Chapter 255: Chapter 255: Speaking for the Military General and Soldiers
Defying the Emperor’s authority is a crime no one dares to bear.
The Countess of Xiangyang knelt on the ground, shrieking in defense: "Commandery Princess, Grand Madam, it was just this foolish girl’s reckless words. She’s nothing but a mouth full of nonsense. Even if you gave her ten thousand courage, she wouldn’t dare defy the Emperor’s authority. Please, Commandery Princess, discern the truth."
Now, she no longer pleaded with Song Ci, as she was utterly unreasonable; it was better to appeal to the Commandery Princess. This young one had a tender face and had been on the battlefield, surely possessing a heart unlike any ordinary woman; perhaps she’d let this matter go.
Niu Pan’er was indeed broad-minded. Seeing her pale, trembling face, she said, "This Commandery Princess knows that Miss Lin dare not defy the Emperor’s authority."
The Countess of Xiangyang’s heart eased, and she burst into a smile, proclaiming loudly: "The Commandery Princess sees everything clearly."
"However, it is also true that she has slandered and insulted this Commandery Princess behind my back." Niu Pan’er turned her back, lifting her chin slightly, her eyes fiercely directed at Lin Zhiying: "This Commandery Princess can forgive Miss Lin this time, but from today on, wherever this Commandery Princess is, I hope not to see Miss Lin appear. The Emperor’s grand celebration is imminent; to demonstrate loyalty, Miss Lin should transcribe scriptures to pray for the Emperor."
The Count of Xiangyang and Lin Zhiying turned pale once again, not daring to argue, only prostrating on the ground: "Thank you, Commandery Princess, for your mercy."
Niu Pan’er no longer looked at them but turned to Song Ci and smiled: "Grand Madam, shall we proceed to the front to admire the flowers?"
"Yes."
Song Ci responded but didn’t move immediately. Watching Lin Zhiying and the others, she said: "I have spoken before; one must know gratitude. These words aren’t spoken lightly. You said Commandery Princess Dongyang couldn’t even hold an embroidery needle, but she can wield a spear and sword, courageously facing the enemy. Ask yourselves: among those present, who can wield a spear like her?"
"Ninety percent of ten people can handle an embroidery needle; only one can wield a spear. Who is more noteworthy? You, living a luxurious life in domestic tranquility, who has brought you this peace? It wasn’t your ancestors, but those soldiers fighting desperately on the battlefield."
"Perhaps you disagree with my words, but without a country, is there a family? Even if your fathers and brothers are exceptionally talented, without soldiers defending the gates of the nation, with the enemy at the city walls, would your fathers and brothers withstand it? Could you still sit here so securely, chatting away and drinking, embroidering?"
Song Ci pressed her lips, looking at the gathered ladies. Today, she speaks as a representative and advocate for the military soldiers!
Niu Pan’er’s heart was stirred, her eyes growing warm, looking elsewhere.
The crowd was silent, faces full of shame.
Song Ci took Niu Pan’er’s hand without a word and rolled up her sleeve.
"Grand Madam." Niu Pan’er exclaimed in surprise.
"Look, all of you."
The crowd looked over, pupils shrinking and hearts racing at the sight of that wheat-colored arm, crossed with a hideous scar.
"Take a good look at what those you scorn have sacrificed to defend their homes and country. This is the honor the battlefield brought her. You, if you pricked a finger, would probably cry your eyes out."
"Grand Madam." Niu Pan’er called helplessly, pulling back her hand, letting the sleeve fall. She hadn’t expected her to do this.
"What is there to fear? Let them know that your title as a valiant General was not given freely, it was earned through injury, nearly through life itself." Song Ci said: "Let them understand what it means to cherish blessings, what it means that peace and happiness in life are hard-won. They can’t go to the battlefield as you do but neither should they mock from behind. On what grounds do they do so? With a sharp tongue or a large face?"