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

Immediately, all sorts of speculations and discussions circulated wildly among the powerful and influential circles in Beijing.

When an even more explosive piece of news came from the Zheng family's residence in the capital, everyone fell silent.

Zheng Yuanli, the head of the Zheng family, personally wrote a letter to the imperial court, requesting to resign from all official positions and titles, and offering to donate 70% of the Zheng family's land and shops to the national treasury to fund the military.

At the end of his memorial, he also pleaded with the Empress to allow his daughter, Zheng Wanyue, to enter the Regent's Palace as a slave or maid to serve the Prince.

This memorial was like a bombshell, stunning the entire capital.

This is no longer just bowing down; this is having your spine completely broken, and being handed over to Qin Feng along with your family and business!

……

The atmosphere inside the mansions of the Wang family of Taiyuan and the Li family of Longxi was extremely oppressive.

Wang Xuance, the head of the Wang family, slammed the teacup in his hand to the ground, trembling with rage.

"That old scoundrel Zheng Yuanli! Spineless! He's completely disgraced the reputation of our five clans and seven noble families for centuries!"

"Master, please calm your anger."

An advisor quickly advised, "The Zheng family's actions, though born of necessity, have at least preserved the family's interests. Qin Feng is currently very powerful and at the height of his influence; it is indeed not advisable for us to confront him directly."

"Is it not advisable to confront them head-on?"

Wang Xuance sneered, "Are we just going to end up like the Zheng family, handing over our daughters and fortune to them to be slaughtered?"

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes.

"Qin Feng is powerful, but he is only one person. He can't stay this strong forever."

"Pass on my order: have the people in the north prepare to attack. I want to see if Qin Feng will still have the mind to deal with us when the iron hooves of Northern Yan trample through Yanmen Pass!"

……

Meanwhile, in the residence of the Li family of Longxi.

Li Boyong, the head of the Li family, was looking at a secret report sent back from Xingyang, remaining silent for a long time.

The secret report detailed how Qin Feng set traps step by step, turned the tables on Zheng Wanyue, and ultimately forced her into a corner, leading to her complete submission.

After reading it, even a shrewd and calculating person like Li Boyong couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine.

This Qin Feng is terrifying.

His terrifying nature lies not only in his unfathomable martial prowess, but also in his terrifying cunning and ability to understand people's hearts and manipulate power.

"Father, what should we do now?"

Li Yaoqin, who was standing to the side, asked with a pale face.

Ever since Qin Feng publicly humiliated Murong Yan at her marriage proposal banquet, she has been filled with a complex mix of hatred and fear towards this man.

She had thought that with the Zheng family protecting them, the Li family could be safe for the time being.

But now it seems that Qin Feng has easily taken down the toughest nut to crack, the Zheng family.

Will the Li family be next?

Li Boyong remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, his voice hoarse: "This person is beyond human capability to defeat."

"Pass down the order to withdraw all external forces, lie low for now, and observe the situation."

"in addition……"

He looked at his daughter, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Yaoqin, in a few days it will be the full moon celebration for the young princess of the Regent's Palace. Prepare a generous gift for your father and go there in person."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yaoqin jumped up instantly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Father! You want me to deliver gifts to him? You want me to curry favor with him? I won't go! I'd rather die than go!"

"It's not up to you!"

Li Boyong slammed his fist on the table and shouted angrily, "Do you think things are still the same as before? Qin Feng now can decide the life and death of my entire Li family with a single word! Your laughable pride is worthless in front of him!"

"Going is your only way to survive, and it's also the only way for the Li family to survive!"

Li Yaoqin trembled with fear at her father's anger, and her eyes instantly reddened.

Looking at her father's face, twisted with fear and helplessness, the last shred of stubbornness in her heart crumbled.

……

The Regent's Palace, atop a tall building.

Qin Feng stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at the bustling yet turbulent capital city.

Zheng Wanyue stood quietly behind him and draped a cloak over his shoulders to protect him from the evening breeze.

"Is everything arranged?"

Qin Feng didn't turn around, but asked calmly.

"Your Highness, all of Tingfeng Pavilion's undercover agents in the capital have been reorganized. From today onwards, they will only obey your orders."

Zheng Wanyue answered respectfully.

Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

After witnessing Qin Feng's extraordinary abilities, she had completely resigned herself to her fate.

Or rather, she found a new and more powerful backer for herself and the Zheng family.

"very good."

Qin Feng nodded.

His gaze passed over the many palaces and looked towards the distant north.

That is the northern border, the Yanmen Pass.

Further north lay the menacing Northern Yan, and... his former homeland, the Great Qin.

"The five surnames and seven noble families are nothing more than minor ailments. The real threat lies in the north."

A fierce fighting spirit flashed in Qin Feng's eyes.

"With the world in turmoil, how can I think of a home?"

He muttered to himself, his voice carried by the wind, yet it possessed a powerful and domineering aura that could change the very fabric of the world.

My days of enjoying peace and quiet are numbered.

A great battle that will determine the fate of the world is about to begin.

And he will be the sole protagonist in this era of great strife!

……

After pacifying the Zheng family of Xingyang, Qin Feng did not immediately take action against the remaining families.

He's like a seasoned hunter who, after successfully capturing a prey, chooses to lie low for a while and patiently waits for the next best opportunity to strike.

In the imperial court, thanks to the "exemplary" role of the Zheng family, the remaining major clans became more obedient than ever before.

They voluntarily surrendered their land, resigned from their important positions, and all kept a low profile, fearing they would become Qin Feng's next target.

Under Qin Feng's instruction, Empress Fuyao took the opportunity to promote the reform of the "Imperial Examination System," selecting a large number of talented individuals from among the common people to fill the official positions vacated by powerful clans.

In an instant, the entire officialdom of the Great Xia Dynasty was transformed, presenting a thriving and prosperous scene.

Qin Feng also enjoyed a rare period of leisure and tranquility.

After handling some necessary official business each day, he spent most of his time in the Regent's Palace, accompanying his wives and concubines.

In the gazebo in the back garden.

Qin Feng lay leisurely in the rocking chair, his head resting on Bai Wanqing's soft and elastic thighs, enjoying her gentle kneading.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling his face with a warm glow that made him feel drowsy.

"Husband, is it comfortable? Is this pressure okay?"

Bai Wanqing's voice was as gentle as ever, with a touch of the soft, sweet quality unique to women from Jiangnan.

She looked at Qin Feng, who was resting with his eyes closed, her eyes full of love and tenderness.

She knew that her man was under immense pressure outside.

Only at home can he let down his guard and relax, like a child, and enjoy a moment of peace.

"Mmm...that feels good..."

Qin Feng responded lazily, then casually grabbed Bai Wanqing's soft hand and kissed it.

"Sister Wanqing's hands are so fragrant and soft, they made my bones feel weak from the massage."