Chapter 11: First Volume, Chapter 11: Family Law in Effect

First Volume, Chapter 11: Family Law in Effect

He, Qin Tianhu, had spent his life with a sterling reputation—even the empire's top ministers in the Imperial Court feared him a little—how could he have sired such a worthless creature? It was a disgrace to his final years.

Qin Tianhu grew angrier by the moment, pointing at Qin Feng and bellowing: "Come out! A seven-foot man, and all you know is hiding behind women! Today, I'll peel off a layer of your skin—you'll never forget it!"

Seeing Qin Tianhu was serious, Qin Feng naturally didn't stand there to be beaten—he slipped out the back door and bolted from the Book Room.

Seeing Qin Feng dare to run, Qin Tianhu's rage flared, about to explode—when Liu Hongyan stepped in front of him.

"Father, Qin Feng's departure from the household today was not an act of defiance. There was a reason. You're burdened with state affairs daily—you likely forgot: today is the Shenglin Academy Poetry Contest."

"It was I who took Qin Feng out to attend the Poetry Contest."

Hearing this, Qin Tianhu's expression softened slightly, but his anger did not vanish.

The issue now wasn't Qin Feng leaving the house without permission— it was that whenever trouble arose, he only hid behind women, showing not a shred of male dignity.

If Qin Feng had simply obeyed the rules, fine—but he dared to run? It's enough to make an old man explode with rage!

Qin Feng stood in the courtyard, tilting his head to observe Qin Tianhu. Seeing him blocked by his two sisters, his petty triumph surged—he grinned slyly: "Father, take care of your health. Don't strain your back."

"Hss…"

Qin Tianhu sucked in a sharp breath, nearly staggering from fury.

Liu Hongyan and Jing Qianying moved swiftly, catching him and guiding him to sit down.

Liu Hongyan had no way to deal with Qin Feng, so she soothed Qin Tianhu: "Father, isn't your greatest wish for Qin Feng to finally awaken? Why not give him a chance?"

Qin Tianhu snorted coldly: "Awaken? Pigs will fly!"

Liu Hongyan covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Recalling today's Poetry Contest, she felt a surge of pride and said softly: "Today, Qin Feng passed two trials—he's already become a celebrity at Shenglin Academy. His poem 'Heavenly Moon and Ancient Pass' left even the examiners clapping in admiration."

"Hmph." Qin Tianhu's face remained cold, utterly disbelieving. "Hongyan, when did you start lying to your father?"

Liu Hongyan spoke gently:

"Have I ever deceived you in my life? I don't know why Qin Feng changed so suddenly—but I was with him the whole time. Everything I saw, I saw with my own eyes. No falsehoods. Though Qin Feng has never fought on the battlefield, his poem 'Heavenly Moon and Ancient Pass' has restored the Qin Family's honor."

With that, Liu Hongyan recited it with commanding presence.

"Heavenly Moon and Ancient Pass, ten thousand li of march, men never return. If the Flying General of Longcheng still stands, no Di horses shall cross Qinggong!"

Qin Tianhu had been seething with rage—but when he heard the lines, his expression froze. He turned sharply, staring at Liu Hongyan in disbelief:

"If the Flying General of Longcheng still stands, no Di horses shall cross Qinggong? Such might and majesty… this poem… this was written by Qin Feng? Even the greatest literary masters of Jingdu couldn't have penned this!"

Liu Hongyan chuckled: "I saw it with my own eyes, heard it with my own ears—how could it be false? At first, I thought Qin Feng had bought the poem. But then I thought—if someone truly capable had written this, why sell it to Qin Feng? He'd have posted it himself and become famous across Shedynasty!"

That was no lie—if such talent existed, no one would sell it to Qin Feng.

Qin Tianhu pondered silently, then glanced at Qin Feng. His face was still grim, but his fury had cooled considerably: "Hmph. Rebellious brat."

Qin Feng, crouched behind the door, sighed in relief as Qin Tianhu calmed. He gave Liu Hongyan a thumbs-up and whispered: "Sis, I owe you big. The money I made selling the poem today? Half's yours."

Liu Hongyan shot him a glare, silently cursing the little brat for never giving her peace.

Seeing Qin Tianhu still furrowed in worry, Liu Hongyan, ever perceptive, quickly poured tea and offered it with both hands, and tentatively asked:

"Father, are you still troubled by the North Di Barbarians?"

Among all his daughters, Liu Hongyan wasn't the wisest, nor the strongest in martial skill—but she was the one who warmed his heart the most.

Only with Liu Hongyan could Qin Tianhu speak his true thoughts—he sighed deeply:

"The North Di Barbarians keep sending swift cavalry to ambush and plunder our Border—plundering so fiercely, the people are suffering. The court is in chaos over it."

"If we launch a full-scale attack, the North Di are strong in cavalry and skilled in hit-and-run raids. Even with a million elite soldiers, we'd gain little advantage."

"But if we do nothing, swallow this hatred—we don't just lose our national prestige and earn the world's contempt. The border tribes will grow resentful, and may rise in rebellion."

"Whether to fight or not—both are impossible choices for the court."

Qin Tianhu's face was taut:

"Hongyan, you know I've always favored war! We must crush the North Di at any cost—otherwise, if we keep yielding, every border tribe will follow their example. Then Shedynasty will know no peace."

"But this war is critical—even I have no guarantee of victory. Some high officials fear heavy losses and fiercely oppose sending troops. I want to act, but I'm powerless."

Though not a court official, Liu Hongyan understood Qin Tianhu's plight.

In truth, Shedynasty had no choice—it must strike the North Di hard, no matter the cost, to pacify the border tribes.

Yet the peace faction, led by the Ministry of Revenue, fiercely obstructs—court intrigue has reached a fatal stage.

Even the Emperor is torn, unable to decide.

Qin Feng, still hiding by the door, suddenly realized: Li Rui had gone to extreme lengths to kill him—this must be tied to Court Intrigue.

If Qin Feng died, by custom, Qin Tianhu must hold mourning at home for at least a year or more—he could never return to the Imperial Court.

And from his predecessor's memories, Shedynasty appeared strong, but was riddled with internal and external crises.

If the North Di issue isn't resolved, Shedynasty will collapse entirely.

Qin Feng still wanted to make money, become the richest man in Shedynasty, take a hundred concubines, and spend his life chasing "a life of idle comfort"—how could he let Shedynasty fall apart?

Seeing Qin Tianhu rubbing his forehead, lost in worry, Qin Feng peeked out from behind the door, grinning:

"Father, in my view, we don't need to listen to those stubborn officials in the Ministry of Revenue—they only care about party struggles, hoarding court resources, and are utterly useless! Just strongly advise the Emperor: strike hard!"

"The North Di have strong cavalry? Fine—eat all their horses! Then see how mighty they are!"

At these words, Qin Tianhu's eyes bulged. He snatched up the Whip again: "You fool! What do you know? Standing there talking big—do you think it's that simple? If it were, would I be sitting here racking my brains?"

"Say another word like that, and I'll beat you until your face blooms!"