First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 195
Chapter 195: Motherland
Lian Sheng's voice remained flat, as if reading from a script, as she continued: "Lieutenant Colonel Clifford, began military training at sixteen..."
Murmurs erupted from all sides. The crowd watched the two figures confronting each other at the center, their faces unable to conceal shock and wavering emotions.
The buzz-cut man shouted: "Shut your mouth!"
Lian Sheng: "His father is a high-ranking officer in the Gelen United Army, his grandfather held the rank of lieutenant general, his family has three brothers with deep connections. But because his elder brothers were all too outstanding..."
"Enough!" The buzz-cut man's face darkened, though he calmed down, refusing to follow her rhythm anymore.
He directly raised his gun to aim at Lian Sheng.
"It seems you have no sincerity. Friends, the Alliance never intended to negotiate with us as equals, nor is it willing to agree to any of our conditions. That's why they're using such despicable tactics to sow discord among us. Don't believe her!" The man said to Lian Sheng, "But you're wrong—if I were truly from the Gelen United Army, I would have already fired. It would suit us perfectly to watch Kafa and the Alliance descend into endless internal strife, rather than let you continue slandering me."
Lian Sheng smiled faintly, her gaze showing no trace of fear.
She remained motionless, but the civilians around them began standing up, stepping closer. Even those on guard duty by the entrance kept peering inside.
The implication was too obvious.
The man's lips twitched, his brows furrowing. Mentally, he'd already cursed Lian Sheng countless times, wishing he could shoot her in the head immediately. Yet reason kept his finger from pulling the trigger. He sneered: "Very good. You're clever. Truly an excellent liar."
Lian Sheng's face was too deceptive.
Everyone thought the same—a young woman, one who hadn't even officially graduated from military academy, with no experience to speak of, couldn't possibly lie so calmly.
That attitude, that expression, the composed certainty in her tone—how could it be a lie?
Especially now, with a gun barrel pointed at her head, yet not a single muscle in her face twitched abnormally. Even the finest actors couldn't suppress such subtle physiological reactions. What the crowd sensed instead was the contempt of a principled youth toward an enemy playing dirty tricks.
For a moment, even the buzz-cut men felt like they'd seen a ghost, completely understanding what the others must be thinking.
Damn it.
How could such a person exist? What kind of place had she grown up in?
Lian Sheng asked innocently: "Weren't you the one who invited me here? I'm just someone you summoned temporarily. Now you're doubting me? Same question—what makes you think I'm an idiot who'd let herself be intimidated by you?"
The man nearly bit through his own tongue in frustration.
Forget it! He'd rather negotiate with the old foxes on the other side—at least their wrinkles somewhat signaled their cunning.
And this young woman before him? In terms of craftiness, she might not be any less than them.
At the Alliance command center, everyone held their breath listening to the conversation through the comms.
They suddenly understood why the renowned vice-commander of the Sixth Army had said those meaningful words upon hearing this news:
"If he survives this, he'll spend the rest of his life repenting for today's mistake."
This student was truly extraordinary!
The previous incident in the 36th District hadn't been under their team's command. But they'd heard two trainees from the new batch had received anonymous commendations—could she be one of them?
The commander lowered his voice: "Good, keep him steady, but don't provoke him further. Watch your own safety. Don't be too confrontational—don't give him an excuse to target you."
"Is this really the time to shoot me?"
Lian Sheng directly tilted her gun-wielding hand downward, letting her only weapon clatter to the ground. She raised both hands beside her head in a gesture of cooperation: "Now I'm just an unarmed, weak young woman. Isn't that enough to show my sincerity?"
Lian Sheng said: "Let's move past that unpleasant topic. I don't have concrete evidence anyway. We have more important matters to discuss."
The man gritted his teeth, clicking his tongue in annoyance.
Though Lian Sheng's words were irritating, she did appear sincere. Simultaneously, through her earlier intimidating gunshot, she'd demonstrated her firm stance, muddying the waters with a mix of truth and lies, directly undermining their initial dominance in these negotiations.
This negotiation was a rare opportunity where the Alliance had taken the initiative to lower its stance. The people outside, and these civilians inside, were only waiting for a reasonable outcome. They didn't want to—nor could they afford—to bear the consequences of offending the Alliance. Thus, they wouldn't tolerate anyone disrupting these talks.
