That evening, A Wu and Qi Yihan exchanged clothes and put on General Han's mask. A Wu's demeanor changed drastically, transforming from an inconspicuous follower into a formidable general.
Qi Yihan's appearance also changed, not to his true face, nor to his scarred one, but to that of a young man with clear eyes and an unremarkable appearance. However, those familiar with him would still detect a hint of his true self in his gaze.
"I truly wish I could meet the person who made this disguise potion for you; it's absolutely incredible." It was as if a completely different person had emerged, akin to a resurrection.
Li Man'er, wanting a closer look, stepped forward and scrutinized Qi Yihan's transformed face. She harbored no ulterior motives, simply wanting to check for any flaws and marvel at the potion's magic.
In later ages, Asia boasted three major cosmetic arts: Chinamei for beauty, Han for plastic surgery, and Rikaka for chemical enhancement.
None seemed as remarkable as this.
With just a potion, a person's appearance could be altered, even their bone structure seemingly reshaped. With a changed visage and a few adjustments to their posture, their entire demeanor could be transformed. It was likely that even their own mother wouldn't recognize them; it was truly miraculous.
Li Man'er was so engrossed in observing Qi Yihan's new look that she completely forgot about the propriety between men and women. They were standing quite close, and she had to stand on tiptoe, craning her neck to get a good look at his face.
Qi Yihan felt a faint medicinal aroma waft into his nostrils. His body immediately tensed, and he instinctively held his breath, grabbing Li Man'er's hand. "What are you doing?"
"Huh?" Li Man'er looked utterly bewildered. "What's wrong?"
Qi Yihan, realizing his body wasn't reacting abnormally, breathed a sigh of relief. He awkwardly withdrew his gaze and released her hand. "Nothing."
Nothing?
"You don't think I'm trying to harm you, do you?" Li Man'er's gaze turned probing, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly, hinting at a trace of danger.
"I smelled... a medicinal scent on you, and I thought you... didn't want me to go."
A medicinal scent?
Li Man'er's mind stirred. She hadn't handled any medicine for days, and she had bathed and changed her clothes, feeling fresh and clean with no lingering scent. How could Qi Yihan detect a medicinal aroma on her?
Her nose was as keen as a bloodhound's, and she hadn't smelled anything, yet Qi Yihan had?
However, his previous reaction did seem to align with his words.
Li Man'er didn't want to dwell on the matter, choosing not to press the issue. "Your nose is quite sharp. Can we go now?"
As a physician, wouldn't it be normal for her to carry a medicinal scent?
"Have you clarified everything?"
"Don't worry!" Li Man'er replied. "When have I ever messed up a task?"
Qi Yihan nodded. "Let's go, the horses are ready."
They pulled up the hoods of their cloaks and left the tent, heading straight for the main gate of the camp.
Horses had already been prepared. The two mounted their steeds and galloped towards the old city.
Within the camp, the generals were pacing anxiously. They dared not place all their hopes on Li Man'er alone, yet they couldn't think of any other viable solutions.
"Damn it, I've never endured such humiliation!" Since the Xiao family broke free from the old patriarch's control, they had become increasingly unruly. These generals, who had defended the northern frontier for over a decade or two, were covered in scars and had served the Xiao family with their lives. Now, they were being schemed against by some members of the Xiao family, losing their lives and dying as rebels.
"Who isn't? We never dreamed we'd end up in such a predicament."
Their hearts were filled with an unspeakable chill towards the Xiao family.
"Let's just hope General Li's mission goes smoothly!" At the very least, she must return alive.
Thinking of this, the mood grew heavy. After a long silence, someone finally broke the quiet, "Li Shu wasn't much of a person, but he did raise a good daughter."
A pity that father and daughter were ill-matched, destined to clash.
In the dead of night, as Li Man'er and Qi Yihan arrived at the gates of the old city, they saw the city walls ablaze with light, two rows of torches illuminating the scene. The guards on the ramparts seemed to have been expecting them, waiting with readiness.
"Is this the esteemed Miss Li from the Marquis of Iron Courage's estate?"
Li Man'er, seated on her horse, removed her hood and called out, "Indeed, it is I."
The voice from above held little emotion as it responded, "Miss Li has a past connection with the Xiao family. The current head of the Xiao family requests Miss Li's presence for a discussion within the city."
"The head of the Xiao family?" Li Man'er scoffed. "Very well, I've been in the northern frontier for so long, and yet I haven't had the chance to pay my respects to the Old Duke Xiao. I thought I wouldn't have the fortune to meet him, but unexpectedly, there's a pleasant surprise."
The man on the city wall nearly lost his composure. It was already a testament to his restraint that he didn't curse at Li Man'er.
"The current head of the Xiao family is Xiao Ruo Di."
"Preposterous!" Li Man'er pointed her horsewhip towards the person on the ramparts. "Where did you come from, to dare utter such words? The world knows of Old General Xiao's accomplishments, and the Emperor praised him as the most valiant general in the realm. Old Master Xiao... has not passed away, has he? If he had, the imperial court would have received a notice of his death. Yet, the world knows Old General Xiao is alive, so how can the Xiao family possibly change its head! As for Xiao Ruo Di... to my knowledge, many years ago, the eldest master of the Xiao family resigned from his military post due to a leg injury. Does he still hold any position in the military now? Can he command officers like yourselves? Does His Majesty know of this?"
"You..." The man on the ramparts was a coarse fellow, utterly outmatched in a debate with Li Man'er. Moreover, her words were all factually correct, leaving him with nothing to retort.
"What 'you'? Since you've been waiting for me here, I presume Xiao Ruo Di has made his move. Let me enter the city."
"Miss Li," the man finally regained his senses and said respectfully, "you may enter the city alone. No escorts are permitted."
"Ridiculous! Within this city are tens of thousands of soldiers from my Li family, brought from the capital by my father. The Marquis was summoned to the northern frontier by decree, yet you have imprisoned him under the guise of his poor health. This is quite improper. With so many of you, are you truly afraid of me bringing a single escort into the city?"
The man was about to respond when Li Man'er continued, "Very well. It seems Xiao Ruo Di's leg is still not bothering him. We shall take our leave then." With that, she actually turned her horse, appearing ready to depart.
"Miss Li!" The man cursed himself inwardly, wishing he could slap his own face. "Please, stay."
Li Man'er didn't move, her grip on the reins remaining firm.
Seeing this, the man quickly ordered, "Open the city gates." As he spoke, he hurried down from the ramparts, intending to personally escort Li Man'er into the city.
Once Li Man'er was inside, everything would be at their disposal.