Reborn in Liangshan: I built the strongest lineup

“Mr. Wen, oh no, strategist, speak freely. Speak boldly.”

Ren Yuan gestured to Wen Huanzhang to speak.

Although Wen Huanzhang was previously a military advisor and leader, and joined the army later, both Zhu Wu and Qiao Daoqing regarded this senior as their leader.

Normally, although the villagers all address him as "Master," they have long regarded him as their strategist.

And all the soldiers in the village called him that.

Wen Huanzhang himself did not object and quite enjoyed it.

However, due to Wen Huanzhang's personality, he was the type who didn't like to stand out, so Zhu Wu and Qiao Daoqing often had to take the lead.

For example, in this great battle, Zhu Wu and Qiao Daoqing went down the mountain to command, and Qiao Daoqing even personally went into battle to help Yuan Lang gather the remnants of his troops.

"Alright, brothers, you've worked hard this time. This is the first major victory for Liangshan since its establishment!"

"This victory is of great significance to Liangshan. First, it has once again spread our reputation among the outlaws and the common people, attracting more people to join us. Second, it has deterred the surrounding prefectures and counties, preventing them from making any rash moves and giving us valuable time to develop. Third, we have seized a large amount of supplies and captured a large number of soldiers, which can be added to our ranks."

(Here's a point to note: as long as Liangshan doesn't actively attack county towns and focuses on its own development, attacks from other prefectures and counties, even if they are completely wiped out, won't necessarily attract the attention of the imperial court, unless the scale is particularly large. This is because officials at all levels in the Song Dynasty are unwilling to take the blame for defeat; everyone is passing the buck, so major incidents will be downplayed and minor incidents will be ignored. They might even offer money to offer amnesty. But if someone, like that fool Tian Hu, actively declares himself king, then he's just asking for death. Ren Yuan sent Tang Bin to Yuncheng to demonstrate his power for the same reason—to flex his muscles in Yuncheng, saying, "I won't attack you, so don't come looking for trouble.")

"Based on the previous discussions between the three of us strategists and the chieftain, we have made the following decisions regarding the rewards and punishments for our brothers in relation to this battle:"

"Yuan Lang!"

"The general is here!"

Yuan Lang was the first to be called out. He stood up from his seat with a generous gesture and clasped his hands in greeting to Wen Huanzhang.

"Since arriving at the mountain, Commander Yuan Lang of the First Infantry Battalion has been diligent and conscientious in his duties. Since its establishment, the First Infantry Battalion has won all thirteen battles, large and small! In this joint campaign across three locations, the First Infantry Battalion captured 358 enemy soldiers, making a great contribution and deserving multiple rewards. After discussion among the strategists and the village chief, the First Infantry Battalion is awarded a second-class merit, and Commander Yuan Lang is awarded a first-class merit. The First Infantry Battalion is hereby awarded the title of 'Ever-Victorious Battalion,' and we hope that it will continue its efforts! Rewards such as wealth, wine, and meat will be personally delivered to your camp by Chief Du Qian and Chief Song Wan shortly."

"On behalf of all the soldiers of the First Battalion, I thank you, Military Advisor! Thank you, Brother!"

Yuan Lang was very excited. He was the first one to be called out. In fact, he didn't know what reward he would receive, but after listening to Strategist Wen read so much, he figured it should be pretty good.

"Let me tell you all about the merits of Liangshan. It was discussed by me and the strategists, and it's divided into three grades, plus a general commendation. The first, second, and third grades are further divided into group and individual awards. Group merits are awarded banners, while individual merits are awarded medals. Of course, these medals are still newly designed and crafted; the skill level of our Liangshan craftsmen is limited, so they might not look very impressive." (At this moment, a craftsman surnamed Jin suddenly sneezed.)

"The Three Lights—Sun, Moon, and Stars—are the First-Class Medal, with a red background, yellow design, and a seven-colored ribbon. Below is Liangshan Marsh, and above is a large sun. The Second-Class Medal has the design on top replaced with a bright moon and a five-colored ribbon. The Third-Class Medal is a lone star and a three-colored ribbon. There are no medals for commendations, but the news will be announced to the entire mountain stronghold."

Ren Yuan then stepped forward to explain that, frankly speaking, Liangshan's merit system was not perfect and needed to be improved gradually, but for now, it was sufficient.

"Come on, Yuan Lang, come up here, I'll put it on you."