If he killed Lian Sheng now, it would be tantamount to admitting his connection to the Gelen Army. Those who'd previously signed agreements would likely retract their support, distancing themselves from him.
He didn't lower his gun, his eyes darting to assess the civilians around them, trying to regain control of the situation: "You were the one who threatened us first, framing my identity—is this how you show sincerity?"
"Since we're discussing Kafa's future, I just want to make this clear: if you truly care about the future, don't use this violent act to position yourselves as the Alliance's adversaries in these negotiations." Lian Sheng turned sideways, extending a hand toward the civilians: "If it were you—if your child extorted benefits from you through violent coercion—how would you treat them afterward?"
Lian Sheng strode forward, gripping the man's gun barrel with one hand, her eyes filled with unyielding resolve: "You can kill me. You can kill every so-called hostage here. Then everyone present will regret today's foolishness. The tragedies to come will be the consequences of your own choices."
The man frowned: "Get back! Step back!"
Lian Sheng shifted her gaze to the bewildered faces in the crowd: "The agreements you signed are invalid. It's not that you reject Kafa—it's that Kafa will no longer recognize you as its citizens."
Lian Sheng asked: "You signed your names, obtaining temporary peace—but what about afterward? Who will take you in? The Gelen United Army? Do you know what they did in the 36th District?"
The man tried interrupting: "We don't have time for your distractions! Why bring up the Gelen Army again? This is Kafa's internal conflict! What exactly are you—"
Lian Sheng continued speaking over him: "The Gelen Army deceived them just as they're deceiving you now—though you're easier targets, willing to abandon your own futures."
The man raised his voice to drown hers out: "Everyone, don't listen to her now! We risked our lives fighting for our rightful interests—not to be brushed off with her empty words! Before the Gelen Army, we should focus on Kafa's internal chaos!"
Lian Sheng glared at him, her voice rising louder, each word forceful and clear: "They reduced the 36th District to ruins, then left with truckloads of rare minerals! The Alliance must answer for their mistakes because the 36th District was under Alliance jurisdiction. But once you sign those agreements, once Kafa is dismantled—will you still be Alliance citizens? Can you still expect Alliance aid? Can you remain on Alliance soil? Will you have any future at all?"
Silence fell over the room.
The man pressed his lips tightly together, exhaling heavily through his nose.
Their eyes reflected each other's figures.
Lian Sheng asked: "Is this man truly considering your interests?"
"You never reflect on your own mistakes. Why did the 36th District fall? Why has Kafa descended into this state? Can you honestly claim no responsibility?" The man scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm: "Yes, you always love shifting blame!"
Lian Sheng: "It is indeed our mistake. Since we were wrong, we'll correct it. I'm here to tell you what concessions the Alliance can make."
"Don't believe her sweet talk—she just wants to pacify Kafa's unrest. Pretty words have always been politicians' tools to deceive you. The nicer they sound, the more cautious we must be." The man thumped his chest: "Even if you don't believe me now, know that I sincerely want what's best for you."
Lian Sheng shrugged: "How touching. Unfortunately, you'll be disappointed."
She turned, her gaze sweeping over those in the corners.
Even Ji Ban and Lu Mingyuan were stunned by her. Sitting on the ground, looking up at Lian Sheng, they suddenly felt the distance between them.
Even though they'd graduated from the same school, trained in the same squad—Lian Sheng had always been different. They never understood where that gap came from, why they could never catch up.
They lowered their heads, then steeled their resolve.
Yes, they weren't strong enough, brave enough, determined enough, or smart enough. At critical moments, they'd always find countless shortcomings in themselves.
But precisely because of this, they wanted to strive forward. Hoping one day, the front lines wouldn't have only her figure standing alone. Hoping they could truly become her comrades-in-arms.
They truly didn't want to be people who could only wait for rescue, who could only be protected by others.
They wanted to work harder, to grow stronger!
The Alliance's supplies had arrived.
The veteran instructed everyone: "Load up. Put spares in your waist packs. Doesn't matter if it looks bad—carry as much as you can."
