Recruitment for military service in Baotou City, Inner Mongolia

Chapter One

Since Qibing returned from the year-end assessment, the company commander and his team were overjoyed to have secured second place for the unit. The commander viewed Qibing with newfound respect. Whenever time permitted, he would have a guard summon Qibing to his office for casual chats. Over time, their relationship grew beyond the typical superior-subordinate dynamic; they became close friends who shared everything.

Seasons changed swiftly, and with winter’s retreat, spring breathed life back into the earth. The trees in the barracks began to sprout fresh green leaves. All the soldiers donned their spring uniforms, and from afar, the training ground bustled with figures moving in unison, punctuated by shouts and commands.

At that moment, Qibing and Company Commander Gao sat in Battalion Commander Liu’s office. This seasoned commander, now in his forties, bore the marks of historic battles on his face. Each time Qibing met him, he was filled with reverence, for this veteran revolutionary carried endless tales of struggle and sacrifice. Today, however, the commander had summoned both the company commander and Qibing for an important order. The annual spring recruitment drive was about to begin. The regiment commander had designated Battalion Commander Liu and Political Instructor Chen Gang to lead the mission, selecting a shrewd and capable squad leader to accompany them. After discussion, they chose Li Qibing—the commander’s “Old Seven”—as the squad leader for the recruitment effort. Additionally, an outstanding military medic, Zhang Chao, was appointed. Battalion Commander Liu’s duties would be temporarily handled by Company Commander Gao. Upon receiving orders, Qibing immediately began preparations. Once ready, they would set off the next day to their destination: Baotou City in Inner Mongolia.

Chapter Two

At dawn, Liu, Instructor Chen, Qibing, and Medic Zhang, carrying several military packs, departed the camp. They spoke quietly as they left the military gates and boarded a jeep prepared in advance. Instructor Chen ordered the driver to set off. Their journey began at Xingtai Railway Station, where they would transfer at Shijiazhuang North Station before boarding a direct train to Baotou.

Bouncing along the road, the jeep entered Xingtai city as the sun rose, casting golden light upon the vehicle. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the station. After disembarking, the instructor instructed the driver to return to the camp and reminded him to travel safely. The group proceeded into the station, presenting their military IDs at the ticket gate. The staff, recognizing their uniforms, saluted, and Qibing and the others returned the courtesy before entering the station. In those days, military travel was facilitated by prior notification to railway authorities, ensuring reserved tickets and smooth passage.

The train journey from Xingtai to Shijiazhuang took about an hour. The sun shone intensely as the train pulled into the station. Railway officials awaited the group, immediately recognizing the soldiers. One hurried forward, saluted, and handed over four train tickets to Battalion Commander Liu, who passed them to Qibing with a grateful smile. Instructor Chen promptly paid for the tickets, expressing thanks. The official kindly offered refreshments, but the commander politely declined.

Twenty minutes later, they boarded the train bound for Baotou. The train traversed the North China Plain, reaching the Jinzhong Basin and Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Taiyuan offered majestic views as the train paused briefly before continuing through Wenxian and Fenyang counties, entering Shaanxi Province and the revolutionary mountain region of Lüliang. This area, rich in revolutionary history from the Red Army’s eastern expedition, stirred deep respect in Qibing’s heart.

The commander and instructor lit cigarettes, beckoning Qibing to join. Except for Medic Zhang, the trio smoked as the train roared onward, leaving the mountains behind. Dusk fell, and the carriage grew quiet. The commander sent Qibing to purchase food from the supply car, returning with steamed buns and porridge. As they ate, the commander spoke warmly: “Old Seven”—Qibing’s squad leader nickname—“the food here in the North is too plain, lacking oil and flavor. When I retire, come with me to Nanjing. I’ll treat you to our specialties—salted duck, beef dumplings, spiced cured pork—delicacies that will leave you longing for the next meal.” Qibing smiled eagerly, promising to go. Instructor Chen teased the commander, asking why he never invited him. The commander scoffed, noting the instructor had traveled to Beijing and Shanghai and sampled many foods, so no need to spoil him. The laughter that followed lightened the mood.

As night deepened, the carriage chilled. The soldiers wrapped their greatcoats tighter. After an hour, lights flickered outside—the train had reached Yulin in Shaanxi, a historic frontier town on the Loess Plateau with complex terrain. Beyond this station lay Inner Mongolia. The train crossed Dalate West and smoothly entered Baotou City.

