Chapter 101

First Volume, Chapter 101: Then let's fight.

Although Qin Feng did not want to admit it, after a national war, expenditures routinely reached tens or even hundreds of millions of taels of white silver—this practical dilemma could not be avoided, only faced squarely.

Even the Liang Emperor, ruler of a nation, fell silent upon hearing this astronomical sum.

Undeniably, this sum, if used to improve people's livelihood, would be sufficient to benefit all subjects under heaven.

But if used to launch a war, what results this money would yield remained uncertain.

To gamble the known against the unknown carried such immense responsibility that even the Liang Emperor dared not speak rashly; a single misstep could destroy his lifelong reputation and leave him ashamed before his ancestors.

The pro-peace faction officials all wore smiles—they never expected Qin Feng, who had been riding high, would shoot himself in the foot.

Any rational person at this point should play to their strengths and avoid the military expenditure issue entirely; Qin Feng was still too young!

Cheng Yin stood tall, his expression radiating confidence, his tone calm and detached: "Relocating sugarcane farmers costs no more than a million taels; launching a war against the Northern Di requires tens of millions of taels of white silver. Even peddlers and porters understand the gains and losses—does this war still need further debate?"

The pro-war faction instantly lost morale; though they all longed to crush the Northern Di, the astronomical military expenditure was an unavoidable reality.

Qin Tianhu sighed inwardly but did not blame Qin Feng—this was beyond Qin Feng's control.

Even the Liang Emperor, who had spent his life studying the art of governing men, now felt lost. The thoughts of the court's ministers and great Confucians were easy to fathom—but he could not fathom what Qin Feng Xiao'er was truly up to.

Was all that long-winded speech merely meant to remind everyone of the grave risks of the Northern Di war? Why did Qin Feng need to point out the obvious? Even nubi knew war required burning money.

After much thought, the Liang Emperor gave up trying to understand and bluntly asked: "Qin Feng, speak plainly—do we fight this war or not?"

At this point, no one cared about Qin Feng's opinion—not even the pro-war officials lowered their heads, sighing heavily, convinced the war was now impossible.

In the vast Taihe Palace, only two pairs of eyes remained fixed on Qin Feng: the Liang Emperor's, and Qin Tianhu's.

Qin Feng, usually eloquent, now scratched his head and remained silent.

To everyone, this was clearly a sign of guilt; the Confucian scholars sneered, certain Qin Feng had exhausted all arguments and could no longer stir any waves.

Cheng Yin was delighted: if he could stop the Northern Di war, his position as leader of the literati would be unshakable—he would earn a place in history books, and the Cheng Clan would gain decisive influence in Liang Kingdom, blessing his descendants.

Cheng Yin no longer delayed; he bowed slightly, ready to seal the decision—when a timid voice drifted beside him.

"Then… let's fight?" Qin Feng hunched his shoulders, adopting a timid, fearful posture.

At these words, the entire Grand Hall erupted. Even some officials forgot the dignity of the palace, their faces flushed with anger, shouting accusations at Qin Feng.

"Qin Feng! Don't speak recklessly! Do you know what impact your careless words could have on Liang?!"

"Minister Qin, control your son! This is Taihe Palace, not your back courtyard—every word and deed carries responsibility. If Liang's stability collapses because of this war, the Qin Family will bear infinite guilt!"

"This is true! National war is no matter for a mere child to judge! You know full well the military expenditure alone exceeds a hundred million taels of white silver—yet you speak so lightly! Where will this money come from?! Do you think selling that damned white sugar will fund the war? The greatest joke in the world!"

The Grand Hall erupted in fury. Cheng Yin seized the moment, shouting: "Qin Feng is but a commoner, ignorant of heaven's height and earth's depth, daring to meddle in state affairs! I beg the Emperor to punish Qin Feng for overstepping his bounds, as a warning to others! Otherwise, if everyone follows suit, where is the Emperor's dignity? Where is Liang's prestige?!"

The Ministry of Revenue officials had long viewed the Qin Family as thorns in their eyes and poison in their flesh, eager to eliminate them.

To find Cheng Yin leading the charge to punish Qin Feng—what better opportunity to destroy him? What a stroke of luck!

Led by Minister of Revenue Li Xu, the Ministry of Revenue officials quickly submitted their petitions.

"Qin Feng disrespects the Imperial Court—please, Your Majesty, punish him for grave disrespect."

"A mere commoner dares to comment on state affairs! This is a case of bad leadership breeding corruption—Minister Qin, you are equally guilty for failing to educate your son!"

Seeing this, Qin Feng couldn't help but smile inwardly.

These Ministry of Revenue officials were truly masters of opportunism—using others' knives to kill, and now even trying to impeach his father.

Qin Feng wanted to see just how far these so-called pillars of the state would drag Liang Kingdom down for their own political gain!

Since the timing was not right, Qin Feng said nothing, merely standing still, watching events unfold.

Qin Tianhu, though surprised, remained calm—he expected this. He spoke immediately in defense: "Your Majesty, please take note: Qin Feng acts solely for the nation. As a subject of Liang, he merely voiced his opinion—this is not overstepping, nor disrespect. This is a malicious frame-up by Ministry of Revenue officials."

Before the Liang Emperor could respond, Li Xu sneered: "Even if there is no intent to disrespect, a commoner may not comment on state affairs—he must be expelled from the Palace Gate immediately!"

Whether eliminating Qin Feng outright or, as a fallback, expelling him from court to crush the Northern Di war entirely, Li Xu welcomed both outcomes. Given the current mood, the Emperor would surely choose the latter to calm public sentiment.

Just as Li Xu and Cheng Yin believed victory was certain, the Liang Emperor waved his hand, calm and detached: "My ministers overthink this. Qin Feng is a commoner without official rank, but yesterday he was granted the Golden Sash—thus he has the right to discuss state affairs. I simply have not yet announced it due to pressing duties."

The room erupted in shock.

Li Xu's face froze, his eyes glazed over in disbelief.

This Qin Feng—this scheming wastrel—had been granted the Golden Sash? What merit did he possibly have?

Moreover, no one in this dynasty had ever been granted the Golden Sash! Even if one were to be granted, it should go first to the princes, or the Three Dukes, Nine Ministers, or Six Ministries' ministers—how could it go to this brat who hasn't even grown a beard?!

The Grand Hall fell into deathly silence—all officials were stunned.