Chapter 1254: First Volume, Chapter 1254: I Am Tired

First Volume, Chapter 1254: I Am Tired

As one of the Three Main Generals of Beixi County, who doesn't know the relationship between Zhao Yuxiong and Qin Feng?

Zhao Yuxiong was among the first to follow Qin Feng as a blood brother, having fought alongside him in the Northern Border defense battles and key campaigns against the Di.

Due to his fearless combat prowess and exceptional command ability, rumors even claimed Zhao Yuxiong was the second-most powerful man after Qin Feng.

Even Prince Li Zhang, Qin Feng's most trusted subordinate, pales in comparison to Zhao Yuxiong.

Li Zhang has ample strategy but lacks martial valor; Zhao Yuxiong is truly both cultured and martially accomplished.

Who could have imagined that one of Beixi County's most revered Main Generals would suddenly turn against Qin Feng at this moment? The blow to the troops was no less severe than a military defeat.

Under the gaze of all, Qin Feng let out a long sigh.

He did not evade Zhao Yuxiong's pressure but stepped forward to face the issue directly.

"Brother Zhao, do you know what the Eastern Front battle means for the entire Southern Campaign?"

Without hesitation, Zhao Yuxiong replied: "Victory on the Eastern Front means victory in all fronts, greatly shortening the duration of the entire Southern Campaign."

Qin Feng frowned slightly: "If so, why am I now considered a criminal after securing victory on the Eastern Front?"

Zhao Yuxiong had anticipated this response and immediately retorted: "You merely got lucky—you didn't make a correct decision based on the overall battlefield situation."

"Is gambling against the enemy on the battlefield not staking the fate of the nation as your wager?"

"Now that you've won, you can say whatever you want—but what if you'd lost? Would you make Shedynasty pay for your gamble?"

"I came to the Eastern Front Battlefield myself—I know how dire the situation was. Had Shen Qingci not arrived with fifteen hundred troops at the critical moment, we would have lost for certain."

"Shen Qingci's arrival was beyond your control—it was pure luck."

"In other words, we nearly lost the entire Southern Campaign due to your faulty judgment and reckless decision."

"Let me ask you this: if next time it's Zhao Zhenhai or Liu Ming trapped, will you personally lead troops to rescue them?"

Without hesitation, Qin Feng replied: "Yes!"

"Not just Zhao Yuxiong and Liu Ming—even if you were surrounded, I'd still go save you."

"You are all comrades who have fought life and death beside me. That damned saying—'one general's glory rests on ten thousand bones'—means nothing to me. I will never watch my brothers die on the battlefield for the sake of some grand ambition."

At these words, the entire Jiaochang fell silent. All eyes on Qin Feng burned with heat and reverence.

This answer played right into Zhao Yuxiong's hands—he knew Qin Feng's nature. If Qin Feng had abandoned them, he wouldn't be Qin Feng.

This was both Qin Feng's most admirable trait and his greatest weakness.

Even now, with tension thick in the air, Zhao Yuxiong held deep respect for Qin Feng—but respect was respect, and the greater cause was the greater cause. Zhao Yuxiong would never place personal loyalty above national duty.

He met Qin Feng's resolute gaze with equal strength: "Qin Wang, you are a fine Commander—but not a good subject."

"You preserved the lives of your comrades, yet ignored the rise and fall of the people of Heaven."

"Two harmful weights choose the lighter—do you not understand this principle?"

"The Southern Campaign concerns the empire's fate. You've infused it with too much personal sentiment. You are no longer fit to lead the coming operations. Do you admit this?"

Facing Zhao Yuxiong's nearly scolding accusation, Qin Feng sighed deeply and said nothing, his heart weighed down with oppression.

Qin Feng understood the principle of two harmful weights choose the lighter—precisely because he understood it, he had resolved to rescue Xu Mo.

In Qin Feng's heart, the fate of Heaven weighed far less than his family and brothers.

If forced to choose one sacrifice, Qin Feng would unhesitatingly sacrifice Heaven itself!

But he could not say these words—they contradicted the great righteousness of Heaven. Thus, he could not explain himself to Zhao Yuxiong.

There has never been a perfect solution in this world. Heaven and family must be chosen. Qin Feng is no different from others—he simply made his own choice.

Feeling Zhao Yuxiong's resolute gaze, Qin Feng took a deep breath, his tone now tinged with compromise.

"You are right. I am no longer fit to lead the Southern Campaign. After I depart, you shall temporarily command the Front Line. As for His Majesty's final decision, that is beyond my control."

At these words, every general present stared in shock. No one had expected Qin Feng, who had led them through bloody battles against the Southern rebels, to step down now.

Instantly, countless soldiers knelt on one knee, bowing their fists to Qin Feng, pleading desperately for him to stay.

"Please, Qin Wang, reconsider!"

"The Southern Campaign cannot proceed without you. We cannot proceed without you."

"If you leave, what will become of our comrades? Zhao Yuxiong may be one of Beixi County's Main Generals, but I do not serve under him!"

"When we reinforced the Eastern Front, Zhao Yuxiong carelessly sacrificed five hundred cavalry for tactical gain—how could we follow such a commander?"

"Please, Qin Wang, stay!"

Not only ordinary officers, but Zhao Zhenhai and Liu Ming also knelt down.

"Qin Wang, do not be swayed by Zhao Yuxiong. You won the Eastern Front battle, greatly shortening the Southern Campaign—you are a hero, not a criminal."

"Zhao Yuxiong's actions are twisting truth into falsehood. Ignore him."

"Even if he impeaches you, what then? You have given your all—no merit, but surely hardship. Would His Majesty demote you because of Zhao Yuxiong?"

Nearly everyone gathered on the Jiaochang pleaded with Qin Feng, appealing to emotion and reason—but Qin Feng shook his head. His decision was final.

He sighed softly, lowering his hand to signal they need not plead further.

"I have made my decision. No one can change it."

"Moreover, the most perilous phase of the Southern Campaign is behind us. Any commander, so long as he makes no mistakes, will take Gusu City—it is merely a matter of time."

"Once Gusu City falls, the Southern Campaign will be nearing its end."

"I led the Southern Campaign not for myself, but to fulfill my promise to His Majesty. Now that the great undertaking nears completion, it is time for me to step down."

"I am tired. I only wish to return home and reunite with my family."

Seeing Qin Feng's resolve was firm, the Jiaochang erupted in wails—as if, save for Zhao Yuxiong, no one wished him to leave.