Chapter 92: Accountability and Disciplinary Action

“Prepare the adrenaline and the gelatin sponge, and have vitamin K ready!” Lan Zuo rushed forward, pressing her hand firmly over Hou Manling’s wound. She tore off her own sleeve to make a makeshift tourniquet, quickly wrapping it tight to staunch the bleeding. “Manling, stay awake—don’t fall asleep. Keep your breathing steady.”

“Everyone else, out—keep the air flowing. Where’s the stretcher?”

“It’s here.”

A team of medical staff arrived swiftly, carefully lifting Hou Manling onto the stretcher and rushing her to the operating room.

Dezheng Qin turned to Zhong Xiao. “I’ll go with them to check on her. You and Shen’er should head home soon. You’ve moved into the Song residence now, haven’t you? Is everything going smoothly?”

Zhong Xiao tore her gaze from Hou Manling, nodded, and replied, “Yes, it’s going smoothly.”

Aside from one rather strange incident, everything else was fine.

Reassured, Dezheng Qin gave her a few more instructions before leaving.

At the door, Qingfeng Song took in the solemn faces around him, cleared his throat, and announced, “Starting today, the military district will conduct a ten-day sweep. Every division, battalion, company, and platoon must rigorously screen their personnel. If anything suspicious or unusual is found, it must be reported immediately.”

“Pay special attention—not just to your own unit, but also to those you frequently interact with. Every unit must ensure a complete screening, so that each person’s social connections form a full, traceable chain.”

“Remember: it’s better to be overly cautious. Even if someone is cleared of suspicion later and needs reassurance or compensation, we cannot afford to overlook a single suspicious individual!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Understood!” The crowd responded in unison. Only then did Qingfeng Song nod, his gaze sweeping the assembly and finally settling on one individual.

Everyone followed his gaze and saw it fell on Wang Erhu.

At this moment, Wang Erhu’s expression was grave, his brows tightly furrowed—a stark contrast to his usual cheerful demeanor. It was clear he’d realized something.

Qingfeng Song called out, “Comrade Wang Erhu, commander of the Third Artillery Regiment!”

Wang Erhu immediately straightened, standing at attention, his eyes fixed on Song.

“Step forward!”

“Yes, sir!” Wang Erhu took a step out, his face set in seriousness.

Qingfeng Song frowned. “According to preliminary investigation, the enemy agent Yuan Tianqing likely obtained intelligence during your casual conversations—intelligence about our operational plans and deployment schedules. This led to the enemy taking advantage of our movements, resulting in an ambush, casualties, and the loss of military equipment. Until the situation is fully clarified, you are to be temporarily confined to the detention room. Do you have any objections?”

Wang Erhu took a deep breath, bit his lip, and, his face filled with shame, answered, “Commander, there’s no need for further investigation. This was my mistake, and I accept all punishment.”

Everything came flooding back to Wang Erhu.

“After the battle plan was finalized, I was often preoccupied with official duties and quarreled with my family. In a moment of frustration, I confided in Comrade Yuan Tianqing—the enemy agent—and inadvertently revealed our departure time and approximate scale during our conversation.”

“I violated the military’s confidentiality regulations, leaked classified information, and not only caused losses to our forces but nearly let the situation spiral out of control, affecting the entire military district and even Taizhou Island. I willingly accept any disciplinary action!”

With that, Wang Erhu saluted Song Qingfeng, his expression resolute and unflinching, as if facing death.

No one dared to intercede for him at a time like this.

This was a matter of life and death—had it not been for Zhong Xiao, Commander Song and his team might never have returned from Yuehu Island.

After a long silence, Song Qingfeng finally spoke. “Given that Comrade Wang Erhu promptly eliminated the enemy agent and acted without malicious intent, and considering your willingness to confess, your punishment will be mitigated to some extent. However, though you escape death, you cannot escape punishment. Comrade Wang Erhu, you have violated military orders and regulations, resulting in grave consequences. Effective immediately, you are stripped of all ranks and positions, confined to the detention room, and will await further investigation alongside all other suspects before being handed over for higher-level review.”

Under the gaze of all present, Wang Erhu’s eyes filled with tears. He pressed his lips together, trembling as he replied, “Yes, sir! I will abide by the commander’s orders in all things!”