12dz Chapter 39 Appealing to Emotions and Reason
Chapter 39 Appealing to Emotions and Reason
Listening to Zhao Xiong's heartfelt words, Lin Xiaoqian genuinely understood and sympathized with them. Her expression was solemn and sincere, her eyes brimming with tears, and she said emotionally, "Brother Zhao, I, Lin Qianqian, have come here today not out of pretense. I know your resentment and confusion at this moment, and I deeply understand your yearning for freedom and your worries about the future. Although you are bandits in the mountains, you have also performed acts of chivalry. I have long seen that you are not bad at heart, and that you have a conscience and passion in your hearts. Now, the court's arrangement may seem harsh at first glance, but I understand that it is a test of your resolve and also paving the way for your future."
Lin Xiaoqian paused slightly, cleared his throat, and then said, "Throughout history, many wise and capable people have endured hardships to achieve great things. In the past, King Goujian of Yue was defeated by Wu and became a prisoner, imprisoned in Wu as a slave for several years, suffering all kinds of humiliation. However, he did not complain about fate, but instead endured hardship and humiliation, tempering himself in the midst of suffering, and finally returned to his country. Later, he restored his country in one fell swoop, achieved hegemony, and became famous in history. Such endurance and perseverance are truly admirable."
She sobbed, blew her nose, wiped away her tears, and continued, “Look at Han Xin, the Marquis of Huaiyin. In his youth, he suffered the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs. Everyone thought he was cowardly, but he knew that a small act of impatience could ruin a great plan. He buried this great shame deep in his heart, devoted himself to studying military strategy, and assisted Liu Bang in establishing the Han Dynasty, which lasted for four hundred years. He held fast to his beliefs in adversity and was not swayed by momentary impulses, which led to his later brilliant achievements. These three years of hard labor are tough, but they are a path for you to shed your impurities and be reborn. If you can survive this ordeal, the court will surely see your sincerity and perseverance, and you will be rewarded handsomely and given great responsibilities in the future. At that time, you will not only be able to prove yourselves, but also bring glory to your families and bring well-being to the people. In that case, what are these three years of hardship worth?” Lin Xiaoqian spoke earnestly, her gaze fixed firmly on the crowd, her eyes shining with wisdom and expectation.
After hearing this, Zhao Xiong and the others gradually calmed down from their initial agitation and indignation, falling into deep thought. Zhao Xiong lowered his head slightly, his brows furrowed, his mind filled with the stories of Goujian's perseverance and Han Xin's humiliation. The face that had been flushed with resentment and anger gradually regained some color, replaced by an expression of solemnity and determination.
The second-in-command sighed softly and broke the silence first: "Miss Lin, your words are like a wake-up call, making us realize something. We rough men only see the hardships before our eyes, but we never thought that there might be such a profound meaning behind this hard labor."
The other brothers nodded in agreement, their eyes no longer filled with mere complaints and resistance, but with more reflection and introspection. One of the older brothers slowly said, “When we were in the mountains, we only sought momentary pleasure, acted recklessly, and committed many sins. Now that we are determined to change, how can we back down because of a mere three years of hard labor? Wouldn’t that be letting down Miss Lin’s good intentions and making the court look down on us?”
Zhao Xiong slowly raised his head, a renewed flame of hope rekindling in his eyes. He clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Lin Qianqian, his voice filled with gratitude and respect: "Miss Lin, thank you for your guidance. I, Zhao Xiong, only now realize that a true hero not only forges ahead in favorable circumstances but also perseveres in adversity. We are willing to obey the court's arrangements and serve these three years of hard labor with peace of mind, and we will certainly not let you down."
Seeing that they could see the situation clearly, Lin Xiaoqian finally felt relieved, and a relieved smile slowly unfolded on her beautiful face like blooming flowers in spring.
Her eyes curved into crescents, and her expression was relaxed and joyful. Her smile seemed to have the magic to dispel gloom, instantly brightening the originally oppressive and gloomy atmosphere in the cell.
"It is truly fortunate that you brothers think this way," Lin Xiaoqian said softly, bowing slightly. "This ordeal has been a test, and now that you have passed it smoothly, your future is sure to be bright. Once your term of service is over, with your abilities and determination, you will surely make a name for yourselves in the court and the martial world, becoming heroes and righteous men admired by all." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a babbling brook, nourishing the hearts of the crowd and giving them endless encouragement and strength.
Lin Xiaoqian slightly raised her chin, her expression earnest and resolute. Her gaze swept sincerely over each of the faces before she continued, “Please rest assured, everyone. Now that I, Lin Qianqian, stand with you, I will do everything in my power to protect you. When I meet with His Majesty, I will recount your current repentance, your determination, and your heroic achievements in controlling the floods in Jiangnan, and I will do my utmost to speak well of you. I will carefully analyze your changes and potential to His Majesty and earnestly request that he consider your case. If your excellent performance can lead to an early end to this period of hard labor, that would be the best outcome. Even if there is only a sliver of hope, I will not give up. I will do my utmost for your future and will not let you down.”
Upon hearing this, the gloom on Zhao Xiong and his brothers' faces dissipated considerably, replaced by gratitude and anticipation in their eyes. Zhao Xiong stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Miss Lin's kindness is beyond our ability to repay. Your righteous assistance is like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating our path forward. We will certainly abide by the rules during our hard labor and dare not slacken in the slightest, hoping only to cleanse our sins as soon as possible, regain our lives, and repay Miss Lin's kindness and the court's leniency."
Seeing this, the other brothers followed Zhao Xiong's example and knelt down in gratitude. In an instant, the cell was filled with respect and gratitude for Lin Qianqian, and the tense atmosphere completely dissipated, replaced by everyone's anticipation and hope for the future.
Lin Xiaoqian quickly bent down, urging them to get up. She frowned and pursed her lips, saying, "Please get up, everyone. I've sworn brotherhood with you all, so I'm practically your little sister. It's only right that I, as your little sister, help you when you're in trouble!"
Zhao Xiong and the others were secretly delighted to hear this; they were proud to have such a sister.