Chapter 598 - Chapter 598: Chapter 604 (1/2)

Chapter 598: Chapter 604

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It was just a very ordinary sentence, even lacking any particularly inspiring words, yet to these soldiers who had experienced injury, despair, fear, and helplessness, it was the most heartwarming phrase they could hear. They were just ordinary soldiers, who sought nothing more than peace and a full belly. That was enough for them.

“Madam has given us a place to stay and food to eat; this is already so precious. We are extremely grateful.”

“There’s no need for gratitude. Although I am willing to provide you with a refuge, living well depends on your own hard work and hands to create.”

Everyone understood Su Wenyue’s words, yet they still felt grateful. Those who remained were generally decent in character, at least they hadn’t caused any major problems during this time, which is why Han Yu allowed them to follow Su Wenyue. But there is a saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Perhaps some had hidden their true selves so well that no one had noticed anything amiss.

“Madam, rest assured, before we came here, the general had already instructed us on the rules we should follow. Even though we are wounded soldiers who have retired from the battlefield, carrying disabilities, we are not useless. Whatever tasks Madam has for us, just command us to do them.”

Su Wenyue nodded in approval: “Good. While you may have physical disabilities, as long as your mind is not impaired, you can live splendidly and be a useful person.”

These men, due to their physical disabilities, harbored feelings of inferiority and held a pessimistic attitude. In Su Wenyue’s words, they not only felt respected but also saw hope. Indeed, as Madam said, even with physical disabilities, as long as one’s mind is whole, one remains a useful person, even if they might not achieve brilliance.

“Madam’s words are as precious as gold and jade, and we have taken them to heart. From now on, we will serve Madam with all our might, repaying your kindness,” said the leader of the speaking soldiers, who was previously a minor officer named Wei Dong. He had a rank which could have allowed him not to demote himself with the common soldiers, but he did not want to be a burden in the army and chose to follow Madam. Initially, he did so with a mindset of giving up on himself, but now he felt how right his decision was. Madam’s previous actions and her words today showed that she was an extraordinary woman. Staying by her side, perhaps he really could make a difference.

After Wei Dong finished speaking, the other soldiers echoed his sentiments, but no one noticed that among them, a soldier with a seemingly honest face lowered his head, his eyes flashing a sly gleam so fleeting it went unseen. And since he was bowing his head, no one realized it.

Words are empty at present, and since these soldiers were traumatized both physically and mentally, Su Wenyue didn’t assign them any tasks, but simply had them comfortably settled. Telling them more would not be as comforting as giving them something tangible.

“These few houses have been built in haste under Madam’s orders. Due to limited resources, this is the best we could manage. They may not be too grand or big, but they are sufficient to shelter from wind and rain, providing you all a place to stay. You have seen that even Madam herself lives in nothing more than a small courtyard with two entryways. We hope you won’t have any dissatisfaction or complaints. If there’s anything you lack, feel free to speak up. As long as it’s not too much, Madam has instructed us to do our best to accommodate your needs.”