Chapter 1077

First Volume, Chapter 1077: The Powerful Clans of Nan Jing Have Made Their Move

Seeing Qin Feng's expression turn slightly displeased, Wu Chenggong's back prickled with cold sweat—after all, this man was the most powerful person in all of Shedynasty, second only to His Majesty.

The last man who offended Qin Feng was the Northern Di King, who now committed suicide to atone for his country.

Even if Wu Chenggong had a hundred times his courage, he would never dare anger Qin Feng.

Moreover, the only person who could help Yuping County out of its crisis was the man standing before him, so Wu Chenggong must seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Lord Qin, your humble servant would never overstep—your servant truly has a secret he cannot reveal."

"According to my knowledge, the disaster-stricken areas are not limited to Yuping County—in a hundred li radius, three other counties have all suffered severely from the Bandit Uprising."

"Even if the Zhou Fu, under your lordship's pressure, sends troops to Yuping County, they would still be stretched too thin."

"After all, the Zhou Fu's own Bandit Suppression pressure is already immense; Yuping County is not the worst affected. If aid is to be sent, it should begin with the counties hit hardest by the Bandit Uprising."

Hearing Wu Chenggong's words, Qin Feng couldn't help but inwardly whistle.

In wartime, bandit uprisings were understandable—but now, the war between Shedynasty and the Northern Di had ended, and the nation had begun to recover and rest.

Once the people had hope for their livelihoods, they would never easily turn to banditry.

How could the Bandit Uprising in the Yuping County region have become this severe?!

Moreover, according to Wu Chenggong, the Bandit Uprising had only recently erupted—and Qin Feng had just returned to Shedynasty, yet it happened precisely along his inevitable route. This was far too convenient.

Anything out of the ordinary must conceal a trick—Qin Feng secretly suspected that this sudden, fierce Bandit Uprising was very likely a carefully prepared gift, meant to "welcome and cleanse" him.

Qin Feng gave Zhao Yuxiong a subtle glance without expression; Zhao Yuxiong understood and immediately turned to leave, going out to investigate covertly.

Soon after, the city's best physician was brought over by Yamen Runners.

The Bandit Uprising was set aside for now; after a tense diagnosis that lasted nearly one Envoy, the physician finally exhaled in relief.

"Lucky indeed, Lord Qin—if you had arrived half a day later, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal descending from heaven could not have reversed the situation."

"Children of this age fear travel and fatigue most."

Qin Feng nodded repeatedly, blaming himself: "This is truly my fault—I was focused only on speed, neglecting whether the child could endure it."

Qin Feng felt a chill of dread—if Niu Er had truly died, he had no idea how he would face Li Xiaolan.

Niu Er was safe—that was fortune amid misfortune.

For safety's sake, Qin Feng simply ordered the physician to remain at the County Yamen until Niu Er was completely out of danger before returning home.

Though the physician repeatedly refused to accept the consultation fee, Qin Feng still paid him generously.

Finally, after soothing Niu Er's mother until both mother and child fell asleep, Qin Feng's heart finally settled.

When Qin Feng returned to the Beixi County Courthouse, he found Wu Chenggong still waiting—his opinion of this seemingly "mediocre and inept" County Magistrate rose slightly.

At least Wu Chenggong genuinely worried about the Bandit Uprising, unlike corrupt officials who used Bandit Suppression as an excuse to amass illicit wealth.

"County Magistrate Wu, do these bandits have a hideout?"

Realizing Qin Feng had taken interest in the local Bandit Uprising, Wu Chenggong was overjoyed.

"My lord, these bandits are extremely cunning—they move unpredictably and have deployed numerous scouts; finding them is no easy task."

"But these scoundrels are insatiable—whenever they encounter wealthy households, they kill and plunder without mercy."

"If we lure them out, we will surely reap results."

Hearing this, Qin Feng now had a clearer idea.

At that moment, Zhao Yuxiong hurried back; upon seeing Qin Feng, he kept signaling with his eyes, urging Qin Feng to speak privately.

Once they reached the Back Courtyard, with no other ears present, Zhao Yuxiong lowered his voice and said gravely: "Brother Qin, these bandits have ulterior motives."

"According to intelligence from the Brocade Guard, all three counties along the Official Road have suffered Bandit Uprisings."

"And based on the locations of their crimes, it's clear these bandits have been deliberately moving toward the Official Road."

"Robbery and plundering is a ruse—their real goal is to ambush caravans en route."

Learning the bandits' true intent, Qin Feng frowned slightly—his female companions had already moved ahead; if these bandits attacked the caravan en route, their safety would be at risk.

Qin Feng's tone turned cold: "If the Brocade Guard has already uncovered the bandits' true purpose, why did they not report it sooner?"

Zhao Yuxiong quickly explained: "Brother Qin, don't rush—the Brocade Guard's silence means circumstances have changed."

"The bandits in all three counties have withdrawn from the Official Road—they've clearly gotten wind that you've separated from the caravan."

"Rather than risk attacking the caravan, they've chosen to concentrate all their strength to ambush you!"

Attacking the caravan would indeed be extremely risky—the caravan had hundreds of guards, all Elite Troops.

If combat broke out, a swift victory was impossible.

Any delay would allow Reinforcements to arrive from all directions, and then all bandits would be surrounded and annihilated—their carefully laid trap would fail utterly.

In contrast, Qin Feng had only fifty Black Riders with him, and he was inside Yuping County.

By concentrating their forces and setting a Bandit Trap outside Yuping County, they could strike directly for Qin Feng's head.

In other words, the success rate of assassinating Qin Feng far exceeds that of attacking the caravan.

Realizing his female companions were safe, Qin Feng finally exhaled, his grim expression instantly replaced by disdain.

"Hmph, I was just wondering—how could these fierce, battle-hardened bandits have sprung up from cracks in the rocks?"

"Now that their target is me, it all makes sense—they must be backed by the Powerful Clans of Nan Jing."

"If they can kill me before spring, it will give them an unbeatable advantage in the coming conflict."

Though Zhao Yuxiong despised these reckless bandits from the bottom of his heart, as Qin Feng's sole general, he refused to let down his guard.

"The reason the Brocade Guard didn't report earlier was fear of leaking information—after all, the Brocade Guard are human, and humans make mistakes."

"So when they learned Niu Er was near death, Liu Ming immediately deduced you might enter Yuping County seeking medical aid, and thus led his men into the county ahead of time."

"When I went out to gather intelligence, Liu Ming revealed the truth."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's lips curled slightly, revealing a faint smile of confidence.

"So the Brocade Guard intends to net all these bandits in one sweep?"

Zhao Yuxiong nodded firmly: "Correct, knock the mountain to shake the tiger, leave not a single one!"