Sister-in-law Wu brought Li Man'er some hot soup and a few dishes.
"Miss, please eat something. You need to rest after you eat." Ah Si was not an ignorant woman; she knew that a great battle was imminent and that these were just appetizers before the main course.
"What's the situation outside?" Li Man'er was indeed a little hungry. The wind on the city wall was fierce. If a person stood there motionlessly, they would freeze before long.
A battle of moderate intensity was also a great strain on one's stamina. An extra quarter of an hour of rest meant an extra chance of survival.
"There's no unusual movement. Perhaps the barbarian army hasn't arrived yet. However, the generals have all been summoned to General Luo's quarters for a meeting. Also, the brothers brought back earlier have been cremated, and their ashes are being collected."
Li Man'er nodded, "Thank you for your hard work. You may go and rest."
"This servant is not tired," Sister-in-law Wu said. "Miss, you shouldn't put yourself in danger. With so many soldiers in the city, it shouldn't come to the point where you have to go up there yourself."
Li Man'er replied, "Although I am a woman, I can still serve my country with my life."
These words, ironclad and resolute, were spoken by a woman.
Ah Si immediately understood why the Prince had ordered her to stay and take care of Li Man'er, and why Ah Qi had made such an expression upon hearing of her assignment.
This woman before her was truly extraordinary, and the Prince favored her.
But what about Ah Shuang...
Ah Si immediately reined in her emotions. Just as she thought of Ah Shuang, Li Man'er seemed to glance in her direction, her gaze rather profound.
That look was like the Prince's gaze, causing one to tremble with fear.
Ah Si lowered her head and said no more.
Li Man'er ate a few bites of food and lay down for a short rest. Liu Ya lit some incense, which helped her sleep more comfortably.
Although Li Qingyan was young, he was very sensible. He knew this was a critical moment, so he didn't make a fuss or go looking for Li Man'er.
Even though it was New Year's Eve, he really wanted to eat dumplings with his father and elder sister, and he also wanted to watch fireworks and set off firecrackers. But Old Sun said that it was a crucial time that concerned everyone's life and death, so who had the mood for such things?
His father and elder sister were very busy, so he couldn't add to their troubles and had to protect himself.
Because Liu Ya had said that his elder sister valued his life greatly.
Li Man'er had slept for less than half an hour when suddenly, the earth-shattering sounds of shouting and killing erupted from outside. Someone was also beating gongs and drums, signaling the presence of barbarian spies.
Li Man'er shot up from the couch, not even bothering to put on her cloak, and was about to rush out.
"Miss!" Liu Ya said with great concern, "Do you have to go?"
Just as Li Man'er was about to say something, she saw Sister-in-law Wu...
Oh no, perhaps at this moment, she should be called Ah Si.
Ah Si had changed into armor, tied her hair back tightly, put on a helmet, and held a staff in her hand.
A look of surprise flashed in Li Man'er's eyes, and she asked, "You use a staff?"
"Yes," Ah Si hesitated. "Miss, is there something special about me using a staff?"
They had never explicitly discussed their relationship, but there was a certain friendship and trust between them. Ah Si thought Li Man'er found her weapon taboo, but Li Man'er instead said, "It's rare for a woman to use a staff."
Ah Si smiled, looking much younger than usual. "So that's it. When I was young, I grew up with a bald monk at the temple. I learned staff techniques and scriptures from him."
As Ah Si spoke, something seemed to flash in her eyes, quickly disappearing.
"Sister-in-law Wu, how could you..."
"Call her Ah Si."
Liu Ya was momentarily confused. "Ah Si?"
Li Man'er simply said, "Liu Ya, guard Qing Yan."
"Yes!"
"Ah Si, let's go!"
"Yes." Ah Si nodded at Liu Ya and quickly followed her, carrying the staff in her hand.
Old Sun watched all this silently, thinking that this Miss Li was truly remarkable, having helpers wherever she went.
Li Man'er led Ah Si toward the city wall. As they walked, they saw injured soldiers being carried down.
"Are the barbarians attacking?"
"Yes, not only the barbarians, but also the Ninth Prince. He's rebelling."
What is this?
Damn it!
Li Man'er almost cursed. Ah Si's eyes widened. The Ninth Prince rebelling? This was preposterous!
"Hey..." Ah Si was about to grab the injured soldier, but Li Man'er pulled her aside and headed towards the city wall.
"Miss..."
"No need to ask. It's useless to ask. We both know it's impossible. Why not go and see for ourselves?"
Ah Si was moved by Li Man'er's calmness and determination and unconsciously followed her. Her heart was no longer as chaotic.
The wind was cold and biting, and soldiers were constantly being carried down from above.
This was just the beginning. If the battle continued, no one would be able to tend to the wounded.
Li Man'er saw soldiers guarding the city gate. Two thick logs had been placed across the heavy gate to reinforce it.
This wouldn't hold them back at all, unless they had the things from the blueprints she had drawn.
"When will the things that person said he would make be delivered?"
"He said there's an arrangement. Perhaps it's not good for them to arrive too early."
Li Man'er hurried up the city wall, her ears filled with the sounds of fighting, the air thick with the smell of smoke. The siege was imminent.
Li Nian had no time to concern himself with Li Man'er and could only shout for her to be careful.
Li Man'er pulled him down from the parapet of the city wall and found a relatively safe spot to ask him, "Third Uncle, they say the Ninth Prince is rebelling. What's going on?"
Li Nian saw a female general standing at the parapet, wielding a long staff with great skill. Every barbarian who dared to show their head was struck down with a single blow. His heart settled somewhat.
"Earlier, the barbarian commander sent someone to deliver a message, saying that the Ninth Prince had formed an alliance with them and intended to join forces from the inside and outside to conquer our Great Jin and share the world."
This was nonsense.
Li Man'er was naturally very angry. "Did you believe it?"
"Whether we believe it or not is not important. What's important is that some people believed it and are writing memorials to accuse the Ninth Prince of treason."
"It wouldn't be that idiot surnamed Luo, would it?"
Li Nian's face was grim. "Regardless, the letters can't be sent out now. Let's defeat the enemy first."
"Third Uncle is right."
"Man'er, it's dangerous here. You should go down! Help the military doctors rescue the wounded."
Li Man'er did not see General Jia and asked, "Where is General Jia?"
"He's gone to defend the north gate, for fear that the enemy is feigning an attack and that area will be in danger."
The two shouted a few words to each other, and Li Nian returned to directing the battle.
Li Man'er found a spot and looked into the distance. She felt that the indistinct dark night was like the giant maw of a beast, as if it were about to swallow everyone whole.
They were like ants.