Li Man'er was not surprised at all; Xiao Qiniang's decision was well within her expectations.
Since Xing'er's death, a seed of suspicion had been planted in Xiao Qiniang's heart. She wasn't foolish and naturally knew that something was out of the ordinary.
How could someone as ambitious as Xiao Qiniang be willing to give up the chance to uncover other people's secrets? Moreover, once she discovered this secret, it could potentially bring her countless benefits. How could Xiao Qiniang let it go?
Naturally, she needed to keep a close eye on her to feel at ease.
Little did she know, the most cunning hunters often appeared in the guise of prey. It was time to showcase her true skills.
Li Man'er readily agreed, "To live in the main courtyard? That's wonderful! Xiao Qiniang and I are about the same age, so we can keep each other company. However, since Miss Xiao Qiniang has agreed to let my father's guards care for him, I should write a letter. Could you help me deliver it to the inn and have them send two people over?"
Jiaoniang naturally agreed. Anyway, the letter would be opened and checked before it was sent out, so there was no fear of Li Man'er writing anything untoward.
Li Man'er picked up her brush, wrote a few simple sentences, put the letter into an envelope, sealed it simply without a wax seal, and handed it to Jiaoniang.
"Send it out, the sooner the better."
Of course, this letter had to be seen by Xiao Qiniang first to ensure there were no flaws before it was sent to the inn.
"Li Man'er is a clever woman. She knows this letter will pass through my hands, so she hasn't written any superfluous words," Xiao Qiniang snorted coldly. "She's quite good at playing dumb. Zhuoyu, go and tidy up the west wing rooms and arrange for Miss Li to move in."
Zhuoyu immediately turned and left.
The letter was soon delivered to the inn. Li Nian was initially disbelieving when he received it, comparing the characters on the letter with the prescription in his hand multiple times before finally believing it.
However, the issue was who to send. Li Man'er hadn't specified in the letter, only asking him to choose two people to care for Li Shu.
Then it would be Old Sun, and pick one more...
Li Nian thought it over and finally chose Qin Si.
Generals like Qi Zhong and Cai Yuanmao were deputy generals in the army and could not leave their camps easily. Although reliable, their roles were too important. Qin Si was different; like Li Wenchang, he was a personal guard of Li Shu, and his duty was to ensure Li Shu's safety.
Li Wenchang was already dead, and Qin Si, who had fought alongside them and killed wolves, was trustworthy.
The Xiao family members brought Qin Si and Old Sun into the prefectural office.
When Li Man'er saw Qin Si and Old Sun, she showed no surprise, as if everything was within her calculations.
"It's getting late. Let me briefly explain the Marquis's current condition. He has just recovered from a serious illness and is currently weak. I will be responsible for his diet and treatment. Your job is to accompany him on walks, help him gradually regain his strength, and ensure the Marquis's safety. Do you understand?"
Both men nodded.
Li Man'er then said, "Good. You two can rest yourselves. I'll be moving to Miss Xiao Qiniang's courtyard. If there's anything, you can send someone to find me."
The two men nodded again. No one, not even Old Sun, said a word.
"Oh, right. This is Jiaoniang. During Father's unconsciousness, Jiaoniang stayed by Father's side, helping him wash and feed him medicine. Her contribution has been immense. In the future, she might even enter the household as a concubine. You two must not be disrespectful to Jiaoniang, understand?"
Jiaoniang was overjoyed upon hearing this. Old Sun, however, secretly thought that this girl's days of misfortune were yet to come.
Anyone who caught Miss Li's attention would be stripped bare, if not killed.
Li Man'er paid no mind to it. She had Liu Ya carry the medicine box and her luggage and excitedly headed to the main courtyard... no, the west wing courtyard next to it.
The rooms here were spacious, with all sorts of daily necessities readily available. The quilt and bedding on the bed were brand new, indicating a recent setup.
She could finally have a room to herself, and she was somewhat pleased.
"Your name is Zhuoyu, right?"
The round-faced young girl nodded, "Miss Li, please let me know if you need anything else, and I will arrange it."
"This is already very good. Thank you."
"It is merely my duty, miss. I dare not accept your thanks. Miss Li, please rest and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Our young lady will come by later."
Li Man'er smiled innocently, "That would be wonderful. I feel like I've known your seventh young lady forever! Oh, and that maid, Xing'er, was also clever and lovely. A pity her life was too short."
Zhuoyu's expression changed. "Miss Li, you should rest as soon as possible. I'll take my leave now."
Watching Zhuoyu flee in panic, Li Man'er couldn't help but grin. She wanted to play tricks on anything related to the Xiao family.
Liu Ya asked, "Miss, what do you think Miss Xiao Qiniang is plotting? Why do I feel so uneasy?"
Uneasy?
Li Man'er flopped onto the bed and said lazily, "When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a road. Liu Ya, I'm not trying to scold you, but at your young age, why are you so worried? You'll turn into an old woman."
"Miss, I'm talking about important matters. I'm just preparing for the rainy day."
"Useful planning is called preparing for the rainy day; useless planning is called worrying about what will never happen."
Alright, she couldn't win this argument.
Liu Ya had no choice but to start unpacking, then wander around to get familiar with the layout. Li Man'er rested leisurely for two hours. Before she could even have dinner, Xiao Qiniang arrived.
"Miss Li, are you comfortable living here?"
"Very comfortable." Li Man'er invited her to sit and poured her water, "It's spacious and warm here. Most importantly, there are no 'door gods' watching, so it's quite freeing."
Xiao Qiniang had a thick skin and didn't feel her words were offensive at all. She said, "It's good that you're comfortable. We must entertain our distinguished guest properly, especially after a long journey."
"How can I be considered a distinguished guest?" Li Man'er deliberately raised her eyebrows. "You were dressed so beautifully that day, Miss Xiao Qiniang. Why have you returned to your usual appearance these past few days? Did the person you were waiting for not come?"
"Miss Li, you jest. Who would I be waiting for?" Xiao Qiniang secretly thought that Li Man'er was indeed sharp and that she would have to be more cautious in front of her from now on.
"Oh, then I misunderstood. Indeed, girls naturally love beauty, and it has nothing to do with anything else."
"Speaking of beauty, Miss Li is truly breathtaking. I heard that Consort Shu's beauty is unparalleled, and since Miss Li resembles her aunt, your appearance is naturally beyond comparison for common women like us."
Why did she bring up Consort Shu?
Li Man'er smiled, "How can that be the same? My aunt has been intelligent since childhood, her talents are top-notch, and her character is beyond reproach. In comparison, I only have my looks that are slightly similar to my aunt's; my grace is far from hers."
Xiao Qiniang's fingers clenched tightly within her sleeves. "I heard that Miss Li also spent some time in the palace accompanying the Consort recently. If it weren't for your stepmother's passing, you would have likely stayed in the palace for a while, right?"
Li Man'er secretly pondered, what exactly did this Xiao Qiniang want?