Chapter 1020

First Volume, Chapter 1020: Qin Feng's Art of Balance

Seeing Qin Feng's angry expression, Li Xiaolan's heart warmed—after all, among all women under Heaven and Earth, who wouldn't wish to be so thoroughly cherished by the one she loved?

Although Li Xiaolan was Princess Mingyue of Shedynasty, she had grown up under the care of Qin Cheng Clan and bore none of the spoiled habits of a royal daughter.

If nothing were left for her to do, she would feel lost.

Finally, Shen Qingci stepped in to mediate: "Enough, Qin Feng. We all know you care for Xiaolan, but you can't keep your eyes on her every second. Besides, doing small tasks and getting some light activity can only benefit her."

Xiao Xiangxiang couldn't help but chime in: "Exactly! Master, if you coddle Third Miss so much, she'll become utterly dependent on you—don't come crying later when you're tired of her!"

Qin Feng's face hardened: "What kind of talk is that? If Xiaolan wants it, I'd pluck the stars from the sky for her—what's the harm?"

This blunt statement instantly bathed Li Xiaolan in happiness.

Shen Qingci shook her head, saying nothing aloud, but her heart brimmed with envy.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiangxiang pouted and added: "Master is just too focused on Third Miss—what about me and Shu Feng? Don't you care about us?"

Watching Xiao Xiangxiang's adorable jealousy, Qin Feng reached out as always to pat her head, smiling gently: "Isn't Xiaolan pregnant? How can she be treated like before? Of course she needs special care."

"But you, girl—you used to be so easygoing. Why have you started acting jealous lately?"

Saying this, Qin Feng deliberately glanced at Shu Feng and teased: "Come clean—did you corrupt Xiao Xiangxiang?"

Shu Feng, always shy, especially with two Misses watching, flushed instantly and whispered: "Master always throws dirt on others—how could I have corrupted Xiao Xiangxiang? It's you who've neglected her."

Hearing this, Qin Feng couldn't help but chuckle inwardly—since arriving in Changshui County, both Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng had undergone subtle changes.

Xiao Xiangxiang had become even more cheerful, while Shu Feng, once obedient to a fault, had learned to talk back.

It seemed true that environment could change a person.

Yet, recognizing that Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng had grown considerably—no longer the timid maids of the Qin Residence—Qin Feng felt at ease.

Qin Feng silently resolved: once he brought a perfect end to Beidi's affairs and returned to Shedynasty, he must give these women around him a proper accounting.

They'd stood by him so long—could he really let them end up with nothing?

Thinking of this, Qin Feng felt a sudden pang of guilt, remembering Second Sister Liu Hongyan and Xie Yun'er, who remained behind in Jingdu.

Liu Hongyan was fine—she was always busy, with no time for self-pity.

But Xie Yun'er—Qin Feng sighed inwardly, feeling he owed her dearly.

Originally, Xie Yun'er should have been Qin Feng's principal wife, but due to "elder-younger hierarchy," she had to yield her place to Li Xiaolan—otherwise, it would be unjust both publicly and privately.

Since leaving Shedynasty, Qin Feng had hardly written to Xie Yun'er; so much time had passed—he didn't even know how she was now.

When returning to Beijing, he would make it up to her properly.

At that moment, Ning Hu's voice rang out from the DaTang—Qin Feng had to end this brief, warm family moment, turn away from the Back Courtyard, and head to the DaTang.

Upon entering, he found not only Ning Hu, but also Xu Mo, Zhang Zhenhai, and Liu Ming all present.

Qin Feng blinked in surprise: "Why are you all here? Planning to gang up on me?"

Hearing this, Xu Mo burst into laughter: "Hahaha, Marquis Qin, you haven't changed a bit—still as witty as ever."

"We've all gathered here mainly to ask: when will you depart for Wang Du?"

Xu Mo added pointedly: "Fourth Miss is probably already impatiently waiting in Wang Du."

Qin Feng smirked, sensing Xu Mo's insincerity—clearly, he was just mocking him.

Under the gaze of the four, Qin Feng sat calmly in the County Magistrate's seat and said with casual ease: "Why rush? You've waited all winter—what's a few more days?"

"Once we leave, we'll likely never return to Changshui County—so before we go, we must finish the aftermath properly."

"Changshui County is vital—it must become not only the gateway fortress of the Northern Di Imperial Court, but also a trade hub."

"I can't trust such a crucial place to outsiders."

"So I suggest we leave a few of our own people here temporarily. Once Jing Qianying's position is secure, we'll transfer personnel from Beixi County, register them into Beidi Household Registry, promote them step by step, and appoint them as Father Official of Changshui County."

Qin Feng quickly added: "Don't misunderstand—I'm not trying to invade and turn the Beidi Court into my puppets."

"You know I'm a merchant—I care only for profit. Changshui County must have one of our people watching it, or I won't rest easy."

Ning Hu and Xu Mo exchanged a glance and smiled.

Ning Hu leaned back in his chair, teasing: "No need to explain—we brothers know exactly what you're thinking."

Liu Ming chimed in: "Beyond its commercial value, Changshui County's true importance lies in its military and political value. If we hold it firmly, Beidi can never rise against us."

"Then, if anyone dares threaten Fourth Miss's position, we can use Changshui County as a base and launch troops straight into the core of Beidi's power structure."

"In short, Changshui County is a sword hanging over Beidi's head—when it falls depends on whether the Beidi Officials behave themselves."

Hearing Liu Ming's explanation, Qin Feng chuckled: "You're no fool, Spy Chief—you've read my mind perfectly."

Liu Ming had also learned how to interact with Qin Feng—he no longer feared Qin Feng's veiled jabs and smiled in reply: "Only by fully understanding the Marquis's intentions can I serve him better."

Seeing Qin Feng smile without speaking, Liu Ming wisely ended the topic, glancing silently at the four men present, feeling a quiet awe.

These four, plus Li Zhang, formed the core of Beixi County's authority.

Though close as brothers, Qin Feng had secretly built in a safeguard: these men could cooperate, but also check each other.

Interlocked like gears, even if the brothers ever fell out, none could ever seize total control.