"On this matter, gentlemen, if you have any additions, let us clarify them now while we are all face-to-face."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Fu hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "Brother Yang, we soldiers receive our stipends to fight the pirates and protect our homes, it is our duty. That the heroes generously lend a hand has already moved my men and me to tears of gratitude. We truly have no face to claim any spoils of war. Moreover, for those of us who are wounded or killed, the government provides relief..."
Before he could finish, Yang Erlang impatiently interrupted, "You are the soldiers I, Yang Erlang, transferred from Jiangzhe military command; even the money is allocated by me, Yang Erlang. Whatever others are doesn’t concern you. If the court and Jiangzhe military command want to investigate, let them blame me, Yang Erlang. As long as I, Yang Erlang, am not dead, I will ensure you are all safe. If you fear that association with me, Yang Erlang, may affect your career, you can simply decline any share. My brothers risk their lives in this bloody battle; I cannot let them shed blood only to weep afterwards!"
Zhou Fu’s face flushed red and he immediately stiffened his neck, bowing deeply with his fists clasped, "Brother Yang, let there be no talk of investigations or futures. You are an honorable and heroic man; I am not some petty traitor. I gratefully accept your kind intentions on behalf of my brothers!"
Yang Erlang gave him a thumbs up, "I mean no disrespect to you at all; you are all commendable men. Jiangzhe should be proud to have you!"
After a pause, his gaze sweeping over the others present, he spoke impatiently, "We are all grown men here; let’s speak plainly and freely!"
Yang Tiansheng twisted his mouth and said irritably, "You’ve said everything yourself, what can I possibly add? Let’s do as you say; I have no objections."
Xiang Wudi took a deep breath and nodded with undisguised admiration, "You have handled things in such a way I admit my inferiority."
Li Jincheng grinned and gave Yang Erlang a thumbs up, "You handle things flawlessly; the brothers all owe you thanks."
Fang Ke immediately clasped his fists, "I leave it all to your decision, sir!"
"Very well!"
Yang Erlang softened his tone, trying to make himself sound more composed, "Since everyone agrees with my distribution plan, let’s be clear and orderly from now on."
"I don’t care about everyone’s status or background; the money that belongs to someone must go to them. If any brother has no family left to receive the money, we will use it to buy him a good burial plot so he can rest well."
"Call me a meddler or say I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, but let it be clear—if I come to know that any brother has died here and his widow is reduced to begging or selling her children, then do not blame me, Yang Erlang, for turning my back and disowning you!"
"As for your kindness, I, Yang Erlang, keep it in my heart. In the future, whenever I can help, just ask, as long as it doesn’t go against my principles, I will not hesitate!"
Yang Tiansheng frowned at him, "Why the needless worry? Do you think I covet such soul-corrupting money because my family has wealth and power?"
He always felt there was something off but couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was wrong.
Li Jincheng also forced a laugh, "You can’t say that; Yang Erlang’s recklessness is without question, but it seems you undervalue the weight of chivalric loyalty. Extending your hand for such blood money will get you ostracized by our entire community, and you’ll never be able to hold your head high again..."
He felt Yang Erlang’s words were targeted at him, especially since Yang Erlang had always had reservations about some people from Lianhuan Fort and had never hidden his opinions.
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Xiang Wudi solemnly added, "Brother Yang indeed means well, but perhaps you worry too much!"
He didn’t think much of it, just felt that Yang Erlang took them too lightly.
Zhou Fu earnestly clasped his hands in a salute, "Brother Yang, rest assured. Upon my honor, no one will reach out for the money. If anyone does, before you act, Brother Yang, I will have already disowned him."
He hadn’t thought it through much; from his perspective, what Yang Erlang said was simply the truth... Without external interference, it was unlikely that the money would reach the families of the fallen completely, or even partially. If one-third or half made it to the widows, it would already be considered an act of fraternal sympathy from the officers.
Fang Ke, with his lips tightly pressed, looked around with a sudden sadness, his voice low and choked, "Sir, you can’t take responsibility for everything. I guarantee that if we could ask those fallen brothers, they would surely say they had no regrets... You’ve done more and better than enough. In war, there are always casualties. We’ve achieved a great victory, the enemy is wiped out, Jiangzhe is safe, and their families have something to fall back on; their lives were not in vain!"
After he spoke, everyone present was stunned.
They suddenly understood why Yang Erlang said those words...
Yang Erlang pursed his lips tightly, turned around, and walked away from them, looking out over the endless skeletons... Under the fiery sunrise, they resembled a field of blossoming manjusaka flowers.
He suppressed the emotions welling up in his heart, and spoke softly, "Isn’t everyone’s life valuable? My own life is precious, and so are the lives of others..."
After a pause, he suddenly turned around with a smile, "I am indeed not cut out for this official business!"
The others watched him silently, finding his smile even more pained than tears.
Fang Ke stepped forward, "Sir, you..."