Chapter 80: Establishing Authority and Standing Firm in the Military Camp

Shen Hezhi nodded. “Or do you intend to wait until they break into the city before you go to the barracks?” There was already a trace of anger in Shen Hezhi’s tone. Although it wasn’t directed at Dongfang Qing, she still felt a chill of fear.

“Yes, Your Highness, this way please.”

Over this period, Dongfang Qing had gradually come to understand Shen Hezhi’s temperament. She realized he was not as useless as rumors claimed; his entire bearing was different from what she had heard. The rumors spoke only of his beauty, calling him an empty-headed fop, but seeing him now—how could he be a fool?

The mere presence he exuded was enough to prove he was anything but incompetent.

Dongfang Qing now believed that this prince from the capital might just be the one who could save the borderlands.

Their group arrived at the military camp. Guards should have been patrolling, but instead they found none—only a few lying on the ground, fast asleep.

Shen Hezhi’s anger surged. “Is your duty here just to sleep?” he shouted at the men lying on the ground, startling them awake.

Seeing so many people standing before him, one of the guards panicked and scrambled to his feet. “Y-Your Highness… Lord Dongfang…”

The guard stammered, but Shen Hezhi’s patience had reached its limit. “Where is your captain?”

“One moment, Your Highness!” One of the guards immediately ran to fetch the captain.

When the captain appeared before Shen Hezhi, his clothing was still disheveled.

Shen Hezhi looked at him and said coldly, “So you sleep undressed, Captain. You must be quite comfortable here—not feeling the hardships of the border at all.”

The captain fell to his knees in terror. “Your Highness, you wrong me!”

“Oh? I wrong you? Then why are your clothes so untidy?” Shen Hezhi narrowed his eyes.

Feeling a chill, the captain’s eyes darted as he hastily replied, “It’s because I fell asleep while on night watch, so my clothing is not in order.”

“A fine night watch, indeed! Go at once and assemble all the men!”

Shen Hezhi had no desire to waste further words with the captain. It was obvious he had someone powerful backing him, making it difficult to punish him outright. But that was not the most urgent matter now. What mattered was rousing the camp, for tomorrow they would have to face Nanyang’s Third Prince, Nan An.

Seeing Shen Hezhi was not intent on pressing the matter, the captain quickly rose and went to rouse the soldiers from their tents.

The soldiers emerged lazily, gathering together with the same indolence. The chill in Shen Hezhi’s demeanor made them uneasy.

Turning to Shen Yi, Shen Hezhi ordered, “Go and fetch Qi Mo.”

“Yes, sir.”

Previously, Qi Mo had been assigned elsewhere—clearly, the camp was beneath his abilities. But now Shen Hezhi realized he needed to reorganize the camp and fill it with his own men.

Qi Mo soon appeared, fully dressed and in stark contrast to the slack soldiers.

“Your Highness,” Qi Mo greeted Shen Hezhi with a bow, then did the same to Dongfang Qing. “Lord Dongfang.”

The difference between the captain and Qi Mo was immediately apparent—it was clear who was more competent.

Shen Hezhi nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to the assembled troops. “Take a good look. From now on, Qi Mo is your new captain.”

At these words, the soldiers exchanged glances and began to murmur among themselves; the captain looked directly at Shen Hezhi, his previous deference gone.

“Your Highness, if you wish to remove me from my post, I have no objection. But at the very least, you should choose someone capable, and if you are going to remove me, you ought to give a reason. You can’t just strip me of my position without explanation,” the captain declared, suddenly emboldened.

Seeing this newfound bravado, Shen Hezhi smiled coldly. Clearly, the man thought his backing made him invincible.

Did he not know the saying, “Once the general leaves for the front, he’s no longer bound by imperial orders”? Besides, the borderlands were so far from the capital—even if the Emperor supported him, by the time word reached the capital, it would be far too late for him.

“Must I account for myself to you? Lord Dongfang, take him away,” Shen Hezhi said icily.

“Yes, sir.” Dongfang Qing gestured, and the soldiers behind her seized the captain.

“Ninth Prince! You’ll regret what you’ve done today!” The captain shouted threats as he was dragged away.

As the captain was taken, the rest of the camp fell silent; not one dared to speak.

Shen Hezhi was very satisfied with this display.

He paced before them and said, “If any of you have questions about my orders, speak now.”

No one replied.

Shen Hezhi continued, “While you slept, the enemy was already at our city walls, shouting challenges. You were once a victorious force—do not forget the blood of Beiyu runs in your veins! Look at yourselves now—who do you think you are letting down?

Think carefully—are you not ashamed before yourselves, your families, and the people behind you?”

His words struck the soldiers, prompting immediate self-reflection.

Indeed, this unit had once been undefeated. While they were stationed here, even Nan An did not dare approach the city walls. How had they become so indolent?

“If you believe you can still be saved, if you wish to reclaim your former glory, then rouse yourselves!” Shen Hezhi’s voice rang out.

Now, not a soul would overlook Shen Hezhi’s ability because of his appearance. The resolve he demonstrated was beyond compare.

Seeing the fire returning to the soldiers’ eyes, Shen Hezhi pressed on, “You are not a defeated rabble—you never were, and you never will be! I know you look down on Qi Mo now, but if any of you believe you can surpass him, step forward and compete. I’ll give you that chance. What say you?”