Chapter 211

Chapter 211: Northern Desert Crisis

Shang Hang Yu sat tall upon his horse, his gentle smile fading slowly into the cold embrace of night.

Qi Shu Xian…

[Good, I’ll remember you clearly.]

The very next morning, rumors flew swiftly through Capital City’s streets, whispering that Heir Apparent Qi had suddenly become bald overnight.

Qi Shu Xian had just started his duty when he noticed furtive glances directed toward his head. Whispers died abruptly each time he turned, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Suddenly, loud cries erupted at the city gate—

Several families waiting to enter the city had begun quarreling. Children wailed, women shouted, and men grappled roughly. Qi Shu Xian frowned deeply and stepped forward, intending to separate the fighting men. But as soon as he touched one man, the man’s wife shrieked and lunged at him. Seeing this, another woman joined in furiously.

Though Qi Shu Xian was highly skilled in martial arts, dealing with two angry village women left him awkwardly restrained. Amid the scuffle, someone grabbed his hat and ripped it off.

Everyone froze.

Qi Shu Xian stood rigid, feeling the sharp sting of countless eyes upon his head.

“So it’s true!”

“Heir Apparent Qi truly is prematurely bald!”

“Yesterday my lady asked who this handsome guard was, but even the most handsome face can’t survive that hairstyle!”

Qi Shu Xian swayed slightly, overwhelmed by shame. Without another thought, he fled swiftly out of the city—away from prying eyes.

Nearby, laughter echoed from an inn. Pei Yu An clapped his thigh in delight, praising Shang Hang Yu, “Second Young Master Shang, your move was truly ruthless!”

Ye Rong roared with laughter, “I should have brought my sister here!”

“Why?” Chen Bao Jing quickly looked up. He had long admired Ye Rong’s sister—a sweet-faced girl—but never dared speak up.

Ye Rong chuckled, unaware of his friend’s secret thoughts, “She always said she’d marry someone like Qi Shu Xian, handsome and talented. Now, with that hair, he might as well shave it all off!”

Chen Bao Jing’s heart sank.

[Handsome and talented? Then what hope do I have?]

Shang Hang Yu scoffed quietly. Qi Shu Xian deserved every humiliation for his dark-hearted meddling. How dare he attempt to stir trouble between him and the princess?

Yet the scandal about Qi Shu Xian’s baldness quickly faded into insignificance when grave news raced from the Northern Desert Imperial Army:

Northern Di had launched a sudden night raid, burning down six granaries and destroying seventy percent of Northern Desert’s provisions. Tensions flared immediately, and Northern Di’s Fourth Prince Lu Chuo and his entourage were swiftly imprisoned.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s expression darkened at the news.

“It seems Governor Xu ignored my warnings,” she murmured bitterly.

She had foreseen this possibility and sent a letter to Governor Xu, who promised vigilance. Had he listened carefully, such a disaster would have been prevented.

“Weren’t Northern Di our allies? How did this happen?”

“Is this news true?”

“The Northern Desert disaster hasn’t ended yet—how could war break out now?”

Every corner buzzed with anxious talk. Scholars and noble families filled the Gathering Worthies Teahouse, fiercely debating military strategy and lamenting Northern Desert’s weakened state.

“Heir Apparent Qi is our best hope! He won decisively in Cangnan. Had he been leading, Northern Di wouldn’t have succeeded!”

“Perhaps Governor Xu secretly sided with Northern Di? His fourth concubine is from there!”

Imperial Court became a storm of accusations and debates. Emperor Chong Sheng’s face darkened ominously. His plans had unraveled with Northern Di’s aggressive move.

Finally, he asked sharply, “Who shall oversee the provisioning and monitoring?”

Silence reigned until Pei Ling Yuan bravely stepped forth.

“Bravery without wit,” the emperor dismissed.

Shang Tian Hao stepped forward next, earning a thoughtful pause from the emperor, though he made no immediate decision.

Crown Prince Sheng Yuan Jun and Second Prince Sheng Yuan Qi rose simultaneously, their rivalry flaring openly.

“Imperial Father, Qi Shu Xian is our best choice!” Sheng Yuan Qi quickly proclaimed.

The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and added firmly, “Yes, Imperial Father, Qi Shu Xian has godlike military skill, he will defeat Northern Di if appointed deputy general!”

Emperor Chong Sheng considered, finally nodding. “Qi Shu Xian. Summon him immediately!”

And thus, amid the storm of crisis, Qi Shu Xian rose again. As preparations swiftly commenced, Qi Shu Xian tirelessly trained his troops.

The day before departure, Shang Hang Yu stood blocking Qi Shu Xian’s path.

Qi Shu Xian’s face twisted bitterly.

Though lacking proof, he knew Shang Hang Yu was behind his humiliation.

After all, who else knew about his baldness?