Chapter 965

First Volume, Chapter 965: Iron-Mouthed Direct Admonition

Just a few steps down from the city wall, he heard a sharp cry ahead; looking up, he saw Shen Qingci and Li Xiaolan charging toward him with fierce intent.

Trouble!

Qin Feng's heart skipped a beat—if caught, wouldn't he be stripped bare? He immediately dove into the alley beside him, circled through it, and ran like hell toward the County Yamen.

At this moment, the news from Changshui County finally reached Liang Capital.

In the Grand Hall during court, the Liang Emperor examined the Beixi County War Report; after a long while, he casually handed it to Zhang Xiuye, signaling him to pass it down for the Civil and Military Officials to read.

After half an incense stick passed, the Liang Emperor spoke with solemn gravity: "The Winter War against the Northern Di has begun—what are your views, my ministers?"

The officials present remained silent; the entire Grand Hall was utterly still.

Everyone knew well: this Winter War was nominally Liang's military campaign, but in truth it was Qin Feng expanding his own territory, with little to do with Liang.

Moreover, His Majesty and Qin Feng were currently in a "honeymoon period"; the Liang Emperor had always accepted Qin Feng's proposals without exception, so this Winter War was naturally tacitly approved by the Liang Emperor.

As everyone silently accepted the war, a cold voice rang out in the Grand Hall.

"I believe this war brings more harm than benefit."

At these words, all eyes turned toward the speaker—unsurprisingly, the man publicly opposing the consensus was Chen Zheng, the Junior Protector.

As the leader of the pure-stream ministers, Chen Zheng never gave face to anyone; even though he knew Qin Feng's power was immense and Liang needed his support both domestically and abroad, when everyone was united, Chen Zheng deliberately stood in opposition.

He bowed and paid his respects, then, under the gaze of all, spoke calmly without flinching: "I have reviewed the war report; on paper, this Winter War appears beneficial to our Liang, but upon closer scrutiny, I see hidden dangers."

"The Northern Di possess vast territory and strong troops; even if their national strength is depleted, they can still organize powerful defense and resistance."

"If I were a Northern Di official, I would spare no effort to establish contact with the powerful clans of the Nan Jing, coordinate internally and externally, launch a preemptive strike, and set fire to our rear courtyard."

Here, Chen Zheng ignored the Taolin Party officials present and declared loudly: "Qin Feng has carved out territory for himself in the Northern Border; though nominally a subject of Liang, he has in fact become a Vassal King."

"If this war succeeds, nine-tenths of the gains go to Qin Feng, and only one-tenth to Liang. If the campaign fails, nine-tenths of the risk falls on Liang, while Qin Feng bears only one-tenth."

"Qin Feng deserves the title of a traitor who steals the state."

Hearing this, the Liang Emperor's face darkened instantly; regardless of Qin Feng's true stance, even if Qin Feng truly intended to sever ties between Liang and the Northern Border, such words could never be spoken openly.

Right now, every official in the court, from top to bottom, looks to Qin Feng as their leader.

If this angers Qin Feng, would it not bring great disaster?

In times of peace, the Liang Emperor greatly valued ministers like Chen Zheng—those who dared to speak blunt truths and cared for Heaven's welfare, whose loyalty was rare indeed.

But circumstances have changed; conduct must be adjusted accordingly.

Even if Chen Zheng's intentions are purely for Liang's sake, these words will inevitably strain the relationship between His Majesty and Qin Feng; right now, across all of Heaven, the Liang Emperor can offend anyone except Qin Feng—otherwise, even His Majesty's cultivation foundation will tremble.

The Liang Emperor stared coldly at Chen Zheng and asked sternly: "A traitor who steals the state? Minister Chen, you are being far too harsh!"

"Without Qin Feng quelling the rebellions, Jingdu would have been turned upside down; without Qin Feng guarding the Northern Frontier, Liang's border would be on the brink of collapse; without Qin Feng suppressing the Nan Jing, the powerful clans there would have long since plunged Heaven into chaos."

"Such national pillars, in Minister Chen's mouth, become traitors who steal the state—if this spreads, how will the people of Heaven view me?"

"Minister Chen's loyalty to Liang is evident to heaven and earth; you must prioritize state policy."

The Liang Emperor's meaning was unmistakable: tell Chen Zheng to be quiet, stop speaking nonsense; his loyalty was not in doubt, but if loyalty leads to harmful actions, even the highest minister bears guilt worthy of death.

Chen Zheng clearly heard the subtext, but he did not care.

Although Chen Zheng rose to the rank of Junior Protector and became one of the highest ministers solely through Qin Feng's recommendation, he felt no debt to Qin Feng's favor; on the contrary, he had long despised Qin Feng.

In Chen Zheng's eyes, Qin Feng was not merely a traitor who carved out his own kingdom—he was also a minister who monopolized power.

In this court, the Civil and Military Ministers all kept silent about the name "Qin Feng"; every policy Qin Feng proposed was blindly followed—how could mighty Liang become a tool for one man's profit?!

Take this Winter War: Liang and the Northern Di had already signed a peace agreement, agreeing to rest and recover, maintaining peace for at least ten to twenty years.

Yet Qin Feng refused to let go of the Northern Di, dragging the common people deeper into the quagmire of war.

Even if Qin Feng's troops are valiant and his assaults swift, seemingly unstoppable, is this truly for Liang's benefit—or for his little lover?

In the future, when Qin Feng stands between the Liang Emperor and Jing Qianying, nominally a buffer between two nations, which side will he choose if conflict arises?

If Qin Feng defects to the Northern Di, will he not become Liang's fiercest enemy?

Hearts are hidden within chests; no matter how dazzling Qin Feng's promises, even if he swore a deadly oath of eternal loyalty to Liang, Chen Zheng still did not believe him—after all, hearts change.

Qin Feng's loyalty to Liang today does not guarantee his loyalty tomorrow.

Chen Zheng stood tall and unyielding: "Since the Winter War has begun, it cannot be abandoned midway—but for the sake of Liang's realm and state, officials must be sent to oversee the campaign."

This remark directly struck at Qin Feng's interests; "overseeing the campaign" was, in plain terms, seizing power.

Chen Zheng had to gradually push Qin Feng out of the broader picture, at least preventing Qin Feng from holding too much authority.

Qin Feng wanted to remain secluded in the Northern Border and cultivate his domain? Fine! But he must do so as a subject of Liang—put more bluntly, he must be a servant, never an equal to his master.

The entire Grand Hall fell into deathly silence; most officials stared coldly at Chen Zheng.

The Liang Emperor felt both affection and resentment toward Chen Zheng—he knew Chen Zheng acted for the sake of the state, but sending a supervisor to the front line was a direct slap to Qin Feng's face.

The fragile trust painstakingly built between the Liang Emperor and Qin Feng might now fracture.