After leaving the Pleasure House, I went to a nearby teahouse for dinner.
Ah, it’s getting late. If I rush back for dinner now, Primary Wife will surely suspect something.
I have been busy with official duties and couldn’t make it back, which is just as well to dissipate the heavy scent of makeup on me; the fragrance there was too strong.
Upon arriving at my Qin Residence, I made an excuse that there was a major event in court today and that I had dinner outside due to my busy schedule.
I was truly exhausted and planned to sleep, feeling sore all over, tossing and turning.
My wife Xiao Xiao suggested I go to her room. Recently, I had mostly been accompanying my sister, so I decided to go to her room! I hadn’t visited her much lately.
Qin Feng happily agreed. Once in bed, he held her close and fell asleep, feeling utterly fatigued.
All he wanted now was a peaceful sleep, not wanting to do anything else.
The next morning, before dawn, there was a loud and urgent knocking at the door, very intense.
Qin Feng was still holding his warm wife Xiao Xiao and looked outside; it was still pitch black.
He felt very sleepy; it wasn’t even light yet. Who could be knocking at this hour?
He called out, “Who is it outside? Can’t anyone let people sleep? It seems there’s no Morning Court today; what’s all this knocking for?”
Liu Xiaoxiao also woke up, opening her big eyes with a hint of drowsiness.
She was lying in Qin Feng's arms having sweet dreams when she was suddenly disturbed, but it was quite warm.
“Master, it’s the steward Afu! Lord Right Chancellor Li Gang has sent someone here; you need to hurry to the palace immediately. There are urgent matters to discuss; you must set off right away.”
"Two Imperial Guards are waiting outside the door; it seems to be something very important. You should get up quickly and head to the palace!" Afu said.
Voices of other men could also be heard outside, loud and somewhat anxious.
"Reporting to Qin Sir, we are subordinates of Li Gang, the Prime Minister. Lord Li Gang has encountered a major incident at the palace and has sent us to call for you immediately."
"Lord Li Gang has already gone to the palace; it seems to be related to the Emperor. He has also summoned several other lords, who should all be on their way."
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng could only get out of bed!
Being a loyal minister often meant waking up early and working late, which was extremely exhausting. Serving the country and the people took a toll on himself and his family.
Not only was he very tired and mentally drained, but his family also could not be properly cared for.
"You are Lord Li Gang's subordinates; please wait outside for a moment. I will get up right away and go to the palace with you!"
Outside, two different men's voices responded affirmatively.
Qin Feng could only crawl out of bed and quickly put on his long robe.
Liu Xiaoxiao lay in bed like a gentle cat, gazing at him affectionately, very tenderly.
"Husband, something major has happened in the court again. Is it dangerous? Why do you have to rush to the palace so early?"
He felt reluctant as he held her face and kissed her deeply on her red lips, feeling her fragrance; it was truly comforting.
"My dear! I don't know what has happened in the court; it shouldn't be dangerous. After all, it's the palace, which is heavily guarded."
"Just continue lying in bed and get a good sleep! Don't worry about me, I will come back safely."
Liu Xiaoxiao's fair face showed a blush, making her even more charming and gentle.
She gently nodded and said, "Husband, you must come back safely."
He had already turned his body toward the door, responding with a warm feeling.
Once outside the door, he noticed two Imperial Guards dressed in Black Armor, wearing Black Hooded Helmets and red trousers.
They were under Lord Li Gang's command, looking somewhat flustered and anxious.
They smiled and said, "Qin Sir, we heard that something big has happened in the palace. We should hurry there! Lord Li Gang has already gone ahead and sent us to fetch you!"
Qin Feng nodded in agreement and followed them outside.
Afu, dressed in a gray robe, closely followed as well, since the steward must accompany the master.
When they reached the Gate of Your Residence, they stopped and smiled to welcome the master as he departed.
Qin Feng mounted a large black horse, the one he often rode, and set off with them toward the palace.
Half an hour later, it was still dark, but some light began to emerge.
The streets ahead remained empty; the Cold Wind blew in gusts, likely because everyone was still sleeping soundly in their beds.
He was also curious about what significant event had occurred in the palace.
When at his own residence, he did not ask, because some Servants were also present. If important secrets were revealed, it could lead to trouble.
He looked at the two and said, "Brothers, do you know what major event has occurred in the palace that has caused such panic?"
The two Imperial Guards on horseback exchanged glances, showing some hesitation before speaking up.
"Actually, we don't know much. We only heard a couple of sentences regarding the palace matters."
"The Emperor is preparing to head south. He feels that he cannot stop the over one hundred thousand Jin Bing and has ordered several thousand Imperial Guards to hold the city, waiting for the situation to calm down before returning."
"They are currently busy packing their belongings and are quite frightened."
Qin Feng was truly astonished. The Emperor had just appointed Li Gang as Right Chancellor in the morning, fully responsible for the defense of Tokyo City, yet now he was determined to resist the Jins!
The Jins were merely stronger in force; they did not have a significant advantage. If they held their ground, they could definitely defeat them and force them to flee.
How could the Emperor suddenly change his mind? To set off south so soon after the morning was simply absurd!
He asked, "Brothers, can you provide more details? Why has the Emperor suddenly decided to head south? Was he preparing for a full-scale resistance against the Jins and arranging key figures for command?"
One Imperial Guard in Black Armor shook his head repeatedly, genuinely unsure and only having heard bits and pieces.
The other one seemed to be deep in thought, considering a name.
Qin Feng was also a clever person and could see their thoughts. This Imperial Guard should know more.
"This brother of the Imperial Guards, do you know more? You can share what you know; we are all on the same side here, no need to hide anything."
The one wearing Black Armor, the Imperial Guards, knew what to ask when meeting the lord.
"Lord Li Gang mentioned a name while talking to someone, and that name is the Left Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel, Li Bangyan. He is cunning and self-preserving, a member of the Peace Faction."
"It seems he went to the palace to persuade the emperor, possibly to negotiate peace and escape. That's why the emperor decided to head south immediately, packing up to avoid the Jin Army's might."
With a worried expression, he continued, "Qin Sir, this is all I know. Please don't tell anyone else. If the Peace Faction hears about it, it could cost lives. I have an elderly family to support; I can't just let them down."
Qin Feng nodded, indicating he wouldn't disclose this information. How could he go against the Peace Faction? That would be self-defeating!
He said, "Don't worry, brother Imperial Guards. We are all on the same side; I won't cause any trouble. Let's continue our journey! Reaching the palace is our priority."
The two smiled in agreement and urged their horses to run faster ahead.
Qin Feng's mind was occupied with other matters—those Peace Faction members were causing chaos, seeking peace at any cost, which would only doom the Great Song's vast Territory. Food and Silver would be taken away.
Yesterday, Tokyo City was rapidly completing its defenses; soon it would become even more fortified, yet they were discussing peace and escape.
It was absurd; if the emperor fled, the soldiers would surely descend into chaos.
Comment 0 Comment Count