Chapter 1259: First Volume_Chapter 1259: Zhao Li

First Volume_Chapter 1259: Zhao Li's Final Ultimatum

After half a Envoy of emergency rest, Qin Feng once again led the troops on the journey to meet their families.

After another three consecutive days of grueling travel, Qin Feng finally reached the Jingji region.

On the other side, Qin Tianhu's group had reached its most critical moment.

Three days earlier, when the pursuing forces appeared, Qin Tianhu had immediately ordered all troops to hastily construct defensive fortifications on the spot and enter combat readiness.

Should the pursuers resort to force, Qin Tianhu would lead his men into a fight to the death.

The commander in charge of this pursuit was none other than Zhao Yuxiong's father, Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander Zhao Li.

Bound by ImperialCommand, Zhao Li could only grit his teeth and accept the mission to pursue Qin Tianhu; after surrounding Qin's party, he did not launch further attacks but maintained the encirclement, repeatedly sending envoys to negotiate, hoping Qin Tianhu would turn back.

Zhao Li's public explanation was that Qin's party included too many high-ranking individuals, and force could not be used rashly.

In truth, he was buying Qin Tianhu time—he sincerely hoped Qin Tianhu could escape alive.

After all, the Zhao and Qin families had deep historical ties, and Zhao Li would never willingly raise his hand against the Qin family unless absolutely forced.

But with Zhang Zhonghai's arrival, this unspoken understanding was utterly shattered.

Zhang Zhonghai saw through Zhao Li's intentions at a glance; considering Zhao Li's high rank and authority, and that his son Zhao Yuxiong had taken command of the entire Southern Campaign, Zhang Zhonghai held back, merely coldly urging Zhao Li to launch an immediate attack and forcibly bring Qin's party back.

After Zhao Li's repeated maneuvering, Zhang Zhonghai finally agreed to grant Zhao Li one last chance to negotiate.

Zhao Li rode alone to the front lines, while on the other side, Qin Tianhu stepped forward.

Though now standing on opposing sides, the meeting between these two old friends remained remarkably cordial, with not a trace of hostility.

Qin Tianhu bowed deeply: "These past days, thank you, Brother Zhao, for your covert aid—I speak on behalf of the entire Qin Family."

Zhao Li let out a bitter laugh and helplessly shook his head: "Brother Qin, you humiliate me. We've served the court together for so many years, and were inseparable friends—yet now we must face each other in battle. Such is the capriciousness of fate."

"If I had the courage, I would let you and your family pass—even escort you beyond Jingji—but… I lack such courage."

"Alas! I am ashamed before you, Brother Qin!"

Seeing Zhao Li's self-reproachful expression, Qin Tianhu shook his head repeatedly, his eyes still filled with gratitude.

"Brother Zhao, don't say that. If not for you holding firm under pressure and granting us three full days of leeway, this place would already be flooded with blood."

"His Majesty sent you here to test your loyalty—your restraint will surely invite his suspicion. I am the one who should feel shame."

What use was talking now? Zhao Li felt only helplessness, yet he had to face reality.

He clenched his fist tightly toward Qin Tianhu and delivered the final ultimatum with great difficulty.

"Brother Qin, time is up. Decide: will you turn back, or press forward?"

Before Qin Tianhu could answer, Zhao Li smiled bitterly: "I already know your answer. Before troop movements begin, I can give you only one more Envoy—hurry and prepare."

"When we meet on the battlefield, we can only leave our fates to Heaven."

Zhao Li looked up at Qin Tianhu and bowed deeply: "Brother Qin, take care!"

Qin Tianhu returned the bow and muttered in turn: "Take care!"

The two parted ways, each returning to their ranks to make final preparations for battle—the great clash would begin in one Envoy.

In the center of the encampment, several carriages held Qin family members and the families of the Northern Border Army's main generals.

Li Xiaolan and Jing Qianying shared one carriage, with Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng accompanying them.

Li Xiaolan lifted the carriage curtain, gazing at the grim atmosphere outside, her voice growing solemn.

"A subject will always remain a subject—anyone exceeding the limits of a subject's power meets this end."

"After this battle ends, whether we win or lose, as Mingyue Princess, I am safe. I will protect all three of you—not out of fear of death, but to preserve a future for Feng'er and the Qin Family."

"Qian Ying, I've already spoken with my father—we've formed a unit of Dead Soldiers, composed of Black Riders and Tianji Camp Guards. If we lose, they will fight to carve a blood path and escort you out of Jingji."

"You are the Bei Di Nü Huang—if captured by the Liang Emperor, he will use you as a hostage to coerce Bei Di."

"And given your ties to the Qin Family, the Liang Emperor will never let you go."

Hearing Li Xiaolan's words, Jing Qianying realized this battle was overwhelmingly dire.

Though the Black Riders and Tianji Camp Guards were elite, they were vastly outnumbered, and this was Jingji—Black Commanders could summon vast reinforcements from the Jingji Garrison at any moment.

At that point, they wouldn't just face double or triple their numbers—they might face tenfold.

Add to this that it was an open field battle with no advantageous terrain for defense—this battle was certain to be nine deaths, one chance.

Jing Qianying had weathered storms before; she remained calm, her gaze serene as she spoke: "Don't worry—the Liang Emperor won't kill us."

"His goal is to take us hostage to pressure Feng'er."

"If anything happens to the Qin Family, he'll force Qin Feng into open rebellion—then Qin Feng will march the Northern Border Army and shatter the Liang Empire's lands!"

"Third Sister, I'm going nowhere—I'll stay right here with you."

Li Xiaolan said nothing. Forced breakout was only one option—after all, Jing Qianying was pregnant and could not endure rough travel. As long as the enemy showed no clear intent to kill, Li Xiaolan would not let the Dead Soldiers forcibly take Jing Qianying away.

Near the women's carriages stood the carriages of the Ning, Xu, and Xie families.

When the Qin Family left Jingdu, they could not abandon these relatives—if unprotected, the Liang Emperor would surely purge them.

Xie Bi, the Marquis of Yong'an, and Xu Mo's father Xu Chang stood beside their carriages, gazing at the intensifying battle aura in the distance, their brows furrowing in unison.

The Marquis of Yong'an sighed softly: "How easy is it to escape Jingji?"

"Since Grand Commandant Qin stepped down, he's effectively left the Taolin Party. The Zhao Family has always been Imperial Party—absolute loyalists who would never lightly aid anyone against the Imperial Throne."

"Just the Longhu Army alone is enough to trap us all here."

As Qin Feng's father-in-law, Xie Bi was firmly aligned with the Qin Family. He glanced at the Marquis of Yong'an and teased:

"Scared?"

The Marquis of Yong'an shrugged: "It's not about fear. My son is the Main General of Beixi—and Qin Feng's sworn brother. The Ning Family and Qin Family are already bound as one."