They took the injection cases from the boxes, attaching them to various parts of their bodies.
"Want to go in?" the veteran said. "Watching your peers fighting ahead while you can only wait behind for who-knows-when orders will come. Being ordinary grunts, carrying the anxiety of possibly missing the crucial moment or being powerless against tragedy. That worry and unwillingness to accept it—I understand. But you can't go in."
The group remained silent, continuing to equip their weapons. None took the bait.
Having stabbed them in the heart, the veteran shook his head smugly.
A comrade shoved him: "The hell's wrong with you..."
The veteran said solemnly: "I'm training their stress tolerance. Not bad, see? Everyone grows up with criticism."
A soldier said disdainfully: "Get to the point already."
The veteran waved his hand, signaling for attention.
"Later, follow the commander's orders. This will likely be a multi-squad operation. Though we haven't trained together, no problem—stay sharp and treat this as a valuable learning opportunity." The veteran said, "Our position's near the main entrance—we'll probably breach from the front. You'll provide cover, the first wave drawing attention while we follow behind to push through. Take down all hostiles. Depending on how negotiations go inside, but prepare for the worst—and watch your own safety."
Everyone nodded.
The veteran hefted his gun, continuing: "When charging out, who takes point, who covers the rear. Left and right positions, spacing between teams, which routes to advance, each person's covering range and distance. In actual combat, details matter most—you need to recognize this yourselves. Command won't micromanage such specifics. Understood?"
More nods.
"But not every mission gives you time to discuss like now. Even without prior coordination, you must have basic teamwork instincts." The veteran jerked his chin, pointing at his eyes: "Learn to communicate with your eyes, got it? Make your eyes speak."
He demonstrated by blinking rapidly.
The group: "..."
Fang Jianchen said skeptically: "You're not messing with us, are you?"
The veteran winked at them exaggeratedly.
Goosebumps rose on everyone's arms. Cheng Ze said: "Okay, I understood that last one."
The others nodded vigorously.
Cornell, standing nearby, said: "I'll lead the rear assault team. We know the interior, and my marksmanship's solid."
The veteran nodded, handing him two smoke grenades before saluting.
Cornell turned: "Harry, they're short-handed here. Go help them form squads, secure the perimeter, and stand by for orders. If riots break out, be ready to reinforce. Also have medics stand by midway. After this, we'll have plenty more to do."
Harry responded: "Got it."
Cornell temporarily transferred his lieutenant colonel authority to him, then prepared to continue with the Expeditionary Force.
The veteran watched, sighing: "So good. I'd love soldiers as capable as you."
Someone reminded him: "He's already lieutenant colonel rank."
"..." The veteran amended: "I don't particularly want a superior as young as you."
Cornell gripped his rifle, offering no reply.
The group kept listening to Lian Sheng's situation, awaiting the optimal moment.
At the Alliance command center, they were listing concessions they were willing to offer.
True to the man's words, they dangled all benefits without mentioning post-war reforms or restrictions—extremely cunning when scrutinized. Every faction did this.
"Just tell them, let them choose," the commander said. "The Alliance has always advocated human rights and equality."
After hearing this, Lian Sheng rephrased it in more colloquial terms:
"If Kafa seeks peace, these are basic guarantees the Alliance is willing to provide. Under Alliance administration, we'll station our own troops in Kafa to handle all border security and daily patrols. Kafa's politics, economy, and military will all fall under Alliance jurisdiction, synchronized with other districts. The Alliance will undertake infrastructure and urban development, including compensating all property losses from this conflict, quickly rebuilding homes. We'll also improve local education, aligning with Alliance compulsory schooling—allowing entry to any Alliance university based on merit. We'll openly accept all who wish to join, regardless of name, origin, or past life—everyone gets a fresh start."
"We can't promise absolute peace, but henceforth, Kafa will become official Alliance territory, incorporated into our outer defenses as the 42nd District. We won't tolerate foreign invasion or internal division. Anyone attacking or disrupting social order will be mercilessly suppressed and expelled."
"And you must obey all Alliance laws, fulfilling your roles in society."
Heads lifted, hope kindling in their hearts. Some grew restless, gripping companions' arms, worried they'd misheard. Soft discussions broke out.
