Li Man'er could feel Qi Yihan's current predicament. He was likely caught between enemies, enduring a difficult time.
Though the Emperor favored him, he also distrusted him. Outsiders only knew of the Ninth Prince's notorious reputation and his seemingly absolute power. Yet, the Emperor, cherishing familial bonds, indulged and tolerated him.
Who knew what kind of life Qi Yihan truly led?
He was often away from the capital, gone for months at a time, returning with injuries each time.
How could a dignified prince have to personally handle every matter, undertaking such thankless and arduous tasks?
Li Man'er couldn't quite understand. Other princes either stayed out of court affairs, focusing solely on accumulating wealth and living carefree, decadent lives. Or, they harbored grand ambitions, constantly thinking of usurpation, forging alliances with powerful officials, and waiting for their opportunity.
But Qi Yihan? He appeared to be on high, seemingly the most honored, yet he lived the most burdened life.
Some individuals were born with the world in their hearts. Even when faced with countless difficulties, they would only charge forward, never retreating an inch.
Li Man'er believed Qi Yihan was such a person, which was precisely why the current Emperor was wary of him.
"Naturally, it can be done." Qi Yihan actually stood up and offered Li Man'er a formal bow, "With these maps, I am confident we can defend Mobei City. On behalf of the people of Mobei, I thank you, Miss Man'er."
For some reason, Qi Yihan inexplicably changed his address for Li Man'er. He used to call her Miss Li.
Li Man'er didn't mind. She immediately said, "I dare not accept your bow, Your Highness. I am also a subject of the State. The Li family receives a salary from the court and should contribute our share. These maps are my sincerity. Please inform me of the current situation, Your Highness, so that I, your humble subject, can be mentally prepared."
Qi Yihan, however, said, "It is too late today. Perhaps another day! If Miss Man'er can find an opportunity to leave her residence, you may seek me out at the Xu Ji Fur Shop."
Li Man'er was slightly annoyed. "Your Highness is dodging the question. Do you not wish to tell me?"
"It is simply too late, and you should rest," Qi Yihan replied. "The war will not break out immediately. It also depends on the weather. With the reputation of treating Xiao Rudí's leg, you can leave your residence when you find an opportunity. I shall await your esteemed presence."
Li Man'er was so angry she couldn't utter a word. She simply reached out to snatch the sketch on the table, "Give it back to me."
Qi Yihan was faster. He grabbed her wrist and asked with a half-smile, "When something is given, what reason is there to take it back?"
"I was born unreasonable, Your Highness, as you well know my bad reputation." Li Man'er flicked his hand away and reached for the sketch again.
Qi Yihan was equally swift this time, his hand reaching for the sketch simultaneously. Their hands overlapped, Li Man'er's trapped beneath his, unable to move.
"Let go."
Qi Yihan merely raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.
This was clearly a provocation.
Li Man'er swung her hand towards Qi Yihan's face. He easily dodged it, but his other hand did not release hers.
"Miss Man'er, it is late and quiet. Causing a disturbance is not ideal. How about we each take a step back?"
Li Man'er gritted her teeth but did not lose her reason. "How do we each take a step back?"
"I will take the sketch, and I will answer all your questions about what you wish to know. As for your scheme against your father, I will pretend to know nothing. How about that?"
"Heh." Li Man'er felt a pang of guilt. She didn't know how Qi Yihan had figured it out, but she would never admit it. "Nonsense, why would I scheme against my father? He is the pillar of our family. What good would come from me plotting against him? Your Highness, are you perhaps delirious and overthinking things?"
Qi Yihan, however, said, "You are practically screaming 'I hate him' on your face. In this regard, you should truly learn from Xiao Qiniang. She also wishes Xiao Rudí would die tomorrow, yet she appears so respectful and demure. If you possessed such a skill, even if Marquis Tiejian were to meet misfortune, no one would suspect you."
"People are not the same. Xiao Qiniang's pretense is too hypocritical; I disdain to learn it. My conflict with Li Shu is not a matter of one day. Who doesn't know this? Even if I wanted to pretend, could I?" Li Man'er's statement was an indirect admission of her intention to harm Li Shu. However, since it was Qi Yihan, she wasn't worried about him divulging it.
But then…
"Consider yourself fortunate today. Your Highness must remember your words. If, another day, I find the fur shop and you continue to prevaricate, or even avoid me, I will definitely not be as easygoing as I am today." With that, she began to withdraw her hand, slowly pulling it out.
Qi Yihan felt a sense of loss. However, it was indeed getting late, and he shouldn't be seen at the Xiao residence. He immediately put away the sketch. "I am a man of my word. Farewell."
Qi Yihan expertly flipped out the window and vanished in an instant.
Li Man'er walked over and closed the window. She listened intently for a moment, hearing no unusual sounds, and then returned to the inner chamber.
Just as she got into bed, she suddenly remembered something. She sat up abruptly, hurriedly slipped on her shoes, and went to the outer room to clear away the teacups on the table.
Drinking tea from two cups was too obvious; Liu Ya would see through it.
After placing the cups, Li Man'er scurried back to the inner room and snuggled into bed, ready to drift off to dreamland.
Tonight was a bit tiring, so she wouldn't go to her personal space to practice. She could make it up another day.
Li Man'er thought she would fall asleep quickly, but for some reason, she tossed and turned for a long time, unable to sleep.
"He's here to collect a debt." It was she who had invited Qi Yihan to discuss matters, yet in the end, it seemed he had gained the upper hand.
Truly…
On the other side, Qi Yihan and A'Qi also returned to the fur shop silently.
Everyone in the shop had already retired. The two went directly to a storeroom on the second floor of the back courtyard, preparing to rest.
"Your Highness, why did you take so long? What exactly did Miss Li want with you?"
Qi Yihan cast a cold glance at him and said nothing.
A'Qi gave a dry laugh. "Your subordinate is just curious. There was even some noise from the room. You didn't bully the young lady, did you? Oh, my lord, with your demeanor, you'll likely never find a Princess Consort. Which young lady could endure your eternally icy presence?"
A'Qi apparently thought his words were quite humorous and insightful, even tutting twice in contemplation.
Qi Yihan suddenly said, "The war is imminent, and we are still short of food and supplies. Why don't you return to the capital and raise some funds for me? Ten thousand taels would suffice for a while."
Ten thousand taels!
A'Qi's vision went black, and he nearly fainted.