Chapter Sixty-Nine: Dongfang Qing’s Changing Attitude

The common people here are not just poor; many appear critically ill, on the verge of starving to death.

“Shen Yi, go and distribute the provisions we brought with us to these refugees,” Shen Hezhi ordered.

Shen Yi nodded and, carrying the large bundle strapped to his back, made his way toward the crowd of displaced people. This was something they had carefully prepared before leaving, intending to do all they could, within their limited means, to help these suffering masses.

As soon as Shen Yi entered the throng, the refugees, seeing the big bundle on his back, rushed forward to snatch at it. Though Shen Yi was young and tried to hand out the food slowly, the crowd was frantic, their desperation pushing them to chaos. To avoid hurting anyone, Shen Yi had no choice but to retreat quickly.

Returning to Shen Hezhi’s side, Shen Yi said helplessly, “Your Highness, the situation here is dire… If they weren’t truly starving, these people would never behave so desperately.”

“Let us return,” Shen Hezhi said, his interest in further investigation waning. Even this brief distance had made the severity of their plight painfully evident.

Back at the post station, Shen Hezhi immediately sent someone to fetch Dongfang Qing.

Though Dongfang Qing was reluctant, he came to see Shen Hezhi. Upon entering, he spoke bluntly, “Your Highness, I made it clear to Wang Yan before leaving that I had much to attend to. Why have you summoned me back in such haste? What is it you want?”

Dongfang Qing’s demeanor was now completely different from when they first met. Whereas before he was courteous and respectful, now his face was filled with anger, paying no heed to who stood before him.

Shen Hezhi was perplexed by this reaction, suspecting it was due to interrupting Dongfang Qing’s work. Yet, if he cared so deeply about his duties, why would he allow his people to languish in such poverty?

“I called you back, and it turns out you have so many grievances,” Shen Hezhi said. Even if Dongfang Qing was indeed working for the people, he should not treat his prince with such disrespect.

“If Your Highness has something to say, please speak plainly. If attitude is grounds for punishment, so be it. But I hope there is one matter Your Highness will attend to immediately,” Dongfang Qing replied, unafraid.

“What is it? If it needs urgent attention, say it now,” Shen Hezhi responded.

“At present, the people within the city are suffering from famine, and now the enemy is clamoring at our gates. Should Your Highness not go out to meet the foe? If so, I ask you to prepare the army at once,” Dongfang Qing said.

“And what about the famine among the people? Can you solve it?” Shen Hezhi pressed.

Dongfang Qing answered coldly, “I have been working tirelessly on that very issue. If Your Highness came to the frontier not to fight, but merely to make a show of it, then please do not trouble me further.”

He continued, “When I welcomed Your Highness, I gave you every courtesy. Now, in private, I will not continue to indulge you.”

Dongfang Qing’s words made Shen Hezhi instantly understand the drastic shift in attitude. Dongfang Qing clearly regarded him as a corrupt official, coming here only to stage a political triumph for himself. No wonder his demeanor had changed so much.

Realizing Dongfang Qing’s heart was for the people, Shen Hezhi’s tone softened. “Why do you take me for someone who merely goes through the motions? Can it be that, in this impoverished frontier, you hear nothing at all of the news from the capital?”

“What does Your Highness mean by that?” Dongfang Qing asked, trying to keep his patience.

Shen Hezhi smiled and replied, “In the capital, my reputation is infamous. Aside from my appearance, I have nothing to recommend me. Everyone knows I am the least favored prince, and the emperor’s most despised.”

His words gave Dongfang Qing pause, and he reverted to his humble demeanor from their first meeting.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. I have been at the frontier for many years and know little of the capital’s affairs. If your purpose here is truly for the people and for the war, then I am willing to follow your command.” As he spoke, Dongfang Qing offered a respectful bow.

In a short span, Dongfang Qing made his position unmistakably clear, and Shen Hezhi appreciated such clarity and decisiveness.

“You mentioned the enemy is shouting outside the city. What exactly is happening? Tell me in detail,” Shen Hezhi said, ready to address the matter now he understood the situation.

Dongfang Qing explained, “The enemy has been yelling outside the city for days, seemingly aware of Your Highness’s arrival. However, I advise against deploying troops at this moment. If you do so now, you play directly into their hands. They are obviously probing your movements, hoping to lure you out, and who knows what traps await.”

Shen Hezhi nodded. He hadn’t intended to send troops just yet; if he were to do so, he would first thoroughly reconnoiter the enemy’s position.

“Very well. I will handle this matter. Later, I will go to the city walls and observe what they are up to. But for now, what must be dealt with is the plight of the refugees within the city,” Shen Hezhi said.

Dongfang Qing pressed his lips together. “Your Highness, I hope you will entrust this matter to me. I promise I can resolve it.”

After saying this, Dongfang Qing felt a pang of regret. He was unsure whether the prince’s words were true—had they really come to solve the people’s hardships and the turmoil of war?

If everything Shen Hezhi had said was a lie, then Dongfang Qing had just taken all the trouble upon himself, making it easy for the prince to scapegoat him, thereby fulfilling his own political ambitions.

The more Dongfang Qing thought, the more regretful he became. As he pondered his actions, Shen Hezhi replied.

“Very well. If you truly succeed, I will reward you—not the emperor, but myself. I saw your hesitation just now, worrying that I came here merely for appearances, didn’t you?”

Shen Hezhi smiled, continuing, “You need not worry about that at all. If you truly don’t believe me, send someone you trust to the capital to investigate. My relationship with the emperor can be described as nothing less than oil and water. I did not come here to add to my own achievements; the emperor wishes for my death.”