Feng Wuyun was helped back to his quarters and immediately sent for a physician.
The physician, upon hearing that General Feng was injured, dared not delay. Without even washing the bloodstains from his hands, he hurried over.
Upon hearing that General Feng had been kicked in a vital spot, the physician’s face showed a hint of suspicion. How could someone in battle be kicked in such a place?
This military doctor had been treating the soldiers in the camp and was unaware of the martial arts competition. He didn't think much of it, assuming the barbarians were卑鄙 (base/contemptible) and never imagined that Feng Wuyun had lost a duel to a woman and been kicked in the… groin.
The physician first took Feng Wuyun’s pulse, then had someone pull down Feng Wuyun’s trousers. After examining the injured area, he said, "The General is not in serious trouble. This injury is not severe and will not affect his future life or his ability to have children."
When Feng Wuyun heard this, he was truly relieved. He raised a hand, and the person beside him immediately leaned in, listening to his whispered instructions.
The guard nodded and cupped his hands towards the physician, saying, "The General needs rest now. Please speak with me outside."
The two of them went to the outer room.
The guard said, "The General is in unbearable pain. Please prescribe him some medicine to alleviate it."
Such matters, as long as the core was not damaged, would pass with endurance. Even medicine would not have much effect. However, since they had requested it, as a doctor, he would obey.
"Very well, I will write the prescription now."
The physician picked up his brush, scribbled on two pages, and handed them to the guard, "Take three doses first."
"Thank you." The guard pocketed the prescription, did not order the medicine to be prepared, and turned to instruct two guards by the corridor before re-entering the inner room.
Feng Wuyun was already feeling much better, the pain receding. He lay on the bed, refusing to get up, mostly because he felt too embarrassed. At the same time, he clearly understood that Li Man'er had held back, otherwise, that one kick could have killed him.
Bitch, you little whelp.
Feng Wuyun cursed Li Man'er over eight hundred times in his heart before he felt slightly better.
"How is it?"
"General, it has been handled. The prescription has been written."
Feng Wuyun snorted coldly, "Tell the brothers to be vigilant. That Li Man'er is not easy to deal with."
"General, rest assured. Those carrying out the task have accompanied you through countless battles and are loyal to you, with no ulterior motives."
"I trust your work. Just ensure no one can seize upon it," a sinister glint flashed in Feng Wuyun's eyes.
"Your subordinate understands. As long as Li Man'er leads troops out of the city, she will surely perish."
Feng Wuyun sneered, "The Li family are descendants of generals. She also has the General's token, how could she not lead troops out of the city?" This was an easy matter to manipulate.
With the token, Li Man'er was now a legitimate general. She immediately went to find Luo Sheng and the supervising official, Lord Ji, requesting to inspect the Iron Blood Battalion's camp.
Lord Ji spoke with displeasure, "You actually dare to take charge of the Iron Blood Battalion? Do you know the backgrounds of Feng Wuyun's men? Can they obey a mere lass like you?"
Li Man'er was not angered. She took out the token and said, "This token is not fake, is it? With General Luo as witness, this token was won by me fair and square. Unless the surname Feng goes back on his word, will those soldiers dare to defy orders?"
"You… what can I say about you." Lord Ji was so exasperated he could barely speak. He glanced at Li Nian, who stood like a wooden post, remaining silent throughout.
It seemed this one was also a person who knew how to protect himself.
"Ah, Lord Ji," Luo Sheng stepped in to mediate, "Miss Li is still a child who has not grown up. Please do not be upset."
Ji Gong?
Li Man'er secretly thought: Don't desecrate our Ji Gong.
Luo Sheng forced a gentle smile, "She is young and impulsive. It's normal to be excited after gaining such great benefits. Miss Li, Lord Ji is also looking out for you. The Iron Blood Battalion is the elite under your father's command, always charging into battle during major conflicts. The brave men of the Iron Blood Battalion are all heroes, but now that you are in charge, should there be a war, I fear…"
"What, General Luo fears I will hide and refuse to fight, or perhaps find all sorts of excuses not to go into battle?"
"How could that be?" Luo Sheng only said, "I did not mean that. We have witnessed Miss's abilities firsthand. As the saying goes, a tiger father has no dog daughter. Moreover, your third uncle is here. He wouldn't let his niece suffer, would he?"
Heh heh…
Luo Sheng’s appearance was decent. He was a full sibling to the Noble Consort, so how could he be ugly? It was just a pity that beneath this facade was the soul of a fool. His eyes were filled with schemes, as if afraid others wouldn't see them.
He could only fool those with little brains and no experience.
Luo Sheng was here to gain prestige and to counterbalance Li Shu. He represented the Noble Consort and was a deputy general personally appointed by the Emperor. How could he wish the Li family well?
"If there is a war, the Iron Blood Battalion will be as always and will never retreat a single step," Li Man'er declared, "I am willing to sign a military order."
Still so young!
A smile bloomed on Luo Sheng's lips. Youth was truly wonderful.
After leaving Luo Sheng’s presence, Li Nian, who had remained silent, could no longer hold back, "Man'er, you have never been an impulsive person. Why are you acting like this this time?"
Li Man'er winked at him and said, "Third Uncle, they look down on people. Just wait and see, I will show them my capabilities this time. Don't think that just because my father had a stroke, these people can seize military power and do whatever they please."
Li Man'er felt no affection for Li Shu at all. She wished she could kill Li Shu with her own hands, so how could she be standing up for him!
There was something going on here.
Li Nian also realized something was amiss. He pretended to be unable to persuade her and accompanied Li Man'er back to their previous residence.
As soon as the uncle and nephew returned, they immediately had Old Sun guard the house. Without even asking about Li Qingyan, they shut the door and began to discuss.
"Man'er, what exactly are you thinking?"
"Third Uncle, rest assured, I have it under control. That person surnamed Ji and the one surnamed Luo are in cahoots and have no good intentions. They are clearly colluding with Feng Wuyun to scheme against me."
Li Nian's brows furrowed into a deep沟壑 (ravine/furrow), "Then why are you jumping into the pit yourself!"
"Third Uncle, rest assured, I am not a fool. I will not do anything that would cost me my life. I want to teach them a lesson, to let them know what it means to try to steal a chicken only to lose the rice."
Li Nian was a little confused. What did she mean? He seemed to understand, yet he seemed to understand nothing at all.
"Are you really going to the Iron Blood Battalion?"
"Of course," Li Man'er smiled mysteriously, "If I don't go, how can I win people's hearts?"