Chapter 167

First Volume, Chapter 167: The Qin-Xie Marriage Alliance

As the Chang Princess finally revealed her true intent, Qin Feng realized she had spent all this time laying the groundwork solely to arrange this marriage.

It was less a marriage than a political alliance.

Xie Yun'er's father was the Ning Duke, Xie Bi!

Though not one of the Three Dukes, he still held the rank of Duke.

In Shedynasty, noble titles came in five ranks: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron.

Ning Hu's Marquis title was a full rank lower than Xie Yun'er's Duke title.

Moreover, throughout Shedynasty, those granted the title of Duke were few and far between.

Should the Qin Family ally with the Xie Family through marriage, it would be a union of two powerful houses; even if the Liang Emperor trusted the Qin Family deeply, he would inevitably grow wary. Currently, the Qin Family devoted itself entirely to the state, posing no threat whatsoever to the Liang Emperor—that was why he could boldly rely on them.

Once Qin Feng married Xie Yun'er, any whisper in the Liang Emperor's ear would no longer be baseless speculation.

For the sake of the Qin Family, this marriage must not be accepted!

But just as Qin Feng prepared to flatly refuse, the Liang Emperor preempted him with an ImperialJustice: "The Chang Princess speaks wisely. Qin Feng and Xie Yun'er are mutually devoted—this is no secret. Since the man is willing and the woman receptive, I shall grant this marriage as a favor."

Upon hearing this, the Ministry of War Officials rejoiced.

The Ministry of Revenue Officials also felt a quiet thrill—Qin Tianhu was a shrewd schemer, always cautious and silent, and they had never found an opening to impeach him.

Now that the Qin and Xie families were allied, on the surface their power had surged, but in truth, they had invited fire upon themselves.

From now on, any minor flaw in the Qin Family could be seized upon and magnified!

Was this marriage, somehow, a win for everyone?!

Qin Feng, disregarding the crime of defying the Imperial Edict, tried desperately to stop the alliance—only for Qin Tianhu to suddenly kneel and bow in thanks: "The Emperor's grace is boundless! The Qin Family bows in gratitude!"

What?!

Qin Feng was stunned. Old Qin had always despised factional alliances—why had he suddenly reversed himself?

This marriage was beyond Qin Feng's control.

The Liang Emperor ignored Qin Feng's helpless, resentful gaze, beaming with delight, and declared: "Today's Qingyi Ceremony has yielded abundant results, and now I bestow the Qin-Xie marriage as a further blessing. Though tradition dictates an Adaptability Pass follows, Qin Feng's talents are plain for all to see—this pass is unnecessary. I hereby announce the two candidates granted the rank of Regimental Commander: Xu Mo and Ning Hu."

The Liang Emperor knew full well that even if Ning Hu lost, Qin Feng would find some backdoor way to secure him a Regimental Commander slot.

Better to grant a favor outright than to go through the motions—it was an indirect reward for Qin Feng.

Xu Mo and Ning Hu were overjoyed, immediately kneeling to thank the Emperor.

The Yong'an Marquis, who had worn a gloomy face for days, now beamed with delight, silently marveling that letting Ning Hu follow Qin Feng had been the wisest decision he'd made in years.

On the very day of this alliance, such great benefits had already been secured—eyes turned toward Qin Feng and his father with even greater fervor.

Xie Yun'er's cheeks flushed red. Though known throughout Jingdu as a violent young lady, she now seemed shy and awkward—after all, she was still a girl, and matters of romance were naturally embarrassing; otherwise, she would not have clashed so fiercely with Qin Feng before.

Now, about to marry the man she once hated most, she found her dislike fading.

Even though Qin Feng possessed no martial skill whatsoever, his military talent had stirred her heart deeply.

Only two people present were deeply displeased by this marriage.

The Princess of Qiyang Commandery scowled, her face filled with contempt: "Damn Qin Feng—he still got off scot-free! Yun'er is so beautiful, so skilled in martial arts, and of such noble birth—how could this happen… Sigh!"

Qin Feng was also deeply troubled; Qin Tianhu kept glaring at him, as if warning him: dare defy the Imperial Edict, and you'll regret it.

With the Third Pass canceled, the Qingyi Ceremony was officially over.

Yet none of those present hurried to leave—some continued discussing military strategy, others offered congratulations to the Qin and Xie families.

Qin Feng finally seized the chance to sidle up to Qin Tianhu and whispered: "Old Qin, what's going on? Cough cough… Dad, put your hand down—it was a slip of the tongue."

Qin Tianhu snorted, lowering his massive paw-like hand, and snapped: "You understand nothing! The northern Di campaign faces immense resistance—even if this war is inevitable, every faction is scheming to bring down the Qin Family. The Emperor, to ensure our family leads this campaign, has followed the Chang Princess's suggestion and approved this Qin-Xie marriage. With the Ning Duke protecting us, our leadership of this campaign is now unshakable."

"I know you wish to withdraw from the Imperial Court. But everything has its limit—don't get too entangled, but don't distance yourself too completely. Too entangled, and the Emperor grows suspicious; too distant, and you're too weak to protect yourself."

"Xie Yun'er is now the Qin Family's rightful Young Madam. This is final—no room for negotiation."

With the matter put so plainly, Qin Feng, though deeply reluctant, had no choice but to accept it.

Thinking of Xie Yun'er's violent deeds and that brutal little leather whip, Qin Feng shuddered.

What if they argued or had a falling out? Would he be beaten to death on the spot?

News from ShiZhen gradually spread outward.

The Colonel in charge of the Sand Table stared with burning eyes, clapping in admiration: "The strategies proposed by Young Master Qin and Ning Hu were absolutely brilliant! Young Master Qin is truly a genius! The rumors say he is the reincarnation of the Wenqu Star—I say he's clearly the Wuqu Star!"

Liu Hongyan's head was held high, her face glowing with pride: "Who was it who said my Qin Feng only knew how to talk about war on paper?"

Gao Yulan's face flushed crimson, but she had no retort.

At that moment, Lin Quqi on the City Wall shouted to Liu Hongyan: "Second Miss, Qin Feng has achieved great merit—the Emperor is delighted and has bestowed the Qin-Xie marriage!"

At these words, Liu Hongyan's smile froze—for just an instant—then returned, though it no longer felt natural: "Oh? That's good news."

When Liu Hongyan turned to look at Shen Qingci, she saw Shen Qingci's gaze was strangely altered.

Just then, Jing Qianying spoke coldly: "Qin Feng is the only son of the Minister of War, holds the Golden Sash, and enjoys the Emperor's deep favor. The position of rightful Young Madam was always destined for someone of noble birth—no common girl could ever match that little hired thug."

"But given that brat's nature, whether he even cares about 'rightful' or 'secondary' is another matter…" Liu Hongyan silently added in her heart.

Xiao Xiangxiang, by contrast, was delighted—now that a rightful Young Madam had been chosen, there would be no more concerns over seniority or hierarchy.

Thinking of how close she now was to becoming a concubine, Xiao Xiangxiang grew excited.

Meanwhile, a unit of soldiers clad in Heavy Armor marched forward in heavy, synchronized steps toward ShiZhen.

Seeing the endless line of troops, Shen Qingci frowned slightly: "City Patrol Bureau guards? Strange—what are they doing here?"

Jing Qianying narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing, and cried sharply: "Danger! Elder Sister, Second Sister—run!"