But after he had shouted twice, not a single person emerged from the cattle shed; only the guardsman in short attire outside was unable to contain himself and reminded him:
"Elder Statesman, the soldiers, due to months of lack of pay, have all returned home this morning."
"What nonsense! Unauthorized departure from the camp is a grave offense! Quickly call them back to receive punishment!"
Before the guardsman finished speaking, the elder statesman was already flushed with anger. He had long been aware of the chaos in the Feng Country army camp but didn't expect these soldiers to be so audacious. They had all ran away completely.
"Do not be anxious, Statesman. There is a reason for the soldiers' departure, and the fault lies with me."
Seeing this, Wang Zhifan first comforted the elder statesman who was about to explode with anger, then he smiled at the lone guardsman in black attire who remained:
"Why did you not leave with the others but stayed to guard the camp instead?"