Outside, dawn broke with rosy light. Upon arrival, the soldiers disembarked with their packs and stepped into a small, modest station distinct from Northern architecture. Baotou, a small city, featured a one-story station with a simple iron barrier separating entry and exit. As Qibing followed the commander through the throng, the local people’s attire and large, colorful headscarves marked their Mongolian heritage. Their rough skin and unfamiliar dialect made Qibing feel as if he had entered a wholly different world. Before he could dwell on the thought, the group exited the station, where Baotou’s armed forces department personnel awaited.

Chapter Three

Baotou boasts a rich cultural heritage. It is one of the Mongolian ethnic group’s birthplaces, but due to historical wars and migrations, the city’s culture blends Han, Manchu, Hui, and other ethnic elements, creating a unique multicultural tapestry. Bordering Mongolia to the north, the Yellow River to the south, and flanked by the Tumochuan and Hetao Plains, it stands as Inner Mongolia’s largest city.

For Qibing, entering this vast and sparsely populated land sparked growing fascination with its local customs. Upon leaving the station, two armed forces officers greeted the group warmly, saluting and shaking hands with the commanders, welcoming the Huaye troops for recruitment.

The convoy proceeded to the Baotou Guesthouse, their temporary quarters. Along the way, Qibing gazed curiously through the window at the unfamiliar cityscape and faces, briefly feeling detached before the sensation faded. The city’s buildings were low and bore distinct ethnic architectural features. Minutes later, they arrived at the guesthouse—a cluster of four three-story buildings with weathered whitewashed walls and black iron gates, marked clearly as the Baotou Guesthouse.

After settling their gear, they traveled to the local armed forces department on the city’s northern edge. The compound, built of blue brick with four buildings arranged in two rows, was surrounded by trees and flew the five-star red flag from its flagpole. Soldiers opened the iron gates swiftly as the vehicle arrived, and Battalion Commander Liu, Instructor Chen, Qibing, and Medic Zhang quickly disembarked.

They were ushered into the office of Colonel Yuan Hongwei, the armed forces director, who greeted them warmly, shaking hands and welcoming them. After pleasantries, the commander and instructor presented detailed recruitment plans and regulations, emphasizing strict adherence to rules forbidding nepotism, bribery, or falsification of age. Colonel Yuan assured them stern enforcement and no tolerance for misconduct.

The next morning, Colonel Yuan dispatched officers Zhao Hongjun and Wang Xiaogang to notify township leaders to compile lists of all local male youths aged eighteen and above for reporting. He stressed the importance of accuracy and thoroughness. Zhao and Wang departed with their orders, preparing for Qibing and Medic Zhang’s upcoming village visits to verify and interview candidates, followed by medical examinations. Thus, the large-scale recruitment campaign officially commenced in Baotou’s surrounding townships.

Meanwhile, Liu, Instructor Chen, Qibing, and Medic Zhang strolled the nearby snack street, sampling delicacies including roasted whole lamb and a local aged tea. Qibing found the tea strange, with a faintly glutinous texture and mushroom-like floating bits, which the commander enjoyed, reminiscing about similar tea from his hometown. The instructor grimaced at the taste, and the commander teased him good-naturedly, sparking laughter.

Afterward, the commander and Qibing explored a bustling market where vendors hawked colorful hats, scarves, pottery, pens, and calligraphy. The commander purchased a pen and a hat for Qibing, who was delighted. They enjoyed snacks as they wandered until sunset, then returned to the guesthouse.

The city’s residents displayed a mix of modern and traditional Mongolian attire, especially in rural areas and among herders living in yurts. Men wore large furry hats and voluminous clothing, with braided long hair, while women adorned colorful scarves. These herders led pastoral lives, riding horses, consuming mutton and dairy tea, and maintained ancestral customs. Education was rare among their children, most of whom stayed close to home, their families content as long as they grew safely, seldom venturing beyond their traditional world.

In the days that followed, officers Zhao and Wang diligently compiled statistics in Machi Township and nearby villages. The counts varied, with a handful of eligible youths recorded per village. The detailed data was prepared to report back to the director.

On the eve of Qibing and Medic Zhang’s field visits for candidate screening, Battalion Commander Liu instructed Qibing to inquire about a man named Ulan Tuobang, roughly forty years old. Remembering this, Qibing and Medic Zhang set out with officers as guides and drivers to Machi Township. The town mayor gathered all registered youths to the township center, where about a dozen young men appeared, all dressed in loose clothing and felt hats, their black braided hair visible beneath. They were robust or lean, their faces darkened by the sun but full of youthful vigor. Raised as horsemen, they stood spirited and ready.

