Chapter 597 - Chapter 597: Chapter 603: Swift and Decisive Action (2/2)
“Alright, here is the list of people staying. Those whose names were not called, take your settlement fee and leave the military camp promptly,” Fang Xin read out the names from the list, causing an immediate wave of disgruntled murmurs among those not chosen.
“Why? We too were injured on the battlefield and had to retire. Why can they stay with Madam Han while we’re only given this small settlement fee and sent away? It’s not fair!”
“Yes, it’s unfair. Why are we treated this way? We demand justice,” they exclaimed.
Though these men feared their superiors, the issue touched on their livelihoods, overriding their fear as they openly expressed their dissatisfaction. Everyone present who wasn’t chosen to stay voiced their agreement.
Fang Xin looked down at these people without sympathy, her tone even mocking. If not for the fact that they were merely influenced by others and hadn’t committed serious offenses, and they had indeed shed blood on the battlefield, they would have disappeared quietly, just like others before them.
“Silence! Look around and realize where you are. You have no right to make such a commotion here! You want an explanation? Fine, I will give you one right now,” Fang Xin said and summoned a subordinate who brought a ledger. As she read from it, the unrest among the crowd faded, replaced by fear and trepidation.
They hadn’t expected their private discussions and complaints about Madam Han to have been overheard and recorded, and it now served as the reason they couldn’t stay. They dared not refute, realizing that criticizing the General’s Wife could have led to their punishment. Given that they were standing here unharmed was already a testament to the General’s leniency, and they didn’t dare hope for more.
“Have you nothing else to say? When Madam Han offered to shelter you and ensure you had food to eat, you were unsatisfied and desired more, even tarnishing her reputation. Even animals know to be grateful, yet you have shown no appreciation for her kindness. What makes you think you’re entitled to help from her? Just because you were injured on the battlefield? To put it bluntly, did you fight and risk your lives for her? If you make a mistake, there are consequences. People like you cannot be helped by her, even with a charitable heart; who knows what ungrateful things you might do if her assistance isn’t up to your expectations,” Fang Xin rebuked harshly, leaving them regretful but silent. In their hearts, they knew they would have made the same decision if they were in her position, for no one wishes to be the farmer betrayed by the snake in the story.
After Fang Xin’s speech, those unable to stay could only quietly pack their belongings and leave, their regret their only solace. Meanwhile, those allowed to remain, already of good nature, felt even more grateful to Su Wenyue for taking them in and became increasingly loyal to her.
“Madam, the people have been brought here as you requested,” Fang Xin announced as she led the crowd into the courtyard, which suddenly seemed crowded.
Han Yu had briefed Su Wenyue beforehand, so she wasn’t surprised by the influx of people. Since Han Yu had likely already addressed them prior, she didn’t say much more. Putting aside this rumor incident, these war-wounded soldiers still deserved respect for risking their lives on the front lines to ensure safety at home. She didn’t want to compound their injuries with emotional wounds.
“Now that you’re here, we’re family. I’m sure the General has already gone over the necessary details, so I won’t repeat them. I have only this to say: You’re here now, settle in peacefully. My capabilities are limited; I may not be able to provide you with a life of luxury, but as long as you’re willing to work together, at least securing a living is not an issue,” she reassured.