Chapter 1046

First Volume_Chapter 1046: The Great Fate of Northern Di Has Been Decided

Jing Qianying had already begun to wield the authority of a Monarch; with a single command, the massive troop departed the Ministry of Rites, preparing to arrest the Old National Preceptor's faction.

The effect of killing the chicken to warn the monkeys was immediate.

The officials present now regarded Jing Qianying with awe.

You see, as an imperial relative by marriage, the old National Preceptor's family power was beyond question, yet Jing Qianying didn't care at all and directly ordered a strict investigation and severe punishment—his meaning was clear: to uproot the old National Preceptor's entire faction.

【5】 The Old National Preceptor, as an Imperial Cousin, came from a clan whose power was unquestionable, yet Jing Qianying showed not the slightest concern, directly ordering a strict investigation and harsh punishment—clearly intending to uproot the entire Old National Preceptor lineage.

One sentence decided the rise or fall of an Aristocratic Family; the other officials naturally felt as if thorns pricked their backs.

At this moment, whoever dared to be the Chuhuoniao would surely be burned to ashes by the "Three Fires of a New Monarch's Ascension."

Under Wu Fangxu's leadership, the Northern Di Officials once again shouted in unison: "Long Live His Majesty."

Jing Qianying stood proudly on the steps, her cold gaze scrutinizing the officials present.

"You are all pillars of the state. Though you once strayed from the Dao and bore much guilt, if I were to kill you all, the imperial court would collapse."

"Remember this well: your lives depend entirely on your future conduct. If you serve Northern Di with diligence and loyalty, atoning for your past sins, I shall forgive you entirely."

"But if anyone dares challenge my authority and uses the lives of the common people as pawns, I will show no mercy whatsoever."

As she spoke, Jing Qianying's gaze suddenly sharpened: "Moreover, I give you this warning."

"Do not dare form factions to suppress me."

"If you truly entertain such thoughts, I might as well kill you all and bring in men from Lord Qin's side to govern this nation."

"I very much hope that day comes—those virtuous ministers who governed Beixi County well can surely govern this entire nation."

Jing Qianying's words were ill-advised and would surely breed resentment among the officials.

But the problem was, these officials knew full well that, given Jing Qianying's relationship with Qin Feng, they had no room to resist.

Since Jing Qianying had spoken plainly, they chose not to dwell on it and bowed their heads in submission.

"ImperialGrace."

Jing Qianying was finally satisfied, turned to Qin Feng, and her previously cold, stern face instantly softened with tenderness.

"I have finished speaking. Does Lord Qin have anything to add?"

Hearing Jing Qianying refer to herself as "I, the Emperor," Qin Feng felt an odd sensation stir within him.

Not awkwardness—rather, a certain thrill…

My future wife is a Nu Huang—hmm, any normal man would be too excited to sleep, wouldn't he?

If not for the crowd of onlookers and Jing Qianying's pregnancy, Qin Feng would have already pinned her down.

"Cough, cough—I am an external minister. How could I presume to speak on your nation's internal affairs?"

"Moreover, His Majesty has said everything that needed saying. Please return to rest and preserve your imperial health."

Watching Qin Feng's solemn expression, Jing Qianying nearly burst out laughing—but to maintain the Monarch's dignity, she forced back her mirth, lips curving slightly upward as she nodded.

"I am weary. I shall retire first. My ministers, if you have no further business, you may withdraw."

Instantly, the DaTang echoed with the voices of the ministers.

"We respectfully see off His Majesty."

Even after Jing Qianying departed, not a single official moved—they all stood rigidly in place, silently awaiting Qin Feng's words.

Seeing these ministers had already understood the game, Qin Feng felt his wish fulfilled.

Yet the final formalities still had to be observed.

"His Majesty of your nation has issued an edict appointing Li Zhang as Acting Chancellor of your nation."

Upon hearing this, the officials first blinked in surprise, then immediately returned to composure—no one raised any objection.

Li Zhang was the Crown Prince of Liang Kingdom; he had no business serving as an official of Northern Di, let alone as Chancellor?

But this Chancellor carried the word "Acting"—in plain terms, he was merely a temporary placeholder.

Thus, it was not entirely unacceptable.

Besides, everyone understood Qin Feng's intent: Northern Di's fires had just been quelled, and many critical matters required proper handling—Li Zhang's temporary role as Acting Chancellor would naturally assist Northern Di in a positive, constructive manner.

If it was goodwill, why refuse it?

Qin Feng gave a signal; Li Zhang stepped forward, hands behind his back, and spoke solemnly: "With the new Monarch's ascension, the coming tasks are extraordinarily heavy. I rely on your diligence, my lords."

"Regarding the change of dynastic name and official appointments, I shall discuss them with you all tomorrow."

The officials exchanged glances and bowed in unison: "We are in your hands, Chancellor."

Qin Feng, watching from the sidelines, was thoroughly satisfied. Though today's coronation was undoubtedly the most meager in history, it was not necessarily a bad thing.

Given Northern Di's current National Strength, extravagant displays were simply unaffordable.

Thus, simplicity and pragmatism were the best path forward.

Once National Strength recovers and funds become available, we can always find an excuse to hold a proper ceremony later.

As the ministers gradually departed, today's affairs came to a close; Qin Feng hurried back to the Back Courtyard to see his women.

What's the point of playing with these stinking men?

Meanwhile, the dark clouds hanging over Northern Di finally began to dissipate; though the situation remained complex, it had stabilized.

Bozhou's largest city: Yao Cheng.

Jing Peng's army had taken full control of all affairs within and around Yao Cheng, and its forces were now dispersed and stationed, beginning to gradually secure the lands of Bozhou.

Inside the Cheng Zhen Fu, Jing Peng and Wu Kang sat across from each other, drinking heartily to celebrate their initial conquest.

Though from a global perspective Jing Peng's position seemed precarious, for Jing Peng himself, it was the exact opposite.

In the past, Jing Peng, though a Prince, held virtually no Authority and could only obey orders, content to remain a "subject."

But now, having seized Yao Cheng and begun to gradually control Bozhou, Jing Peng was, without doubt, a local Emperor.

This life was far more comfortable than his days in Wang Du.

Across all of Bozhou, he was the sovereign of Heaven.

Wu Kang held the Xiongying Brigade and was also Jing Peng's support, so he naturally felt at ease.

Earlier that day, the two of them had already heard rumors that the Northern Di King had died, and Qin Feng and Jing Qianying had taken control of Wang Du.

Jing Peng had never been close to his father; now that he learned of his father's death, he secretly rejoiced.

In his words, he subtly revealed to Wu Kang his intention to proclaim himself emperor, break away and establish his own faction, and stand as an equal rival to Jing Qianying.

Wu Kang, of course, fully supported this.