Chapter 226

First Volume, Chapter 226: The Heavy Gift of Liu Li

Li Zhan was stunned, quickly turning to the Liang Emperor, only to find the Emperor's eyes half-lidded, filled with profound depth.

The art of refining Liu Li was indeed shocking and unprecedented.

But earlier, the 'Black Captain' spies had reported that Qin Feng had indeed sent men to bribe officials at the Ministry of Works under cover of night, smuggling away substantial quantities of raw materials.

Since these were all trivial matters, the Liang Emperor had ignored them, pretending nothing had happened—now, it ironically confirmed Qin Feng's feat of refining Liu Li.

The Liang Emperor studied the exquisitely crafted, almost supernatural Liu Li Window, hesitated repeatedly, then made his decision: "Since this is Qin Feng's sincere gesture, keep it. Bring him in—reward Qin's eldest daughter with one thousand liang of gold, and escort her out of the palace."

Shen Qingci promptly bowed in thanks, left the Imperial Study, but did not hurry away; instead, under the guidance of an Imperial Eunuch, she went to the Hou Gong to meet the Chang Princess.

With only master and servant remaining in the Imperial Study, Li Zhan could no longer hold back, his voice trembling: "Qin Feng can personally refine Liu Li—does this not mean he controls an inexhaustible mountain of gold and silver? If His Majesty issues an imperial decree ordering Qin Feng to surrender the Liu Li manufacturing method, the Liang Kingdom's National Treasury will have a stable source of income."

The Liang Emperor had the same thought, but as he gazed at the Liu Li Window, his eyes revealed a hint of cunning as he smiled lightly: "Never mind. Qin Feng has shown such loyalty to me—how could I cut off his livelihood? Let him follow the old rule: let him earn for a few years first, then seize it for the state."

"Today, Qin Feng sent this Liu Li Window. What do you think is his deeper intention, Li Zhan?"

Li Zhan pondered, cautiously suggesting: "Could it be that he fears his Liu Li business will one day be seized by His Majesty halfway through, so he's offering this gift first to curry favor and secure his profits?"

The Liang Emperor's lips curled slightly as he replied gravely: "That is one reason."

"This brat is shrewd! He's made many enemies in Jingdu and knows that once he leaves the capital, returning will be nearly impossible. So he uses this Liu Li Window to constantly remind me that there's still a man like him in Heaven. Hmph—Qin Feng is clever, but his methods are too aggressive. Had his wealth-gathering skills not been so extraordinary, I'd have crushed him ten times over!"

"He's certain I value him, so he acts without fear. Yet among the capital's young nobles, none can match him."

Seeing the Liang Emperor hold Qin Feng in such high regard, Li Zhan secretly rejoiced—he had long been on good terms with Qin Feng privately; should Qin Feng rise to power, Li Zhan's old bones would have protection after leaving the palace.

At that moment, a figure in black robes appeared behind the screen in the Imperial Study, speaking in a low tone: "Your Majesty, Shen Qingci has not left the palace; she went to the Hou Gong to present the Chang Princess with a set of Liu Li Wine Vessels, which the Chang Princess greatly admired and rewarded her handsomely."

Liu Li Wine Vessels…

The Liang Emperor's eyes flickered with envy as he chuckled: "Didn't I say so? That brat prepared everything before leaving Jingdu, ensuring no fire breaks out in his own backyard. With this heavy gift, the Chang Princess won't forget him for at least several months."

Li Zhan knew well that the Liang Emperor despised "clever men"; he whispered cautiously: "Is Qin Feng… too clever?"

The Liang Emperor waved his hand dismissively: "Too clever is fine; what's dangerous is being clever and getting fooled by one's own cleverness. Qin Feng Xiao'er is brilliant—but he can reflect on himself, knows what to do and what to think. No need to worry about him. Still, clever as he is, his experience is too thin. He's likely forgotten the truth: 'Beyond people, there are greater people; beyond mountains, there are higher mountains.'"

From the moment Qin Feng left Jingdu, he knew returning would be no easy feat.

Now, seeing the cavalry arriving at the Mountain Foot, Qin Feng's conviction deepened.

Two hundred Beidi Elite Raiding Cavalry had sharpened their weapons and begun ascending the mountains to hunt.

No need to guess—the vanguard had failed to complete its mission; the cavalry secretly infiltrated into Liang territory to provide support had already learned Qin Feng had arrived in Beixi County. With both Qin's wife and Qin Feng now present, their combined weight was enough to justify a Beidi risk.

Two hundred Beidi Cavalry were divided into two battalions.

The First Battalion remained at the Mountain Foot, sealing off all escape routes.

The Second Battalion dismounted and advanced on foot into the mountains.

Though dismounted cavalry lost much of their tactical advantage, the enemy outnumbered them greatly, were seasoned veterans of the battlefield, and held the initiative—still, they imposed unprecedented pressure on Qin Feng.

Qin Feng had only fifty guards.

A brutal battle was inevitable!

As for calling for reinforcements? Qin Feng had considered it—but it was utterly impractical.

The descent paths were already blocked by Beidi Cavalry; to seek aid, he'd have to cross the mountains to Shan Bei—round trip would take at least one or two days. By the time reinforcements arrived, Qin Feng would be cold dead. There was no choice but to engage head-on.

Fortunately, the enemy were cavalry, lightly equipped; Qin Feng still had a fighting chance. Had they sent heavy armor infantry, resistance would be pointless—just wash your neck and wait to die. The only weapon his guards possessed capable of piercing armor was the infantry spear—close combat was unavoidable. In a melee against overwhelming odds, it was essentially a death sentence.

Qin Feng did not hesitate—he immediately ordered: "First, Second, and Third squads hold this position, prepare for frontline engagement. Fourth and Fifth squads infiltrate the left and right flanks. Do not wait for orders—when the enemy commits fully, strike immediately from both flanks."

"Remember: close the distance. Do not engage in any long-range consumption war."

The enemy were cavalry—'cavalry archers'—their bows and arrows matched Qin Feng's in range and accuracy; a long-range consumption war would bring him no advantage whatsoever.

At Qin Feng's command, the Fourth and Fifth squads immediately moved toward the flanks.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng led the rest upward, climbing the slope until they reached the MountainTop.

Barely had Qin Feng's group stabilized their fortified position when the Beidi Cavalry appeared on the opposite MountainTop.

Instantly, the sound of Ox Horn Horns echoed through the valley.

The hundred cavalry, previously scattered, rapidly converged on the opposite peak and began advancing toward Qin Feng's position.

Since the two mountains were neither too close nor too far, the enemy could only press forward toward them.

At that moment, a steady, unhurried drumbeat came from the opposite side.

Qin Feng frowned, following the sound—and saw a middle-aged man standing atop the opposite peak, a small leather drum slung at his waist, using drum beats to transmit military commands. The hundred cavalry did not charge blindly as Qin Feng expected; instead, they advanced methodically, step by step, conserving their strength.

Qin Feng cursed under his breath: "Damn it! I've run into a professional. The enemy commander is no pushover!"

Qin Feng did not hesitate—he immediately ordered: "Construct defensive fortifications!"

Building temporary defensive fortifications was one of the New Army's mandatory training subjects.

As Qin Feng gave the order, the First and Second squads drew their folding 'engineer shovels'—designed by Qin Feng himself—and began furiously digging pits into the ground.