Chapter 552 – Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkeys (Part 3)
“Are we done?”
Jiang Pengji asked the guard kneeling below, her gaze somewhat indifferent.
The guard replied, “It’s all been executed.”
“Mm, you can go now.” Jiang Pengji sighed, feeling that she might need to enhance the ideological education of the Female Soldiers. Originally, she planned to influence them subtly, but seeing this situation, it was clear that a more forceful method would be necessary. “Have the Women’s Department of the Government Office write up the background and consequences of this incident and post it on the city walls. Make sure to describe it from a neutral standpoint, without personal emotions or opinions mixed in.”
Since she intended to kill a chicken to warn the monkeys, she couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. She also needed to expand the message’s reach, so all those with malicious thoughts would think twice and abandon these ideas. She had no intention of receiving similar news in the near future—it was simply exhausting.
The military is the country’s weapon; once one enters a military camp, the larger picture must take precedence, and military law should be the guiding principle.
However, the current social reality prioritized familial ties; the nation could be set aside. The audience felt it was laughable for families to pull their daughters back for marriage. In reality, it was quite normal; they viewed their children as personal property, and how to dispose of them fell under parental rights.
Don’t they see? Selling sons and daughters has become the norm?
Don’t mention her society; even in that of the audience, which parent doesn’t find their children’s sale lawful?
But in this society, parents’ actions regarding their children are all permitted and legal; it’s not even considered a crime, or wrong.
“Haiyu, help me draft a notice…” Jiang Pengji said.
Feng Jin asked, “About the household registration of the Female Soldiers?”
“Yes, indeed. It is about that. I was too short-sighted before, not taking everything into account. Compared to the promises I made, their families are naturally willing to believe them; otherwise, that Female Soldier wouldn’t have been so easily swayed. Marriage is still far off, but the issue of independent household registration can be tackled now. At least they can see my determination, so they won’t have unnecessary worries or wild thoughts.”
She didn’t need to investigate; it was clear that the Female Camp had already seen a lot of disorganized voices, shaking the stability of military morale.
The commotion from that household was actually a good thing.
This was prime material for killing a chicken to warn the monkeys.
Jiang Pengji could use this excuse to pressure those with ulterior motives while also comforting the minds of the Female Camp members.
If military morale scattered, it would be hard to lead the troops.
Feng Jin paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement, “I will do it right away.”
Jiang Pengji said, “Thank you.”
Feng Jin’s previous attitude clearly didn’t support the Female Camp or women in power; otherwise, they wouldn’t have maintained purely friendly relations in the beginning. If it weren’t for the earthquake in Dongqing, he might not have sincerely helped her, simply because she was a woman.
Feng Jin suddenly smiled, “My Lord, you’re over-exaggerating.”
The story of the Female Soldier Sisters quickly spread, and many families that hadn’t managed to stir up trouble were left frightened.
If they had acted a moment sooner, hoping to pull the daughters from the Female Camp to sell them off, they would surely have faced repercussions.
A full hundred lashes! With many family members, it wouldn’t necessarily be fatal, but for those with fewer, wouldn’t it just lead to death?
Some were relieved, some mocked, and some delighted in the misfortune.
The situation of the Female Soldier Sisters rang alarm bells for the members of the Female Camp and their families alike.
Once you enter this military camp, no marriage or pregnancy is allowed before turning twenty-four; violators will face a hundred lashes along with varying fines, so when Jiang Pengji clearly stated this rule, naturally, no one dared to cause trouble.
She understood the principle of giving a stick and a sweet date, and to soothe the morale of the Female Camp, she also announced progress on the independent household registration matter. In this era, military registration was even lower than civilian status; daughters from good families were reluctant to marry soldiers.
However, the military registration established by Jiang Pengji was different, particularly concerning the pensions for war orphans and their families, with comprehensive arrangements. Soldiers of different ranks would receive different salaries and even discounts when purchasing land and housing.
If a soldier tragically died in battle, their family could be cared for properly, and if they were disabled from the war, the government would provide job placements. If they were too severely disabled for physical labor, the government would allocate a certain amount of benefits to ensure their livelihood. Such families would receive extra care, like discounts for their children’s schooling or reduced agricultural taxes…
Jiang Pengji listed everything she could think of and then had the officials at the Government Office amend and refine these regulations.
Feng Jin stared at these details, stunned for a long time.
When he returned home, Wei Jingxian was feeding Changsheng and noticed her husband’s shamefaced expression, prompting her to inquire with concern.
Feng Jin said, “I am merely ashamed; the determination and ambition of Lan Ting truly make one feel small and inadequate.”
After the war, pensions were rarely addressed throughout history.
When there’s no support for soldiers at war, otherwise, why would the common people feel anxious at the mention of conscription, viewing it as wolves and tigers?
Achieving success is merely for a select few, while most quietly perish in battle or live with disabilities, unlooked after.
Those with a bit of conscience might give some pension money, but it would always be eaten away, leaving only a few copper coins in the end.
And for the heartless, they give nothing; families that have worked hard for a decade or more simply lose their child for nothing.
This gave rise to sayings like “Good men do not become soldiers” and “Good women do not marry commoners.”
Listening to her husband, Wei Jingxian could only sigh after a long moment, then she looked down to tease the eagerly watching Changsheng.
She joked, “Lan Ting, oh Lan Ting… even knowing she’s a woman, I still feel a little moved…”
Feng Jin’s face darkened, jealousy bubbling up in his heart, “My Lady!”
Wei Jingxian burst into laughter, and Changsheng joined in, both mother and daughter blooming with smiles, leaving Feng Jin in a mix of amusement and exasperation.
