As discussions turned to rewards and commendations, Tang Geng, Ma Long, and the others rejoiced for Han Lang.
The military region commanders behind Song Heguo also voiced their agreement.
The two feats Han Lang had accomplished were of immense significance to the Special Special Forces.
It was only fitting that they bestow any reward upon him.
"Indeed, young friend Han. With the Commander here, you can ask for any reward you desire!"
"Precisely! If you don't find it beneath you, I'll even yield my position as commander of the Third Army to you!"
"Don't listen to him, young friend Han! The overall strength of the Third Army is not as good as our Second Army. If you wish to be a commander, it would be better to join our Second Army!"
"No, it's better to come to our Fourth Army..."
"Fifth Army..."
"Seventh Army..."
Hearing the military region commanders vying to step down and yield their positions, Han Lang felt a surge of pressure.
He quickly interjected.
"Your words are too kind, sirs! I merely did what was within my capabilities. It hardly warrants such commendation. Moreover, I am currently just a humble squad leader. How could I presumptuously become a commander? Even if I were willing, the soldiers would not be convinced!"
At these words, the military region commanders erupted once more.
"Who dares to be unconvinced? I'll be the first to eliminate him!"
"Exactly! Who dares to question the decisions of the higher command! If anyone has the ability, let them contribute to the forces as greatly as young friend Han!"
"A soldier's duty is to obey orders. Anyone with objections should be kicked out directly!"
...
Hearing these pronouncements, Han Lang's head began to ache.
"No, sirs. Even if everyone were convinced, I currently lack the capacity to lead such a large force! You can ask Squad Leader Huang and Squad Leader Liu; I am not even fully adept at commanding this current squad. How can I possibly shoulder such a responsibility!"
Upon hearing Han Lang's words, everyone exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
Han Lang's reasoning was sound.
Without sufficient experience and a wealth of knowledge, a single command error could cost the lives of tens of thousands.
With this thought, they ceased their persuasion.
Song Heguo, however, remained remarkably calm.
"Then tell me, what do you want? My stance is clear: you have rendered immense service, and the military must uphold the principle of rewards and punishments. Those who deserve rewards must be rewarded! There is no room for debate!"
Han Lang was momentarily speechless.
He pondered for a moment, then spoke.
"How about this! In this campaign, my comrades and I have also earned considerable merit. According to the merit cards, I should have over a thousand points, Tang Geng and Zhao Wu have over seven to eight hundred, and Tang Qin and Ma Long have four to five hundred. Whatever positions these merits can secure for us, we will accept. Furthermore, Squad Leader Huang and Squad Leader Liu also made significant contributions to this campaign; they deserve rewards as well! Commander Song, since you advocate for clear rewards and punishments, these meritorious individuals should not be overlooked!"
Hearing Han Lang mention everyone, Huang Yuhua and Liu Xiaoxiao cast him grateful glances.
Zhao Wu, in particular, was too astonished to speak.
He had not expected Han Lang, with whom he had just reconciled, to defend him so earnestly.
If not for this, his meager merits would have at best secured some cultivation resources, and promotions would have meant an indefinite wait in line!
Song Heguo's gaze towards Han Lang was now filled with even greater admiration.
"Young friend Han's demeanor makes even this old man feel ashamed! At a time like this, he still remembers his comrades who fought alongside him. This state of mind truly embodies the spirit of a great general! Very well, starting from the grassroots is not a bad thing. Accumulate more experience; the military needs talents like you!"
He then turned to a military region commander and inquired,
"Staff Officer Li, in your opinion, what kind of rewards would be appropriate for young friend Han and his comrades based on their merits?"
Staff Officer Li pondered for a moment and then replied,
"If we were to distribute rewards solely based on merit, Huang Yuhua and Liu Xiaoxiao have made significant contributions and could be promoted to Regimental Commander and Deputy Regimental Commander respectively. Young friend Han Lang and his comrades could be promoted to Battalion Commander and Company Commander based on their merits. However, given Han Lang's immense contributions, I believe a special promotion would be in order, allowing him to become the Political Commissar of the Regimental Headquarters. This way, they would remain within the same structure, satisfying both their personal desires and their achievements. What does the Commander think?"
