Chapter 334: First Volume, Chapter 334: Verbal Duel

First Volume, Chapter 334: Verbal Duel

The Imperial Consort oversees the Six Palaces—what manner of imperial dignity does she command? Moreover, this is outside the palace; whether publicly or privately, it violates propriety.

Yet, considering the Imperial Consort's usual swift and decisive actions.

Though Lin Taibao felt displeased, he said nothing.

Since even Lin Taibao did not intervene, the Steward naturally did not delay, turning away.

Not long after, a loud, brazen voice echoed from outside the gate.

"Is this the Inner Courtyard of the Taibao's residence? Tsk tsk tsk—truly an unexpected wonder."

"The outer compound is extremely modest, yet this inner courtyard shines with brilliance—no wonder the Taibao values substance over pretense."

This remark was plainly an insult to Lin Taibao, accusing him of seeking fame while secretly embezzling and corrupting.

Had these words come from anyone else, they would have already invited death.

But spoken by Qin Feng, Lin Taibao's expression remained unmoved—he simply did not care.

Hearing Qin Feng's footsteps approach, Lin Taibao rose and entered the Side Room, whether unwilling or disdainful, he refused to meet Qin Feng.

The moment Lin Taibao stepped out, Qin Feng stepped in.

Sensing the faint fragrance lingering in the air and the gauze curtains swaying gently in the breeze, Qin Feng knew the legendary Imperial Consort must be behind that veil.

The Qin Feng who had been trembling moments ago instantly calmed, bowing low with a forced smile: "Your servant Qin Feng pays homage to the Imperial Consort."

After all, she was the most precious figure in the Hou Gong.

Anyone who dared show disrespect before the Imperial Consort risked "execute first, report later."

Despite Qin Feng's swift reaction and cautious demeanor, a palace maid's sharp cry came from before him.

"Knowing the Imperial Carriage is here, how dare you intrude into this forbidden zone!"

"Guards! Take this scoundrel out and behead him!"

As the words ended, several Light Cavalry Imperial Guards hidden within the Inner Courtyard rushed forward.

These personal bodyguards had heard of the incident at Fu Men—they knew Qin Feng had dared strike the Imperial Guard, and they were seething with rage.

Now with the Imperial Consort's command, they acted without hesitation, pinning Qin Feng to the ground.

A sharp sound rang out: "Zeng!"

One of the guards drew his Waist Saber and, without warning, swung it toward Qin Feng's nape.

The suddenness left Qin Feng stunned.

By the time he realized what was happening, the guard's Waist Saber was already halfway down.

Fuck!

Are they serious?

Qin Feng cursed the Imperial Consort's ancestors eighteen generations deep, then screamed desperately: "Imperial Consort, spare my life! Your servant acts on imperial decree to Zhengyi the official climate—I never intended to offend the Imperial Carriage! Please, have mercy!"

No matter how Qin Feng screamed, the gauze curtain remained silent.

The guards, however, as if settling a personal vendetta, swung their arms—their razor-sharp Waist Sabers came down.

Just as Qin Feng was about to lose his head—

A sword's hum pierced the air.

Qiang!

With a crisp ring, the guard's Waist Saber was deflected—Jing Qianying appeared behind Qin Feng like a Divine Artifact descending from heaven.

Her phoenix eyes, piercing and sharp, fixed on the guards: "Get out."

Qin Feng, nearly terrified into urinating himself, felt as if he'd swallowed a calming pill—he'd anticipated the Imperial Consort's authority and her power of "execute first, report later," so he'd secretly arranged for Jing Qianying to protect him; otherwise, he'd be dead now.

Though everything was under Qin Feng's control, he was still moved to tears, wailing: "Fourth Sister, you came at the perfect moment! If you hadn't, my life would've been lost!"

Jing Qianying sniffed lightly—if not for Qin Feng's ability to amass wealth, she'd never bother with this brat.

The surrounding Imperial Guards, caught off guard by Jing Qianying's sudden appearance, were stunned.

The lead guard barked coldly: "Jing Qianying, how dare you draw a weapon before the Imperial Carriage? Do you only feel satisfied when the Qin Family is exterminated?"

Hearing this, Jing Qianying did not flinch—instead, she stepped forward, locking eyes with the guard, speaking slowly and clearly: "Are you threatening me?"

Feeling the hidden killing intent in Jing Qianying's gaze, the guard knew—if he spoke one more word, he'd die right there, blood splattering five paces.

These young masters and misses of the Qin Family are all reckless, audacious fools!

The guard had no doubt about Jing Qianying's courage.

Just as tensions reached their peak, a sultry yet regal voice emerged from behind the gauze curtain: "All of you, withdraw."

The guards exchanged glances, released Qin Feng, and turned to leave.

Qin Feng scrambled to his feet, hurriedly hiding behind Jing Qianying, peering out half his head, heart pounding as he stared at the curtain: "Your Excellency, I've served Shedynasty—no merit, but plenty of toil. You'd kill me on a whim? If word gets out, where does that leave the Emperor?"

Facing Qin Feng's Returning Lance Strike, the Imperial Consort let out a light laugh: "When did I say I wanted to kill you? I merely gave you a warning—no matter how powerful you are outside, before me, you must speak and act with caution."

Hearing this, Qin Feng internally sneered.

Talking sweetly while acting cruelly!

If he hadn't prepared a backup plan, he'd already be dead!

Yet…

This Imperial Consort is a ruthless, decisive woman.

Had she killed him outright, she could have branded him with "offending the Imperial Carriage"—no one could fault her.

If she failed, she'd shift her tone and call it "a lesson."

Hmph, this old bitch is both vicious and manipulative.

The Imperial Consort, gazing at Qin Feng's faint outline through the gauze, curled her lips into a cryptic smile: "You've been ordered to Zhengyi the capital's official climate—every official in Jingdu should be treated equally. Yet I hear reports that Zhengyi should focus primarily on Noble Youth, while the Taibao's son has lived his entire life in Jiangnan and has never set foot in the capital. Why, then, did you storm Lin Residence today? Are you not targeting Lin Taibao directly? Is this not turning things upside down—using Zhengyi as a pretext to purge rivals?"

Facing the Imperial Consort's high-flown accusation, Qin Feng did not evade—he seized it willingly.

"This Zhengyi of official conduct is merely 'if there's none, strive to improve; if there is, correct it.' If they meant business, the Sage would have long sent the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Personnel to investigate jointly—why would it fall to me?"

"With the National War upon us, it's unwise to stir up major turmoil, so we're only issuing a mild warning."

"How is this trivial matter related to whether the young master is in Beijing? Lin Taibao avoids meeting you outright and even invokes nobility to block you—could he be overreacting?"

Qin Feng's implication was that Lin Taibao had something to hide; otherwise, why react so strongly?

Facing Qin Feng's response, the Imperial Consort's expression had already eased.

After all, before their meeting, the Imperial Consort and Qin Feng had already clashed—now that maid was still detained in the Tianji Camp.

The Imperial Consort knew well that this boy, Qin Feng, appeared mad and reckless but wielded ruthless methods.

The Imperial Consort spoke calmly: "Today, I returned to my mansion merely to visit my father. It has nothing to do with Zhengyi of official conduct. If you accuse me of shielding my family, produce evidence—or can you bear the crime of slandering a noble of Gong Zhong?"

That crime is no joke.

But the problem was, Qin Feng refused to take the bait.

He simply hid behind Jing Qianying, clung to the topic, and stubbornly said: "Why did the noble return to her mansion precisely today? Isn't that too convenient?"