Chapter 145 The Belated Braised Pork and the Hope Fund: Ryan and Lin...
Ryan and Lin Yue walked side by side on the road, followed by several servants carrying wooden boxes.
“Actually, you didn’t need to come in person for this.” Ryan glanced at Lin Yue. “You are now the lord of Blackrock City. You can send someone to handle this matter.”
"A small matter?" Lin Yue shook his head. "This is no small matter."
He looked at the earthenware jar Ryan was carrying, which had a red label on it—Hope Brand Braised Pork Canned Food.
"Besides," Lin Yue's voice lowered, "you've been thinking about this for a long time, haven't you?"
Ryan didn't speak, but paused slightly in his steps.
That was shortly after the battle at the Forge Court. The remains of the thirty-seven fallen soldiers were transported back to Blackrock City for burial, and their compensation money had been distributed as usual.
But there was one thing that Ryan couldn't let go of.
The young guard who stole the canned food.
He still remembers that innocent face, the fearful yet stubborn expression on his face when he discovered the boy stealing canned food, and he also remembers that the boy never made the same mistake again and even began to save his food rations.
"When the war is over and I go back, I want to bring all these canned goods to my parents to try," the child once said, his eyes shining with anticipation. "My father was a carpenter his whole life, and my mother worked hard her whole life, but they have never eaten anything so delicious."
But he could never go back.
The canned goods he had carefully collected were trampled to pieces in the chaos, and the broth from the braised pork was mixed with blood and mud, making them indistinguishable from each other.
"arrive."
Lin Yue's voice pulled Ryan back from his memories.
Before me stood a simple wooden house, its thatched roof somewhat worn, but the door frame smooth and clean. Piles of wood and wood shavings lay in the yard, and a faint scent of pine filled the air.
This is the child's home.
Ryan took a deep breath and went to knock on the door.
Who is it?
The door creaked open, and a hunched old man appeared in the doorway. His hair was gray, his face was etched with the lines of time, and his hands were covered with calluses and tiny scars—the marks of decades of sawing and planing wood.
It was Old John the carpenter.
The old man squinted at the group of people outside the door, his gaze lingering for a moment on Ryan's aristocratic attire before settling on the earthenware pot in his hand.
At that moment, the old man's body trembled slightly.
“You are…” His voice was a little hoarse.
“Old man,” Ryan said without introducing himself, only bowing slightly, “I am your son’s… companion.”
companion.
Not a superior, not a lord, but a comrade.
The old man paused for a moment, then heard hurried footsteps behind him. A woman with gray hair strode out of the house, clutching half of an unfinished shoe sole in her hand.
"Who's in charge...?"
Her words came to an abrupt halt.
Because she saw the earthenware jar in Ryan's hand, and she saw that familiar red label.
"This is..." The woman's voice began to tremble.
Three months ago, when her son left home, he excitedly told her about this canned food. He said it contained the most delicious braised pork in the world and would never spoil.
The son said that when he comes back, he will definitely bring a few jars for his parents to try.
But now, the canned food has arrived, but my son...
"Come in...come in and sit down." Old John stepped aside to make way for him in the doorway, his voice hoarse.
The furnishings inside were simple and unpretentious. There was a wooden table, a few wooden stools, and some half-finished carpentry work piled up in the corner. A spinning wheel stood by the window, and next to it, a bamboo basket contained several skeins of coarse hemp thread.
The most eye-catching thing is an old robe hanging on the wall.
Those were the clothes her son wore before he left. The woman couldn't bear to put them away, saying that she would wear them again when her son came back.
On the wooden rack beneath the robe, several items were neatly arranged: a rusty copper button, a faded cloth strip, and a crumpled letter that had been folded and refolded.
Those were relics that were sent along with the pension money.
"Please sit down, please sit down." Old John hurriedly cleared the table of dishes. "I'm so sorry for the poor hospitality... Why would you distinguished guests come to our poor, remote village..."
“Grandpa,” Ryan said, pressing down on the old man’s busy hand, “please stop. Today, we’ve come to deliver something to you both.”
He gently placed the earthenware jar in his hand on the table.
Old John froze.
The woman covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
"This is……"
“Your son said,” Ryan’s voice was a little hoarse, “that when he comes back from the war, he will bring a few jars of this for you two to try. He said that your parents have worked hard all their lives and have never eaten anything so delicious.”
Old John's lips trembled violently. He stretched out his calloused hands and carefully picked up the pottery jar, as if it were some rare treasure.
"This child...this child..." he murmured, tears streaming down his face, "He's always been a glutton, unable to resist any delicious food...and I even scolded him for being useless..."