Song Heguo did not answer directly but turned back to Han Lang and asked,
"What are your thoughts, young friend Han?"
Han Lang considered for a moment and then replied,
"This distribution is quite reasonable. However, I fear I may not be able to handle the position of Political Commissar. Why don't I swap with Squad Leader Liu? Firstly, she has worked with Squad Leader Huang for a long time and they have good chemistry, and secondly, I can continue to learn from them. As for my brothers, I propose Tang Geng serve as Battalion Commander, with Zhao Wu, Ma Long, and Tang Qin serving as Company Commanders under him. This way, we can continue to fight together. What do you all think?"
Upon hearing Han Lang's proposed arrangement, Ma Long immediately stepped forward to agree.
"As long as I can continue to follow young master, I'm willing to do anything, even serve tea!"
Tang Qin also expressed her support: "We have been through so much together; it is enough to continue serving the country together!"
Zhao Wu added, "Tang Geng possesses both virtue and rapid improvement in strength. He is a suitable Battalion Commander. I agree with this arrangement!"
Seeing that everyone supported him, Han Lang was filled with joy, and his gaze then turned to Liu Xiaoxiao and Huang Yuhua.
"Squad Leader Huang, Squad Leader Liu, you have led us since we enlisted. We are accustomed to following you. Therefore, if you don't mind, would you continue to lead us and look after us?"
Huang Yuhua chuckled, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.
He knew perfectly well that based solely on this campaign, he would not have been directly promoted to Regimental Commander.
However, by benefiting from Han Lang's actions, he had been promoted three ranks. He was naturally filled with gratitude towards Han Lang.
"You rascal! At a time like this, you still manage to tease me! Very well, since you've proposed it, I'll take the advantage and become the Regimental Commander!"
With Huang Yuhua's agreement, everyone's attention turned to Liu Xiaoxiao.
Liu Xiaoxiao did not answer immediately but looked at Han Lang and asked,
"Han Lang, do you know the difference between a Regimental Headquarters Political Commissar and a Deputy Squad Leader?"
Han Lang grinned.
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure, but I have a general understanding that a Political Commissar is a bit more formidable than a Deputy Regimental Commander. It is precisely because I feel Squad Leader Liu is more formidable than me that I am willing to take a subordinate role!"
Han Lang's playful remark made Liu Xiaoxiao smile.
At the same time, she fully understood Han Lang's intentions.
"Alright! Since you understand, I agree to this arrangement. However, you must remember that you will still be my subordinate from now on. If there is anything, you must prioritize following my orders!"
"Understood!"
Seeing that everyone had reached an agreement, Song Heguo immediately made a decision.
"Very well, then it is settled! Young friend Han, do you have any other requests?"
Han Lang thought for a moment and replied,
"Yes, I do have one more! Our squad, as the first batch of recruits to enter the battlefield, the remaining 25 members are also loyal and righteous comrades. It would be ideal if Commander Song could allow us to bring them along. Of course, their positions can be reasonably arranged within the battalion led by Tang Geng!"
Song Heguo burst into laughter upon hearing this.
"Alright! No problem! Little Huang, those new recruits are also your men. Their positions will be entirely entrusted to you! Additionally, Staff Officer Liu, you need to make arrangements for the positions of young friend Han and Little Huang tomorrow. Is that understood?"
Staff Officer Liu replied without hesitation.
"Rest assured, Commander! I have already made preparations for this. Commander of the First Army, perhaps you could handle this?"
The Commander of the First Army responded immediately upon receiving the order.
"No problem, they will be incorporated into our most elite First Division. I will personally take Little Huang to meet the Commander of the First Division shortly!"
With all arrangements settled, Song Heguo nodded with satisfaction and then said again,
"Alright! Then these matters are settled. Rest well for now, and come to me if you have any issues. Additionally, regarding the Heavenly Doctor Sect, I will discuss a detailed plan with you later! At that time, we will need young friend Han to step forward and persuade your Heavenly Doctor Sect's management!"
"No problem!"