Chapter 218

First Volume, Chapter 218: Fourth Sister, Will You Marry Me?

Little did he know, Qin Feng was already floating on cloud nine.

He longed to grab a loudspeaker right now and broadcast across the entire city, making everyone aware of this brand-new title: "A Qin Da Shan Ren."

But with his mother in urgent peril, Qin Feng dared not show off at this moment.

Though inwardly rejoicing, he kept a solemn expression, gestured downward to calm the excited crowd, and said in a low, steady voice: "All craftsmen of the Tianji Camp who work diligently will be employed for life! As for wages and benefits, they will only improve, never decline."

Upon hearing this, the crowd below stirred with quiet excitement.

Gaining the craftsmen's loyalty was, for Qin Feng—who was about to leave Jingdu—entirely beneficial and without downside.

Qin Feng shifted tone and began formally assigning duties within the Tianji Camp: "Currently, the Tianji Camp comprises three major branches: commerce, craftsmanship, and military. Commerce is fully overseen by Elder Sister, Second Sister, and Lin Quqi. Shen Qingci serves as Manager of the Book Bureau; Lin Quqi is Deputy Manager. In my absence, all decisions regarding the Book Bureau rest solely with these two."

"Liu Hongyan will oversee the sugar industry and serve as Chief Accountant; all income and expenditures of the Tianji Camp must pass through Liu Hongyan's hands."

"For the Gongfang, Lu Ming is appointed 'A Zong Gong'; all craftsmen must obey Lu Ming's orders."

"As for training the New Army, Fourth Sister Jing Qianying will be in charge."

At this, Qin Feng withdrew a pre-prepared training plan from his sleeve and handed it to Jing Qianying.

Finally, he addressed the selection of personnel for Beixi County: "Of the three hundred guards, I will take one hundred. As for who wishes to accompany me to Beixi County, decide among yourselves!"

No sooner had he spoken than shouts erupted in unison, every guard stepping forward to volunteer.

"Young Master, I wish to accompany you to Beixi County!"

"Count me in! Even if we must charge into the North Di Barbarians' rear area, I won't hesitate!"

"Save the Lady! Slay the Barbarians!"

Seeing the guards' fervor, Qin Feng felt a deep sense of comfort.

All good comrades!

Qin Feng immediately selected one hundred guards, ordered them to don their gear, then turned and clapped Xu Mo on the shoulder, speaking solemnly: "Xu Brother, I'm taking Ning Hu with me to Beixi County—you remain at the Tianji Camp."

Xu Mo had already prepared to don armor, and upon hearing this, his spirits sank: "Qin Brother, why leave me behind? This mission to Beixi County will inevitably involve battle with the North Di Barbarians—how can you exclude me from the charge?"

Xu Mo's loyalty was unquestionable.

Even when Qin Feng was still wandering aimlessly in Jingdu, he had already befriended Xu Mo.

Qin Feng didn't hide his reasoning: "You and Ning Hu are my left and right arms in the military. I trust no one else. Though the three hundred guards have been barely trained, don't forget the two battalions of new recruits—they still need you to train them. The remaining two hundred guards can assist you in drilling the new troops."

"Once the New Army is ready, petition the Emperor to join me and Ning Hu at Biancheng."

In truth, this operation was Qin Feng's personal mission.

With his authority, he could mobilize at most one hundred men—any more would invite impeachment from court ministers.

After all, privately mobilizing troops was no trivial matter anywhere.

Due to the urgency, Qin Feng had no time to seek imperial approval at Gong Zhong, so he could only depart immediately with Ning Hu and one hundred guards.

Xu Mo understood Qin Feng's intent. Though reluctant, he nodded in acceptance.

Qin Feng slammed his hand hard on Xu Mo's shoulder: "Brother, I'm leaving my entire rear to you. While I'm away from Jingzhong, whether it's the Tianji Camp or the Qin Family—you must protect them. Do you understand?"

Only then did Xu Mo fully realize.

This seemingly peaceful era was merely calm before the storm.

Qin Feng—and the Qin Family—were already surrounded by enemies at court.

Had it not been for the emergency war preparations, all political rivals had temporarily retreated; otherwise, the Qin Family would have been crippled at every turn.

Now, with Qin Feng leaving Jingdu, it presented an opportunity for those who feared him.

Therefore, someone capable of holding the line must remain behind to safeguard Qin Feng's foundation and prevent the back courtyard from catching fire.

Xu Mo's disappointment vanished instantly; his gaze grew fierce.

After all, Qin Feng entrusting him with such a weighty responsibility proved how deeply he valued Xu Mo. He immediately clasped his fists tightly: "Qin Brother, rest assured—anyone who dares lay a hand on the Qin Family or the Tianji Camp must step over my corpse! You and the Little Marquis go ahead. Once I've trained the New Army, I'll petition the Emperor and join you two."

Qin Feng gave a firm nod, acknowledging his thanks.

At this moment, Ning Hu had already brought the warhorses, and the one hundred guards waited on the Official Road.

As Qin Feng mounted his horse, he felt his calf being tugged—he turned to see it was Liu Hongyan.

Though she knew Qin Feng had to go, her eyes still betrayed reluctance and worry.

After all…

This reckless boy had been raised under her watch.

After much hesitation, Liu Hongyan bit her lips lightly and whispered, reluctant: "Feng'er, be careful… Sister will wait for you at home."

Since arriving in this world, Qin Feng had always been close to Liu Hongyan; now, facing sudden separation, he too felt deep reluctance.

But his mother's life hung in the balance—not only tied to the Qin Family's rise or fall, but also to the outcome of this war. Qin Feng could not afford hesitation.

He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and spoke to Liu Hongyan, word by word: "Sister, wait for me to return!"

Then he turned to Shen Qingci: "Elder Sister, do you still remember your promise at Qingya Pavilion?"

How could Shen Qingci forget?

A lifetime of icy aloofness had been shattered by this brat.

Even now, recalling that day at Qingya Pavilion, her heart quickened and her cheeks burned.

Marry Qin Feng?!

Damn it—too shameful to say aloud!

Shen Qingci glared at Qin Feng, ready to scold—but the words that came out changed tone, her anger replaced by concern: "Be careful on the road. Your Mingyue Zhuan isn't finished yet."

Qin Feng grinned, then turned to Jing Qianying and declared boldly: "Fourth Sister, when I return, will you marry me?"