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墨書 Inktalez
The Peculiar War God of the Song Dynasty
Although it was not a noble thing to do, it was a way to save one's life. I wonder if the Emperor would be furious and take action against me.
Continuing, he said, "Brother Qin, don't be so polite. I truly came to thank you. These things are also gifts for you; I won't take them back. We are just calling each other brothers!"
He laughed heartily while looking at Qin Feng, filled with excitement and gratitude.
Qin Feng felt even more confused. What exactly was that calamity he faced? He still couldn't figure it out.
To give him so much Silver and good jade, that Qilin White Jade must be extremely valuable; each piece is worth more than this Silver.
"Brother Zhang, I really don't understand your intentions. What calamity did you face? I don't know; you should take these things back. No merit, no reward."
Zhang Bangchang became surprised, his smile fading somewhat as he looked at Qin Feng in confusion.
It was obvious; after helping him once, he was now offering Silver and jade as thanks.
Qin Feng could clearly feel something different; he had truly changed. He was no longer slick-tongued but filled with passion and a desire to serve the country.
Upon closer inspection, it seemed he really didn't understand. After a serious illness, he had become somewhat foolish, but he looked quite normal otherwise.
Forget it! Forget it! Just let it go!
"When you left Taiyuan, the Jin people killed my relative Zhang Fu and sent back his bloody head, which scared me half to death. Although I was very panicked and afraid at that time, after a few moments, I returned to normal and accepted that cruel reality."
The reason I didn't follow you back to Tokyo City was that we hadn't completed the Negotiation and would face severe punishment, especially me. So I wanted you to bear it alone for a while; after all, the Emperor wouldn't do anything to you since you had made great contributions.
Consider it as helping me avoid a calamity! It's not that I didn't want to return; you know that the Emperor doesn't treat me as one of his own. It's very likely he would have issued an order to execute me.
Now Qin Feng understood, looking at him in surprise with anger bubbling up inside him.
No wonder he didn't return to Tokyo City; he was afraid for his life, thinking that once back in Tokyo City, the Emperor would have him executed for ruining the Negotiation.
Then letting himself return first—wasn't that clearly taking the blame? He hadn't even anticipated it; he was so foolish. He considered himself a good person, deceived by his cunning counterpart.
He shouted, "Zhang Bangchang, I even called you Brother Zhang, yet you treat me this way, making me come back as a scapegoat while you enjoy yourself in the background, as if nothing happened."
"Do you know that during my second Morning Court, those Peace Faction members, especially the two Left Chancellor and Right Chancellor, wanted to chop off my head to negotiate with the Jin Kingdom? Thankfully, with Li Gang and others pleading for me, I managed to save my life."
"Do you think you are worthy of my trust, Zhang Bangchang?"
Zhang Bangchang showed some concern; he wasn't as happy anymore.
Some things are like that; on the surface, they seem harmonious, but once the hidden matters come to light, it can lead to a falling out.
With a pleading expression, he said, "Brother Qin, I know about your situation. I didn't expect Bai Shizhong and his faction to be so ruthless. They are all officials of the same court yet want to take your head to negotiate with the Jin Kingdom. They are truly beasts, selling their master for personal gain."
"Fortunately, you escaped unscathed and even got promoted to Deputy Commander of the Cavalry. Surviving a great disaster must bring future blessings!"
"You also know that I have several wives and concubines, and two elderly parents in their seventies or eighties. I have to support over ten family members all by myself."
"Although my family is wealthy, if I die, those Corrupt Officials will definitely covet my property and seize my beautiful concubines. It would lead to my family being torn apart—what a tragic scene!"
"I really don't want that; there won't be a next time. Brother Qin, you must believe me."
Qin Feng looked at him with tears streaming down his face, sniffling and crying.
In his heart, he forgave him. It was indeed like that; the court was chaotic. Once a man fell into trouble, his wives and property would be seized by others—leading to ruin.
The fact that he came to apologize showed he still had some kindness left in him and wasn't completely indifferent to Qin Feng's fate.
"Zhang Bangchang, I forgive you. No matter what you did in the past, take your things; I don't need them."
"In the future, there's no need to call each other brothers. With someone like you, a High Official, I cannot aspire to that."
Although my heart has forgiven you, I cannot condone your actions. When it comes to life and death, you put yourself at risk while enjoying life behind my back. How can I trust you?
If we can only share glory and wealth together, but when a crisis arises, you abandon me alone, then I do not want such brothers, no matter how many there are.
I would rather have just a couple of loyal brothers by my side than a whole group like this.
Zhang Bangchang's face turned somewhat pale; he knew he had done wrong. However, there was nothing he could do; he could not risk his life. One careless mistake could lead to disaster.
His rosy complexion also turned a bit ashen as he felt guilty towards Qin Feng.
Suddenly, an idea struck him—he thought of a way to regain Qin Feng's trust.
"Brother Qin, when I arrived in Tokyo City last night, I encountered the Eight Hundred Fast Riders from Taiyuan on the road. I learned something important; do you want to know?"
Qin Feng had already lost trust in him and didn't even want to look at him anymore for risking his own life.
However, upon hearing about the Eight Hundred Fast Riders from Taiyuan, he perked up; something significant must have happened in Taiyuan.
The Eight Hundred Fast Riders are known for their incredible speed, traveling eight hundred miles a day to convey urgent Battle Reports and secret orders from the state.
"What exactly happened in Taiyuan? Hurry up and tell me."
Seeing Qin Feng's anxious expression, a smile appeared on Zhang Bangchang's face.
"Brother Qin, if you promise to accept these Silver and two pieces of Qilin White Jade, we can still call each other brothers, and I will tell you the Battle Report."
Qin Feng had no choice but to agree. Faced with such a cunning person, he could not outsmart him.
Zhang Bangchang's face was filled with smiles, genuinely feeling pleased. Qin Feng had become straightforward and direct, which made him trustworthy.
Now that Qin Feng had agreed, he would not go back on his word, and it would be easier to ask him for help in the future.
He said, "The Battle Report indicates that Zhongshan has been completely occupied by Jin Bing. Over a hundred thousand troops surged down, surrounding Taiyuan from all directions. No one can escape; they are still fighting desperately and requesting rescue from Tokyo."
"The attacks from the Jin Kingdom are truly fierce. Most cities cannot withstand it for long, but Taiyuan City has thick walls that can hold out for a while. They have also requested support from the surrounding provinces."
Qin Feng felt astonished and fearful. Such a large army could surround the great city of Taiyuan, which had tens of thousands of elite soldiers and the renowned general Wang Bin stationed there.
It was unbelievable that they couldn't even escape. The Jin Kingdom was indeed serious about wanting to reach Tokyo City and destroy the Great Song.
Worried, he asked, "Brother Zhang, is there any other Battle Report? Is that all?"
Zhang Bangchang continued to smile as if the fate of Taiyuan was none of his concern. He replied, "No, Brother Qin. I arrived in Tokyo City late last night and encountered the Eight Hundred Fast Riders, which is how I learned all this."
"Keep this Silver and Qilin White Jade as a token of my goodwill. You must not disappoint my kindness. You should also visit a few High Officials in the court and spend some Silver to smooth things over so that the emperor won't punish me."
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