Chapter 264: First Volume, Chapter 264: Confrontation at the Imperial Court

First Volume, Chapter 264: Confrontation at the Imperial Court

As Supervisor of War, Qin Tianhu had numerous allies and extensive connections; he had already learned of the Ministry of Personnel's decision the moment it was made. Now, sensing the Liang Emperor's glance, he stepped forward at once, bowing deeply: "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"I hear the Ministry of Personnel has assigned Qin Feng to Fuyun County to exchange governance experience with the Fuyun County Magistrate—a good thing in principle, but the timing is wrong. Qin Feng has only just returned to Jingdu from Beixi County; his heels haven't even settled on the ground before being sent out again. This makes no sense. I humbly beg Your Majesty to rescind this order."

The Liang Emperor feigned a casual glance at the Minister of Personnel and asked, "Minister Wu, is this true?"

Wu Mian stepped forward immediately, bowing low: "Your Majesty, it is true. But I believe this arrangement is not inappropriate… Qin Feng is indeed the Qin Family's direct heir, yet he has already been appointed Beixi County Magistrate. As an official, he must be subject to Ministry of Personnel assignments. Moreover, Your Excellency, as Supervisor of War, ought to avoid even the appearance of favoritism—how can you defend Qin Feng in this very court session? I must suspect Your Excellency of favoritism and corruption."

Qin Tianhu had anticipated Wu Mian's counterattack and shot back: "Minister Wu accuses me of favoritism? Then let me ask you—there are countless officials in Heaven, so why are you fixated solely on Qin Feng? In just a few days, he's been reassigned twice. Are you so idle you spend your days watching only him? Are you deliberately targeting him, using this as an excuse to suppress him?"

Wu Mian, as a full Minister, remained calm and replied slowly: "I am Minister of Personnel. Suppressing a County Magistrate? Ridiculous."

The Liang Emperor simply watched the Ministry of War and Ministry of Personnel debate, showing no intention to intervene.

After all, this matter was "too small"—too trivial to warrant the Liang Emperor's involvement.

If the Liang Emperor had to handle every trivial matter, he would have no time left for real state affairs.

Moreover, as Emperor, he greatly enjoyed observing the court's political chess game among his ministers.

This, indeed, was one of his greatest pleasures as Emperor…

Though Qin Tianhu argued fiercely, the Ministry of War held no authority over official appointments; no matter how heated the debate, it changed nothing.

Just as the matter was about to be settled.

The Imperial Eunuch announced from outside the door: "Beixi County Magistrate Qin Feng requests an audience."

Hearing Qin Feng had arrived, the Liang Emperor's lips curled slightly upward—he thought the boy was quick on his feet—and immediately summoned Qin Feng to the Grand Hall.

Wu Mian, who had moments ago been arrogant and loud, fell utterly silent.

It wasn't fear of Qin Feng—he simply didn't want to face him in open court. After all, Wu Mian had been used as a pawn by Gao Ming, and he felt a twinge of guilt.

In the Shedynasty, cultural norms were relatively open-minded.

Thus, official attire was designed to be vivid and distinct.

Qin Feng wore a bright pink County Magistrate's robe, his official hat atop his head, official boots on his feet, hands on his hips, striding into the Grand Hall with flamboyant swagger.

Instantly, every gaze in the court fixed on Qin Feng.

Qin Feng was a frequent visitor to the Grand Hall and showed no fear—he walked straight to the side of Qin Tianhu and Wu Mian.

Before his heels had even settled, Qin Tianhu kicked him hard and hissed: "Get behind me!"

Qin Feng suddenly remembered his low rank; his triumphant expression collapsed instantly. He shuffled backward a few steps, forcing a smile to mask his embarrassment: "Your servant, Beixi County Magistrate Qin Feng, bows before Your Majesty!"

As he spoke, Qin Feng bowed deeply.

