Yang Chen asked:
"Did you overhear our conversation? I never expected Dad to sent you come here. Why didn't he come himself?"
Yang Sanhua requested:
"Eldest bro., can we go out for a private conversation?"
Yang Chen responded:
"Why should we need to talk privately? This concerns both Zhou Di and me. Why should we hide it from him? Besides, I don't want to avoid him. Let him hear what all of you think about our relationship."
Then he glanced at Zhou Di, who appeared unsure of how to face Yang Sanhua. Yang Sanhua explained:
"I don't want to avoid him but the children are here."
Yang Chen retorted:
"Sanhua, when you were eavesdropping on our conversation just now, didn't you consider the children being present? That seems a bit hypocritical! Moreover, look at the children, the younger one is still playing with the bandage on his father's legs. And, Chun'er, did you hear what we were talking about when your aunt and you were outside?" Yang Zichun nodded and Yang Chen continued, " Do you understand what we were talking about?"
"Dad, you just want to make my Pa become your male-wife but no one agrees with it, right?"
Zhou Di's face turned crimson upon hearing Yang Zichun's words, wishing he could find a hole to hide in. The remark caught Yang Chen off guard, who looked at his son with a smile and said:
"Impressive! Very concise."
Yang Sanhua was equally surprised by her nephew, first by his maturity and then by something else:
"Chun'er, what do you call him? Pa?"
"Yes, he has been my Pa for three years."
Zhou Di felt it necessary to explain this, disregarding his embarrassment, so he didn't mind his red face and quickly explained:
"Miss Yang, it was only to protect Chun'er's identity, so..."
Yang Chen said firmly:
"Dizi, why do you think the need to explain this to her? There is no need. I think it is good for Chun'er to have another father who loves him. Don't you think it is also good for Aichen to call me Dad? After all, I am his Godfather and I gave him his name."
Yang Sanhua interjected hurriedly:
"Mr. Zhou, I understand that it was a temporary expedient for Chun'er to call you 'Pa' at that time. Eldest brother, if you think it is fine for Chun'er to listen to our conversation, let us discuss this seriously."
Yang Chen looked at his younger sister with a serious expression and responded:
"I believe it is fine for Chun'er to listen because I want him to understand what kind of person his father is. I want him to know that his father is not a infallible 'God of War'. Although he is still quite young and may not fully grasp everything we discuss. I believe this war has matured him to some extent, granting him a certain level of understanding. I don't think it is a bad thing for him to listen. When You allowed him to overhear the conversation between Zhou Di and me earlier, I believe you hoped he might help you persuade me, perhaps even resorting to his insistence to sway me, right? But what I truly want is for him to gain a deeper understanding of the world, allowing him to form his own judgments. Can he accept his father like this? Or does he want to accept me? Whatever his decision, I will accept his choice completely. Chun'er, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the relationship between your Pa and me."
Yang Zichun spoke earnestly:
"Aunt Sanhua, I may not understand much, but I want to explain why I'm willing to call him Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Guan, who lived with us, always said it was worth for me to call him Pa. Mrs. Guan always sighed and said Aichen was a poor baby because he never had his mother's milk, only formula and rice soup. I don't understand why not having a mother's milk is pitiful, but I do know I was luckier than Aichen. I had my mother's milk. I lost my mother at 9 years old but Aichen lost his mother when he was only four or five days old. Over the past three years, I've shared food with Aichen, even his formula. Besides, Aichen had never had new clothes. He always wore my old ones which Mrs. Guan altered for him. I know all of these. To protect my identity, Pa didn't let me go to school but he taught me reading and math at home every day to make sure I didn't fall behind in my studies. When I heard that my Dad was arrested, he was afraid I might lose control in public so he always paid more attention to my feelings from time to time, understanding, comforting and protecting me." After saying this, he looked at Zhou Di and continued, "Pa, I just want to tell you that you will always be my father and Aichen will always be my younger brother. As for the relationship between Dad and you, if you both like each other, I can accept it. The reason I say this is because of what Dad said about his marriage to my mom. Now I know it wasn't voluntary for him. It's not your fault. It is completely their issue. Dad feels sorry for mom and I understand now that she wasn't happy in her marriage. Of course I really did not like it when Mom attended the different parties and left me alone with a maid. After I've heard Dad's words, I feel sorry to her and miss her a lot. Aunt Sanhua, you are an adult so I think you must understand more than I do but I have to tell you what I want, that is, let my parents and Pa be happy. If my Mom were alive, I would want the same for her. I can accept any decision they make. This is how I love them." Then he turned to Yang Chen, added, "Dad, I'd like to use Ady as my English name."
Zhou Di buried his head in Zhou Aichen's small chest, wiping away his tears, while Yang Chen hugged Yang Zichun tightly in his arms, tears in his eyes, repeatedly saying:
"Thank you, my angel! Thank you! Dad loves you forever."
Yang Sanhua looked at the four of them, truly at a loss for words. She had never expected her young nephew to support his father so wholeheartedly, let alone call his father's boyfriend "Pa". It was indirect show support of support for his father and also helped her better understand Zhou Di's dedication to Yang Zichun during the war. Finally she asked with a hint of helplessness:
"Eldest bro., what are you planning to do? You know Dad hopes you can issue a statement .... This seems Dad is going to be disappointed."
