Chapter 47: Why on earth should I trust a despicable old man like you?

Qin Feng was stunned.

Instead of the old gang coming to win him over, it was his mortal enemy, Hu Weiyong, who showed up?

This corrupt official was probably here to mock him, wasn’t he?

If he didn’t meet him, would Hu Weiyong report him again?

Forget it, better to see him face to face.

Qin Feng told Luo Guanzhong to wait, and to his surprise, Luo Guanzhong was considerate enough to leave the newsroom on his own.

When Qin Feng arrived at the newsroom's main hall, Hu Weiyong was already seated, waiting.

Looking at the notoriously wicked Hu Weiyong, Qin Feng shot him a fierce glare.

Yet, as he approached Hu Weiyong, he forced a smile, determined to see his performance through.

He cupped his hands and smiled at Hu Weiyong, saying, “Is this not Chancellor Hu? What breeze has blown you here?”

Hu Weiyong inwardly despised him: “You rude, ill-mannered creature, who do you think you are?”

But one doesn’t strike a smiling face, especially not one as sly as Qin Feng’s. So Hu Weiyong quickly stood up and laughed heartily.

“Brother Qin, it seems this time we truly can say we know each other after a fight!”

This sentence suddenly made Qin Feng realize something.

Could it be that the old gang sent Hu Weiyong as the vanguard?

Qin Feng and Old Zhu both knew well that Hu Weiyong was backed by the entrenched Huai West noble clique.

Hu Weiyong’s rapid rise to the position of Left Chancellor in the court was entirely due to their support.

With this suspicion, Qin Feng smiled warmly and said, “Chancellor Hu’s meaning puzzles me; please enlighten me.”

Hu Weiyong glanced around and said with a smile, “Brother Qin, may I have a word in private?”

That was quite clear.

Given Hu Weiyong’s previous relentless targeting of Qin Feng in court, and their personal grudges—he’d be eager to have Qin Feng shredded alive.

But now his tone was so gentle, he must have received orders from above to win Qin Feng over.

Otherwise, with his vengeful nature, he would have trampled Qin Feng when he was down, not spoken so nicely.

Qin Feng’s mind was as clear as a mirror.

This had to be the old gang growing restless and wanting Hu Weiyong to win him over.

Hu Weiyong dreamed of killing him, but arms could never beat legs.

He had to bow to the power behind him, temporarily setting aside their personal feud.

“Please, Chancellor Hu,” Qin Feng said.

“Please,” Hu Weiyong replied.

Qin Feng and Hu Weiyong exchanged sly smiles, giving off the impression of conspirators.

Once inside the room, Hu Weiyong maintained a cheerful smile, though inwardly he cursed Qin Feng’s cunning and slyness.

Qin Feng, too, smiled calmly on the surface but cursed Hu Weiyong’s hypocrisy and double-dealing in his heart.

They exchanged a glance and awkwardly chuckled.

Two former mortal enemies meeting again indeed created an awkwardness so thick it could be felt underfoot.

“So, Chancellor Hu, what brings you here today? What did you mean by ‘no acquaintance without a fight’? Have you decided to let go of our personal grudges?”

Hu Weiyong smiled brightly. “Brother Qin, we truly had many misunderstandings before, but now we are both cast adrift in the world.”

Who are you kidding?

Dream on, you corrupt dog!

Qin Feng smiled and said, “Misunderstandings? Does that include trying to kill me back then?”

Hu Weiyong’s expression darkened; he paused, silently cursing, “Bastard!”

He smiled again and said, “Brother Qin, when we fought tooth and nail, bleeding from head wounds, who do you think ultimately profited? Was it not the one on the Dragon Throne?”

Qin Feng frowned. “Hu Weiyong, how dare you so recklessly speculate about His Majesty? Do you want to lose your head?”

Hu Weiyong sneered, “Brother Qin, think carefully — do you want to serve the one on the Dragon Throne and end up as fallen as you are now, or take a risk for your own future?”

“You’re smart; why live under others’ shadows? You might as well fight for a bright future, do the easiest work, and earn the most silver.”

“Isn’t that the life you should pursue, Brother Qin? Why slave away and get nothing in return?”

Ha!

Spit!

Corrupt official!

“So, Chancellor Hu, what exactly do you want me to do?”

Hu Weiyong’s eyes gleamed. Leaning close to Qin Feng’s ear, he whispered with a smile, “His Majesty still lets you control the newsroom. Why not cooperate with others? It would be a win-win!”

Then Hu Weiyong pulled a note from his sleeve. “Brother Qin, consider this carefully.”

“If you agree, follow what’s written, and you’ll be rolling in wealth.”

“This matter is known only to heaven, earth, you, and me! Now it’s up to Brother Qin—do you want to be the sword in others’ hands, or the one wielding the sword?”

Hiss!

Qin Feng drew a cold breath.

This corrupt official’s scheme was deep indeed.

Just a few words and Qin Feng actually felt tempted.

If Hu Weiyong weren’t a corrupt official, he’d make a great multi-level marketing leader with such talent.

Qin Feng glanced at the note on the table and snorted coldly, “Why should I trust a despicable old scoundrel like you?”

Seeing Qin Feng’s arrogant attitude, Hu Weiyong cursed inwardly, “This bastard really doesn’t know how to appreciate kindness!”

He couldn’t understand why the noble clique wanted to win this guy over.

What was so special about him?

If soft persuasion failed, force was the only option.

Hu Weiyong narrowed his eyes. “Brother Qin, think carefully about the consequences.”

“If you refuse, I can’t guarantee what kind of trouble your newsroom will face.”

“When that time comes, you won’t even have a place to cry. Do you think His Majesty will still protect you, given your current standing?”

“If one day you become the public enemy, do you think he won’t discard you like a pawn?”

Hearing Hu Weiyong’s words, Qin Feng was dumbstruck.

Unbelievable!

This corrupt official even knew to threaten when persuasion failed?

He was actually threatening me?

Feigning hesitation, Qin Feng darkened his face. “Chancellor Hu, may I have some time to think?”

Seeing Qin Feng soften, Hu Weiyong was delighted.

Ha! Youngsters really lack resilience. Just a few light threats and he’s completely under control.

Hu Weiyong smiled and reassured, “Brother Qin, what I said is all for your own good. You must consider it carefully!”

“I should thank Chancellor Hu’s ancestors eight generations back!” Qin Feng muttered sarcastically.

Hu Weiyong replied, “You’re welcome! Maybe someday we’ll be on the same boat.”

After sending Hu Weiyong out of the newsroom, Qin Feng pondered the words of thanks he had muttered on the way.

Why did he feel like that guy was cursing him?

Once Hu Weiyong, this jinx, was gone, Qin Feng quickly pocketed the note left on the table.

At that moment, someone claiming to be from the Crown Prince’s residence arrived at the newsroom and knelt before Qin Feng.

“Lord Qin! Lord Qin!”

“I am the steward from the Crown Prince’s residence. The Crown Prince ordered me to seek you out.”

“His Royal Highness, the Imperial Heir, has fallen gravely ill. We earnestly beseech Lord Qin to come and save the Imperial Heir!”