Chapter 84: The Victorious Northern Pride Army Without a Battle

"Your Highness, this..." The attendant beside Nan An looked at him with some confusion. "They're all having breakfast here—are we just going to attack them like this?"

"If we simply attack while they're eating, who will respect us in the future? Attacking others during their breakfast—do you think that would earn us any prestige?" Nan An reprimanded.

The soldiers of the North Awe Army, seeing the troops from the Southern Sun Kingdom arrive, felt a wave of anxiety. But remembering the order from Prince Nine, they had no choice but to remain seated beneath the city gate, eating their breakfast. Though they ate, every man was on high alert, fearful that the soldiers of the Southern Sun Kingdom might strike at any moment.

"Ah, so the Third Prince of the South has finally arrived. I thought you’d be here bright and early, so I waited here for you. Didn’t we agree to battle today? Yet I waited a long time, and you still hadn’t come. I couldn’t let my men go hungry, so I let them have breakfast first.

Third Prince, do not take offense—once they’ve finished eating, we can discuss other matters," Shen Hezhi rose to his feet, looking down at Nan An from the city tower, a smug smile at his lips.

Nan An immediately understood the intention behind Prince Nine’s actions. He looked up and replied, "If that’s the case, we’ll wait for Prince Nine and your men to finish breakfast before continuing the battle."

"Rest where you are!" Nan An gestured, ordering his men to rest on the spot.

Seeing that the Southern Sun Kingdom’s troops had begun to rest, the soldiers of the North Awe Army finally exhaled in relief and continued eating, though anxiety still lingered. After all, once breakfast was over, the fight would begin—and if they lost, what then?

Among them, some were already harboring thoughts of retreat, a small number, but enough to cast a shadow.

So, as the North Awe Army ate breakfast, the Southern Sun Kingdom’s soldiers stood watching, the disparity immediately apparent. At first, nothing much changed. The Southern Sun Kingdom’s troops remained on guard, watching closely for a sudden attack mid-meal that would give them cause to retaliate. They almost hoped for it.

But the wait stretched on, and the North Awe Army’s breakfast seemed interminable—even after half an hour, they had not finished.

The Southern Sun Kingdom’s troops had arrived without eating, having set out early to reach the city for battle. Now, seeing the enemy breakfasting in comfort while they themselves went hungry, resentment began to simmer in their hearts.

The attendant, watching the others eat, felt the discomfort too. Quietly, he approached Nan An. "Your Highness, if our soldiers continue watching them eat, I’m afraid their morale will plummet when the fighting starts."

Nan An’s face was already clouded with anger. He’d guessed some of Shen Hezhi’s plan, but not all of it. Now he realized there were two purposes behind this display: first, to delay the clash by prolonging breakfast; second, to demoralize the Southern Sun Kingdom’s troops by letting them watch their enemies eat in comfort while they themselves went hungry.

Such a glaring disparity would inevitably sap the Southern Sun Kingdom’s morale. Even if they waited to fight until after breakfast, their spirits would be dampened.

From any angle, the North Awe Army held the advantage.

Having understood Shen Hezhi’s cunning, Nan An grew even angrier. In all his years of warfare, he had never encountered such a devious opponent—never had someone used such a sly stratagem. His face was dark as thunder.

When his attendant finished speaking, Nan An’s fury reached its peak. He stood abruptly and commanded his soldiers, "Return to camp!"

With that, he strode away, though he still paused at a short distance to wait for his men—another testament to the loyalty he inspired and the string of victories he had won through the years.

Though young, he was remarkably capable, both in experience and in his care for his soldiers. If he had a flaw, it was his youthful impatience—perhaps only a matter of age, and in a few more years, even that would fade. Then he might truly become a god of war, undefeated wherever he went.

The North Awe Army watched the Southern Sun Kingdom withdraw, and, surprised, they all stood to finish their meal.

Yes, they were surprised by the retreat, but Prince Nine’s orders were clear: they were not to leave until they had eaten their fill, or else they would be punished. Orders were orders—unyielding as mountains.

From his vantage on the city tower, Shen Hezhi observed not only the retreat of the Southern Sun Kingdom, but also the strict discipline of his own troops, and he was well pleased.

Still, he knew his army had much room to improve.

Dongfang Qing, seeing the opposing force depart, leapt up with joy.

"They actually retreated! Wonderful!"

His elation caught Shen Hezhi’s eye, and, embarrassed, Dongfang Qing touched his nose and sat back down.

"My lord..." he said, sheepishly.

Shen Hezhi smiled wryly at the display. "Didn’t I tell you our army would win this battle today? Have I lied to you?"

Dongfang Qing nodded eagerly. "My lord! I never imagined you would use such a method—what a brilliant move. But won’t this anger the Third Prince? If he’s truly offended, next time he won’t be so easy to deal with."

Worry crept into Dongfang Qing’s voice as he considered this.

Shen Hezhi shook his head. "If I can make him retreat once, I can do it again. When our army is ready to meet them head-on, I’ll have no need of such tactics."