Yang Chen gently set Yang Zichun down and took a piece of paper from his pocket, handing it to Yang Sanhua, and said:
"This is my statement. Please share it with Dad after you read it. I'm willing to wait for his agreement before issuing this statement but I won't change its content."
Zhou Di, still holding Zhou Aichen, interjected:
"Can I take a look?"
Yang Zichun climbed onto the bed and embraced Zhou Di, speaking to him with a grin:
"Pa, don't worry about it. My grandpa and my Dad are having a fight. I like watching it."
Then he started playing with Zhou Aichen. Yang Sanhua scolded with smile:
"Yang Zichun, you are not afraid of the chaos at such a younger age."
Yang Zichun retorted:
"You said that I am too young to do anything anyway. As long as no one hurts my Pa and Aichen, it is fine."
Yang Sanhua turned back to Yang Chen and said:
"Eldest bro., is your son still a member of our family? He's always protecting others."
Then she took Yang Chen's statement and began reading it.
To the people of the Midlands:
I am Yang Chen. In light of the recent rumors regarding my sexual orientation and allegations of misconduct towards soldiers within the military, now I wish to address and clarify the following:
First, regarding my sexual orientation. Now I hereby publicly come out and confirm that I have a boyfriend. Let me clarify the situation behind the rumor. My boyfriend has been staying in Yucheng for nearly three years after Wasoku invasion. During the retreat of the Wasoku army, he was abducted and injured by the Wasoku army, sustaining gunshot wounds to his legs. When I found him on the outskirts of Yucheng city, he was in critical condition and required urgent medical attention. Actually we did not have met each other throughout the entirety of the war and our first reunion in three years occurred under these dire circumstances, with him gravely injured. Regrettably, in the moment of life and death, I may have acted inappropriately in public due to my emotional turmoil, resulting in unintended consequences. For any inconvenience or distress caused, I sincerely apologize to you, the people of the Midlands.
Second, regarding the allegations of misconduct within the military, I categorically deny these allegations and challenge those making such claims to provide evidence. I reserve the right to pursue legal action in this matter and have directed relevant parties to investigate and collect evidence. Once the investigation is complete, I will vigorously defend my honor and pursue justice. I, Yang Chen, stand by my word.
As a military commander, it is my foremost duty to ensure the well-being, success and safety of my soldiers. I train them rigorously to enhance their capabilities and minimize casualties on the battlefield. I regard my soldiers as my brothers and my family. Any suggestion of inappropriate behavior towards them is abhorrent and dehumanizing. disparaging thoughts towards my brothers in a family are inhuman, akin to beastly behavior. I can unequivocally affirm that I, Yang Chen, have never betrayed the trust of my generals and soldiers.
Moreover, it is imperative to focus on the ongoing foreign invasion. Our people have been slaughtered, our women violated, our children orphaned or killed, our homes razed to the ground, our wealth looted and our cherished cultural heritage pillaged and desecrated. As citizens of the Midlands, it is our collective duty to resist these foreign invaders and seek justice for the atrocities committed against our land and people, instead of talking about my sexuality orientation here now. Discussing my sexual orientation at this moment is a distraction from the critical task at hand.
Now I, Yang Chen, pledge to all citizens of Midlands that I will drive the Wasoku invaders out of our Midlands. This is my obligation and responsibility. Let us unite to restore peace and prosperity to our homeland. Once the war has concluded, I promise you that I will provide a full account of my actions and decisions.
Thank you!
Yang Chen
Upon reading the statement, Yang Sanhua expressed her concern:
"Do you think Dad will agree to you issuing this statement? You are coming out to the whole country about your sexuality orientation. Do you think Dad can accept this? Thankfully, Mom is now oblivious. If she were still conscious, I think she would faint after reading this statement.
Yang Chen responded confidently:
"Aside from the first point, what in here would upset them? My goal is to drive the Wasoku invaders out of the Midlands and provide our people with a stable and prosperous life. This is a great honor for our family. Dad will surely feel proud of this. This is also the bargaining chip for me to exchange with Dad. I want him to stop medding in my affairs and give me some freedom."
Suddenly Yang Sanhua's expression turned sorrowful as she said:
"Eldest Bro., there is one thing that we've been keeping from you. Dad didn't want us to tell you, fearing it would affect your command in battle. Our youngest brother, Yang Yang, has gone blind. He was injured in the eyes on the battlefild. Despite our best efforts to save his sight, we failed. Now he's back home. Not only do we have to keep it from you, but we've also kept it from Mom. The atmosphere at home has become oppressive because of this. Dad has reached the breaking point. I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it if you hurt him further with this statement."
Yang Chen was stunned, closing his eyes and covering his face with his hands quickly. Zhou Di also looked at them in astonishment, feeling deeply saddened. Yang Zichun jumped off the bed and rushed to Yang Sanhua, crying:
"What did you say? Uncle Yang can't see anymore." Holding Yang Sanhua tightly, he added with a tearful voice, "How could this happen to Uncle Yang?"
After a few moment, Yang Chen said:
"Once Yichun is liberated within a few days, all the powerful figures will gather there. I'm also going there to meet Dad and discuss national reconstruction with the others. I won't let Dad negotiate with other warlords alone. This is my responsibility and duty."
Zhou Di said anxiously:
"Chen Ge, please have a nice talk with Grant Marshal. Don't do anything rash for my sake. Do you understand?"
Yang Sanhua said:
"I will take Chun'er back to Qudu."