The mayor spoke passionately about the virtues of military service to encourage enlistment. Then, Qibing verified each youth’s age and family background, and Medic Zhang conducted physical examinations. Finally, the enlistment list was finalized. Though this was Qibing’s first recruitment mission, he had mastered the necessary procedures under Battalion Commander Liu’s guidance and his own infantry school training, making the task manageable. They stayed until evening before returning to the city guesthouse.

Chapter Four

Several days later, Qibing and Medic Zhang continued their vigorous recruitment efforts in Baotou’s townships and villages. Today, they arrived at Bailingmiao Township, historically known as Beilemiao, named after a temple built there in the Kangxi era by Darhan Beile. In 1781, during the Qianlong reign, it was renamed Guangfushou and later Bailingmiao. The township witnessed significant anti-Japanese uprisings in 1936, events that resonated widely.

Upon arrival, Medic Zhang excitedly remarked, “Squad Leader Seven, did you hear? Bailingmiao was once a revolutionary holy place. They say Kangxi’s army rested here on the way to attack Gerdan!” Qibing shared his enthusiasm: “I heard that too yesterday. It’s truly an honor to recruit here on such hallowed ground.” They exchanged a knowing smile.

The township mayor greeted them warmly. After a respectful salute, Qibing expressed gratitude for the local support before posing a question: “Mayor, do you know a man named Ulan Tuobang? About forty years old?” The mayor murmured the name, then suddenly recalled: “Ah, yes—I remember now.” Qibing stepped closer anxiously, “You know him?” The mayor’s face grew solemn: “He passed away two years ago.”

“Passed away? How?” Qibing asked in surprise. The mayor explained with regret: “After retiring from the military, Ulan Tuobang was left with only one leg. Life was hard; no woman wanted to marry a disabled man, so he lived alone, tending livestock. One day while herding, his horse was startled, threw him off, and he died.” Hearing this, Qibing felt a deep sorrow. This was the man the commander had asked him to find—now gone to the grave.

He promptly called the battalion commander to report everything. Liu Zilong was stunned and heartbroken. Tears blurred his eyes. He and Ulan Tuobang had fought together in the Korean War, close in age, both fierce warriors. Ulan Tuobang’s sniper shots were always true until an ambush in dense woods cost him a leg. After Korea’s liberation, he recovered but chose to leave the army to avoid being a burden. Before Liu transferred to the Huaye Corps, he had visited Ulan Tuobang in the military hospital, deeply moved by seeing his vibrant comrade with one leg. They embraced and saluted farewell, never imagining their parting would be final.

The next day, under clear skies, Qibing accompanied the commander to Ulan Tuobang’s grave. The commander lit a cigarette and poured a cup of wine, burning paper offerings. Sitting solemnly, he spoke to his fallen comrade: “Brother, you left too soon. I wanted to share one last night of drinking and stories. But here you lie. Still, today I toast to you—drink up, brother!” He poured the wine onto the grave, raised his voice in a heartfelt toast, and after a quiet moment, stood and left with Qibing.

Chapter Five

Over twenty days passed, during which Qibing and Medic Zhang worked briskly and methodically conducting physical exams and investigations on new recruits. Once enlistment lists were confirmed, Qibing promptly reported to the commander and instructor.

The recruitment in Baotou concluded under radiant sunshine. Forty new soldiers gathered at a local school in preparation for departure.

The next morning, before dawn, the recruits assembled at Baotou railway station, dressed in green uniforms and military caps, exuding discipline and respect. Battalion Commander Liu and Instructor Chen expressed gratitude to local officials and shook hands with the armed forces director before bidding farewell.

Qibing led the recruits into the station, joined by the commander, instructor, and medic. Together, they set off for the field unit back in Xingtai.

Two days later, at dusk, the group crossed into Xingtai territory, boarding two military trucks dispatched by the unit. As night fell, the vehicles sped toward the barracks, their lights bright and flickering. Qibing gazed out at the mountains and plains, overwhelmed with emotion. He reflected on his journey—from his initial enlistment, being brought back after falling behind, returning from military school, competing in athletic events, to now returning from recruitment with the commander. Life’s unpredictable path lay ahead, but he was determined to follow the road to a bright future.