406 Everyone has their own Issues (1/2)
Jun Wu Yi and the commander of the Southern Heaven City's defenses — Wan Wu Yan — earnestly bid farewell to each other. In fact, it seemed as if they were reluctant to part since these two had hit it off like they were old friends.
”Third General Jun, this Wan Wu Yan appreciates your kindness. However, the people of this Southern Heaven City have suffered the same fate as my Wan Family for many years. So, my family would be loath to leave. Besides, it is possible that the taxes might increase if I leave. So, wouldn't it be tough for the Southern Heavenly City's elderly if I leave? I'm content to guard this city till I die!” Jun Wu Yi had proposed he would petition for Wan Wu Yan to be transferred to him at a later date. However, Wan Wu Yan had flatly refused without any hesitation.
”I won't put this proposal forward if that's the case. Moreover, this Wu Yi will try his hardest to ensure that General Wan Wu Yan retains his position as the commander of this city's defenses if the Ministry of War ever decides to transfer you!” Jun Wu Yi cupped his hands and spoke-up in a profound manner.
”Many thanks, Third General Jun!” Wan Wu Yan was overjoyed. He cupped his fists as he stood up and said in a solemn manner, ”This Wu Yan can't accompany the Supreme Commander unhindered throughout the world. It's a matter of real pity. But, I have no regrets. I only hope that the Supreme Commander's heroics spread far and wide like the wind. And, may he accomplish great fame and glory! May my Tian Xiang conquer all! Take care, Supreme Commander. We shall meet again!”
The two men made their salutations in a heavy manner since they were reluctant to part. The sound of the hoof-beats rose like a whirlwind. They started slowly, but they quickly sped up and formed a powerful torrent of steel. The army's fluttering banners made whistling sounds against the autumn wind as they moved. This might army had set on its course northwards!
Tiang Xiang's army moved in a long and snaking formation. It surprisingly maintained good order as it flew northwards to mark its triumphant return.
Not a single regular soldier had been lost in that battle at Southern Heaven City. Everyone had come prepared for bloodshed. And, all of them had readied themselves to sacrifice their lives. Therefore, everyone was overjoyed at this time.
Everyone had thought that going to this battle had meant a certain death. A soldier's career is one of blood and steel. Orders are like mountains, and death isn't to be feared. However, all men have a fear of death. Even the most ferocious of soldiers aren't an exception to this. Any man would feel sorrow when the thought of his death would cross his mind. Moreover, this army had been sent to face a force that could wipe out an army ten-times-stronger!
However, no one had thought that the infamous, powerful, and lethal Xuan Beast uprising would cause no great casualties to their numbers. Even the opportunity to send troops from reserve force hadn't arisen. In fact, many hadn't even suffered scratches. It could be regarded as a 'strong start but weak finish'. And, the troops were now making their return to the Capital. However, no one celebrated as they marched back. In fact, it was like everyone had woken up from a nightmare. However, everyone was happy since they were returning home. So, their strides were long and brisk.
And, the Young Masters from the powerful houses who had been named by the Emperor to participate in this war were also feeling like they had escaped death. Moreover, their party had also lost only a few guards. They had journeyed out for the first time. Yet, it seemed that they had made a huge contribution…
The three-hundred soldiers who had gone to battle also contained guards from many powerful families. And, the surviving members from other families were very dissatisfied with their Young Masters. But, they couldn't express it. [Young Master Jun will give two-hundred taels in silver to each survivor from his guard. Moreover, he will look after the families of those who had died in battle!]
[You must know that we've also come here for your sake… Otherwise, who'd come to this area to throw away their life? Who wouldn't wish to stay home and hold his wife as he slept…?]
[Our devotion for our Young Master would've been better rewarded by others… perhaps even strangers!]
[There is a genuine disparity between these men!]
However, these negative emotions were completely lost on the various Young Masters since they were in an excited state of mind. Anyway, they wouldn't have bothered even if they had noted those feelings…
After all, these Young Masters had grown up in extreme luxury, and an environment of constant self-importance. Moreover, they had known that their chances of survival in this battle had been nine-to-one in the beginning. And, this had left them to feel wronged and gloomy… [Why are some brothers enjoying a comfortable life at home while we were sent here to risk our lives? Which one us doesn't have an influential father? Which one of us wasn't raised by a caring mother? So, why are we worthless dirt while those other Young Masters were treated as precious gold?]
Moreover, some news had come through from the Capital. And, it had said that each powerful family was facing turbulence due to the internal contest for seeking the next heirs to the position of the Family's Lord. Furthermore, the rumor had said that the Young Masters who had been sent to battle had already been renounced. In fact, they hadn't even been nominated…
One or two people had guessed that this news was perhaps false. But, what would happen when a hundred people said that it wasn't? Therefore, everyone had started to believe it soon-enough…
And, this had left the many Young Masters who had gone to war extremely angry…
[Why?!]
[Why?!]
[You piles of trash can stay at home comfortably. Yet, you still receive the nomination for the seat of the family's Lord. We go to wars and face grave dangers on the other hand. However, even our very nominations are cancelled despite everything?!]
[You're trash! We're heroes!]
[This glory has come in-exchange of following orders! We didn't take to the battlefield. But, that was because we had no opportunity! But, this doesn't mean that we didn't try hard-enough. In any case, we were at the battle! And, that too at the cost of our life…!]