The visitor was none other than Tong Qiao. Li Man'er never dreamed Tong Qiao would show up, nor did she understand how Qi Yihan agreed to bring him.
Tong Qiao said with unwarranted familiarity, "Man'er…"
Li Man'er immediately rolled her eyes. "Don't call me so intimately. We're not that close. You can call me Princess Anning; I think I've earned that title."
She finished speaking, her almond-shaped eyes widening as she glared at Qi Yihan. "What's going on? How can you have no principles at all, bringing anyone and everyone into my residence?"
"He insisted on coming," Qi Yihan replied. "He said he had something to tell you, and he was so confident that there was no possibility between you and me. If I didn't bring him, how could he be made to give up? How could he realize his ignorance and absurdity?"
Li Man'er was still fuming. She glanced at Tong Qiao, only to find that he still showed no intention of leaving. Despite being ridiculed, he still looked as though he refused to believe it.
"Regardless, you will be her aunt in the future. There's nothing wrong with lecturing him a bit."
Li Man'er sneered. "If you put it that way, I really should have a word with him."
"This Prince will go chat with Old Mr. Ning first. You two talk." With that, Qi Yihan turned and left.
Tong Qiao, oblivious to his own peril, walked up to Li Man'er and even attempted to sow discord between her and Qi Yihan. "He doesn't care about you at all. Otherwise, why would he bring me here? Why would he let you see me alone?"
Li Man'er completely ignored his nonsensical ramblings and turned towards the study. She said, "Follow me. I want to see what nonsense you can come up with."
Tong Qiao followed Li Man'er to the study. He had intended to speak with Li Man'er alone, but unfortunately, her maid was persistently hovering around her.
"I have something to say to the Princess. You may leave."
A Si remained motionless, as if she hadn't heard Tong Qiao's words.
A flicker of venom crossed Tong Qiao's eyes. Ever since his mother was punished, everyone's attitude towards him had changed. Now, even a servant dared to disregard him.
"Didn't you hear me?"
A Si treated him as if he were invisible, not even glancing at him.
"She is the Prince's maid. I'm afraid Young Master won't be able to command her," Li Man'er said without offering any tea. "If Young Master has something to say, just say it directly. I'm very busy."
"Man'er…"
Li Man'er's gaze shot towards him like a knife, sharp and devoid of warmth.
Tong Qiao changed his tune. "Princess, I just want to speak with you alone. Is that so difficult?"
"Young Master seems to be unclear about the situation. You are an outsider. Men and women must maintain decorum. If not for the Prince's sake, it would be extremely difficult for you to even enter my Princess's residence. It's already considered polite that I haven't sicced the dogs on you. Don't push your luck."
Tong Qiao felt as if his heart had been fiercely clenched, and his breathing became difficult.
"I know you dislike me."
A Si rolled her eyes. Knowing that and still coming, how shameless.
Tong Qiao took several deep breaths to fortify himself before mustering the courage to speak. "I regret it, Man'er. I truly regret it. Let's get back together!"
A Si's eyes widened. *This isn't just shameless; it's beyond the bounds of decency.*
Li Man'er retorted without politeness, "Tong, are you sick? A good horse doesn't turn back to eat grass. What is this? Are you begging?"
"I..."
"We were betrothed back then, and you acted as if you'd seen a ghost when you saw me! Do you think this Princess can't live without you?" Li Man'er let out a cold snort. "We have no relationship now. What, do you want to avenge the Eldest Princess?"
"No, it wasn't like that." Tong Qiao lowered his head. "I didn't know she would do that. I'm sorry."
"It's useless to say that now. Tong Qiao, leave. I hope we never meet again in this lifetime."
Tong Qiao looked up in panic. "No, Man'er, I know you still have feelings for me. How much you loved me back then! I was blind, and I failed you. I understand that you hate me, but you can't gamble with your own happiness."
A Si thought, *This is too much. He's openly trying to poach the Prince's woman. Who does he think he is?*
Li Man'er also smiled. "I've truly never met anyone like you. You didn't like me bothering you before, and now that I've given up, you're coming back. Tong Qiao, who do you think you are? You were merely a recipient of a bestowed marriage. Without the Empress Dowager's decree, you are nothing."
"It's not like that," Tong Qiao said regretfully. "Man'er, I never thought that way."
"Wasn't it you who called me delusional and wishful-thinking? Wasn't it you who called me a toad?"
Tong Qiao was speechless, but he wanted to plead his case. "Man'er, at that time, I was blind and couldn't see your good qualities. But now I've woken up. I know you have feelings for me. You just wanted to provoke me into marrying your uncle."
"You are mistaken," Li Man'er shook her head. "The Prince and I share a bond of life and death. We fought side by side in Mobei. He was injured for me, and he appreciates everything about me. I was crude in your eyes, but in the Prince's eyes, I have countless virtues."
"That was before. Now I..."
Li Man'er let out a cold laugh. "Yes, that was before. Before, rumors of Li Man'er's disgrace were everywhere in the capital. Now? Princess Anning is a great hero who pacified the Mobei rebellion. The two are naturally incomparable. If I were still the same Li Man'er as before, would you even spare me a glance?"
Tong Qiao was utterly speechless. He, too, wondered if he would have been attracted to the once notorious Li Man'er.
"Tong Qiao, you shouldn't have come here, and you certainly shouldn't compare yourself to the Prince. You are not worthy," Li Man'er said. "I am a ruthless person, and I always act without leaving any room for maneuver. If you still wish to live well, do not provoke me again, or I have plenty of ways to ruin your reputation."
Tong Qiao was deeply struck. He saw a look of resolve in Li Man'er's eyes, as well as a ruthless determination to cut ties completely.
"I understand. I will never come again," Tong Qiao said, head hanging low. The last sliver of hope within him had been extinguished.
Li Man'er gave A Si a look, and the maid immediately said, "Young Master, please leave!" She then escorted him out, not forgetting to instruct the gatekeepers, "From now on, do not let him enter again. The Princess gets annoyed seeing him."
"Yes, yes, Miss A Si, don't worry." The Prince brought him here himself. What could they do?
Fortunately, everything had been clarified.
Li Man'er gritted her teeth. This time, she would settle the score with that Qi fellow.