Rebirth of a Farming Wife-Chapter 598 - 604
Chapter 598: Chapter 604
It was just a very ordinary sentence, even lacking any particularly inspiring words, yet to these soldiers who had experienced injury, despair, fear, and helplessness, it was the most heartwarming phrase they could hear. They were just ordinary soldiers, who sought nothing more than peace and a full belly. That was enough for them.
“Madam has given us a place to stay and food to eat; this is already so precious. We are extremely grateful.”
“There’s no need for gratitude. Although I am willing to provide you with a refuge, living well depends on your own hard work and hands to create.”
Everyone understood Su Wenyue’s words, yet they still felt grateful. Those who remained were generally decent in character, at least they hadn’t caused any major problems during this time, which is why Han Yu allowed them to follow Su Wenyue. But there is a saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Perhaps some had hidden their true selves so well that no one had noticed anything amiss.
“Madam, rest assured, before we came here, the general had already instructed us on the rules we should follow. Even though we are wounded soldiers who have retired from the battlefield, carrying disabilities, we are not useless. Whatever tasks Madam has for us, just command us to do them.”
Su Wenyue nodded in approval: “Good. While you may have physical disabilities, as long as your mind is not impaired, you can live splendidly and be a useful person.”
These men, due to their physical disabilities, harbored feelings of inferiority and held a pessimistic attitude. In Su Wenyue’s words, they not only felt respected but also saw hope. Indeed, as Madam said, even with physical disabilities, as long as one’s mind is whole, one remains a useful person, even if they might not achieve brilliance.
“Madam’s words are as precious as gold and jade, and we have taken them to heart. From now on, we will serve Madam with all our might, repaying your kindness,” said the leader of the speaking soldiers, who was previously a minor officer named Wei Dong. He had a rank which could have allowed him not to demote himself with the common soldiers, but he did not want to be a burden in the army and chose to follow Madam. Initially, he did so with a mindset of giving up on himself, but now he felt how right his decision was. Madam’s previous actions and her words today showed that she was an extraordinary woman. Staying by her side, perhaps he really could make a difference.
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After Wei Dong finished speaking, the other soldiers echoed his sentiments, but no one noticed that among them, a soldier with a seemingly honest face lowered his head, his eyes flashing a sly gleam so fleeting it went unseen. And since he was bowing his head, no one realized it.
Words are empty at present, and since these soldiers were traumatized both physically and mentally, Su Wenyue didn’t assign them any tasks, but simply had them comfortably settled. Telling them more would not be as comforting as giving them something tangible.
“These few houses have been built in haste under Madam’s orders. Due to limited resources, this is the best we could manage. They may not be too grand or big, but they are sufficient to shelter from wind and rain, providing you all a place to stay. You have seen that even Madam herself lives in nothing more than a small courtyard with two entryways. We hope you won’t have any dissatisfaction or complaints. If there’s anything you lack, feel free to speak up. As long as it’s not too much, Madam has instructed us to do our best to accommodate your needs.”
Looking at the blue brick tiled house before them, although it wasn’t luxurious, they were simple soldiers, not rich old masters. To them, it already felt like a very comfortable dwelling, countless times better than living in tents, and superior to their own families’ homes. What could they possibly find unsatisfactory? To do so would be ungrateful, as the officer said, Madam owes them nothing, providing them shelter is already an act of kindness.
“Servant girl Xiao Xi, this is truly fine. Back in the village, I lived in a mud house with thatch roofing, which leaked everywhere when it rained. In my life, I’ve never lived in such a well-constructed blue brick tiled house. Now when things have come to this, to live here unexpectedly, if I were to complain, wouldn’t that be heartless, lower than pigs and dogs? My mother always said to cherish your blessings, or they might be taken by the heavens.”
The man speaking was an honest fellow, with siblings and a mother at home. Because of his disability, he did not want to be a burden to his family and chose to stay. Initially, he thought, considering the conditions and restrictions stated by Madam, and the rumors, that life here wouldn’t be easy, just barely scraping by. Yet, he never expected Madam to treat them with such a friendly attitude today.
Because of their disabilities, they were looked upon with pity or scorn by others. But Madam treated them like anyone else, providing them with such a nice place to live, and the servants in the mansion treated them kindly as if they were family.
So, upon hearing Xiao Xi’s words, he immediately expressed excitement, voicing his thoughts, which were shared by the majority of those present.
Due to previous rumors, Xiao Xi harbored some resentment and disgust towards the disabled soldiers, even though initially she had felt sympathy. As a result, her attitude was not overly warm. However, because of Madam’s orders, she did not show it on the outside. Now, hearing the man’s words and seeing everyone’s response, she felt somewhat comforted.
Xiao Xi was not a heartless person to begin with, and her own background was pitiful. After a few exchanges, her attitude towards the disabled soldiers improved significantly, and a smile appeared on her face, warming the soldiers’ hearts.
They all knew that Xiao Xi was a maid valued by Madam, and if she could treat them with such an attitude, it indicated that like her mistress, her servants were also good-hearted.
“Servant girl Xiao Xi, you have worked hard today. We understand everything that needs to be known. We are grown men, not children; we can take care of ourselves. You can go and rest now. You must be tired after working for so long,” they said.
“Alright, I’ll go back then. Madam is waiting for me, probably worried whether you all have been settled properly or not. I need to let her know. You all should also rest early. For the next two days, there won’t be any tasks for you. Madam said that you probably haven’t had much rest these days. Consider these two days a time for recuperation, so you are well-prepared for work later. The emperor won’t starve his soldiers, as they say. As for meals, they will be delivered to you on time.”
As Xiao Xi spoke, Su Wenyue sent someone with some wound medicine: “Madam said the conditions at the military camp weren’t good, and there were many injured, so those of you who can no longer go to the battlefield might not get much. Your wounds are probably not fully healed, so this medicine, which cost a lot, has proven effective. Take it and use it well,” she instructed.
