Chapter 675: First Volume, Chapter 675: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Yellow Bird Waits Behind

First Volume, Chapter 675: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Yellow Bird Waits Behind

It was only one incense stick time.

The Palace Guards had returned to the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, Prince Han Yuming of Gaoshan Country was assassinated by Northern Di Night Owls."

"Fortunately, the Jin Yi Guard arrived in time and rescued Han Yuming."

"My Anwu Guard had secretly set up surveillance, intending to net both the Night Owls and the Jin Yi Guard."

"But the Jin Yi's Anwu Guards were already prepared—they took Han Yuming and left without a care, leaving the Anwu Guard empty-handed."

The Liang Emperor, who was reviewing imperial memorials, showed no reaction.

His eyes never left the memorial.

This middle-aged man, with streaks of white in his temples, spoke absentmindedly: "It's only to be expected.

"Han Yuming represents Gaoshan Country, coming specially to Beijing to negotiate future cooperation with Qin Feng.

"No matter what agreement is reached, it would bring nothing but harm to the Northern Di.

"Therefore, the Northern Di would inevitably target Han Yuming.

"As for the Jin Yi Guard's secret infiltration into the Jingji Region, it has long ceased to be a secret.

"Qin Feng truly is Liang's foremost military trainer.

"Whether it's his Tianji Camp Guards, the Black Riders, or now the Jin Yi Guard, all are top-tier."

The Palace Guards had already experienced the strength of the Tianji Camp Guards.

They knew the Liang Emperor's words were not empty praise, but a genuine acknowledgment of Qin Feng's power.

"Your Majesty, the Anwu Guard suffered heavy losses this time—how should we handle this matter?"

The Liang Emperor flipped a page of the memorial with a casual hand: "Ignore it.

"Ever since the Anwu Guard recklessly meddled in the struggle between Second Brother and Seventh Prince, I've known it's no longer worth my investment.

"Let it fend for itself.

"You Palace Guards, once followed the late Emperor into countless campaigns, achieved great merit, and slew countless enemies.

"All elite Bow Infantry and scouts were retained, evolving into today's Palace Guards.

"From now on, handle the capital's various defenses."

The Palace Guards immediately bowed with clasped fists.

Without hesitation.

"Your servant obeys."

As the Palace Guards turned to leave, they suddenly remembered something and turned back.

"Your Majesty, the Night Owls infiltrating the Jingji Region are being handled by the Anwu Guard's full strength—no great concern.

"But how should we deal with the Jin Yi Guard going forward?"

"After all, those hidden claws are all Qin Feng's trusted men."

"If we crack down hard, we risk provoking Qin Feng.

"But if we ignore them, the Jingji Region will have no secrets left."

The Liang Emperor finally set down the memorial, looked up at the night sky beyond the Imperial Study, and sighed.

In the end, the hardest man to handle was still Qin Feng.

Logically, beneath the emperor's bed, no one else should sleep.

Any force not belonging to the Li Imperial Clan should be eradicated preemptively.

But if we act, Qin Feng will surely retaliate.

After much thought, the Liang Emperor gave no direct answer, but asked a counter-question.

"What's the current wind direction in the Imperial Court?"

The Palace Guards were prepared and answered immediately.

"Your Majesty, since the court has not convened for many days, ministers, to avoid suspicion, have had little private contact.

"Moreover, with the Northern Di Envoy Group in Beijing, all departments are overwhelmed with official duties—so ministers are all busy with state affairs."

Hearing this, the Liang Emperor quietly exhaled in relief.

Looking at the Palace Guards, he asked sincerely: "Do you think, if I attend court tomorrow, will any official raise the matter of appointing the Three Dukes?"

At these words, the Palace Guards immediately lowered their heads.

"I am merely a Martial man."

"State affairs are beyond my place to comment on."

The Liang Emperor was far too astute.

The Palace Guards' refusal to comment meant the situation was grim.

The Liang Emperor did not blame him; instead, he found himself ridiculous.

As the sovereign of a great nation, he had not a single person he could confide in—instead, he had to dump the burden of state affairs onto his guards.

The Liang Emperor couldn't help but sigh inwardly again.

The spark between him and Qin Feng had all begun with the Liuli Workshop.

Knowing Qin Feng valued money and profit above all, he had tried to chastise him over this matter—only to end up shooting himself in the foot.

Whether he regretted it or not, it was now meaningless.

The court session cannot be convened yet.

First, the fire of ministers pushing for the appointment of the Three Dukes must be doused.

As for Qin Feng—just endure him for now.

Only pity will make Qin Feng rebound even harder.

"As for the Brocade Guard, turn a blind eye and look the other way."

"So long as these hounds do not touch the Imperial Palace or threaten the state, they may be treated leniently."

The Palace Guards fell to their knees with a thud.

They bowed their heads heavily before the Liang Emperor.

"Your Majesty endures humiliation and bears heavy burdens; your servant's heart is pierced like a knife."

If these words had come from anyone else, the Liang Emperor would have dismissed them as flattery.

But coming from the Palace Guards, they brought him a faint sense of comfort.

If there was any force in this world still willing to spill blood and sacrifice everything for the Li Imperial Clan, it was only the Palace Guards.

Even the so-called Central Plains Imperial Party cannot be trusted!

The Liang Emperor waved his hand; after the Palace Guards withdrew, he took out a memorial he had prepared in advance and tossed it to Zhang Xiuye.

"Tomorrow, go to the Ministry of Personnel."

"Convey my imperial decree: recently, someone has sought to control Liang's grain supplies."

"Under the pretense of acting in my interest, they seize power, but in truth, they seek to murder the people and destroy Liang's cultivation foundation."

"Order all officials involved to reflect upon their actions."

Zhang Xiuye clutched the imperial memorial and quickly withdrew.

Yet his mind buzzed with doubt.

The Liang Emperor's first few words had sounded so grave he nearly thought he meant to exterminate the Central Plains Imperial Party and annihilate their nine clans.

But his final sentence took a sudden turn.

Reflect upon their actions?

After committing such a grave crime, merely to reflect upon their actions?

Clearly, the Liang Emperor could not bear to lose the Central Plains Imperial Party's strength—he aimed to chastise, not destroy, to win them over, not crush them.

After all, the Central Plains Imperial Party was the only force the Liang Emperor currently held that could directly stand off against the Northern Border Troops.

……

Night grew deeper.

The once bustling Mingyue Zhai gradually quieted.

The families of Ning Hu and Zhao Yulong departed one after another.

Due to excessive duties at the Ministry of War, Qin Tianhu could only prioritize official business and temporarily reside in the Headquarters DaTang.

In the back courtyard of Mingyue Zhai, a physician summoned from Tianji Camp was urgently bandaging Han Yuming.

Qin Feng stood guard outside the door himself.

Half a Envoy passed before the physician emerged.

"Young Master, His Highness Han's injuries are severe, primarily from excessive blood loss, but his physique is remarkably robust—he should pull through."

Should…

Han Yuming cannot afford to die; otherwise, the hard-won agreement will surely unravel.

Nearby, Liu Ming reported solemnly: "Young Master, it is our failure—we beg your punishment."

Qin Feng waved his hand: "This matter is not for you to report to me—the mastermind is right here. Can't you see?"

Liu Ming froze, then quickly turned and bowed to Li Xiaolan.

"Your servant greets the Master."