Old General Xiao's intentions were quite clear. He was a dying man, his descendants were not promising, and there wasn't much he could do for those who came after him. Although Xiao Qiniang was working for Qi Yihan, there was no guarantee she wouldn't be implicated by her father one day and lose her life.
Since ancient times, married daughters were considered part of another family. Even if something happened to their maiden family, it wouldn't affect them.
Li Man'er speculated that Xiao Xiang was truly desperate. He could save one person if he could, to avoid his entire family being implicated when the emperor settled accounts. That's why he had Li Nian marry Xiao Qiniang, giving her a proper status.
The two might have even reached some sort of agreement, though Li Man'er couldn't be bothered to know the specifics.
She wondered what Madam Yu's reaction would be upon hearing this.
Hmph, men.
Seeing Li Man'er's displeased expression, Ah Si quickly packed their belongings and prepared food, not daring to slacken for a moment. Xiao Qiniang was also quite sensible. Knowing her status, she couldn't possibly try to assert her presence before Li Man'er. Thus, she followed along.
Li Man'er was happy to have some peace and quiet, thinking about what awaited them in the capital.
Firstly, Li Shu was paralyzed. However, he still had to be brought back to the capital to report, and they couldn't just leave him in Mobei.
Upon returning to the capital, there would inevitably be a few more confrontations with Madam Cui. But Li Man'er wasn't afraid. She and Madam Cui were never on equal footing. What power did the aging Madam Cui have to oppose her? Not only would Li Shu be finished, but she wouldn't let Madam Cui off either.
The difficult part was facing the Emperor.
She was somewhat aware of Qi Yihan's plan. It was likely that after reaching the cliff, there would be no further developments. Whether the Emperor believed it or not was outside Qi Yihan's scope of responsibility. If he didn't believe it, he could send his own men to investigate.
Li Man'er reviewed all the details in her mind before finally resting with peace of mind.
She had expected Qi Yihan to linger in Mobei for a few more days. To her surprise, he instructed Li Man'er to pack their belongings and prepare to return to the capital the very next day.
"So soon?"
"Old General Xiao can't wait any longer. You know his physical condition," Qi Yihan said with some gravity. "If the old general can make it to the imperial court to plead his case while alive, there's still some lingering affection."
Li Man'er understood immediately. Xiao Xiang had indeed made contributions to Zun Kingdom. With his descendants lacking, perhaps the Emperor, out of respect for their past service, might show some leniency.
"Alright, I understand. I don't have much to pack. It's mainly the Marquis's affairs that need to be arranged."
"Then you don't need to worry about it. I will handle the arrangements," Qi Yihan said. "In any case, the Marquis must return to the capital safely."
Li Man'er was happy to be free of responsibility and knew that Qi Yihan didn't want her to be upset. She readily entrusted the matter to him.
"Your Highness has always been cautious. Then I will trouble Your Highness on behalf of this humble woman."
Qi Yihan stepped forward, held her hand, and said solemnly, "Man'er, once we return to the capital, I will request an imperial decree for the Empress Dowager to bestow marriage upon us."
She wasn't actually in such a hurry, but seeing Qi Yihan's hopeful expression, Li Man'er could only nod.
The next day, Qi Yihan led the convoy, along with Xiao Xiang, to escort the barbarian captives back to the capital.
Unlike the arduous journey there, Li Man'er's return trip to the capital was exceptionally leisurely. She traveled in a carriage, sipped tea, slept whenever she pleased, and ate whenever she wanted. It was incredibly comfortable.
"Miss, what did the Third Master Li say to you?" When they were about to leave, Li Nian had spoken to Li Man'er for quite some time. Her young lady had rolled her eyes three times, which made Ah Si very curious.
"He just wants me to cover up his taking a concubine," Li Man'er rolled her eyes again. "What kind of man is he? If he's taking a concubine, he should do it openly. He lacks the courage to admit his actions. I truly think little of him."
Ah Si also nodded. "No wonder he sent Young Master Qingyan away earlier."
That was quite a coincidence.
"Are you really planning to keep it a secret for him?"
Li Man'er sighed helplessly. "I didn't agree to it."
Ah Wu rode his horse to the carriage and asked loudly, "Miss, are you tired? If you wish to rest, we can stop ahead."
"Tell His Highness not to worry about me. I'm not tired sitting in the carriage. Let him prioritize the journey."
"Yes!"
Ah Wu turned his horse and rode ahead, relaying Li Man'er's message to Qi Yihan. Qi Yihan didn't say anything, but he still slowed the procession down.
The carriage stopped steadily. Ah Si opened the carriage door and helped Li Man'er out.
Qi Yihan was already waiting for her.
"Didn't I tell you to prioritize the journey?"
"I was afraid you'd be bored," Qi Yihan said simply. "The scenery here is nice. It's good to rest."
The two walked away with unspoken understanding, Ah Si and Ah Wu following at a discreet distance.
"How is Old General Xiao's health?"
"He can still hold on."
Li Man'er said, "His body has been eroded by toxins to the point of being beyond repair. He's strong on the outside but weak on the inside, and could collapse at any moment."
"If it weren't for you, he wouldn't have lasted this long."
That was indeed true.
Li Man'er tilted her chin up with a hint of pride. "Naturally. Duan Xu himself has to call me master."
Qi Yihan loved seeing her feisty little demeanor. "Once we return to the capital, you can live however you like. No one will dare to criticize you."
Everyone believed Li Man'er had been hiding her true abilities before. Otherwise, how could she have let her reputation fall to such a state?
"Does Your Highness not know me? I'm the most troublesome. Who dares to offend me? Last time, Tong Qiao tried to cause trouble for me, but he was no match and got so scared he nearly died." Recalling Tong Qiao's look of lingering fear, Li Man'er couldn't help but laugh. That fellow was just a pretty boy. She wondered what the original owner had seen in him.
Qi Yihan's brows furrowed slightly, his lips forming a thin line. The temperature around him dropped considerably. Li Man'er saw unhappiness in his eyes. Upon closer inspection, was this guy jealous?
"Your Highness, do you smell something?" Li Man'er sniffed. "It smells so sour."
"Where is it sour?" His tone sounded like he was gritting his teeth, a little wronged.
Li Man'er couldn't help but laugh until her eyes curved. "It seems someone has overturned a vinegar jar."
"Don't mention him again."
"You need to have more confidence," Li Man'er whispered. "Your Highness is wise and mighty, handsome and capable, not ten thousand times better than Tong Qiao? Why would you get so jealous just hearing his name?"
Perhaps Li Man'er's words made Qi Yihan feel much better. His mood improved considerably, though he still secretly made a note to play a trick on Tong Qiao.
At this moment, the Young Duke Rong, who was out riding in the spring warmth in the capital, sneezed heavily twice.
"The southern lands are now in the season of growing grass and flying orioles. The capital is just beginning to warm up. It will certainly be warmer than Mobei."
After being out for so long, Li Man'er truly missed the prosperity and wealth of the capital. However, her return this time was destined to be accompanied by some extraordinary events.
She was ready.