Penalty of one year's stipend!
This was the punishment meted out by the Central Army Commander's Mansion to Yang Zhenshan for leading troops out of the country without authorization.
However, Yang Zhenshan felt certain it was the old Emperor's will.
Regarding such a verdict, Yang Zhenshan felt both a sigh of relief and a tinge of resentment in his heart.
Relieved because the punishment wasn't heavy—only a year's stipend, which truly didn't mean much to him. The Yang family did not rely on his meager stipend to live; a year's forfeiture wouldn't affect their daily life.
As for the resentment, wouldn't a working man harbor grievances if a year's salary were withheld?
"The old Emperor is truly inhumane!"
"Punishing your own son's stipend is one thing, but why punish mine?"
"I managed the affair without a hint of selfishness, and you still penalize my stipend—it's utterly unjust!"