The woman was crying so hard she couldn't speak, but she was clutching her husband's sleeve tightly, her whole body trembling.
“He was very capable.” Ryan crouched down to be at eye level with the old man. “On the battlefield, he was always at the forefront, protecting many of his comrades. He was a brave warrior.”
Old John's body trembled violently, but he didn't cry out. He just held the pot of braised pork tightly, as if holding the last warmth of his son.
Lin Yue stood aside, watching this scene, feeling as if something was gripping his heart tightly.
After a long while, old John slowly calmed down. He wiped his tears with his sleeve, then stood up shakily.
"I...I'll go heat it up." He carried the earthenware pot towards the stove. "This child has been saving it for so long, we can't let it get cold before eating it..."
"Grandpa, let me help you." Lin Yue followed.
“No need, no need, I can do it myself.” Old John stubbornly waved his hand, “You are honored guests, how can we let honored guests do it themselves…”
Lin Yue didn't insist any further, but quietly added some firewood for him.
The stove fire was lit, and the earthenware pot was placed inside the pot to heat it in a water bath. Gradually, the unique aroma of braised pork filled the air.
The woman wiped away her tears and hurried to fetch bowls and chopsticks. Old John stood in front of the stove, watching the steam rising from the pot, and suddenly spoke:
“When he was little, he craved meat the most. But his family was poor back then, and they could only afford to eat it a few times a year. Whenever I got a big job and earned a few coins, the first thing I did was to buy a piece of meat to satisfy his craving…”
His voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself.
"Later, when he grew up, he said he wanted to join the army, saying that there would be a salary and he could eat his fill. I said, 'Go ahead, go see the world, don't end up like your father, stuck in this poor, remote place for the rest of your life...'"
"I also told him that when he makes a name for himself and earns money, he should remember to come back and build a big house for me and his mother, so that the two of us old folks can enjoy a good life..."
Old John's voice gradually choked with emotion.
"He said yes. He said he'd bring us lots of delicious food when he came back. He said there's a kind of canned food outside that contains braised pork, it smells amazing, and it won't spoil no matter how long it keeps..."
"He didn't lie to us... he really brought it back..."
Tears welled up again, dripping onto the stove and making a soft "sizzling" sound.
Lin Yue turned her head away, unable to bear to look any longer.
Behind him, Ryan's fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white.
The braised pork is ready.
With trembling hands, the woman poured the meat from the can into a large bowl, then took several small, rough earthenware bowls and placed them on the table.
"Come on, have a taste." Old John called out to Ryan and Lin Yue, "My son saved this up, you...you should have some too."
Ryan tried to decline, but Lin Yue pressed down on his shoulder.
"Okay." Lin Yue nodded. "Let's use some together."
The woman placed a piece of meat in each bowl, then sat down beside her husband. Holding her bowl, she looked at the glistening braised pork, but hesitated to touch it.
“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law,” Ryan said softly, “Please use it. It’s a token of your son’s affection.”
The two elderly people nodded, each picked up a piece of meat, and put it in their mouths.
They chewed very slowly, as if trying to memorize every single flavor. Tears mingled with the meat juices as they swallowed, unable to distinguish between salty and sweet.
"Delicious..." Old John murmured, "Really delicious..."
“He didn’t lie to us…it really is delicious…” the woman sobbed uncontrollably.
The meal lasted a long time, but no one spoke. Only the occasional sounds of chewing and suppressed sobs echoed in the simple wooden house.
After finishing his meal, Ryan stood up and bowed deeply to the two elderly people.
“Uncle, Aunt,” his voice was a little hoarse, “I failed to protect your son. I’m sorry.”
Old John paused for a moment, then quickly waved his hand: "No, no, no, how can you blame yourself... People always die in war... He died defending his territory, he died a worthy death..."
“From now on,” Ryan straightened up, his gaze firm, “if you two ever have any difficulties, you can come to me. My name is Ryan, I am your son’s companion, and also… also his brother.”
The two elderly people opened their mouths, but couldn't utter a word. They just kept nodding, tears welling up in their eyes once again.
When leaving the cabin, Lin Yue had his servants unload all the supplies he had brought, including grain, cloth, medicine, and some silver.
“This…this is too much…” Old John waved his hands repeatedly, “We two old folks don’t need this much…”
"Please keep this, dear elders," Lin Yue said. "There's a long road ahead, use it slowly."
He added, "Your son is a hero, and the parents of a hero should not live such a hard life."
The two elderly people stood there, stunned, staring at the supplies piled up in the yard, speechless.
After walking quite a distance, Lin Yue looked back.
