Chapter 29: Did Ye Yuan Once Commit a Grave Error?

The news of Ye Yuan’s upcoming investiture spread like wildfire, sparking intense debate on the streets and across the internet.

Naturally, public opinion regarding his impending honors was sharply polarized.

"Old Master Ye spent his entire life on the battlefield, only to face such unfair treatment after living in anonymity. We cannot let a veteran hero feel disheartened; he deserves justice!"

"The medals of honor Old Hero Ye earned represent heights that countless others could never reach. He must be decorated!"

"I believe he should be made a Lieutenant General. That is what Grandpa Ye deserves!"

"Nonsense! It has to be a General! For all we know, his former subordinates are already Lieutenant Generals. How could Grandpa Ye hold the same rank as his own men?"

"He’s nothing but a fraud who spouts nonsense and can’t even prove his own identity. Have you people lost your minds?"

"Exactly! Internet users these days are so easily led by the nose!"

"If he wants me to believe him, he needs to produce some real, tangible evidence!"

Major chat rooms were filled with heated arguments, yet the center of this firestorm—Ye Yuan himself—remained completely unaware of the chaos.

Since Ye Yan’an had been successfully rescued and they had moved to the county, Ye Yuan no longer had to worry about safety, though he found the idle time somewhat disorienting. To keep busy, he borrowed a hoe from the local station and spent several days tilling the soil in the small garden outside his house, planting a variety of flower seeds.

***

In the blink of an eye, Thursday arrived again.

The online discourse surrounding Ye Yuan had intensified, and many were eagerly awaiting this day, hoping to see him present further evidence to prove his identity and slap the faces of his detractors.

Ye Yuan was brought to the studio and sat in a chair backstage, waiting. Having been through this once before, Sun Ting was noticeably less nervous than before. However, the weight of public opinion still clouded her face with worry; she had no idea how Grandpa Ye intended to resolve this crisis.

As the time neared, the director signaled Sun Ting through her earpiece to prepare. She took a deep breath and, before stepping onto the stage, cast a firm glance at Ye Yuan’s back.

She remained steadfast in her belief: a veteran hero who had survived the artillery fire and conspiracies of the enemy could not possibly be brought down by the vitriol of the public.

Stepping onto the stage, a smile returned to Sun Ting’s face as she greeted the camera with practiced ease.

"Hello, viewers and friends. I am Sun Ting."

She spoke naturally, her smile highly infectious. "I believe that, like me, you have all heard the news these past few days about Grandpa Ye’s upcoming investiture, and you have been on pins and needles waiting for it."

"However, because Grandpa Ye’s service records were requisitioned by the military region, his identity and meritorious deeds cannot be officially verified. Therefore, I fear the investiture will have to be postponed."

The moment these words left her lips, the online trolls seized the opportunity.

"Records requisitioned? What a load of nonsense! Who has that kind of power?"

"Exactly! If you ask me, this whole thing is a farce!"

"I support banning this old fraud! We cannot let him continue to exploit the public’s sentiment for war veterans!"

Many of the netizens who supported Ye Yuan wanted to speak up for him, but the situation was so unfavorable that they didn't even know how to defend him.

"Next, let us welcome with warm applause..."

As Sun Ting spoke, she suddenly frowned, her gaze landing on a figure in the audience.

Liu Debao?!

Why was he here?

She quickly collected herself and continued, "Grandpa Ye!"

Thunderous applause filled the studio as Ye Yuan walked out onto the stage.

"Grandpa Ye, please take a seat."

Sun Ting forced a smile, her mind still preoccupied by Liu Debao’s presence. Once they were both seated, she began, "Grandpa Ye, what are your thoughts on your upcoming investiture? Do you have any guesses as to which rank you will be awarded?"

"Rank has never been something necessary for me," Ye Yuan said slowly. "As for what rank they might bestow upon me, I do not care."

Ye Yuan’s response was as calm as ever, but it immediately reignited the bickering among netizens.

"What a show-off! Who does he think he’s fooling?"

"It’s hilarious. It’s not even certain he’ll be honored, yet he puts on this indifferent act. I bet if the day actually comes, he’ll be the first to throw a banquet!"

"What are you all babbling about!"

"Old Hero Ye is a true revolutionary with the loftiest of ideals!"

"Can you stop projecting your own filthy minds onto Grandpa Ye?"

Back in the studio, just as Sun Ting was about to speak after Ye Yuan, a discordant voice rang out: "Old Hero Ye, I am a soldier myself. I do not doubt your loyalty to the cause you dedicated your life to, but shouldn't you address the matter of this file you have?"

Everyone in the studio turned toward the speaker. It was Liu Debao.

Although the camera was not pointed at him, his voice carried through the microphone and was broadcast live to television sets across the country. Seeing that Liu Debao had indeed stepped forward, Sun Ting’s expression turned grim.

Then, she caught the key detail in his words.

*A file?*

Liu Debao was in possession of Ye Yuan’s service file?

Wasn't the file at the Eastern Theater Command? How could it be in his hands?

Though she wanted nothing to do with him, the program had to proceed. She said, "Since this gentleman has an objection, please come up to the stage."

Liu Debao walked up with a smile. He then pulled a file folder from his briefcase and waved it at the camera.

The internet erupted.

"He really has the file?"

"What does this mean? Is there something wrong with Old Hero Ye’s records?"

"If there wasn't a problem, why would this man come out to point it out?"

"Does this guy look familiar to anyone? He looks a bit like that bully from before!"

Netizens were in an uproar, and even those who had initially supported Ye Yuan began to waver.

Liu Debao handed the folder directly to Sun Ting. "Host, see for yourself. It states here that Old Hero Ye committed a grave error during the War of Resistance."

"Shouldn't we ask Old Hero Ye to provide us all with an explanation for this?"