Chapter 1265

First Volume, Chapter 1265: The Arrogant Retreat of the Great Army

Even before Qin Feng rushed to aid the Jingji, the Northern Border Army had already set out, marching toward Jingdu.

Along the route, the yizhan under imperial control immediately dispatched messengers to report the beidi war intelligence to Jingdu.

Since the Nan Jing was still at war, the garrison troops along the roads leading from the Northern Border to Jingdu, unaware of the true intent, did not interfere at all.

This allowed the Northern Border Troops to advance without obstruction.

Moreover, if any garrison troops began to resist the Northern Border Army, word would inevitably reach the Northern Border, triggering a chain reaction and prompting constant reinforcements to the Front Line.

Most devastating of all, Jing Qianying was still in the Jingji; her safety was threatened, and under Li Zhang's orders as chancellor, the Bei Di Nü Huang would unhesitatingly enter the war.

Although the Bei Di had suffered heavy losses and remained weak, Liang's current situation was clearly far more dire.

Because Liang now faced encirclement from three forces—the Nan Jing, the Northern Border, and the Bei Di—a catastrophe of annihilation loomed over the entire Liang Kingdom.

In an instant, Zhang Zhonghai was utterly plunged into despair, losing all will to fight.

He could not stop shaking his head with a bitter laugh, sighing helplessly.

"Whether it's the Nan Jing or the Bei Di, neither could shake the Liang throne—yet it was Qin Feng who pushed Liang to the edge of the abyss."

Zhang Zhonghai sighed inwardly, unsure whether to blame the Liang Emperor for his reckless ambition or Qin Feng for choosing the perfect moment.

"The war in the Nan Jing has not ended; Liang's national strength is drained southward. At this moment, it has no capacity to confront any other enemy."

"Qin Feng, no wonder you left the Nan Jing so easily, handing over authority to Zhao Yuxiong without hesitation—this was all part of your plan, wasn't it?!"

Facing Zhang Zhonghai's desperate accusation, Qin Feng admitted without hesitation.

The overall situation was settled, victory assured; Qin Feng was now calm and composed, restored to his usual confidence.

He clasped his hands behind his back and said gravely: "His Majesty's move against the Qin Family was no sudden impulse—it was the culmination of long-suppressed suspicion and calculation."

"In other words, His Majesty has long distrusted the Qin Family."

"Everything is reciprocal. Since His Majesty watches me, I must keep a card up my sleeve."

"Zhao Yuxiong's accusation against me and his acquisition of the Frontline Command brought me nothing but advantages—I naturally went along with it, turning his scheme to my own use."

"The Southern Campaign was already inevitable; even if I left, it would not alter the final outcome. But as long as the battle continued, Liang could not spare forces to confront the Northern Border."

"At this moment, it was the perfect time for the Qin Family to leave Jingdu and head for Beixi County."

Everyone stared in stunned silence, their eyes filled with fear—what manner of mind did this man possess? His scheming ran so deep!

Some even suspected that long before the Southern Campaign began, Qin Feng had already secretly plotted to escape the Liang Emperor's control.

To call Qin Feng "wisdom disguised as a demon" was not an exaggeration.

Not only the ordinary Dragon Tiger Army Soldiers, but even Zhang Zhonghai felt dread toward Qin Feng—facing such a man demanded immense courage.

At that moment, Qin Feng's voice sounded again.

And this time, for Zhang Zhonghai and the others, it was like a death talisman.

"You think this operation is about crushing the Qin Family? A ridiculous joke!"

"I came here fully prepared to stand against the entire Jingji Garrison."

"Once the fire starts, it will be total war."

"You think you must face only the Northern Border and the Bei Di? How naive!"

"Besides the Northern Border and the Bei Di, there is also Gaoshan Country and Yuezhao Kingdom—all those with trade ties to Beixi County will lend Beixi their support."

"I do not wish to be the one who destroys a nation—but if you force my hand, then Liang is due for a new surname!"

The impact of these words surpassed everyone's psychological limits.

Zhao Li's gaze toward Qin Feng shifted repeatedly—he knew Qin Feng was powerful, even capable of rivaling Liang, but he never imagined Qin Feng's strength had reached this level.

If anyone in this world could annihilate Liang in one strike, it was none other than Qin Feng.

Zhao Li did not wish to see the land drenched in blood; he quickly turned to Zhang Zhonghai, hoping he would abandon the plan to crush the Qin Family.

But he found that no words were needed—Zhang Zhonghai's face was already ashen, his eyes dull and lifeless.

"Commander Zhang, what are you waiting for? Order a retreat!"

"If we strike, the Dragon Tiger Army may defeat Qin Feng's troops—but we cannot achieve a swift victory."

"The nearest Beixi Light Cavalry is less than a hundred Li away, and the Northern Border Army is moments from arriving. Without doubt, the Three Great Generals of the North Border have all defected to Qin Feng, united in hatred against us."

"Our advantage will vanish quickly, leading to a stalemate, then escalating into an unstoppable total war."

"Letting the Qin Family go may not please His Majesty—but it is far better than fighting a desperate battle with the Northern Border now."

How could Zhang Zhonghai not understand this logic?

Every action requires weighing risk against reward—and clearly, the reward for striking the Qin Family now was far smaller than the risk.

Not only Zhang Zhonghai—even if the Liang Emperor were here, he would unhesitatingly choose retreat and spare the Qin Family.

Zhang Zhonghai no longer hesitated: "Retreat! Let the Qin Family go!"

At these words, every Dragon Tiger Army Soldier exhaled in relief—they were drenched in cold sweat, and now, having avoided total war, they were immensely grateful.

On Qin Feng's side, cheers erupted in waves.

"Qin Wang scared off the imperial army! Qin Wang's majesty towers over all!"

"Even if the Liang Emperor revokes his title as King of the Northern Border, Qin Feng remains our Northern Border's King!"

"Correct—even if Qin Feng is stripped of noble rank, he remains our undisputed lord of Beixi County, our undisputed leader of the Northern Border."

"Who still cares about the Liang Emperor's bestowed titles now?"

"Exactly! Qin Wang is now the No-Crown King!"

Qin Feng subjugated the enemy without fighting—and the boost to morale surpassed even a direct, bloody battle.

Jing Qianying's eyes, soft as spring water, fixed on Qin Feng; warmth spread through her heart—only this one man could make her wholeheartedly accept him as her lifelong beloved.

Only Qin Feng could make this proud Bei Di Nü Huang willingly become his wife.

Li Xiaolan's cheeks flushed red, her lips curled in a proud smile—what did it matter if she abandoned her title as Mingyue Princess, abandoned the noblest bloodline of Liang, for this man?

Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng's hearts pounded wildly, for they were about to become this solemn and powerful man's concubines!