Chapter 72

First Volume, Chapter 72: The Foremost of the Capital's Four Scourges

Clearly, Qin Feng, the "Foremost of the Capital's Four Scourges," had no regard for the Dragon-Tiger Gang.

Since he was a notorious wastrel and suspected madman, Qin Feng naturally had to see the act through to the end.

Not only must he fight the Dragon-Tiger Gang, but he must parade openly through the streets—since he intended to cause chaos, he would make it as grand as possible!

Moreover, the Dragon-Tiger Gang was backed by Zui Xian Lou; it was no minor gang—charging in with dozens of servants would likely end in disaster.

Qin Feng swung his axe wildly while shouting loudly: "Under the bright sun and clear sky, how dare the Dragon-Tiger Gang loot, burn, and destroy? Is there no law? Today, I, Qin Feng, shall act on Heaven's behalf and contribute my humble strength to safeguarding the peace of Jingdu!"

"Listen well, everyone! Whoever joins me shall receive one liang of silver. Whoever fights alongside me, Qin Feng, shall receive ten liang. For every Dragon-Tiger Gang member you knock down, fifty liang!"

Great rewards produce brave men; even just tagging along meant one liang of silver—though to Beijing civilians, one liang meant little, the lure of "free money" was simply too great.

Among the onlookers, many harbored resentment toward the Dragon-Tiger Gang or sought to curry favor with the Qin Family.

What began as a group of dozens had, in moments, swelled to hundreds, with more arriving by the minute.

Meanwhile, in the Wine House Elegant Room opposite the Dragon-Tiger Gang, Zhao Zhangfu exchanged cups with a youth clad in Huayi, while a famed courtesan of Jingzhong attended them—Zhao Zhangfu had spared no expense to deal with Qin Feng.

Zhao Zhangfu handed the youth a pre-prepared redwood box, smiling obsequiously: "Thank you, Young Master Gao, for your assistance. A small token, please accept it."

Gao Song pried open the redwood box just enough to see the neatly stacked gold fish inside, and a faint smile curled his lips—he pushed the box right back: "Your kindness, Master Zhao, I deeply appreciate, but this money must return to Zui Xian Lou's Imperial Treasury. In return, I beg you only to speak well of me before the Second Prince—I shall be eternally grateful."

Zhao Zhangfu, surprised by Gao Song's tact, beamed with admiration: "Young Master Gao, truly a young talent! I, Zhao, am in awe. I also beg you to convey my regards to your esteemed father, Grand Commandant Gao."

Since Qin Feng, this plague, arrived at Zui Xian Lou, Zhao Zhangfu had felt like swallowing a fly—revolted, furious, but mostly helpless.

At first, Zhao Zhangfu dismissed Qin Feng's boasts as nonsense—crushing Zui Xian Lou in half a month? The greatest joke in the world.

But after the Ji Wang's birthday banquet, Zhao Zhangfu's mood turned one hundred and eighty degrees.

That Qin Feng had, before the Son of Heaven and the entire court, nearly slapped the Ministry of Revenue and the Marquis of Yong'an across the face—and had successfully provoked the Di war.

Clearly, Qin Feng's intent to destroy Zui Xian Lou was no empty rumor!

Zui Xian Lou was the Second Prince's money tree—if anything went wrong, Zhao Zhangfu would lose a hundred heads, not one. Now, with the son of Grand Commandant Gao aiding him, Zhao Zhangfu's heart finally eased a little.

"That Qin Feng boasts of destroying Zui Xian Lou—it's tantamount to declaring war on the Second Prince. He's utterly clueless about death. Since we all serve the Second Prince, we must stand united."

"But… Qin Feng Xiao'er's behavior is always erratic, never following convention. If he truly dares come after the Dragon-Tiger Gang, Young Master Gao—do you have a contingency?"

Hearing this, Gao Song snorted into his wine cup, his eyes brimming with contempt: "If he dares come, let him walk in standing, and be carried out lying down!"

Others feared Qin Feng—Gao Song did not care.

Gao Song's father, Gao Ming, held the title of Grand Commandant. Though lacking real power compared to the Minister of State, it was a prestigious honor bestowed by the Son of Heaven, and he was also a Duke—his status ranked just below that of a Prince.

Not even Qin Feng, a mere nobody, could compare. Even Ji Wang would treat Gao Ming with proper respect. And even if Qin Feng were seriously injured—so what?

The Son of Heaven may favor Qin Feng, but Qin Feng holds no official rank—he is no different from a Commoner. Would the Son of Heaven risk offending Heaven itself to punish the Gao Family over a Commoner?

Beyond his family's standing, Gao Song held another trump card: the Second Prince.

The Gao Family had long maintained close ties with the Second Prince. Now, Qin Feng's provocation of the Di war had angered half the court.

With the Second Prince mediating, the Qin Family would have no choice but to swallow their teeth whole.

Gao Song, who had founded the Dragon-Tiger Gang under the Son of Heaven's own feet to carry out the Second Prince's dirty work, had no reason to fear a mere Qin Feng.

"Master Zhao, do not worry! I've already arranged with the Jingzhong Magistrate—today, all constables and officers are on official duty, no time to meddle in the Dragon-Tiger Gang's affairs."

"If Qin Feng recklessly shows up at the Dragon-Tiger Gang, break his limbs—see if he dares cause trouble again!"

"If he brings followers, accuse him of forming a criminal gang and assaulting the public. This is Tianzi Jiaoxia—even if Qin Tianhu comes to plead for him, he'll be locked up for a month."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhangfu's eyes lit up—if Qin Feng couldn't touch Zui Xian Lou this month, the mission was accomplished.

What Qin Feng might do to Zui Xian Lou later was no longer Zhao Zhangfu's concern—it was now Qin Feng's problem with the Second Prince.

Zhao Zhangfu rose solemnly and bowed deeply to Gao Song: "With Young Master Gao in command, Qin Feng will never stir up trouble."

"The entire capital suffers under Qin Feng's tyranny—the reputation of Jingzhong's Noble Youth has been utterly ruined. Your intervention to purge this scourge is nothing short of saving the people."

"I shall recount every detail of your great deed to the Second Prince."

Zhao Zhangfu's status could not compare to Gao Song's—but as Shopkeeper of Zui Xian Lou, he reported monthly to the Second Prince, a direct line to the Heavenly Court.

In contrast, Gao Song, though the son of a Grand Commandant, found it harder to meet the Second Prince than to climb to heaven.

As the two exchanged flattery, smug grins on their faces, a commotion rose from below.

Zhao Zhangfu and Gao Song exchanged glances and smiled—clearly, this noise was Qin Feng's doing.

They had reserved this Yajian specifically to watch Qin Feng get beaten—now they rose and rushed to the window, only for their smug smiles to freeze on their faces.

They had expected Qin Feng to bring followers—but never imagined he'd bring this many: a sea of black heads stretching beyond sight!

A quick glance revealed at least several hundred people.

Zhao Zhangfu's scalp prickled with shock—so stunned, he could barely speak: "Qin… Qin Feng Xiao'er—where in the world did he find so many?!"