Chapter 70: First Volume, Chapter 70: The Wine House Is Smashed

First Volume, Chapter 70: The Wine House Is Smashed

The Vice Minister of Revenue frowned tightly, strongly rejecting the words "invincible": "Officials from the Ministry of Works have always been fond of grandiose boasts; such exaggerations are best heard but not taken seriously."

The Director of the Ministry of Revenue shook his head, his gaze utterly serious:

"I have already seen the prototype of that crossbow; even conservatively estimated, its range exceeds eight hundred steps. Though reloading is extremely difficult—requiring foot pressure—if deployed in formation, its power will be terrifying."

"Moreover, it is said Qin Feng has already illustrated the firing method in diagrams—it is… the Three-Segment Firing Method."

The Minister of Revenue raised an eyebrow, instantly intrigued: "What is the Three-Segment Firing Method? Is it three horizontal lines firing in crossfire?"

The Director of the Ministry of Revenue could not help but sigh:

"At first I thought the same, but that Qin Feng Xiao'er has profound insight into military strategy. The so-called Three-Segment Firing Method is not crossfire—it is three rows each fulfilling distinct roles.

"The third row loads the bows, the second row passes arrows, and the first row fires. Thus, by continuously rotating the bowmen, sustained ranged attack is achieved. Qin Feng calls it… Fire Coverage."

Although the Minister of Revenue champions "peace through negotiation," differing from Qin Tianhu's views, he could not deny that Qin Feng's military strategy was exceptionally advanced—even the Minister of Revenue could not help but praise it.

"The Three-Segment Firing Method, Fire Coverage—such strategic insights are indeed refreshing. But if Bow Infantry form three-row formations, their defense must be extremely weak; should an unexpected force strike, they may…"

Before the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue had already answered.

"Qin Feng once declared he would personally train the Border Army, and his Bow Infantry are no ordinary troops—they are fully equipped with elite gear: Mo Blade, Short Axes, Light Armor—all provided."

"After Fire Coverage, if the Enemy Army charges forward, they immediately engage in Close Combat, transforming from Bow Infantry into Foot Soldiers. Combined with supporting formations on all sides, they can attack or defend, advancing and retreating in order."

"Though somewhat ineffective against Cavalry, according to court generals, Beidi Cavalry only conduct Ambush, pursuit, and flank attacks—they rarely perform Cavalry Charge."

Hearing this, the Minister of Revenue and the Vice Minister of Revenue exchanged glances, murmuring in astonishment.

With this combat method, they might truly crush the Beidi and secure the peace of the Bianchui frontier.

The Minister of Revenue pondered for a moment, then declared bluntly: "Send someone to gather Twenty Thousand Li Silver and deliver it to the Qin Family."

The Director of the Ministry of Revenue was taken aback: "Sir, have you forgotten? The bet was only Ten Thousand Li Silver!"

The Minister of Revenue sighed deeply: "It's complicated! Ten or twenty thousand—there's no difference now; both will enrage the Emperor."

"Since the Beidi war is already imminent, for now we must avoid conflict with the Ministry of War and steer clear of their sharp edge. As for Qin Feng, we need not lift a finger—he will be dealt with by others."

At this, the Minister of Revenue glanced at Li Rui, his expression darkening again: "Useless piece!"

"In literary talent, cunning, or political strategy—where do you compare to Qin Feng?"

"Today at Ji Wang Fu, Qin Feng, relying on his status as a junior, knew the Emperor and Ji Wang would not hold him accountable—he flattered Ji Wang and showed off before the Emperor, playing both sides. Where were you? Dead?"

"From today on, read poetry and books diligently, learn something useful—it won't kill you!"

Li Rui bowed his head, hating Qin Feng to the bone, yet dared not utter a single word in reply.

Cheng Fa, however, whispered softly: "That Qin Feng is a notorious Wastrel in Jingzhong—idle all day, ignorant and uneducated, he's committed countless acts of bullying and abuse. How could he… change so much?"

