Looking at these familiar generals in front of him, Tan Hengqiang felt irritated, but his face remained calm. He just said calmly: "Come inside first."
Everyone nodded, followed Tan Hengqiang into the office, and sat down on the sofa.
Tan Hengqiang sat with them and looked at them. None of the generals here were young, and each of them was an old brother who had fought on the battlefield with him for several years.
"Let me say a few words..."
After a moment of silence in the room, an old man in his sixties or seventies with gray hair spoke first with a slightly hoarse voice.
He has retired, but he looks very strong. He sits upright in his chair with a very serious attitude.
Tan Hengqiang was also a little surprised and immediately responded: "You say."
"Alas!" The old man sighed, put his hands together, and replied softly: "Commander Tan..."
Tan Hengqiang hurriedly pulled him to sit down: "Big Brother, I have always been a junior in front of you, so don't call me commander. Just call me Hengqiang as before."
The old man's eyes were a little cloudy, but he stared at Tan Hengqiang very seriously and said slowly: "Our Longcheng is different from other places. Since the establishment of the garrison, we have always been in a state of uniformity. It can be said that from top to bottom, the Tan faction is the main force. Outsiders can't get in even if they want to. Our people have always been very united."
Tan Hengqiang sat there and said nothing after hearing these words.
This old man was the previous Chief of the General Staff before he became the commander-in-chief of the garrison, and he was also half of his guide in military and political affairs.
Although the old man has retired, he has been living in Longcheng and has a considerable influence in the garrison. Moreover, after his retirement, he has never said a word on any military or political events for so many years.
The old man looked at Tan Hengqiang and said emotionally, "Hengqiang, this Jiang Yuanzhen is really a bastard, he doesn't have much brains. As soon as District One started a fire, he jumped out and did something reckless. In this matter, he really went too far and should be punished! However, we have to be honest and ask, does he want to go against you? I believe that even if he has a hundred guts, he would not dare to go against you, don't you think?! Maybe in the face of interests, he just wants to get closer to District One to plan a way out and a future for himself."
Tan Hengqiang did not answer, but remained silent.
The old man paused for a while, then added: "Having said that, Xiao Jiang followed you to the battlefield several times, and he has worked hard even if he has not made any contributions. Now, his son and nephew have been arrested. He himself has also ended up like this. It is indeed reasonable and legal to take his life... but... it lacks a bit of humanity."
Tan Hengqiang nodded slowly but said nothing.
At this moment, the generals sitting nearby echoed the sentiment.
One of the generals, who was a bit straightforward, saluted and said, "Commander, you know me! Lao Jiang and I have always been at odds. He is too ambitious and has too many small actions. I look down on him. But let's stand on the side of the garrison. For so many years, everyone has seen what Lao Jiang has done for the garrison. He was wrong at first, but he is still a member of our garrison after all. Now he has been captured by Lao An and lost his position. If his life can't be saved, brothers... will feel a little uncomfortable."
"Yes!" Hearing him say this, another general followed suit and said, "Commander, although from the result of this incident, Jiang Yuanzhen didn't have a brain and caused a military mutiny. But the root cause of this incident was also due to the smuggling of contraband items, and each department raised military funds on their own. I have also thought about it. If this happens to me... what should I do?! The upper level said that the military budget will be cut by 30%. There is no money, and the team must be stable. If I do some work privately and the administrative faction catches some handle, they will call for a fight and a kill! Jiang Yuanzhen is certainly... wrong... but it is also a matter of reason."
Hearing this, everyone nodded.
Seeing that Tan Hengqiang was still silent, another general could no longer sit still and advised, "Commander, I think this matter is not just ours. There is another district behind it. They also have to save face. The political arrangements in Longcheng have failed in the past few times. If they can't even protect Old Jiang this time, I'm afraid the war in Longcheng... is inevitable... Commander, from my personal standpoint, I think this matter should be handled properly. But if you really decide to execute Jiang Yuanzhen, we brothers will definitely support you unconditionally!"
"That's right, Commander. You should give it more thought."
"Lao Jiang is one of us after all, we can talk about anything behind closed doors."
Everyone started talking, but Tan Hengqiang looked at them and remained silent.
He knew very well that these people had some sympathy for Jiang Yuanzhen's experience. After all, what happened to Old Jiang might be what happened to everyone tomorrow. To put it bluntly, everyone had worked so hard for so many years to bring you up, Old Tan, just to enjoy the shade under a big tree.
It is true that Jiang Yuanzhen went a little too far, but he never said that he wanted to oppose Tan Hengqiang. What he discussed with District 1 was about his future as the second-in-command and he was still working under Commander Tan.
The First Garrison Army is the face of the Corps. Jiang Yuanzhen himself has made great contributions to Tan Hengqiang. If such a person cannot have a good end in the end, everyone will feel a little sad.
After all, when Lu Guangwei got into trouble and Jiang Zheng got into trouble, your garrison headquarters didn't show any attitude at all!
In addition to this reason, these people formed a group to protect Jiang Yuanzhen today, and they also had another idea hidden in their hearts!
That is... a lot of people don't want to fight.
If Jiang Yuanzhen was executed in Longcheng, District One would certainly be furious and would most likely take extreme military measures. And when the war in Longcheng breaks out, no warlord general would be able to stay out of it.
Longcheng has been peaceful for more than 20 years. Everyone has enough food and drink, and lives a luxurious and comfortable life. So why do we have to fight?! Isn't this crazy
This group of people represents conservative attitudes, which is a very subtle political expression.
Tan Hengqiang could naturally think of these factors and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Although what everyone said made some sense, District 1 was also intervening.
But if this matter is not handled seriously, what should I do if someone wants to imitate Lao Jiang in the future
If you can't stand something, just rebel. You won't die if you rebel. If you rely on your merits, too many old people will have a golden medal of immunity from death.
Tan Hengqiang felt that he had come to a very important time node. If he could not handle this matter well, the crisis in Longcheng would gradually increase.
This may be the most difficult decision-making assessment he has had since joining the army.
Thinking of this, Tan Hengqiang raised his head, glanced at everyone, and said softly: "I understand what you mean, and I will give it full consideration. It's getting late, I have prepared food, everyone stay and have a meal together later."
All the advice that needed to be given had been given, and everyone knew that it was time to stop while things were going well, so they stopped talking.
Tan Hengqiang waved his hand: "You go first, I'll take care of something and I'll be there soon. Xiao Chen, you take everyone over first."
Upon hearing this, everyone supported the old chief of staff, walked out of the office, and followed the guards towards the cafeteria.
After they all left, Tan Hengqiang stood alone in front of the window, with his hands behind his back, looking at the scenery of Longcheng outside.
After Zhang Xunchen dealt with Lu Zhen's affairs, he returned to the office: "Commander, I'm back."
Tan Hengqiang turned his head and glanced at him: "Is everything settled over there?"
"Yes." Zhang Xunchen replied: "Let him stay in the military hotel first."
Tan Hengqiang nodded slightly, thought for a while, and suddenly asked, "What is Lao Li busy with recently?"