From the very first day of training, Zhao Yi instilled the concepts of loyalty and obedience in the new recruits. Having been enslaved by feudal ideologies since childhood, these individuals quickly accepted the rules of absolute discipline. Zhao Yi assigned them to surveil the Jiang Residence; while they might discuss it in private, they would never dare to question his orders.
These men were different from the veterans under Lu Yong; they lacked worldly experience. Even among the veterans, those who had never seen true combat would inevitably feel a sense of dread if tasked with something highly dangerous. Therefore, Zhao Yi had to help them build confidence slowly through simple, low-risk missions, using the completion of these tasks to deepen their mutual trust.
After arranging the assignments, Zhao Yi followed them personally to supervise the field operations. Lu Song did not let him down, methodically organizing the men into groups to stake out the perimeter of the Jiang Residence. Sixteen men were assigned to rotate shifts around the residence, with an artist stationed nearby to record anything of note. The remaining men were sent to stake out Tianbao Pavilion to investigate the source of their merchandise. Zhao Yi also provided Lu Song with funds to purchase vacant properties near the Jiang Residence to serve as a base for command and rest.
Chapter 281