Chapter 80: First Volume, Chapter 80: Turn the Tables

First Volume, Chapter 80: Turn the Tables

As soon as Gao Song spoke, the common people gathered to watch were also branded as "traitors," and chaos erupted all around.

The commoners wanted to cry out their grievances, but dared not speak up under the watch of the fierce City Patrol Bureau guards, and could only look to Qin Feng for hope.

After all, if Qin Feng cleared himself of the treason suspicion, everyone else would naturally be spared as well.

What they didn't know was that Qin Feng was internally panicking—facing a ruthless man with authority to execute first and report later, one misstep could cost him his head.

But Qin Feng absolutely could not wear the "treason" label, or the entire Qin Family would be implicated.

Memories from his former self revealed that this Xu Mo was the son of Jing'an Marquis Xu Wei.

Xu Wei had spent most of his life guarding the frontier, fought countless battles, and was one of the Liang Emperor's favored generals; precisely because of this connection, the eighteen-year-old Xu Mo had been appointed as City Patrol Bureau Colonel, one of the rare young nobles in Jingzhong to hold an official rank.

Most crucially, Jing'an Marquis Xu Wei was also a member of the Pro-War Faction and had a close relationship with Qin Feng's father.

Had it not been for this paternal connection, Xu Mo would have had no patience for words—he would have bound Qin Feng on the spot and dragged him off for brutal interrogation.

Before the eyes of all, Qin Feng maintained a calm exterior, strolling confidently toward Xu Mo, stopping before the horse's head, and putting on an expression of utmost reverence as he chuckled: "Brother Xu, long time no see—is your father still in good health?"

Hearing this, Xu Mo frowned slightly.

He had previously feared Qin Feng would invoke their fathers' relationship, since so many eyes were watching, making it impossible to openly give Qin Feng special treatment.

Now he saw that this fellow was indeed doing exactly that.

Xu Mo glanced silently at Gao Song, then snapped at Qin Feng: "Thank you for your concern, Brother Qin—my father is robust, eats well and sleeps well. Our families' relationship need not be mentioned here; we must avoid even the appearance of favoritism."

Avoid favoritism? Avoid what nonsense! With such connections, you use them to the fullest!

Qin Feng paid no mind to Gao Song's sharp gaze beside him and replied dismissively: "We're all noble youths of Jingzhong—we know each other. That's natural. Why pretend to be strangers? That's just hypocrisy! Our Qin Family and Xu Family being close isn't shameful—let anyone gossip all they want!"

Hearing this, Xu Mo's gaze toward Qin Feng brightened slightly—being a scion of a Military Clan, he had an innate fondness for straightforward people like this.

But Xu Mo did not lower his spear, instead glancing at the crowd behind Qin Feng and asking sternly: "Brother Qin, what's going on here?"

Before Qin Feng could answer, Gao Song cut in loudly: "Qin Feng intends rebellion—deal with him severely! Otherwise, I'll file charges with the Jingzhong Prefect and have my father impeach you before the Early Court tomorrow!"

Gao Song knew well that even if Xu Mo was friendly with Qin Feng, he wouldn't dare openly let him off in front of so many witnesses—apply enough pressure, and at the very least he could get Qin Feng thrown into Prison.

Once you enter the prison gates, it's like falling into a deep sea—easy to enter, hard to escape!

Although Xu Mo disliked Gao Song, the pressure from Grand Commandant Gao made his expression grim.

Qin Feng, however, gradually relaxed—if he could hold onto Xu Mo and avoid being executed on the street, this matter wouldn't be hard to resolve.

As for Gao Song's threats, Qin Feng didn't take them seriously at all.

Who are you trying to scare? When it reaches the Emperor's ears, who dies and who lives is still uncertain!

"Rebellion? Such a grave charge—without concrete evidence, I'll sue you for slander and defamation! If I'm thrown into Prison, my father will naturally be affected, and that will disrupt the northern Di campaign—then the Pro-Peace Faction will reap the benefits. Are you, Grand Commandant Gao, the one extending factional strife beyond the Imperial Court?"

Gao Song turned pale, but quickly regained composure and said coldly: "Qin Feng, don't overreach! This has nothing to do with the Imperial Court—stick to the facts!"

Hearing this, Qin Feng couldn't help laughing.

Gao Song's brow tightened: "A knife's at your throat and you still laugh? I'll see how long you can keep laughing!"

Behind him, Zhao Zhangfu tugged at Gao Song's sleeve and whispered: "Young Master Gao, don't waste time with this Qin Feng—just pressure Xu Mo, get Qin Feng locked up first."

Zhao Zhangfu was a merchant, sharp as a fox—he'd been tricked by Qin Feng once and now feared every well.

He knew clearly: arguing with Qin Feng would never benefit anyone.

Gao Song waved his hand, signaling Zhao Zhangfu to calm down, then turned to Xu Mo and said sternly: "Xu Colonel, what are you waiting for? Arrest him! Are you going to show favoritism right here before everyone's eyes?"

Before Xu Mo could speak, Qin Feng cut in: "Who's showing favoritism—Xu General, or you, Young Master Gao, framing an innocent man? If you want to arrest someone, you need evidence."

Xu Mo had been torn, but hearing the words "Xu General," his eyes lit up instantly as he demanded: "Yes! Where's the evidence?"

As a scion of a Military Clan and a young man full of vigor, Xu Mo had immense pride. Even though, as long as the Xu Family didn't make a major mistake, the Jing'an Marquis title would naturally pass to him.

But Xu Mo didn't want to live forever under his father's shadow—he wanted to earn his own marquisate through his own strength. Qin Feng's address of "Xu General" struck right at the heart of Xu Mo's ambition.

Gao Song hadn't expected Xu Mo to be so biased toward Qin Feng and felt a surge of frustration.

Since he couldn't forcibly drag Qin Feng into Prison, Gao Song had to find another way—he pointed at the crowd and snapped:

"Evidence? Fine! I'll give you evidence—everyone here was brought by Qin Feng. Hundreds of people obey only him—what more proof do you need?"

At this, Qin Feng burst out laughing, turned to the terrified commoners, and grinned: "You're my people? Really?"

The commoners, eager to distance themselves, immediately shouted out in response.

"We are commoners of Jingdu, just here to watch the spectacle—we have nothing to do with the Qin Residence!"

"That's right! We're only spectators, didn't interfere at all!"

"If Xu Colonel doesn't believe us, investigate—we all have Household Registration records in Jingdu!"

Qin Feng spread his hands, looking utterly innocent: "Young Master Gao, you heard them—these are just commoners who came to watch. What do they have to do with my Qin Family? The people I actually brought? At most fifty—barely enough for disturbing the peace, nothing like rebellion."

"Even if you stretch it to the extreme, the axe I'm holding is a carpentry tool—if you doubt it, take the axe and the knives from the Dragon-Tiger Gang to the Ministry of War for inspection and see which one is the real weapon."

Gao Song's face flushed red, and he couldn't speak for a long moment.

The entire Ministry of War was under Qin Family control—anyone with half a brain knew what the result would be.

And Gao Song had never imagined that these hundreds of roaring "henchmen" were actually commoners of Jingdu…