Chapter 231

Chapter 231: He Believes in Himself

The moment Governor Xu stepped into the room, a flurry of scratches covered his face.

Old Madam Xu had never intended to take her own life.

She had only spread such rumors to lure Qi Shu Xian here.

Now, she no longer trusted Governor Xu.

If he had not been bewitched by beauty and insisted on taking a Northern Di woman as his concubine, her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren would never have fallen into the hands of Northern Di people!

Thinking of this, Old Madam Xu fiercely struck Governor Xu twice more across the face.

All her life, she had placed her husband above herself. Every time he returned from the Imperial Army, she would prepare warm water beforehand, personally taking care of all his daily needs.

She had been a dutiful wife, managing the household, giving him children and grandchildren. Never once had she uttered a harsh word to her husband.

The only quarrel between them had been last year, when Governor Xu insisted on marrying the Northern Di woman as a concubine.

But now…

Governor Xu looked up and saw only his wife’s cold, indifferent gaze.

Old Madam Xu calmly wiped the blood from her hands and walked right past him, completely ignoring the wounds on his arm.

Governor Xu felt a pang in his heart.

Qi Shu Xian also felt surprised, for Old Madam Xu was nothing like he had expected.

Her clothing was neat, her hair was elegantly styled. Though her eyes were slightly swollen, they burned with more spirit than Governor Xu’s ever had. She certainly did not look like someone who had just tried to take her own life.

While Qi Shu Xian stared in surprise, Old Madam Xu approached him, saying, “Are you the famed Heir Apparent Qi Shu Xian, who turned the tide at Cangnan?”

Qi Shu Xian hurriedly bowed, “This subordinate general greets Old Madam Xu.”

“No need for such formalities,” she replied, looking him over for a moment before nodding, “Celebration Princess Ning’s judgment, this old woman trusts. I’ve heard, Heir Apparent Qi, that you have already slaughtered many Northern Di enemies beyond Wudu Pass?”

Qi Shu Xian’s lips tightened.

[Sheng Zhi Wan again—why is it always Sheng Zhi Wan?!]

Governor Xu had mentioned Sheng Zhi Wan due to her warnings, but why had Old Madam Xu also brought her up? Could it be she knew of Sheng Zhi Wan’s advice as well?

Before he could ask, Old Madam Xu saw the surprise in his eyes. She assumed it was because he hadn’t expected her calm strength after the false suicide rumor.

She laughed coldly and said resolutely, “People always say that we women of the inner chambers only fight and grow jealous all day. And when real trouble comes, we only know how to cry, scream, and threaten suicide.”

Governor Xu stepped from the room just in time to hear this, freezing in place.

When he had wanted to marry Yu Er Rui as a concubine, Old Madam Xu had patiently reasoned with him, speaking clearly of his position, the political tensions between the two nations, and all the hidden dangers. She had earnestly tried to change his mind.

But what had he done?

He had accused her of jealousy, arguing bitterly with her…

Governor Xu felt a deep shame.

Yet Old Madam Xu did not spare him a glance. “But Heir Apparent Qi, as a man chosen by Celebration Princess Ning herself, surely you would not think that way.”

“These past years, Prosperous Hall has continuously donated supplies and grain to the border. I only learned recently that Celebration Princess Ning was the one behind it.” Old Madam Xu bowed solemnly toward the distant capital.

In the past, she had never imagined that a woman could accomplish so much.

Yet, Celebration Princess Ning’s deeds had deeply impressed her.

Especially now—when her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren were held captive by Northern Di, and she realized that the husband she’d always relied upon was useless—she had repeatedly warned herself not to fall.

Xu Qishan had been hesitant and fearful, unwilling to rescue their family, yet afraid to send out troops.

Thus, she had waited patiently, finally seeing reinforcements arrive from the capital.

Today’s drama had been staged so she could meet Qi Shu Xian personally, and tell him directly:

“The men of the Xu family are not cowards who cling desperately to life.”

“If Heir Apparent Qi finds a way to save them, the Xu family will forever be grateful for your great kindness.”

“But if rescue is truly impossible…” Old Madam Xu bowed deeply before Qi Shu Xian. “My Xu family’s sons will never become pawns for Northern Di to use against Sheng Kingdom!”

“Madam…” Governor Xu had never expected his old wife could speak so bravely.

Qi Shu Xian was even more startled.

[In outsiders’ eyes, is Sheng Zhi Wan really this extraordinary? Even Old Madam Xu, wise and noble as she is, admires her deeply.]

But the truth was, no matter how generous Sheng Zhi Wan seemed to others, she couldn’t even tolerate a mere Meng Yang when it came to him.

Qi Shu Xian’s lips parted slightly, but facing Old Madam Xu’s swollen eyes, he didn’t say a word.

Instead, he respectfully returned her bow, vowing, “This subordinate general will surely find a way to rescue the Xu family.”

Old Madam Xu shook her head. “Deputy General Qi misunderstands. This old woman, of course, hopes they will be saved. But if it cannot be done—or if the cost is too great—I only ask that you avenge them.”

Qi Shu Xian froze, meeting her firm, resolute eyes. After a long moment, he solemnly nodded.

That night, Qi Shu Xian lay awake, restless.

Old Madam Xu’s words pierced his heart like thorns.

He tossed and turned, but in the end, never revealed the truth—that Sheng Zhi Wan had sent him advice before he departed.

Nor did he admit that all the strategies he used against the ambush and the battle at the City Gate were actually her ideas.

Governor Xu was injured, and right now Wudu Pass, along with Old Madam Xu, needed someone dependable.

And he believed in himself.

Even without Sheng Zhi Wan’s letters and warnings, he could defeat the Northern Di enemy.

The victory at Cangnan had proven it.