Chapter 94

First Volume, Chapter 94: Folk Reputation

The Qin Residence was neither close nor far from the Imperial Palace.

Moreover, Qin Tianhu had to attend Early Court every day, meaning he had to leave the residence at three or four in the morning; in this pitch darkness, to avoid mishaps on the road, all the skilled Protectors in the residence had to shadow the old man at all times.

There was no one left usable in the residence.

No wonder Fourth Sister just said she had already won… Her goal was nothing but White Sugar; if the Sage did not summon him, she won; if the Sage did summon him, logically Qin Feng should win.

But Qin Feng's goal in winning was to secure Shu Feng, and now Shu Feng was gone—he could only turn to Jing Qianying.

To get Jing Qianying's help, it was simple: trade White Sugar.

Realizing this, Qin Feng wanted to cry.

He, a notorious Wastrel who had thrown Jingdu into chaos, had been outmaneuvered by Fourth Sister!

Qin Feng swallowed his grievance, scrambled onto the flowerbed, and leaned over the wall, forcing a smile: "Sister, come with me to the Imperial Palace?"

Jing Qianying wiped her jade flute, ignoring Qin Feng: "Go find Shu Feng."

Qin Feng nearly burst into tears, then gritted his teeth: "Fine! One-tenth of Sugar Revenue? I'll give it to you!"

As the saying goes: as long as the green mountains remain, there will always be firewood.

Money lost can be earned again; if this life is gone, even if you pile up Jinshan Yingshan, you won't know who'll benefit from it.

"Deal!"

Jing Qianying said nothing further, turned, and walked away, leaving Qin Feng a graceful, light back.

"Wah!"

Qin Feng burst into tears immediately…

Accompanied by Jing Qianying and Qin Xiaofu, Qin Feng strode boldly toward the Imperial Palace.

Since he held no official rank, he couldn't ride in Qin Tianhu's carriage, so he couldn't take a horse-drawn cart to the Imperial Palace—plainly put, he lacked the qualifications.

Although this left him vulnerable to bandits, as long as Jing Qianying was by his side, his personal safety was assured.

And…

With Fourth Sister's protection, and remembering he had paid one-tenth of Sugar Revenue to hire this Bodyguard, how could he not show off?

So along the way, Qin Feng was utterly flamboyant, striding with the Eight-Character Step, shoving aside any Noble Youth who blocked his path, provoking the Noble Youth into silent fury.

In contrast, the Common People below the Official Road praised Qin Feng's bullying behavior.

As the saying goes: Officials Protecting Each Other—only this Rogue Noble Youth indirectly gave the Common People their revenge.

"Young Master Qin, where are you headed?" A thirteen- or fourteen-year-old beggar stood below the Official Road, grinning.

Qin Feng glanced at the beggar, smug: "The Sage summoned me—of course I'm going to the Palace for Imperial Audience."

The surrounding Common People, surprised Qin Feng would even speak to a beggar—and so casually—grew bolder, clamoring to talk to him.

"Young Master Qin, I heard you wiped out the Dragon-Tiger Gang—is that true?" A middle-aged man, face flushed, summoned courage to ask; it was his first time speaking to such a powerful figure, and he trembled with excitement.

Qin Feng flicked his hair, ostentatious: "Of course it's true! This Young Master merely contributed a modest effort toward building a harmonious Jingdu society—no need to thank me."

At that moment, a Ministry of Works Noble Youth, eager to befriend Qin Feng, shouted: "Qin Feng, any good poems lately? Recite one—I'd like to appreciate it!"

Qin Feng glanced at the Ministry of Works Noble Youth in his Huayi, his cheerful expression instantly dropped. "Recite for you? I don't owe you anything—who are you? Do I know you?"

The Ministry of Works Noble Youth was verbally lashed, face flushing red and white, wishing he could sink into the ground.

Though seething with resentment, he dared not speak up—status and rank were too unequal.

The surrounding commoners were thrilled: this Qin Family young master treated noble youth with utter contempt, yet was remarkably kind to ordinary commoners.

The Common People excitedly pointed and whispered about Qin Feng.

"They say Qin Feng is the Rogue of the Capital—but I doubt it! Has anyone ever heard Qin Feng bully ordinary Commoners? Looks like… we've all misunderstood him. For High Cadre Children, Qin Feng is a true bully—but for us Commoners, he's a good man!"

"You're right! Qin Feng has plenty of misdeeds, but they're all aimed at Noble Youth—he's left Commoners untouched."

"Hahaha! Evil men have evil men to grind them down. These High Cadre Children have long bullied others—now with Qin Feng around, let them taste being trampled."

Jing Qianying had always disliked walking with Qin Feng—simply because she found it embarrassing.

In her mind, Qin Feng was a rat everyone shouted to chase away.

But now, feeling the hot gazes of the Common People and the occasional greetings, her Heart Realm shifted utterly, and her gaze toward Qin Feng softened with approval.

"I didn't realize your Folk reputation was this high."

Qin Feng never dreamed Jing Qianying would praise him—he was stunned, then immediately shook with glee: "Of course! This Young Master's goal isn't just to become the richest man in Shedynasty—he wants to be a national idol, the dream lover of thousands of maidens…"

Jing Qianying's face fell, thinking: I wish I'd never said that.

This brat—when he doesn't brag, he's quiet; when he does, he blows the roof off. And what's this… dream lover of thousands of maidens? Pfft! So shameless—it's just like his nature to never change!

Right at this deadline, Qin Feng frowned.

This Official Road leading straight to the Imperial Palace was reserved only for Imperial Relatives and Officials; Commoners had to use the Side Paths.

Since Jingzhong Officials hadn't returned from Early Court, and Qin Feng had been biting anyone who crossed him, many Noble Youth had fled to the Side Paths to avoid trouble, leaving the Official Road completely empty and clear.

But now, two men in plain cloth stood directly on the Official Road—clearly targeting Qin Feng—and… both carried swords!

Qin Feng slowed his steps, warily sizing up the two ahead, whispering to Jing Qianying: "Sister, these two are clearly hostile—can you handle two at once?"

Before Jing Qianying could answer, four more armed men emerged from the Side Paths, flanking them.

Qin Feng instinctively turned—his back was already blocked.

Qin Feng was overwhelmed, sweat beading on his forehead. He stopped and shouted: "Good dogs don't block the road!"

Qin Xiaofu beside him nearly cried—Master's first words were pure old-bully behavior; even if these men had no ill intent, hearing that would make them want to crush Qin Feng into the dirt.

"Master, please watch your tongue."

The middle-aged man with a goatee sneered: "No wonder you're the Qin Family young master—your first words make anyone's teeth itch. If you're wise, come with us; if not…"

"If not… what?" Jing Qianying raised an eyebrow.