Chapter 1007: The Energetic Liang Emperor

First Volume, Chapter 1007: The Energetic Liang Emperor

Qin Tianhu's implication was clear to Zhao Yuxiong: during the campaign against the Southern Powerful Clans, Zhao Yuxiong would certainly serve as vanguard—wasn't he eager to build merit and glory? This upcoming internal war would offer him no shortage of chances to shine.

Zhao Yuxiong naturally felt immense anticipation.

The Southern Powerful Clans? They won't be able to leap around much longer.

Meanwhile, in the Jingong Yushufang, the Liang Emperor received a secret letter from the Brocade Guard, learning that Li Xiaolan was with child; he fell silent for a moment, then shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Of course, in the end, it takes this girl to maintain the bond between me and Qin Feng."

"Good, good. Though it lacks proper etiquette, as long as the news doesn't leak, there's no shame."

"When Qin Feng returns victorious, we shall hold the wedding immediately."

In the past, if the Princess of Liang had conceived before marriage, the Liang Emperor would have flown into a rage—but times have changed. Now, he actually wished for Li Xiaolan and Qin Feng to become husband and wife in truth.

With this "father-in-law and son-in-law" bond established, the Liang Emperor could now cooperate with Qin Feng even more recklessly, launching a one-strike victory to exterminate the Southern Powerful Clans.

Additionally, according to the Brocade Guard's report, Qin Feng's campaign against the Northern Di had nearly reached its end.

Each time he received frontline Beidi War Intelligence, the Liang Emperor used to be startled—but now he was numb to it.

He turned to Zhang Xiuye and couldn't help but sigh: "For centuries, our Liang has shared a border with the Northern Di, warring for centuries, always losing more than winning. Now, with Qin Feng holding the Northern Border, he not only secures our frontier but takes the offensive, driving the Northern Di into desperation. Even I feel as if I'm dreaming."

Zhang Xiuye was a veteran of the palace; though he hadn't served the Liang Emperor from the start, he believed he understood him well.

Originally, when Liang faced internal turmoil and external threats, the Liang Emperor, to consolidate authority, had always been profoundly reserved, never revealing his true feelings.

After all, one misstep could mean utter ruin, so he could only protect himself with a cold, even cruel, exterior.

Now, with Qin Feng's support, the Liang Emperor had grown far more relaxed and at ease in both governance and daily life.

Zhang Xiuye knew clearly that the Liang Emperor's current regime was more stable than ever before—so long as Qin Feng stood by him, no one could challenge his authority.

Precisely because of this, the Liang Emperor had grown increasingly amiable, a complete contrast to the ruthless, decisive sovereign of old.

Zhang Xiuye naturally agreed wholeheartedly: "Hehehe, Your Majesty, this servant also finds it unbelievable."

"The Winter War launched by Lord Qin was a strike to the vital point—directly forcing the Northern Di into desperation. I hear even the Xiongying Brigade has joined the battle, yet against Lord Qin's army, they've been steadily retreating, unable to mount any frontal resistance."

"Our Liang troops have truly become celestial warriors!"

The Liang Emperor knew well that Qin Feng's army's prowess didn't mean other Liang forces could fight equally well.

Forget distant examples—just the money Qin Feng spent building the Beixi Expeditionary Brigade could sustain an army of over ten thousand. Especially since Qin Feng integrated vast numbers of war horses into his ranks; on average, every three or four men received one horse.

What did that mean? Qin Feng's army was essentially mounted throughout, advancing a hundred li per day with astonishing speed.

When he learned Qin Feng's army had shattered the entire Zhuozhou in half a month, their blades now pointing straight at Ezhou, the Liang Emperor was so stunned he couldn't sleep for days.

In the past, this would have filled him with terror.

The Northern Di territory was vast and sparsely populated, with extremely harsh conditions—yet Qin Feng's army moved like lightning.

If marching from north to south, from the Northern Border to Liang Capital, it might take less than half a month.

But now, knowing Qin Feng would never betray him, the Liang Emperor felt nothing but exhilaration.

Such a fierce and mighty army would surely keep the Southern Powerful Clans awake at night—they would realize that once Qin Feng finishes subduing the Northern Di, they would be next.

As early as next spring, the poison that had plagued Liang for generations would be eradicated one by one.

The moment the Southern Powerful Clans were dealt with, the Liang Emperor would finally rest easy.

Zhang Xiuye also understood that the core of court politics now revolved entirely around the Southern Powerful Clans—almost every audience raised preparations for southern campaigns.

Zhang Xiuye cautiously asked: "Your Majesty, Lord Qin's army is so formidable, the Southern Powerful Clans must be terrified. What if they strike first?"

Before Zhang Xiuye finished, the Liang Emperor burst into loud laughter: "Hahaha, of course the Southern Powerful Clans are terrified—unable to think by day, unable to sleep by night. But even in their terror, they would never dare launch a preemptive strike."

Since ancient times, warfare has always flowed from north to south—southward invasions. Even in summer, wars from south to north are exceedingly rare.

The reason is simple: advancing from the south, the colder it gets, the more scarce the materials become.

But advancing from north to south, it grows warmer, and materials grow more abundant.

Even if the Southern Powerful Clans know time is running out, they can only watch helplessly. By next spring, when they've prepared, Qin Feng will already have returned to Liang. Otherwise, why else would Qin Feng choose to wage war against the Northern Di in winter?"

Hearing the Liang Emperor's analysis, Zhang Xiuye finally relaxed.

Watching the Liang Emperor's spirited demeanor, Zhang Xiuye quickly offered congratulations: "With Lord Qin's aid, Your Majesty shall reign for countless generations."

The Liang Emperor smiled broadly, then suddenly remembered something and asked casually: "Has the Empress been behaving herself lately?"

At the mention of the Hou Gong, Zhang Xiuye dared not evade—he answered truthfully: "Since the Chang Princess left the palace, the Qiyang Commandery Princess has remained with Xie Yun'er. The Empress has rarely appeared, continuing her usual vegetarian fasting and Buddhist devotion."

"The Empress Title, as mother of the realm, would never involve herself in intrigue."

Hearing this, the Liang Emperor internally sneered—he knew exactly what the Empress was.

Unfortunately, as Empress, even he could not easily move against her. He could only hope she would awaken, remain within her bounds, and live comfortably as Empress.

Otherwise, even as husband and wife, they would inevitably be parted by death.

"Issue my decree: rebuild the Palace of Mingyue Princess. Maintain her status, but elevate its specifications as high as possible."

"I want the entire Hou Gong to know: my daughter is my cherished jewel—no one shall dare show her the slightest disrespect!"