Chapter 117: First Volume, Chapter 117: Banquet for the Entire City

First Volume, Chapter 117: Banquet for the Entire City

Upon hearing they were to book out Zui Xian Lou, Qin Xiaofu immediately sneered: "Young Master, even if you're treating guests, you don't have to pick Zui Xian Lou! There are countless wine houses in Jingzhong—let that money go to anyone else, but don't let Zui Xian Lou profit!"

Qin Feng kicked out, venting all the anger his father had suffered onto Qin Xiaofu.

Qin Xiaofu took the kick, not only not running, but growing excited—not because he had a masochistic streak, but because whenever Qin Feng laid hands on him, there was always something to gain!

Qin Feng snapped: "What do you know? When this Young Master throws a banquet, those prominent merchants and official sons won't give me the time of day—only by choosing Zui Xian Lou will they deign to show up, since it's the Second Prince's turf. And this One Thousand Liang? Just show it to Zhao Zhangfu—don't hand it over. Say we'll settle accounts later."

As the saying goes, near vermilion you turn red, near ink you turn black—ever since sticking with Qin Feng, Qin Xiaofu had gone bad.

Hearing this, he instantly understood Qin Feng's intent and grinned wickedly: "So the Young Master plans to eat and run?"

Qin Feng lifted his head, smugly: "I'll eat Zhao Zhangfu's food—what's he gonna do? He can set traps behind my back, but I can't make him bleed? Let the game continue—whoever backs down is a grandson. When everyone arrives, you manage things well—don't let them slip away. Drag it out till this Young Master shows up."

Qin Xiaofu beamed, thumping his chest in assurance: "You can trust my work—afterward, that One Thousand Liang…"

Qin Feng waved his hand, signaling Qin Xiaofu to scram: "It's yours."

A single kick worth One Thousand Liang—Qin Xiaofu wished he could wash his ass and stick it up, eager to be kicked daily by Qin Feng, ecstatic as he scurried off.

Lin Quqi witnessed this scene and sighed: "No wonder Qin Feng constantly bullies Qin Xiaofu—they're actually close, since there's so much profit to be had."

After giving clear instructions, Qin Feng summoned Shu Feng and Xiao Xiangxiang and headed for the City Patrol Bureau.

City Patrol Bureau—strictly off-limits to outsiders!

Qin Feng spent Two Hundred Taels to turn from outsider to insider, sighing: in Jingdu, without silver, you can't take a single step—this only strengthened his resolve to make money.

Under the guidance of several guards, Qin Feng directly found Xu Mo.

Seeing Qin Feng arrive uninvited, Xu Mo was greatly delighted and hurried forward: "Brother Qin, what wind blew you here?"

Qin Feng gave a glance, signaling the onlookers to leave. Once alone, he lowered his voice: "When we took down the Dragon-Tiger Gang, didn't I promise you a back door to the Border for gold-plating? The chance has come. When you stand before the Emperor, show your skill—no need for Deputy General, at least the rank of Regimental Commander is yours."

These past days, Xu Mo had been fretting over joining the Northern Di campaign—the battle was already decided, and now they were selecting officers for the campaign—but Xu Mo was too young, too inexperienced, utterly unqualified.

Moreover, such "gold-plating" opportunities were monopolized by senior generals and Court Heavy Ministers, who'd naturally promote their own kin—where would Xu Mo fit in?

Now with Qin Feng's connection, Xu Mo shouted with joy: "Perfect! Brother Qin, the smartest decision I ever made was becoming your comrade!"

Qin Feng waved dismissively: "We're brothers—no need for formalities. If there's a good thing, I'll always think of you first."

At these words, Xu Mo's eyes gleamed: "Exactly!"

Qin Feng shifted tone: "The martial demonstration at the Qingyi Ceremony hasn't been finalized, but I'd bet ten to one it's still the old trio: Military Strategy, Formation Combat, Adaptation Response."

"So, first pick a hundred skilled men from the City Patrol Bureau, then requisition two hundred more from the Ministry of War—get your manpower ready now, so when those old foxes in the Ministry of Revenue suddenly throw a wrench, they can't hand you a bunch of rejects."

Xu Mo was a warrior, blunt and straightforward—he'd never thought this deeply.

Hearing Qin Feng mention "martial demonstration," he grew disheartened: "If it's just Formation Combat, fine—but Military Strategy and Adaptation Response? Those aren't my strengths…"

Qin Feng clicked his tongue, bluntly: "Since I came to you, I've already mapped out the path for you. Just follow my instructions—I guarantee you'll earn your name in the army."

With that assurance, Xu Mo gained confidence and bowed deeply: "Brother Qin, whatever achievements I make in the future, I owe entirely to you as my one and only confidant!"

Qin Feng pressed his hand down, showing he didn't care about repayment—brothers help each other, naturally.

In truth, he was ecstatic—this was exactly what he'd been waiting for. The pen is weaker than the spear—once I have men in the army, business will flow smoothly. Never mind distant gains—just military equipment procurement alone? Plenty of profit to be had…

After giving all instructions, Qin Feng headed straight for Zui Xian Lou.

Meanwhile, in Li Fu's DaTang, spies had already reported Qin Feng's movements.

Li Xu stood with his hands behind his back, pondering Qin Feng's intentions.

Li Rui, standing beside him, sneered contemptuously: "Qin Feng can't sit still for a moment. But this Qingyi Ceremony—we won't allocate a single tael from the Ministry of Revenue—let's see how Qin Residence pulls this off!"

Seeing Li Xu gesture for silence, Li Rui wisely clammed up.

After a moment, Li Xu's eyes darkened, his tone grave: "Rui, if you wish to succeed in court, you must respect your rivals—never underestimate them. Since Qin Feng emerged, our court strategies have steadily collapsed—clear proof of Qin Feng Xiao'er's ability."

"Qin Tianhu entrusting the Qingyi Ceremony to Qin Feng? That's exactly what I expected. Don't underestimate this small ceremony—if done properly, it'll cost at least thirty to fifty thousand taels, possibly up to one hundred thousand."

"Just the imperial spectacle alone drains funds. First, it consumes Qin Family wealth; second, it keeps them distracted—then we strike at the Qingyi Ceremony itself."

"Toppling the Qin Family isn't a matter of days—it's a long-term consumption."

Li Rui nodded humbly: "But why is Qin Feng hosting a banquet at Zui Xian Lou for Jingdu's merchants? What's his intent?"

Li Xu, deeply wary of Qin Feng, his gaze heavy: "Still unclear. But whatever he does, we must deny him satisfaction. Qin Feng is a commoner—our status gap is too wide for me to intervene directly. You go to Zui Xian Lou and create obstacles for him."

Since the Ji Wang's birthday banquet, Li Rui had been under house arrest—now, finally free to step out, he was overjoyed, bowing deeply: "Father, rest assured—I shall not fail."

Meanwhile, the Second Prince received the message passed along by Zhao Zhangfu…