Chapter 719

First Volume, Chapter 719: One More Transaction

As he spoke, Chen Zheng gave Qin Feng a long, deep look.

In his heart, he sighed inwardly: Qin Feng, Qin Feng—you're still so young, yet you already possess the bearing of a legendary minister.

Whether it's the Qin Family or Shedynasty, to have this man's aid is truly great fortune.

Chen Zheng turned and retreated back into the ranks of the upright officials.

All officials of the Taolin Party and the Imperial Party stared in stunned silence—Qin Feng had actually persuaded Chen Zheng!

You should know that since Chen Zheng became an official, no one has ever been able to make him bow and submit in person, so Qin Feng has accomplished quite a feat.

The faces of the Imperial Party officials turned utterly dark.

If even Chen Zheng had been defeated, who else could stop the Qin Family from achieving their political goals?!

Just as everyone believed Qin Feng's mission was complete and he would gracefully turn and leave—

Qin Feng stepped forward without warning, raising his head to gaze directly at the Liang Emperor.

Although Qin Feng and the Liang Emperor had clashed multiple times before—even broken ties—it had always been done in private.

But this time, Qin Feng stood before the Imperial Court, facing the Liang Emperor in front of all civil and military officials.

In an instant, every heart in the hall rose to their throats.

Qin Tianhu's palms were slick with sweat, his nerves stretched to the breaking point—Qin Feng had already accomplished his goal by persuading Chen Zheng; now, all that remained was to follow the original plan: Qin Tianhu leading the Taolin Party in a collective petition to the Liang Emperor, securing the position of Taishi Taibao without issue.

At this moment, absolutely no complications could be allowed.

Yet the calmest person in the hall was the Liang Emperor himself.

He looked down from above, gazing at Qin Feng with an intensity never seen before.

Since Qin Feng began his debate with Chen Zheng, the Liang Emperor had already understood: Qin Feng's words, though seemingly addressed to Chen Zheng, were meant entirely for him.

Now that Qin Feng stood before him, it was unexpected, yet perfectly logical.

"Qin Feng, before all civil and military officials today—what do you intend to do?"

Just as the Liang Emperor expected Qin Feng to speak sharply, perhaps even force a palace coup—an unexpected scene unfolded.

Pūtōng!

Qin Feng knelt down on the spot.

This act stunned not only the officials present, but even the Liang Emperor.

Qin Feng knelt on the ground, fixing his gaze on the Liang Emperor with unwavering resolve: "Your Majesty, since the day we met, I have never prostrated myself before you—correct?"

The Liang Emperor did not hesitate: "Yes! I have never blamed you."

Qin Feng pressed on: "I have never regarded myself as your subject—correct?"

The Liang Emperor answered just as cleanly: "Yes! I understand your heart—thus I granted you a title, but never an official post."

Qin Feng no longer hesitated; he performed a full kowtow before the Liang Emperor. When he rose, his eyes were harder than ever: "Between us, sovereign and minister, there have been countless suspicions, even conflicts."

"But I know in my heart that Your Majesty has always placed great hope in me—otherwise, I would never have reached where I am today."

"Had you not recognized me, would you have watched me climb step by step to this position?"

"Your wrongs, I remember well; your kindnesses, I have never forgotten."

"Long ago, you and I became acquainted through a transaction."

"Today, I wish to make another transaction with Your Majesty!"

The Liang Emperor drew a deep breath, filled with emotion—long ago, it was the word "transaction" that had tripped him up, leading him to dig such a deep pit for himself.

Now, hearing that word again, though his heart brimmed with caution, he felt Qin Feng's sincerity—and despite the Imperial Party officials' silent signals, he accepted willingly.

"What transaction? Tell me."

Qin Feng did not hesitate: "From this day forward, all debts and grievances between my Qin Family and Your Majesty are erased. You must never again doubt the loyalty of the Qin Family."

"If Your Majesty does not understand, let me be clearer still…"

Before Qin Feng could finish, the Liang Emperor waved his hand to cut him off: "No need. I understand."

Some things must not be spoken too plainly—otherwise, the impact on the entire court would be incalculable.

Knowing Qin Feng as he did, how could the Liang Emperor not grasp his meaning? In plain terms, Qin Feng was saying: from now on, the Liang Emperor must never plot against the Qin Family!

The Liang Emperor raised an eyebrow: "If I cease doubting your Qin Family's loyalty, what can you give me in return?"

This transaction had long been brewing in Qin Feng's mind—he seized this moment to speak it aloud.

Qin Feng drew a deep breath and spoke firmly: "From this day forward, I, Qin Feng, will no longer preserve myself in safety—I shall serve you as a subject, loyal to the core."

"As long as you sit upon the Long'an, I shall remain your subject forever!"

"Moreover, I shall personally oversee pacifying the Di tribes, subduing the Jiangnan Lin Family, and quelling the powerful clans of Nan Jing—removing these threats from your heart."

The Liang Emperor's eyes glinted faintly.

For years, the Liang Emperor's hidden threats had always boiled down to just a few.

The Qin Family, the Jiangnan Lin Family, the powerful clans of Nan Jing, the Di tribes, and the people's livelihood.

According to the Liang Emperor's knowledge, regarding the people's livelihood, Qin Feng would have devoted himself fully even without being asked.

Now, Qin Feng offered a reason the Liang Emperor could not refuse: if he trusted and continued to empower the Qin Family, they would eliminate the other three major threats.

One for three? Where in the world was there a better deal?

The Liang Emperor's furrowed brow finally relaxed. He looked down at Qin Feng kneeling before him and let out a long sigh.

"Qin Feng, you just said that as long as I sit upon the Long'an, you will serve me."

"But this Herald will one day pass on—meaning you serve only me, not the Li Imperial Clan?"

Facing this seemingly perilous question, Qin Feng did not hesitate for a moment—he answered instantly.

"Your Majesty is Your Majesty; the Prince is the Prince. I speak a word of treason—please forgive me."

"Your Majesty's edicts hold power only while you sit upon the throne; when the throne passes, who can say whether those edicts will stand or be abolished?"

"Even if His Majesty continues to trust me, whether the new emperor will trust me is another matter entirely."

"I am willing to be a loyal minister who benefits the state and its people, but that does not mean I am a fool loyalist."

"Behind me are my parents, my sisters, my brothers... how could I dare to die?!"

This speech struck straight into the heart of the Liang Emperor.

Though filled with overtones of treason, the Liang Emperor was delighted, his eyes gleaming as he fixed his gaze on Qin Feng.

"You have not deceived me!"

"I can accept your bargain, but I must issue an edict to amend state policy!"

"The position of Grand Commandant shall be assumed by Qin Tianhu, but the vacant position of Grand Protector shall never again be mentioned."

"During my reign, I shall no longer appoint a Grand Protector. In the future, no matter the policy, if even one of the Three Dukes refuses, it shall not be enacted!"