With him taking the lead, a few more constables stepped out from the ranks to express similar sentiments.

Another two constables stated that the morning and evening drills were too exhausting and asked Chen Cheng to reconsider carefully.

In total, seven men, all of them official constables, had voiced their opposition to Chen Cheng.

Chen Cheng’s expression was calm as he said coolly, "So, you’re all refusing to follow my orders?

"Fine. In that case, I won’t insist. As it happens, we have a few too many men at the Qingshui Pier precinct anyway. You can go find the Chief Constable, and he can arrange for you to be transferred to other teams."

Chen Cheng’s voice wasn’t loud, but his words struck the constables like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

All the constables were stunned. Even Li Sheng, Mu Song, and the others were utterly astonished, a deep shock resounding in their hearts.

This move from Chen Cheng was clearly meant to intimidate these troublemaking constables, but if they actually banded together and went to the Chief Constable, Ji Jingbei, then Chen Cheng would be the one to lose face.

Not only would he lose subordinates, but his reputation would be in tatters. He would lose all authority as a Chief Constable and might even become the laughingstock of the Lishui Sub-Department, an object of universal contempt.

For Chen Cheng to act so decisively, leaving no room for retreat, was ruthless—not just to the troublemakers, but to himself as well.

For a moment, the troublemaking constables just looked at each other, silently weighing the pros and cons. If they backed down now, they would never have the nerve to cause trouble again.

But if they chose to go head-to-head with Chen Cheng, they would make a true enemy of their Chief Constable.

Chen Cheng had no time to wait for them to deliberate. He shot a look at Li Sheng, who understood immediately. Stepping forward from the ranks, Li Sheng bellowed at the troublemakers:

"How dare you question Chief Chen’s decision? The arrogance! Now get back in line and await Chief Chen’s orders!" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The troublemaking constables had been hesitating, but after being berated so loudly by Li Sheng, their ears burned with shame, and they felt deeply humiliated.

This was a blatant humiliation. If they backed down now, they would never be able to hold their heads up again.

"Chief Chen, our apologies!" The men cupped their fists at Chen Cheng one by one and started walking toward the Government Office Hall.

"Does anyone else choose to go with them?" Chen Cheng asked coolly, his composure unshaken.

The other constables had now witnessed the methods of this ruthless Chief Constable. Who would dare say another word?

Though the troublemakers tried to look nonchalant as they left, they would now be branded with a reputation for disobeying a superior’s orders. Whether this would ultimately be a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.

Of course, some of the shrewder men could guess that the troublemakers had been put up to this by someone else, that they had backing from above.

But so what? A few lowly constables going up against a Chief Constable? ’They’re just pawns for someone higher up. The smart thing to do is to lie low, wait for the ruthless Chief Chen to make his initial show of force, and then just serve quietly.’

"Very good!" Chen Cheng nodded, his expression suddenly turning serious. "Since you have all chosen to stay, you will follow my orders.

"I hereby announce that for the morning and evening drills, the supplementary pay will be increased to two taels of patterned silver per person, per month."

Hearing this, the constables were both shocked and overjoyed. As if injected with adrenaline, their faces lit up. They all bowed low, cupping their fists respectfully at Chen Cheng and shouting at the top of their lungs:

"Thank you, Chief Chen!

"Thank you, Chief Chen!

"Thank you, Chief Chen!"

The shouts were earth-shattering, echoing throughout the entire Lishui Sub-Department.

The troublemaking constables, who were just about to reach the Government Office Hall, were all startled by the tremendous roar. They quickly turned their heads back to see the scene: every single remaining constable on the field, bowed low in a gesture of respect toward Chen Cheng!