Chapter 725: First Volume, Chapter 725: One Word, A Lifetime

First Volume, Chapter 725: One Word, A Lifetime

Ma Yu exhaled heavily, as if relieved, his gaze shifting repeatedly toward Qin Feng—after all, he was the son of the East Camp Da Dutong, high in rank and power, yet why did he feel utterly powerless before Qin Feng?

Enough, enough!

Ma Yu dared not linger, fearing he might fall into another trap set by Qin Feng; he quickly bowed and fled as if escaping.

Watching Ma Yu hurry away, Zhao Yuxiong couldn't help but chuckle: "Brother Qin, Ma Yu is at least the son of the Commander-in-Chief—why do you treat him so harshly? It's hardly fair."

Qin Feng smiled back: "Better to prevent trouble before it starts."

"Once I leave, I won't be back for at least three to five months. If the Imperial Party grows impatient and tries to stir up trouble, even if the Brocade Guard sends messengers galloping with news, by the time my orders reach them, it'll be too late."

"Yuxiong, once I'm gone, I entrust you with all affairs in Jingdu."

"When I left the Northern Border, I tasked Xu Mo with holding the line—not to seek glory, but simply to maintain the status quo; that alone would be his greatest achievement."

"Now, I give you the same task: keep the political landscape of Jingdu exactly as it is now. When I return, if it hasn't changed, you've done a great service."

"Yuxiong, you, Ning Hu, and Xu Mo are all capable generals—but not corruption. You excel at warfare, but when politics and interests are involved, you're easily trapped. So remember this one thing: stay out of court affairs."

Zhao Yuxiong nodded firmly, his gaze toward Qin Feng unwavering.

"Brother Qin, rest assured—anyone who dares harm the Qin Family must step over my corpse."

Hearing this, Qin Feng's heart warmed; he patted Zhao Yuxiong's sturdy arm and murmured gently: "Step over your corpse? How could I allow that?"

"You must step over the corpses of your enemies!"

"Chen Zheng once said something I deeply admire: in Jingdu, never trust anyone too completely—always leave room for maneuver."

"The Western and Eastern Camps—you must still guard against them, and if they show hostile intent… strike without hesitation!"

Zhao Yuxiong fully understood Qin Feng's resolve: if the Western and Eastern Camps remain peaceful, then maintain peace; if they plot against him, the Longhu Army and Tianji Camp must strike first.

Zhao Yuxiong's eyes sharpened instantly: "I understand!"

Leaving Jingdu in Zhao Yuxiong's hands, Qin Feng felt at ease.

Returning to Mingyue Zhai, Qin Feng began arranging the trivial matters for his journey to Beixi.

The fermented lees in the FermentationRoom were nearly ready for distillation, but the departure date to Beixi had been moved up—these two tasks now overlapped.

There was no choice; Qin Feng had to entrust the brewing to Xie Yun'er.

After all, since the Wuhu Da Jiu Lou was handed over to the Xie Family, Xie Yun'er had become something of a merchant herself.

In the FermentationRoom, Qin Feng stared at vats of fermented lees, filled with anticipation, yet reluctantly said: "Yun'er, in five days, take out the lees and follow my notes exactly—distill them as instructed."

"First brew a batch and send it to me via Brocade Guard courier. Once you confirm the quality is flawless, proceed with large-scale distillation and market it."

"This baijiu determines the future military expenditure for the Beixi Expeditionary Force—no room for error."

Xie Yun'er nodded softly, committing every word to memory.

Gazing at Qin Feng's firm, focused profile, Xie Yun'er suddenly rushed forward and hugged him tightly.

She buried her head against his shoulder and whispered: "Qin Feng, when will you return? You won't leave me alone in Jingdu, will you?"

Qin Feng patted her hand gently, speaking with tender reassurance: "Earliest in three months, latest in six—I'll be back."

"By then, the Qin Family will have joy after joy."

Xie Yun'er looked puzzled, half-dazed: "Joy after joy? What do you mean?"

Qin Feng lightly tapped her nose: "You're silly—once I marry Third Sister, we'll finally be united."

"Then we'll all move to the Northern Border and live together in peace—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Hearing this, Xie Yun'er felt deep longing, yet also unease.

"Move? What about Jingdu?"

Qin Feng shrugged indifferently: "I've been enfeoffed as Tianlu Marquis—the entire Northern Border is my domain. My goal is achieved; staying in Jingdu serves no purpose."

"Better to live in peace on our own land than remain here, constantly on edge."

Xie Yun'er nodded firmly, resting her head on his shoulder, radiant with happiness: "Mm, then I'll wait for you—don't you dare disappoint me."

Qin Feng laughed: "Foolish girl—I'd cherish you too much to ever disappoint you."

At that moment, a sound came from outside the door; Qin Feng turned and saw a shadow flash past.

Qin Feng and Xie Yun'er exchanged glances; Xie Yun'er burst into laughter: "Why are you looking at me? Go comfort Second Sister."

This girl was becoming increasingly thoughtful.

Qin Feng kissed Xie Yun'er's cheek directly; instantly, the girl who had just spoken softly turned bright red, raised her fist as if to strike.

"Whoa—she changes moods faster than flipping a book! We're not even married yet—what'll happen after the wedding?"

At Qin Feng's teasing, Xie Yun'er grew even more flustered and slapped at him.

Fortunately, Qin Feng reacted quickly and dashed out of the FermentationRoom first.

When he reached Liu Hongyan's quarters, he found her packing clothes.

Qin Feng frowned in surprise: "Second Sister, what are you doing? Are you… also going to Beixi?"

"Second Sister, it's not that I won't take you—it's that this journey to Beixi will be extremely dangerous. If anything happens to you, I'd never forgive myself."

Liu Hongyan ignored him, finished tying her bundle, then shoved it into his arms, glancing at him with a half-irritated look: "You're imagining things—I wouldn't dream of going to some backwater like Beixi to suffer."

"These clothes—I sewed them myself after returning to Jingdu. They should fit you well. Wear them when you're in Beixi."

"If they get dirty, just throw them away—I won't be there to wash them for you."

The playful smile vanished instantly from Qin Feng's face.

His nose tingled with emotion; he dropped the bundle and pulled Liu Hongyan into a tight embrace.

She struggled twice, but Qin Feng held tighter; she finally gave up.

"Second Sister, what virtue did I earn in my past life to have a sister like you?"

"I swear—when I return, I'll give you a proper reckoning!"

Liu Hongyan snorted, turning her face away: "W-what do I need your reckoning for?"

Liu Hongyan acted as if she didn't care, but her small face pressed against Qin Feng's chest was flushed red, her eyes involuntarily moistening.

"Foolish boy, I'm your sister; taking care of you is only natural."

"When you marry someday and someone loves you, even if you forget me, I won't be angry—after all…"

Before Liu Hongyan could finish, Qin Feng cut in bluntly: "I may forget anyone, but I'll never forget you!"

"Second Sister, you've cared for me through the first half of my life; now it's my turn to care for you in the second half."

"I will give you everything a woman needs and wants!"

Liu Hongyan's eyes were already brimming with tears; though she struggled to remain composed, her voice trembled anyway: "Everything… how much?"

Qin Feng took a deep breath, gently cradling the back of Liu Hongyan's head with his right hand, pressing her entire head into his chest: "Everything means for life."