Chapter 96: First Volume, Chapter 96: Pay Homage to His Highness

First Volume, Chapter 96: Pay Homage to His Highness

One liang of silver... This is clearly slapping the white-clothed guests in the face; better not pay at all!

Watching the white-clothed guests' furious yet helpless expressions, Qin Feng suppressed his laughter and shouted: "By the way, check these people's identities—so we can properly arrange for their families later."

At these words, the goatee man hastily waved his hand to stop him: "No... no need! We deeply appreciate your kindness, Young Master Qin, but these men were blind to block your path—they got what they deserved. As for funeral expenses, Young Master Qin, keep it for yourself."

Cold sweat seeped from the goatee man's back—these men were all Imperial Guard; if their identities were uncovered, merely the act of unauthorized troop mobilization would be enough to bury them.

Qin Feng wore a serious expression: "Is the money too little? Then... shall I add a few more cash coins? After all, our Qin Family has always been upright and incorruptible, with sleeves as clean as wind—we simply cannot afford much more. This is my humble tribute to the deceased. Arranging for their families is mandatory; otherwise, my conscience won't allow it."

The goatee man cursed inwardly: You've got a conscience? The biggest joke on this earth! In all of Jingdu, who doesn't know you're the kind who seizes every chance to crush people to death?

The white-clothed guest beside him also wore an uncertain expression—beyond anger, he felt deeply puzzled.

He couldn't fathom where Qin Feng got the nerve—knowing full well they were Second Prince's men, yet still deliberately provoking them, even refusing to honor the Second Prince's face.

The white-clothed guest gave the goatee man a direct glance.

The goatee man dared not delay further—he swiftly gathered his men, dragged the corpses away, and vanished in a flash.

The white-clothed guest forced patience, gesturing "after you": "Young Master Qin, the Second Prince requests your presence—will you grace him with your visit?"

Qin Feng feigned astonishment: "Sir, you overstate it—I'm merely a commoner, how could I possibly merit the word 'grace'? If the Second Prince wishes to see me, sending a servant to notify me would suffice—I'd rush over immediately. But today, the Emperor summoned me; I dare not delay. If I miss a state matter and the Emperor holds me accountable, wouldn't that only bring trouble upon the Second Prince?"

The white-clothed guest clenched his teeth inwardly: Fine, Qin Feng—you can't even move the Second Prince? I'll record this debt. Watch yourself—if you ever fall from power, don't blame your comrades for being ruthless.

Jing Qianying was in high spirits. Such a skilled expert, and a guest of the Second Prince, was normally haughty and looked down on everyone. Now, he was forced into a red-faced, cornered predicament by Qin Feng—truly delightful.

Her younger brother had no other virtues, but when it came to piercing people's deepest vulnerabilities, not a single person in all of Jingdu could match him.

The white-clothed guest had tried to walk away multiple times, but dared not defy the Second Prince's direct military order.

Finally, he lowered his posture, clasped his fists in salute: "What must I do, Young Master Qin, for you to agree to meet the Second Prince?"

Qin Feng rested his chin in thought, feigning great difficulty: "I'm just a small person—how could I defy the Second Prince's will? But the Emperor's summons... I truly cannot delay. Got it!"

Qin Feng turned to Jing Qianying, winked: "Fourth Sister, go ahead to the Imperial Palace and inform the gate guards—I'm meeting with the Second Prince and will arrive shortly."

Jing Qianying understood Qin Feng's intent perfectly—though she was highly skilled, two fists couldn't fight ten hands; she could protect herself easily, but protecting Qin Feng was another matter.

If word spread that Qin Feng was meeting the Second Prince, even a prince of such high status couldn't touch him.

Once she grasped this, she left without looking back.

The white-clothed guest sighed inwardly, cast one last long look at Qin Feng, thinking: This fellow is just as treacherous as the rumors said!

Qin Feng watched Jing Qianying depart, then waved to the terrified commoners along the Side Path and shouted loudly: "What incredible luck today! No wonder I heard magpies chirping this morning—the Emperor and the Second Prince summoned me on the same day! Hahaha, such honor truly leaves this Qin man overwhelmed!"

The surrounding commoners exchanged glances—even though they knew Qin Feng was unusually approachable to the people, they couldn't help muttering inwardly.

"This guy is such a show-off!"

The white-clothed guest led the way with a dark face, winding through alleys until they reached Mingyue Lake—a man-made pond lined with willows, barely picturesque.

At this moment, scattered pedestrians strolled along the lake's edge; Qin Feng instantly recognized them as disguised guards.

Following the covered bridge toward the Guanxiangting pavilion at the lake's center, halfway there, they heard beautiful string music—glancing over, they saw a young woman veiled in white gauze, gently playing a guqin inside the pavilion.

Qin Feng inwardly muttered: "Damn, is the Second Prince some cross-dressing master?"

As he drew closer, Qin Feng noticed another young man inside the pavilion.

The youth appeared sixteen or seventeen, dressed in blue brocade robes, his head tied with a silk headband, seated on a bench reading a book. His face wasn't handsome, but he radiated a quiet, reverent aura.

No wonder he's imperial blood—this aura is unmatched.

Qin Feng approached the pavilion and immediately bowed deeply: "Commoner Qin Feng pays homage to His Highness the Second Prince—may Your Highness live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"

The Second Prince ignored Qin Feng entirely, focused on his book—he spat on his finger, turned a page, and continued reading.

First impression? A downward warning?

Qin Feng cursed inwardly: Pretending to be so high and mighty? You're just a prince—what are you playing at? Even your father treats me with courtesy!

Though he thought this, he dared not say it aloud—still maintaining his bow: "Commoner Qin Feng pays homage to His Highness the Second Prince..."

The Second Prince still ignored him.

Instead, the guqin-playing woman paused her playing and signaled Qin Feng with a "shh" gesture, telling him not to disturb the Second Prince's refined mood.

The white-clothed guest behind Qin Feng let out a quiet snort.

"If you call yourself a commoner, why don't you kneel before His Highness?"

"Oh." Qin Feng didn't hesitate a moment: "I've got a strange illness—I can't bend my knees."

At this, the guqin-playing woman burst into laughter, thinking: This man's cheek is thicker than a city wall—he lies as easily as breathing.

The Second Prince's lips twitched slightly—he found it amusing, glancing at Qin Feng with the corner of his eye: "If you dislike kneeling, don't force it. I've long wished to meet you. As rumored, you are indeed an eccentric man—but throughout history, those with great talent have always been so."

Qin Feng grinned widely: "Your Highness's favor overwhelms this humble commoner."

"Overwhelmed?" The Second Prince still smiled, but his tone shifted: "Qin Feng, you've never regarded me in the slightest—how can you claim to be overwhelmed?"