Shen Xihe lowered her head with a faint smile curling her lips. Outsiders might think the Crown Prince was modest and considerate, but they didn’t know how much deceit was hidden in this battle. How could he personally take command? The goal was to make Geng Liangcheng step forward and shoulder all the responsibility.
Would Geng Liangcheng step forward?
Of course he would. This was a golden opportunity. In his eyes, Shen Yueshan was dead, and Shen Yungan had fallen into Xiao Juesong’s hands—essentially a dead man as well. This was his chance to make a contribution, and by taking on this responsibility, he could seize military power.
Achieving merits and consolidating authority were irresistible temptations for him. As for the possibility of defeat? That was entirely beyond Geng Liangcheng’s consideration.
In the more than twenty years of Shen Yueshan’s rule over the northwest, they had fought over fifty battles, large and small, against the Turks, without a single defeat. This had made the men of the northwest completely dismissive of the Turks. Veterans like Geng Liangcheng, who had led troops to countless victories, were even more confident. He had long believed that even without Shen Yueshan, the northwest would remain peaceful and stable. Otherwise, how could he have developed such rebellious ambitions?
Geng Liangcheng’s eyes were brimming with ambition, but he still needed to maintain restraint and avoid acting too hastily. He shot a meaningful glance at Sang Yin, who understood his intent but was somewhat reluctant. Sang Yin averted his gaze, pretending not to see, which made Geng Liangcheng grit his teeth in frustration.
“Those Turkic bandits must have heard that the Prince…” Meng Hu gnashed his teeth. “I’ll lead troops to Tingzhou immediately and wipe them out completely!”
“Stop!” several voices shouted in unison. Wei Ya strode forward and grabbed him. “With the Prince gone and the Young Master missing, we are leaderless. Everyone is filled with indignation, but should we all act on impulse, brandishing swords and charging toward Tingzhou?”
“Tingzhou has the Protectorate Headquarters and thirty thousand elite troops stationed there. Why did the news only arrive today? Why wasn’t the Beacon Fire lit earlier?”
“There must be something suspicious going on. We need to deliberate carefully.”
“Then tell me, what should we do?” Meng Hu shook off Wei Ya’s grip and demanded.
Wei Ya glanced at Xiao Huayong, then swept his gaze over the silent Xiao Changfeng and Pei Zhan. After a moment of silence, he said, “Provisions, equipment, weapons, and troop deployment—all require someone to coordinate. With the Young Master absent, the Crown Princess should rightfully take charge in the Prince’s residence.”
“This…” Everyone’s eyes turned to Shen Xihe.
It wasn’t that they distrusted her, but Shen Xihe lacked the achievements Shen Yungan had. More critically, as the Crown Princess, she had married into the imperial family. With the Young Master’s mysterious disappearance, rumors were already spreading behind her back that Shen Xihe had colluded with the court to orchestrate this smoothly. They naturally did not believe such baseless gossip.
But even if they could trust Shen Xihe, that didn’t mean the lower ranks would. At this moment, facing the Turks, who were likely advancing fiercely, the slightest misstep could destabilize morale. Not only would it needlessly sacrifice brave lives, but it would also ruin Shen Xihe’s reputation.
“Uncles, I am not skilled in military affairs and dare not delay critical matters. I request that you temporarily appoint a commander to handle the current crisis,” Shen Xihe declined. “At present, I am more concerned about my brother’s safety. Finding him is my undeniable responsibility.”Shen Xihe's refusal caught Wei Ya off guard. He had singled her out to make these people understand who truly held authority in the Northwest. "The war is urgent. Since the Crown Princess is so reasonable, we have no choice but to accept this heavy responsibility in times of peril. Though lacking in talent, I am willing to shoulder the role of commander."
No one expected Wei Ya to intervene abruptly. Shen Xihe glanced at Xiao Huayong, who responded with a playful blink and a smile.
Geng Liangcheng frowned deeply. Having a prized opportunity snatched away right before him, it was only natural for him to feel resentful.
The others, however, had no strong opinions. Bound by brotherly camaraderie, they were content with anyone taking command. At this moment, the commander's role was merely to ensure the smooth progression of the war, providing a clear chain of command for troop deployments to prevent chaos from conflicting orders.
"Old Wei has always been one to plan before acting. Even the Northwest King referred to him as our strategist. Since the young master is absent, and Old Wei has volunteered, I am willing to follow his orders," Meng Hu was the first to voice his support.
None of the others harbored ambitions or coveted the temporary position of commander. In their hearts, Shen Yungan would always be their true leader—his absence was only temporary. Thus, they all echoed Meng Hu's stance.
Sang Yin also stepped forward. "Old Wei, we appreciate your hard work."
Sang Yin's lack of support for Geng Liangcheng was straightforward: the Commander's Seal must not fall into Geng's hands. Geng's intentions were impure, and who knew what troubles might arise if he gained control of the seal?
With everyone backing Wei Ya, Geng Liangcheng knew that voicing opposition would only arouse suspicion. Reluctantly, he asked, "Old Wei, who will you assign to reinforce Tingzhou?"
Unexpectedly, Wei Ya looked directly at Geng Liangcheng and said, "Old Geng, among all of us, you are the most familiar with the Tingzhou region. I must trouble you to lead the troops there."
This outcome took everyone by surprise. Sang Yin hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. Geng Liangcheng felt somewhat relieved. Though he hadn't secured overall command, obtaining the Military Tally was far better than being left behind.
"Very well, I will go," Geng Liangcheng agreed readily.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Crown Princess, do you have any objections?" Wei Ya turned to ask them.
Shen Xihe looked at Xiao Huayong. She had no objections. Although the situation had deviated slightly from her expectations, as long as Geng Liangcheng went to the battlefield, everything remained under control. Even if he hadn't, it would have been the same.
"General Wei has taken on this heavy responsibility in times of crisis. I have faith in you, General," Xiao Huayong also expressed no objections.
Wei Ya then knelt before Shen Xihe, sweeping his robe aside. "I request that Your Highness the Crown Princess bestow the seal."
The Commander's Seal was in Shen Yueshan's possession, but both Shen Xihe and Shen Yungan knew its location. Only documents stamped with this seal could authorize troop deployments.
"Uncle Wei, please follow me." Shen Xihe turned and headed toward Shen Yueshan's courtyard, with Xiao Huayong following closely. Xiao Changfeng and the others had no choice but to remain where they were.
Exchanging a glance, they acknowledged that military affairs in the Northwest had always been handled directly by the Northwest King's residence, without needing to report to the imperial court—unless the Northwest was unable to withstand the Turks. However, the current situation was different. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Changfeng discreetly left and sent an urgent letter to the court.
"Uncle Wei, this is the Commander's Seal." Shen Xihe personally retrieved the seal and presented it to Wei Ya with both hands.Wei Ya knelt on one knee and reverently received it. Only after rising to his feet did he speak: "Crown Princess, there must be something suspicious about the Prince's death. First the heir went missing, then the Turks launched their invasion. Tingzhou was originally well-fortified and garrisoned by thirty thousand troops, yet it became critically endangered without our knowledge. If all this were mere coincidence, it would be far too coincidental.
Your father and I have shared hardships for decades. I have never dared forget how, when I was buried beneath piles of corpses and everyone believed I had perished—your father thought so too—he nevertheless insisted on finding my remains. Even if he couldn't recover my body, he was determined to find my armor and bring my heroic spirit home..."
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