with these complex interpersonal issues. He decided to adopt Zhao Gang's advice and wrote a letter to his wife to explain clearly, while repeatedly asking her to pay attention to the situation of her father-in-law.

So Zhang Ling returned to the table, picked up a pen and began to write a letter. His pen paused on the paper for a few seconds, and an indescribable complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that the next letter had to be very careful, expressing his concern for his family and letting his wife understand his responsibilities and helplessness as a commander.

"Dear Xiaofang," Zhang Ling began, "I just received your letter. I am very sad to learn that my father's condition has worsened. As his son-in-law, I want to do everything I can to help him recover, but the current situation in the military hospital is extremely special. Wartime resources are tight, and the hospital is dealing with a large number of wounded every day. Sending my father to the military hospital may have an unfair impact on other officers and soldiers."

He paused, feeling sad, but he had to keep writing. "I know you're worried about your father's health, and so am I. I suggest you consider sending him to a nearby civilian hospital. I can help make the contact, and if you need any help, just let me know."

Zhang Ling's fingers trembled slightly as he continued to write: "Xiaofang, I know you want me to handle this matter personally, but the current war situation is tense and I really can't leave the army. This makes me feel very guilty, but I have to stick to my post. I hope you can understand my difficulties, and please believe that my concern for you will not decrease because of the distance. No matter what happens, I will do my best to support you."

Zhang Ling's eyes became moist as he wrote this. He took a deep breath and added, "Xiaofang, please take care of yourself and your children. I will always be concerned about you and will come home as soon as possible. I will do my best to help with your father's affairs, so please don't worry too much."

Zhang Ling put down his pen and read the letter several times, making sure that the wording was appropriate, expressing concern while explaining the helplessness of the reality. Then he carefully folded the letter and put it in an envelope.

Zhao Gang saw that Zhang Ling had prepared the letter and took the initiative to ask, "Chief, should I arrange for a messenger to deliver the letter?"

Zhang Ling nodded and handed the letter to Zhao Gang. "Thank you for your help, Zhao Gang. Deliver the letter to Xiaofang as soon as possible. I don't want her to worry too much about this matter."

Zhao Gang took the letter and nodded firmly, "Don't worry, I will arrange it as soon as possible."

After Zhao Gang left, Zhang Ling stood alone in the headquarters, looking at the sky outside the window, his heart still heavy. Although he made the most rational decision, it could not completely calm his inner anxiety and guilt. He knew that his wife might be disappointed after receiving the letter, but he had no choice. As a soldier, he had to prioritize the interests of the troops.

At this time, Li Yunlong pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing Zhang Ling's thoughtful look, he couldn't help but ask, "Chief, what's wrong? Is there something wrong at home?"

Zhang Ling did not hide anything and simply told Li Yunlong about the letter. After listening, Li Yunlong was silent for a while, then said: "Commander, you have done your best. There are many things on the battlefield that we cannot predict, let alone have the best of both worlds. Although family matters are important, the responsibilities on the battlefield are more important. As for my sister-in-law, I believe she will understand you in the end."

Zhang Ling nodded, his eyes still solemn, "I know, Yunlong. But I always feel sorry for Xiaofang and her family."

Li Yunlong smiled and said with some ease: "Commander, our families are most aware of our situation as soldiers. You are doing this for the greater good, and my sister-in-law must understand. After this battle, we will make amends."

Zhang Ling smiled bitterly, and his mood eased a little. "That's all I can think of. After this battle, I must go back and spend some time with them."

Li Yunlong patted Zhang Ling on the shoulder and said, "Captain, don't worry too much. Let my sister-in-law take care of the family affairs. We have to concentrate on fighting now. If you are distracted, it may affect the decision-making. Not only will you not be able to help your family, but you will also put the brothers on the battlefield in danger."

After hearing this, Zhang Ling gradually calmed down. He knew that Li Yunlong was right. As a commander, he had to go all out and not let his personal emotions affect the fate of the entire unit.

Zhang Ling let out a long breath and said firmly: "You are right, Yunlong. I can't let family affairs affect military affairs. Next, we must be more focused and make sure every decision is accurate."