Being governed by the Alliance didn't seem bad. Following Alliance laws and contributing to society were basic duties, hardly conditions.
From their current demands, the Alliance already met their needs.
Wonderful—no more war, no further sacrifices. Let this end quickly.
The man pressed: "How much aid will the Alliance provide? What standard of infrastructure? How soon will these promises materialize?"
"We aren't your servants or prisoners. What rules and terms will you impose on us?" Lian Sheng said. "Why must a friendly helping hand feel so oppressive?"
The man scoffed: "See? All sweet talk. Let me ask practical questions: How will you settle us civilians? Resource distribution? What about children, women, and ordinary victims? Kafa's local military? The soldiers? Our jobs, social roles? What rights will we have?"
Lian Sheng watched him silently. The comms stayed quiet.
The man smirked triumphantly: "Ha! See? Pretty words, yet she can't guarantee specifics—even plans to strip Kafa of its self-defense forces."
He gestured emphatically, rallying them: "Don't be fooled—she can't deliver what she promises. The Alliance's generous terms are empty. Typical politician deceit! After angering them, do you really believe they'll honor this? There won't be second chances—think carefully! If they renege, we'll have no recourse, not even the means to resist!"
The commander's low voice came through: "We'll ensure proper arrangements, helping them quickly escape war's shadow. Specifics depend on post-war assessments. But given the Alliance's humanitarian record, we'd never abandon refugees. Though not immediately, Kafa will stabilize. Have faith and work with us."
Still vague platitudes.
As Alliance relief forces, they lacked deep understanding of Kafa's situation. Like outsiders, they attributed its unrest to prolonged war and civilian grievances.
But no war stems from one or two conflicts—it's simultaneous eruptions of multiple tensions.
The Expeditionary Force had some authority but didn't fully grasp Kafa's situation nor could they arbitrarily decide Alliance resource allocation.
Anything involving money grew complicated, especially district development. Post-war bargaining would take time—they couldn't spare effort now to secure concrete benefits for Kafa.
To placate these sensitive civilians, they'd rely on confidence and reputation—bluffing.
Lian Sheng closed her eyes but didn't relay the message.
The commander paused, urging: "Student? Tell them Kafa's past tragedies won't recur. On the Alliance's honor."
Lian Sheng shook her head.
Kafa's people must be conflicted.
They felt guilty and insecure about their wavering stance, yet suspicious and uneasy about both sides' vague assurances. At this juncture, forget grand alliances—those meant nothing, guaranteed nothing.
How long would this stalemate last?
Pretense and evasion were useless here.
The man asked: "No answer? Or can't even fabricate lies anymore? Keep stalling—I won't back down."
The command center grew frantic: "What's happening? Hello? Student, confirm signal! Confirm signal!"
Then Lian Sheng spoke.
Her tone held no aggression, just calm certainty:
"The Alliance won't indulge you like Kafa's military did. The army will revoke all your privileges."
The civilians froze, staring at her in confusion.
The buzz-cut man frowned, unprepared for this approach, unable to guess her intent.
Lian Sheng said: "You can choose—leave or stay. But even if you stay, Kafa's military will cease to exist. Soldiers won't coddle you like children anymore."
She stepped forward, each word deliberate:
"They won't patrol the streets nightly, fearing for your safety."
"They won't voluntarily help unload and transport supplies, sparing you the effort."
"They won't pour funds into stabilizing prices during shortages, ensuring your livelihoods while they subsist on thin gruel and hardtack in barracks."
Lian Sheng's usually flat voice held the faintest tremor:
"They won't carefully create easy jobs to preserve your dignity, bearing extra burdens themselves."
"They won't tiptoe around you, keeping their distance yet rushing to your aid at the first sign of danger."
"They won't endure unreasonable, harsh demands without complaint."
"They won't, when you aim guns at them, first say... 'Protect civilians, don't harm them!'"
Lian Sheng turned. Two tears rolled down her cheeks.
Yet through her grief, her smile remained—bitterly ironic.
Heartbroken yet stubbornly smiling, just like those soldiers.
"Worried about Kafa's soldiers? Don't joke. Only the selfish, cowardly, who know only taking without gratitude, need fear for their futures—they rely on handouts. Unencumbered soldiers can go anywhere—they're strong and resilient. Kafa's fall would liberate them."
