Chapter 386

First Volume, Chapter 386: Bullying to the Extreme

Qin Feng was filled with grievance: how could something as natural as mutual affection become an immoral act in your old man's mouth?

Ah! There's a generation gap!

After watching the old Qin comrade leave, Qin Feng picked up the Jin Yi Wei secret letter and resumed his study.

Earlier, when facing Old Qin, he had downplayed the matter—not because he distrusted his own father, but because the Hei Wei Si and the Beidi Night Owls' infiltration capabilities were simply too strong; anything mentioned by the Jin Yi Wei should be known by as few people as possible. Even… the entire Qin Family had only a handful of people who knew the Jin Yi Wei existed.

"As Li Zhang predicted, the Beidi side has indeed stirred; after just a few peaceful days in Beixi County, war is about to ignite again."

Qin Feng shed his earlier frivolity, his gaze gradually turning grave.

If Beixi County fights, it must be a bloody battle!

If Beixi County holds, fine; if it falls, both the Beidi King and the Liang Emperor would be delighted to sever Qin Feng's head—and to provoke two mighty lords at once? Truly, wolves ahead and tigers behind; one misstep and he'd die without even a grave.

Qin Feng set down the Jin Yi Wei's intelligence report and picked up another letter, concerning Beixi County's defense.

Today, infiltrators from all sides have grown bolder in penetrating Beixi County; alone, the Jin Yi Wei has captured over a dozen spies, including members of the Hei Wei Si.

Qin Feng couldn't help shaking his head with a bitter laugh: "It seems both the Beidi Night Owls and the Hei Wei Si are deeply interested in Beixi County. In the past, they'd have tiptoed around, letting the Sage peer through a keyhole to feel reassured. Now? Total lockdown—no one shall ever learn Beixi County's secrets!"

Of course, not all news was negative.

The arrival of Gaoshan Country's warhorses in Beixi County lifted Qin Feng's spirits—he was finally about to forge his long-anticipated heavy cavalry.

Qin Feng immediately sent a reply, ordering Zhao Yuxiong to Beixi County to assist in forming and training the heavy cavalry.

Since he himself could not go to Beixi County for now, he meticulously recorded every detail and precaution for forming the heavy cavalry on paper, sending it as a letter titled "The Cultivation of Heavy Cavalry."

Moreover, after his trip to Changping County and Jiangnan Tangqi, Qin Feng had grown fully trustworthy of Zhao Yuxiong.

He specifically appointed Zhao Yuxiong as captain of the Second Platoon of the heavy cavalry.

The heavy cavalry was divided into two platoons, each five hundred strong; the Second Platoon was led by Zhao Yuxiong, while the First Platoon was entrusted to Li Lang, who was soon to arrive in Beixi County. Qin Feng had carefully considered this choice.

After all, the Liang Emperor feared the Ming Prince's family; if the Li Family Brothers were not granted real authority, even if they reached Beixi County, they'd struggle to operate smoothly.

In plain terms, others would hesitate—better to risk nothing than to let them sit idle.

If so, Qin Feng simply appointed the Li Family Brothers to real posts, clearly signaling his stance.

Besides, Qin Feng had already witnessed Li Lang's martial prowess—he was more than capable of this duty.

As for Li Zhang, he would primarily assist Lin Quqi, adopting the role of strategist.

With Beixi County temporarily arranged, Qin Feng's focus shifted back to the Qin Shi Trading House, preparing to plan the northward expansion of its confectionery industry, when a maid rushed over in panic.

"Young Master, you must come quickly—something's happened!"

Something's happened?

Qin Feng frowned: "What's wrong? Don't rush—explain clearly."

The maid, as if sprinting all the way back, was pale-faced and gasping: "I… it's Miss Shen! Today, out of nowhere, several young nobles came and caused a ruckus at Qingya Pavilion. Miss Shen went out to confront them—and was insulted!"

This was unacceptable?!

Without hesitation, Qin Feng stepped out.

Xiao Xiangxiang, standing by the door, immediately called Shu Feng and Jing Qianying to follow.

When Qin Feng arrived at Qingya Pavilion, he found the area packed with people.

Civilians stood far away, pointing and whispering toward the pavilion.

"Strange—who dares cause trouble at Qingya Pavilion? Doesn't everyone in Jingdu know Qingya Pavilion belongs to Young Master Qin?"

"You said it yourself—the pavilion's background is common knowledge. If they dared come, they clearly don't fear Young Master Qin."

"Hmm, interesting."

Unlike the distant onlookers, several young nobles dressed in Huayi and fine robes had surrounded Qingya Pavilion's Door, blocking all access.

Seeing Qin Feng arrive, the young nobles instinctively parted to make way.

Qin Feng stepped forward to the entrance and glanced inside—his anger flared instantly.

Inside the pavilion's hall sat three young men, while the inner chamber's door was tightly shut.

The man in White Clothes kept slapping the door, laughing lewdly: "Miss Shen, come out! We came today precisely because of your famed name. To hide away like this? Isn't that impolite? Hehe, how about this—I close the door, and we talk privately?"

As he spoke, the White Clothes man threw his head back and laughed: "Hahaha, Miss Shen is blushing?"

Qin Feng instantly recognized all three young men as having powerful backgrounds.

The White Clothes man calling at the door was Liu Lan, son of the Minister of Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

The two seated above, sipping tea slowly, were Chen Teng, son of the Director of Imperial Academy, and the man in black, expressionless the entire time—was none other than… the Eleventh Prince!

Qin Feng frowned: even without the Eleventh Prince, Chen Teng and Liu Lan alone held immense status.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices oversaw rituals, ceremonies, and imperial examinations.

The Imperial Academy governed higher education and examinations.

Both institutions had graduates scattered across the realm; most officials in court had ties to one or both—immense prestige indeed.

And yet, sons from both the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Imperial Academy appeared together—without Lin Taibao's instigation, Qin Feng refused to believe it.

Lin Taibao's move was ruthless.

If Qin Feng angered the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Imperial Academy, he'd become the target of all in Jingdu, unable to move a step. Even the entire scholarly world would turn against him.

In court, law and morality ruled above all; if one's moral standing was weak, no matter how strong his power, he'd invite gossip.

But Shen Qingci was trapped inside—could Qin Feng ignore this?

Under the eyes of all…

Qin Feng stepped into the hall.

Chen Teng and the Eleventh Prince both spotted Qin Feng—but it was too late to warn Liu Lan.

Qin Feng lifted his foot and kicked Liu Lan squarely in the buttocks from behind; caught off guard, Liu Lan crashed headfirst into the doorframe, blood gushing, screaming in pain.

"Who dares ambush this Young Master? Do you want to die?!"

Liu Lan clutched his bleeding forehead and turned to look at Qin Feng, whose face wore a wicked grin; his heart sank.

But in an instant, he turned fierce: "You dare treat me this way, Qin Feng? I am the son of the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices!"

"I'll go to the Dali Temple and denounce you!"