"Thank you, our emperor! Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor!" Hundreds of people expressed their gratitude in unison and stood up solemnly.
Zhu Youxiao liked this kind of occasion, even though there were no review cars or goose-stepping that was so neat it would make people gasp in admiration. But the soldiers of this era, if they were given what they deserved, would be just as loyal and brave, and fearless of powerful enemies.
"Long live the emperor—" Minister of War Sun Chengzong tried to make one last effort, but before he could finish his words, the emperor raised his hand to stop him.
"They fought for their country, shed blood and sacrificed their lives. They deserve this kind of treatment," Zhu Youxiao said slowly. "I want everyone in the world to know that the peace they enjoy is earned by the soldiers' sacrifices and blood. Respect for soldiers is something every Ming citizen must do."
Sun Chengzong bowed and stepped back with a hint of helplessness, then gave an order for hundreds of people to line up on the stage to receive the award personally from the Supreme Ruler, the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
These soldiers had heard the imperial edict and seen the emperor from afar, but they dared not even think about seeing him face to face. Moreover, even in the entire Ming Dynasty, few people had such an opportunity.
"I am Feng, Feng Datie, and I pay my respects to you, Long live the emperor!" Feng Datie lowered his head slightly, not daring to look you in the eye. His voice trembled and he stuttered a little when he spoke.
Although the emperor had already instructed that it was not a crime to witness the event in person; in the military camp, wearing armor and bowing one's hands and head was considered a greeting.
But Feng Datie and others were unable to change their ways for the time being and continued to perform the kneeling ceremony.
In fact, although the military ceremony set by the emperor was used when awarding awards, it also had a long tradition and was very particular.
According to historical records, there was no need for kneeling in military camps during the Western Zhou Dynasty.
Soldiers wearing armor only need to bow to their superiors, which is called "intermediaries do not bow"; when military chariots are traveling, even if someone salutes the driver, there is no need to return the greeting with a "kick", which is called "military chariots do not bow".
"As a civilian, you may call yourself a humble official; as an officer, you may call yourself a general." Zhu Youxiao said in a loud voice, "Hold your head high and chest out, let me take a good look at the warriors of the Ming Dynasty."
Feng Datie did as he was told mechanically, holding his helmet in one hand, standing still like a wooden man, not even blinking.
"Feng Datie - a good man." Zhu Youxiao nodded, smiling warmly and full of appreciation. He reached out and pinned the badge of the nobility on his chest, then took the medal handed to him by the palace servant and motioned Feng Datie to lower his head and come forward.
Only after being reminded by the official next to him did Feng Datie take a step forward and lower his head deeply.
Zhu Youxiao hung the medal around Feng Datie's neck, carefully adjusted the ribbon, took a small step back, looked at it carefully, and nodded with satisfaction.
"I bow to thank our emperor. Long live him, long live him, long live him!" Feng Datie received another signal from the official and knelt on one knee to salute.
There was no need for any other passionate encouragement, nor any "die for" declaration of loyalty. From the expressions and behavior of these soldiers, Zhu Youxiao knew how excited they were.
Soldiers eat food and support their families. Such thoughts cannot be criticized as too selfish, too narrow-minded, and lack the noble spirit of serving the country and the people.
But once these basic requirements are no longer a problem, higher-level pursuits will arise, as long as there is such an opportunity. For example, military awards, promotions to military officers...
Apparently, the emperor not only gave soldiers opportunities, but also showed them a bright future. As long as you fulfill your military duties and fight bravely, rich rewards are waiting for you.
Zhu Youxiao's thoughts were sublimated, and he did not give up. However, he believed more in the distinction between rewards and punishments, that "a great reward will always bring out brave men", and that if people make efforts, they should be given equal rewards.
Officers and soldiers came to the stage one by one, and the emperor conferred titles and medals on them one by one.
The emperor said few words, just repeating the plain, even vulgar name and praising him as "good man". Immediately, many people's faces flushed, their blood boiled, and their voices trembled with excitement.
A show? To win people's hearts? Zhu Youxiao didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Just like propaganda, if it couldn't inspire or guide people, what was the point?
If it was just empty talk, even Zhu Youxiao would feel embarrassed in front of these simple and honest "good men".
Only when the treatment was implemented did Zhu Youxiao have the confidence to face these brave warriors and the many more martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country without feeling embarrassed.
How did they defeat the Jiannu, defend the country from foreign enemies, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the imperial palace? If they cannot even recognize these things and cannot treat these soldiers well, then they deserve the destruction of their country and deserve to be hanged on a tree.
Time passed very slowly, but Zhu Youxiao did not feel bored or tired.
When all the warriors lined up in the training ground and bowed to thank God again, he felt full of strength.
"My beloved ministers, and all the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty, you have fought for our country, sacrificing your lives without a care. I will generously reward you, and I will also benefit your descendants for generations to come. This is my promise, my oath. I will never break my word, I will never betray my promise. Heaven and earth bear witness!"
The emperor's resounding voice echoed throughout the training grounds, reaching every ear. How many emperors, supreme over all men, would so solemnly swear an oath to ordinary soldiers, using heaven and earth as a mirror?
Wang Shaohui, the new editor-in-chief of "Daming Forum", took a charcoal pencil and made quick notes. Although he had never learned shorthand, he had an excellent memory, and after going back to make some additional revisions, there wouldn't be much difference.
As the editor-in-chief, it was his job to follow the Emperor in participating in some foreign affairs and record the Emperor's instructions in newspapers.
If more people took out small notebooks and recorded my words carefully - Zhu Youxiao suddenly felt that this scene was very familiar, and it should happen frequently in a small country in the future.
Tsk! What are you thinking about? I'm holding a hero commendation meeting!
When Amin and the other Jiannu prisoners are brought to the capital, there will be a grand ceremony to present them. I want to practice "Take it" again, and my voice must be loud and clear, shaking the Meridian Gate.
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