Chapter 398: Reward
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Song Chongliang’s raised arm paused, and he looked at Gu Qingluan. “Miss Gu, we’ve only administered ten lashes so far. Considering the gravity of this young man’s mistake, shouldn’t we give him a proper hundred and eighty lashes?” The people around couldn’t help but cringe at the suggestion.
A hundred and eighty lashes?
Wouldn’t that be fatal?
Weren’t General Song and Vice General Yang in a superior-subordinate relationship? Why was he being so merciless? Could it be that he’s taking advantage of this to torment Vice General Yang?
However, Song Chongliang appeared resolute and filled with righteousness. There was no hint of personal vengeance in his demeanor.
Yang Fugui quivered as he said, “General Song is right; please continue.”
Song Chongliang raised his hand, preparing to continue the punishment.
Gu Qingluan’s voice took on a hint of sternness. “If you keep going, are you planning to leave a corpse at my doorstep?”
Song Chongliang and Yang Fugui quickly replied, “We dare not.”
They had come to confess their wrongdoing and show gratitude, not to cause trouble for Miss Gu.
Gu Qingluan felt that it was enough. Continuing the punishment could lead to a loss of life, which would only create more trouble for her.
Moreover, Yang Fugui’s mistake wasn’t so grave that it warranted extreme measures.
“If you still feel uneasy in your heart, remember your actions from yesterday and today. Remind yourself not to believe in rumors or spread them. And most importantly, don’t judge others based on your own standards. If you truly repent, strive to become an honorable leader in the future, protect your homeland, and safeguard the people. That’s worth more than anything else.” “Wonderful!”
Someone in the crowd shouted.
Immediately, the whole assembly burst into applause.
Yang Fugui was moved by Gu Qingluan’s words. “Miss Gu, I’ll heed your advice!”
He might not be well-educated or eloquent, but this statement came straight from his heart.
Song Chongliang chuckled. “Miss Gu, your sense of justice is commendable.”
Gu Qingluan couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally; she didn’t need such obvious flattery.
She was about to dismiss them when suddenly, a burst of firecrackers erupted.
Accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums.
Veins throbbed on Gu Qingluan’s forehead.
She turned to look in the direction of the commotion.
What was going on now?
Two soldiers were carrying something covered in red fabric, resembling a banner.
Behind them, someone was setting off firecrackers one after another.
A string after string.
Gu Qingluan couldn’t help but take a step back.
Was this never going to end?
Song Chongliang handed the switch to a subordinate and stepped forward, clasping his fists. “Miss Gu, we thank you for your brave actions yesterday, which saved Tianjing City from peril. Without you, we wouldn’t be enjoying the peace and prosperity we have today.”
As he spoke, he briskly removed the red fabric.
A banner bearing the words “Heroes of the People” was revealed.
Gu Qingluan had the urge to bury her face in her hands.
She felt so embarrassed that her toes were curling up.
The onlookers had no clue about her inner exasperation; instead, they were enthusiastically clapping and cheering.
Feng Tianlan looked at her with a smile, and Jing Feng seemed genuinely interested.
They hadn’t expected the soldiers of Tianjing City to be so creative.
The applause and cheers continued without abating.
Gu Qingluan had to speak up to interrupt the celebration.
“This achievement isn’t mine alone, General Song. You really don’t need to…” “Haha! It seems General Song is quicker than the Emperor. I arrived late!” At that moment, a mocking laughter echoed.
People turned around to see a handsome man in a bright yellow silk robe with a golden crown riding on a spirited horse.
Upon seeing him, Song Chongliang’s expression slightly changed, and he hurriedly knelt down in respect. “This humble officer pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!”
“Oh, it’s Crown Prince!”
“Why has the Crown Prince come?”
People exclaimed in surprise and promptly knelt and paid their respects.
Seeing Qi Tianyou was like finding a savior for Gu Qingluan, and she sighed in relief. “Your Highness, why have you come? Is there something urgent?”
Qi Tianyou gestured for her to look behind him. “Yes, indeed, it is quite urgent. Royal Father, the Emperor, has sent rewards. Considering your remarkable contributions, the palace’s gifts are moving at a rather sluggish pace. If they don’t pick up the pace, I fear everyone present may become a tad impatient..”