Li Man'er said, "Father's letter has been home for many days, but Grandmother doesn't seem to intend to reply to him."
"This..." Zi Yan nodded. "It's no wonder. The old lady is probably also worried, not knowing how to explain the matter of the second young lady."
Li Man'er smiled so widely that her teeth showed. "That's not our concern. Let them worry themselves."
As expected, in the Songhe Hall, Cui Shi was indeed worried!
"Eldest son has been in the martial arts world for many years, and he has the habit of writing home. I always write back to him, telling him that everything is fine at home, so he can rest assured on the battlefield. But now, how can I write this letter?" It was almost killing him.
"You don't have to be difficult. Why not just tell him the truth?" Granny Wang's suggestion was to tell the truth.
Cui Shi waved her hand. "Tell him what? That Man'er couldn't tolerate her? That she impatiently arranged a marriage for her and married her off in a muddle?"
Granny Wang said, "This old servant thinks there's nothing wrong with it. After all, Princess Wuyou is also involved! This old servant believes that the Liang family is a good match, and the second young lady will not suffer by marrying into it. Madam's dowry was given to the second young lady in full, not to mention that you also subsidized some. Except that Liang Wendao is a bit older, everything else is fine. He is a Jinshi, and will he tarnish her?"
Back then, when Guo Shi and Li Zha'er framed Li Man'er, they had chosen a scoundrel, a Mr. Geng who was good at nothing and indulged in drinking, gambling, and whoring!
"The key is that she's a second wife," Cui Shi said, finding it hard to speak.
"Old Madam, what's done is done!" Hiding won't help!
Cui Shi nodded. "Bring me paper and brush!" To stick one's head out was to be cut, and to shrink one's head was also to be cut. It was better to be straightforward.
Li Man'er did not know how Cui Shi wrote her reply, but she felt that Cui Shi would probably tell the truth, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of this marriage to Li Shu. Most importantly, Princess Wuyou was also involved in this matter...
However, Princess Wuyou was probably on the Ninth Prince's side!
As a lone woman from the common people, no matter how filial or virtuous she was, how could she have the opportunity to meet the Empress Dowager?
Unless someone was pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Thinking that it was in the Princess's mansion that Qi Yihan was treated for his poisoned blood, and then remembering that she had just discussed finding a "good" husband for Li Zha'er with Qi Yihan, and then Princess Wuyou came forward to intercede for the Liang family a few days later, if there were no interests involved...
Who would believe it!
Li Man'er couldn't help but feel a bit curious. What exactly did this Qi Yihan want? He was an extremely noble person, and he wanted to plot for the world?
He and the Emperor were born of the same mother.
But it was also true. What if they were born of the same mother? For that position, they could still fight and kill each other.
Li Man'er's gaze deepened. It seemed she had to stay away from that Ninth Prince in the future. Getting involved in such a major event would not be good.
The desert north had strong winds and sand, and the weather was dry and cold. It was only the end of October, and they had to change into cotton clothes.
Li Shu sat in his tent, his face ashen. The generals under his command had similar expressions.
"Marquis, that surname Xiao is going too far. In terms of rank, you are not beneath him, and in terms of merit, you are no worse than him. Why is it that he enjoys his life in the city every day, while we have to patrol these barren lands?"
"It is all the territory of our esteemed nation. What good land or barren land is there?" Li Shu also did not want to see the faces of the Xiao family, but when one is under the eaves of another, one has to bow one's head.
As a commander, he could only seek peace and suppress his subordinates. If they really fought, it would be the outsiders who would suffer.
"For now, it is only that the brothers are working hard, and there has been no friction. If the two sides draw their swords and shed blood, do you think this matter can be suppressed? That old scoundrel Xiao Xiang will certainly publicize this matter widely and report it to the imperial court. At that time, even with a thousand mouths, you and I will not be able to explain ourselves clearly."
Upon hearing this, everyone showed indignation, but this was a dilemma. Whoever made the first move would lose.
One endured, the other pressed relentlessly.
"Father-Marshal, that Iron Courageous Marquis has a rather soft temper." A burly man with a goatee and dressed in plain clothes said disdainfully, "I thought that once he arrived in the desert north, there would be a conflict within a few days. But that fellow agreed to everything, clearly he's afraid."
Xiao Xiang, however, said, "I wish he wouldn't be so forbearing. It would be better if he lost his temper on the spot. Unfortunately, this Li Shu is quite cunning and cannot be provoked by a few words. In this way, even if we want to provoke him, it will be difficult."
"If patrolling outside can't deal with him, let's assign him other tasks. He will eventually reach his limit." The goatee man said with arrogance, as if Li Shu was just a small dish in his eyes.
"Third brother is foolish. There are no three without two. If we keep pressing, this Li Shu is not someone to be trifled with, and he will definitely cause trouble. If it reaches the Emperor, we will not be able to explain ourselves." The speaker had white temples but appeared quite young. He advised, "It's best if both sides can live in peace. Why do you still wish for a fight?"
"I'm just angry." The goatee man raised his voice, "Here in the desert north, our Xiao family has lived for generations. It's easy to say that we defend the border, but how difficult is it to implement? How many sons of our Xiao family have died here, forever sleeping here? The dog emperor is also suspicious and sent this one and that one to monitor us."
"Shut up." Xiao Xiang was so angry that he threw the paperweight on the desk. "Talking nonsense."
The goatee man dodged, and the paperweight hit the ground with a clang. He knew he was in the wrong and quickly bowed, "Father-Marshal, your son dares not."
There was no one else here, and he had spoken carelessly. How could it be so serious?
It was the man with white temples who acted cautiously. "Third brother, be careful of eavesdroppers." Do you think there are no spies from the Emperor in the desert north? The Emperor has been wary of your Xiao family for more than a day. This Li Shu is, at most, the Emperor's bright pawn. How do we know how many dark pawns there are?
"Alright, when that Marquis Li returns to the camp, all of you should be polite. As long as they complete this task, no one is allowed to say arrogant words." Xiao Xiang said, "Whoever dares to fabricate things will be punished by military law."
"Father-Marshal, what if they are ambushed on the way, or if something unexpected happens?"
Xiao Xiang's face showed a hint of expectation. "Then your father will naturally write a memorial and present it to His Majesty."
The goatee man secretly snorted, already having a plan in mind.
At this time, Li Shu did not know that he had already become a thorn in the side of others, a thorn in their flesh, and they wanted to get rid of him!