The two elderly people were still standing at the door, their hunched figures appearing particularly frail in the setting sun. Old John supported his wife with one hand, while tightly clutching the empty earthenware pot in the other, as if holding onto his son's last wish.
“Ryan,” Lin Yue withdrew his gaze, his voice somewhat low, “how many men were lost in this campaign?”
“Thirty-seven.” Ryan’s voice was equally heavy. “The youngest is only sixteen, and the oldest is just over thirty.”
Have their families been properly settled?
“As is customary, a pension was issued.” Ryan paused. “But to be honest… that amount of money will only last them a few months. Nobody cares what happens after that.”
Lin Yue lowered his gaze. He thought of the old couple, their simple house, and the old robe on the wall that their son had worn before he left.
An old carpenter, who had spent his entire life working, was getting old; his eyesight was failing, and his hands weren't as nimble as before. How many jobs could he still get? His wife, who had toiled her whole life, was also frail. How would they survive after their meager pension ran out?
And what about those thirty-six families? What are their circumstances?
How many parents have lost their sons? How many wives have lost their husbands? How many children have lost their fathers?
What will they do next?
“Ryan,” Lin Yue suddenly stopped, “I have an idea.”
What are your thoughts?
“Set up a special bank.” Lin Yue turned around and looked intently at Ryan. “It will be used specifically to take care of the families of soldiers who died or were injured in the line of duty.”
Ryan paused for a moment: "Specialized money exchange?"
“Yes,” Lin Yue said. “The Hope Trading Company and the City Lord’s Mansion will jointly fund a special fund. It’s not a one-time relief payment, but a long-term, continuous support.”
He began pacing in place, his thoughts becoming increasingly clear:
"First, the children of all soldiers who died in the line of duty will be raised and educated by this special fund until they reach adulthood. Those who should study will study, and those who should learn a trade will learn a trade, so that they can support themselves."
"Secondly, the parents and wives of the fallen soldiers will be provided for for life. The amount of money need not be too much, but it will at least ensure that they do not starve or freeze to death."
"Thirdly, these family members have priority in being hired in all the shops and workshops in Hope Town and Blackstone City. As long as they are willing to work, they will definitely have work to do and money to earn."
"Fourth, soldiers who are injured in the line of duty shall receive different levels of subsidies according to the severity of their injuries. At the same time, we should try to help them find suitable livelihoods so that they will not be abandoned by the world because of their disabilities."
Ryan listened, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.
“This idea…is very good,” he said. “However, where will the money come from? Supporting so many people is no small sum.”
"I hope the merchant guilds will contribute a portion, and the city lord's mansion will contribute a portion," Lin Yue said. "Furthermore, I plan to make the operation of this special fund public and accept donations from various merchant guilds and ordinary people. Merchants who have made money can donate as they wish, or we will not force them to. We will inscribe the names of all those who donate on the merit monument and announce it to the mainland."
“Furthermore,” he continued, “this special fund is not only for soldiers. From now on, anyone who dies or is injured in the line of duty in Hopetown and Blackrock City, whether a soldier, craftsman, or ordinary laborer, will be entitled to this treatment.”
“You mean…” Ryan’s expression turned serious.
“What I mean is,” Lin Yue said, word by word, “that everyone who has shed blood and sweat for this land should receive the respect and protection they deserve. Let them know that even if they fall one day, their families will not be abandoned.”
"Only then will more people be willing to serve this land. Not because they have no other choice, but because they know that this land is worth their dedication."
Ryan's gaze fell on a point in the void, where there were thirty-seven young corpses.
“Okay.” He finally spoke, his voice filled with an unprecedented firmness. “I’ll contribute half of this special fund.”
"You're paying half?" Lin Yue was somewhat surprised.
“Yes,” Ryan said. “Those thirty-seven men came out with me. They lost their lives for me. It’s only right that I pay for it.”
"Furthermore," he looked at Lin Yue, a slight smile playing on his lips, "since you intend to take over my position as city lord, shouldn't taking care of these people's families also be considered your responsibility, City Lord Lin?"
Lin Yue paused for a moment, then smiled: "Okay. Let's each contribute half."
The two looked at each other and smiled, standing side by side in the sunset.
“By the way,” Lin Yue suddenly said, “this special fund needs to be given a name.”
"What would you like to be called?"
Lin Yue thought for a moment and said, "Let's call it the 'Hope Heroes Foundation'."
“The Hope Foundation for Heroes…” Ryan read it aloud, then nodded. “A good name.”
“Hope,” Lin Yue looked into the distance, “is the most precious thing on this land. And those who sacrificed their lives to protect this hope are heroes.”
