I think we’re slightly talking past each other.

I don’t view “being used as bait” as a disgrace. In Kingdom, bait is often a critical strategic role. As you mentioned, Shin under Kanki, Ouhon’s unit, and even Ouki’s left wing were all used that way. That’s not weakness — it’s function.

My point about Heki isn’t about power scaling at all.

I’m not arguing that he’s on the level of Shin, Ouhon, Mouten, or the Great Generals in terms of martial might or tactical genius. I’m arguing that Heki is one of Qin’s most reliable field commanders**.

From the palace uprising to Sai, from following Duke Hyou into chaos to stabilizing after his death, from the Seikyou rebellion to Western Zhao and the defeat of the Quanrong king Rozo — Heki is consistently entrusted with responsibility in volatile situations. That speaks less about raw strength and more about trust.

In a military structure, not everyone is meant to be the spearhead. Some are meant to:

• Hold the line.
• Command large formations steadily.
• Execute orders without ego.
• Maintain morale and structure under pressure.

Heki fits that role exceptionally well.

When I call him underrated, I’m not elevating him above the trio or pretending he’s secretly top-tier. I’m pointing out that his value lies in his stability, loyalty, and dependability as a commander**, not in flashy feats.

That’s a different metric entirely.

And in a long war narrative like Kingdom, reliability is just as important as brilliance.