On the other side, Feng Zhengyang had already arrived at the room where the prisoners were being held.
Looking at the group of prisoners with their heads hanging low and faces full of shame, Feng Zhengyang was furious.
These people, in the end, are still his soldiers!
If a son is not taught, it is the father's fault; if an army is not disciplined, it is the general's laziness.
As the commander of the garrison, Feng Zhengyang was naturally deeply saddened by the depravity and betrayal of these people.
He stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping over each prisoner. Some of them lowered their heads, avoiding his eyes; others looked remorseful, as if they wanted to say something but dared not utter a word.
“I know that many of you were once the pride of the garrison, soldiers who defended our country.” Feng Zhengyang’s voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer striking the prisoners’ hearts. “However, for various reasons, some of you were misled and coerced by Liang Zheng, and went down the wrong path, becoming his accomplices.”
Upon hearing this, the prisoners all lowered their heads, as if silently bearing their guilt.
Feng Zhengyang took a deep breath and continued, "I know that no one is perfect. However, as soldiers, we should have higher standards and stricter requirements. Your mistakes are not only a betrayal of the garrison district, but also a betrayal of the country and the people!"
His words were filled with anger and disappointment, but even more so with expectations and a warning to the prisoners.
"Commander, we know our crimes are unforgivable. Please don't go easy on us; we are willing to accept any punishment!" the prisoners said one after another.
Although their voices were low, every word revealed a firm resolve and a remorseful attitude.
Upon hearing this, Feng Zhengyang nodded slightly, the fierce look in his eyes gradually softening and replaced by a deep contemplation.
After a moment of contemplation, he waved to the soldiers behind him and said, "You all go out first, I'll talk to them alone."
The soldiers smiled wryly upon hearing this. Why did everyone like to talk to these prisoners alone? Not long ago, Chen Yu had talked to them alone, and now Commander Feng was talking to them alone again. What was it that they had to say in private?
Although they harbored resentment in their hearts, they dared not say anything and withdrew, leaving only Feng Zhengyang and a group of prisoners in the room.
Feng Zhengyang's gaze swept over the group of prisoners again, this time with a hint of gentleness and understanding in his eyes.
“Your assistance to Liang Zheng’s rebellion is a serious crime in the military. According to the rules, you should be sent to a military court.” Feng Zhengyang said slowly. “However, as you can see from the current situation, with the natural disasters happening now, there are neither the conditions nor the time to send you to a military court for punishment.”
At this point, Feng Zhengyang's tone became stern, and he continued, "But I hope you understand that this does not mean your crimes are forgiven. Your actions have seriously damaged the reputation of our garrison, chilled the hearts of your comrades, and disappointed countless people."
"The garrison area definitely can't keep you here."
“Commander…” A captured soldier mustered his courage, raised his head, and his eyes shone with determination. “We understand our mistakes and are willing to accept any punishment. But we beg you to give us a chance to reform and regain our honor and dignity.”
Others echoed this sentiment.
Upon seeing this, a hint of approval flashed in Feng Zhengyang's eyes. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "I have heard your requests. I also believe that everyone has a chance to reform. Now, there is a perfect opportunity for you to atone for your sins. Are you willing?"
"Commander, please give the order, and we will go through fire and water and die without hesitation!" the crowd said.
"Very good!" Feng Zhengyang nodded in satisfaction, and continued, "You must already know that young man named Chen Yu, right?"
Everyone nodded.
"Heh, this little brat is no simpleton! A private entrepreneur, yet he illegally possesses so many weapons. Even today, the reason I was able to bring Liang Zheng to justice was entirely due to his weaponry support. I suspect he has a much larger force supporting him." Feng Zhengyang frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes.
“Commander, you want us to…” A captured soldier made a throat-slitting gesture.
Feng Zhengyang waved his hand and said, "No, with such a major disaster looming, our primary task is disaster relief. At least until this disaster improves, Chen Yu cannot be moved!"
"So you mean...?" Everyone looked puzzled.
"I need you to become my swords, to pierce the heart of Chen Yu's forces!" Feng Zhengyang narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "This little brat has quite the ambition. If you can join them under the guise of seeking refuge, I doubt he will refuse."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. After all that, they were still being asked to work for Chen Yu. Wasn't this exactly what they had said about Chen Yu?
They couldn't help but wonder if this was just a pre-arranged story by Feng Zhengyang and Chen Yu, using this plausible excuse to incorporate them into Chen Yu's faction.
Feng Zhengyang had no idea what these prisoners were thinking. Seeing their doubtful expressions, he explained, "Don't worry, I can still retain your military status. In other words, even if you join Chen Yu's forces in the future, you will still be my soldiers, Feng Zhengyang's soldiers, soldiers of the Zhongyang Garrison! Your mission is to monitor everything Chen Yu does at any time, and if you find anything unusual, report it to me immediately!"
"We guarantee to complete the mission!" The prisoners saluted and answered in unison, their voices filled with determination and resolve.
They had no other choice now; since Feng Zhengyang wanted to act, they would just have to cooperate.
Feng Zhengyang nodded slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
He knew that although these prisoners had made mistakes, they were not inherently bad; they had simply been misled by Liang Zheng and led astray.
In this special period, it gives them the opportunity to repent and regain their honor and dignity, and also serves as a check on Chen Yu, a troublesome figure for them. It's a win-win situation.
Feng Zhengyang couldn't help but feel proud of his wit and decisiveness.
“Very well, this matter is settled. As for Chen Yu, I will talk to him.” Feng Zhengyang said with a serious expression, then turned to leave the room.
Just before leaving, he turned back and said meaningfully, "I hope you won't disappoint me again."
This statement is very meaningful. He deliberately emphasized the word "again," as if reminding them of their past mistakes while also expressing his hopes for their future.
After saying that, Feng Zhengyang walked out of the room without looking back. When he saw Chen Yu chatting with Li Zheng and others not far away, he narrowed his eyes and strode over.
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