"Why stay in this place, enduring second-class status? They guard the nation's peace on meager pay, earning no respect. Bearing grudges not theirs to bear. Why?"
Heads bowed, avoiding her gaze.
Lian Sheng pressed a hand to her chest: "They sacrifice their lives on the front lines, wandering daily through danger and doubt. Searching their hearts yet finding no answers. Lost yet steadfast!"
"They're your shields, your guarantees—if not grateful, at least respect them. Yet you didn't."
Muffled sobs arose. People hugged themselves, turning away.
Lian Sheng said: "Why let capable people do hard work for meager pay, supporting those who contribute nothing? This breeds entitlement."
"So the Alliance will revoke all privileges. Want something? Earn it. When gains don't come easy, you'll understand their value. Learn to cherish. Learn gratitude. Building a nation or home should be like this—never one-sided. Only through giving can you love."
Lian Sheng said: "The Alliance won't provide complete security—that's unrealistic. Others in the Alliance strive too. The Alliance's strength comes from collective effort. You want peace? We'll give peace. That we can promise."
"But we're Alliance people. Unlike you, whose ancestors lived here for generations. Whose roots run deep in this soil, whose origins lie here. Who grew up hearing its stories and poems, bathed in its sunlight and breeze. Passing down, sustaining this land's spirit. Land itself isn't precious—just dirt and stone. What's precious is the soul—what they can't bear to leave is the soul imprinted in history."
"What we can't give you—love.
And those who once gave you this love now wait nearby, wounded, for your answer—whether you'll abandon this place."
"Tell me." Lian Sheng stepped forward, arms outstretched: "Is there nothing in Kafa worth your nostalgia?"
It wasn't true.
Not everyone hated Kafa.
Tina, Harry, and others loved it deeply. Living in the same place, Lian Sheng refused to believe only they felt this way.
Lian Sheng inhaled sharply, voice breaking: "Even if Kafa holds no memories... what about its people?"
She pointed outside: "Those soldiers—not the strongest, but they've given their all to protect you, even at the cost of their lives, asking nothing in return. You hate war? They hate it a hundred, a thousand times more. They've tried everything to stop it—truly tried."
"Even that Kafa you despised—they wanted to protect it. Because you lived there. Whatever your choices, they respected them. Loved by such people—how can you not feel it? Do you feel no guilt toward them?"
Lian Sheng shouted: "They fought Gelen to protect this land, yet now you'd hand Kafa to Gelen yourselves. Is this it? Will you personally drive daggers into their hearts, erasing their very purpose from this earth?"
Someone cried out: "No...!"
"Stop... please..."
"Sorry, truly sorry... but not like this... we never wanted this..."
Sobs could no longer be suppressed.
Burly men and delicate women alike broke down. Emotions spread like contagion, igniting, erupting.
Kafa—they'd never reflected on their home like this before.
Its nights were cold, sometimes starless. But a light always burned at the city center.
Footsteps would pass their doors, deliberately softened. Soldiers would huddle against walls for warmth, eating steaming buns, sharing silly jokes.
Its days were hot, but sunlight shone bright. Seeming to illuminate every corner.
Figures would always traverse the streets—ill-fitting uniforms on narrow shoulders, sweating, faces flushed, helping however they could.
Its winds howled endlessly.
Its rains poured heavily... often obscuring their paths.
Not wealthy, yet they'd never starved.
Not stable, yet they'd always had intact homes.
They'd known all along. In their hearts, they'd truly known. Only admitting it was too hard—they'd found selfish outlets instead.
Over time, pretense became habit, clouding their minds completely.
Here too were flowers, grass. Sunlight no clouds could block.
Kafa—though painful, they did love this place.
"Please tell them... sorry... thank you... please forgive us."
Belated, but finally spoken aloud.
Trembling voices carried through Kafa's every corner.
Distant soldiers still at their posts trembled, tilting heads back to hold back tears, shoulders shaking violently.
Such was love for one's homeland. Even with ninety-nine scars carved upon them, they'd remember that single act of tenderness.
Kafa. Even if only in name. A mark etched in their blood, never to fade.
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