If I send you to join the army and marry a woman, will you conquer the Empress?

Five surnames and seven noble families—what a terrifying existence that was!

With a history spanning millennia and deep roots, its power has long permeated every aspect of the Great Xia Dynasty.

At the same time, waging war against the seven great families is no different from declaring war on the entire world.

The slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.

"Your Highness, this matter... requires careful consideration!"

Li Jing earnestly advised, "The five clans and seven powerful families are so influential that they cannot be shaken overnight."

"Our foundations are not yet secure, and the people's hearts are not yet with us. If we rashly start a war, it will likely cause turmoil throughout the land, which would play right into their hands!"

"Should we take a longer-term view?"

Qin Feng snorted coldly, his gaze sharp as a knife as he stared directly at Li Jing.

"Minister Li, tell me, how long will this discussion last?"

"Is the plan to ensure that all the disaster victims outside the city starve to death?"

"Should we consider doubling the national treasury's debt again?"

"The phrase 'taking a long-term plan' doesn't exist in my dictionary, Qin Feng's dictionary!"

"Either don't do it at all, or do it thoroughly!"

Qin Feng's attitude was extremely firm, leaving no room for anyone to refute him.

He walked to the center of the council hall, to the huge sand table, picked up the command flag representing the troop deployment, and began his pre-battle planning.

"This 'Feast at Hongmen' wasn't just a simple dinner party; it was a war!"

"A war without bloodshed!"

His gaze first fell on Lu Jiaojiao.

"Lu Jiaojiao!"

"Your Majesty, I am here."

Lu Jiaojiao immediately stepped forward, her expression focused.

"Your task is the most important!"

Qin Feng's tone was extremely serious.

"From today onwards, you will have full authority over the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department. I want you to thoroughly understand the entire industrial chain, all business dealings, and all lifelines of the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families in the shortest possible time!"

"I need to know where their money comes from, who they sell their grain to, and where their salt is transported."

"I want an economic map that belongs to them!"

"When I make my move, I want to be able to sever their main arteries with a single stroke!"

This task is undoubtedly arduous.

To figure out the economic lifeline of seven thousand-year-old families in a short period of time is an almost impossible task.

But Lu Jiaojiao did not hesitate at all; her bright eyes sparkled with excitement.

She knew that Qin Feng had given her a stage that was powerful enough to stir up the world.

"Don't worry, my husband!"

She smiled confidently: "Within three days, Jiaojiao will definitely present this map to you!"

Qin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

He believed in Lu Jiaojiao's abilities.

Then, his gaze turned to Li Xuanba and Yue Shan.

"Li Xuanba! Yue Shan!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

The two roared in unison, their voices booming like thunder.

"You two, from this moment on, turn the entire capital into an impregnable fortress!"

Qin Feng picked up several black command flags and planted them heavily on the map surrounding the capital.

"The Twelve Guards of the Capital, the Tian Ce Army—all available troops, mobilize them!"

"I want you to establish three lines of defense, centered on the capital! Covert and covert sentry posts, extending for miles around!"

"I want to ensure that not even a fly will leave the capital before the wedding banquet begins!"

"Once those seven old geezers get into the city, I'll make sure they can't escape!"

A cold killing intent flashed in Qin Feng's eyes.

He's trying to shut the door and beat the dog!

"This subordinate obeys!"

Li Xuanba and Yue Shan trembled with excitement and loudly accepted the order.

This is the kind of work they're best at!

Finally, Qin Feng's gaze fell on Li Jing.

Minister Li.

"Your old minister is here."

Li Jing's heart was in his throat.

I know what you're worried about.

Qin Feng's tone softened somewhat: "What I asked you to do is not to confront them head-on."

"You are in charge of the cabinet and oversee all officials. I want you to mobilize all your protégés and former subordinates to investigate this matter!"

"Investigate these seven families and uncover all the illegal and unethical things they've done over the years!"

"Occupying farmland, disregarding human life, collusion between officials and businessmen, tax evasion... Write down every single piece of evidence you can find, no matter how small!"

"I will lay these things out before them, one by one, at the banquet!"

"I want them to know that in my kingdom, there is no such thing as 'the law does not apply to everyone'!"

"If you break the law, even if you're the King of Heaven himself, you'll have to bow down and confess!"

Qin Feng's plan was meticulously crafted, with each step linked to the next.

Economically, Lu Jiaojiao undermined their efforts.

Militarily, Li Xuanba and Yue Shan would close the door and beat the dog.

In terms of politics and law, Li Jing was responsible for collecting evidence of crimes.

With a three-pronged approach, a net was cast to capture all seven powerful families!

Li Jing was stunned after hearing Qin Feng's plan.

He then realized that Qin Feng was not reckless or impulsive.

He already had a complete and meticulous plan.

This plan was ruthless, decisive, and watertight.

Looking at the excessively young regent before him, he felt a sense of awe for the first time.

Perhaps he really can do something that no emperor in history could do.

"This old minister...accepts the order!"

Li Jing bowed deeply and said no more unnecessary words.

"good!"

Qin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

"The last point, and the most important one."

He looked at everyone, a playful smile playing on his lips.

"The wording on the invitations sent out must be polite and humble."

"With the new emperor's ascension to the throne and everything in need of rebuilding, I have specially invited all the heads of the families to the capital to 'discuss national affairs.' I hope that you can offer your advice and strategies for the future of our Great Xia."

"We need to make the right gesture. We need to make them feel that I, Qin Feng, am afraid of them and am bowing down to them to show goodwill."

"Only in this way will they walk into this cage without any suspicion!"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

This regent was not only ruthless, but also frighteningly cunning.

This is hardly an invitation.

This is clearly a death warrant!

……

After making all the arrangements, Qin Feng waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse and prepare to carry out the mission.

The entire council chamber quickly became empty.

Li Xuanba and Yue Shan were the fastest to run. After receiving the military orders, they excitedly went to mobilize troops, as if they could already see the scene of trampling those seven old guys under their feet.

Lu Jiaojiao and Li Jing also left in a hurry; one was going to the Ministry of Revenue to check accounts, and the other was going to the Ministry of Justice to retrieve case files—both were extremely urgent.

In the end, only Qin Feng and Fu Yao remained in the huge council hall.

Fuyao did not leave.

She looked at Qin Feng, her beautiful face filled with complex emotions.

There was excitement, there was exhilaration, but more than anything, there was deep worry.

Qin Feng's plan sounded flawless and incredibly powerful.

But she knew better than anyone just how heavy the phrase "five surnames and seven esteemed families" truly was.

She walked to Qin Feng's side, looked at the flags representing the seven great families on the sand table, remained silent for a long time, and then spoke softly.

"Qin Feng, are you really... determined to do this?"

Her voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"Do you think I'm joking?" Qin Feng turned his head and looked at her.

That's not what I meant.

Fuyao shook her head, biting her lip, and said, "I'm just... just scared."

"I'm afraid you'll repeat the mistakes of my father."