FID – Chapter 660

Chapter 660: Why Dwell on the Past

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the court officials stood in two rows, dividing the space.

At the head of the hall, the young emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face dark and cold.

The entire grand hall was heavy with a stifling and oppressive atmosphere.

Feng Qingbai stood at the forefront of the officials, slightly turning his body as he surveyed the crowd. “Prince Ting has gone missing, and the Grand General of Beicang has been assassinated—both incidents occurred at the borders of our empire. Now, the Beicang royal family is furious, and war between our two nations could break out at any moment. Do any of you have a solution to this crisis?”

Silence filled the hall.

Among the civil officials, Prime Minister Zuo stood at the head, hands folded, eyes cast downward in deep thought, saying nothing.

Among the military officials, Qin Xiao stood at the forefront, his gaze slightly lowered, offering no response.

Feng Qingbai narrowed his eyes slightly and called out, “Grand General Qin Xiao, you have faced Beicang’s Grand General countless times on the battlefield. Now that he has been assassinated, the situation between our nations is on the brink of war. What are your thoughts on this matter?”

Qin Xiao stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute. “Your Highness, Luo Beichuan has guarded Beicang’s borders for over a decade and holds an esteemed position in the hearts of the Beicang people. His assassination has enraged Beicang from top to bottom, making it unlikely that this matter will be easily resolved. I believe that someone is deliberately manipulating events from behind the scenes to provoke conflict. However, regardless of the circumstances, our great nation of Nanling will never cower before Beicang! If they want war, then war it shall be! I stand ready to don my armor and defend our nation’s honor at any time!”

Behind him, the military officials immediately voiced their support.

“The general is right! Our Nanling is prosperous and powerful—why should we fear Beicang? If they want war, then let there be war!”

“Although the incident occurred within our borders, we have yet to determine the true cause, yet Beicang has already turned its spearhead toward us, refusing to distinguish right from wrong. If they think they can bully Nanling, they can think again!”

“I second the motion—if war is inevitable, then so be it!”

A resounding chorus of determination spread through the ranks of the military officials, their voices firm and unwavering

Feng Qingbai fixed his gaze on Qin Xiao and said calmly, “The Grand General’s loyalty to Nanling is unquestionable, and should war break out, we do not fear battle. However, once war begins, the common people will suffer the most from the chaos. Moreover, this would play right into the hands of those who seek to manipulate us, allowing them to sit back and reap the rewards while we exhaust ourselves in battle. If that happens, would Nanling not become a mere pawn in their scheme, a laughingstock to the world?”

At these words, the fervent voices gradually quieted.

Qin Xiao cupped his hands once more. “Your Highness speaks wisely. I have spent my life defending the borders, and while I am skilled in warfare and strategy, I am utterly lost when it comes to these intricate schemes. I am ashamed that I cannot offer greater assistance to Your Majesty and Your Highness.”

Feng Mohan’s expression darkened further as he sat on the dragon throne, cursing inwardly—old fox.

At a time like this, he was still putting on an act. Aside from another public display of loyalty before the officials, his words were utterly useless!

“The general is Nanling’s stalwart protector, defending the borders and ensuring the safety of the people. Your contributions are invaluable—how could you belittle yourself?” Feng Qingbai raised his hand in a slight gesture toward Qin Xiao before turning to the civil officials. “Minister Zuo, as the head of the civil officials, do you have nothing to say on this matter?”

Minister Zuo stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, my stance remains unchanged. Regardless of what decisions Your Majesty and Your Highness make, I will fully support them. Your Highness is a man of great foresight and strategic brilliance—I believe he has already reached a decision in his heart.”

“We will follow Your Highness’s command!”

This kind of morning court debate had dragged on for days, each session as deadlocked as the last.

From the initial fervent discussions to the present state of having nothing left to say, there had been no progress whatsoever.

After court was dismissed, the uncle and nephew returned to the imperial study, both wearing equally grim expressions.