Ren Yuan clapped his hands, and several junior officers behind him came out carrying trays covered with red cloth, on which was placed a Great Sun Medal.

Yuan Lang was very excited and rushed forward. Ren Yuan personally hung the medal around his neck.

Then, he took out a red banner with a yellow border from another tray.

It says:

"In the second year of the Zhenghe era, the First Battalion of the Liangshan Infantry was awarded the Second Class Merit Citation once."

The words "Second Class Merit" were specially embroidered several times larger than the other words.

This was the first time Yuan Lang had ever seen such things. This man, who could wield a steel mace with such power, was momentarily at a loss as to how to handle the banner.

"Just hold it in your hand. You can use any weapon you want. Don't you know how to hold a banner?"

Ren Yuan said with a smile that Yuan Lang, as the general who had followed him the longest, had truly made great contributions, and Liangshan's success today was inseparable from his efforts.

"Brother Yuan Lang looks quite impressive with that accessory and the bag he's carrying!"

"It feels like a top scholar parading through the streets wearing flowers, hahaha!"

"That's right, Lao Yuan, raise that flag higher!"

The Liangshan heroes were seeing something so novel for the first time, but they found it very interesting!

That suits the tastes of martial artists!

"Brother, why are our badges and flags red with yellow lettering? Is there any special meaning behind them?"

Sun An asked.

"This is my design. The red background represents the blood of the brothers who sacrificed themselves for Liangshan. Their blood stained the Liangshan flag red!"

"The yellow letter represents our bright future. Since this world is dark, let's create a bright and clear world ourselves!"

"This Liangshan Marsh pattern represents the place where we started our uprising. This design is intended to encourage everyone to work hard for Liangshan in the future and never forget our roots!"

Ren Yuan explained.

"Brother, you are truly talented! I admire you!"

Those who were educated, such as Sun An, were immediately filled with enthusiasm upon hearing this.

My brother's words are so well said!

If the soldiers knew the significance of this, who would dare not fight to the death on the battlefield?

"Alright, now is Brother Yuan Lang's moment of glory. Someone, bring in the Ever Victorious Battalion's flag!"

Four junior officers, each carrying a corner of a flag, solemnly entered through the gate, while the other two junior officers carried a sturdy black lacquered wooden flagpole.

Everyone looked up.

This camp flag is also red with yellow characters.

In the upper left corner is a yellow image of Liangshan Marsh, next to which is a line of small text:

Liangshan Infantry First Battalion

Then, in the middle of the flag, are the large yellow characters "常胜" (Ever-Victorious)!

After learning the meaning of these colors, everyone looked at the camp flag again, and the breathing of the group of military officers became somewhat heavy.

Goodness, that's an incredible honor!

Currently, only his battalion in Liangshan has this battalion designation!

"Brother, this flag..."

Yuan Lang was somewhat surprised; this flag didn't look like it had been rushed out.

“I commissioned some skilled craftsmen to make this flag during the Chinese New Year this year, and I’m giving it to your camp this time.”

Ren Yuan nodded, then gestured to the junior officers to put the flags up.

Then, he stepped forward to take the flag and shook it open forcefully!

In the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, a banner proclaiming "Ever Victorious" was unfurled! An indescribable aura of dominance stirred the assembled generals once more!

Thankfully, this Hall of Gathering Righteousness was renovated by Tao Zongwang and is very spacious; otherwise, the flag really wouldn't have been able to be unfurled.

"Yuan Lang! Take the flag!"

Yuan Lang put down the banner in his hand, controlled his excitement, and stepped forward to accept the banner that belonged to him.

This is the first battle flag of Liangshan!

"Hahahaha! Brother, can I go outside and wave this for a bit?"

Yuan Lang was quite fond of the flag, and after taking it, he stroked it for a long time before suddenly making a request to Ren Yuan.

"Go! This place is high up. Let's swing it and show everyone what the ever-victorious Liangshan camp looks like!"

"Yes!"

Yuan Lang was extremely excited. He rushed out of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness and went to the most spacious place, where he vigorously waved his own camp flag!

At the same time, he gathered his energy in his dantian and roared with all his might:

"First Infantry Battalion! Come out and see! We have a battalion nameplate! We have a battalion flag!!"

The sound, carried by the mountain wind, traveled farther and farther, crossing mountain peaks, valleys, and skimming over lakes, finally echoing throughout the entire Liangshan Mountain!