Rebirth of a Farming Wife - Chapter 588 - Chapter 588: Chapter 594: Intentional Indulgence

Chapter 588: Chapter 594: Intentional Indulgence

Although Han Yu had a plan in mind, some things still had to follow proper procedures. The talk of discussing matters with Liu Xiu was actually a formality to notify him, to prevent any schemer from seizing the matter to sow discord, causing Liu Xiu unnecessary concern.

After the defeat at Yiyang City, Liu Xiu reorganized his troops, weeding out those with divided loyalties. However, as the saying goes, “You can know a man’s face but not his heart.” Even with Liu Xiu’s carefulness, it was impossible to remove all undesirable elements entirely, especially since not all of them harbored ill will. Some simply could not bear to see others prosper, or had competitive or hostile relationships with Han Yu.

Liu Xiu was known to be merciful at heart and felt compassion and sorrow for these disabled soldiers returning from the battlefield. Yet, he had no better arrangement for their welfare. Even with the best intentions, lack of capability prevented him from doing more.

With the retreat from Yiyang City, all food and provisions were lost in the escape. Now the army was already on tight rations, and it was impossible for Liu Xiu to compromise his army’s foundation out of sympathy. At most, he would offer some dismissal pay upon departure. But in those days, everyone knew that this small sum was almost inconsequential and would hardly cover the journey back to their villages, let alone support a family.

Liu Xiu was overjoyed that Han Yu had a way to provide for these disabled soldiers. He agreed to Su Wenyue’s conditions without hesitation, even adding a few more to ensure her interests. After all, from his point of view, such an act would appear disadvantageous. The Han couple’s kindness led them to shoulder this burden without regard for the consequences, so he felt obliged to do his part as well.

“Xiu Qi, all the considerations you mentioned are acceptable. Go ahead with your plans. But you and your wife must also be mindful of the potential issues I’ve mentioned. Though it brings me joy to see a suitable place for the disabled soldiers, I don’t want it to become an overwhelming burden for you two. If it proves too difficult, you might have to dismiss them to return home, providing perhaps a bit more compensation. These are hard times for everyone, and sometimes there’s simply no helping it,” Liu Xiu said.

Although Liu Xiu hoped Han Yu’s wife would take on this responsibility, he was also aware of its potential difficulties and drawbacks. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so troubled by the issue. Han Yu was not only his lifesaver but now a trusted and vital subordinate. So Liu Xiu reminded him that there was still time to reconsider; if Han Yu opted not to proceed, Liu Xiu would act as if the conversation had never happened. He valued Han Yu above the disabled soldiers.

“Uncle Wen, rest assured, since we have taken on this matter, all these issues have been considered. There’s a degree of certainty in my heart. These are the brothers with whom we’ve fought and shed blood on the battlefield; I can’t bear to see them end up with such a bleak fate. Even if I can’t secure an auspicious future for them, I can at least ensure they have enough to eat,” Han Yu responded.

“I won’t be overly kind. Everything that needs to be said will be made clear in advance. First, the people my wife takes on must be of good character. Second, let it be known upfront that they didn’t live off charity before, and that they must work for what they get. My wife has said that physical disabilities are not to be feared – it’s the disability of the heart that matters. With effort, they can still live well. If anyone is coming with the intention of freeloading, they can get rid of the idea right now; she won’t be deceived. Those expecting a free ride can just scram!”

Relaying Su Wenyue’s words to Liu Xiu, the corner of Liu Xiu’s mouth twitched slightly. She was indeed straightforward, he thought; simple and to the point. Yet, he couldn’t help but admire the decisiveness and vigor in her words – and he liked that.

“Xiu Qi, you’ve truly got yourself a good wife, a valuable assistant. But a wife who’s too strong-willed isn’t always easy to manage. You’re lucky to be someone who dotes on his wife,” Liu Xiu said, patting Han Yu’s shoulder with a meaningful look.

Of course, Han Yu understood the teasing implied in Liu Xiu’s words but didn’t mind. He did have an exceptional wife, and this was just Liu Xiu being envious. If not, he wouldn’t have coveted his wife not too long ago – that’s jealousy for you.

Since everything was agreed upon, Han Yu saw no need for changes. Liu Xiu immediately made the happy news known, which proved uplifting not just for the disabled soldiers but for the entire army.

On the battlefield, no one can predict the outcome. They all risked their lives, and such an arrangement gave them an additional safety net – a place to turn to should they have nowhere else to go.

As for returning home, only a small number entertained the thought. Most of the conscripted soldiers came from impoverished households. With new disabilities, they would only be a burden to their families, not to mention the uncertainty of their families’ survival amid the chaos and warfare.

The conditions set forth by Liu Xiu were generally accepted, except by a few with dubious intentions. If not for the General’s Wife’s willingness to take them in, they would’ve just been dismissed and sent home. No one was obliged to care for them for free; it was only right to earn their own keep through whatever work they could do.

However, such a significant matter was bound to stir discussions, and opinions varied. Liu Xiu and Han Yu didn’t actively stop these conversations but let them unfold naturally while covertly monitoring them and even encouraging the dialogue, indulging the buzz that filled the camp and led to various arguments and disputes largely rooted in differing views on the issue.

“Madam Han is truly kind-hearted. Now we can go into battle without worrying about what might come after. At the very least, we won’t end up with nowhere to turn,” a soldier said.

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“Yes, I was worried that if I got injured on the battlefield, if I was disabled, I’d have nowhere to go. Now that Madam Han is willing to take in soldiers who are disabled and retire from the battlefield, it eases a significant worry,” another soldier agreed.

In another conversation, a soldier decidedly disagreed, snorting disdainfully, “Kind-hearted? That’s easy to say. If she were truly kind-hearted, she wouldn’t impose so many demands and conditions. We were injured on the battlefield; it’s only right for them to arrange a place for us. This is simply a show of false kindness. To make the disabled work is to exploit us, nothing could be more malicious.”

“Aren’t you thinking too much? I think Madam Han isn’t that kind of person. Perhaps she really means well,” the soldier was a moderate, usually indecisive, hence his hesitation.

“What good intentions? If she really had good intentions, there wouldn’t be so many restrictions. Don’t be naive!”

“Exactly, they should be taking care of us in the first place. Why should there be so many conditions? These officials are all heartless, and their wives are the same. Other than making us fight to the death, they just milk benefits from us. Where’s the real kindness in that?”