Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The issue of supplies has long been a source of public discontent. The fact that there hasn't been an immediate uproar does not mean that the soldiers are willing to endure it. Rather, they understand better than anyone what it means to endure, contrary to what outsiders might believe.
Who wouldn't want their country to be strong? However, reality often defies our wishes. How can one person change the course of events?
When news of Li Mu gathering people reached Lian Po's ears, he merely laughed it off. As for punishment? Whom should he punish? The food supply issue for the soldiers remains unresolved; who exactly should be held accountable?
Nevertheless, for the time being, this kind of arrogance needs to be suppressed. Otherwise, things could escalate further!
Thus, he ordered Li Mu and Sima Shang, who had stirred up trouble, to be brought to the Main Tent. Upon their arrival, they were met with a stern reprimand. As officers of Zhao, they should understand the gravity of the situation. If there are problems or grievances, they should report them to their superiors; gathering soldiers privately is unacceptable!
In truth, one cannot entirely blame Centurion Sima Shang and Sergeant Li Mu for this situation. If they hadn't managed to control the situation, the consequences would have been dire. There must always be a leader; otherwise, how could the soldiers have such audacity? Are they rebelling?
Sima Shang was worried about Li Mu's fiery temper and repeatedly advised him on the way there. This was an audience with the Commander; any harsh words should just be endured. Li Mu promised on the spot that he understood his limits.
What was agreed upon was agreed upon; being scolded upon entering was something he could tolerate. After all, General Lian was highly respected and deserved to be listened to! Li Mu gritted his teeth and listened with his head down, feeling as if every word was a stab to his heart. Who on earth caused these problems? The frontline soldiers couldn't even get enough to eat—what nonsense about protecting Wei State; it was all ridiculous!
"General! I have something to report!"
Upon hearing Li Mu's defiance, Sima Shang immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Gathering people in the military is a serious offense; at best, it results in corporal punishment, at worst, death. The Old General's willingness to reprimand suggests that this matter could be dealt with leniently. Why couldn't this lunatic understand that? Does he not grasp what the General means!?
Sima Shang discreetly tugged at Li Mu's sleeve and made faces at him to urge him to keep quiet. In such situations within the military, Old General Lian Po surely knew what was happening. We are merely junior officers; we must never take things too far!
Lian Po's intentions were similar; he could still distinguish right from wrong. After all, there were over one hundred thousand men under his command. If he didn't set an example by punishing someone, the situation would spiral out of control. Today it might be a few dozen people causing trouble; tomorrow it could escalate to hundreds or thousands! Hearing Li Mu still arguing at this moment made his expression darken immediately. This kid had talent but remained stuck at the Sergeant level without promotion. Such a significant matter—couldn't he think through what caused it!?
“Li Mu! This general has not delved deeper into this matter; do you have anything else to say?”
Li Mu remained unfazed and bowed respectfully, saying, “I do not care about personal gains or losses, but if it concerns the State of Zhao, I would be willing to sacrifice my head for it!”
What a fool! At such an age, he is still a fool!
Having reached this point in the conversation, Lian Po could not say anything further in front of everyone. With a grunt, he asked, “Since General Li’s heart is with the State, if I were to obstruct you further, it would imply treason. Speak your mind in front of all the generals!”
Li Mu looked up at the two rows of stone statues and could not help but let out a heavy sigh in his heart. Am I the only one who can see this? Don’t all of you understand what the soldiers are causing trouble over? What does personal status mean compared to the country? If Zhao were to fall, you would merely be former generals of a fallen state!
If I risk my life to speak out as an individual, so be it!
“General! I believe that the major affairs of the country lie within the army, and the major affairs of the army lie within provisions. Food is morale, and morale is food. If we lose this foundation, how can our Zhao soldiers fight against the Qin Army? It’s just about daily meals, yet we cannot even guarantee that. I don’t understand; what is more important—the rations for the soldiers fighting on the front lines or the corruption and misconduct of certain individuals? General! Our Zhao soldiers are not afraid of death; I fear that they do not even know what they are dying for!”
As Li Mu’s passionate speech came across like an interrogation, Lian Po suddenly felt embarrassed. He had seen such matters before; even if you are not afraid of death, what good does exposing this rotten situation do? It has long been infested with maggots; how can it be cured!?
Li Mu was merely a low-ranking officer yet dared to act so recklessly! If this kid were to become a general, who knows what chaos would ensue! The generals standing on either side exchanged glances and naturally did not want to get involved; they all lowered their heads and continued to pretend to be stone statues.
After listening seriously, Lian Po asked, “What does General Li suggest we do about it?”
Li Mu once again cupped his hands in respect and said, “It’s simple! Those who disrupt our morale should be punished according to the law! This will uphold justice and stabilize morale. Then…”
Lian Po waved his hand dismissively and said, “How about this! Those who dare to tamper with our provisions fall into two categories: one is the responsibility of the Supply Team, and the other is an issue with our Granary. If I were to follow your words and command you to investigate, how many days would it take for you to provide an answer for all our troops?”
Upon hearing this, the Generals standing on both sides immediately fell over in disbelief. The officer responsible for transporting supplies had no issues, but this was just a commoner's child. If they truly investigated, executing him publicly would be no problem. Wanting to thoroughly investigate the Granary? Were they out of their minds!?
As everyone knows, the current Granary commander, Zhao Weiran, is a cousin of King Zhao. There is an old saying that one should not only consider the monk's face but also the Buddha's face. Moreover, this official's uncle and relatives are high-ranking ministers of the state; targeting Zhao Weiran would undoubtedly be a path to self-destruction! If Zhao Weiran were executed because of this, one could forget about living comfortably for the rest of their life! How did these two lunatics end up together!? If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag their brothers down with them!
At this moment, several generals who dared not offend Lian Po but ignored Li Mu stepped forward in unison, bowing and saying, "General! Li Mu is merely a junior officer; his words are not credible. Those who dare to cause trouble in the Military deserve punishment! Our laws in Zhao are strict, and we wish to see a satisfactory resolution!"
Lian Po raised his head and looked at the ceiling for a long time before saying, "Li Mu! Do you hear what the generals mean?"
Li Mu immediately knelt and said, "Military orders should indeed be clear in reward and punishment! I only hope that the general can prioritize our Zhao State and Nation and step forward to dispel all darkness. I am willing to accept any punishment; I have no regrets in death!"
The fearless young bull is likely referring to this moment! Our Zhao still has loyal ministers! As long as they do not perish, Zhao will not fall!
Lian Po suddenly slammed the table and stood up to look at the generals. "The world has declined, and people's hearts have changed! Well said! Within ten days, our army will launch a full-scale attack on the Qin Army. If I give you ten days, can you restore righteousness?!"
Li Mu did not hesitate and immediately bowed to accept the order. "I am unworthy but willing to use my life to turn the tide. No need for ten days; within five days, we will see results!"
Comment 0 Comment Count