When the dragoons riding on uniform chestnut horses conveyed the orders to the commanders of each formation and gradually returned to the viewing platform, the loud bugle calls echoed through the formations filled with infantry and cavalry.
As the bugle sounded through the parade formations, the artillery positioned on the open field 500 meters away from the parade ceremony began to take action. The wooden boxes filled with smoke shells were pried open, revealing smooth, round, black shells. The artillerymen responsible for loading the ammunition carefully lifted the smoke shells with both hands and gently placed them into the gun barrels already filled with gunpowder.
Once all the barrels were loaded with the specially-made shells, the commander of the artillery unit extended his forearm to form a 90-degree angle with his upper arm and shouted loudly, "Prepare!"
All the artillerymen were tense, the fuses clasped in their palms were pulled taut.
