Nan Zhengqian understood those feelings, better even than anyone else, so he kept his phone on, taking call after call without the slightest annoyance.
He wanted to let these brothers do everything they could for their fellow brothers.
In fact, looking at the names of the people calling, his heart filled with nothing but searing warmth and comfort.
So he took these calls pleading for leniency one after another, taking them with delight, with soaring spirits, and with tears in his eyes.
"Don't worry, I know what you want to say. Don't you trust me, Nan Zhengqian?"
"Don't give me any fancy talk. Get back to your work. I know what you're trying to say better than you do!"
"Get lost and fight your war. Aren't I better suited than you to worry about these things?"
"Those who broke the law can't be spared, but does that mean we can't leave even a root behind? Do you think so little of me? You're the only one who values old ties, and I'm just cold-blooded?"
"If you're talking to me, then talk. What are you stammering for? You could stammer for another year and still not get out a request for mercy, but does that mean I really wouldn't show any?"
"All right, all right, enough. Am I not a soldier? Wasn't I their comrade back then? Wouldn't I understand? Get back to your work! Next time, we'll drink!"
The old generals were moved to grateful tears.
"Thank you, Marshal Nan!"
"Marshal Nan is mighty!"
"Marshal Nan, thank you on behalf of our old brothers!"
"Thank you, thank you!"
Each of the old generals was thoroughly satisfied.
The ruder and blunter Marshal Nan was, the more it meant he wasn't treating them as outsiders. If he started putting on an official