Chapter 230

Chapter 230: She Had Warned

Whether using iron chains to steady the Provision Convoy or thick ropes to prevent slipping—or even driving frightened horses to break enemy lines—these were all tactics Sheng Zhi Wan had outlined in her letter.

He had merely recited them word for word!

Thinking this, Qi Shu Xian refused to accept praise that wasn’t truly his. If he wanted glory on the battlefield, he would earn it honorably, relying solely on his own strength—not someone else’s cunning, and certainly not the shadowy figures behind Sheng Zhi Wan!

He stepped forward decisively, ordering everyone to speak no more of that night.

With these stern words, he strode away.

Yet the soldiers watched his departing figure with even greater admiration, moved by his integrity and courage.

Especially as they left the final grain depot, marching toward Wudu Pass where the Northern Desert Army was stationed. Qi Shu Xian made a sudden change of plans, dividing the convoy into two.

One team quietly took a detour, safely delivering the precious grain into Wudu Pass. The other team, however, was laden with stones, a tempting bait that drew out hundreds of Northern Di soldiers who intended to ambush the convoy, only to find themselves trapped and defeated.

If his earlier quick thinking had only been witnessed by the Grain Transport Army, this bold maneuver now unfolded two kilometers beyond Wudu Pass. All the soldiers guarding the pass saw it clearly.

With news quickly spreading through the ranks, the Northern Desert Army, previously low in spirit, swiftly regained their morale.

Entering the city, Qi Shu Xian noticed many soldiers looking at him eagerly. Some even called out to him from afar.

He frowned slightly, wanting to speak, but realizing it was more urgent to meet with Governor Xu first.

Thus, he proceeded swiftly toward the Governor’s Mansion.

Only then did he hear the troubling news—Governor Xu had been wounded.

That night, the Northern Di forces had not only attacked several military granaries but also ambushed Governor Xu himself during his patrol. An arrow had struck the governor’s left arm. To keep morale stable, the governor secretly summoned a doctor, concealing his injury from the army.

Governor Xu had long heard of Qi Shu Xian’s heroic feats during the Battle of Cangnan. After receiving the reports that Qi Shu Xian had ingeniously thwarted two Northern Di ambushes on the convoy, he finally relaxed somewhat.

Qi Shu Xian finished reading Emperor Chong Sheng’s imperial edict appointing him Deputy Military Supervisor, expecting Governor Xu might resent sharing authority. Surprisingly, the governor accepted the decree without hesitation, even appearing slightly relieved.

“I’ve long admired Deputy General Qi’s fame,” Governor Xu admitted, fatigue evident beneath his armor. When he rose, Qi Shu Xian even saw him stumble slightly.

Instinctively, Qi Shu Xian reached out to steady him.

Governor Xu waved him away, signaling Qi Shu Xian to sit as he himself leaned against the table for support, easing down slowly.

“I wonder… How has Princess Ning been lately?” Governor Xu asked suddenly.

Qi Shu Xian was startled. At such a troubled time, why was Governor Xu asking after a woman—even a princess? If he were concerned, it should not be through Qi Shu Xian!

Was it possible Xu had heard of Sheng Zhi Wan selling cheap cotton in the Northern Desert?

Lost in his thoughts, Qi Shu Xian barely heard Governor Xu sigh heavily.

“Truly, it was this old man who failed Princess Ning’s trust.”

What? Qi Shu Xian grew even more confused.

Since when had Sheng Zhi Wan been involved with Governor Xu?

“Governor Xu, what do you mean?”

Seeing Qi Shu Xian’s bewildered expression, Governor Xu was equally surprised. “Princess Ning didn’t tell you? Actually, before the Northern Di attacked, Princess Ning had warned this old man. She urged caution, suggesting I move the grain supplies further back…but I foolishly ignored her advice.”

“If I had listened sooner, we wouldn’t have lost seventy percent of our supplies to those Northern Di scoundrels!”

Regret twisted the governor’s heart painfully each time he recalled this. He had thought the snowy southern roads well-guarded, convenient for resupply—but how wrong he’d been!

Before he could finish lamenting, Qi Shu Xian leaped to his feet, astonishment plain on his face. “What? Sheng Zhi Wan predicted this long ago?”

Governor Xu frowned. “Deputy General Qi, how can you address the Princess so informally?”

Qi Shu Xian took a deep breath, his voice urgent. “Governor Xu, are you certain the Princess truly warned you about the Northern Di?”

“Yes!” Governor Xu looked puzzled at Qi Shu Xian’s intense reaction. “You and Princess Ning are husband and wife; how could you not know?”

“I…” Qi Shu Xian paused, suddenly realizing the governor had no idea they had parted ways.

He hesitated, preparing to explain, but at that moment, an elderly woman’s desperate voice pierced through from outside—

“Master! Please send someone to save the Young Masters, the Young Madams, and your grandsons! The Old Madam says if you don’t act now, she will end her life…”

Governor Xu stiffened, no longer concerned about his conversation with Qi Shu Xian. He stood and hurried outside.

Qi Shu Xian quickly followed.

Only then did he notice that Governor’s Mansion was heavily guarded, and even the servants who passed by wore anxious faces.

What had happened here?

He soon learned the full story.

Seventy percent of the army’s grain had been burned. Governor Xu had been wounded by an arrow. On the night of the Northern Di raid, both his sons, their wives, and his three young grandsons had been tricked outside and kidnapped by the enemy.

The Northern Di sought to use the hostages as leverage, demanding Xu open Wudu Pass and allow their forces entry.

Governor Xu, however, firmly refused. Even knowing the danger his family faced, he would not send his soldiers into a certain death trap.