Looking at the familiar generals in front of him, Tan Hengqiang felt annoyed, but his face remained calm as he said in a peaceful voice, "Let's all go inside first."

The others nodded and followed Tan Hengqiang into the office, taking seats on the sofas.

Tan Hengqiang sat down with them, sizing them up. None of the generals here were young; each one was an old brother who had been on the battlefield with him several times.

"Let me say a few words..."

After a moment of silence, an old man in his sixties or seventies with gray hair spoke first, his voice slightly hoarse.

He was retired, but he looked very hale and hearty, sitting upright in his chair with a very serious demeanor.

Tan Hengqiang was a little surprised and immediately responded, "Please, go ahead."

"Ah!" The old man sighed, clasping his hands together and softly replying, "Commander Tan..."

Tan Hengqiang quickly pulled him to sit down: "Old Brother, I've always been a junior in front of you. Don't call me Commander. Just call me Hengqiang, like before."

The old man's eyes were a little cloudy, but he stared earnestly at Tan Hengqiang and slowly said, "Our Dragon City is different from other places. Since the establishment of the garrison, we've always been a unified entity. It can be said that from top to bottom, we're all Tan's people, and outsiders can't get in. Our people have always been very united."

Tan Hengqiang sat there, listening to these words without saying a word.

Before he became the Commander of the Garrison, this old man was the previous Chief of General Staff, and he could be considered his mentor in military and political affairs.

Although the old man had retired, he still lived in Dragon City and had considerable influence in the garrison. Moreover, since his retirement, he had never said a word about any military or political events.

The old man looked at Tan Hengqiang and said emotionally, "Hengqiang, that Jiang Yuanzhen is indeed a bastard, and he doesn't have much brains. As soon as District One stirred things up, he jumped out and messed around. He really went too far in this matter and should be punished. However, we have to be honest, did he want to oppose you? I believe he wouldn't dare to go against you even if he had a hundred guts, wouldn't you agree? Perhaps, in the face of利益 (lìyì, profit), he just wanted to get closer to District One, to find a way out for himself, a future."

Tan Hengqiang did not answer, remaining silent.

The old man paused for a moment and continued, "Then again, Little Jiang has followed you on several battlefields, traveling north and south. Even if he didn't make any great contributions, he still worked hard. Now, his son and his nephew have been arrested, and he himself has ended up in this situation. It's indeed reasonable and legal to take his life... but... it lacks a bit of humanity."

Tan Hengqiang nodded slowly, but did not say anything.

At this moment, the generals sitting next to him echoed in agreement.

One of the generals, who was a bit straightforward, saluted and said, "Commander, you know me! I've never gotten along with Old Jiang; he's too ambitious and makes too many petty moves. I can't stand him. But, from the perspective of the garrison, Old Jiang has done a lot for the garrison over the years, and everyone has seen it. He was wrong first, but after all, he's one of us. Now that he's been taken down by Old An and lost his position, if he can't even save his life, the brothers... will feel a bit uneasy."

"That's right!" Hearing him say this, another general added, "Commander, although this matter, in the end, was caused by Jiang Yuanzhen's lack of brains, resulting in a military mutiny, the root cause was the smuggling of contraband and the collection of military funds by various departments. I've also thought about what I would do if this happened to me! With a word from above, military spending is cut by thirty percent. There's no money, but the troops still need to be stable. If you do some work in private and are caught by the administration, they'll shout and scream. Jiang Yuanzhen is certainly... at fault... but it's also because there was a reason."

The others nodded in agreement.

Seeing that Tan Hengqiang remained silent, another general couldn't sit still and persuaded, "Commander, I don't think this is just our problem; District One is also involved, and they need to save face too. Their political layout in Dragon City has failed several times. If they can't even protect Old Jiang this time, I'm afraid the war in Dragon City... will be inevitable... Commander, from my personal perspective, I think this matter should be handled properly. But if you really decide to execute Jiang Yuanzhen, we brothers will definitely support you unconditionally!"

"That's right, Commander, please consider it carefully."

"Old Jiang is one of us, we can say anything behind closed doors."

Everyone started talking, and Tan Hengqiang looked at them, remaining silent.

He knew very well that these people sympathized with Jiang Yuanzhen's situation. Because, in the end, Old Jiang's fate might be everyone's fate tomorrow. To put it bluntly, everyone has worked hard for so many years to put you, Old Tan, in charge, all for the sake of having a big tree to lean on.

It was true that Jiang Yuanzhen had gone a bit too far, but he had never said that he wanted to oppose Tan Hengqiang. What he discussed with District One was taking over as the second-in-command in the future, and still working under Commander Tan.

The First Army of the Garrison was the face of the military group, and Jiang Yuanzhen himself had made great contributions to Tan Hengqiang. If such a person could not end well, everyone would feel a sense of sorrow for a kindred spirit.

After all, Lu Guangwei had an accident, Jiang Zheng had an accident, and your Garrison Headquarters had not shown any attitude!

In addition to these reasons, these people had another hidden thought in their hearts when they came to protect Jiang Yuanzhen today.

That is... many people don't want to fight.

If Jiang Yuanzhen were executed in Dragon City, District One would be furious and would most likely take extreme military measures. And when the war in Dragon City started, no warlord general could stay out of it.

Dragon City has been stable for more than twenty years. Everyone has plenty to eat and drink, and their lives are extravagant and comfortable. So why fight a war? Isn't that crazy?!

This group of people represented the attitude of the conservatives, a very subtle political expression.

Tan Hengqiang naturally thought of these factors and couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Although everyone had some valid points, and District One was also interfering, if this matter was not handled seriously, what would he do if someone tried to imitate Old Jiang in the future?

If you can't stand something, then rebel. Anyway, you won't die for rebelling. If you talk about merit, too many old people will have a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Tan Hengqiang felt that he had reached a very important juncture. If he didn't handle this matter well, the crisis in Dragon City would gradually escalate.

This might be the most difficult decision-making test he had faced since joining the army.

Thinking of this, Tan Hengqiang looked up at everyone and said softly, "I understand what you mean, and I will give it full consideration. It's getting late, and I've prepared food and drinks. Everyone, please stay and have a meal together later."

They had said everything they needed to say, and everyone knew when to stop, so they didn't say anything more.

Tan Hengqiang waved his hand: "You guys go first. I have some things to deal with and will be there soon. Xiao Chen, take everyone over first."

Hearing this, the group supported the old Chief of Staff and walked out of the office, following the guards towards the cafeteria.

After they had all left, Tan Hengqiang stood alone by the window, his hands behind his back, looking at the scenery of Dragon City outside.

Zhang Xunchen returned to the office after dealing with Lu Zhen's affairs: "Commander, I'm back."

Tan Hengqiang turned his head and looked at him: "Have you settled everything over there?"

"Yes," Zhang Xunchen replied. "I've arranged for him to stay at the military hotel for now."

Tan Hengqiang nodded lightly, thought for a while, and suddenly asked, "What's Lao Li been busy with lately?"