Fang Er had been sitting on a branch under the moon in the training grounds, stubbing out cigarette after cigarette.
Just as he was about to light another, a soft, warm little hand suddenly touched his arm.
"My lord, it's cold. You should go back soon."
Fang Er turned his head and saw Chai Yue looking at him with concern, with Xiao Qing and Xing'er standing behind her.
He put away his cigarette, patted Chai Yue's hand, and forced a smile. "Alright, let's go home."
After walking only a few steps, Chai Yue said, "My lord, there are some people at home. Please don't get angry when you get there."
Fang Er was a little puzzled. Had someone come looking for trouble again?
Shaking his head, he decided to go back and see.
Before he reached the entrance of his home, he saw a group of young men gathered outside the Fang residence from a distance.
He could vaguely hear Liu Meng and Wu Yong shouting loudly inside.
"Brothers! Go back, don't make things difficult for us. If you come through, the Marquis will break my legs."
Fang Er quickened his pace, trying to figure out what was happening.
Reaching the edge of the crowd, he patted the shoulder of a young man about his age. "Brother, what's going on?"
The man turned his head, and upon seeing Fang Er, immediately knelt down with a thud.
"I am the third son of Zhou Suanpan from Majiahe. My elder brothers are gone, so I've come to serve the Marquis in their stead. Please, Marquis, accept me!"
He finished by kowtowing three times.
The situation here was quickly noticed by others.
In a blink of an eye, they were surrounded, and a ground full of kneeling people.
"I am Zhao Yimu from Zhaojiazhuang. My brother is Zhao Sen. I'm also here to serve the Marquis in my brother's stead!"
"I am also from Zhaojiazhuang, named Zhao Fentian. I'm here to serve the Marquis in my brother's stead!"
"My name is Tiedan, here to serve the Marquis in my father's stead!"
"My name is Zhang Maozi~~~"
"My name is~~"
One by one, young and strong men knelt before him, begging him to accept them.
Suddenly, an old man pushed through the crowd, leading five young men.
"Marquis, it's me, Yang Yao!"
The old man smiled when he saw Fang Er, a very happy smile.
This was the same old man from earlier. Looking at the five men of varying ages behind him, Fang Er was stunned!
His lips trembled slightly. "Old Yang! You, you, why, take them back quickly!"
Yang Yao beckoned to the five behind him. The youngest walked forward, looking no older than Fang Er.
"Marquis, this is my youngest son, Yang Qi. They are Yang San, Yang Si, Yang Wu, and Yang Liu."
"This old man hasn't read any books and isn't good at naming. Please don't laugh at me, Marquis."
"In the daytime, I said that my family has no shortage of anything except sons."
"Although Da Lang and Er Lang are gone, I am proud! I walk through the village with my head held high, and others envy me when they see me."
"I have brought my five sons to you today, Marquis. I hope you can give them a chance."
"To go to the battlefield, to kill enemies, to be heroes like Da Lang and Er Lang, and to follow you, Marquis, in conquering all directions!"
After Yang Yao finished speaking, he looked at his five sons.
The five knelt before Fang Er simultaneously. "Marquis, please accept us! We will go through fire and water and will not disgrace the name of the Tianhuo Army!"
Fang Er felt as if his brain had been hit by a heavy hammer. He swayed and almost fell.
Chai Yue and Xiao Qing quickly supported him.
"Fang, Fang I am unworthy to have you serve me like this, as I could not protect your father and brothers."
"Quick, quick, get up and go home. Live your lives well."
As Fang Er spoke, his whole body trembled, and tears flowed uncontrollably.
Yang Yao stepped forward, about to kneel.
Fang Er broke free from Chai Yue and Xiao Qing, quickly supported him, and then looked at Liu Meng and the others with red eyes.
"What are you standing around for? Hurry up and help them up!"
The four shivered and stepped forward to help the kneeling men.
They helped one up, then let go to help another, but the man who had been helped up fell back down with a thud.
"Marquis, please have mercy and accept us! If you don't agree, I will kneel here forever."
He finished by hitting his head on the cement ground.
Just then, Sun Simiao walked out of the courtyard.
He seemed to already know what was happening outside the door and said to Fang Er.
"Your Excellency, the Marquis of Liaodong, should accept them."
Fang Er looked at him in surprise, not understanding why Sun Simiao said that.
"Must all these people be left without descendants?"
Sun Simiao shook his head slightly and continued, "Gazing at Qi is a secret Daoist art. This old man can see that everyone present has the appearance of great wealth and status. Therefore, the Marquis of Liaodong's worries are unnecessary."
"My lord, why don't we keep them?"
Chai Yue also persuaded him.
Fang Er nodded helplessly. "Fine, fine, fine. Liu Meng, take them to the military camp and settle them in well."
"It's cold at night, get some ginger soup for these brothers to warm them up."
After speaking, he walked straight into the courtyard. He found such a heavy scene difficult to bear.
Thinking of the fallen soldiers, he hated himself for not doing enough. Next time, no, there would be no next time. If there were another battle, he would do his utmost to ensure every soldier survived!