No one spoke, but applause rang out in unison.
Zong Zhengyang’s emotionally charged and nuanced explanation allowed everyone around him to understand the figure of Yue Fei from an entirely different perspective. Most discussions tended to praise and publicize Yue Fei's military achievements, yet very few ever approached him from the perspective of commanding troops. Yue Fei's return at the summons of the twelve golden plaques remained deeply puzzling to many; after all, a general in the field could disobey an emperor's orders.
Yet people must not forget the words carved across Yue Fei's back: *Utmost loyalty to serve the country.* Loyalty and faith—were these not the fundamental reasons why Yue Fei chose to return to his death?
Chapter 34