Chapter 183: First Volume, Chapter 183: Collective Sick Leave

First Volume, Chapter 183: Collective Sick Leave

Lin Feimo, who had always been impassive, now wore a look of triumph on his face.

Eliminating someone as stubborn as Qin Feng was, in Lin Feimo's life, a major achievement.

It would also prove to everyone the fate of those who crossed the Lin Family!

Upon learning that the East Camp Commander-in-Chief would arrive shortly, Ning Hu furrowed his brow, glanced at Qin Feng slumped in his chair like a wealthy landowner, and warned in a low voice: "Brother Qin, the East Camp Commander-in-Chief holds the rank of Grand General of Zhenyuan, one of Liang's Four Great Generals, with illustrious battlefield merits—even the Emperor himself shows him deference. If the East Camp Commander-in-Chief arrives, things may get… difficult."

Ning Hu did not continue, but his meaning was clear: once the East Camp Commander-in-Chief arrived, the situation would spiral out of control—they must send someone to mediate immediately.

Qin Feng shifted his body, adjusted into a more comfortable position, ignored the tense expressions around him, and grinned as he studied Lin Feimo near the Camp Gate: "Look at that bastard—sweating buckets, still pretending to be a Young Master. It's hilarious."

Seeing Qin Feng still had the nerve to mock Lin Feimo, Ning Hu and Xu Mo exchanged a glance and both let out a bitter laugh.

Clearly, today's grudge had only one possible outcome.

Either Qin Feng would be crushed under Lin Feimo's influence, or Lin Feimo's reputation would be ruined.

But the current situation clearly favored Lin Feimo.

Just as everyone held their breath for Qin Feng, a East Camp messenger sprinted over and whispered something into the general's ear.

The East Camp general froze, stole a glance at Qin Feng, then hurriedly reported to Lin Feimo: "Young Master Lin, the Commander-in-Chief has been summoned abruptly to the Palace—he won't be able to come."

At these words, Lin Feimo froze in shock.

Before anyone could recover, another middle-aged man on horseback galloped up—this time he didn't even dismount, shouting from afar: "I am the Deputy Commander of the West Camp! The Commander-in-Chief sent me to deliver a message: today I have an appointment with Ji Wang and cannot spare time. Young Master Lin, please proceed as you see fit!"

With that, the West Camp Deputy Commander turned his horse and rode off.

Seeing this, the East Camp general breathed a sigh of relief, mounted his horse without delay, and rode away without looking back.

It wasn't over yet!

Several men dressed as Servants arrived together.

They all knelt before Lin Feimo and bowed.

"I am a servant of the Ministry of Revenue's Li Fu. I've come to inform Young Master Lin: we are in a state of war preparation, and Minister Li is overwhelmed with official duties—he simply cannot come. Please do not hold it against him."

"Greetings, Young Master Lin. I am a servant of the Ministry of Personnel Vice Minister. I've been sent to deliver a message: today, the Vice Minister, the Minister of Personnel, and the Minister of Court of Imperial Stud are jointly inspecting the provinces and are not in Jingdu."

"Please forgive my lord…"

The officials of Jingdu, as if coordinated, either claimed to be buried in official duties, or were out of the capital—even those claiming illness were numerous.

Lin Feimo's face grew darker by the second; he could not speak a word.

In the past, whenever Lin Feimo returned to Jingdu, didn't every official and minister send their Confidants or heirs to pay respects? With just a word from Lin Feimo, even the Vice Ministers of the Six Ministries would tremble…

But this return to Jingdu, the political winds had turned completely.

These officials, upon hearing the man Lin Feimo was clashing with was Qin Feng, now showed such indifference—where was their former deference?

Lin Feimo had never cultivated connections in Jingdu, but he never expected such a collapse.

After all…

As long as his aunt and grandfather remained in Jingdu, these officials would still tremble at the mention of "Lin."

Strange!

Not just strange—outrageous!

What power does Qin Feng have to make Jingdu's officials fear him so?

Seeing Lin Feimo's fists clench tighter, his face alternating between flushed rage and pale shock, the aura of the "Chosen One" was gone.

Qin Feng burst into laughter, bent over with mirth, and felt even more pity for Lin Feimo.

Not just pitiful—naive.

Yes, your Lin Family is powerful, but you, a Lin Family scion who's lived in Jiangnan for years, really think Jingdu's officials should bow to you? Isn't that absurd?

Even if they fear the Imperial Consort and the Grand Protector, they won't risk angering the Emperor's favorite over a junior scion like you!

As for the West Camp Commander-in-Chief being summoned to the Palace—clearly just an excuse.

The Piaoqi and Cheji Grand Generals have been dispatched from Jingdu; the Wuwu and Zhenyuan Grand Generals remain in the capital, with one mission: protect the Li Imperial Clan.

In other words, in Jingdu, no one but the Emperor can command the garrisons.

Not even Lin Feimo can—nor even if the Imperial Consort herself arrived in person!

Had it not been for Lin Feimo's Lin Family background, the Camp Commanders wouldn't have deigned to acknowledge him at all.

Sending someone to deliver a message was already generous.

As for the ministers of the Six Ministries and Nine Courts—who would be foolish enough to clash with Qin Feng during war preparation? The Emperor's eyes are fixed on Qin Feng.

Anyone who moves against Qin Feng now is effectively sabotaging the National War.

Those Old Foxes won't be so stupid.

Watching Lin Feimo get slapped in the face, Qin Feng felt it wasn't enough!

To ensure Lin Feimo stayed away from the Qin Family in the future, Qin Feng gave Qin Xiaofu a signal.

Qin Xiaofu understood, scampered off eagerly.

Time ticked by, and as everyone puzzled over the turn of events…

A clatter of hooves approached.

The Deputy Commander of the City Patrol Bureau galloped up, dismounted, ignored Lin Feimo entirely, and bowed to Qin Feng: "Young Master Qin, City Patrol Bureau guards are already stationed at the City Gate. If anyone dares interfere with the camp, the City Patrol Bureau will show no mercy!"

Seeing this, Lin Feimo's face turned deathly pale.

His own men had all hidden away, refusing to show themselves.

Yet Qin Feng's people arrived with a single word—and stood ready, armed and alert.

Wasn't this gap too vast?

Qin Feng waved his hand, summoning Xu Mo: "Brother Xu, you handle this."

Xu Mo immediately bowed to the Deputy Commander of the City Patrol Bureau: "Why has the superior come in person?"

Although the Deputy Commander of the City Patrol Bureau outranked Xu Mo by a wide margin and had always been his superior, facing Xu Mo now he showed not the slightest arrogance, even keeping his posture very low as he cupped his fist in return: "I heard someone was causing trouble at the camp, so I came specially to take a look. Colonel Xu, it's been quite a while since you've been back to the City Patrol Bureau."

Causing trouble?!

Could it be referring to me?

Lin Feimo suddenly clenched his fist — a mere City Patrol Bureau, how dare they be so rude!

Just as he was about to lose his temper, he heard the sound of hoofbeats behind him…