"This special fund is intended to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their families are not let down."
...
Three days later, the "Hope Martyrs Fund" was officially established.
Lin Yue personally drafted the articles of association, which were jointly signed by Ryan and a group of officials from the City Lord's Mansion. Hope Merchant Guild took the lead in injecting the first sum of money, and then the major merchant guilds in Blackrock City also responded one after another, with donations exceeding everyone's expectations.
What surprised Lin Yue even more was that ordinary people spontaneously participated.
There were small vendors who came to donate with a few copper coins, farm women who brought their own eggs and vegetables, and children who stuffed their long-saved pocket money into the donation box...
“My husband is also in the army,” said a young woman holding a child. “What would happen to me and my child if something happened to him one day? Now that we have this special fund, I feel much more at ease.”
“That’s right,” several women nearby nodded in agreement. “People used to say that soldiers’ lives were worthless; once they died, they were gone, and no one cared about their families. But things are different now. The actions of the city lord and Lord Lin have warmed our hearts.”
"Now we should address Lord Lin as City Lord Lin."
The news quickly spread throughout Blackrock City, and from Blackrock City to Hopetown, and to every corner of the North.
"Have you heard? Blackrock City and Hope Town have set up some kind of Martyrs' Fund to specifically take care of the families of fallen soldiers."
"Really? When have officials ever been so kind?"
“It’s absolutely true! My cousin’s brother-in-law died in the battle at the Forge Court. He just received his first payout a couple of days ago, and his mother was so moved that she cried.”
"Such a good thing? Doesn't that make joining the army even more promising?"
“That’s right. Who would want to join the army in the past? If you died, you died, and no one would care if your family starved to death. It’s different now. Even if you die in battle, your family will be taken care of. Such a lord is worth serving.”
As word spreads, so too will the reputation of the Martyrs' Foundation grow ever stronger.
Not only in Blackrock City and Hope Town, but also in some surrounding territories, people began to inquire about the details of this special fund and wondered if a similar fund should be established.
In Blackrock City and Hope Town, the number of young men who came to enlist was twice as many as in previous years.
Those young people who once avoided military service are now eager to join. It's not just because of the high pay, but because they know that even if they die on the battlefield one day, their families will not be abandoned.
This peace of mind is more precious than any gold or silver treasure.
...
In the study of the city lord's mansion, Lin Yue put down the documents in his hand and let out a long sigh of relief.
"How is it?" Ryan asked.
"It's even better than I expected," Lin Yue said. "The special funds are operating normally, the accounts are clear, and more and more families are benefiting. Most importantly, the public's response to this matter has been extremely positive."
“This is something I didn’t expect,” Ryan said. “I thought it would be a pure expense, but it has brought such a great return.”
“Do you know,” Lin Yue said, “that in the place I came from, there’s a saying: ‘He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.’ What are the hearts of the people? It’s not about making them fear you, nor is it about making them grateful to you, but about making them trust you.”
"I trust that you can protect them, I trust that you can give them justice, and I trust that even if they fall, you will not abandon their families."
"Only in this way will they willingly follow you, shed blood and sweat for you, and even give their lives."
Ryan listened, seemingly lost in thought.
"Is this what you've been doing all along?" he asked, "Using food to win people's hearts and using systems to build trust?"
Lin Yue turned around and smiled slightly: "Food is just the first step; the system is the foundation. People change, hearts change, but the system doesn't. As long as the system is in place, even if someone else takes charge, the families of these soldiers will not be mistreated."
"This is the real long-term solution."
Ryan pondered for a moment, then stood up, walked to Lin Yue, and solemnly extended his hand.
“Lin Yue,” he said, “I’m at ease leaving Blackrock City in your hands.”
Lin Yue grasped his hand: "You too. Qing Shi City and Bai Shui City are waiting for you to make your mark."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the entire Blackstone City in a golden-red hue.
In the distance, children are chasing and playing in the street, and vendors are hawking their wares...
Everything was so ordinary, yet so beautiful.
In a simple wooden house on the outskirts of town, old carpenter John sat on a small stool by the door, holding an empty earthenware pot in his hand, watching the sunset gradually fade on the horizon.
His wife sat beside him, sewing shoe soles while secretly wiping away tears.
"My child," old John murmured, tears welling in his cloudy eyes, "that braised pork was truly delicious..."
"I'll make you a bowl of it when Mom and Dad get there..."
The evening breeze gently blew by, carrying away the old man's whispers and bringing with it the distant hustle and bustle of the city.
That was the sound of hope.
Life goes on and on.
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