Chapter 157

First Volume, Chapter 157: Turning Spears and Shields into Jade and Silk

Qin Feng's face lit up with joy; he immediately stood up and scampered behind Ning Hu to untie him.

As if their past grudges had vanished in an instant, he draped an arm around Ning Hu's shoulder and strolled off to discuss future military supplies business.

Although Ning Hu had accepted Qin Feng in his heart, the many past unpleasantnesses still left him somewhat restrained.

With Qin Feng's embrace, sensing Qin Feng's "direct and open-minded" nature, Ning Hu's final inner turmoil dissolved.

He was naturally a straightforward man, and thus naturally compatible with Qin Feng.

Just moments ago they were shouting for blood, now they were as close as brothers…

Lin Quqi watched the two heartless fellows and couldn't help shaking his head in sigh: "A pack of kindred rogues!"

Meanwhile, on the city wall stairs, Marquis Yong'an Ning Wenyu quietly sheathed his short knife.

Seeing Ning Hu dragged onto the wall, Ning Wenyu had already guessed Qin Feng would seize the chance to humiliate him; upon rushing over, he confirmed it.

Had Lin Quqi not been there to hold Qin Feng back, Ning Wenyu would have rushed forward and slashed Qin Feng's throat.

But when he witnessed Qin Feng extending an olive branch to Ning Hu and imparting military knowledge, Ning Wenyu's killing intent gradually gave way to astonishment.

Now, seeing Qin Feng and Ning Hu reconcile and walk shoulder to shoulder, Ning Wenyu finally understood.

Qin Feng had deliberately brought Ning Hu onto the wall as a prisoner, solely to avoid the Ministry of Revenue's eyes.

Ning Wenyu was not a die-hard member of the Pro-Peace Faction; he merely yielded to the Ministry of Revenue's overtures to preserve the Ning family's marquisate.

If Ning Hu now had Qin Feng's protection, the Ning family's marquisate would be as solid as a rock—no one could take it away!

Between the Qin family and the Ministry of Revenue, there was no need to agonize over the choice.

Ning Wenyu's spirits lifted; he turned and walked back, just as the Ministry of Revenue's Assistant Director approached.

The Ministry of Revenue's Assistant Director immediately bowed and clasped his hands: "My Lord, Grand Secretary Li requests your presence."

In the past, Ning Wenyu would have smiled warmly and cooperated wholeheartedly.

But now that his Quan Lang had connected with Qin Feng, why should he still kowtow to the Ministry of Revenue?

Ning Wenyu snorted coldly, smiling without warmth: "There are many Grand Secretaries Li—could you clarify which one you mean?"

The Ministry of Revenue's Assistant Director was taken aback by Ning Wenyu's reaction but still forced a smile: "Naturally, Grand Secretary Li of the Ministry of Revenue."

Ning Wenyu gave a light "oh," turned and walked down, tossing a cold remark: "Tell Grand Secretary Li I'm tied up with affairs and cannot spare time—perhaps another day."

Saying this, Ning Wenyu ignored the Assistant Director and headed straight for Qin Tianhu.

"You—" The Assistant Director's face darkened; clearly, Ning Wenyu had indeed turned toward the Qin family…

Under the watchful eyes of the Ministry of Revenue officials.

Ning Wenyu showed no hesitation and directly bowed to Qin Tianhu: "Lord Qin, my Quan Lang has offended you lately—please forgive him."

Surprised by Ning Wenyu's sudden overture, Qin Tianhu was momentarily taken aback, but sensing the sincerity in Ning Wenyu's gaze—and the cold stares from the Ministry of Revenue officials—he immediately realized Qin Feng's public "back door" maneuver had worked.

In status and rank, Ning Wenyu might not rival the Six Ministries' ministers, but he remained a pivotal figure in Jingdu.

After all, noble titles differ from GovernmentPositions.

GovernmentPositions are like flowing water—no official can hold one for long.

But noble titles are different: they last a lifetime and are hereditary!

With Ning Wenyu's support, the Qin family's standing in Jingdu would be even more secure.

Qin Tianhu rose immediately to return the bow, beaming: "My Lord, what nonsense are you speaking? Children squabble—no grudges last overnight. From now on, the Qin and Ning families must visit each other often."

Seeing Qin Tianhu forgive past grievances, Ning Wenyu's lingering worries vanished instantly; he promptly agreed that after the Qingyi Ceremony, he would bring Ning Hu to pay a visit.

Sitting across from them, Li Xu's face turned ashen; he gritted his teeth fiercely: "You despicable Ning Wenyu, betraying us without even blinking!"

The Ministry of Revenue officials nearby also glowered in fury.

Yet beyond their fury, they were powerless.

Previously, they could rely on the Second Prince's name to intimidate Ning Wenyu.

But now that Ning Wenyu has allied with the Qin family, and Qin Feng is famously unyielding to anyone—even the Second Prince's name won't sway him, let alone if the Second Prince himself showed up, he still couldn't control Ning Wenyu.

Almost no one in the crowd noticed the secret collusion on the wall.

Only the Liang Emperor, throughout, had kept a fraction of his attention, occasionally glancing toward the wall.

Coupled with Ning Wenyu and Qin Tianhu's reconciliation, the Liang Emperor instantly realized: this entire scheme was Qin Feng's doing…

At that moment, the Chang Princess's voice reached the Liang Emperor's ear: "In court, the worst sin is collusion between noble titles and GovernmentPositions—officials hold real power, marquises hold prestige; when the two combine, chaos strikes the imperial order. Lord Qin is a veteran minister, and he stands before Your Majesty—how could he commit such a basic error?"

The Liang Emperor smiled faintly and turned to the Chang Princess: "Zhaoxiang, you've been subtly defending Qin Feng since the beginning—aren't you tired?"

The Chang Princess immediately bowed her head: "Your Majesty accuses me wrongly… I've lived deep in the Deep Palace, rarely interacting with the outside world. Whether Qin Feng lives or dies, prospers or falls—what does it matter to me? Why would I defend him?"

The Liang Emperor did not press further; had any other minister or marquis colluded, he would have pondered it—but the Qin family posed no threat.

Qin Feng is a commoner, and Qin Tianhu is a loyal minister who cares only for warfare—no need to worry.

The Liang Emperor shifted tone: "How is life in the Hou Gong?"

The Chang Princess replied promptly: "It's my own home—naturally comfortable, thank Your Majesty for your concern. By my count, Your Majesty hasn't returned to the Hou Gong in nearly half a year. Imperial Consort Zhen and Imperial Consort Shu constantly speak of you; Imperial Consort Gui often sighs. Your Majesty should find time to visit the Hou Gong. By the way…"

At this, the Chang Princess suddenly remembered: "A few days ago, Your Majesty met the Empress Title in Jiaotai Hall? The Empress Title is unambitious and holds supreme status—no one in the Hou Gong would dare speak ill. But women's hearts are easily unsettled; if resentment lingers, they turn to other thoughts—and only Your Majesty can mend such rifts."

The Liang Emperor nodded with a smile: "Zhaoxiang, you're thoughtful. Once military preparations are settled, I'll visit the Hou Gong. As for those rifts—they've long existed… Didn't Qin Feng send a plaque when his Wine House opened? I've already mended them. Today is the Qingyi Ceremony—focus on that. After Po Zhen Guan ends, there's the Military Strategy Pass and the Adaptability Pass."

The Liang Emperor and the Chang Princess chatted casually, their sibling affection evident in every word.

Sitting across from them, the Second Prince and the Seventh Prince remained silent as mice, heads bowed low…