Upon hearing this, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue kicked Cheng Fa squarely, sending him sprawling, and roared:

"I told you you're stupid, and you prove it! With your character, how can you compete with Qin Feng? You only see him enjoying himself outside—do you think he's not studying at home? His Wastrel act is a performance meant for fools like you!"

Qin Feng naturally knew nothing of the Hubei Party's opinions of him, nor that he had become the public enemy of the Noble Youth of Jingzhong.

As for his reading habit, Qin Feng had never abandoned it…

The next morning, Qin Feng sat comfortably in the Cool Pavilion of the Xiaoyuan, reclining in Xiao Xiangxiang's lap, eating fruits and melons handed to him while intently reading a book.

The book's cover bore the title "Ten Strategies of Military Tactics," but its pages had long been swapped out—replaced by a "Prohibited Book" explicitly banned by Shedynasty…

Erotic illustrations, Eighteen Touches, tales from courtesan houses—all present, and Qin Feng read them with utmost seriousness.

Sitting behind him, Xiao Xiangxiang avoided the lewd content, blushing shyly: "Master, such filthy books only corrupt the mind. The weather is fine today—why not go out for a stroll?"

Qin Feng licked his fingers as he turned a page, distractedly saying:

"I won't go out and invite misfortune. Half the people in Jingdu want me dead—especially those old foxes in the Ministry of Revenue. They might even put a bounty on my limbs. Besides, what's fun out there? It's broad daylight—I can't bully men or oppress civilians. It's boring."

Xiao Xiangxiang burst into laughter, cooing: "Master, if you really went around bullying people, Master and the young ladies would never forgive you."

Qin Feng snorted: "I'm afraid of them? Ridiculous! Xiao Fu? Qin Xiaofu! Where are you? Go check if the Door is locked."

Qin Feng had made up his mind: unless there was a brawl or a husband catching his wife in adultery, nothing short of the sky falling would make him step outside.

Those bastards in the Ministry of Revenue would do anything if pushed too far—weren't they just pushing him off the Hua Fang and nearly drowning him?

Stay low, don't stir trouble—that was Qin Feng's Survival strategy.

For several days straight, Qin Feng never left the Qin Residence, devouring seven or eight pornographic books, and found himself deeply impressed by the ancients' "imagination."

After all, in this era, entertainment was scarce—the nobility's minds were entirely fixated on matters between the legs. Combined with Shedynasty's strict laws and heavy moral constraints…

When it came to fun, the ancients really knew how to enjoy themselves.

Just as Qin Feng was discussing the book's details with Xiao Xiangxiang—making her so flustered she wished she could crawl into a hole—Qin Xiaofu's shrill voice interrupted Qin Feng's pleasure.

"Master! Something huge has happened!"

Qin Xiaofu rushed into the Back Courtyard, face flushed, barely able to speak.

Qin Feng quietly closed the book, handed it to Xiao Xiangxiang, and told the blushing girl to keep it safe, then spoke calmly:

"What could possibly happen? The Beidi war is already imminent, and the Imperial Court has fully sided with my Qin Family. Unless the Emperor dies, what could possibly change the situation?"

These words nearly terrified Qin Xiaofu and Xiao Xiangxiang to death—if the Imperial Guard heard them, they'd chop Qin Feng's head on the spot!

Xiao Xiangxiang immediately reached from behind and clamped her hand over Qin Feng's mouth, fearing he'd say something even more treasonous.

Hmm… really that serious?

Qin Feng sneered.

This was the Qin Residence's Back Courtyard—so long as Xiao Xiangxiang and Qin Xiaofu didn't betray him, wasn't he free to say whatever he wanted?

Qin Xiaofu wiped the sweat from his forehead; he feared his master, yet admired him utterly.

There was nothing this man wouldn't say or do…

Two—awesome!

But Qin Xiaofu quickly pressed on: "Master! Our Wuhu Da Jiu Lou has been smashed!"