Chapter 403

First Volume, Chapter 403: Who Dissents?

The Chariot and Cavalry General was furious beyond control; his strategist also realized that Qin Feng was deliberately forcing the General to resort to force.

But his intent was unclear—could this Qin Feng truly be so reckless as to fear being annihilated by the General's rage?

The strategist knew that at this moment, he must not embolden the enemy or diminish his own authority, and immediately whispered to the Chariot and Cavalry General: "Your Excellency, why not first arrest Qin Feng and detain him temporarily? Once the Emperor's edict arrives, you may release him. This preserves your dignity while delivering a warning. As long as the imperial decree has not arrived, this conflict is merely a misunderstanding—the Emperor will have no grounds to blame you."

The Chariot and Cavalry General had long despised Qin Feng; upon hearing the strategist's suggestion, he immediately adopted it and barked: "Seize and disarm Qin Feng and all his attendants! Anyone who resists shall be charged with assaulting the camp—kill them all, except Qin Feng!"

The surrounding soldiers had already been eager to act.

At that moment, a scout rushed in, shouting: "General! Xu Mo has led the Tianji Camp Guards in surrounding our garrison camp—they've already slain several military patrol soldiers! Also, a messenger reports: Beixi County is showing unusual activity. Li Lang has assembled five hundred Black Riders. Wu Wei has mobilized the New Army. Scouts emerging from Beixi County are already heading toward our camp!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers present erupted in uproar.

The Chariot and Cavalry General frowned fiercely, glaring at Qin Feng: "Are you truly planning to attack my garrison camp?!"

Since the two nations went to war, Beixi County has always stood against the Di. The garrison there consists of Hundred-Battle Veterans. In comparison, your troops, having lain idle for too long, have grown rusty in actual combat.

If a real battle breaks out, even if your superior numbers allow you to defeat Beixi County, you will still pay a terrible price.

In such a scenario, both sides will be crippled. The Emperor will not sit idly—he will immediately mobilize the Imperial Party to wipe out your entire Che Ji Army.

This is why Qin Feng, unafraid, dared to come here with only five hundred Black Riders.

He relies on the fact that the Liang Emperor already distrusts you. Right now, the Emperor probably dreams of recalling you to Jingdu—once you return to the capital, your head will roll, even if you are a battle-scarred Old General.

Facing the enraged Chariot and Cavalry General, Qin Feng let out a cold laugh: "General, we young men are all fiery by nature. As the saying goes: even the Buddha fights for a stick of incense, and a man fights for his pride."

"If you want war, then fight! I will mobilize all of Beixi County's forces to attack—not to defeat you, but to inflict seven-tenths of your strength. When Beixi County is left defenseless, the Di will crush it. At that moment, Old General, you will either face a shattered strategic front—or the Emperor's fury."

The Chariot and Cavalry General's temple veins bulged; he gripped his sword hilt tightly, teeth clenched: "You dare gamble Beixi County? I don't believe you!"

Before Qin Feng could answer, Zhao Yuxiong and the Black Riders behind him let out a thunderous roar.

"We swear allegiance to Young Master Qin!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Just five hundred Black Riders, yet they unleashed a thunderous aura.

The Black Riders' unwavering loyalty to Qin Feng and their ferocious combat intent proved his arrogance had substance—this young man truly dared to break the cauldrons and sink the boats, to stake everything on one desperate gamble.

Messengers kept arriving: "General! The Tianji Camp Guards are continuously ambushing our soldiers! Order a counterattack!"

"General! The Beixi County scouts have arrived!"

"General! Wu Wei has led the New Army out of the city!"

Seeing the situation spiraling beyond control, the strategist made up his mind and immediately bowed to Qin Feng: "I pay my respects to the Special Envoy!"

The last thread holding the Chariot and Cavalry General together snapped because of those words.

He never imagined that one day, a mere youth would threaten him to this extent!

But…

The greater good must come first.

The Chariot and Cavalry General closed his eyes, took a deep breath, slowly released his grip on the sword hilt, and coldly said: "I, the General, pay my respects to the Special Envoy."

Zhao Yuxiong, who had prepared for a final battle, flickered with surprise—he had not expected Qin Feng to truly intimidate the Chariot and Cavalry General.

After all, in status and prestige, the Chariot and Cavalry General was equal to Qin Feng's father, the Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander.

This national pillar, this high-ranking minister, now had to yield before Qin Feng.

After a moment of shock, Zhao Yuxiong's eyes hardened with resolve—he silently sighed: he had chosen the right man.

Behind him, the five hundred Black Riders' killing intent gradually gave way to excitement.

Jing Qianying's lips curled slightly, her face filled with pride!

This is the blood of the Qin Family!

In the past, Qin Feng would always strike first, then offer a sweet reward.

But this time is different.

The Northern Border Generals respond only to strength, not softness. The Pingnan County Rebellion must be crushed with thunderous force!

Qin Feng sat atop his horse, showing no intention to negotiate with the Chariot and Cavalry General: "General, I, the Special Envoy, order you to bring your troops before the walls of Pingnan County by noon tomorrow. If you fail, you will be charged with delaying military operations. For every Envoy you delay, I will execute one of your officers—starting from the Deputy Commanders and moving upward. Let's see how many heads your command has to lose!"

Qin Feng ignored the hostile glares of the Chariot and Cavalry General and the surrounding officers, glanced sidelong at Zhao Yuxiong: "Brother Yuxiong, escort the General to Beixi County to stay awhile. He returns to camp only when the Pingnan County Rebellion is quelled."

At these words, the officers present erupted in fury.

"Qin Feng! You're going too far!"

"The General is a Cheqi Grand General appointed by the Emperor! How can he become your prisoner?"

"Qin Feng, you're clearly trampling our army's dignity and crushing our morale!"

Watching the shouting officers, Qin Feng showed no hesitation—he pointed at Chen Li, the loudest, and two other Deputy Commanders: "You dare speak my name directly, delay military operations, and disregard the fate of Great Liang? Execute them!"

In the army, there is no jesting.

Zhao Yuxiong slammed his heavy armor-clad warhorse forward with thunderous force, charging straight at Chen Li. His eyes were icy, without a trace of hesitation—he thrust his spear straight through Chen Li's body.

The other two Deputy Commanders were immediately slain by the Black Riders.

The atmosphere among the officers grew even more volatile.

The officers roared, demanding to kill Qin Feng on the spot.

But Qin Feng paid them no mind—now was no time to show weakness.

"Those who defy orders will be executed under military law—all of them!"

Seeing Qin Feng act with ruthless brutality, disregarding rank and executing without mercy, the Chariot and Cavalry General could no longer hold back—he barked: "Silence, all of you!"

"Fine. I will go with you to Beixi County."

Though the officers fiercely tried to stop him, the Chariot and Cavalry General remained resolute—this Qin Feng was even harsher than the Black Guard. Continuing the standoff would lead to only two outcomes: either his officers would be executed one by one, or he would be forced into open war with Beixi County.

Either outcome, the Chariot and Cavalry General could not afford.

The Chariot and Cavalry General mounted his horse and, under the "escort" of the Black Riders, set off for Beixi County.

Facing the angry gazes of the soldiers present, Qin Feng coldly said: "Anyone who disagrees, step forward!"