“An entire court full of officials—Nanling boasts of being a great and mighty nation, yet in the face of such a crisis, not a single one of them can offer a useful solution! It’s either war or peace—nothing in between! A bunch of worthless fools!” Feng Mohan raged. “At a time like this, everyone is still scheming for their own interests! If the nation falls, do they really think they’ll survive?”

Feng Qingbai listened to the young emperor’s furious rant without any change in expression.

“In times of chaos, power is up for grabs. Those with ambition won’t miss such an opportunity. Don’t mistake them for fools—everyone is weighing their own scales.”

“The situation between the two nations is dire. Since the incident occurred in Nanling, regardless of the cause, we must give Beicang an explanation. Sending an envoy to Beicang is imperative.” Feng Mohan immediately grasped the crux of the issue, his gaze icy. “Imperial Uncle, are they planning to use your departure as an opportunity to stir up chaos in court?”

“If I must go, then I will go. But once I leave, you’ll be left to face everything alone—that will be their chance.”

“They’re underestimating me too much!” Feng Mohan sneered coldly.

Feng Qingbai cast him a fleeting glance. “And you overestimate yourself.”

“…” Touching his nose awkwardly, Feng Mohan quickly changed his approach, playing the loyal subordinate. “I know that even if you have to leave, you’ll make sure everything is in order before you go. I’m not overestimating myself—I’m trusting you.”

Feng Qingbai tapped his index finger lightly on his knee, his gaze drifting toward the window, distant and contemplative.

He did not respond to Feng Mohan’s words.

That day, the morning court session in the Hall of Supreme Harmony lasted longer than usual.

As the Emperor and the King made their way to the inner palace, the officials exited through the main hall doors, whispering among themselves, discussing the critical matters of court. Their expressions were unreadable.

Qin Xiao walked side by side with Minister Zuo, moving at an unhurried pace.

“The words you spoke in court today still ring in my ears, General. Your unwavering loyalty is truly admirable.”

“You are no less commendable, Prime Minister. With the nation in peril, setting aside past differences and pledging full allegiance to His Highness is something even I respect,” Qin Xiao replied.

Minister Zuo smiled. “With the nation in crisis, we must unite as one to resist foreign threats. His Highness’s journey to Beicang is inevitable, and His Majesty is still young. Once His Highness leaves, there may be no one left to manage court affairs. As ministers, it is our duty to assist His Majesty. This is the least I can do.”

“You are absolutely right, Prime Minister. The young emperor cannot be without capable aides by his side. You possess great wisdom and knowledge—you are undoubtedly the best choice for a chief advisor. Allow me to offer my early congratulations.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

As they descended the long staircase outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the two men eventually went their separate ways.

After taking a few steps, Minister Zuo turned back, watching Qin Xiao walk away in the opposite direction. A deep, knowing smirk slowly formed on his lips.

The Yangxin Hall was located in the northernmost part of the imperial harem. Unlike the other palace buildings, it was surrounded by tranquil gardens and blooming flowers, making it the most serene and elegant retreat—perfect for meditation and quiet contemplation.

As one approached, the rhythmic sound of a wooden fish (a Buddhist percussion instrument) echoed from within.

Each steady tap seemed to soothe the restless heart.

Noticing someone approaching the hall, the palace maids immediately bowed in greeting.

Qin Xiao waved his hand dismissively, signaling them to withdraw. Then, he pushed open the slightly ajar door and stepped inside.

The closer he got, the clearer the sound of the wooden fish became.

Finally, standing before the main hall entrance, Qin Xiao stopped in his tracks, closed his eyes, and let out a long, weary sigh.

“I came to see you. May I come in?”

Inside, the sound of the wooden fish paused slightly before resuming, but no voice responded.

“Nanling is on the brink of chaos. I may go to war at any moment. Will you not even grant me a single meeting?”

“Our paths are different. I spend my days in the company of ancient lanterns and Buddhist scriptures, untouched by worldly affairs. General, why do you still cling to the past?”

Silence filled the space for a moment.

Qin Xiao reached out, his hand resting on the bronze door knocker. “Even now, you still cannot let go… Aman.”