Chapter 333

First Volume, Chapter 333: Imperial Carriage Here

No one expected Qin Feng would dare attack the Imperial Guard—and that the battle would end in an instant. This seemingly clumsy, even ridiculous fishing-net tactic had achieved a miraculous result: not only had it shamed the Imperial Guard, but it also revealed the Tianji Camp Guards' extraordinary combat experience.

Zhao Yuxiong, who accompanied him, witnessed the entire incident.

His emotions shifted from initial shock to admiration.

Zhao Yuxiong knew full well that following Qin Feng into the Lin Residence would bring him trouble, yet he still walked in without hesitation.

Since he could remember, Zhao Yuxiong had risen at the crow of the rooster to train diligently, and even compared to his father, he had long surpassed him.

But living deep within Jingdu, surrounded by endless wealth and luxury, this life clearly was not what Zhao Yuxiong desired.

Zhao Yuxiong had dreamed of rushing to the Front Line, reviving his clan's glory—but he lacked an opportunity.

Now, that opportunity had finally arrived, and Zhao Yuxiong naturally intended to seize it.

Qin Feng ignored the Imperial Guard's furious shouts and stepped through the piercing glares around him, striding boldly through the Lin Residence's Door.

Zhao Yuxiong followed closely behind, silently marveling: "Jingdu is full of arrogant men, but I've never seen anyone as bold as Qin Feng. And… unlike those bullies who pick on the weak and cower before the strong, Qin Feng's arrogance doesn't feel annoying."

"Perhaps because Qin Feng treats everyone equally…"

"Whether facing young nobles or high ministers, he remains utterly fearless."

Almost the moment Qin Feng crossed the Lin Residence's Door, a group of servants and Protectors rushed toward him—their leader, the Lin Residence's Steward, a man in his forties.

Seeing Qin Feng dared to force his way into the Lin Residence, the Steward flew into a rage, pointing at him and shouting: "Qin Feng, how dare you! Do you know this is the Grand Protector's estate? Today, a noble guest has arrived—should you offend the Imperial Carriage, how many heads do you have to lose?!"

Just moments ago, Qin Feng had ignored the Imperial Guard's blockade and stormed into the Lin Residence.

Facing the Steward's obstruction, everyone expected Qin Feng would charge forward again and kick the man aside—but what happened next stunned them all.

Qin Feng bowed deeply to the Steward, performing a formal salute, and his tone and demeanor became utterly reverent—completely unlike his earlier self.

"I am acting under imperial decree to Zheng Shu the official conduct of Jingdu. I have investigated every Official—only the Grand Protector's residence remains. If I were to single out the Grand Protector's residence, it would invite unnecessary gossip."

"Grand Protector Lin has always been upright and humble in office, widely respected in Jingdu. To draw criticism over such a trivial matter would only bring shame upon the Lin Family."

"So let us simply go through the motions—silence the gossip of Heaven."

The Steward had prepared to fight to the death—only to be caught completely off guard by Qin Feng's reasoned words.

If Qin Feng had been acting like a ruffian, the Steward had countless ways to throw him out.

But this ruffian had suddenly started speaking rationally.

What was that saying again?

"Ruffians aren't scary—it's the ruffians with culture you've got to watch out for…"

The Steward was momentarily stuck between advancing and retreating, but considering the noble guest present and the old feud between the Lin and Qin families, he ultimately decided, for safety's sake, to order Qin Feng to leave.

Never strike a smiling face.

The Steward bowed back, his expression showing a touch of humility: "It was my mistake to judge a gentleman by a villain's standards. Young Master Qin's grasp of the bigger picture is truly admirable. But today is inconvenient—if you insist on coming, perhaps you could inform my master in advance? That way, we may prepare properly. What do you say?"

Qin Feng feigned deep thought, stroking his chin as if deeply troubled: "The famine in Changping County has reached a dire state. After I complete the Zheng Shu of Jingdu's official conduct, I must rush to Changping County—every day delayed means more of its people will starve to death. People's Livelihood is no trivial matter."

"If absolutely necessary, I'll wait right here."

With a wave of his hand, Wu Wei led the Tianji Camp Guards into a perfect formation in the Lin Residence's courtyard, standing like statues.

Qin Feng then sat directly on a Stone Stool, pulling Zhao Yuxiong down beside him—completely at ease.

The Steward was furious—he had assumed Qin Feng's move was "first force, then courtesy," but it turned out to be a full combo.

The Steward had no answer for Qin Feng, so he angrily turned and headed to the Inner Courtyard to report.

Lin Residence, Back Courtyard, Side Chamber.

The entire room was divided into inner and outer layers by gauze curtains.

Since the moment she entered the palace, she was no longer an ordinary woman—she belonged solely to the Emperor.

Even when meeting her father, they had to speak through a curtain.

Grand Protector Lin wore a brown everyday robe, his long beard reaching his chest, his eyes nearly identical to the Imperial Consort's—slender, elongated, gleaming with wisdom.

Grand Protector Lin stroked his beard and spoke softly, his words calm and composed: "To make a special trip back just for this Qin Feng? That's overreacting."

"Qin Feng Xiao'er excels at exploiting weaknesses. If you pay him too much attention, you'll fall into his trap."

"The best way to deal with this boy is to ignore him."

A light laugh drifted from behind the gauze curtain.

She clearly didn't regard Qin Feng as a threat.

"I returned home only because I hadn't seen Father in a long time and missed him—what does that have to do with Qin Feng? If I truly wished to act against Qin Feng, I would have done so the moment Mo'er was humiliated."

"I believe that since the National War began, Father has been confined to bed, too long in silence. It's time to show your face. With Gao Ming stripped of his Grand Commandant title, the Three Dukes are now down to two. In such times, Father must give even greater support to the Emperor."

In response to the Imperial Consort's gentle advice, Grand Protector Lin merely nodded slightly: "Your servant understands."

The Imperial Consort showed no regard for the distinction between monarch and subject, addressing Grand Protector Lin as "Father"—while Grand Protector Lin remained cautious, always referring to himself as "Your servant."

At that moment, the Steward's voice came from outside the door.

"Master, Qin Feng and his Tianji Camp Guards have forced their way through Fu Men and are refusing to leave the courtyard."

At this, Grand Protector Lin raised an eyebrow: "Aren't the Imperial Guard stationed at the Door?"

The Steward sighed deeply, his tone heavy with helplessness: "Qin Feng has too many tricks—he used a fishing net to trap the Imperial Guard, disarming them without a single drop of blood."

A faint smile appeared on Grand Protector Lin's composed face as he murmured: "This Qin Feng truly has extraordinary courage."

Grand Protector Lin waved his hand, dismissively: "Let him stay if he wishes. Serve him fine wine and good food. I am ill in bed and cannot receive guests."

Just as the Steward was about to leave, the Imperial Consort's light laugh came from behind the gauze curtain: "Bring Qin Feng to me. I wish to see him."

At these words, both Grand Protector Lin and the Steward frowned simultaneously.