Chapter 256: First Volume, Chapter 256: Ning Qianhu

First Volume, Chapter 256: Ning Qianhu

Since Qin Feng left Jingdu, all accounting matters for the Qin Family and Tianji Camp had fallen solely on Liu Hongyan's shoulders, leaving her utterly overwhelmed.

What they didn't know was that the news had already spread long before Qin Feng returned to the capital.

The once unruly Qin wastrel, who had once turned Jingdu upside down, now seemed possessed by the Wuqu Star—he raced a thousand li to the Northern Border, rescued his mother, crushed multiple Beidi Elite Raiding Cavalry units, and slew the enemy's Legendary Fang General amid chaos. His deeds not only boosted Liang Army morale and ignited fiery passion among military families, but also became a point of pride for the literati circles of Jingdu.

Now, whenever one stepped outside the Qin Residence gate, one could hear endless chatter.

Even street-side vegetable vendors and itinerant porters excitedly sang praises of the Qin family's young master.

Liu Hongyan set down her ledger, gently touched her arm, as if still feeling the lingering warmth of Qin Feng's tight embrace, and a faint, knowing smile curled her lips.

"A single poem 'Chu Sai' made him famous across Heaven; he took enemy generals' heads from a thousand li away, earning renown throughout the cosmos; he excels in the Way of Commerce and shows such patience toward family. If I could entrust myself to him, what more could I ask?"

Liu Hongyan, who had always devoted herself entirely to family affairs with diligence, felt for the first time the stirrings of "springtime longing."

Once, she had merely seen Qin Feng as a spoiled younger brother.

Now, she saw him as a man.

But the moment she remembered Qin Feng's betrothal to Xie Yun'er, a trace of sorrow flickered in her eyes, and she shook her head with a bitter smile: "What's wrong with me? Feng'er is betrothed to the daughter of the Ning State Duke—how could I not be happy for him?"

Liu Hongyan shook her head, banishing those absurd thoughts, picked up the ledger again, and resumed her calculations with focus.

She silently resolved: even if she never sought a formal title, as long as she could ease Qin Feng's burdens, it would be enough…

…

Jingdu, Yong'an Marquis Mansion.

At this moment, the mansion was bustling with activity; Commanders and Generals from every garrison came bearing lavish gifts to pay their respects.

The Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander entered the courtyard with his beloved son, bowing warmly from afar to Yong'an Marquis Ning Wenyu: "Hahaha, long time no see, Marquis, you're still as mighty as ever! You've spent your life on horseback, earning glorious deeds for Shedynasty—now your noble son, fresh from the gate, has already achieved extraordinary feats! Truly, a tiger father has no dog son!"

The Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander was the Emperor's right arm and commander of the Imperial Capital Garrison—his status and position were supreme; in some ways, even the position of Grand General was less secure than his.

Thus, the Grand Commander rarely associated with any faction in Jingzhong, seeking only to preserve his own integrity.

But…

Times had changed.

The Grand Commander shoved his own son forward, face filled with exasperation: "You're the same age as Little Marquis, yet you still loaf around Jingdu! Look at him—amid chaos, he speared a Beidi Legendary Tooth General! How mighty! Learn from him!"

Ning Wenyu, stunned and proud, quickly returned the bow: "Commander, you're too kind. Your son is still young; should he ever reach the Front Line, he will surely achieve extraordinary feats. My son Ning Hu merely had good fortune—he happened to accompany Young Master Qin to Beixi County. As for slaying Zhong Ling, hahaha, it was entirely due to Young Master Qin's brilliant command; my son merely seized an opportunity."

As he spoke, Ning Wenyu casually glanced at Ning Hu beside him, his inner pride overflowing.

He silently marveled: back during the Qingyi Ceremony, he'd been quick-witted enough to pull back from the Hubei Party and switch allegiance to the Ministry of War—only then could he mend ties with the Qin Family and give Ning Hu the chance to stand beside Qin Feng.

That decision was nothing short of brilliant—it determined the fate of the Ning Family!

Ning Hu's broad face flushed crimson as he scratched the back of his head, grinning foolishly.

Others didn't know—but Ning Hu knew as clearly as a mirror.

Had Qin Feng not commanded so skillfully—especially in the final moment, ordering his guards to charge on horseback and throw the battlefield into utter chaos—how could Ning Hu have gotten so close to Zhong Ling?

As for that fatal spear thrust, it was purely because Zhong Ling was distracted and careless, and Ning Hu merely took advantage of the horse's momentum.

If they had fought openly, defeating Zhong Ling would have been no easy feat.

But on the battlefield, it's always winner takes all—winning is winning!

At that moment, a sharp voice rang out from the mansion gate: "Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Eunuch Gonggong arrives!"

Hearing this, Ning Wenyu's eyes lit up; before he could step out, Li Zhan had already entered.

After brief pleasantries, Li Zhan unfurled the Imperial Edict and announced loudly: "Son of Yong'an Hou, Ning Hu, has slain an enemy commander and merits reward: five ten thousand taels of White Silver, one thousand bolts of Silk and Brocade, and the title of Qianhu!"

Upon hearing the reward, every general present was filled with envy.

The White Silver and Silk and Brocade meant little.

It was the title "Qianhu" that mattered.

This was no different from a major victory in open battle!

Ning Wenyu quickly thanked the Emperor, and though he tried to control himself, his lips still curled upward.

Ning Hu felt dizzy, as if the title of Qianhu had been handed to him for free.

Beside him, the Grand Commander seethed with envy.

He sighed inwardly: Damn it, people compare and die, goods compare and get discarded.

How old is Ning Hu? His peers are still frolicking by Mingyue Lake—he's already a Qianhu!

And…

He only went to Beixi County with Qin Feng for a single trip!

If the two armies had engaged in full battle, what glorious merit wouldn't be within reach? His military fortune is boundless.

As Ning Hu was ennobled, congratulations rose in waves.

"Congratulations, Marquis! Your noble son is now a Qianhu—his future is limitless!"

"So young, yet such achievement! Marquis, your parenting is truly exemplary!"

Ning Wenyu beamed as he responded to the generals.

Ning Hu, however, grew restless and whispered: "Father, if there's nothing else, I'll head to Tianji Camp—I haven't visited since returning to Jingdu; I wonder how the New Army's training is going."

At first, Ning Wenyu was displeased—so many generals had come to pay respects; how could he leave mid-visit?

But when he heard Ning Hu was going to Tianji Camp, his attitude instantly reversed—he smiled warmly: "Go! By the way, buy some good wine and food to bring to the comrades in the camp."

Seeing this, the Grand Commander immediately pushed his son Zhao Yulong beside Ning Hu and grinned broadly: "Yuxiong, you're idle too—go with Little Marquis, uh—wait, now you should call him Ning Qianhu. Accompany Ning Qianhu out; it'll do you good to see the world, see how Tianji Camp trains."

Even if Zhao Yulong were a fool, he understood his father's meaning.

In the past, Zhao Yulong had looked down on Ning Hu—he was a Little Marquis of the Dragon Tiger Army; what was Ning Hu?

But now, Zhao Yulong wore a beaming smile, his eyes burning with eagerness: "Ning Qianhu, I've long wanted to visit Tianji Camp—please take your younger brother along to broaden my horizons."