Chapter 279: First Volume, Chapter 279: Paying Respects to the Prince

First Volume, Chapter 279: Paying Respects to the Prince

People change, especially after seven years of separation with no meeting.

Yet based on Liu Hongyan's confident tone, she seemed to know Li Xiaolan's current situation inside and out—could it be that during this time, she still maintained close contact with Li Xiaolan?

In response to Qin Feng's question, Liu Hongyan appeared remarkably at ease: "Elder Third has been away from home for seven years, but my impression of her remains vivid. Some people change, but Elder Third does not."

Hearing this explanation, Qin Feng found himself even more puzzled.

Even if Liu Hongyan and Li Xiaolan had no blood relation, let alone if they were sisters, seven years apart would have made them distant.

Take Shen Qingci for example—every time she heard news of Li Xiaolan, she showed no reaction at all.

Jing Qianying was not only unenthusiastic but consistently negative; she still harbored resentment. The one who should have returned to the Ancestral Land with their mother was Jing Qianying, yet Li Xiaolan stole that opportunity.

Compared to Elder Sister's coldness and Fourth Sister's rejection, only Second Sister Liu Hongyan was exceptionally close to Li Xiaolan—this was strange.

Even if Liu Hongyan and Li Xiaolan exchanged letters, there was no need to hide it.

Could there be some secret unknown to others?

Though Qin Feng harbored doubts, he did not press further, for he had noticed Jing Qianying's expression had turned unpleasant.

At that moment, the lead carriage suddenly stopped.

Immediately, the driver's voice came from outside the curtain: "Young Master, the road ahead is blocked."

Blocked?

This Official Road was built wide and perfectly flat—how could it be blocked?

Qin Feng lifted the curtain and couldn't help but smile bitterly: "What was bound to happen, finally happened."

Ahead of the caravan stood a group of people; their attire matched exactly the personal guards previously led by Li Lang.

But the leader now was not Li Lang.

It was a man in his early twenties, clad in a Dark Red Python Robe, wearing Official Boots, exquisitely ornate yet refined to an extreme degree.

The Python Robe was far too conspicuous.

No need to guess—it had to be the Eldest Son of the Prince of Ming, Prince Li Zhang.

Li Zhang stood in the center of the Official Road, hands behind his back, smiling as he studied the caravan: "Are you the caravan of Beixi County Magistrate Qin Feng?"

There was no avoiding him.

Just as Qin Feng was about to step down, Shen Qingci grabbed his wrist.

Shen Qingci frowned slightly, her voice filled with concern: "The Prince of Ming is always devious. Stay alert—don't fall into his traps."

Ever since falling out with the Prince of Ming's family, Qin Feng had gathered information through various channels and came to know the three men of that family quite well.

Qin Feng immediately patted Shen Qingci's handback and grinned: "Thank you, Elder Sister, for your concern."

Shen Qingci's cheeks flushed red, her body trembling as if struck by lightning; she quickly pulled her hand back and scolded softly: "I shouldn't have warned you."

Hehe!

Qin Feng rubbed his nose, took a quick sniff of the lingering fragrance on his fingers, then flipped down from the carriage and walked toward Li Zhang.

From afar, Qin Feng bowed deeply with a smiling face, showing not the slightest awkwardness of a first meeting—instead, he was as warm as an old friend reunited: "I pay my respects to the Prince! Did you hear I'm heading to Pingyao County for an inspection and came specially to see me off? This humble County Magistrate cannot possibly deserve such great honor from the Prince—it shames me."

Facing Qin Feng's familiarity, Li Zhang remained utterly composed: "Brother Qin, you have deep ties with my family. When I learned you'd be passing through Fuyun County, I naturally came out to greet you."

"After all, Fuyun County is the shame of the Thirty-Six Counties of Jingdu—its folkways are crude. If any unruly commoners dare block your path and harm you, what then?"

No wonder he's the legendary Prince—he's truly a Smiling Tiger.

Qin Feng chuckled, calm and collected: "Thank you for your concern, Prince, but unruly commoners are still commoners—they can't cause major trouble. Besides, on this journey to Pingyao County, I'm accompanied by my maid Shu Feng and Fourth Sister Jing Qianying. Rather than worrying about me, you ought to worry about the people of Fuyun County."

I've got two top bodyguards by my side—how about that?

Upon learning Jing Qianying was also in the caravan, Li Zhang's expression changed instantly; he subtly glanced toward the middle carriage.

After a moment's thought, he waved his hand: "You ruffians, how dare you block Brother Qin's path? Don't you know he's the Commander of Tianji Camp? His guards are fearsome—even the Northern Di army trembles at the mere rumor of them. You fools, get out of the way at once!"

Faced with Li Zhang's sudden, harsh rebuke, the few ragtag men—apparent idlers and loafers, but in truth Ming Prince's personal guards—slunk away in disgrace.

But Li Zhang didn't leave; he laughed heartily at Qin Feng: "With the Qin Family Fourth Miss guarding your carriage, ordinary riffraff can't possibly harm you. Still, to ensure your smooth passage through Fuyun County, I'll accompany you for a stretch."

I'll be damned!

Qin Feng cursed inwardly—was he drooling because he knew Jing Qianying was in the caravan, trying to curry favor?

Qin Feng forced a smile onto his face, filled with utter contempt: "Your kindness, Prince, I deeply appreciate—but…"

Before Qin Feng could finish, Li Zhang had already walked toward the carriage and waved dismissively: "No need."

No need?!

You've got to be kidding me—I haven't even spoken yet and you say 'no need'? Even shame has its limits!

Qin Feng rushed forward but was too late—he watched helplessly as Li Zhang climbed into the carriage. Fortunately, Liu Hongyan reacted quickly and called out through the curtain: "Prince, please stop. The interior is occupied by ladies only—it would be improper."

Li Zhang's hand had already grasped the curtain; hearing this, he reluctantly let go and sat heavily on the carriage board, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "That voice—it's not the Qin Family Fourth Miss, is it? Is Second Sister here too? I won't overreach, but here in Fuyun County, if either of you ladies have any request, just say the word—I'll fulfill it without hesitation."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Qingci's cold, clear voice came from inside: "Thank you for your kindness, Prince."

Under Qin Feng's furious glare, Li Zhang wore an utterly shameless smile, yet feigned scholarly propriety: "Elder Sister is here too?!"

"I've long heard Elder Sister is a famed talent of Beijing. Years ago, when I attended the Lantern Festival in Beijing, I caught a fleeting glimpse of you—your elegant grace and peerless beauty were etched into my heart. To meet you again today is truly my fortune."

"Today, I shall personally escort the three ladies. Whoever dares to offend you will answer to me!"

As he spoke, Li Zhang turned to Qin Feng, whose face was brimming with murderous intent, and said with brazen audacity: "This carriage is too crowded—no room left. Brother Qin, you'll have to ride in the lead carriage."

Wait, what's the meaning of this?!

Has he turned the tables already?

Qin Feng had thought no one in the world was more shameless than himself.

After meeting Li Zhang—he was wrong.

Qin Feng longed to leap forward and strangle him right now…