Chapter 443: First Volume, Chapter 443: I Govern

First Volume, Chapter 443: I Govern

As for these young masters before me, they too have their uses—after all, transporting materials to the Northern Border and coordinating across sectors requires their assistance.

Yet compared to merchants, these wastrels are of little real value—merely a temporary stopgap. After all, nature is hard to change; asking them to reform is harder than making a sow climb a tree.

Qin Feng offered a smile as warm as spring breeze: "Gentlemen, would you be willing to bury the hatchet with my Qin Family?"

"As the saying goes, it's better to resolve enmity than to deepen it. Let past grievances be laid to rest. Now that we all dwell in Jingdu, constantly crossing paths, all we need do is mend relations."

Upon hearing this, two young masters immediately stepped forward.

These two had never had direct conflicts with the Qin Family—they had merely been forced to pick sides during the earlier power struggle between Qin Tianhu and Li Xu. Now that Li Xu had defected to the Qin Family, these fence-sitters were desperate to pledge loyalty—but lacked status and connections.

With Qin Feng offering reconciliation, these two naturally seized the chance.

"Young Master Qin is benevolent and magnanimous—we deeply admire you!"

"We humbly beg Young Master Qin's future guidance."

Seeing their compliance, Qin Feng nodded in satisfaction and bowed in return: "Guidance is too much—I merely hope we progress together."

The two young masters immediately took their place behind Qin Feng.

Yet the remaining dozens of young masters showed no desire for reconciliation—instead, they sneered at the two "traitors."

"What trash!"

"Hmph! To side with Qin Feng? It's a disgrace to all Jingdu young masters!"

"Fish seek fish, shrimp seek shrimp, turtles only crawl after toads."

"All the same breed!"

Qin Feng still smiled warmly at the remaining young masters: "I've extended my hand in goodwill, yet you refuse to accept it. Are you truly determined to clash with my Qin Family to the end?"

"No wonder you're Jingdu young masters—truly spirited!"

Facing Qin Feng's mockery, the young masters retorted without hesitation.

"Qin, don't play these games! Your Qin Family may be powerful, but our clans all have officials in the Imperial Court—without cause, how dare you act against us?"

"I don't believe your Qin Family can eliminate so many of us."

"This Jingdu isn't yours to monopolize. Grand Protector Lin still lives, and soon the Grand Tutor will return. When that happens, no matter how strong your Qin Family grows, you'll merely be one-third of the power—so why should we support you?"

"Ridiculous! The Grand Protector is a national elder, the Grand Tutor a pillar of the state. What are you? A corrupt court jester, abusing your power in Jingdu with Beixi County's backing—truly despicable."

Amid the insults and mockery, Qin Feng's smile deepened.

Feeling Qin Feng's gaze, the young masters felt a chill down their spines—but since they outnumbered him, they dared not fear him alone.

Even if Qin Feng were ruthless, would he dare massacre the entire Imperial Court? Would he truly disregard the Emperor?

Under the scornful stares of all, Qin Feng slowly rose, stretched languidly, and said with calm detachment: "Today's Hedging Meeting is nearing its end—everything will be kept simple. Since you've spoken so plainly, I won't hide my hand either. Let's speak plainly."

"In the past, Shedynasty focused on internal affairs; powerful clans across Heaven held their own territories, ruling with arrogance. The Jingdu officials' sons were deeply entangled with these clans, each acting independently. But now, with National War upon us, all matters must yield to the war effort—I govern!"

As he spoke, Qin Feng glanced at Xie Yun'er: "Have you recorded the names of all these young masters here?"

Xie Yun'er nodded: "Yes, all recorded."

Qin Feng's eyes narrowed as he swept over the young masters, his voice sharp and resolute: "Amid national crisis, Shedynasty must stand united. The people, merchants, soldiers, and officials all support the war effort. Whoever obstructs it—I, as Supervisory Special Envoy, have the authority to make these traitors pay with blood!"

"I know you all have powerful clan backing and close ties to the Taibao Faction and Taifu Party."

"But if any of you think your patrons will shield you from obstructing the war effort, then test the law with your own bodies!"

Facing Qin Feng's blunt threat, the young masters felt a flicker of fear—but their faces remained defiant; few dared openly challenge him.

At that moment, a young master in his thirties, clad in deep blue silk brocade, stepped forward.

"Qin Feng! You name the Taibao Faction directly—do you intend to falsely accuse Grand Protector of obstructing the war? Grand Protector is my father's Mentor! This is outrageous! Others may fear you, but I do not. Supporting the war is fine—but if anyone acts outside the law, I will have the Garrison Army enforce justice impartially, by the book!"

This was clearly a direct challenge to Qin Feng.

Qin Feng knew this man: Liu Bing, son of the Garrison Army Vice General, a staunch Taibao Faction member.

Liu Bing held his head high—not out of pretense, but genuine contempt.

His Liu Family may be weaker than the Qin Family—but so what?

Liu Bing was utterly confident: even if Qin Feng had a hundred lives, he wouldn't dare touch him. After all, his father was Garrison Army Vice General, sworn brother to the Garrison Army Commander, and a disciple of the Grand Protector—master of both military and political power.

Facing Liu Bing's provocation, Qin Feng knew clearly: if he didn't crush this arrogance, the policy supporting the Northern Border would never be implemented; these young masters would henceforth act with impunity, sabotaging everything.

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and asked calmly: "In special times, special measures are needed—is rigid adherence to procedure not overly pedantic?"

Seeing Qin Feng's soft tone, Liu Bing grew even more arrogant, pressing aggressively: "I don't care about your excuses! The Garrison Army only enforces the law!"

Qin Feng asked again: "If enforcing the law delays delivery of materials to the Northern Border, and the war suffers—what then?"

Liu Bing glared: "The Northern Border war isn't your responsibility—it's none of the Garrison Army's business! I declare this now: any convoy passing through the Garrison Army's ZhuZhen must undergo strict inspection—no exceptions!"

Qin Feng let out a soft "Oh," his smile growing wider: "So even if the war is delayed, the Garrison Army will still enforce strict inspections?"

Liu Bing's tone was absolute, leaving no room for negotiation: "Absolutely!"

Qin Feng's lips curled: "Is this your personal view—or the Garrison Army's?"

Liu Bing answered without hesitation: "My will is the Garrison Army's will!"

Around him, several young masters sensed something wrong and frantically signaled Liu Bing to stop speaking.