The atmosphere in the room was unexpectedly tense. Since they had met, they had never been in such a standoff.
"This humble woman has her patrons, so naturally she is unafraid," Li Man'er broke the silence first, smiling at Qi Yihan. "Moreover, Your Highness bears no killing intent, indicating you have no desire to kill. Why should this humble woman fear?"
Qi Yihan looked at her deeply. "What is it that you seek me for?" If it were not important, Li Man'er would not have come to find him at such great risk.
Li Man'er reached out and poured herself a cup of tea, gestured to Qi Yihan, and then took a sip.
"Since I arrived in Mobei, I have not seen much, but what I have seen has been useful. Your Highness is insightful and far-sighted. This humble woman admires you."
Qi Yihan felt a hint of offense. "What exactly do you want to say?"
"From the first day I checked into the manor, Miss Xiao Qi never gave me a good look. On the surface, she was very friendly to me, but in reality, she always looked down on me. What she said to me were merely perfunctory words. In Miss Xiao Qi's eyes, I was just someone who knew nothing and was shallow. Even though I cured Marquis Tiedan's illness, she still looked down on me."
Li Man'er said softly, "As for myself, I never cared what others thought of me. As long as she didn't provoke me, I naturally wouldn't care what she thought in her heart. As long as things were fine on the surface, that was enough. But that day, Xiao Qiniang sent someone to find me, only to show me her new outfit."
"New outfit?"
Li Man'er smiled. "New clothes, new jewelry, all looked newly made. The fabric was exquisite, and the style was new. Her makeup was also different from usual, as if specially prepared for someone. Miss Xiao Qi called me over, actually wanting to hear my opinion on whether her outfit was suitable."
Qi Yihan also picked up a water cup and poured himself a glass of warm water.
"What are you trying to say?"
"I never understood why Miss Xiao Qi had such a big change, and who was she waiting for." An Zixi said, "It wasn't until that day, when Your Highness told me that you had people in the manor, and that the two guards at the gate were arranged by you, that I began to suspect something."
"That's too far-fetched."
Li Man'er nodded, placing the cup in her hand on the table. "Yes, based on this alone, it is indeed too far-fetched. But Xiao Qiniang clearly knows what kind of person I am, yet she so openly tried to set me up with Xiao Si. Why is that? I'm afraid she, like Princess Wuhuan, harbors improper thoughts about Your Highness, and even for Your Highness, is willing to betray the Xiao family. Am I correct?"
"Her betrayal of the Xiao family was not for me."
"Perhaps not entirely for Your Highness, but do you dare say that you played no part in it?" Li'er pouted, her disdain evident. "I don't want to know the reason for Xiao Qiniang's falling out with the Xiao family. I only want to know if Your Highness was aware of her imprisonment of my uncle."
Qi Yihan clearly had not expected this matter to involve her uncle. He immediately said, "You say she imprisoned your uncle? Which one, Ning Qianjing or Ning Qianzhao? Weren't they supposed to be in Jiangnan?"
The Ning family's sons were all renowned. Ning Qianjing, the eldest son, had taken over from Ning Liancheng. As the eldest legitimate son, the Ning family's business was passed to him. Ning Qianjing was extraordinarily knowledgeable, decisive in his actions, and iron-fisted, yet also a man of great integrity.
The second son, Ning Qianzhao, was also excellent, humble and courteous, known as a smiling fox in the business world. When speaking of the second master of the Ning family, he was known far and wide.
Most importantly, the two Ning brothers were deeply devoted to each other and never let business matters affect their brotherhood.
This was quite rare.
"It's my maternal uncle, Ning Daocheng."
A flicker of surprise crossed Qi Yihan's eyes. "Hasn't your maternal uncle been missing for many years? Why would Xiao Qiniang imprison him? Is he still in the manor?"
He had also sent people to look for Ning Daocheng, hoping he could help treat his蛊毒 (gu poison), but after searching for a long time, he had given up.
He never expected that Ning Daocheng would be imprisoned in the Mobei manor.
"Your Highness truly doesn't know?" Qi Yihan's expression did not seem feigned. If he truly knew nothing about this matter, then Xiao Qiniang's imprisonment of Ning Daocheng would be unrelated to Qi Yihan, and she would have fewer reservations.
"I have no need to lie to you."
This was true. If the Ninth Prince wanted to do something, he would not hesitate to do it. Although his reputation was not good, he had always been upright. If he did something, he would not deny it.
"If that is the case, then Your Highness, can you honestly tell this subject, will there be a fierce battle between your country and the barbarians?"
Such matters could only be kept from ordinary people. Someone like Li Man'er had an innate sensitivity to military strategy. Even if you locked her in a room without any escape, she could guess one or two things.
Moreover, she was in the manor and had the ability to slip out at any time. After Xiao Si returned, she had also gone out into the streets and naturally could analyze one or two things from the situation on the streets.
"How did you know?"
"There are many men on the streets dressed as ordinary people, but in reality, they are tall and strong. These people look like they are not to be trifled with; they have martial arts skills.
There is no imperial procession on the streets, so why would there be so many hidden guards deployed? Clearly, it is to guard against any possibility and to monitor the city for enemy spies.
Furthermore, grain prices are quietly rising, and many strategic supplies are already in short supply. Take medicinal herbs, for example. Many wound medicines are unavailable. Some of the medicinal herbs on the supply list I gave to Xiao Qiniang are for treating external wounds, and they still haven't been found.
Perhaps to stabilize public morale, the manor has taken no action, nor have they posted any warning notices."
Li Man'er felt that doing so was more detrimental than beneficial and expressed her concerns. "Whenever a major battle is imminent, it is crucial for the military and the people to be united to overcome difficulties. Mobei is vast and far from the capital. It is difficult to expect support from the rear. I believe that at this time, the Xiao family should inform the emperor, so that the court can prepare for reinforcements and cope with any eventuality."
"If you were to plan this, how would you do it?"
"Mobei's rear has three major strongholds, forming a pincer formation. If supplies, grain, and elite soldiers are stockpiled in these three towns, Mobei can be supported at the fastest speed." Li Man'er dipped her finger in the water in the cup and drew a few simple lines on the table, then placed a teacup at the front. "This is Mobei. Only if it is as solid as gold can the people of Zun Country behind you be safe. We should evacuate the elderly and women from Mobei City, leaving the strong men to defend against the enemy."
After a moment, Qi Yihan said, "This is merely your speculation."