Chapter 450: First Volume, Chapter 450: Rushing to the Front Line

First Volume, Chapter 450: Rushing to the Front Line

After much hesitation, Qin Feng slapped his thigh.

"No! I must go to the Northern Border myself."

At these words, Xie Yun'er immediately stood up, her brows slightly furrowed: "Qin Feng, be rational. Even if the battle situation is urgent, you cannot lose your composure. Your four sisters are all in Beixi County—only you remain in Jingdu to oversee things. If you leave too, who will make decisions about transporting materials and supplies?"

Xie Yun'er grew increasingly anxious, fearing Qin Feng's haste might lead him to sacrifice the greater good for minor gains. After all, a national war between two nations could not be decided in a day or two; no matter how urgent, it did not require action at this exact moment.

And yet…

Since Qin Feng's relationship with the Liang Emperor had become a tense stalemate, Xie Yun'er had grown ever more insecure—only when Qin Feng was by her side could she feel at ease.

If Qin Feng leaves, how will we handle any moves by the Emperor, the princes in the Hou Gong, or even Lin Taibao, should they seize this chance to strike?

Xie Yun'er reached out and gripped Qin Feng's sleeve, biting her thin lips, nearly begging: "Can't you just stay?"

Qin Feng understood Xie Yun'er's nature—unless absolutely forced, she would never lower her stance so easily. But the Northern Border situation was dire; Qin Feng had to decide.

Qin Feng, who usually bickered with Xie Yun'er, rarely showed such gentle eyes—he spoke softly: "I know what you're worried about. Don't fear—I'm only leaving temporarily. The Emperor still needs me to oversee the Northern Border campaign. He won't strike at the Xie Family at this critical deadline."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yun'er did not relax even slightly—her gaze grew even more forlorn.

"I'm not just worried about the Xie Family… I'm worried about… you…"

Their relationship had long been settled, but this was the first time Xie Yun'er had openly voiced her feelings—she had used up all her strength to say it.

Feeling the complexity in Xie Yun'er's gaze, Qin Feng silently cursed himself—he was no good. Such a wonderful woman, left in cold neglect for so long—what a waste!

Qin Feng placed his hands on Xie Yun'er's shoulders and spoke earnestly: "I'm only going to Beixi County to take command—I won't leave the county city by even a step, so I won't be in any danger. As for coordinating materials and supplies in Jingdu, I'm leaving it to you. After all, you're my Qin Family's future Young Madam—many things must eventually be entrusted to you."

Future Young Madam…

Every time Qin Feng said this title, Xie Yun'er's heart would race inexplicably.

"You really have to go?" Xie Yun'er, rarely showing such feminine vulnerability, clung tightly to Qin Feng's sleeve, refusing to let go.

Qin Feng's eyes were filled with guilt and self-reproach—but also unwavering resolve.

"I must go!"

"Shedynasty is vast and rich in resources, with thriving commerce—it has always been an economic powerhouse. Bei Di, by contrast, has an entire population trained as soldiers; over sixty percent of its people are skilled horsemen—undoubtedly a military superpower."

"If the two nations do not fight, then fine. But if they do, it will be total war."

"Whichever side loses—Shedynasty or Bei Di—will face plunder. At best, territorial losses and indemnities, draining the people's harvests for years or even decades. At worst, outright national annihilation."

"The Front Line is now brutal and locked in stalemate—the Bei Di Vanguard Camp has never ceased its assaults on the Border Army. The battlefield changes in an instant, yet Jingdu is too far from the Northern Border. One round-trip communication takes six days. Such delays are extremely detrimental to the war effort."

Hearing Qin Feng's words, Xie Yun'er's heart grew turbulent.

Six days round-trip is still too slow?

Before Qin Feng invested heavily in the Jin Yi Wei and Beixi Yizhan, communication between the Northern Border and Jingdu took at least ten days—even for urgent Beidi War Intelligence.

Xie Yun'er knew well: right now, Qin Feng wouldn't even tolerate six days—he'd rather sprout wings and fly straight to Beixi County.

Xie Yun'er took a deep breath and finally released her grip: "You have your duties. If I try to stop you, I'd be in the wrong. When you go to Beixi County, you go as you are—you must return exactly the same. If you lose a single hair, I'll take your life!"

Hearing this, Qin Feng couldn't help but laugh—was this girl worrying about him… or threatening him?

Yet seeing Xie Yun'er understand the bigger picture, Qin Feng felt deeply relieved. He reached out and patted her head, grinning to reassure her: "Before I leave, let me tell you a secret."

Xie Yun'er's brows furrowed: "What secret? You're not actually involved with that courtesan from the Hua Fang, are you?"

Qin Feng's face hardened: "What kind of talk is that? Do you think I'm that careless?"

Xie Yun'er snorted: "You're not human when you're careless! Fine, stop teasing—what's this secret you want to tell me?"

Qin Feng leaned close to Xie Yun'er's ear, whispering mysteriously: "That day at your father's birthday banquet, I wandered into the Back Courtyard and happened upon you bathing… yes, I did get quite the view—but I had nothing to do with damaging your reputation."

Learning that Qin Feng had truly seen her, Xie Yun'er's face flushed crimson—then her eyes turned deadly.

"I knew it!"

"Qin Feng, you scoundrel!"

"Despicable thief! Pah! Lecher!"

Seeing Xie Yun'er about to explode, Qin Feng swiftly pulled her into his arms, unashamed and proud: "I'm looking at my own woman—it's only natural!"

Xie Yun'er struggled fiercely, but Qin Feng held her tighter.

Feeling Qin Feng's strong, solid embrace, Xie Yun'er felt as if her whole body were burning—she hated this shameless thief, yet loved him too.

Once certain her anger had subsided, Qin Feng dared to loosen his grip, gazing into her eyes, taking a deep breath, and speaking with utmost seriousness: "When I return from Beixi County, the National War will be over. I will ride a fine steed, adorned with Red Flower, and come to marry you."

Just moments ago, Xie Yun'er had wanted to strangle Qin Feng—but now, hearing these words, her body went weak with shy delight.

After a long while, she finally mustered the courage and nodded like a little bird pecking grain: "Mm…"

Having calmed Xie Yun'er, Qin Feng wasted no more time.

He packed a few essentials, made a perfunctory report to the Liang Emperor at court, and at dawn the next day, spurred his horse through the City Gate, heading straight for the Northern Border.

Night fell.

Ning Hu led the Tianji Camp Guards, silently approaching the rear of the Bei Di Qian Feng Da Ying.

This was Ning Hu's second visit.

Previously, when preparing to launch a stealth attack, he discovered a cavalry unit stationed inside the camp, along with numerous night owls patrolling.

Ning Hu promptly abandoned the assault, withdrew to his hiding spot, and waited for another opportunity.

Until today, when the cavalry inside the camp had been relocated, Ning Hu led the Tianji Camp Guards back for another attempt.

After days of lying low and gathering intelligence, Ning Hu now understood the camp's layout better—based on the frequent supply convoys leaving the camp, he could confirm: the camp must be stockpiling vast quantities of military supplies.