Not only those two officials, but everyone was listening respectfully.
Understanding what Yang Mengchen was about to say, Chu Dieyi pressed her lips together with a sneaky smile, but Yang Mengchen gave her a glare and then turned to look sternly at the two officials.
"These wounded soldiers have been injured or disabled in the service of protecting our nation. We all enjoy the peace and stability their blood and lives have bought us, and we should be filled with gratitude. Yet you treat these meritorious servants in such a way; do you not feel a twinge of conscience? Tell the Minister of War that if he cannot handle this matter properly, he should not blame Princess Chen for intervening in the internal affairs of the Ministry of War!"
The distribution of pensions was the responsibility of the Ministry of War. Yang Mengchen sidestepped the Ministry of Revenue, mentioning only the Ministry of War, both reasonable and proper.
As her words ended, a ripple of emotion went through everyone present.
"You will relay Princess Chen’s words to the Minister without omitting anything. I believe the Minister understands what Princess Chen means," Yang Mengchen said with an authoritative demeanor.
The two officials respectfully acknowledged this.
Looking at the wounded soldiers, Yang Mengchen spoke passionately, "Rest assured, heroes, the Emperor and Prince will never let you soldiers returning from the front spill blood only to then shed tears. Go back home at ease; very soon people will be sent to handle this matter properly!"
She hoped that by doing this, she could dispel the negative emotions of the wounded soldiers, win the support and respect of the border soldiers for her father Emperor and Prince Wende, and stabilize the border.
Upon hearing Yang Mengchen’s words, the eyes of the wounded soldiers reddened with emotion and awe.
If it wasn’t for their future livelihoods, if it wasn’t for the wives and children of their helpless brothers-in-arms, they would not have caused a disturbance on the streets, almost getting thrown into prison.
The dozen or so men, who faced death without fear, strong as iron, formed a line and saluted Yang Mengchen respectfully, "Thank you, Princess Chen..."
"Without you, there would be no peaceful days for Princess Chen. I should be the one thanking you!" Yang Mengchen bowed in gratitude, "On behalf of the Emperor and the Prince, Princess Chen salutes all the soldiers who have fought and shed blood for Dong Chu. Thank you!"
Chu Dieyi, Hai Tang, and the other four followed suit, bowing in respect to the wounded soldiers.
Everyone, initially there with the mindset of watching a spectacle, now looked at Yang Mengchen and the wounded soldiers with awe.
The imperial family members are thought to be haughty, yet Princess Chen turned out to be so approachable.
And Princess Chen was right—if it weren’t for those soldiers guarding the border, where would their peaceful and harmonious lives come from?
Unexpectedly understanding of them, several wounded soldiers could not help but shed tears, while the others were visibly moved.
To say they harbored no resentment or hatred would be a lie—they had fought valiantly at the front, many of their brothers falling in battle, with the survivors bearing the scars of light or grievous injuries, forcing them to retire and return home.
But after retirement, because of their disabilities, even their future livelihoods became a concern. They approached the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue time and again, but each time failed to receive the money. Corrupt officials claimed there was no money for pensions, yet had plenty to indulge in luxuries, how could that not fill them with rage?
Now, having heard Princess Chen’s words, that anger dissipated like smoke in the wind.
Yang Mengchen, along with Chu Dieyi and the group from Hai Tang, walked toward the carriage.
The crowd made way, watching the six of them depart, with the wounded soldiers following behind, wanting to escort them part of the way.
"Please stop," Yang Mengchen turned and addressed the wounded soldiers, "You go first to Huimin Hospital for treatment. Tell President Yao that the expenses are to be charged to the Royal Charity account."
The group got into the carriage, Mo Mei whipped the horses, and the carriage quickly disappeared from sight.
The two officials from the Ministry of War, Cao Da, and the soldiers from the Tidu Yamen Government Office, returned to their offices, and the onlooking crowd gradually dispersed.
After giving a few words of advice to the wounded soldiers, Yuwen Yanhe directed them to get treatment, while he and Jin Kuan remained on the spot.
With disbelief in his voice, Jin Kuan asked Yuwen Yanhe, "Is she really Princess Chen?"
"No one would dare to impersonate a member of the royal family, especially the renowned Princess Chen," Yuwen Yanhe kept looking in the direction where the carriage had disappeared.
"’Not letting the soldiers returning from the front shed blood only to then shed tears’?" Jin Kuan repeated the words thoughtfully, then sighed in admiration, "To be able to speak such words, Princess Chen truly is a remarkable woman!"
Yuwen Yanhe raised an eyebrow, "To be able to grow four types of crops beneficial to the country and the people, to be able to develop healing medicines with exceptional effects, to be able to design the grand architecture of Chu Ao Villa, Princess Chen is indeed a legendary figure."
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