Chapter 896

First Volume, Chapter 896: The Literal Heir Apparent

The Liang Emperor is not a man who likes to admit fault; his sudden reasonableness is merely a means to use Zhang Xiuye's mouth to convey his stance to Qin Feng—to tell Qin Feng that he will join forces with him in bandit collaboration, forming an alliance.

With the Liang Emperor's support, the Liang Kingdom's political situation remains stable, so Qin Feng's rear will not catch fire.

In return, with Qin Feng's support, the Liang Emperor can act without fear, challenging anyone who dares to defy imperial authority.

This monarch and minister complement each other, cooperate actively, and have entered a virtuous cycle.

Accompanied by Zhang Xiuye, the Liang Emperor headed straight for Guanyin Temple, prepared to have a thorough "discussion" with the Empress.

Meanwhile, in the Zongzheng Temple Prison, Li Yong sat slumped on the ground, staring blankly at the scenery outside the window, his eyes hollow and lifeless.

Outside the prison door behind him stood two women—no one else but Xie Yun'er and the Qiyang Commandery Princess.

Xie Yun'er watched the dazed Li Yong with no trace of pity, for this was all his own doing.

"His Highness, the Emperor has returned to Beijing."

Upon hearing this, Li Yong showed no reaction, still gazing out the window in a daze.

Xie Yun'er did not press him, continuing calmly: "By protocol, the first thing the Emperor does upon returning to Beijing is to summon you for interrogation."

"But the Emperor clearly has no interest in that. If he doesn't interrogate you now, he likely never will."

"Your future holds only two possibilities: either spend the rest of your life rotting in this dark, sunless prison, forgotten by all."

"Or I will use my personal connections to get you out of prison and place you under soft detention in Gong Zhong—at least your living conditions will improve considerably."

Li Yong finally reacted, slowly turning to face Xie Yun'er outside the cell door, letting out a bitter laugh.

"Are these words you've been sent by Qin Feng to tell me?"

Xie Yun'er did not hide it: "Qin Feng is far away in Bei Di—do you think I could see him whenever I wished? These words were merely relayed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"If it's the Embroidered Uniform Guard's message, then it's Qin Feng's message."

"Don't overthink it—Qin Feng is not a man of benevolence. To his enemies, he leaves no room whatsoever."

"The reason he shows you leniency is simply because you are the last remaining Prince of the Li Imperial Clan—ha, I mean a capable Prince. Those idle, carefree Xiaoyao Prince don't count."

"If you die, the Liang Kingdom will eventually fall into the hands of fools, and this great River and Mountains will be ruined by their incompetence, plunging the people into misery—something Qin Feng absolutely does not wish to see."

Li Yong was far too sharp. If not for Qin Feng, no one under Heaven and Earth could have driven him to this state.

How could Li Yong not understand Qin Feng's true intent?

Qin Feng intends to treat Li Yong as a literal "Heir Apparent"—temporarily shelving him for future contingencies.

Should the Liang Emperor suddenly pass away or be forced to abdicate due to external factors, Li Yong can step in to maintain order.

As for the other Princes, frankly, Qin Feng finds them unworthy—they'll either be incompetent or tyrannical, bringing nothing but harm to the Liang Kingdom.

Li Yong took a deep breath, and for the first time, a spark of life returned to his eyes.

"If Qin Feng acknowledges me, why defeat me? If he had aided me, I would already be the Monarch of Liang, and I would guarantee thirty years of prosperity!"

Xie Yun'er stood tall, her status insignificant compared to the Li Imperial Clan—but merely as "Qin Feng's woman," she was more than enough to remain calm and composed.

In response to Li Yong's question, Xie Yun'er replied coolly: "Hearts are hidden within chests. Even if you resemble the current Emperor, you can never become a second one."

"Qin Feng recognizes your ability and yet doubts you—these two things are not contradictory."

"Yes, if you inherit the Herald, you would surely consolidate the realm and continue the Emperor's achievements—but what would your policies be? Even you cannot clearly say."

"Qin Feng and the Emperor have spent years building mutual trust. If you inherit the Herald, won't that mean starting over from scratch?"

"So, you may inherit the Herald—but not yet!"

Li Yong nodded. He finally understood why he had lost—he had become an "uncertain factor" before Qin Feng, not even a stumbling block.

Qin Feng doubted Li Yong's political stance, and that alone was why he crushed his ambition to inherit the Herald.

The Liang Emperor is now more reliable than Li Yong; when the Emperor eventually abdicates, Qin Feng will choose Li Yong first.

Knowing he still had value, Li Yong let out another bitter laugh: "Has the Li Imperial Clan become Qin Feng's puppets?"

Xie Yun'er sneered at the word "puppet."

"Ask yourself honestly—does Qin Feng care at all about the Liang Kingdom?"

"Or rather, is Qin Feng's presence more beneficial or more harmful to the Li Imperial Clan?"

Li Yong fell silent in response to Xie Yun'er's question.

Undeniably, any Imperial Clan Member who gains Qin Feng's support can rest easy—even amid internal and external crises, they can handle them calmly.

The current situation of the Liang Kingdom is far from optimistic.

The recently concluded National War has not eased its impact; instead, the harsh winter that followed has made it even more dire.

Whenever war is waged, resources are consumed—not just the Defeated Nation suffers, but the Victorious Nation pays a price too.

The Di have spoken sweetly, promising to "quickly" pay the War Reparations, yet in practice, they deliberately delay. The Liang court has no recourse, and even Qin Feng is powerless. They've already promised to pay—what more can you demand?

With state finances shrinking and the Jiangnan Lin Family and Nan Jing Powerful Clans standing in opposition, the Liang Kingdom faces several brutal Internal Wars ahead.

Without Qin Feng's support, pressured by the South, the court would have long adopted the Pacification Policy to appease the southern factions.

Once the Pacification Policy is enacted, all the Liang Emperor's efforts since his ascension will be rendered meaningless.

Eliminating the southern threat will take more than a generation—it may require centuries of effort.

Thus, for both the Liang Kingdom and the Li Imperial Clan, Qin Feng's presence is unambiguously more beneficial than harmful.

Li Yong took a deep breath: "Sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall—I can accept it."

"Even if Qin Feng spares me, what of the Emperor…?"

Before Li Yong could finish, Xie Yun'er cut in bluntly: "Can you truly not guess the Emperor's intent?"