One night passed without incident.
The next morning, Li Nian instructed Qing Yan and his most trusted guard, Ning Xi, to remain at the inn with additional help to ensure Li Qing Yan's safety.
Knowing that the Xiao family would not easily allow others to accompany Li Man'er into the prefectural yamen, Li Nian took only Zuo Cheng and a few other guards, along with Li Man'er and Liu Ya, to the yamen.
Heavy troops guarded the entrance of the yamen. The leading captain, upon seeing Zuo Cheng, sneered, "Why are you here again? Have you no shame?"
Zuo Cheng's expression froze. "How dare you speak to me like that! You're holding my Marquis captive, and you won't even let me speak?"
"Holding captive? What are you talking about?" Before the captain could finish speaking, the soldiers guarding the yamen entrance pointed their weapons at their group, ready to engage in a fight at any moment.
Li Nian let out a cold laugh, pulled Zuo Cheng aside, and stepped forward to speak with the captain. "Young general, may I know your esteemed name?"
The man, finding Li Nian unfamiliar, frowned. He waved his hand, and the guards behind him lowered their weapons.
"And who are you?"
"I am Li Nian. Marquis Tie Dan, Li Shu, is my elder brother."
Upon hearing that he was a legitimate member of the Li family, the man's demeanor changed slightly. He looked Li Nian up and down before cupping his fist. "So, you are General Tai Chang."
Li Nian held a fifth-rank official position, which was no comparison to Li Shu, but it was significantly higher than the captain before him. Those in the military understood that rank depended on strength; without skill, one could never reach the position of leading troops. Even with connections, matters of life and death on the battlefield required meticulous attention, as a single mistake could jeopardize troop morale and lead to the demise of thousands of soldiers.
Li Shu had three brothers, and only General Tai Chang was a military officer. The captain observed Li Nian's tall, broad-shouldered physique. Though not wearing armor, he exuded an imposing aura, with a hint of killing intent in his eyes. He was clearly a veteran who had seen battle and shed blood, thus he recognized Li Nian's identity.
"Brother, my elder brother has been poisoned for many days, and not a single man in your Mobei could cure him. We even had to send my brother's attendant on a long journey back to the capital to fetch my niece." Li Nian chuckled. "I am a simple man and do not understand the intricacies of your Xiao family's minds. I only know that my elder brother came to Mobei by imperial decree. If anything were to happen to him, not a single one of you will survive."
Listen to that arrogance. What did he mean Mobei had no doctors capable of curing him? What did he mean if Li Shu met with misfortune, none of them would survive?
Those words were incredibly grating! However, despite the unpleasant tone, there was some truth to them. Li Shu was currently unconscious and severely emaciated. If he died, the Xiao family would have a difficult time explaining it to the Emperor. The Xiao family did not want to bear this burden, and with Li Man'er's arrival in Mobei, this hot potato could be passed on.
The captain had, of course, received prior instructions. His gaze fell upon Li Man'er. "This... is the Marquis's daughter?"
Li Man'er was dressed as a man, her jet-black hair tied into a bun and secured with a wooden hairpin. She had not darkened her face, and her unadorned beauty was still astonishing, making it obvious at a glance that she was a young woman.
"When traveling, men's attire is more convenient," Li Man'er said. "I am worried about my father's condition. I implore you, sir, to be lenient and allow me to enter."
Seeing Li Man'er speak courteously, the captain's expression seemed to soften slightly. "This is a vital location of the yamen. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted. So many of you cannot enter."
Li Nian seemed enraged by his words and stepped forward to argue, almost resorting to physical force. The soldiers behind the captain were not to be trifled with; their swords were drawn, glinting so brightly they could blind anyone.
"Third Uncle, they have the advantage in numbers. This approach won't work," Li Man'er said. "If they won't let us in, fine. I'll go in alone. I don't believe the Xiao family would dare to eat me."
The captain, lost in thought, let out a cold snort. "Miss Li can enter, but you cannot. This is a vital location of the yamen. If any unsavory individuals infiltrate and compromise military and political secrets, even the extermination of your nine generations of kin would not suffice."
"What nonsense are you spewing! You are merely a petty captain, yet you dare to speak so presumptuously, threatening to exterminate my nine generations of kin? Who do you think you are?" Li Nian almost lunged to bite him to death.
Li Man'er noticed quite a few onlookers, many dressed as civilians, and several with peculiar expressions. She surmised they were sent by the Xiao family to blend in and guide public opinion. Unfortunately, this captain was brainless and spoke too loudly, giving Li Nian ammunition.
"You're talking nonsense, I didn't."
"We all heard you!" Li Man'er exclaimed. "If you cannot make the decision, then summon someone from the Xiao family who can. Am I supposed to grovel and act subservient to your Xiao family just to save my father? Has the Xiao family truly become so powerful that even the esteemed Marquis Tie Dan is worthless in your eyes?"
Li Man'er's words were tantamount to accusing the Xiao family of treason. The surrounding commoners couldn't help but whisper amongst themselves. However, their hearts were with the Xiao family, so they didn't utter anything too harsh. Ultimately, gossip was potent. Regardless of anything else, the Xiao family were subjects of the throne. If even a few individuals fanned the flames of public opinion and spread unfavorable rumors about the Xiao family, it could lead to their utter destruction.
"Do not speak such absurdities. I did not say that. This is a vital location of the yamen, and people should not be allowed in freely. I only said that not all of you can enter; I did not say you cannot enter."
Li Man'er then stated, "I am a noble lady of the Marquis's mansion. If I am to enter this yamen, you must at least allow me to bring a maidservant."
"Impossible. The yamen will provide a maidservant for the young lady."
"Ha!" Li Man'er burst into laughter. "I wouldn't dare use anyone from your Xiao family. What if they take a disliking to me and decide to exterminate my nine generations of kin? That would be quite inconvenient."
A flicker of ruthlessness crossed the captain's face, but he was left speechless. Seeing his reaction, Li Man'er seized the opportunity. "I imagine the Xiao family wouldn't be so wary of a mere young woman like me, would they? I am here to save my father, not to argue with you. If you believe my servant and I are not permitted to enter this yamen, then bring my father out, and I will take him back to the inn for treatment."
"Yes, return our Marquis!" Zuo Cheng immediately raised his arm and shouted. The other guards naturally followed suit, crying out loudly.
"Return our Marquis."
"Return our Marquis."
The crowd was truly agitated. At this point, even displaying weapons would not cow the Li family's people.