Song Yuming froze on the spot.
Ye Xicheng pressed him. "Squad Leader Song, what do you think?"
Before Song Yuming could reply, Chen Shi'an declared loudly, "Commander, since I made a mistake, I am willing to accept punishment. Please have me thrown into prison right now.
"During that month, I will reflect seriously on my actions and examine my faults thoroughly!"
Song Yuming seemed to come to his senses. He sneered, "Chen Shi'an, don't think you can dodge the Blackwater Ridge mission this way."
At this, he cupped his hands toward Ye Xicheng. "Commander Ye, although Chen Shi'an was in the wrong, my men and I are magnanimous. For the sake of the bigger picture, we won't hold them accountable."
Chen Shi'an sighed softly and said nothing more.
Even more convinced of his deduction, Song Yuming said smugly, "Chen Shi'an, let me wish you a smooth journey to Blackwater Ridge and a safe return!"
Then he cupped his hands slightly toward Ye Xicheng. "Commander Ye, I won't pursue this matter any further. I'll take my leave."
Ye Xicheng smiled faintly. "How magnanimous of you, Squad Leader Song."
Once Song Yuming had left, Ye Xicheng's brows knitted tightly. "Chen Shi'an, did you do that deliberately? Were you trying to avoid going to Blackwater Ridge this way?"
Chen Shi'an shook his head. "You've misunderstood, Commander. Song Yuming's men came looking for a beating. That wasn't something I could arrange or control."
Ye Xicheng snorted softly. "You gave your men leave without authorization, and I turned a blind eye and let it pass.
"But then you caused this scene. You were clearly showing your displeasure with me."
Chen Shi'an raised his head and looked Ye Xicheng straight in the eye. "If you insist on thinking that, Commander, I have nothing to say.
"But