Chapter 1037

First Volume, Chapter 1037: Taking Over the Palace

Hearing Qin Feng's explanation, Li Xiaolan understood.

At that moment, Jing Qianying suddenly said: "Feng'er, you're not outsiders!"

Qin Feng paused in surprise, then smiled knowingly, gently tapping Jing Qianying's nose and affectionately said: "Of course we're family—but as far as the Di state is concerned, it's better if we remain outsiders."

Jing Qianying's cheeks flushed red, and she unconsciously lowered her voice: "Why? The Di state's recovery will still need your support."

Qin Feng shrugged, explaining without hesitation: "I'll support you, yes—but only as an external force. As for the state itself, it must be controlled by you."

"After all, I'm from Beixi County of Shedynasty. My center remains Beixi County. Even if I expand outward, it can only extend to the Northern Border and Sangzhou."

"Our territory, though large and wealthy enough, is still tiny compared to an entire nation."

"If we get too entangled, dependency will form—and it could easily drag down the Beixi County we've worked so hard to build."

"Put simply, the Di state is your affair. My goal is to build my own territory."

"Beixi County has already shown results. Next, I'll continue developing the Northern Border. Only when it becomes strong enough will I turn to Sangzhou."

Seeing Qin Feng already included Sangzhou in his plans, Jing Qianying felt deeply moved.

After all, Sangzhou was Di territory—even if now occupied by Qin Feng, one day it would return to Di, and Qin Feng's development of Sangzhou was, in effect, a great gift to the Di state.

Though Qin Feng was only a Marquis, in Jing Qianying's heart, he was no less than a Monarch.

Yet even these women closest to Qin Feng could not fully fathom his thoughts.

At this moment, Qin Feng still carried three matters weighing on his mind.

First, naturally, the emotional dilemma involving Liu Hongyan and Xie Yun'er.

Second, the Powerful Clans of Shedynasty's Southern Border.

The third matter was Gaoshan Country and Yuezhao Kingdom.

With Di's fall, Gaoshan Country's position naturally shifted. Though it did not enter the Main Battlefield during the campaign against Di, its external pressure on Di's forces saved Qin Feng considerable effort.

Small nations like Gaoshan Country are often ruled by one or two individuals who decide state policy.

When loyal, they are utterly devoted; when betraying, they act without hesitation.

Thus, Gaoshan Country remains a key target for Qin Feng's cultivation—he must make it utterly dependent on him, even if dynasties change, it cannot escape his control.

Moreover, Jing Peng's lineage, holed up in Bozhou, remains a major threat. When the Bandit Elimination campaign against Jing Peng begins, Gaoshan Country's assistance will be indispensable.

As for Yuezhao Kingdom in the southeast, though its National Strength cannot rival Shedynasty or Di, it far surpasses Gaoshan Country. Without Di to restrain it, it qualifies as a regional power.

Yuezhao Kingdom's opportunistic raid during this conflict has served as a warning to Qin Feng: future dealings with surrounding small states must be handled with caution.

Yet since Shedynasty and Yuezhao Kingdom have been "cut off" for many years, even though the Brocade Clothing Corps has infiltrated Yuezhao and gathered much intelligence, the specific details and the nation's true condition still require on-site investigation to confirm.

So far, Qin Feng has not yet decided how to handle Yuezhao Kingdom.

If prioritizing urgency, pacifying the Powerful Clans of the Southern Border is the top task.

Right now, all that remains is to take over the Palace and install Jing Qianying on the Herald throne—then the army can return. Even Qin Feng himself eagerly anticipates it, for this mission to Di has lasted far too long.

He wondered how Liu Hongyan and Xie Yun'er were faring—and his comrade Zhao Yulong…

Li Zhang acted swiftly. Once the order reached the Palace, Li Yu and Zhou Pu offered no resistance and immediately opened the Palace Gate, allowing the Imperial Guard to march out in formation, surrendering their weapons.

Under the protection of Tianji Camp Guards, Li Zhang rode a towering steed beside the Palace Gate, watching the Imperial Guard file out, disarm, and surrender—finally feeling at ease.

The Beidi Campaign had officially ended.

Not long after, Li Yu and Zhou Pu appeared before Li Zhang.

Seeing Li Yu, the veteran Spy Chief, Li Zhang felt a pang of reflection.

He had often heard the Brocade Clothing Corps speak of Li Yu—his name was legendary. Now, finally meeting the man himself, he was just an unremarkable old man.

Li Zhang dismounted and bowed respectfully, smiling: "Lord Li, I've long admired your name."

Li Zhang's courtesy surprised Li Yu. Until now, he had expected to escape death but not punishment—certainly to be imprisoned and dragged before Qin Feng.

Yet the opposite occurred.

Li Yu blinked in surprise, quickly returning the bow: "I cannot accept such praise. May I ask your name, sir?"

Li Zhang replied casually: "I am Li Zhang, the…"

Before Li Zhang could finish, Li Yu interrupted in astonishment: "You are Prince Li Zhang, Qin Feng's foremost minister?"

As Commander of the Night Owls, Li Yu knew every key figure around Qin Feng intimately.

The name Li Zhang was one he could no longer count how many times he'd heard.

During this war, when Qin Feng was trapped in Changshui County, it was largely Li Zhang who held the reins.

Seeing such a heavyweight figure, Li Yu dared not be careless—especially since the man was so courteous, which was beyond his expectations.

Li Zhang paid no mind to Li Yu's "impoliteness," murmuring softly: "No wonder you're Lord Li. Your intelligence work is impeccable."

Hearing this, Li Yu felt utterly humiliated: "Prince, don't mock this old man. How could the Night Owls compare to the Brocade Clothing Corps?"

Li Zhang waved his hand, telling Li Yu not to belittle himself: "Of the three great intelligence agencies, since the Black Guards declined, the Night Owls have rightfully been the First Echelon of Heaven."

"Had there been no chaos in Wang Du, how could the Night Owls have fallen to this state?"

"Lord Li, you've been holed up in the Palace—perhaps you don't know: the Night Owls are already gone."

Li Zhang's words carried both warmth and pressure—clearly implying that even the mighty Night Owls were now a fallen sun; Li Yu had no chance of revival. If he cooperated, he might yet die peacefully.

Li Yu understood. He sighed: "The Night Owls were Di's eyes and ears. In this situation, we were naturally the first target."

"May I ask, Prince, when will you take this old man to see Marquis Qin?"

Hearing this, Li Zhang's lips curled into a knowing smile: "Take? Hahaha. It should be 'invite' Lord Li to accompany us."