svetikya Page 191
Page 191
Chen Qingfeng found Fan Xian.
"Brother-in-law, is something the matter?"
Upon seeing Chen Qingfeng approaching, Fan Xian immediately addressed him as "brother-in-law."
Chen Qingfeng glared coldly at Fan Xian, causing him to shiver involuntarily.
Then, Chen Qingfeng asked:
What do you think of Shen Zhong?
Upon hearing Chen Qingfeng's question, Fan Xian glanced at him, appearing thoughtful.
After thinking for a moment, he replied:
"This person appears to be lazy and casual on the surface."
"Always have a smile on your face."
"But in my opinion, he's probably a smiling tiger."
"To become the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard of Northern Qi, and the most powerful minister under the Empress Dowager, he must be extraordinary!"
After hearing Fan Xian's reply, Chen Qingfeng smiled calmly and said:
"It seems you did a lot of research before coming to Northern Qi!"
Fan Xian smiled smugly and asked in return:
Why did you mention Shen Zhong to me?
Chen Qingfeng explained calmly:
"Before leaving the capital, my adoptive father told me to be careful of a man named Shen Zhong when I arrived in Northern Qi!"
"I'm telling you this so you can be wary of this person."
Fan Xian pursed his lips helplessly:
"You are in charge of the mission to Northern Qi this time, so please be careful."
"I'm just here to make up the numbers."
"For matters big and small, it's up to you, brother-in-law, to make the decisions."
Chen Qingfeng's expression darkened slightly after hearing Fan Xian's words.
For him.
It's so small and heavy that it's nothing to brag about.
The reason for mentioning this person to Fan Xian now is to make Fan Xian more wary of him.
To everyone's surprise, Fan Xian acted completely indifferent.
"Looks like I need to find an opportunity to properly suppress my brother number 3 and 89 again!"
Chen Qingfeng pondered for a moment, then asked again:
"So what kind of person do you think Chen Pingping was?"
"what?"
Fan Xian exclaimed in surprise, looking at Chen Qingfeng with a strange expression:
"I said, brother-in-law."
"Isn't Dean Chen your godfather?"
“You’ve lived with him since you were little, you should know him better than I do, right?”
Chen Qingfeng frowned and said in a deep voice:
"I'm asking you."
Fan Xian paused for a moment before replying:
"At first glance, Dean Chen seems very approachable and trustworthy."
"I can't explain why, but every time I have this feeling, I want to get away from him."
"His thoughts are probably even more profound than those of Shen Zhong, that smiling tiger!"
After hearing what Fan Xian said, Chen Qingfeng didn't say anything more, but just smiled meaningfully.
Seeing this, Fan Xian was completely bewildered.
I can't figure out what my brother is up to.
……
After resting in Wuduhe Town, the Southern Qing delegation, escorted by the Northern Qi Imperial Guards, continued their journey to Shangjing, the capital of Northern Qi.
After traveling for several days, the mission finally arrived.
What came into view was a vast city.
This city is even taller and more magnificent than the capital of the Qing Kingdom. It is built of large bluestone blocks, and the city walls, which are three zhang high, are slightly tilted.
It creates an indescribable sense of oppression for everyone who comes from afar.
There are double-eaved pavilions on the city wall, which serve as corner towers, and soldiers are patrolling back and forth on the high city wall.
A sense of solemnity and grandeur emanates from this massive city wall.
By this time, the area outside the city gate had been cleared.
No idlers lingered here.
Officials from the relevant departments of Northern Qi were waiting in the square for the arrival of the Southern Qing delegation.
On the official road, the carriage carrying Chen Qingfeng gradually slowed down.
Soon, the Nanqing delegation arrived at that square.
At this moment, ritual music began.
Chen Qingfeng led the delegation and exchanged greetings with the Northern Qi side.
It can be seen that the officials of the Northern Qi Dynasty wore bright and luxurious clothing.
On the contrary, the Qing Kingdom delegation, having traveled a long way, inevitably appeared somewhat exhausted.
After being greeted, Chen Qingfeng and his entourage, accompanied by Shen Zhong, entered the capital.
The capital city was bustling with activity. Although the streets were not wide, they were lined with restaurants and eateries, with blue tiles and light walls, and tall trees providing shade, creating a beautiful scene.
Just then, more and more people stopped to watch from both sides of the street.
The expressions on these people's faces were all off, and their eyes were filled with hatred and resentment as they looked at the Nanqing delegation.
"Ok?"
Upon seeing this, Chen Qingfeng frowned slightly.
He knew in his heart that someone must have leaked the news of the Northern Qi's defeat.
Knowing that their country was to cede territory and pay reparations, the people of Northern Qi were naturally filled with righteous indignation.
They had only been traveling within the capital city for a short while when a man from Northern Qi angrily shouted and cursed:
"You barbarians from the south! How dare you come to my capital city?"
"Kick them out!"
"The Northern Qi does not welcome you southerners!"
"I've heard that the southern barbarians are uneducated and don't even know how to ride a horse!"
"How can we allow these barbarians to enter our capital?"
"..."
Passersby were outraged, and many Northern Qi warriors, swords in hand, glared menacingly at the Southern Qing delegation.
Chen Qingfeng and Fan Xian sat outside the carriage.
Seeing the indignant expressions of the people from Northern Qi, Fan Xian couldn't help but show worry on his face.
At this moment, Shen Zhong rode up from the side on horseback.
"Please forgive me, Lord Chen."
“Unfavorable border battles inevitably lead to some public resentment.”
"You should also know that it is not an easy task to quell public discontent."
"Perhaps... Lord Chen should go back to the carriage and hide there?"
Upon hearing what Shen Zhong said, Chen Qingfeng smiled calmly and said:
"Master Shen."
"If I were to hide inside the carriage, wouldn't Nanqing lose all face?"
Shen Zhong smiled slightly and said again:
"If Lord Chen does not heed my advice, then I, Shen, am powerless to help him."
"These... are, after all, just ordinary people of my Northern Qi."
"As the local official, I shouldn't interfere too much."
Chen Qingfeng gave a cold laugh and ignored Shen Zhong.
It was obvious that this was probably a scheme orchestrated by Shen Zhong to send these people to block the Nanqing delegation.
At this moment, Fan Xian suddenly looked at Chen Qingfeng:
"Brother-in-law."
"Something's wrong!"
"Many of these people are martial artists, not ordinary people!"
Chen Qingfeng remained calm and composed, his expression serene and unperturbed.
As far as he was concerned, although many of the warriors from Northern Qi had gone missing, he did not take them seriously.