Chapter 880: First Volume, Chapter 880: Seizing Supreme Authority Without Bloodshed

First Volume, Chapter 880: Seizing Supreme Authority Without Bloodshed

It doesn't stop there!

Now, the Liang Emperor and Qin Feng share identical goals: both are determined to eliminate the Lin Family and the powerful clans of Nan Jing. In this moment, the Qin Family represents the court. Any force standing in the Qin Family's way will face joint suppression from both the Qin Family and the court.

Even if Li Zheng controls the military power of the Central Plains Imperial Party, he would never arrogantly believe he can handle both the Qin Family and the court simultaneously.

Qin Tianhu has already issued Li Zheng a final ultimatum.

Li Zheng has no choice left. If he refuses to surrender his authority, the only outcome will be annihilation by the Qin Family and the court. At that point, not only will the entire Central Plains Imperial Party face utter ruin, but Li Zheng himself will pay with his blood—his status as an Imperial Cousin will grant him no Immunity Gold Medal.

Though Li Zheng indulges in pleasure, he is no fool. He knows Qin Tianhu has been negotiating with him because Qin Tianhu does not wish to delay the campaign against the Jiangnan Lin Family by waging war on the Central Plains Imperial Party.

Even if the court and the Qin Family unite to crush the Central Plains Imperial Party, it will not be accomplished overnight. After such a major war, a long period of rest and reorganization will be required. By the time they regroup to attack the Lin Family, it may already be years later.

Li Zheng knows he still holds bargaining power, so he takes a deep breath and feigns calmness: "Grand Commandant Qin, you are a veteran minister of the court, father of the Marquis Qin, and His Majesty's most trusted advisor."

"And I am of the Li Imperial Clan, my veins flowing with imperial blood."

"Between us, there is no need for circumlocution. Let us speak plainly."

"First, I must clarify: how much weight do your words carry? Can you speak for the Marquis Qin and His Majesty?"

Hearing this, Qin Tianhu's expression remained unreadable, but inwardly he exhaled in relief—Li Zheng was not foolish enough to cling to a doomed path. As long as he was willing to negotiate, that was the best possible outcome.

Qin Tianhu maintained a calm tone: "As for Feng'er, no further explanation is needed. My word alone suffices. That boy is filial—he would never defy me."

"As for His Majesty, he cares not for the process, only the result."

"As long as the Lin Family is subdued, a few sacrifices are acceptable."

With this answer, Li Zheng felt assured. He let out a long breath, his expression sincere.

"Even if I were the most foolish man alive, I would never oppose you, Grand Commandant. But even if I beg until my lips bleed, neither you nor His Majesty will believe me. As long as I hold power over the Central Plains Imperial Party, my only fate is death—after all, the dead are the safest."

"So, if I can live—and if my wealth and honor before and after death remain intact—then this deal is worth discussing. I recall Qin Feng loves nothing more than making deals. State affairs, in truth, are just another kind of business. When viewed this way, they're not complicated at all."

Qin Tianhu's eyes grew sharper. The cost of direct war with the Central Plains Imperial Party was bearable to him—but the cost of delaying the opportunity was not.

To strike the Jiangnan Lin Family, the best course is One-Strike Victory, lest momentum fade and resolve collapse.

Li Zheng, naturally, is the pivotal figure in this war. If he can be persuaded, seizing control of the Central Plains Imperial Party without bloodshed would be the ideal outcome—without exception.

"I shall borrow your words, Duke."

"Even if I speak with absolute certainty, without proof, you would not believe me."

"Moreover, His Majesty, as sovereign of the realm, is Sha Fa Guo Jue. Even if he does not openly execute you after you surrender your authority, he will find every possible way to have you killed in secret."

Li Zheng's mood steadied further. Qin Tianhu's words proved he truly intended to make this deal.

Qin Tianhu spoke precisely to the point. No promise from the Liang Emperor could change the truth: serving a monarch is like serving a tiger. The Liang Emperor has a thousand ways to make Li Zheng vanish without a trace.

Anyone suspected or distrusted by the Liang Emperor can never end well.

Li Zheng is merely a clansman. Prince Ming, however, was the Liang Emperor's own brother and a hero of the Rong Border—yet what became of him? Trapped in Fuyun County for half his life. Had Qin Feng not rescued him, he would have been under Soft Detention until death.

Li Zheng took a deep breath, fixed his gaze on Qin Tianhu, and asked bluntly: "How, Grand Commandant, do you intend to protect me?"

Seeing Li Zheng's directness, Qin Tianhu did not beat around the bush: "Duke, relocate your entire household to Beixi County."

Upon hearing this, Li Zheng first frowned, then rubbed his chin in deep thought, weighing the pros and cons.

Before Li Zheng could sort his thoughts, Qin Tianhu volunteered an explanation.

"This is the only way to preserve your life."

"Heaven and Earth are all the Emperor's land. Wherever you go, except Beixi County, the Emperor will find you and eliminate you. If you flee to the Jiangnan Lin Family or the powerful clans of Nan Jing, you will be branded a traitor—and surrendering your military power would become meaningless."

Li Zheng remained skeptical, his voice low: "Even if I go to Beixi County, can the Emperor not reach me? Qin Feng is utterly loyal to His Majesty. If the Emperor orders Qin Feng to kill me, will he disobey the imperial decree—or obey?"

Qin Tianhu did not hesitate: "A pointless concern."

"Do I need to explain the relationship between Feng'er and His Majesty? As long as I protect you, Feng'er will protect you. Even if His Majesty issues a direct edict ordering your execution, Feng'er has countless ways to evade it."

"Shall I be even clearer? Feng'er is the Lord of the Northern Border and controls Bei Di Sangzhou. If His Majesty wishes to pressure Feng'er, he must first weigh the consequences."

Sensing the pride in Qin Tianhu's gaze, Li Zheng took a deep breath—his doubts were slowly dissolving.

If there was one person in all of Shedynasty who could render the Liang Emperor powerless, it was Qin Feng.

The primary concern was gone, but another significant worry remained.

Li Zheng smiled shamelessly: "I've long heard Beixi County is immensely wealthy and powerful, though I've never seen it myself. But given Qin Feng's ability, he must have managed it impeccably—no exaggeration."

"Still, even if I go to Beixi County, whether I may enjoy wealth and honor remains uncertain."

Qin Tianhu waved his hand grandly: "Duke, rest assured—one hundred percent. In Beixi County, with money, you can obtain anything you desire—except authority."

"In Beixi County, after Qin Feng, the highest authority is the County Magistrate—Lin Quqi. That boy has learned Qin Feng's ways well. If you attempt to bully others there, you will be publicly punished on the spot."