Chapter 584

First Volume, Chapter 584: The Lost Pearl of the Imperial Clan

Qin Feng's reaction was precisely as Lin Taibao had anticipated.

Lin Taibao could hardly suppress his inner joy, for Qin Feng's existence had always been a grave threat to the Lin Family.

As long as Qin Feng was eliminated, the Lin Family would be half-saved.

Lin Taibao had long awaited this day.

"Since Lord Qin is unwilling to speak of it, let the old man take his place and recount the matter in full."

"All of you know that the Qin Family has four young ladies, and all four are adopted Yi Nu."

"Among them, Third Miss Li Xiaolan left Jingdu with Qin Cheng Clan and returned to the Northern Border's Ancestral Land."

"Before this, everyone assumed Li Xiaolan merely accompanied Qin Cheng Clan out of duty, unaware that this was merely a ruse—feigning one path while secretly taking another."

"Li Xiaolan is the Lost Pearl of the Imperial Clan!"

"Her journey to the Northern Border was solely to conceal her identity!"

These words detonated like a bomb, instantly shattering the room.

Everyone stared at Qin Feng, dumbfounded, unable to believe it.

Xie Yun'er covered her mouth, swallowing saliva uncontrollably.

The Qin Family's Third Miss is the Lost Pearl of the Imperial Clan—the Princess of Liang?! How is this possible!

If Li Xiaolan's status is so exalted, why hide herself, willingly sinking into the Folk?

What exactly transpired here?

Xie Yun'er could not fathom it.

The other officials present were equally baffled, stunned and lost.

Li Qian had long known the truth but feigned shock, leaping to his feet and shouting: "What?!"

"Li Xiaolan is the Lost Pearl of the Imperial Clan, the Princess of Liang—my sister?!"

"I never imagined. I truly never imagined."

"We siblings were so close, yet failed to recognize each other."

Saying this, Li Qian suddenly turned to Qin Feng, his expression darkening, his gaze hostile: "Qin Feng! Why did you conceal this?"

Qin Feng remained silent, his eyes locked on the two men's performance.

As Qin Feng had foreseen, Li Qian did not wait for his answer—he struck immediately.

Li Qian, impatient, shouted: "Qin Feng! I ask you once more: why have you confined Li Xiaolan in the Northern Border? What is your intent?"

"Are you attempting to hold the Da Liang Imperial Orthodoxy hostage, to extort us?!"

Though Li Xiaolan and Li Zhang and Li Lang were all Imperial Clan Members, their status and rank differed vastly.

Li Xiaolan, as the daughter of the Liang Emperor, was the most legitimate heir of the Imperial Orthodoxy.

No matter how Qin Feng defended himself, he could not escape suspicion of holding the Imperial Clan hostage.

Thus, Qin Feng chose not to defend himself.

Li Yong, seated nearby, having witnessed the entire scene, took a deep breath.

He already understood: Qin Feng was beyond saving tonight.

Lin Taibao and Li Qian, singing in unison, bowed and said solemnly: "Your Highness, this matter is of grave importance and must be handled with utmost caution."

"The foremost priority is to respectfully escort the Princess back to Jingdu. As for the Qin Family's crimes, the Dali Temple and Zongzheng Temple shall jointly investigate before any judgment is rendered."

Striking at the vital point, this move was devastating to the Qin Family.

Moreover, this was not a conspiracy—it was an open, blatant stratagem.

Li Xiaolan's identity is now exposed; if Qin Feng refuses to let her return, the charge of holding the Imperial Clan hostage becomes undeniable.

Then, all under Heaven will rise to execute him!

If he allows her to return, then Li Xiaolan will be in grave danger…

Li Xiaolan has hidden beneath the Qin Family's protection because someone has been hunting her relentlessly.

That someone must be a noble within Gong Zhong—though still unseen, they are undoubtedly a power dominating the court.

Even the Liang Emperor himself may be behind it.

This dilemma, placed before Qin Feng, leads to disaster no matter his choice.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and inwardly smiled bitterly—he never expected Li Qian, to eliminate him, would dig up such a long-buried secret.

And clearly…

Li Qian has a mastermind behind him!

Li Qian gave Qin Feng no chance to maneuver—he immediately issued two Military Orders.

"Bring me my men! Transmit my order to the Emperor at once!"

"Also, assemble an imperial escort immediately and proceed to the Northern Border to respectfully welcome the Princess back to Jingdu."

After the Imperial Guard hurriedly departed, Li Qian's gaze fell again on Qin Feng.

With a sly, mocking smile: "Qin Feng, the Northern Border is your domain."

"If the escort encounters trouble en route, you will bear full blame."

"Why not send your own men to escort the imperial procession and receive the Princess?"

"Then, I may speak well of you and recommend leniency."

Li Qian intended for Qin Feng to understand: welcoming Li Xiaolan back to Jingdu was already settled—no one could change it.

Facing Li Qian's chain of moves, Qin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

When he opened them again, his gaze was unshakably resolute.

"Impossible!"

As soon as he spoke, it struck exactly what Li Qian had hoped for.

Li Qian forced back his inner joy, feigned anger, and shouted loudly: "Qin Feng, what do you mean by that?"

"Are you truly planning to take our Princess of Liang hostage?"

Everyone present glared at Qin Feng with fury.

Earlier, the crowd had cursed Qin Feng as a "thief of the state," but it was merely empty verbal rage.

Now, Qin Feng seemed determined to make the charge of "theft of the state" his own.

Qin Feng understood Li Qian's trap; he exhaled slowly and replied not with an answer, but a question: "How does His Highness know Li Xiaolan is the Princess?"

"Do you have proof?"

"Or is His Highness setting a trap, deliberately luring my Third Sister back to Beijing, so you may seize her as a hostage and threaten the Qin Family?"

Facing Qin Feng's counterattack.

Li Qian couldn't help but sneer inwardly—the boy was quick to react, but too bad, he had already prepared for this.

Li Qian's gaze carried a hint of pity: "Then let me make you truly convinced."

"Lin Taibao, didn't you say you already had ironclad evidence? What are you waiting for? Show it to Qin Feng."

With the lives of the Qin Family and Li Xiaolan at stake, Qin Feng's heart tightened.

Lin Taibao wasted no time; he turned sharply toward the Gate and barked: "Bring him in!"

As his words fell, the Gate swung open again.

Under the eyes of all, two Imperial Guards marched in, dragging a man between them.

Seeing the man's face, everyone was baffled.

Only Qin Feng felt a chill run through him—he knew this was beyond salvation.

The man dragged in by the Imperial Guards was Wei Xiao!

Wei Xiao had clearly endured brutal torture; upon seeing Qin Feng, he let out a bitter laugh.

"Young Master Qin, we meet again."

How Wei Xiao had been captured by Lin Taibao no longer mattered.

Qin Feng exhaled softly, prepared for the worst: he would lead his personal guards and carve a bloody path out, retreating to the Northern Border.

Handing over Li Xiaolan was impossible!

If need be, he would hold the Northern Border and stand equal to Shedynasty.

Since everyone believed Qin Feng intended Rebellion, then let them have their wish!