Chapter 1790 - 1776

Deserting soldiers? The battle hasn’t even begun, and you’re already labeling people as deserters for denying them entry into the camp!

Feng Luo felt a blaze rising in his heart.

"Does the Prince know what you’re doing?" The Old Gang Leader stepped forward, his face stern, and asked.

Feng Luo turned to look at him, "Old Gang Leader, at this point, are you still trying to exonerate Prince He Shuo? If it weren’t for his tacit permission, how would these subordinates dare to bully people like this?!"

When those people heard Feng Luo call the old man in front of them the Old Gang Leader, they looked at each other in astonishment, and the leader sneered, "Oh, the old guy that showed up is the head of the Beggar Gang? Old Gang Leader? Or should I say Gang Leader level."

"Brother, let’s teach this Gang Leader a lesson, show our power to the brothers, and let the other Beggar Sect Disciples in the military camp see that their Gang Leader is actually a coward! Hahaha!"

"Hahahaha." As the words fell, the surroundings erupted in laughter.

The Old Gang Leader also chuckled, as if not at all offended by their words.

The leading veteran saw the Old Gang Leader laughing even merrier than them, retracted his smile, and reprimanded unhappily, "I say, you old beggar! What’s so funny to you?!"

To think he’s about to be humiliated and yet can still laugh!

"I, I’m laughing at your ignorance and at how your days are numbered."

"Hey! You jinx!" The veteran rolled up his sleeves and pointed at the Old Gang Leader, cursing, "I think you need a beating to know how tough I am! Daring to curse me with short life? Brothers, show them a lesson!"

As his words concluded, a few soldiers tightened their surround, with some directly drawing their long swords from their waists, the gleaming blades sharp under the sunlight.

Seeing their real weapons, the Old Gang Leader quickly laughed to the leader, "Oh, so you’re really going serious, huh? Isn’t this overboard?"

"Now you’re scared? Too late!"

"Old Gang Leader, we’re not scared of them, I don’t even take these few soldiers seriously!" Feng Luo had also taken a stance, ready to fight these people to the end, having endured for so long.

The Old Gang Leader pulled Feng Luo back, "Wait, we haven’t reached the point of a real fight yet, let me ask something first."

"Old Gang Leader, what else do you want to ask? At this point, look at them, they’re clearly targeting our Beggar Gang! All that spitting, under-the-crotch nonsense, and drinking foot wash are clearly to bully them! Aimed directly at our Beggar Gang!"

"Calm down, calm down." The Old Gang Leader raised a hand, patting Feng Luo’s shoulder in comfort.

He turned to the veteran, speaking with a smile: "There are some things I need to clarify, otherwise if a fight really breaks out, blame would come down, whose fault would it be? Wouldn’t you agree?"

"Wow, you’re quite sharp, old man. If you have questions just ask, but once you finish, choose the Three Baptisms or suffer the consequences!"

"Alright, alright, I’ll ask, don’t get anxious." The Old Gang Leader stroked his chin in contemplation for a moment, then spoke: "There’s a question I’d like to know first: does the Prince know about these Three Baptisms?"

"Why do you care about that? It’s a tradition here! It’s been passed down for years!" The veteran’s eyes darted briefly as he spoke, a raised tone masking a lack of confidence.

The Old Gang Leader understood; it seemed the Prince was not aware of this matter.

"Then let me ask, if we resist and it turns into a brawl, would we be deemed innocent or guilty?"

"Hey, why are you such a busybody, old man? Are we fighting or not?" the veteran shouted.

In truth, he was only posturing, looking for an excuse to bully them, should an actual fight occur, top brass would blame them, and even if protected from above, it would mean enduring some punishment — not worth the trouble.

The veteran thought this, so too did the other young soldiers.

The Old Gang Leader could see from their expressions that their resolve was weak. He chuckled with a shake of his head, "You all, relying on the Prince not being here to act recklessly, you may bully me, this old beggar, but if I report your actions to the Prince, or even to the Emperor, then it won’t just be physical punishment you’re facing; you might even lose your heads!"

As his words fell, the surrounding soldiers grew even more panicked.

Were this truly to reach the Prince’s ears, they’d be in serious trouble! Although this rule has been passed down for years, even the Deputy General beside the Prince turns a blind eye to it, after all, it’s a matter of venting for the Prince, no one wants to step in the way.

But should it reach the Prince’s ears, it becomes uncertain — it’s against military discipline and subject to punishment!

Bewildered, they exchanged glances, uncertain of the next move, eventually all turning their gaze toward the veteran.

The veteran, too, was shaken, tightening his lips and shivering where he stood, "Consider yourselves lucky today! Brothers, let’s go!"

Watching them leave, Feng Luo was dissatisfied, she wasn’t afraid at all, ready for a straight-up fight! Her temper hadn’t even been vented yet!

"Alright girl, this won’t be the end of it," the Old Gang Leader reassured, his gaze following the departing men, a cold smirk on his face, "I never expected the Beggar Sect Disciples would suffer such treatment in the camp. This account I will certainly settle with the Prince!"

Settle it they will, but now is not the time. Taking action now would only delay their true plans!