Chapter 562: First Volume_Chapter 562: Temporary Ceasefire

First Volume_Chapter 562: Temporary Ceasefire

Although the Liang Emperor tried hard to conceal it, the rare sincerity and reluctance revealed in his eyes could never be faked.

A person's life, no matter what great joys or sorrows they endure, ultimately returns to calm.

From the moment the Liang Emperor secured his throne, he became like an old monk who had seen through the mortal world.

Nothing in the world could stir even a ripple in the Liang Emperor's heart.

Until Qin Feng appeared.

That boy brought him too many pleasant surprises.

Even when facing a mountain of Imperial Memorials, the Liang Emperor could still hold a trace of anticipation.

What happened today in the Imperial Court undoubtedly awakened the Liang Emperor's memories of days gone by.

Back then, ruler and minister complemented each other perfectly — as long as the Liang Emperor gave the slightest hint, Qin Feng would take the cue and help the Liang Emperor remove every stumbling block.

Just as today, facing Chen Si's insolence, Qin Feng stepped forward without hesitation to uphold the Liang Emperor's dignity.

If he could, the Liang Emperor would love to keep this tacit understanding with Qin Feng forever.

But alas, as the Liang Holy Man, the Liang Emperor dared not trust anyone.

Not even Qin Feng, who had endured countless trials.

Perhaps this is the fate — even the curse — of being a Holy Man.

A foolish ruler is surrounded by treacherous ministers; a wise ruler is entangled in endless affairs of state.

Even the most basic friendship becomes a luxury.

"Things have come to this. Moping and sighing is already meaningless."

"Qin Feng, if you can trust me, then I'll lay my cards on the table for you."

"Even though I've been guarding against you as if you were a tiger or a wolf, before the Two Nations' Peace Talks are concluded, I will absolutely not make a move against you."

Qin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Since the conversation had already reached this point.

Even if only for the sake of their past bond, Qin Feng naturally had to respond in kind.

Qin Feng turned and walked to the Dragon Case, sweeping away his earlier carefree air, his expression turning solemn and serious.

He extended both hands, slowly brought them together, and bowed to the Liang Emperor.

"Until the Two Nations' Peace Talks end, I too will treat the Holy Man as I did before."

A trace of relief showed between the Liang Emperor's brows.

If it were the Lin Family, or some Powerful Clan from Nan Jing, the Liang Emperor would not dare relax for even a moment.

Let alone call a "mid-game timeout" with them.

But facing Qin Feng, the Liang Emperor could call a halt to this open and covert struggle without any scruple.

Because the Liang Emperor knew perfectly well that the grudge between ruler and minister lay not with Qin Feng, but with himself.

"Withdraw."

Although the Liang Emperor still had many things in his heart — grievances, even — that he wished to pour out to Qin Feng.

The words reached his lips, but he swallowed them back.

The moment he became a Holy Man, the Liang Emperor could only bury his true feelings deep within his heart.

Qin Feng did not hesitate any longer, and bowed once more.

"This minister takes his leave."

Qin Feng did not raise his head, nor did he turn around; instead, in the most reverent posture, he slowly backed out of the Imperial Study.

The Palace Guards glared at him with fury.

That slap from earlier had clearly forged an irreconcilable enmity.

From the hatred-filled eyes of the Palace Guards, one could tell that given any chance, they would kill Qin Feng without a moment's hesitation.

As the saying goes, the King of Hell is easy to deal with, but the Little Ghosts are hard to shake off.

Relying on the tacit understanding between ruler and minister, Qin Feng could call a truce with the Liang Emperor.

But he could not mediate with the Liang Emperor's subordinates.

The hatred in the Palace Guards' eyes did not make Qin Feng feel the slightest wariness; on the contrary, it stirred up his stubbornness.

If the other side was ruthless, he could only be more ruthless than them.

Only this way could he protect the people he cherished by his side.

Without the slightest hesitation, Qin Feng slapped them across the face once more.

"Insolence!"

"I am a Marquis of Ten Battalion Commander appointed by the Holy Man himself. You, a mere Palace Guard — in terms of OfficialRank, are nothing but a lowly Fifth Rank."

"How dare you look at me with such eyes — are you trying to commit insubordination?!"

The Palace Guards had no choice but to swallow their fury.

Moreover…

The fact that Qin Feng could walk out of the Imperial Study unscathed already said enough.

The Palace Guards slowly lowered their heads and cupped their fists in salute to Qin Feng.

"This general deserves death. Please, Lord Marquis Qin, forgive us."

Qin Feng gave a light snort, paid them no heed, and under the watchful eyes of the Palace Guards and a host of Imperial Guard soldiers, swaggered away.

It was not that Qin Feng was a petty man drunk on his success, but that these hounds, relying on being the Liang Emperor's trusted men, had never once taken Qin Feng seriously.

Whether they became enemies or allies was utterly meaningless.

In that case, he might as well use them to establish his authority!

Zhang Xiuye, hiding at a distance, slunk away in shame.

Qin Feng paid no mind; he simply clasped his hands behind his back and walked openly through half the Imperial Palace, under the eyes of all, heading toward the Palace Gate.

This privilege and arrogance were not even possessed by the Three Dukes or the Princes.

Whether it was the Eunuchs and palace maids brushing past, or the Imperial Guard standing watch nearby, all pretended not to see him.

Once Qin Feng had walked far away, a murmur arose behind him.

"This Qin Feng is too arrogant!"

"This is exactly what the old saying warns about—raising a tiger that will turn on you. Now Qin Feng doesn't even respect the Holy Emperor."

"Hmph, if you had the support of Liang's most Elite Troops and had repeatedly achieved miraculous feats, you could be just as arrogant."

"Sigh, is there truly no one in all of Jingdu who can rein in Qin Feng?"

"Well, we'll have to wait until the State Peace Talks are over."

"Heh, this time Qin Feng has offended every major figure in Jingdu. Just watch—he won't be dancing around much longer."

Qin Feng paid no attention to the gossip behind him; he strode forward toward the Palace Gate.

Almost as soon as he stepped out of the Palace Gate, a familiar yet strange voice suddenly came from his side.

Turning to look, Qin Feng frowned.

Chen Si had been waiting at the Palace Gate for a long time; seeing Qin Feng finally emerge, he stepped forward without hesitation.

Though he had only one arm left, Chen Si still pressed it to his chest and bowed.

Nothing like the arrogance he displayed in the Imperial Court before.

"Lord Qin, I've long wished to meet you. Might I trouble you for a few words?"

Qin Feng had no desire to speak with Chen Si.

In fact, he wanted to cut the man down on the spot.

Li Lang's death had struck Qin Feng with immense force.

But upon reflection, Qin Feng couldn't help but smile bitterly, realizing he'd been too narrow-minded.

Chen Si was merely following orders; if roles were reversed, Chen Si had many subordinates who died at Qin Feng's hands.

On the Battlefield, casualties are inevitable—and in this regard, Qin Feng was less open-minded than Chen Si.

Qin Feng suppressed his resentment and gestured for Chen Si to proceed.

They called it idle chat, but after walking for a long while, neither spoke a word, both silently studying the other.

Before this, Qin Feng had assumed Chen Si was like Zhao Yulong—cultured and martial, elegant and imposing.

But the reality was unexpected.

At first glance, Chen Si was just an ordinary middle-aged man.

Especially after suppressing the brutality forged on the Battlefield, he was indistinguishable from any commoner.

At that moment, Chen Si broke the silence.

He threw back his head and let out a hearty laugh.

"Lord Qin, you are truly a man among men. I lose to you without shame."