Chapter 978: First Volume, Chapter 978: The Tide Has Turned, To Exterminate the Northern Di

First Volume, Chapter 978: The Tide Has Turned, To Exterminate the Northern Di

In warfare, envoys are not executed—provided both sides are evenly matched. But when one side holds absolute superiority, it naturally holds absolute authority. To detain Zhang Chao is merely the beginning; even if I were to kill him outright, what could the Northern Di do? Mobilize heavy forces to besiege Changshui County? Qin Feng would gladly welcome such a move—it would further weaken the Northern Di.

The Northern Di now has three fatal weaknesses: first, its national strength is depleted, with grain and forage running out; second, heavy snow has sealed the mountains, making it impossible to concentrate superior forces; third, the court and people are in chaos, morale is unstable.

The first two are the foundation of Qin Feng's military strategy; the third is the final straw that breaks the camel's back.

Ye Xiao has rebelled; various factions are scheming for their own gain; the court and people cannot unite. At this moment, the psychological warfare against the Northern Di is no less lethal than direct military action.

Didn't the Northern Di King refuse to abdicate even at the cost of his life? Qin Feng intends to use every means to shatter the Northern Di's morale, leaving the Northern Di King isolated and unsupported.

At present, the tide has turned. The only thing Qin Feng fears is not Chen Si—it is the Xiongying Brigade.

This Tiger Wolf Elite Troops, by timing, should have already returned to Jingji. Though unable to directly participate in the attack on a fortified city, they will inevitably become one of the Northern Di King's last cards to stabilize morale. If dispatched directly to Ezhou and placed under Chen Si's command, they will inevitably have a major impact on the South Line.

Unfortunately, Qin Feng is trapped in Changshui County and cannot communicate with the outside world; otherwise, he would have ordered the Brocade Uniform Guard to probe for news of the Xiongying Brigade and eliminate this elite force first.

But even Qin Feng cannot predict everything—just as he never anticipated that Li Xiaolan would become pregnant so quickly.

That night, Qin Feng summoned Ning Hu and other officers, along with three hundred defenders, to hold a grand celebration at the County Yamen. The commodity Qing Zhu Jiu, previously used as cover, was put to perfect use—nearly everyone drank themselves into a drunken stupor, unconscious.

As the core figure, Qin Feng naturally did not get drunk; even in his greatest joy, he merely sipped a few mouthfuls, just enough to show goodwill.

He also issued orders: the remaining defenders would rotate in groups of three hundred daily to join the celebration; the entire city must not erupt in unrestrained revelry. Those assigned to guard the City Wall must not be absent—even one man missing could be fatal. After all, enemy armies still encircled Changshui; if imperial spies heard the laughter within and launched a surprise attack, the consequences would be catastrophic.

In the following days, Qin Feng drank and feasted with the soldiers, enjoying every meal—but he himself remained fully alert, ready to respond to any sudden development.

Zhang Chao, confined in the side chamber, listened to the continuous merriment outside and could not help but sigh.

"This city has been under siege for nearly two months, yet they still celebrate with wine and song—clearly, their materials and supplies are abundant. They could hold out for months more without issue."

"As for Da Di, how long it can withstand the Southern Line's relentless assault remains uncertain."

Recalling Qin Feng's terms, Zhang Chao sighed deeply. He could never accept these conditions—but the situation was now clear. Whether he accepted or not, the outcome seemed nearly identical.

Once the enemy breaks through Ezhou's DefensiveLine, the Northern Di King will surely relocate the capital northward to continue resistance. Meanwhile, the Wild Emperor Party and Yushu Princess will seize the opportunity to enter Jingji and seize absolute power. At that point, how many in court or among the people will remain loyal to the Northern Di King?

Zhang Chao sighed inwardly: had he known Lü Li bore a grudge against Qin Feng, he should have remained vigilant—not indulged him. No! He should never have allowed Qin Feng to come to Da Di for State Peace Talks. In fact… he should never have launched war against Liang in the first place.

But all this is hindsight. Now that things have come to this, what use is dwelling on it?

As an official of Da Di, Zhang Chao knew this war was lost beyond redemption. He could only grit his teeth and continue serving the Northern Di King—this was the final dignity of a civil minister.

Just as the banquet neared its end, the door opened. Qin Feng entered, carrying a wine pot and some food, placing them on the table before Zhang Chao.

"Official Zhang, I have good fortune—hence the city celebrates. Since you have come to Changshui County, I cannot leave you out."

"This Qing Zhu Jiu is brewed by my own hands. Though only one pot, it surpasses hundreds of cups of grape wine—enough for you to enjoy."

"These meats and dishes are sufficient for you to have a proper feast."

Seeing the table of wine and food, Zhang Chao sneered inwardly, convinced Qin Feng was deliberately flattering him to incite rebellion.

But Zhang Chao's expectations were overturned: Qin Feng set down the food and wine, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Only as the door was nearly shut did Zhang Chao finally ask: "Why trouble Qin Marquis personally for such a trivial matter?"

Qin Feng paused slightly, looked up at Zhang Chao standing in the center of the room, and smiled lightly: "Detaining you stems from my position. But since you have become my prisoner, why should I further humiliate you?"

"Moreover, I am also a diplomatic envoy of Liang. Put yourself in my shoes—if one day I were captured by the enemy, I would not wish to be treated disrespectfully."

Hearing this, Zhang Chao frowned slightly. This speech carried no hidden agenda. The more straightforward it was, the more Zhang Chao respected him.

Setting aside their opposing sides, Qin Feng is a true hero of this age.

Zhang Chao sighed softly, his gaze complex as he looked at Qin Feng: "May I ask, Marquis Qin—will I live to see Da Di fall and its house destroyed?"

Qin Feng did not hesitate: "I cannot guarantee that. But I swear to you, Official Zhang: a loyal minister like you will live to see your nation recover, restore its strength, and rise again to glory."

At this, Zhang Chao's gaze grew even more complex. He understood clearly: Qin Feng meant the Northern Di King must step down. Only after Jing Qianying inherits the Herald will Qin Feng set aside his grudges and wholeheartedly assist Jing Qianying in governing the nation.

At this moment, Zhang Chao finally understood: in Qin Feng's eyes, there was no such thing as national loyalty—only personal feeling. For those close to him, he would give his life without hesitation. But toward enemies, he showed not the slightest mercy.

Zhang Chao abandoned all illusions. The change of power in Da Di was now a settled fact—only the timing remained uncertain.

After Qin Feng left, Zhang Chao picked up the wine pot, sniffed it. First he was startled, then his face lit up with awe. He no longer hesitated—he drank deeply, in large gulps.

He had done all he could. The rest was left to fate.

At the same moment, the Northern Di King learned of Zhang Chao's detention.