Why would His Majesty issue an imperial decree at this time?
Despite her doubts, Madam Cui dared not delay. She immediately ordered an incense table to be set up and preparations made for her own ceremonial robes, ready to receive the imperial edict. She wondered if His Majesty might be bestowing some further grace upon the family in consideration of Li Shu's loyal service to the nation. However, there was a more pressing matter: Li Man'er had to be apprehended first, lest she ruin everything.
With a signal from Madam Cui, several servants rushed forward, grabbing hemp ropes and binding Li Man'er securely. Li Man'er offered no resistance, allowing the women to tie her up like a rice dumpling and shove her into the woodshed.
Anyone with a shred of sense would not overlook Li Man'er's formidable martial prowess. Yet, the imperial decree had muddled their minds, and no one stopped to ponder why Li Man'er, who was usually so defiant and quick to strike against any wrongdoing, would not fight back this time and instead let herself be tied up.
An imperial decree represented royal authority. Even the Grand Princess dared not treat it with disrespect, and a throng of people followed Madam Cui to kneel and welcome the decree.
The wedding guests, who filled the courtyard, knelt in attendance. However, Eunuch Xia, who was to read the decree, grew visibly displeased when he could not find Li Man'er among the crowd.
"Where is the eldest young lady of the Li family?"
Madam Cui inwardly cursed, but still respectfully inquired, "May I ask, Eunuch, is this decree... for my unfilial granddaughter?"
"This imperial edict is for the eldest young lady of the Li family. Why is she not present?" Eunuch Xia’s gaze swept over Madam Cui, and he said with a sneer, "Old Madam, you had best produce the eldest young lady at once! Defiance of an imperial decree is punishable by death."
Madam Cui’s heart was in turmoil, but she knew that under no circumstances could she lose her composure at this moment. If Li Man'er did not appear to receive the decree, the Li family would face catastrophic consequences.
Grinding her teeth, Madam Cui ordered someone to fetch Li Man'er. However, it's easier to invite a god than to send one away. Li Man'er had been taken to the woodshed; how could she be willing to leave?
"Tell that old hag Cui, this young lady finds this woodshed quite comfortable and is not leaving! As for the imperial decree, hmph, let her receive it by herself!"
The servants began to sweat profusely and had no choice but to summon Nanny Du.
Nanny Du could only try to placate Li Man'er, "Young lady, the imperial decree has arrived. If you do not go, it will be an act of defiance, and your head will be forfeit."
"Who are you trying to scare?" Li Man'er’s face hardened. "Didn't you tie me up and bring me here? Didn't you keep calling me disobedient and unfilial? What does the imperial decree have to do with me?"
Nanny Du knelt before her, "Eldest young lady, please do not engage in infighting at such a crucial moment. You and the old madam are family. Squabbles behind closed doors are one thing, but if this matter reaches the Emperor's ears, no one will emerge unscathed."
"Oh, then let's all die together!"
Just as Nanny Du was arguing with Li Man'er in the woodshed, Lüyi had already slipped into the crowd amidst the chaos. She spotted Eunuch Xia at a glance and, after a moment's thought, hardened her resolve and pushed through the crowd, rushing towards him.
"Eunuch, Eunuch, you must seek justice for our eldest young lady!"
By the time Madam Cui and the Grand Princess reacted, Lüyi was already clinging to Eunuch Xia's leg.
"How dare you! Who are you?"
"Your servant is the eldest young lady's maid. Our eldest young lady has been tied up and confined to the woodshed by the old madam."
Madam Cui nearly fainted. She viciously yelled at the surrounding servants, "This girl has lost her mind! Quickly, drag her away!"
Before the servants could pounce, Eunuch Xia's voice boomed, halting them. "You say your young lady has been confined to the woodshed? Why?"
"The old madam slandered our young lady, accusing her of harming Marquis Li Shu. She is displeased that the third master has taken over command in Mobei in place of the Marquis and blames everything on our young lady. She also claims our young lady is disobedient and unfilial, so she had her tied up and locked in the woodshed, saying... saying..."
"You wretched servant!" Madam Cui's eyes blazed with fury. The situation had escalated to this point. Everyone knew that Li Nian was favored by the Emperor. To imply that she was unhappy with Li Nian's command in Mobei was tantamount to saying she was unhappy with the Emperor's arrangements!
Everyone knew that Li Nian was of concubine birth. This accusation would surely solidify her image as a cruel stepmother!
Eunuch Xia's eyelids twitched. He glanced at the enraged Madam Cui and snorted, "You need not fear. Speak your mind directly. I am here; who dares to stop you?"
Madam Cui detested Li Man'er more than ever. She had never imagined that Li Man'er would have such a move, as if she had foreseen everything.
"Eunuch, do not listen to this servant's nonsensical ramblings. Today is the Marquis's joyous occasion. Man'er is in the rear courtyard entertaining the noble ladies from various households, she was not..."
Eunuch Xia merely said, "Was she or wasn't she? A look will reveal the truth." With that, he surprisingly turned and walked towards the rear courtyard.
As a eunuch holding an imperial decree, there truly was no place he could not go.
Madam Cui dared not obstruct him and could only follow behind him towards the rear courtyard.
Just then, the Grand Princess also stood up. "Please wait!"
Madam Cui rejoiced. Finally, someone could speak on her behalf. With the Grand Princess's status, she would surely be able to smooth things over.
"Eunuch Xia."
"This humble servant pays his respects to the Grand Princess."
The Grand Princess simply said, "Eunuch Xia, on this princess's behalf, I implore you to wait a moment. Would it not be better to wait for Miss Li to come out to receive the decree? Since ancient times, there has been no custom of reading decrees within inner chambers."
Madam Cui also quickly chimed in with a fawning smile, "Yes, Eunuch. Today is, after all, the Marquis's joyous occasion..."
Her unspoken meaning was clear.
Eunuch Xia, neither subservient nor overbearing, replied, "Grand Princess, it is not that this humble servant disregards your face. It is simply that Miss Li cannot afford to have any mishaps. This humble servant must see for himself to be at ease."
Everyone present was astonished, speculating on the contents of the imperial decree. At this moment, Eunuch Xia had already passed the Grand Princess and headed towards the inner courtyard. He pointed at Lüyi, instructing her to lead the way, and Lüyi responded swiftly, fearing the eunuch might change his mind. Soon, they arrived at the woodshed where Li Man'er was held. Nanny Du was still trying to persuade her, but Li Man'er was unyielding. The situation was exceedingly awkward.
Eunuch Xia witnessed everything and could not help but coldly snort, "A legitimate daughter of a Marquis, a hero who quelled the rebellion in Mobei, treated like this by you? Truly preposterous!"
A hero?
The noble ladies exchanged glances. Madam Cui could not help but ask, "Quelling the rebellion in Mobei? Eunuch, are you mistaken?"
"There is no mistake!"
Eunuch Xia motioned for the young eunuch behind him to step forward and untie Li Man'er. He then said courteously, "Eldest young lady Li, we can discuss matters later. Please receive the decree first!"
Li Man'er had been waiting for this very moment and gracefully complied. "This subject, Li Man'er, receives the decree."
Eunuch Xia then read the imperial decree aloud in the presence of all: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Li Man'er, daughter of Marquis Tie Dan, Li Shu, possessing astute talent and noble character, with a spirit like fierce fire and exceptional ability, who saved her father from peril and the borderlands from disaster, exhibiting utmost purity, filial piety, diligence, loyalty, and righteousness. She is hereby enfeoffed as Princess Anning. Respect this decree."