Chapter 1291: The Arrow Is on the String

First Volume, Chapter 1291: The Arrow Is on the String

Meanwhile, Zhao Yuxiong had returned to Liang Capital; the capital's commoners had no idea that Qin Feng and Zhao Yuxiong had gone their separate ways. Upon hearing of Zhao Yuxiong's triumphant return, even out of respect for Qin Feng, the people lined the streets in Heroes' Welcome.

Besides the commoners, many Court Heavy Ministers also warmly welcomed him.

Such a grand reception naturally filled the Zhao family with pride, yet Zhao Yuxiong never showed even a hint of a smile throughout.

He knew well that the blossoming splendor before him was merely stolen glory from the Qin Family.

Although Qin Feng had left the Southern Border, Zhao Yuxiong continued fighting according to Qin Feng's strategic vision—and the results proved Qin Feng's strategy was profoundly correct.

Whether it was Zhao Yuxiong or anyone else, as long as they did not act on their own whim and strictly followed Qin Feng's strategic plan, victory would be unquestionable.

Therefore, in Zhao Yuxiong's eyes, all the glory of the Southern Campaign belonged to Qin Feng.

Unfortunately, Liang's greatest hero now stood in direct opposition to the court—truly, man's plans are no match for heaven's.

Even though he now stood on the opposite side of Qin Feng, Zhao Yuxiong harbored not a shred of hostility toward him.

Yet some truths he could only keep within his heart—he could never speak them aloud.

At the same time Zhao Yuxiong returned to the capital, nearly all Court Heavy Ministers gathered in the Grand Hall to deliberate the Great Plan against the Rebel Party.

Although Chen Zheng had always clashed with Qin Feng, at this critical juncture, Chen Zheng became one of the few officials in the Imperial Court who did not wish to reignite war.

"The Southern Campaign has ended, and the Di are now in a phase of recuperation. Our Liang has reached its most peaceful moment in centuries."

"It is precisely during such times that we must seize the opportunity to let the people rest and recover, restoring our nation's national strength."

Though Chen Zheng did not say it outright, his meaning was clear: he opposed launching another campaign against the Northern Border.

In truth…

The vast majority of officials in the hall privately agreed with Chen Zheng's view, yet those who dared voice it aloud were few and far between.

Everyone understood clearly: the question now was not whether to fight, but when to fight.

After all, Qin Feng was no foreign enemy—even if we won, he would never slaughter Liang's civilians.

Under this premise, the risks of attacking the Northern Border were far smaller than those of fighting other enemies.

Chen Zheng's viewpoint greatly displeased the Liang Emperor.

Yet considering Chen Zheng had always been principled rather than personal, the Liang Emperor, though inwardly dissatisfied, did not rebuke him, but said solemnly: "Our Liang has endured two great wars, both won decisively."

"Now is the moment when our soldiers' morale is at its peak. We must seize this chance, strike with One-Strike Victory, and eliminate the remaining threats, allowing our Liang to finally enter a golden age."

"Minister Chen, I understand your concern for the people. I hereby pledge: unless a powerful enemy invades, the Northern Expedition will be the final war I launch during my reign."

"Only when internal and external threats are fully eradicated, and our people enjoy lasting peace, will this be the true golden age we all hope for."

In response to the Liang Emperor's words, Chen Zheng silently sighed inwardly.

He knew full well the Liang Emperor's motive for launching this Northern Expedition was not for Liang's people, but to consolidate his own imperial throne.

How many civilians would be dragged into this war?

Chen Zheng could not understand why it was so hard for Liang's people to escape war.

In the past, the Liang Emperor would never have cared for Chen Zheng's opinion—but now, Chen Zheng was both Junior Protector and leader of the Pure Stream loyalists.

Moreover, with the Qin Family's departure, over half of the former Taolin Party officials had joined Chen Zheng's faction.

The Liang Emperor knew those former Taolin Party ministers feared retribution, which was why they hid beneath Chen Zheng's protection.

Yet even so, Chen Zheng's power had surged to a level the Liang Emperor could no longer ignore.

To secure Chen Zheng's support, Zhao Li's stance was now especially crucial.

First, Zhao Li was a senior Old Minister with sufficient seniority, and he had already been appointed Grand Commandant, granting him sufficient rank.

Most importantly, he had once been close to the Qin Family—especially his son Zhao Yuxiong, who had even sworn brotherhood with Qin Feng and was one of the Three Great Generals of Beixi.

If Zhao Li supported launching the Northern Expedition, the Liang Emperor would have ample justification to proceed.

The Liang Emperor immediately turned to Zhao Li and asked casually: "Grand Commandant Zhao, I wish to hear your opinion."

At this moment, Zhao Li's heart was torn—he utterly refused to launch the Northern Expedition, yet the Liang Emperor had appointed him Grand Commandant and promoted Zhao Yuxiong, clearly intending for the Zhao Family to replace the Qin Family.

At this point, the Zhao Family had no real choice: either support and assist the Liang Emperor, or be branded traitors and purged entirely.

Zhao Li now fully understood Qin Feng—he understood why Qin Feng had been determined to take his family away from Jingdu.

As the saying goes: serving an emperor is like serving a tiger—this saying was utterly true.

Even for the sake of his family, Zhao Li could only reluctantly play the supporting role for the Liang Emperor.

Under the gaze of all, Zhao Li bowed and, against his conscience, said: "As the saying goes: one strike boosts morale, the second weakens it, the third exhausts it."

"Though we have just endured two prolonged wars and the people urgently need rest, once we slacken, the army's hard-won morale will plummet."

"All of you know Qin Feng's strength—this one man is more dangerous than all the Powerful Clans of the Southern Border and the Di combined."

"Therefore, to win this war, we must exert every ounce of effort—no slack, no hesitation."

Zhao Li's words satisfied the Liang Emperor, who then feigned a casual glance around the hall and asked knowingly: "What do all my ministers think?"

Since Zhao Li had spoken thus, what could the other officials say? They could only reluctantly cry out: "We concur."

Thus, the Liang Emperor had secured the support of the Civil and Military Ministers. Without further hesitation, he rose and waved his hand.

"Transmit my military order: mobilize troops immediately, march to the Northern Border, and crush the Rebel Party in one decisive blow."

The officials all cried out: "We obey."

As the court session ended and officials filed out toward Gong Wai, all shook their heads and sighed, faces heavy with gloom.

Especially the Pure Stream loyalists—before they even left the palace, they were already whispering among themselves.

"His Majesty publicly called the Northern Border the Rebel Party—he has now openly declared Qin Feng his mortal enemy. The Northern Expedition is inevitable."

"Sigh… we had just finished two great wars, internal and external, and thought we could finally catch our breath—and yet…"