Before Wu Mian could speak, Li Xu let out a cold snort: "A mere Nine Rank County Magistrate should wait outside the Grand Hall for an audience. What right do you have to stand here? Only officials of Third Rank and Above may be excused from kneeling before the Emperor. How dare a Nine Rank nobody stand before His Majesty?"

What did I just say?

Once you have an official title, you lose your freedom!

That was precisely why Qin Feng had always scorned official rank.

Facing Li Xu's furious scolding, Qin Feng showed no fear—he grinned and retorted: "Minister Li, you're meddling in affairs far beyond your purview. The Ministry of Personnel hasn't spoken—why is the Ministry of Revenue butting in?"

Li Xu had not expected Qin Feng to dare speak disrespectfully before the Emperor in the Grand Hall; he was momentarily stunned.

But Qin Feng ignored Li Xu entirely—he knew the real target today was Wu Mian.

Qin Feng bent his body to a perfect ninety degrees, bowing with exaggerated piety and humility toward the Liang Emperor, then cried out loudly: "Your Majesty, please be my judge! Wu Mian first banished me to Beixi County, and now, mere days after my return to Jingdu, he's sending me to Fuyun County—this is clearly personal vengeance! Earlier, my son and I had a dispute with Wu Mian's son at Zui Xian Lou. Wu Mian has held a grudge ever since, ignoring urgent war preparations and my merit in killing Zhong Ling, and has forcibly suppressed me. If this becomes public, what will become of official integrity?"

Wu Mian's mouth hung open in disbelief as he stared at Qin Feng—he never imagined Qin Feng would dredge up this long-buried scandal.

Back at Zui Xian Lou, Qin Feng had indeed beaten Wu Mian's son, Wu Yong, along with Anqing Marquis's son, An Shiyun.

Wu Mian had been furious for a time, but then reconsidered—digging deeper would mean openly opposing the Ministry of War, which would be counterproductive.

Moreover, Wu Yong's act of forcibly seizing a Songstress at Zui Xian Lou had enraged Wu Mian; afterward, he lamented his family's disgrace and gave Wu Yong a severe beating.

As for the Anqing Marquis, he was close friends with the Yong'an Marquis.

And the Yong'an Marquis had long since allied with the Qin Family—so the Anqing Marquis's grudge naturally vanished.

Now, Qin Feng suddenly reopened this old wound, catching Wu Mian completely off guard.

Wu Mian quickly defended himself: "Your Majesty, hear me! Assigning Qin Feng to Fuyun County was a carefully considered decision by the Ministry of Personnel. Your Majesty knows Fuyun County's condition—it is the shame of the Thirty-Six Counties of Jingdu. Qin Feng has proven effective in Beixi County; surely his experience is worth sharing. As for personal vengeance, this is clearly Qin Feng's false accusation."

The Liang Emperor knew the full truth but had chosen to ignore it. Now that the old grievance had surfaced, he decided to play along, turning to Qin Feng: "Is this personal vengeance—or false accusation? Explain clearly. Otherwise, a mere County Magistrate accusing a Minister—do you know what crime that is?"

At these words, Qin Feng jumped back in alarm, face pale: "Accusation? Your servant would never dare accuse a Minister! I'm merely stating facts—it's Minister Wu who's blowing this out of proportion!"

"And just now, Minister Wu called Fuyun County the shame of the Thirty-Six Counties of Jingdu? Hmm! If I recall correctly, the Ming Prince's entire family resides in Fuyun County. Minister Wu—aren't you deliberately slandering the Ming Prince?"

At these words, Wu Mian's face turned ashen.

Wu Mian had forgotten—this fool was the master of twisting words!

If this reached the Ming Prince's ears, that old bastard would truly come armed with a blade to cut Wu Mian down.

And mentioning the Ming Prince, the Liang Emperor's expression darkened as well.

Among all the royal nobles, the Ming Prince alone was the Liang Emperor's greatest sore point.