Chapter 968

First Volume, Chapter 968: Chen Zheng's Political Intentions

Chen Zheng cared only about the outcome, not the means to achieve it; as long as he could restore the Liang Emperor's authority, ensure the Shedynasty would not descend into forced palace coup or rebellion due to Qin Feng's growing power, and guarantee peace and stability for the people of Liang, Chen Zheng would be satisfied.

In truth, Chen Zheng knew full well that sending a supervisor to the Front Line was merely a formality—given Qin Feng's current status and strength, he could kill any supervisor at any moment, yet not a single official in the Imperial Court would dare utter a word of complaint.

Chen Zheng had been driven to this path out of desperation, one with slim hope of success.

But now, Chen Zheng had received an unexpected boon: although the plan to send a supervisor had fallen through, the political value generated by the Three Great Generals of the North Border coming to Beijing for their Imperial report was countless times greater.

Chen Zheng looked at Liu Hongyan, calm and composed, and ventured a question: "When did Lord Qin instruct the Second Miss?"

Just moments ago, Chen Zheng had called her Liu Er; now he had already switched to "Second Miss"—clearly, this man was no blunt fool, but deliberately concealed his meticulous mind beneath a crude exterior.

Now that his political intent had been achieved, Chen Zheng's attitude naturally underwent a complete reversal.

Liu Hongyan understood Chen Zheng's calculations perfectly, but since Qin Feng himself didn't care, what could a mere woman do?

"Elder Chen, didn't I already tell you just now? Long before Feng'er left Beijing, he had already given his instructions."

"Hehe, this Young Lady speaks plainly—please, Elder Chen, don't take offense."

"Knowing your upright and unbending nature, Feng'er long anticipated you would interfere at this deadline."

Interfere?!

Though the word was harsh, Chen Zheng didn't mind—after all, their positions differed; to Qin Feng, Chen Zheng's uproar in the Imperial Court, forcing the Liang Emperor to dispatch a supervisor, was itself interference, so there was nothing unacceptable about it.

Chen Zheng smiled calmly: "It seems Lord Qin understands me well. In truth, I too understand Lord Qin—otherwise, I wouldn't have come here today."

"I merely demand that Qin Feng give an explanation—that's all."

"I guard against both villains and gentlemen, favoring substance over pretense; no matter how moving a promise may be, it's less reliable than a single concrete act."

Seeing Chen Zheng's candor, Liu Hongyan smiled in return: "Feng'er once said that among all court ministers, one may offend anyone—but never offend Elder Chen."

"For Elder Chen is the very pillar of Liang, always acting in Liang's interest—I deeply admire you."

Beside her, Xie Yun'er and the Qiyang Commandery Princess exchanged a glance, both revealing a flicker of surprise in their eyes.

Just moments ago, Liu Hongyan and Chen Zheng had been at odds; now, in an instant, they spoke with open hearts.

Not only Xie Yun'er, but even the Qiyang Commandery Princess inwardly marveled: though Liu Hongyan was merely a woman, her political acumen matched that of any court minister—truly, she surpassed men in skill.

Half a Envoy later, Zhang Xiuye passed through the Palace Gate and hurried toward the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty—Chen Zheng went to Mingyue Zhai."

The Liang Emperor, buried in state affairs, heard this and his heart sank—he had been anxious since the court session ended, fearing that Chen Zheng, that unyielding man, would directly storm the Qin Family's grounds; and now, what he feared had come to pass.

The Liang Emperor frowned tightly, set down the Imperial Memorial, rubbed his throbbing temples, and couldn't help coughing several times.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiuye hurried to soothe him: "Your Majesty, please attend to Your Sacred Health."

The Liang Emperor waved him off, gesturing not to worry, and said gravely: "With all the Qin men away, only Liu Hongyan and Xie Yun'er remain in the household. To avoid suspicion, even I rarely issue Imperial Decrees to the Qin Family. Yet Chen Zheng, that reckless fool, barges into Mingyue Zhai without restraint—if this reaches Qin Feng's ears and causes a misunderstanding, Chen Zheng deserves death a thousand times over!"

At this moment, no one was more important to the Liang Emperor than Qin Feng.

The pressure from the Northern Di rests entirely on Qin Feng's shoulders; next spring's campaign against the Southern Border Powerful Clans also requires Qin Feng's full authority. Qin Feng is the very backbone of Liang, the foundation of the Liang Emperor's rule. Whoever dares move against Qin Feng dares openly strike at the Liang Emperor's interests—even a loyal minister like Chen Zheng cannot be spared.

Sensing the Liang Emperor's fury, Zhang Xiuye did not hesitate to add:

"Your Majesty, please do not rush—Your Sacred Health comes first. Besides, after Chen Zheng arrived at Mingyue Zhai, he seemed to converse warmly with the two Qin women—nothing suggests trouble."

The Liang Emperor, who had been utterly at a loss moments before, immediately grew curious: "Oh? What exactly happened?"

Facing the Liang Emperor's inquiry, Zhang Xiuye did not delay: "Chen Zheng pressured the Qin women, hoping to force Liu Hongyan into directly promising to dispatch a supervisor. Though Liu Hongyan is merely a commoner with no official rank or title, who in Heaven and Earth doesn't know Lord Qin's nature? He is fiercely protective of his own."

"Once Liu Hongyan speaks, even if something goes wrong, Lord Qin will swallow the loss in silence."

"But…"

"Liu Hongyan did make a promise to Chen Zheng—but not regarding the dispatch of a supervisor. Rather… it was… it was…"

Seeing Zhang Xiuye hesitate, the Liang Emperor grew furious: "Why do you stammer? Speak plainly!"

Zhang Xiuye swallowed hard and whispered: "The promise Liu Hongyan made to Chen Zheng… appears to be… the Three Great Generals of the North Border coming to Beijing for their Imperial report."

The Liang Emperor, moments ago full of gloom, instantly rose to his feet, his thick brows and large eyes fixed intently on Zhang Xiuye.

Zhang Xiuye, unnerved, immediately knelt: "Your servant is guilty for speaking presumptuously!"

The Liang Emperor said nothing, staring at Zhang Xiuye for a long while before speaking softly: "You… you just said what? The Three Great Generals of the North Border… are coming to Beijing together for their Imperial report?"

"Zhang Xiuye, if you dare utter even half a lie to your Emperor, I shall exterminate your Nine Clans!"

Even Zhang Xiuye could not recall when the Liang Emperor had last been so emotionally charged—royal words were never jests; even a hundredfold courage would not let him dare to equivocate now.

He knelt trembling: "Your servant dares not utter a single falsehood—the arrival of the Three Great Generals of the North Border was arranged long ago by Qin Feng. Now, with Chen Zheng causing an uproar in the Imperial Court, Liu Hongyan's words have simply turned the tide in his favor."

The Liang Emperor slowly sat back on the Dragon Throne, his eyes gleaming; too overcome with emotion, he sighed three times in succession: "Good! Good! Good!"

"Qin Feng's loyalty to me is evident to Heaven and Earth!"

"Chen Zheng is no less worthy—if not for his bold, life-risking remonstrance, how could such a joyous news have emerged?"