Chapter 242

Chapter 242: Another Victory Report?

“Royal Brother, did you hear that? Duke Qi dares to call me by name directly. I ignored his disrespect once before out of generosity, yet now he repeats it.”

“To disrespect me is to disrespect the Royal Household. Third Brother, do you really think they respect you?”

“You…” Duke Qi stiffened, facing Third Prince’s gaze. He swallowed hard and corrected himself begrudgingly. “It’s simply that the Princess’s price is absurd. The Golden Skin Balm costs no more than a thousand taels at most. Five thousand? Forgive this old minister’s ignorance, but I’ve never heard of any fool willing to pay such a ridiculous price.”

Sheng Zhi Wan raised her eyebrow gracefully. “Is that so, Lord Duke? Perhaps you aren’t aware that your own heir bought this very balm from the Rare Treasure Pavilion for exactly five thousand taels?”

“If you doubt me, why don’t you inquire at the Rare Treasure Pavilion yourself? You are Heir Apparent Qi’s father; surely their shopkeeper wouldn’t dare hide anything from you.”

Sheng Zhi Wan finished with a calm, knowing smile.

Duke Qi’s expression froze entirely. So, the fool he had insulted was actually…his own son?

Duke Qi’s face flushed red and then purple with embarrassment.

Qi Fei Rui gazed steadily at Sheng Zhi Wan. She hadn’t noticed it before, but her former sister-in-law was remarkably quick-witted.

Yet Sheng Zhi Wan had reason on her side. Duke Qi’s family was in no position to argue further, and Shu Lang’s injuries needed urgent care…

“Fine!” Qi Fei Rui stepped forward decisively. “We will follow the Princess’s wishes exactly. Tomorrow, Duke Mansion will deliver five thousand taels to your residence. Besides diagnosis, treatment, and nourishment fees, we will add another two hundred taels in compensation. Once Shu Lang recovers, I will personally accompany him to apologize.”

After Qi Fei Rui spoke, Duke Qi showed obvious reluctance. Yet under his daughter’s firm gaze, he merely grunted and remained silent.

As for Qi Shu Lang…

Apologize to the fool who caused his injuries? Absolutely impossible!

The Duke’s party soon left, and the crowd dispersed.

Sheng Yuan Hao glanced meaningfully at Shang Hang Yu and Sheng Zhi Wan, then smiled faintly. “Second Young Master Shang, since you have yet to marry Qing Ning, please be mindful. It would be regrettable if her reputation were damaged.”

“This humble servant will remember Royal Brother’s guidance,” Shang Hang Yu replied respectfully, bowing with sincerity.

Royal Brother?

Sheng Yuan Hao realized how Shang Hang Yu had addressed him and his lips twitched in mild irritation. He turned swiftly and walked away.

News of the incident quickly reached the Imperial Palace.

Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Chong Sheng paused with his vermilion brush, a faint, cold smirk appearing at the corner of his lips.

Just like her mother.

Equally soft-hearted, equally meddlesome.

Or perhaps…

Inwardly disdainful, he outwardly sighed. “It seems Qing Ning hasn’t forgotten Shu Xian yet. She’s using this situation to confront the Duke’s household again.”

Su De Yun quietly listened, head bowed.

But he privately disagreed. He’d witnessed the Princess’s determination during the divorce; she clearly held no feelings for Heir Apparent Qi. It truly puzzled him how someone once determined to marry could later become so determined to leave.

Perhaps Heir Apparent Qi simply disappointed her too deeply.

Su De Yun pondered this silently.

“Why aren’t you speaking? Do you disagree?” Emperor Chong Sheng suddenly questioned him.

Su De Yun hastily knelt. “This servant dares not speculate about Princess Qing Ning.”

“You old fox, speak freely with me.” Emperor Chong Sheng sighed again, hardly waiting for Su De Yun’s reply. “Women are always fixated on personal affection. Qing Ning pleaded to marry, then pleaded for divorce. If she says she has no feelings for Qi Shu Xian, I don’t believe it. Now that Qi Shu Xian has returned victorious, perhaps it has stirred her heart again…”

“But although she is my daughter, first and foremost, I am Emperor of Sheng Kingdom. I must consider the nation above all else. Qi Shu Xian is talented, and I will not discard him just because of Qing Ning.”

He looked deeply conflicted as he spoke.

“Your Majesty is wise,” Su De Yun quickly assured him. “You always prioritize the welfare of the people and the stability of the kingdom. Princess Qing Ning surely understands Your Majesty’s intentions.”

“Understands?” Emperor Chong Sheng shook his head. “She’s still just a woman. Women’s hearts are small; it would be enough if she didn’t resent me for still favoring Qi Shu Xian.”

Su De Yun didn’t argue further.

If Princess Qing Ning truly had a narrow heart, she would never have sold cotton cheaply to Northern Desert. When disaster struck Northern Desert and court discussions produced no solution, it was Qing Ning—this supposedly petty princess—who quietly solved the crisis.

But Su De Yun wisely kept these thoughts silent.

When Emperor Chong Sheng grew quiet, Su De Yun respectfully withdrew from the Imperial Study, closing the doors carefully behind him.

Outside, Su De Yun drew a fresh breath. Just then, his newly-adopted son, Su Xiang, rushed towards him.

Su De Yun gestured quickly.

Su Xiang immediately slowed his steps, but excitement still filled his voice as he whispered urgently into Su De Yun’s ear, “Northern Desert has sent news!”

A sealed letter was placed carefully in Su De Yun’s hands.

Listening to Su Xiang’s explanation, Su De Yun’s heart sank, anxiety fluttering in his chest.

Another urgent military report from Northern Desert!

This time, the news hadn’t arrived with fanfare through the city gates; instead, it was secretly delivered into the palace. Perhaps it required secrecy, yet Su De Yun couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

Inside the study, Emperor Chong Sheng eagerly grasped the letter. “Excellent! It must be another victory! Qi Shu Xian truly is impressive. If Sheng Kingdom had a few more generals like him, conquering new lands would be easy! Ha ha!”

Laughing joyously, he tore open the letter.

Yet, as his eyes scanned the first few lines, his laughter abruptly ceased.

The paper slipped from his fingers—