Chapter 1039: First Volume, Chapter 1039: Cutting Grass and Eliminating Roots

First Volume, Chapter 1039: Cutting Grass and Eliminating Roots

Even when facing the King of Beidi, Li Yu had never endured such immense pressure.

This shows that Qin Feng, though merely a Baron, already possesses the aura of a Monarch.

With no way to avoid it, Li Yu could only grit his teeth and help Qin Feng resolve his troubles.

"All Princesses may be spared; after all, they rely solely on the King of Beidi and have no ties to the Imperial Court."

"As for the Harem Consorts, conduct strict scrutiny: those with powerful backgrounds should first be bribed; if any resist stubbornly, deal with them later."

"Of the seventeen Princes, besides Jing Peng and those already deceased, nine remain in the palace."

"Of these nine Princes, three are still Weichengnan…"

Before Li Yu could finish, Qin Feng waved his hand to interrupt: "Li Da Ren, you've said enough—you've shown sufficient sincerity."

"How about this: leave the palace affairs entirely to you, Li Da Ren, with full authority to handle them?"

Hearing this, Li Yu froze, then a flicker of fear rose in his heart.

Even when Qin Feng once surrounded the palace with troops and Li Yu's life hung by a thread, he had never felt this emotion.

But now, he could not control his growing fear of Qin Feng.

Simply because this man's methods were… too monstrous.

Qin Feng's refusal to enter the palace all this time was never just for safety—he was waiting for someone to clean up after him.

And now, Li Yu was the bloodstained blade in Qin Feng's hand, destined to eliminate every potential threat on Qin Feng's behalf.

Seeing Li Yu remain silent, Qin Feng did not press him, but turned to look at Li Zhang.

"Shi Zi, since Li Da Ren is unwilling, then you shall take his place."

Li Zhang, perfectly in sync with Qin Feng, immediately asked: "Brother Qin, I've never been to Beidi before—many don't know me. What if I kill the wrong person?"

The implication was clear: if Li Yu acted alone, he need only kill potential threats; if Li Zhang acted, none would survive.

Though Li Yu had already pledged loyalty to Qin Feng, if he could still do something for his former master, he would naturally do so without hesitation.

Li Yu had no choice but to yield. He closed his eyes and nodded firmly: "I will handle this matter thoroughly, leaving no trouble for the Baron."

"Afterward, I shall die for my country—no need for the Baron to lift a hand."

"I only beg the Baron to spare those who do not deserve to die."

Seeing Li Yu so cooperative, Qin Feng nodded readily: "Rest assured—I'm not a bloodthirsty man. I only kill those who deserve it."

"Your clan's Jia Guan will suffer no harm; I will even select your wife, children, and elders to relocate to Beixi County, where they'll live comfortably."

Li Yu understood that "selecting the best" meant filtering out those with clean records—those who could never become weapons in others' hands.

As for the rest—the "less worthy" descendants and clan members—they would be left to fate.

Fortunately, Li Yu was foresighted: even if Qin Feng didn't kill him, he would eventually be silenced by the King of Beidi or the imperial clan, for he knew too many secrets.

So from the start, Li Yu had kept all his family in the Ancestral Land, forbidding anyone from setting foot in Wang Du.

Li Yu still felt confident about the coming Great Purge—his own death would be enough to secure his clan's safety.

Li Yu bowed deeply, offering a silent thanks for Qin Feng's "favor."

After Li Yu left the front hall, Qin Feng turned to Li Zhang and sighed, his eyes betraying a trace of sorrow.

"Shi Zi, do you think I've become too cruel?"

Li Zhang did not hesitate—he shook his head decisively.

"Brother Qin acts for the greater good. To Li Yu and others, it may seem cruel, but to the people of Shedynasty and Beixi County, you are like a warm sun rising at dawn."

"Cruelty and mercy are opposites by nature."

"Even if you were gentler, your enemies would never thank you—they'd only call you foolish."

With Li Zhang's support and comfort, Qin Feng felt somewhat relieved—bloodshed is inevitable during transitions of power.

Qin Feng could not entrust the safety of those around him to the conscience of his enemies.

Either don't act at all, or act thoroughly.

Qin Feng sat on his chair, nodded to Li Zhang, and signaled him to attend to his duties, while he wished to be alone.

The vast front hall was now empty except for Qin Feng, who stared blankly out the Door.

Once, Qin Feng had been a bright youth, willing to spare when he could.

He didn't even know when he had become someone who killed without blinking.

Qin Feng understood: if the enemy lived, he would be the one to die—but the more he used his blade, the more naturally it moved, and the lighter the guilt became after each kill, which tormented him deeply.

"Sigh… once Beidi is settled, I'll return to Shedynasty and take a break."

"Otherwise, if things continue like this, one day I'll become just like the Liang Emperor."

"Authority truly corrupts human nature…"

Night grew deeper.

The Hou Gong echoed with unceasing wails as Prince after Prince died for their country.

Under the surveillance of Li Zhang and Ning Hu, Li Yu and Zhou Pu led their men and pushed open another Door.

Inside, a woman in her thirties clutched a seven- or eight-year-old Prince tightly to her chest, her face pale as she stared at Li Yu and the others.

As Li Yu stepped forward, Li Zhang seized his shoulder.

"Li Da Ren, have you lost your mind from bloodlust?"

"Such a young child—and you'd kill him?"

"Brother Qin told you to screen them—where did your screening go?"

Faced with Li Zhang's interference, Li Yu's face darkened with frustration and helplessness: "Imperial Pin De is… the daughter of the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard."

"Though the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard has already died for his country, his loyalists and disciples remain numerous—future trouble is likely…"

Li Zhang cut him off sharply: "The Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard's faction will be handled by the Brocade Clothing Guard—leave this one alone."

"Although Lord Qin is decisive in battle, targeting women and children is a great taboo for him."

Hearing this, Li Yu could not help but look confused.

He suddenly felt his mind was struggling to keep up—was Qin Feng cruel and ruthless, or kind-hearted?

Isn't the rule to cut the grass and eliminate the roots for every potential threat? Then why can't he bring himself to kill women and children?

Li Zhang saw Li Yu's confusion and said bluntly: "You're not the only one who doesn't understand Lord Qin's thoughts."

"But you only need to remember one thing: Lord Qin has his own reasons."

With the matter put this way, Li Yu naturally did not press further; instead, he secretly felt relieved, and immediately led his men toward the next Palace.

Li Zhang looked at the huddled women and children, then stepped forward.

"Imperial Pin, your family is powerful—if you kill them all, who will serve the Northern Di in the future?"