Chapter 832

First Volume, Chapter 832: Beware the Person at Your Side

"If Li Qian ascends the throne, though not as capable as His Majesty, he is certainly a competent emperor!"

"As for Li Yong, his prolonged maneuvering against Qin Feng proves his ability; his only weakness is his youth, lacking experience and depth."

"Given time, Li Yong will become a replica of His Majesty."

"Should any of these three princes ascend the throne, it would be a disaster for the powerful clans of the southern frontier!"

"Thus, I must depose them and install a mediocre puppet, so I may truly rule as mother of the realm; with the support of the southern frontier's powerful clans, I shall preside behind the silk curtain."

At this, the Empress turned to face the Chang Princess, letting out a cold laugh.

"I know what you're thinking."

"His Majesty is still on Taishan, protected by the Reinforce-the-King army; he remains the Monarch of Shedynasty. As long as he returns to Jingdu, he can restore order."

"And Qin Feng—he is the stabilizing pillar of Shedynasty. As long as he supports His Majesty, no one can rebel against him."

"Whether it's His Majesty or Qin Feng, either one returning means my death."

"Too bad—it's already too late!"

A confident smile spread across the Nangong Empress's face; she had endured and hidden for so many years, waiting for this day.

Li Yong had failed, but her plan had succeeded.

Next, the Qin Family will have no energy to concern themselves with affairs in Jingdu—they must seize this opportunity to strike with One-Strike Victory and take down the Jiangnan Lin Family. Even if the Liang Emperor returns to Jingdu and uncovers the full truth, it will be useless!

Once the Qin Family and Lin Family clash, the Liang Emperor can only watch from afar—he dare not make any major move.

Otherwise, the southern frontier's powerful clans will rise in rebellion, joining forces with the Lin Family in Bandit Collaboration, flanking Qin Feng—who knows who will prevail?

Even if Qin Feng defeats the Lin Family, it will be a pyrrhic victory: killing a thousand, losing eight hundred. Once his BuddingSpirit is severely depleted, no one will dare challenge the southern frontier's powerful clans.

Should Qin Feng lose, it would be a tremendous boon for the southern frontier's powerful clans.

Though the Chang Princess, having learned the full story, felt utter despair, her gaze toward the Empress grew resolute.

"Though I myself cannot fathom any way to reverse this situation."

"But I still wish to remind you, Empress: anyone who underestimates Qin Feng will ultimately lift a stone only to drop it on their own feet."

"If you treat Qin Feng as a pawn to be used, your fate will be even more tragic."

Hearing this, the Empress burst into loud laughter: "Hehehe, Qin Feng Xiao'er is indeed a troublesome one—but alas, he must contend with the Northern Di, reinforce His Majesty, and now confront the Lin Family."

"Even if he had three heads and six arms, it would still not be enough."

With this, the Empress waved her hand: "Your Highness must be exhausted. Return to your mansion and rest. But before sleeping, recite several passages of scripture to pray for me."

"If I fall, you fall with me—we share the same fortune and the same ruin."

The Chang Princess gazed deeply at the Empress, then said nothing more.

Though she knew full well that one misstep had led to endless errors, beyond redemption.

Yet she still firmly believed that the only one who could reverse this decline was Qin Feng!

The glory or ruin of Shedynasty now rests on this boy.

……

Dawn broke.

Golden sunlight bathed the land; many commoners awoke from sleep and gathered on the streets, utterly unaware of the turmoil that had shaken Jingdu the night before.

Meanwhile, the Bing Bu DaTang was packed with people.

Qin Tianhu had not slept a wink; neither had the Taolin Party officials nor Zhao Yuxiong and other military commanders.

Qin Tianhu held a cup of strong tea in one hand and rubbed his aching temples with the other.

Gazing down at the Three Great Generals, he frowned deeply and sighed heavily.

"The Western and Eastern Camps, the Garrison Army—they are His Majesty's trusted pillars, the final defensive line of Shedynasty."

"That these Three Great Generals would betray His Majesty fills this old man with heartbreak."

Qin Tianhu slowly closed his eyes. He should have immediately imprisoned them in the Si Kou Lao and, upon His Majesty's return, exterminate the Nine Clans of those involved.

Yet the pouch left by Qin Feng had repeatedly instructed him not to impose severe punishment.

Qin Tianhu could only wave his hand helplessly: "Temporarily strip the Three Great Generals of their ranks and place them under Soft Detention in their own residences. Wait for His Majesty's return to decide their final fate."

"Under no circumstances, without my order, shall anyone disrespect the Three Great Generals or oppress their families."

Hearing this, the Three Great Generals exhaled in relief, bowed their fists in thanks to Qin Tianhu.

After the Three Great Generals departed, Qin Tianhu immediately ordered: "General Zhao, dispatch troops at once to occupy the three garrisons and seize command."

"Anyone who resists shall be executed on the spot as an example."

"The Western and Eastern Camps and the Garrison Army are temporarily under your unified command."

Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander Zhao Li bowed tightly, then turned and left.

Qin Tianhu rose and bowed to Li Xu, Wu Mian, and the Minister of Court of Imperial Sacrifices: "This rebellion was quelled so swiftly thanks entirely to your three gentlemen risking your lives to mediate. I, Qin, offer my deepest thanks."

Li Xu and the others quickly returned the bow.

They had long been bound to the Qin Family; quelling the rebellion last night was also an immense honor for themselves.

Qin Tianhu had intended to enter the palace himself, but considering the imperial dignity, he ultimately entrusted the Minister of Court of Imperial Sacrifices, accompanied by Zhao Yuxiong and the Black Riders, to arrest Li Yong.

As expected, this rebellion was now settled.

Qin Tianhu's heart eased slightly.

He gestured for the remaining officials to return home and rest, then sat down and began reading the stack of Handwritten Notes left by Qin Feng before his departure.

Since Qin Feng was far away in the Northern Di, even with swift messengers, one round of communication took nearly half a month.

If he issued orders on the spot, by the time they arrived, the situation would be long past.

So Qin Feng had foreseen every possible scenario and prepared a corresponding strategy for every stage of development.

Watching Qin Feng's foresight as if he had predicted the future, even Qin Tianhu couldn't help shaking his head in awe.

"The Qin Family's ancestors must have accumulated great virtue to produce such a descendant..."

"Feng'er, compared to you, even your father pales in comparison."

Qin Tianhu muttered to himself as he flipped through the Military Dispatch, when suddenly his gaze darkened.

"If a rebellion breaks out in Jingdu, after quelling it, do not rush to bring His Majesty back to the capital; instead, reinforce Taishan with troops to safeguard His Majesty."

"Also, seize the Imperial Party's military command and march south to attack the Lin Family."

Qin Tianhu could not believe his eyes—Qin Feng intended to seize the Imperial Party's military command!

In the past, this would have been no different from rebellion.

But...

Now that Jingdu has just suffered a rebellion, and the Imperial Party was involved in it, seizing the Imperial Party's military command is actually Clear the Emperor's Side!

"Feng'er, did you foresee even this?!"