Chapter 594: First Volume, Chapter 594: Yun'er Has Returned

First Volume, Chapter 594: Yun'er Has Returned

After leaving the Prison, Qin Feng did not rush home but went to the Imperial Palace, intending to plead for clemency.

Even if he could not secure Xie Bi's pardon, at least he could delay the execution date and gain a few more days.

He was turned back before even entering the Palace Gate, as the Imperial Guard shut the Door in his face.

Not surprising!

Xie Bi's downfall was not only Li Qian's strike—it was also the Liang Emperor's test posed to Qin Feng.

If Qin Feng abandoned Xie Bi, he could still join the State Peace Talks and earn further glory for Shedynasty.

Conversely, the only way to save Xie Bi was to break him out of prison.

Once branded with that crime, Qin Feng's lifetime of achievements would vanish in an instant.

At that point, Qin Feng would merely be a warlord hoarding troops, and dealing with him would become far easier.

Step forward, and face eternal ruin; step back, and wealth and honor endure.

In other words, the Emperor now seems to view the threat from Qin Feng as greater than that from the Di.

He would rather risk the State Peace Talks than miss this rare chance to cripple Qin Feng.

Only five days remain—these five days concern not only Xie Bi's life or death but also the Qin Family's future.

Unknown to them…

Qin Feng had long prepared for the worst, but he would not abandon trying other options until the final moment.

These few short days passed in a flash.

Before long, it was the fourth day, and Xie Yun'er remained silent—just as Qin Feng was about to give up.

A miracle happened!

At dusk, Qin Xiaofu ran back, panting, shouting as he ran: "Master! Miss Xie has returned!"

Qin Feng's heart jolted; he rushed forward three steps at once and saw Xie Yun'er walking toward him.

After days apart, Xie Yun'er had grown gaunt; her once lively eyes had turned dull.

"Yun'er, where have you been!"

"I've turned over every corner of Jingdu."

Seeing Xie Yun'er's state, Qin Feng's heart bled—he lunged forward and pulled her into his arms.

Xie Yun'er's body trembled slightly as she buried her head hard against Qin Feng's shoulder.

All the grievances she had endured burst forth at once.

The violent girl who once terrified Jingdu's elite now resembled a wounded lamb, seeking only shelter.

Even if only for a moment of peace.

Qin Feng had intended to demand where she had hidden, but the words died on his lips.

Right now, Qin Feng's only task was to comfort Xie Yun'er.

Everything else could wait.

Qin Xiaofu wisely left, and before going, he drove away all the servants who did not understand what had happened.

The entire Civilian Household was left with only Qin Feng and Xie Yun'er.

They held each other, leaning on one another.

After a long while, Xie Yun'er finally spoke—but her once spirited voice had become fragile.

"I'm sorry… I made you worry."

At those words, all Qin Feng's anger and dread vanished instantly.

Qin Feng gently stroked Xie Yun'er's back, softening his tone as much as he could.

"You're back—that's all that matters, Yun'er. Remember, no matter what happens, I'm still here."

"I will never let you face this hardship alone."

Xie Yun'er softly murmured "Mm," resting her head against Qin Feng's shoulder.

Tears silently fell, soaking his shoulder.

Xie Yun'er said nothing about where she had been.

Qin Feng, equally silent, did not press her—so long as she had returned, it was fortune amid misfortune.

Only when Xie Yun'er's emotions steadied did Qin Feng lead her to the Back Courtyard and hurriedly ordered servants to prepare food.

Due to the haste, the meal was simple: three dishes—greens, meat, and soup.

Xie Yun'er bowed her head, eating quietly; clearly, she had not eaten properly in days, and her manner was hasty.

Qin Feng sat quietly beside her, keeping her company, occasionally placing chopsticks of food into her bowl.

After eating her fill, Xie Yun'er set down her chopsticks and bowl, still seated at the table, staring at Qin Feng.

Her gaze shifted unpredictably.

Sometimes happy, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes resentful.

Qin Feng knew that both the broken engagement and Xie Bi's imprisonment had struck Xie Yun'er hard.

Qin Feng had been preparing to offer comfort when Xie Yun'er spoke first.

"I'm tired. Can I stay in the Qin Residence tonight?"

Qin Feng swallowed his ache, reached out, and brushed her hair, smiling bitterly: "Foolish girl, this is your home."

"Stay as long as you like."

Xie Yun'er forced a faint smile, nodding gently—she looked utterly obedient.

Such obedience after enduring great trials and upheavals was the most heartbreaking of all.

Qin Feng led Xie Yun'er to the guest chamber and personally prepared her bedding.

Xie Yun'er was exhausted and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. After tucking the quilt around her, Qin Feng closed the door and left.

Qin Feng wasn't sleepy to begin with, but with the boulder weighing on his heart finally lifted, he felt considerably lighter at once, so after returning to his room, he too fell asleep not long after.

The next morning at dawn, Qin Feng was woken up by Old Comrade Qin.

"Feng'er, how exactly are we going to resolve the matter of your Uncle Xie?"

Although Old Qin hadn't said it outright, today was the day of Xie Bi's execution.

By regulation, the execution was carried out at noon, and from now, even counting generously, there were only two hours left.

Qin Feng sat in DaTang without a word, his mind racing as he thought through every possible plan.

In the end, he still came up empty.

Could it really come down to storming the Execution Ground?!

Although this path meant a ninety-percent chance of death, as the lord of Beixi County, Qin Feng absolutely could not abandon Xie Bi.

After all, the fundamental principle of Establishing a Foothold in Beixi County was to never abandon a single Comrade.

Qin Feng drew a deep breath, and the hesitation in his eyes swept away, replaced by absolute resolve.

"Ning Hu, gather the men!"

Ning Hu, who had been standing silently at his side, lit up: "I've been waiting for you to say that!"

"The Comrades have already armed themselves and are ready to move out at any moment."

Hearing this, Qin Feng gave a knowing smile — to have Comrades like these in this life was worth it!

Qin Feng no longer hesitated and immediately began the final Preparation.

"Ning Hu, in this battle, we will surely bear a monstrous crime, and everyone Implicated will hardly escape death."

"While there's still time, go home at once, arrange for your family, and leave Jingdu together."

Seeing Ning Hu standing in place without the slightest trace of urgency between his brows, Qin Feng couldn't help but knit his brows tightly.

"What are you still standing there for? Hurry up!"

Ning Hu puffed out his chest, grinning broadly, looking quite pleased with himself: "Do I even need you to tell me?"

"These past few days, seeing you at a complete loss, I already knew how today would end."

"So I made all the arrangements long ago."

"My parents and family have already packed up their valuables and are ready to leave at any moment."

"Heh, what Marquis of Yong'an — as long as you're in Jingdu, you never know when your head might end up moving house."

"My Ning Family doesn't care for that! Better to go to Beixi County and live free and easy!"