Chapter 547

First Volume, Chapter 547: He Who Gains Qin Feng Gains Heaven

Li Lang was given a Military Funeral; though called a grand burial, there was no further activity the next day.

Throughout Jingdu, everyone deliberately avoided mentioning the name "Li Lang."

Only the Qin Family hung white lanterns, mourning for Ming Wang and Li Lang.

Qin Feng had planned to visit the Xie Residence after Li Lang's transfer into the Imperial Ancestral Hall, to discuss marriage with Xie's father and daughter.

But during the seven days following Li Lang's burial, mourning rites were in effect, so the marriage with the Xie Family had to be postponed.

Moreover, to avoid the clash of red and white, Qin Feng could not meet Xie Yun'er.

At dusk, court officials suddenly appeared outside the Qin Family Gate, demanding to see Qin Feng by name.

At first, Qin Feng assumed they had come for the Merit Banquet.

But when Qin Feng stepped out the door, he found the man standing before him was an old acquaintance.

"It's nearly nightfall—why has the Second Prince summoned me so urgently?"

The man in White Clothes bowed formally.

"Your Excellency has great admiration for the Young Master's achievements on the Northern Border and has sent this humble servant to escort you."

"The Second Prince has long wished to meet you, but these past days have been filled with urgent matters, leaving him no spare time."

Qin Feng had never held any fondness for the Second Prince.

In the Second Prince's heart, nothing mattered except imperial power.

Knowing this, Qin Feng had no doubt the summons was still about the Crown Prince succession.

In the past, Qin Feng would have avoided such meetings at all costs, fearing a single misstep in speech or allegiance might cost him his life.

But now, Qin Feng's strength had grown so immense he could no longer hide.

If so, then let the soldiers come—we'll meet them with generals; let the waters rise—we'll block them with earth.

…

Night deepened; lanterns lit the Imperial Palace in golden splendor.

Since Shedynasty established its capital, the Imperial Palace had been called "The Never-Night," and among the Folk, it was also known as the Eternal Light Palace.

Artisans from all corners of Heaven had poured their finest skills into casting copper lanterns that illuminated every corner of the palace.

Just the annual cost of lantern oil reached tens of thousands of taels of silver.

Beyond showcasing Shedynasty's immense National Strength, it also deterred Assassins from infiltrating.

Yet even the Imperial Palace could not escape the darkness beneath the light.

Beneath the brilliant lanterns, countless secrets remained hidden.

At this moment, Xiao Zhuozi hurried back to the Seventh Prince's Bedchamber.

Upon entering, he gasped: "Your Highness, Qin Feng has entered the palace."

The Seventh Prince, who had been studying military texts, flickered a strange light in his eyes, slowly set down the book, and pulled his cloak tighter.

The weather was growing colder, and the Seventh Prince had been frail since childhood.

What others found a pleasant evening breeze was agony to the Seventh Prince.

"In past years, we would have lit the firepans by now, but this year, after the National War, the National Treasury has been severely depleted."

"The ImperialWill ordered all Hou Gong courtyards to simplify everything—this year, we may not even be able to brew wine for warmth until October."

The Seventh Prince shifted his body, leaning against the window, opening a narrow slit, and gazing up at the pale moon in the sky.

"I wonder how the moon over the Northern Border compares to the moon over Jingdu."

Xiao Zhuozi, standing by, grew anxious: "Your Highness, it's already dire—how can you still be admiring the moon?"

"Right now, throughout Jingdu and even the entire Imperial Palace, a saying has spread: He who gains Qin Feng gains Shedynasty."

You know well the commotion Qin Feng caused upon returning to the capital."

"How decisive and ruthless is the Emperor? Since ascending the throne, has anyone ever defied the ImperialWill and escaped unscathed?"

"Qin Feng not only escaped—he forced the Emperor to bow his head. The Emperor tried every means of Combining Kindness and Authority—what was the result? Li Lang was still moved into the Imperial Ancestral Hall!"

"The Second Prince summoned Qin Feng into the palace overnight—this clearly means he intends to bring Qin Feng under his wing. If the Second Prince succeeds, Your Highness, forgive me for speaking bluntly—"

"Ming Wang's current fate will be your own tomorrow."

Xiao Zhuozi had served the Seventh Prince since childhood, absorbing his ways—his cunning far surpassed that of his peers.

He saw the stakes clearly.

At first, when Qin Feng's strength was still hidden, his presence or absence in the Crown Prince succession seemed trivial.

But now, the situation had changed utterly.

Qin Feng was granted the title of Ten Battalion Commander Marquis—in truth, the First Marquis Under Heaven.

Though technically one rank below Duke, all Dukes were enfeoffed during the founding era, and today's Dukes in Jingdu are all hereditary.

By tradition, no matter how great one's achievements, no new Duke may be created.

Thus, the Ten Battalion Commander Marquis is the highest title any commoner may attain.

Moreover, Qin Feng's position in the military is now unshakable.

Besides controlling Beixi County, he commands the full backing of three Northern Border Generals: Piaoqi, Chariot and Cavalry General, and Former General.

He also repelled the Di in the National War, achieving extraordinary feats.

All these accomplishments combined have made Qin Feng a powerful clan whose every step makes Shedynasty tremble.

Even compared to the Powerful Clans of Nan Jing, he stands equal.

And unlike the unruly Southern Clans, Qin Feng's father, Qin Tianhu, is Minister of War, and Qin Feng himself calls himself a "citizen of Jingdu."

With this connection, he is the ideal candidate to support as Crown Prince.

"Your Highness! What's wrong with you? It's already burning at your heels—why aren't you panicked?"

Xiao Zhuozi's face flickered with uncertainty as he rubbed his hands back and forth.

He was like an ant on a hot pan.

Seeing Xiao Zhuozi's state, the Seventh Prince couldn't help but smile lightly.

"You've served by my side for so many years—how can you still lack composure?"

"The Crown Prince summoned Qin Feng—what does that have to do with me? Why the rush?"

Xiao Zhuozi frowned tightly.

Though the Seventh Prince was always composed, even if Taishan were to collapse before him, his expression would not change.

But now, victory or defeat hinges on this single moment.

If we miss this chance to recruit Qin Feng, not only will the Crown Prince's position be out of reach, but even his comfortable days may come to an end.

"Your Highness, aren't you worried at all?"

The Seventh Prince's lips curled slightly as he gazed at the bright moon outside the window, his eyes deep and unreadable: "As the saying goes, those who walk different paths do not join in counsel."

"The Crown Prince is a clever man—indeed, he bears a hint of Father Emperor's youthful spirit; in time, he will surely become a ruler of great ambition."

"Yet, alas, the Crown Prince's temperament is much like Father Emperor's."

"Too narrow to tolerate flaws."

"If I were Qin Feng, dealing with one sage would already be enough to exhaust me—I wouldn't want the Crown Prince to be equally difficult."

At these words, Xiao Zhuozi's eyes lit up.

"Your Highness, are you saying Qin Feng will never support the Second Prince?"

The Seventh Prince slowly closed the window, his face calm and detached.

As he stepped down from the bed and slipped on his shoes, he spoke casually: "The Crown Prince cares too much about the succession… Anyone he can use, he refuses to let go—this will only backfire."