"How will you compensate for all these lives lost? I don't want money, I just want my son, I just want my loved ones!"
"Money is important, I don't deny that. But if I were the only one left alive in this world, with no family, I wouldn't want to live either. Money would be useless. I just want my parents; they had only just begun to enjoy their retirement!"
"My home is a spacious apartment, three hundred and sixty square meters. My entire family, five generations, has been staying with me for the past few days. We were planning to take them back to the old ancestral home after dinner tonight. Now, there's no need."
The crowd was truly enraged. Everyone was shouting and wailing, the scene chaotic. Anger blazed in everyone's eyes.
Their fury intensified upon seeing Yuan Gang.
"It's him! Director Wu was killed by him! If he hadn't brought his men into our neighborhood, none of this would have happened. Arrest him! Seize him and send him to court!"
"Director Wu, if you truly care about us, please hand the killer over to us. We'll handle it ourselves!"
"Killer, give me back my mother's life! Do you wear that uniform just to do as you please? Take off your dog skin, and give us back the lives of our loved ones!"
All eyes fell upon Yuan Gang and the Dragon Pavilion soldiers behind him, filled with fury.
Their gazes were so intense they seemed capable of tearing them to shreds!
Yuan Gang watched everyone in silence, not uttering a word. He finally understood this feeling. It would be a lie to say he wasn't affected. But he truly hadn't wanted any of this to happen.
Suddenly, a path parted through the crowd. Ye Longlin walked slowly, stopping in the center of the square. He surveyed everyone, remaining silent.
"Dragon Pavilion personnel, receive my order."
As his voice fell, figures emerged from the residential buildings, standing behind Ye Longlin.
"Shed your armor and change into your civilian clothes!"
Although they were unsure of Ye Longlin's intentions, they followed without hesitation. They looked at their comrades holding civilian attire in the crowd and received it.
"Yes!"
Ye Longlin, clad in his military uniform, his shoulders adorned with six stars, emanated a golden glow in the dim light. No one could ignore him.
"Distinguished guests, I am their superior and also a high-ranking official in the military. You can speak to me about any issues you have. After all, we are not in the same system as Director Wu. My surname is Ye, and my name is Ye Longlin. I currently hold the position of Supreme Commander of the Three Armed Forces."
He spoke slowly, Xuan Niao standing beside him without a word.
"Marshal Ye, I apologize for meeting you under these circumstances, but you are aware of the consequences caused by your subordinates. Therefore, I believe you owe us an explanation. Or perhaps, can you disclose the identities of the members involved in this mission? I heard you mention the Dragon Pavilion just now. Is this matter related to the Dragon Pavilion? I've heard the Dragon Pavilion is an external enforcement agency. Can you provide details on this incident? Was this mission a result of leadership miscalculation or a subordinate's error?"
With such a significant incident occurring, reporters were bound to be present. Numerous journalists had gathered at the scene, arriving even before the Dragon Surveillance Bureau.
Ye Longlin ignored the reporters and instead saluted everyone. After the salute, he bowed ninety degrees.
"I deeply apologize that such a thing has happened. We never wished for this to occur, but regrettably, it has. On behalf of the military, I extend my condolences to the families of all the victims. The military will compensate each victim's family with one million yuan.
Of course, this is only a portion. Regarding your homes and other compensation matters, a specialized compensation team will be arranged to discuss them with you. This is the greatest sincerity I can offer at this moment. Since it has already happened, dwelling on who caused it is no longer that important. I also know that many of you do not want money; you only want an explanation. I can provide that explanation today."
After Ye Longlin's arrival, the crowd largely fell silent. After all, a six-star general, the first in nearly fifty years, and so young. Everyone was eager to hear what such a figure would say.
"Chang'an will undoubtedly experience many significant events in the coming period. Reporters are present today, and I hope you will not distort the facts. Otherwise, this general's sword will not recognize anyone!"
After warning the reporters, Ye Longlin continued, "Chang'an is the epicenter of an impending explosion. I can tell you clearly that many things will happen in Chang'an. I am uncertain what will occur, and I am uncertain how many lives will be lost.
But please, believe me. Believe in the national emblem on my uniform. All of this is for the stability of Great Xia!
Some of you might ask, if we hadn't apprehended them, they wouldn't have detonated the bombs. I can say that perhaps that is true for now. But we could not have anticipated that they would place bombs on the structural pillars!"
"I am not making excuses for our mistakes. They definitely made errors, that is undeniable. Therefore, I will give you an opportunity today. When they come out later, you will have the chance to open fire and kill them, avenging your loved ones! I also guarantee that you will be able to live like ordinary citizens without facing criminal charges. If you dare to shoot, I will protect you!"
Ye Longlin's words were astonishing, causing everyone present to widen their eyes in disbelief. After all, in Great Xia, committing murder typically resulted in life imprisonment or execution. Yet, he was now making such a statement, implying that these soldiers were somehow untouchable.
On what grounds?
Immediately after Ye Longlin finished speaking, Yuan Gang and the others, now in their civilian clothes, appeared behind him.
"Maintain a one-meter distance, stand at ease!"
Twenty Dragon Pavilion soldiers lined up, and Ye Longlin continued his orders.
"All personnel, lay down your weapons."
The firearms were placed on the ground, about a meter away from them. They remained at ease.
"Now that they are unarmed, you can pick up the weapons in front of you and eliminate them!"
As his words fell, some individuals immediately stepped forward, picked up firearms, and aimed them at the Dragon Pavilion soldiers before them.
"Before you open fire, I have one last thing to ask you to witness."
Ye Longlin had gone this far, and they all nodded in agreement. His actions demonstrated a resolve that no one else could or would dare to match.
"The one standing at the forefront, you have all seen him. He bears three stars on his shoulders, clearly a three-star General..."