Yu Shi was puzzled, "This is..."
"This thing might resolve your predicament. If Third Uncle asks, tell him it's my return gift to Xiao Qiniang. Remember, you cannot open it, and no one else besides Xiao Qiniang is allowed to."
Yu Shi suddenly understood. This was likely something deadly.
"Why?" she asked, knowing herself well enough that Li Man'er wouldn't go to such lengths for her.
"A repayment, nothing more," Li Man'er replied. "My maternal uncle was imprisoned in the Xiao residence for years. His eyes were blinded, and his tendons and sinews were severed, all thanks to the Xiao family."
Yu Shi gasped, "They were so cruel?"
"When I was in Mobei, for the sake of the greater good, I didn't seek revenge on the Xiao family. National grievances overshadowed personal hatred. But now that the national grievance is resolved, it's time to collect some interest from the Xiao family. Old General Xiao is unaware of this; it was all the doing of Xiao Rudí and his daughter. Xiao Ze harbors rebellious intentions, and the Emperor will surely take his life. As for Xiao Qiniang, she is a concubine now, and you are the primary wife. Sending her a见面礼 is only reasonable. If Third Uncle asks later, just say it was my idea."
Yu Shi's perception of Li Man'er ascended to a new level. This child was meticulous, her schemes weaving a dense web. She planned three steps ahead, enduring temporary pain and capitalizing on opportune moments with masterful balance. Truly formidable.
Fortunately, she was a woman. If born male, wouldn't she attempt to depose the emperor and seize the throne herself?
Yu Shi was secretly alarmed but said aloud, "Very well! Rest assured, I will handle this."
"I trust you, Third Aunt! After all, you are close to me, and I wouldn't harm you. Xiao Qiniang is cunning. She may seem harmless now, but over time, who knows if Third Uncle will be swayed. If... if that happens, it might be too late for you to regret it."
"I understand."
Li Man'er then had Luyi send over a book.
"I accepted this disciple on behalf of my master and taught Qingyan only superficial knowledge. This book is our sect's inner cultivation method. Third Aunt, please give it to Qingyan, and let him comprehend it himself."
Yu Shi was confused, "This... Qingyan is still young. Without guidance from others, he might not be able to grasp it."
"Third Aunt, please rest assured. Our sect's martial arts and cultivation methods are different from other sects. Only those with fate can understand and learn this. If one is not destined, even if they practice it, it will not harm their foundation, only lead to failure. Qingyan has good aptitude; he only lacks opportunity. If he is the destined one, he will naturally comprehend it."
Only then did Yu Shi accept it, saying joyfully, "Thank you, County Princess."
Li Man'er calmly picked up her teacup. Yu Shi's eyes dimmed slightly at this, and she rose to take her leave.
Liu Ya had been waiting outside the mansion. Seeing Yu Shi emerge, she was delighted, "Madam, how did it go?"
"Let's talk in the carriage."
The mistress and servant got into the carriage and slowly made their way home.
"The County Princess didn't make things difficult for me. She gave me two tasks," Yu Shi said, her mind heavy, her thoughts already drifting far away.
She knew Li Man'er still harbored resentment. When Cui Shi was alive, she had caused a scene in the manor, and Yu Shi hadn't spoken up for Li Man'er, choosing neutrality.
Not all neutrality led to peace; sometimes, neutrality was a mistake.
However, one thing did surprise her. Ning Daocheng was brought back by Li Man'er, so why did they say he was found by the Ning family?
Forget it. It was better not to get involved in more trouble. She would pretend she hadn't heard any of this! Ever since Li Nian chose that path, they were destined to drift further apart, with nothing more to say.
She could only express some regret.
That evening, after Qi Yihan finished his official duties, he went to the Anning County Princess's manor.
Upon hearing that Ning Daocheng had regained his sight, Qi Yihan was also very pleased. He had initially intended to have dinner together, but the three sons of the Ning family declined, citing Ning Daocheng's need for rest, and left the hosting to Li Man'er.
They saw clearly that although the Ninth Prince was a man of high status and power, he truly cared for Man'er. Their affection was genuine, their conduct proper, and there was nothing to worry about.
"Am I amazing?" Li Man'er proudly lifted her chin, seeking praise.
"Amazing," Qi Yihan produced a box from behind him and presented it to her. "A reward for you."
Li Man'er opened the box, her eyes dazzled by the opulent treasures. "More jewelry? Brother, I already have too much jewelry to wear. I only have one head, not a nine-headed serpent, so why do I need so many hairpins and decorative combs?"
"A woman who complains about having too much jewelry?"
Li Man'er snorted, "Don't compare this County Princess to those common courtesans."
"Yes, yes, my little aunt. You are so beautiful, it's no exaggeration to call you an immortal. Other women simply don't catch this King's eye. Those vulgar women are not worthy of comparison to my Man'er."
Even with Li Man'er's thick skin, she blushed slightly at these words, a mere pretense.
"You know what's good for you. Don't forget what you promised me."
"I dare not forget," Qi Yihan's usual icy demeanor melted away completely in Li Man'er's presence. He murmured, "I still remember my vow. I will never fail you in this life, nor will I ever have another woman."
"Hmph! You're just a magnet for trouble. That Liu Shi and her servants come pestering you every few days, and it's obvious what they're after to anyone but a blind person. Liu Shi actually has the gall to call herself a daughter of a scholarly family."
The Iron Gallant Marquis Manor was now in utter chaos. After Cui Shi's death, the second branch began causing trouble, instigating the fourth branch to join them in demanding a division of the family property.
The situation was unclear. Tian Shi had not yet made her stance known and was restraining Fourth Master from causing trouble, keeping their family life private.
Li Shu's condition had not improved much. Despite dedicated care, his situation worsened daily. Liu Shi was foolish, Cui Shi was dead, and the control of household management was firmly in Bai Shi's hands. The first branch was in a dire predicament.
"Li Shu's concubines are useless, and Li Qingyun, the heir, is merely a useless puppet. How can he contend with Bai Shi? As for Li Zha'er, that married-out daughter, hmph, she can barely protect herself. Her desire to help is mere wishful thinking," Li Man'er whispered. "So, I'm waiting for Li Qingyun to come begging me!"
Qi Yihan understood her feelings. "Rest assured, no matter what decision you make, I will support you. Go ahead and do as you please; I will handle everything outside."
"Aren't you afraid I'll cause a catastrophe?" Li Man'er asked, looking up. "I can do whatever I want?"
Qi Yihan reached out and cupped her chin, as if he wanted to devour the rouge on her lips.
"Whatever you wish."
Li Man'er smiled charmingly. "What about Xiao Qiniang? Should I kill her too?" She hadn't forgotten that Xiao Qiniang was the spy Qi Yihan had planted in Mobei.