Li Yunlong nodded, "Commander, we all trust you. As long as you lead us, we will definitely win this battle."

Zhang Ling looked at Li Yunlong with a trace of gratitude in his eyes. He knew that these loyal soldiers around him were his greatest support. Their trust and support gave him the strength to move forward.

"Okay, Yunlong, let's work together." Zhang Ling said, his tone revealing firm determination.

Zhang Ling's college classmate Wu Ren came to the army, hoping to borrow some weapons and equipment.

In the afternoon, the sun shone through the treetops onto the ground, and the headquarters seemed a little stuffy. Zhang Ling was discussing the next battle plan with several officers when suddenly there was a noise outside the door. Then, a guard hurried in and said nervously, "Commander, there is a man named Wu Ren outside who claims to be your college classmate. He said he has something important to discuss with you."

Zhang Ling was slightly shocked when he heard the name "Wu Ren". He remembered that Wu Ren was his good friend in college. They had studied military books together at the desk, talked about national affairs, and even imagined that they could fight side by side on the battlefield in the future. But after graduation, they took different paths. Wu Ren chose technical research, while Zhang Ling devoted himself to the military front.

"Wu Ren?" Zhang Ling muttered to himself, with a bit of confusion and surprise, "Why did he suddenly appear here?"

Li Yunlong looked at Zhang Ling's expression and said with a smile: "Commander, it seems he is an old friend. Do you want to let him in?"

Zhang Ling nodded and waved to the guard to bring Wu Ren in. Not long after, a middle-aged man in a simple military uniform came in. It was Zhang Ling's college classmate Wu Ren. When Wu Ren saw Zhang Ling, a long-lost smile immediately appeared on his face. He walked up quickly and said excitedly: "Zhang Ling! I didn't expect to see you here."

Zhang Ling also laughed, stretched out his hand and held Wu Ren's hand tightly, with sincere enthusiasm in his tone: "Wu Ren, it's been many years! Why are you here?"

Wu Ren held Zhang Ling's hand, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, and then he said: "Zhang Ling, I came to you this time because of a very difficult matter, and I need your help."

Zhang Ling's smile faded slightly, realizing that Wu Ren's intention might not be simple. He pulled a chair over, motioned Wu Ren to sit down, and sat down opposite him, his expression becoming serious: "Wu Ren, if you have anything to say, just tell me. We are old classmates, and I will do my best to help you in any way I can."

Wu Ren nodded, his expression becoming serious. "Zhang Ling, let me get this straight. I am currently in charge of a secret research project that is of great significance to the operations on the front line. However, we have encountered a big problem - we do not have enough experimental equipment and weapon samples, so we cannot continue the experiment."

Zhang Ling frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "What is the nature of your project? What weapons are involved?"

Wu Ren hesitated for a moment, and it was obvious that this question was not easy to answer. He lowered his voice and said, "This project is still confidential. I can only tell you that it is a research related to a new firepower system. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the project, we need some specific weapons and equipment for testing, including heavy machine guns and some ammunition. If you can lend us some equipment, I promise to return it as soon as possible and ensure that it does not affect the operations on the front line."

After listening to this, Zhang Ling had some ideas in his mind, but he still felt a little embarrassed. The equipment of the troops has always been tight, and every weapon is related to the life and death of the soldiers on the front line. He can't make a decision easily. Zhang Ling's eyes became sharp, looking directly into Wu Ren's eyes, "Wu Ren, this matter is very serious. I understand the importance of your research, but you also know that the equipment allocation on the front line is very strict, especially in such a tense moment, the loss of any weapon may affect the war situation."

Wu Ren looked a little anxious, and his voice couldn't help but rise: "Zhang Ling, I understand your difficulties, but we really have no other choice. Without these devices, our research will stagnate, which will directly affect our future combat effectiveness. I know this is difficult for you, but I can only ask for your help."

Zhang Ling was silent for a few seconds. He knew in his heart that Wu Ren's request was no small matter. Lending these equipment might make the front-line defense vulnerable, or even lose the ability to counterattack at a critical moment. However, he also understood that Wu Ren's project was likely to enhance future combat effectiveness, and in the long run, such research might bring huge strategic advantages.