Chapter 598 - Chapter 598: Chapter 604 (2/2)
Looking at the blue brick tiled house before them, although it wasn’t luxurious, they were simple soldiers, not rich old masters. To them, it already felt like a very comfortable dwelling, countless times better than living in tents, and superior to their own families’ homes. What could they possibly find unsatisfactory? To do so would be ungrateful, as the officer said, Madam owes them nothing, providing them shelter is already an act of kindness.
“Servant girl Xiao Xi, this is truly fine. Back in the village, I lived in a mud house with thatch roofing, which leaked everywhere when it rained. In my life, I’ve never lived in such a well-constructed blue brick tiled house. Now when things have come to this, to live here unexpectedly, if I were to complain, wouldn’t that be heartless, lower than pigs and dogs? My mother always said to cherish your blessings, or they might be taken by the heavens.”
The man speaking was an honest fellow, with siblings and a mother at home. Because of his disability, he did not want to be a burden to his family and chose to stay. Initially, he thought, considering the conditions and restrictions stated by Madam, and the rumors, that life here wouldn’t be easy, just barely scraping by. Yet, he never expected Madam to treat them with such a friendly attitude today.
Because of their disabilities, they were looked upon with pity or scorn by others. But Madam treated them like anyone else, providing them with such a nice place to live, and the servants in the mansion treated them kindly as if they were family.
So, upon hearing Xiao Xi’s words, he immediately expressed excitement, voicing his thoughts, which were shared by the majority of those present.
Due to previous rumors, Xiao Xi harbored some resentment and disgust towards the disabled soldiers, even though initially she had felt sympathy. As a result, her attitude was not overly warm. However, because of Madam’s orders, she did not show it on the outside. Now, hearing the man’s words and seeing everyone’s response, she felt somewhat comforted.
Xiao Xi was not a heartless person to begin with, and her own background was pitiful. After a few exchanges, her attitude towards the disabled soldiers improved significantly, and a smile appeared on her face, warming the soldiers’ hearts.
They all knew that Xiao Xi was a maid valued by Madam, and if she could treat them with such an attitude, it indicated that like her mistress, her servants were also good-hearted.
“Servant girl Xiao Xi, you have worked hard today. We understand everything that needs to be known. We are grown men, not children; we can take care of ourselves. You can go and rest now. You must be tired after working for so long,” they said.
“Alright, I’ll go back then. Madam is waiting for me, probably worried whether you all have been settled properly or not. I need to let her know. You all should also rest early. For the next two days, there won’t be any tasks for you. Madam said that you probably haven’t had much rest these days. Consider these two days a time for recuperation, so you are well-prepared for work later. The emperor won’t starve his soldiers, as they say. As for meals, they will be delivered to you on time.”
As Xiao Xi spoke, Su Wenyue sent someone with some wound medicine: “Madam said the conditions at the military camp weren’t good, and there were many injured, so those of you who can no longer go to the battlefield might not get much. Your wounds are probably not fully healed, so this medicine, which cost a lot, has proven effective. Take it and use it well,” she instructed.
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