Chapter 1250: First Volume, Chapter 1250: Success Achieved, Retire in Peace

First Volume, Chapter 1250: Success Achieved, Retire in Peace

Lin Wenwan knew all too well what the sudden appearance of a Heavy Armor Battalion meant in the late stages of war, when both sides were exhausted.

Lin Zhao had been on the verge of victory, yet at the final moment, Qin Feng had crushed him back to square one.

At this moment, even Lin Wenwan, who had always been supremely proud, could not help but look desolate—she had ultimately lost to Qin Feng, and this time, she lost with full conviction.

The Eastern Front had been defeated; Gusu City had failed to break the Encirclement. After this fierce battle, both manpower and Materials and Supplies within the city had been severely depleted.

If previously Gusu City could have relied on its sturdy City Wall to hold out for several years, now it could barely last half a year.

What filled Lin Wenwan with utter despair was that the Powerful Clans of Nan Jing could no longer provide support to Gusu City in the short term.

This meant that Gusu City would now face endless harassment and Consume from Qin Feng's army.

Lin Wenwan slowly closed her eyes, drew a deep breath, and her lips curled with bitterness: "Qin Feng, are you not Old Heaven's own nemesis sent down to crush me? Why do I always fall into your hands?"

"I refuse to accept this… but what can I do?"

Three days later, under the swift gallop of messengers, the news of the Eastern Front Great Victory reached Jingdu.

In the Imperial Court, the Liang Emperor leapt to his feet and burst into loud laughter.

"Hahahaha, excellent!"

"No wonder Qin Feng—he has not disappointed my expectations at all."

"With the Eastern Front Great Victory, the fall of Gusu City is imminent. Once we lose this key gateway city, my army can use it as a base to advance steadily—destroying the Rebel Party of Nan Jing is merely a matter of time."

"Qin Feng has once again rendered great service. Grand Commandant Qin, how should I reward him?"

Qin Tianhu bowed deeply and replied solemnly: "I dare to borrow my Quan Lang's achievements and humbly request His Majesty to bestow the reward upon me instead."

Oh?

The Liang Emperor's eyes showed slight surprise; knowing Qin Tianhu as he did, this man was always cautious and reserved—why would he suddenly seize credit now, and worse, seize his own son's merit?

Wasn't the reward the same whether given to father or son?

Though puzzled, the Liang Emperor asked softly: "What is it you seek, Grand Commandant Qin?"

Qin Tianhu bowed again: "I wish to resign from my official post and return home to retire."

At these words, the entire Imperial Court fell into stunned silence.

Even the Liang Emperor was stunned—given Qin Tianhu's status and prestige, why would he choose to retire at the peak of his power?

The Liang Emperor was far too shrewd—he immediately realized Qin Tianhu was already securing his future. Though displeased, he showed no sign of it.

"Grand Commandant Qin is a National Pillar and my trusted minister. The Southern Campaign is not yet over—how can you retire now, at this critical juncture?"

Qin Tianhu knew the Liang Emperor would not easily agree, and immediately began to plead earnestly.

"Though the Southern Campaign has not ended, with the Eastern Front's decisive victory and Gusu City's severe depletion, as long as we follow Qin Feng's Strategic Principle—steadfastly pressing forward—the destruction of the Rebel Party of Nan Jing is merely a matter of time."

"The Southern Campaign is no longer the issue; from now on, Your Majesty need only govern diligently and restore this shattered land."

"I am growing increasingly incapable—I ought to yield my position to a more capable man."

"Moreover…"

"My wife and I have been separated for years—I miss her deeply. I wish to reunite with my Jia Guan."

The Liang Emperor was caught between a rock and a hard place—he truly did not want Qin Tianhu to leave the court, for as long as Qin Tianhu remained, he could keep Qin Feng in check.

Moreover, Qin Tianhu himself was a capable minister; as Grand Commandant, he was fully deserving of the title.

Under Qin Tianhu's leadership, the Taolin Party was united, bringing unprecedented calm to the entire court—party strife had nearly vanished.

Whenever the Liang Emperor and the Qin Family agreed, every action achieved Half the Effort, Double the Result.

Once Qin Tianhu retired, a cascade of troubles would surely follow.

Yet the Liang Emperor could not refuse—he had served loyally for decades, and Qin Feng had achieved unparalleled feats for Shedynasty; morally and emotionally, Qin Tianhu deserved rest.

After much hesitation, the Liang Emperor finally agreed: "Since Grand Commandant Qin has made up his mind to retire, I shall grant your wish."

"I permit you alone to return home to visit family."

At these words, Qin Tianhu's heart sank halfway—he could go, but what of his Jia Guan—Li Xiaolan, Jing Qianying, and the others?

Qin Tianhu knew well: once the Southern Campaign ended, the relationship between the Qin Family and the Liang Emperor would no longer remain as harmonious as now—he must secure his future quickly.

Thus, he had secretly discussed with Liu Hongyan, urging her to take Xie Yun'er away first, so that when the entire family relocated, they would carry fewer people.

But Qin Tianhu had not anticipated that Liu Hongyan had gone to Cao Yun County.

Though the Liang Emperor had never mentioned the events in Cao Yun County, Qin Tianhu was certain the seeds of suspicion and aversion had already been planted in his heart.

Qin Tianhu must accelerate his departure from Beijing—or soon, he would become a burden to Qin Feng.

Qin Tianhu did not argue further; he resolved inwardly that if the Liang Emperor refused to let his entire family leave, he would act first and seek permission later.

Leaving the imperial palace, Qin Tianhu returned directly to the Qin Residence and summoned Li Xiaolan and Jing Qianying to explain the stakes clearly.

Jing Qianying had no hesitation: "Wherever Father and Feng go, I go."

Li Xiaolan had some reservations: "Though I am the Liang Emperor's daughter, we have never shared true affection—he granted me the title of Mingyue Princess purely for political reasons."

"Leaving Beijing is no hardship for me."

"But the journey is long, and His Majesty will not easily let us go—if we encounter trouble along the way, what then?"

Qin Tianhu had already planned ahead: "If we are to leave, we take everything—every possession, including the troops."

"I have already sent secret orders via the Brocade Guard to inform Feng—he is to lead the Northern Border Troops to meet us."

"Faced with military pressure, His Majesty will have no choice but to let us pass."

Had there been any other option, Qin Tianhu would never have chosen this path—he had served loyally for most of his life; to end it with a tarnished reputation, what would all his decades of struggle have meant?

But for his family, Qin Tianhu must make this decision!

He owed too much to Qin Cheng Clan—he must seize this chance to make amends to his wife.

Li Xiaolan and Jing Qianying exchanged glances; since Qin Tianhu had decided, they would not oppose.

A vast, silent migration began to quietly take shape.

At the same time, in the Frontline Camp of Nan Jing, Qin Feng, finally rested, threw himself into Shen Qingci's arms.