Chapter 280

First Volume, Chapter 280: Someone More Shameless Than Me?

Qin Feng wasn't stupid—Li Zhang was too good at flirting, spouting slick lines nonstop; if left alone with his three sisters in the same carriage, the consequences would be unthinkable.

I treat you as the heir, and you actually want to be my brother-in-law?

No way!

Qin Feng grabbed Li Zhang's sleeve and yanked him straight off the carriage, thinking: if I can't have it, neither can anyone else!

Qin Feng smiled broadly: "How can a prince of such stature ride with a coachman? What decorum is this? Please join me in the lead carriage—we can catch up on old times."

Li Zhang frowned deeply and replied coldly: "What old times could there possibly be between us?"

Stop wasting words!

Qin Feng clamped down on Li Zhang and shoved him into the lead carriage, then climbed in after him.

After all, the lead carriage held Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng—if he wasn't there, Li Zhang the bastard might take advantage of the two maids, and Qin Feng would cut him down with a knife on the spot.

The caravan continued along the Official Road.

Inside the lead carriage, Qin Feng and Li Zhang sat facing each other, both smiling on the surface, yet each found the other unbearable, neither speaking a word.

As Qin Feng had predicted, Li Zhang's sneaky eyes soon began darting toward Shu Feng and Xiao Xiangxiang.

His gaze revealed awe: "I never imagined the maids by Qin Brother's side could be so breathtakingly beautiful. My Wangye Fu has ten plus maids, but compared to these two, they're like chaff—utterly outshone."

Li Zhang bowed to Qin Feng, his expression utterly serious: "Qin Brother, I've decided—I'm making you my friend!"

Qin Feng finally understood.

Earlier, Li Lang had lost his composure the moment he saw Shu Feng.

And as the Eldest Son, Li Zhang was even worse!

According to Qin Feng's intelligence, the two sons of the Wangye had never married, and under the Wangye's strict orders, they hadn't even touched matters of the opposite sex.

In an era where most people married and started families by fifteen, it was a miracle they remained virgins at this age.

Qin Feng ignored Li Zhang entirely, flopped back in the carriage, and pulled Shu Feng and Xiao Xiangxiang into his arms—one on each side—then raised an eyebrow at Li Zhang, deliberately provoking him.

Li Zhang's shamelessness exceeded Qin Feng's expectations: seeing Qin Feng embrace both maids, he openly suggested Qin Feng "give him one."

At those words, the shyness on Shu Feng and Xiao Xiangxiang's faces vanished instantly, replaced by fury.

Qin Feng too was enraged by those words—he released the two maids, clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked, and stepped forward slowly: "What did you just say? I didn't hear clearly. Say it again."

Li Zhang glanced at Qin Feng's fists, then at Shu Feng and Xiao Xiangxiang, weighed his options, and took a deep breath: "Qin Brother, you misunderstand! I am a gentleman—how could I steal another's beauty? I meant your Qin Residence produces so many beauties; if you ever have extras, save one for this heir."

"Then our two families could become in-laws—why not?"

Qin Feng let out a long "oh," then grinned: "No."

Li Zhang frowned slightly: "Qin Brother, you're too stingy. Your Qin Residence has so many maids—you can't possibly use them all."

Qin Feng sneered: "Who says I can't use them all? Am I not in good health? Prince, I once respected you as imperial royalty and gave you every courtesy—you've disappointed me deeply."

Li Zhang shrugged indifferently: "Some drown, others starve—how could Qin Brother understand my suffering? Fuyun County has everything… except beautiful women! I can't easily leave Fuyun County, not even to marry or find a mistress."

Truly pitiful!

Qin Feng felt a flicker of sympathy for Li Zhang. After thinking it over, he had an idea: "I'd like to find you a good match, but I have some grievances with your younger brother, Li Lang…"

Before Qin Feng could finish, Li Zhang cut in bluntly: "Li Lang? Who is that? I've never heard the name."

Now it was Qin Feng's turn to stare in disbelief. For a woman, he'd disown his own brother—Li Zhang was truly a piece of work!

Under Qin Feng's incredulous gaze, Li Zhang leaned in mysteriously and whispered in his ear: "Forget a good match—I have no intention of marrying. What I want is someone handsome, who doesn't ask for status…"

Qin Feng couldn't help but sigh: "You're truly a scumbag."

Li Zhang sighed, a bitter smile on his face: "I don't want to be a scumbag—it's just… for certain reasons, I can't marry."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's heart sank.

At first, Qin Feng had assumed the Wangye upheld noble principles, devoted to the state, hence the family rule: "No military merit, no marriage."

Now he realized—it was nothing of the sort!

Even if the Wangye were the most loyal and righteous, he'd never make such a "cut off the lineage" decision.

Clearly, he feared the Liang Emperor's suspicion—and dared not let Li Zhang or Li Lang marry!

The Liang Emperor had confined the Wangye family to Fuyun County and banned the continuation of their bloodline—he intended to extinguish the Wangye's lineage without a single drop of bloodshed.

They were brothers—why did the Liang Emperor hate the Wangye so deeply?!

Qin Feng couldn't figure it out, and dared not dwell on it further. As for Li Zhang before him, aside from pity, he felt no other negative thoughts.

As for finding Li Zhang a mistress, breaking his virginity—

Even if Qin Feng had a hundred times his courage, he wouldn't dare.

The reason? It was a taboo of the Liang Emperor—he wouldn't dare provoke such a forbidden line.

As they chatted, the caravan was nearly out of Fuyun County's territory.

Qin Feng was about to order the carriage stopped to let Li Zhang off, but Li Zhang beat him to it.

Li Zhang narrowed his eyes, speaking mysteriously: "Qin Brother, could you take this heir along to Pingyao County? Not for any other reason—just to get some fresh air."

Qin Feng had no desire to invite trouble and immediately refused: "I beg you, Your Highness, don't put me in an awkward position."

At those words, Li Zhang already understood.

Clearly, Qin Feng knew full well the feud between the Wangye and the Liang Emperor.

Li Zhang's tone shifted, laced with threat: "I wish to befriend Qin Brother. If you agree, I'll disguise myself and keep a low profile—won't bring you any trouble. If you refuse, Fuyun County lies on the Tianji Camp's route—starting today, the caravan must not enter Fuyun County again, and must detour five hundred Hundred Li."

Damn it, he's even more shameless than me.

Qin Feng glared at the smug grin on Li Zhang's face, teeth gritted in rage.

He hated being threatened—but even more, he hated losing out on a good deal…

A little thought made the choice clear.

Taking Li Zhang out for a trip, as long as he didn't break any rules, even if the Liang Emperor found out, he could still negotiate his way out.

But now the Beixi War Emergency is dire; the convoy's delivery of Materials and Supplies is critical—if we detour an extra Hundred Li and miss the opportunity, causing Beixi County to fall, Qin Feng's good days are over.

Qin Feng said grimly, "Did you bring civilian attire?"

At these words, Li Zhang's eyes lit up; he immediately ordered the driver to stop the cart and shouted toward the nearby Cao Cong, "Qin Brother has agreed—come over!"