Chapter 221: First Volume, Chapter 221: There Is Still a Chance

First Volume, Chapter 221: There Is Still a Chance

The crowd, moments ago brimming with excitement, instantly sank into gloom.

Who in Beixi County didn't know that Madam Qin was a great benefactor? Yet good people never have good fortune…

At that moment, a boy in the crowd hesitated for a long while, then stepped forward and ran to the soldier's horse, nervously saying: "Military Master, are you here looking for that squad of Beidi Raiding Cavalry? I've seen them."

The soldier, who had been fully on guard, froze at these words, immediately dismounting and grabbing the boy's arm, urgently asking: "Where did you see them? Tell me quickly."

At the same moment, Qin Feng had already spread out a map in the County Yamen.

Beixi County is forty Li from the border, with four Village Guard Posts, two Yizhans, and one encampment in between.

To the east lies a barren stone mountain; to the right, a flat, open plain.

If the Border Army shows even the slightest delay, the Beidi Raiding Cavalry, after capturing Madam Qin, can flee across the border at once.

Qin Feng frowned deeply and asked in a low voice: "When did the Border Army come to report this?"

Chen Li, drenched in sweat, stammered: "Your Young Master, the report came the afternoon after the incident."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's heart sank halfway.

Not to mention the half-day delay—even if they'd delayed just one or two hours, the Beidi Raiding Cavalry's speed would have been enough to make a round trip and retreat safely into Beidi territory.

Could it be…

Is this truly unsolvable?

Just as Qin Feng's heart darkened, a soldier burst into the DaTang, excitedly reporting: "Your Young Master, that Beidi Raiding Cavalry is still inside Beixi County!"

The soldier's report was like Timely Assistance; Qin Feng, who had given up all hope, reignited his determination—so long as the Beidi Raiding Cavalry remained within Shedynasty territory, there was still room to maneuver!

Qin Feng fixed his gaze on the soldier and asked calmly: "What happened?"

The soldier was secretly thrilled—after all, Madam Qin's fate determined the Qin Family's rise or fall, and the Qin Family's fate shaped the future of Tianji Camp. The three hundred soldiers shared Qin Feng's fortune and misfortune; even the slightest chance to save Madam Qin was enough to stir their spirits.

The soldier bowed and suppressed his joy: "Your Young Master, a local shepherd saw hoofprints near Da Ze Mountain yesterday while tending sheep. Beidi Warhorses are taller and bulkier—their hoofprints are one finger deeper and one finger wider than those of local Horses."

Hearing this, Qin Feng immediately checked the map and found that Da Ze Mountain lay directly east of Beixi County, twenty Li from Qingshizicun.

Unless the Beidi Raiding Cavalry's mission went awry, they would never detour all the way to Da Ze Mountain.

Moreover, all exit routes beyond the border have been sealed by the Border Army; if the Beidi Raiding Cavalry wishes to escape, they must risk crossing Da Ze Mountain directly—this would nullify their speed advantage and drastically slow their advance.

There is still a chance!

Qin Feng ignored Chen Li, who stood beside him with obsequious flattery, and gave immediate orders: "Ning Hu, take fifty mounted soldiers and head north straight for the Beidi Frontier. Circle around the northern foot of Da Ze Mountain and cut off the Raiding Cavalry's escape path! Since they came, leave none alive on Shedynasty soil—not one of them escapes!"

Ning Hu said nothing, dashed out of the County Yamen, gathered fifty mounted guards, and galloped northward.

Qin Feng ordered the remaining fifty mounted soldiers to stand by.

Then he turned to Chen Li and asked coldly: "Is there anyone left alive in Qingshizicun?"

Chen Li knew Qingshizicun was the Qin Family Ancestral Land, home to many common people who were Qin relatives, so he hesitated, avoiding Qin Feng's gaze, and replied vaguely: "The Border Army's report said Qingshizicun was massacred, but didn't mention any survivors. I'll go there personally with men to investigate."

Hah!

Qin Feng sneered inwardly.

What a fine Father Official of Beixi County—his people slaughtered by Beidi Raiding Cavalry, and four days have passed without him even setting foot on the scene! No wonder Qin Feng had to force his way through the City Gate and storm straight to the County Yamen before this incompetent official finally reacted.

Just these two charges of dereliction of duty are enough to sever his head!

Yet even if this man is utterly foolish, he has ruled Beixi County for years and knows the land far better than Qin Feng.

Qin Feng swallowed his Hatred and gave a faint, cold smile: "Then go quickly and investigate. Thank you, County Magistrate."

Qin Feng stressed the words "Thank you," sending Chen Li into a cold sweat—he dared not delay a moment, grabbed his ragtag Yamen Runners, and fled the County Yamen in panic toward Qingshizicun.

Qin Feng wasted no more time, took the remaining fifty mounted soldiers, and headed straight for Da Ze Mountain…

At the same moment, Qingya Pavilion in Jingdu.

After Shen Qingci's days of promotion, the name Mingyue Zhuan had spread throughout Jingdu.

Noble Youth and literati flocked in, all demanding the Gold-Collector's Edition.

A cartload of new books arrived and was sold out within moments.

Shen Qingci was about to send someone to Tianji Camp for more stock when Lu Ming suddenly appeared at the door, peering inside furtively.

Shen Qingci knew Lu Ming was Qin Feng's right-hand man, so she asked casually: "Lu Ming, why are you here instead of staying at Tianji Camp? What do you want?"

Lu Ming dared not enter Qingya Pavilion—it was a refined place, utterly out of place for a "rough, unrefined man" like him.

He stood at the threshold, scratching his head, and smiled apologetically: "My Lady, I do have something to report—it was arranged by the Young Master before he left Jingdu."

Hearing this, Shen Qingci's interest stirred; she gestured for Lu Ming to come in.

Lu Ming shook his head like a rattle drum, embarrassed: "I'm filthy—I won't come in."

Shen Qingci glared: "I told you to come in. No more nonsense."

Lu Ming knew the Lady's temper was sharp; he gritted his teeth and stepped into Qingya Pavilion. Seeing Shen Qingci personally offer him a cup of cold tea, he felt a wave of fear—and even more, deep gratitude. Clearly, the Qin Family now regarded Lu Ming as "one of their own."

Holding the cold tea, Lu Ming silently vowed: this lifetime, he would devote himself utterly to the Qin Family, never failing their kindness.

Shen Qingci studied Lu Ming with deep intent.

From what she knew, among all in Tianji Camp, aside from Xu Mo and Ning Hu, Lu Ming was the most vital to Qin Feng—calling him a confidant was no exaggeration.

Despite his high status, Lu Ming showed no arrogance, only caution and humility.

Shen Qingci nodded inwardly: that brat Qin Feng may be slovenly himself, but his ability to command men is flawless.

Shen Qingci asked directly: "What exactly did Feng'er task you with? Don't hold back—speak freely!"