Chapter 462: First Volume, Chapter 462: The Whole City Celebrates Merit

First Volume, Chapter 462: The Whole City Celebrates Merit

Princess Qiyang, following Chang Princess's instructions, visited the Imperial Study before nightfall. Even princes must show utmost respect to the Liang Emperor—but Princess Qiyang enjoyed special privileges within the palace, entering and leaving the Imperial Study with ease. This was not merely because her father had rendered great service to Shedynasty, but because Chang Princess and the Liang Emperor were united in heart and mind.

Upon learning Chang Princess's intent, the Liang Emperor fell into thought, then sighed deeply and said solemnly: "You speak truly. The tradition of princes guarding the Rong Border must be restored. Our Li Imperial Clan cannot forever live in the shadow of DaxiangPrinceDeath."

"Princess Qiyang, how well do your mother and Imperial Consort get along?"

Hearing this, Princess Qiyang couldn't help but smile inwardly.

They got along well enough—but it was all surface performance. The moment an opportunity arose, whether Chang Princess or Imperial Consort, each would unhesitatingly eliminate the other.

It was a pity: the imperial family was the most heartless of all, yet insisted on feigning deep familial affection.

Princess Qiyang could only play along, bowing slightly and forcing a faint smile: "My mother and Imperial Consort get along very harmoniously. Indeed, earlier today, they spoke at length in the Western Flower Hall. Since my mother returned to Gong Zhong, Imperial Consort has become the only person she can truly talk to."

The Liang Emperor was deeply pleased, waved his hand, and signaled Princess Qiyang to withdraw.

Leaving the Imperial Study, Princess Qiyang did not return to Hou Gong. Instead, she directly exited the Palace Gate and headed toward the Xie Residence. When she reached the Back Courtyard, before she could even enter, a burst of bright, cheerful laughter rang out from within. She paused, listening intently.

"Miss, Master Qin has just returned from the Northern Border and already achieved glorious military feats. His valor is now known throughout Heaven. As Master Qin's future wife, you are now looked up to by every young noble in Jingdu. This morning, I overheard several young ladies from the neighboring street whispering about you in the Book Room."

Xie Yun'er immediately perked up: "Whispering about me? What did they say?"

At the mention, the maid's face glowed with pride, as if her own fortune had risen with her mistress's: "What else? They envy your incredible luck in securing a marriage with Master Qin. They say Master Qin is a man of deep feeling—your position as his principal wife is unshakable."

"Even the daughter of the Minister of Works said… marrying into the Qin Family is worth it, even as a concubine."

Watching the maid's radiant expression, Xie Yun'er couldn't help feeling proud—but she refused to admit it aloud: "Hmph. That Qin Feng is finally living up to expectations. Not a waste of all the time I spent on him."

The maid teased: "Miss, you sound like marrying into the Qin Family is some terrible hardship."

Xie Yun'er was haughty: "I am the one who suffered. For Qin Feng to marry into my Xie Family is the fortune of three lifetimes."

Outside the courtyard, Princess Qiyang's gaze grew complex. After much hesitation, she quietly turned and left.

The relationship between the Qin and Xie families stood in direct contrast to that of the imperial family.

Imperial family bonds were all surface—everyone spoke the sweetest words, yet behind closed doors, they were colder than ice. But the Qin and Xie families? They bickered openly, yet always acted in each other's interests. At critical moments, they stood unhesitatingly beside their kin. That was true kinship—the very thing Princess Qiyang longed for.

If she could choose, Princess Qiyang would rather have a family like Qin and Xie than the icy splendor of the palace.

Night deepened.

Captains and Gate Generals from the City Patrol Bureau and Longhu Army gathered, boasting loudly over wine.

"This battle has taught the Di a lesson in Shedynasty's might. A century's worth of Hatred has been fully vented—all thanks to Captain Qin. Don't think I'm bragging, but if I hadn't been tied up with duties, I'd already be a Tianji Camp Guard, serving Shedynasty with glory."

A Gate General from Longhu Army, flushed with pride, said: "Our Young Master Zhao is now Commander of Black Cavalry. You know Black Cavalry? The elite cavalry of BeixiCounty—three thousand strong, daring to fight the Di in Open Field Battle. Is Xiongying Brigade strong? Still crushed under my Young Master's command."

Hearing this, a Captain from the City Patrol Bureau scowled: "In terms of Tactical Advantage, Tianji Camp Guards are unmatched! Nine out of ten of those three hundred Tianji Camp Guards were originally from our City Patrol Bureau!"

"Tianji Camp Guards killed Zhong Ling first, nearly killed Chen Si. Even if Chen Si was lucky enough to keep his life, he still lost his entire arm. Now, whenever the Di hear the words 'Tianji Camp Guards,' their legs shake—hahaha."

As they boasted among themselves, the Deputy Commander of the City Patrol Bureau happened to pass by the door and glanced inside.

All the Captains and Gate Generals inside leapt to their feet and saluted.

The Deputy Commander didn't care about their negligence—after a major front-line victory, celebrating today was harmless. But he disliked their talk, snapping: "Whether Tianji Camp Guards or Black Cavalry—weren't they all trained by Captain Qin?"

"It's not that Tianji Camp Guards or Black Cavalry are strong—it's that Captain Qin is strong!"

No one questioned Qin Feng's training methods—but one overconfident Captain dared to retort: "General, even if you support Captain Qin, you don't have to dim our City Patrol Bureau's prestige. The Tianji Camp Guards were indeed recruited from us—that's known throughout Heaven."

The Deputy Commander glared: "You dare say that? If you were all City Patrol Bureau Guards, why did their Tactical Advantage diverge so drastically after joining Tianji Camp?"

The Captain, who had just been defiant, fell silent.

The Tianji Camp Guards trained by Qin Feng made even the Di fear them like tigers. In comparison, City Patrol Bureau Guards had never even set foot on a Battlefield—if they met Di iron hooves, they wouldn't fight—they'd collapse from terror…

Meanwhile, in BeixiCounty, lanterns glowed, streets buzzed, and civilians flooded the roads like it was New Year's Eve—thronged, lively, and joyous.

The Merit Banquet, jointly hosted by County Magistrate Lin Quqi and Prince Li Zhang, was in full swing.

Not only soldiers, but common folk too had set up tables and benches on the streets, drinking and laughing together.

Most BeixiCounty residents were refugees who had fled famine. Such a feast—eating and drinking without restraint—was unimaginable in the past. Everyone knew: this was all thanks to Qin Feng.

Cheers echoed through BeixiCounty, nearing midnight, yet showing no sign of stopping.