Li Man'er's merit in defending the city was undeniable. She not only saw through the barbarians' treacherous scheme but also saved the life of Xi Kaiyuan's eldest son, Xi Hu. The doubts surrounding her victory over Feng Wuyun were silenced, and her daring raid on the barbarian camp, which turned it into a hellscape and decimated their army, solidified her standing.
Although the Xiao family had contributed, everyone knew that without Li Man'er, the night's events would not have unfolded so smoothly.
The demeanor of those who returned with her was proof enough. Despite three casualties, two minor injuries, and one missing, everyone who followed Li Man'er, including Zhang Jingfeng, had a newfound vigor. Their unwavering loyalty to Li Man'er was evident for all to see.
She had firmly established her position within the army. Even Jia Er, who initially opposed her, now stood by her side after she had saved his life.
The Li family army, the Iron Gallant Marquis's forces, would always remain loyal to the Li name; no one could shake their allegiance.
Li Man'er casually pointed to the silver-masked general seated at the end of the table, "Ask him!"
Ask him?
He was a member of the Xiao family.
Li Man'er stated, "We have defended the city for so many days, acting under emergency orders. We are exhausted. With barbarian reinforcements en route, it is time for us to rest and recuperate. The Xiao family, having rested for so long, is full of energy. Let them resist the barbarians to ensure the old city's safety. What do you say?"
The silver-masked general asked in a hoarse voice, "Can you make the decision?"
"Naturally, I can..."
Before Li Man'er could finish speaking, someone shouted, "She cannot."
Li Man'er lowered her eyelids slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. Without needing to be told, she knew who had arrived.
Li Shu, supported by others, entered shakily. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.
Li Shu was awake! He was actually awake!
It seemed, however, that he had woken up at the wrong time.
"Father has awakened." Li Man'er smiled faintly, "This is truly a cause for great celebration."
Luo Sheng was about to say something when Li Shu, still weak, quickly approached Li Man'er and raised his hand as if to slap her.
Li Man'er did not flinch, instead tilting her head upwards as if awaiting the blow.
"Eldest brother, what are you doing?"
At this moment, it was inappropriate for anyone else to intervene. Only Li Nian could reasonably dissuade Li Shu. As Li Shu's brother and Li Man'er's elder, his words would carry more weight than those of Li Shu's subordinates speaking on her behalf.
"What am I doing? This is a degenerate. Who gave you the audacity to command the army while I was ill? This is outright rebellion! Have you lost your mind?"
Li Man'er gave a cold smile. "Father, do you know what you are saying?"
Before Li Shu could reply, Li Man'er continued, "Without me, your life would have ended months ago. The command of the army would have long since passed to another."
Luo Sheng thought: As long as I'm not embarrassed, others will be.
"You have been poisoned and fallen ill multiple times, Father. It was I who saved your life each time. Am I a degenerate? Hmph, there's no need to speak to me in such terms. If I had simply said there was no cure, would you still be standing here talking to me?"
"You unfilial daughter!"
Li Man'er simply said, "When Father was gravely ill, your daughter merely did what was within her capabilities. Since Father has awakened, then..." She picked up the long saber beside her, twirling it in her hands a few times, even performing a few saber flourishes.
The bloodstains on the saber had not yet dried. Luo Sheng stood nearby, the scent of blood almost making him nauseous.
Li Man'er forcefully thrust the saber into the ground, smiling. "I will leave matters here to Father. Oh, right, you are weak now, so please take care of yourself and don't overexert yourself. If you fall ill again, there will be no one to stand in for you."
Li Shu's face turned crimson, as if he had been slapped dozens of times. Li Man'er's words were a stab to the heart. Unfortunately, no one was willing to side with Li Shu now. They all feigned ignorance, as if they hadn't witnessed this confrontation between father and daughter.
Luo Sheng felt inclined to say something, but he didn't know what to say. He couldn't possibly tell Li Shu, "You look about my age, and you're not much better. Why not abdicate and hand over power..."
Li Shu would surely tear him apart!
Li Man'er turned and left without a backward glance. Ah Si, seeing this, could only follow. Her mission was merely to protect Li Man'er.
As for the matters in the council hall...
Heh, there was no need to guess. Qi Yihan would not allow Li Shu to gain any advantage. He was now a trusted member of the Xiao family and naturally had to fight for their interests.
And Li Man'er intended to expose Li Shu's true nature to everyone. What was the difference between him and that fool Luo Sheng! The Iron Gallant Marquisate, the military power – it would all be ruined by him sooner or later.
If everyone else could see it, could the Emperor not?
Li Man'er returned to the rear courtyard of the government office, much to the delight of Li Qingyan and Liu Ya. Even Old Sun greeted her with a cheerful countenance, as if he had been eagerly awaiting her safe return.
See? Everyone here cared more about her than that scumbag father.
"First, bring water for me to bathe. I'm covered in bloodstains, it's filthy."
"Miss, are you injured?"
"Naturally not," Li Man'er replied. "Your young lady is perfectly fine, not a single hair out of place. Also, I'm hungry. Is there any food?"
Liu Ya immediately responded, "Yes, yes, Miss, please wait a moment."
Li Man'er told Li Qingyan and Old Sun to return and rest. "I'm both hungry and tired right now and simply don't have the energy to talk. We can talk when it's daylight."
"Alright!" Li Qingyan, always sensible, didn't hesitate and returned to her room with Old Sun to rest.
Li Man'er took a refreshing hot bath and changed into clean clothes, finally feeling like herself again.
However, she was even hungrier.
Fortunately, the food was brought soon after.
Liu Ya knew Li Man'er's appetite and prepared a generous amount. Since Ah Si was also there, she set out two sets of chopsticks and bowls.
There was soup, steamed buns, braised pork, and stewed dishes.
Before Li Man'er could even eat, she sensed something was amiss. She quickly snatched the bowl from Ah Si's hand and sniffed it.
Liu Ya, having been with Li Man'er for a long time, understood the purpose of this action.
"Miss, is there something wrong with the food?" Liu Ya dared not speak loudly, only asking in a low voice.
"Who prepared the food?" Li Man'er also asked softly.
"It was Wu Ying," Liu Ya replied. "Surely she wouldn't be a problem?" Both of them instinctively lowered their voices, speaking very quietly.
Ah Si was also startled and whispered, "I've known Wu Ying for a long time. She has a chivalrous heart and would never do something like this. Miss, is there something wrong with the soup?"
Li Man'er stated, "This person is quite skilled. They haven't used poison, only a mild muscle-relaxant. Don't make a fuss about this. Let's wait and see."
She knew that the target was her.