Chapter 99

First Volume, Chapter 99: Paper Warfare

Qin Feng's answer took everyone by surprise; the entire Taihe Palace fell utterly silent.

Feeling the strange gazes from all sides, Qin Feng cleared his throat and smiled cheerfully: "Launching a campaign against the Di is a matter of national importance—it should be decided by the National Pillars. I am merely a commoner; how could such a grave matter possibly concern me? If anything goes wrong, even ten thousand deaths would not absolve me of blame."

This speech, if spoken kindly, was called prudence; if spoken harshly, it was cowardice.

Even the solemn, dignified Taihe Palace could not suppress a rustling wave of scornful laughter, especially among the Confucian Scholars present, whose expressions betrayed neither pride nor mere contempt.

"This Qin Feng isn't as hopeless as rumors claim—at least he knows his place."

"Hah, if this boy had launched into a long-winded speech, he'd have been unbearable. As it is, he's honest enough. It's precious to know one's limits."

Seeing the Confucian Scholars nodding smugly as if victory were assured, the Liang Emperor still smiled—but said nothing more.

Qin Tianhu immediately sensed the Emperor's displeasure and feared the Qin Family might be implicated; he could no longer remain passive. Stepping forward from the crowd, he whispered sharply to Qin Feng: "Today's session is a court debate among Confucian Scholars on the campaign against the Di. Matters unrelated to this shall be postponed. Withdraw at once!"

Cheng Yin gently stroked his long beard, eyes half-closed, refusing to glance at Qin Feng, and said bluntly: "I've long heard that the son of the Minister of War, Qin Feng, possesses considerable ingenuity—he once presented the Emperor with a Bow and Crossbow Design and devised a clever method to refine White Sugar. He is indeed young and capable. But even with such cleverness, it has little bearing on matters of National War. Listen to your father. Leave now. This is no place for you to meddle."

Surrounded by these "pen-as-sword" Confucian Scholars, Qin Feng unusually showed proper decorum, keeping his head bowed and never meeting the Liang Emperor's gaze.

Yet he paid no mind to this so-called leader of the literati, instead glancing sideways: "Master speaks truly. Your humble servant has long admired your name; to meet you in person today is a lifelong honor. I harbor a deep confusion—could you kindly guide me?"

Before Cheng Yin could respond, Qin Tianhu could no longer hold back and hissed: "Qin Feng, stop this nonsense! Whatever you have to say, wait until after court. This is the Grand Hall—do not dare act recklessly!"

Qin Feng pretended not to hear, smiling serenely as he fixed his gaze on Cheng Yin.

Though elderly, Cheng Yin's frame remained sturdy as an ancient pine, his voice resonant as a bell: "A young man humbly seeking knowledge is acceptable—but ill-timed."

At that moment, the Liang Emperor, who had been observing the entire scene, suddenly smiled: "By now, I imagine all my ministers are weary. Let us take a brief rest. Master Cheng, you may guide Qin Feng without concern for me."

The situation in the Grand Hall was now crystal clear: the scales of victory had tipped entirely to the Pro-Peace Faction. Unless a miracle occurred, the war against the Di would be indefinitely postponed.

This was the very outcome the Liang Emperor dreaded most.

Thus, a change was needed—and among all the Manchu Civil and Military, the so-called National Pillars, the only one who might serve as a variable was this seemingly unreliable commoner before them.

Since the Liang Emperor had spoken, even Cheng Yin had to lower his stance and replied patiently: "Guiding a junior in his confusion is a meritorious act. Qin Feng, state your confusion plainly."

Qin Feng lowered his head, thought for a moment, and let out a sharp "tsk"—an uncouth sound that drew frowns from every official and Confucian Scholar present.

Qin Feng treated the Taihe Palace as if it were no more than his own courtyard, casual and unconcerned: "Since ancient times, those who conquer Heaven are warriors; those who govern Heaven are scholars. But what, precisely, defines a scholar?"

At this, all the Confucian Scholars sneered.

Cheng Yin was equally startled—he had not expected Qin Feng to ask such a juvenile question. He answered instantly: "One who has read extensively and possesses profound learning is a scholar."

Qin Feng let out a long "oh," then asked: "I have read widely since childhood, filled my mind with classics, and composed several poems—does that make me a scholar too?"

Cheng Yin now understood Qin Feng's intent and replied crisply: "Yes. But a scholar who composes poetry differs from one skilled in statecraft. I've read your 'Expedition to the Frontier'—a rare masterpiece. Yet it has nothing to do with the Treatise on Governance. I mastered the Treatise on Governance at thirteen and recited the Treatise on Enriching the Nation from memory by nineteen. I can compose poetry and debate strategy. That is the difference between you and me."

At this, the Confucian Scholars applauded in admiration, gazing at Cheng Yin with reverence.

The Liang Emperor remained expressionless, listening quietly to the exchange between Qin Feng and Cheng Yin, his eyes shifting between them.

Li Zhan, standing nearby, had sweat beading on his forehead—he thought Qin Feng might be clever, but defeating Cheng Yin was impossible.

The most tense person in the hall was unquestionably Qin Tianhu.

He knew full well: the Liang Emperor had staked everything on Qin Feng. If Qin Feng lost, all past favor would vanish.

Without the Emperor's protection, in this treacherous court, it was tantamount to offering one's neck to the executioner.

Just as everyone believed Cheng Yin had won, Qin Feng suddenly asked: "Since Master is an expert in the Treatise on Governance, may I humbly ask you a small question? Due to frequent Di incursions along the border, the Sugarcane Plantation in the Northwest has been severely damaged. Sugarcane Farmers labor all year yet earn nothing. There have even been horrifying cases of families trading children for food. How would you resolve this?"

Cheng Yin stood with hands clasped behind his back, pondered briefly, then spoke calmly: "There are two strategies. First, relocate the Sugarcane Farmers to the rear area. Second, open the granaries to distribute Relief Grain, under the supervision of officials appointed by the Emperor to ensure the Grain reaches the farmers intact."

Qin Feng's eyes lit up with admiration: "No wonder you're Master—such an effortless solution to such a dire problem. Is this relief strategy also derived from the Treatise on Governance?"

Cheng Yin lifted his chin, pride radiating from his face: "Naturally."

Seeing Qin Feng begin to flatter Cheng Yin, Qin Tianhu's face flushed crimson and pale by turns. He wanted to rebuke him several times—but this was the Taihe Palace. Without the Emperor's permission, even as Minister of War, he could only endure in silence.

Qin Feng lavished praise on Cheng Yin's erudition, then shifted tone, feigning confusion: "Relocating the people is indeed a wise strategy—it solves the root problem permanently. But Master, how much Silver would such a relocation require?"

Cheng Yin's triumphant expression froze instantly.