Chapter 192

First Volume, Chapter 192: Hua Fang Competition

Lin Feimo gnashed his teeth in fury, yet had no recourse; just as he was about to stoke the flames further, the Lady of Qiyang stepped down the stairs.

Seeing the Lady of Qiyang appear, Qin Feng cursed inwardly but forced a bitter smile: "My lady, my lady, I merely arrived a little late—do you really need to frame me like this? As the saying goes, even heroes fall for beauty's trap; if I die here tonight and word gets out, how will Xie Yun'er ever face people?"

The Lady of Qiyang sneered: "A little late?! Do you even know what time it is now?! If you're late another cup of tea's time, we'll head straight back to the palace—and then you'll regret it!"

"Besides, guarding Yun'er's purity is your duty—isn't it? Those who don't know might think you're some great hero!"

"Luckily you pulled back from the cliff—if you hadn't, I'd have cut off that poisonous thing of yours right now!"

So cruel!

Qin Feng instantly felt a chill between his legs and quickly changed the subject, face twisted in distress: "My lady, why did you summon me to Mingyue Lake at this hour? If there's nothing else, I'll go back to sleep—I've been drowsy since accompanying Father to Early Court yesterday."

Seeing Qin Feng's lazy, carefree demeanor, the Lady of Qiyang grew angrier.

As a proper Lady, one word from her would make every official scion in Jingdu scramble to flatter her—yet this Qin Feng, always complaining, was truly infuriating.

The Lady of Qiyang glared: "Dare to mutter another word, and I'll rip out your tongue!"

As she spoke, the Lady of Qiyang circled Qin Feng once.

Suddenly, she slapped his shoulder.

Though she used no force.

Yet the instant her palm touched Qin Feng's shoulder, he jerked as if struck by lightning, his legs buckling—he collapsed onto the ground.

The Lady of Qiyang froze, especially upon seeing Qin Feng's cowardly, trembling state; she couldn't help but doubt.

Strange!

This fellow dared to strike Lin Feimo—so why is he now so spineless?

Hmph! Truly a two-faced, opportunistic swine.

But then again—

This fellow…

Is rather amusing, at least more interesting than most official scions.

Suppressing a smile, the Lady of Qiyang sneered: "Qin Feng, you've grown quite the talent lately—after the Emperor praised you a few times, you've truly started believing you're irreplaceable? Hmph, let me tell you, in this capital, you're never allowed to swagger."

Qin Feng sat on the ground, refusing to rise, looking up at the Lady of Qiyang with a face full of grievance: "My lady, what do you mean by that? I don't understand."

The Lady of Qiyang kicked him hard in the buttocks, irritable: "Dare to lie?! Didn't you beat Lin Feimo before I went to the camp today? Lin Feimo is the Imperial Consort's own nephew—do you think you can ignore the Imperial Consort?"

Hearing this, Qin Feng immediately understood.

Clearly, the Lady of Qiyang had summoned him tonight not just to test him, but to avenge Lin Feimo.

This showed that the Grand Protector and the Imperial Consort had no intention of intervening.

First, because the nation is currently in military preparation; Qin Feng has been entrusted by the Emperor with critical duties—acting against him now, if the National War later falters, would bring fire upon themselves.

Second, too many eyes are fixed on Qin Feng—beyond the Emperor, there's the Chang Princess, the Second Prince, the Seventh Prince; even the Imperial Consort now can't tell who's friend or foe.

And what the Imperial Consort fears most, ultimately, is the word "money."

These past days, Qin Feng's contributions to the National Treasury have been obvious to all.

Whoever acts against Qin Feng now, is effectively crippling Military Expenditure—then the Emperor won't be pleased.

Once he grasped this, Qin Feng's face showed panic, but his heart was as steady as an old dog.

Facing the Lady of Qiyang's hostile gaze, Qin Feng pouted: "Lin Feimo is the one who cried wolf—he's the villain! My lady, please see clearly—I'm the victim."

"Today, Lin Feimo stormed the camp without cause and insulted my elder sister—I scolded him, and he tried to mobilize the Longhu Army and the East and West Camps to punish me. Had the Little Marquis not been there to protect me, my life would've been in peril."

The Lady of Qiyang naturally didn't believe Qin Feng's lies!

Who in Jingdu didn't know Qin Feng was a man who never took a loss?

Besides! Lin Feimo was beaten black and blue—yet this shameless scoundrel had the nerve to play the victim.

But rumors about Lin Feimo secretly mobilizing the Garrison Army had reached the Lady of Qiyang.

This was no minor matter—any misstep could earn him the charge of "Stabbing the King and Assassinating the Chariot."

The Lady of Qiyang looked up the stairs and said coldly: "Lin Feimo—is this true?"

Lin Feimo reluctantly descended the stairs, bowing with both hands, assuming a refined Young Master's demeanor: "Lady Qiyang, do you trust me—or him? Mobilizing the Garrison Army is an act of reckless audacity—I, who have always been cautious, would never do such a thing."

Originally, the Lady of Qiyang favored Lin Feimo.

After all, they were childhood friends.

But hearing Lin Feimo's excuse, her fondness for him vanished instantly.

True, Lin Feimo long resided in Jiangnan—but his petty misdeeds, the Lady of Qiyang knew all too well!

Leveraging his status as Imperial Clan, he bullied men and women, trampled Common People—his crimes were countless!

If Lin Feimo had simply admitted it, that would've been fine.

After all, which official scion doesn't have some wicked deeds?

But to lie outright, to act without courage to own it—was truly contemptible.

The Lady of Qiyang's face turned cold: "I believe neither of you! But today's matter must be settled—lest it spread and tarnish the Imperial dignity. Since you both claim to be the victim, I'll set a challenge."

Lin Feimo immediately bowed in thanks: "Whatever Lady Qiyang says, I accept."

Sitting on the ground, Qin Feng watched Lin Feimo—he had transformed completely, now showing not a trace of his daytime arrogance before the Lady of Qiyang.

Speaking of opportunism, Qin Feng felt he and Lin Feimo were cut from the same cloth.

The Lady of Qiyang wasted no time, glancing up at the two young men on the upper floor: "With two Princes as witnesses, whoever loses must accept defeat!"

Two Princes?!

Qin Feng immediately looked up.

The two young men indeed carried an air of distinction!

One appeared early twenties, dressed in White Clothes, average-looking, yet radiating a powerful aura—exuding an intensely solemn presence.

The younger ones were also around fifteen or sixteen, dressed in yellow robes, their youthful faces already bearing a hint of the Prince's authority.

I never expected that, to support Lin Feimo tonight, even the Prince, who resides deep within the Hou Gong, would show his face.

Of course, Lin Feimo means nothing.

The truly powerful one is the Imperial Consort who commands the Six Palaces!