Chapter 540

First Volume, Chapter 540: Coffin Return to Capital

The Ming King and Li Zhang were already filled with gratitude.

If not for Li Zhang holding him back, given Qin Feng's temperament, seeking revenge and executing Chen Si would not have been an empty threat.

This Qin Feng, though usually careless and unserious, reveals his fangs and acts with ruthless decisiveness the moment his bottom line is crossed.

After all…

Qin Feng had led two hundred light cavalry deep into enemy territory to rescue the Tianji Camp Guards — a feat known throughout Heaven.

Under the soothing words of the Ming King and Li Zhang, Qin Feng's clenched teeth finally loosened with a grinding sound.

"I cannot clear Li Lang's name, nor even seek revenge…"

"I am unworthy to be Li Lang's comrade!"

Under the deeply moved gazes of the Ming King and Li Zhang, Qin Feng took a deep breath, his voice resolute and strong, his eyes utterly determined.

"For now, we prioritize Li Lang's funeral."

"After this…"

Though Qin Feng did not finish, both the Ming King and Li Zhang knew exactly what he would do.

The Ming King and Li Zhang simultaneously drew a breath; the heavy stone on their hearts seemed to lift somewhat.

Ignoring all opposition, Qin Feng changed into his funeral robe and sat quietly beside the coffin, continuously tossing paper money into the fire basin.

"Comrade, I'll see you through this final journey."

Soon after, Ning Hu arrived, crashing through the Gate.

His face was filled with fury and grief, identical to Qin Feng's reaction.

Seeing Qin Feng mourning Li Lang, Ning Hu's emotions instantly calmed.

He paid his respects before the Spirit Tablet, took white cloth and tied it around his forehead, then knelt silently beside Qin Feng.

Soon after, Zhao Yulong and Xu Mo arrived as well.

The funeral proceeded with utmost secrecy.

Qin Feng had more than once wanted to give Li Lang a Military Funeral, but the Ming King had refused every time.

Li Lang was of Imperial Bloodline and died for the nation; therefore, his grand burial must be presided over by the Son of Heaven.

This coffin with clothing is temporarily stationed in Beixi County.

News of Li Lang's death has been sent to Jingdu; now we only wait for the coffin transport to the capital.

But…

Days passed, yet no reply came from Jingdu.

Though Li Lang was banished to Baron of Beixi, his bloodline still made him a "Prince," and by custom, he should be buried five days after death and interred five months later.

Li Lang's death occurred over five days ago.

Since no corpse remains, clothing serves as substitute; thus, no concern for corpse preservation, and tradition dictates burial after five months.

Yet regardless, the Son of Heaven should have urgently issued a Royal Edict to move the coffin back to the capital.

The Son of Heaven seems to have forgotten this matter—or deliberately ignored it.

The dead deserve respect; no matter the grievances between the Son of Heaven and the Ming King, they should not be visited upon descendants.

Such conduct not only broke the Ming King's heart but also enraged Qin Feng completely.

Ten days passed, still no Royal Edict returned.

Qin Feng ceased waiting and directly ordered the Tianji Camp to forge a Six-Horse Chariot.

Upon it rested the Gilded Coffin, escorted by all Tianji Camp Guards, accompanied by eight hundred soldiers from Beixi County.

They marched in grand procession toward Jingdu.

Due to the slow pace of the large escort party carrying the "Prince's coffin," it took more than half a month to finally reach the borders of Jingdu.

In the Jingong Yushufang, the Liang Emperor was reviewing matters concerning State Peace Talks.

Zhang Xiuye hurried in to report: "Your Majesty, the Prince has returned to the capital."

Upon hearing the term "Prince," the Liang Emperor's expression darkened noticeably.

Zhang Xiuye realized his mistake, his heart leapt in panic, and he immediately knelt.

"Baron of Fuyun County, Li Lang, has returned to the capital—may he be permitted to enter the city?"

The Liang Emperor's gaze never left the Imperial Memorial; after a moment of silence, he sighed softly.

"Li Lang died for the nation—how could I be so heartless?"

"Permitted."

After Zhang Xiuye departed, the Liang Emperor set down the Imperial Memorial, rose slowly, and walked to the window with his hands behind his back.

His gaze grew even darker.

The Liang Emperor's repeated disregard for the funeral notices from Beixi County made his intent unmistakable: he would not allow Li Lang to rejoin the Imperial Ancestral Hall.

Li Lang did indeed die for the nation; the Ming King's family did indeed render great service in this National War.

But the Ming King, relying on his own prestige, helped Qin Feng coordinate the three armies of the Northern Border, making Qin Feng the de facto "North Region King."

This, without doubt, crossed the Liang Emperor's bottom line.

Moreover…

The Ming King's family are Imperial Orthodoxy—if Qin Feng one day "controls the Son of Heaven and commands the lords," what then?

The Liang Emperor intended to strip the Ming King's family of their Imperial status!

Yet Qin Feng ignored the Liang Emperor's hints, even personally leading the large escort to return Li Lang's coffin to the capital—clearly a challenge to the Liang Emperor.

The Liang Emperor understood Qin Feng's feelings.

But the Liang Emperor also realized that the tacit understanding between himself and Qin Feng had now reached its end.

Next, the relationship between ruler and minister would become even purer.

"Transmit my order: posthumously enfeoff Li Lang as a Viscount, hold his funeral according to the viscount's rites, but do not entomb him in the Imperial Ancestral Hall."

"Hold a Merit Banquet for Qin Feng."

Meanwhile, the news of Qin Feng's return to Beijing had spread.

The people flooded onto the streets, converging toward the City Gate.

"Is Qin Qianhu coming back? Is it true?"

"Hah! Who would've thought the former Qin Family wastrel had become a Protector General? Unbelievable."

"This is what they mean by 'a scholar's worth changes in three days.'"

"Strange—Qin Qianhu achieved extraordinary merit; shouldn't the court ministers have come out to greet him? Why is it so quiet?"

"Could the Emperor be slandering his own meritorious subject?"

"Who says he's slandering him? Didn't the Emperor already issue an Imperial Decree to hold a Merit Banquet for Qin Qianhu? He's probably occupied with the Two Nations' Peace Talks and has no time."

"What do you filthy Nubi know? Don't talk about state affairs!"

At that moment, heavy footsteps echoed from outside the City Gate.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Qin Feng, clad in black armor, rode a black Warhorse slowly through the City Gate and into the bustling Beijing Street.

Behind him came Ning Hu and thirty-one Tianji Camp Guards, and further back, eight hundred troops.

Every ten men carried a White Banner aloft.

The people lining the streets turned flushed with excitement, whispering among themselves in a rising tide.

"Look! It's Qin Feng!"

"Wow, how much has he changed? I remember when he left Beijing—he was still a Young Master. Now he's returned as a fierce general."

"And Ning Hu and the Tianji Camp Guards—these are the tiger-and-wolf troops forged in war? How imposing!"

"Compared to Qin Feng's army, our Imperial Capital Garrison looks like embroidered pillows."

"That's true—Qin Feng led the Tianji Camp Guards on a raid through the Northern Di lands, killing back and forth. That record alone can't be matched by the Imperial Capital Garrison."

"Huh?!"

"Why isn't Qin Feng dismounting?!"

More and more people noticed something was wrong.

Qin Feng had passed through the City Gate, yet showed no intention to dismount—nor did any of the troops behind him!

Could it be that Qin Feng, arrogant with his talent, no longer respected the Emperor, and was deliberately riding his horse to intimidate?