Chapter 420

First Volume, Chapter 420: Dark Tide

Based on the experience gained from Qin Feng's strategic battles with the Liang Emperor, entering the palace also requires caution—it depends entirely on where the Liang Emperor summons you. If summoned to the Grand Hall during court assembly, the reward outweighs the punishment. But if summoned alone to the Imperial Study, you must tread carefully—the Liang Emperor is nine times out of ten about to strike.

As Qin Feng had anticipated, since entering the Imperial Study, the Liang Emperor had said not a word, keeping his head lowered as he reviewed memorials, treating Qin Feng as if he were invisible.

After roughly one incense stick time, the Liang Emperor finally rose to stretch his limbs, took the lotus seed soup offered by Zhang Xiuye, sipped two mouthfuls, then resumed reviewing memorials with his head bowed.

During this time, Qin Feng had reminded him twice, but both were utterly ignored by the Liang Emperor.

Only when night fell and the second watch began, did the Liang Emperor, who never neglected state affairs and often forgot to eat or sleep, finally push aside the reviewed memorials, let out a loud yawn, and waved his hand at Qin Feng: "It's late tonight. Return to your quarters and rest. We'll discuss matters of the Northern Border tomorrow. Withdraw."

In the past, Qin Feng would have demanded to know what trick the Liang Emperor was playing—summoning him to the Imperial Study to stand for half a day, then waving him off with a flick of the hand? Playing games?

But times had changed. Qin Feng said nothing, bowed respectfully, and slowly withdrew from the Imperial Study.

He had taken only two steps when Zhang Xiuye blocked his path.

The old eunuch, as ever, spoke in that sly, mocking tone: "Commander Qin, you've seen it yourself—His Majesty is diligent in state affairs, burdened with duties, so consumed by work that he forgets to eat or sleep. He hasn't even had dinner tonight. By my count, His Majesty hasn't returned to the Hou Gong in three months. Being His Majesty is hard; being a wise sovereign is harder. Don't let this breed resentment."

Qin Feng snorted inwardly—he might be arrogant, but he'd never dare publicly challenge His Majesty. This old eunuch faction member was clearly setting a trap.

Qin Feng refused to bite. He bowed toward the Imperial Study: "To have such a wise sovereign is the great fortune of Liang."

Zhang Xiuye nodded with a smile: "By the way, His Majesty forgot to ask something, so I'll speak up to spare you a second trip later. With autumn cooling and the Autumn Harvest approaching, as usual, the Beidi always make major moves at this deadline. What do you think this year will bring, Commander Qin?"

Zhang Xiuye, a eunuch faction member, held no authority over state affairs—his asking this meant the Liang Emperor had instructed him.

The Liang Emperor said not a word about Prince Six and Xie Yun'er, nor about Qin Feng's bandit elimination in the Northern Border, nor his defeat of the Sanggan Army.

He was deliberately, openly suppressing Qin Feng—because Qin Feng's prestige had now reached a level that terrified the Liang Emperor.

The Taibao Faction must be purged, the National War must be waged, but Qin Feng's power must also be weakened. Plainly put, there has never been any true loyalty between sovereign and minister in this court—whomever grows too powerful, the Liang Emperor will crush, without exception.

At this moment, Zhang Xiuye's mention of the Autumn Harvest and Beidi warfare was already the prelude to stripping Qin Feng of his military authority.

Qin Feng understood perfectly—the Liang Emperor wanted him to become the second Gao Ming: nominal authority greater than real power, enough to intimidate powerful clans, but with his life entirely in the Liang Emperor's hands, ready to be discarded at any moment. He would never let Qin Feng become a second Lin Taibao, lest he lose control later.

Qin Feng knew the Liang Emperor's methods too well, so he responded to Zhang Xiuye's words with utter calm.

"The Sanggan Army is entrenched on the Front Line with no intention of retreat. Most crucially, the Beidi general Chen Si has arrived at the Front Line. Without doubt, a major battle will erupt during the Autumn Harvest. This battle may well determine the fate of the nation."

Hearing this, Zhang Xiuye narrowed his eyes: "Commander Qin is so certain?"

Qin Feng did not hesitate a moment: "The Beidi strategic core has never changed—they aim to shatter Liang's borderlands. Once the DefensiveLine collapses, the Beidi can advance unimpeded, gradually eroding Liang Kingdom Territory. If we miss the Autumn Harvest opportunity, winter will come, their grain and forage supply will falter, and for at least four to six months, the Beidi will be unable to invade again."

"And this window is enough time to make Beixi County an unshakable frontline fortress."

Zhang Xiuye pondered, then after a moment, gestured for Qin Feng to proceed: "Your words have opened my eyes, Commander Qin. It's late. Please go."

Watching Qin Feng depart, Zhang Xiuye turned back to the Imperial Study. As he stepped inside, he found the Liang Emperor had left his book desk and stood by the window, gazing at Qin Feng's retreating back.

Zhang Xiuye opened his mouth to speak, but the Liang Emperor waved him silent: "I heard it all."

"The Autumn Harvest begins in half a month. War will ignite. At this deadline, inaction is better than action."

Though the Liang Emperor understood the Northern Border campaign deeply, no one understood it better than Qin Feng—he had personally fought there multiple times. Throughout the entire Imperial Court, no one dared claim greater insight into the battle's trajectory.

If Qin Feng said a major battle would erupt after the harvest, it was nine times out of ten true.

A great battle loomed—now was not the time to strike Qin Feng.

The Liang Emperor sighed deeply: "Two harmful weights, choose the lighter. Transmit my order: Prince Six must not leave the palace in the coming days. As for the Xie Family matter, turn a blind eye—for now."

…

Qin Feng left the Imperial Palace and returned immediately to the Qin Residence, summoning everyone before him—including his father, Qin Tianhu.

Seeing Qin Feng return from the palace with such a grim expression, Qin Tianhu grew puzzled.

"Feng'er, His Majesty summoned you to the palace to reward you for quelling the rebellion. Why the long face?"

Reward me?

Qin Feng let out a bitter laugh: "I barely made it back alive."

At this, everyone—including Qin Tianhu—froze, sensing something was terribly wrong.

"What happened?" Qin Tianhu demanded in a low voice.

Liu Hongyan also grew tense: "It should've been a joyous day. Why the sudden turn? Feng'er, did you defy His Majesty again?"

Defy him? The sun had risen in the west—Qin Feng had been as obedient as possible today, or he wouldn't have made it home.

"Father, Second Sister, today's crowds flooding the streets to welcome me back to Beijing have enraged His Majesty. Even if I had no treasonous intent, the charge of overshadowing the sovereign has already been proven. Had it not been for the approaching Autumn Harvest and the coming war on the Northern Border, the consequences would've been catastrophic."

Today's palace visit appeared calm on the surface, but it was laced with deadly intent.

What had to come, had come.

Qin Feng did not wish to face it—but he had no choice.

He gritted his teeth: "Second Sister, pack your things immediately. Take every loyal servant in the residence. Disguise yourselves and leave the city at once. I've arranged brocade guards outside to escort you to Beixi County. This Beijing can no longer be your home—once His Majesty's killing intent is kindled, extinguishing it will be harder than climbing to heaven."