It's interesting to consider whether that's always been the case, or if masks being part of the culture are a post HPS phenomenon. We get enough hints that he's, in principle, a revered hero (that in canon itself we don't so much see that in action, mostly because of Ye Zun's manipulations) - that kind of figure from the old times could easily make an impact, that over the years mutates into something independent.

I am *here* for Shen Wei accidentally starting a masks trend in Dixing that's since grown into an ancient tradition, maybe having a revival movement now that Heipaoshi is back? 👀 (oh man imagine it being like flower language and similar things, the carvings, swirls, symbols, colours, all of them having different meanings!)

I can't really see Shen Wei risking losing the war to attempt to go it alone, practically speaking. [...] unless he could find a strategy that relied solely on him with maximum impact (nothing immediately comes to mind...), imo he would dream of being able to just fight alone and keep everyone else safe, but he wouldn't implement it.

I'm curious, do you think Shen Wei would consider assassinating the rebel chief? Or would that be dishonorable? Challenging him to a 1-on-1 duel might also be an option, though I'm sure Shen Wei is aware that the rebel chief would cheat the moment he starts losing.