Qi Yihan's brow furrowed slightly at Li Man'er's sarcastic and peculiar words.
"What did you give Tong Qiao? Didn't you turn him into an idiot?"
Li Man'er's almond-shaped eyes immediately widened. "How could I? I'm a professional. Not too much, not too little, just right."
Why would Tong Qiao, who had previously disliked Li Man'er so much, suddenly change his tune and be so infatuated with her?
This wasn't something that could be achieved by simply drugging him.
This was all Li Man'er's doing. Tong Qiao had merely been hypnotized by her, and that was all.
The Princess Royal's crime, Cui Shi's crime – if only she knew about them, what would be the point? Of course, their crimes had to be exposed to the public so they could receive the harshest and most severe punishment.
However, for this matter, she needed Qi Yihan's help. The implications were too vast. No matter how capable she was, she couldn't arrange everything by herself. Thus, she had to seek his assistance.
Unexpectedly, Qi Yihan also intended to act against the Tong family and, in passing, revealed a shocking secret. When Li Man'er first heard this secret, she uttered several exclamations of disbelief, indicating the immense impact it had on her.
In any case, both the Tong family and the Princess Royal were on their list of targets. They hit it off immediately and collaborated to set up this scheme, aimed at leaving no one able to hide.
"What do you think the Emperor is thinking? Is he really coming in person?" Once the truth is exposed, where would the royal dignity be?
"Talking about dignity or not," Qi Yihan said, "I'm afraid this matter has already provoked him. My dear brother is a ruthless character. More than royal dignity, he cares more about his dignity as a man."
Li Man'er nodded in understanding. "In any case, this matter involves a wide scope, and perhaps everyone will die."
Qi Yihan smiled faintly. "Are you afraid?"
Li Man'er appeared indifferent. "At worst, I'll wander the world. I'm not someone who clings to wealth and status. Besides..." As long as she wanted to, bringing down Emperor Chenghua would be a simple matter.
Qi Yihan also understood her implied meaning and immediately said, "Don't overthink, don't talk nonsense. It won't happen." It hadn't reached that point yet.
Li Man'er raised an eyebrow. It seemed Qi Yihan had already made all the arrangements, and she had been worrying unnecessarily.
Soon, the day arrived to visit the Princess Royal's mansion for a flower viewing.
Li Man'er casually chose a newly made spring dress, tidied herself up simply, and intended to leave the mansion.
"County Princess, are you planning to go dressed like this?"
Li Man'er looked down at herself. "It's fine. What's wrong with it?"
"It's too plain. At a flower viewing banquet, everyone will be vying for attention. You are a County Princess; you shouldn't be too plain in your attire. As long as you don't overstep your bounds."
Li Man'er, however, said, "I'm here to watch the spectacle, not to be part of it. Let's go!" She had already adorned her hair with a hairpin and a phoenix-shaped ornament, which felt incredibly heavy. If she added a few more items, would her neck be able to bear it?
Seeing that they couldn't persuade her, the maids could only give up.
Luyi and Ziyan accompanied Li Man'er out of the mansion.
Outside the mansion gate, a carriage was ready, and Qi Yihan had been waiting for a while.
Meeting before their wedding was technically improper, but who was Qi Yihan? He was the Ninth Prince. Who would dare to accuse him? Even the usually arrogant and outspoken censors remained silent on this matter, let alone others.
Did they not want to live, to dare to provoke the Ninth Prince's displeasure?
The carriage stopped in front of the Princess Royal's mansion, and Qi Yihan helped Li Man'er alight.
The gatekeepers, upon seeing the two arrive, quickly bowed forward. "This humble servant greets the Ninth Prince and Princess Anning."
Qi Yihan looked straight ahead and said to Li Man'er, "You go in first. I need to have a word with the Duke."
"Alright." Li Man'er nodded. The two exchanged a knowing glance and nodded in understanding.
The usher led Li Man'er to the warm pavilion and then quietly withdrew.
"Princess Anning has arrived!"
This announcement drew everyone's gaze. Those in the warm pavilion, both familiar and unfamiliar, turned to look at Li Man'er.
Li Man'er immediately spotted the Princess Royal, who was dressed very grandly today in a full set of ceremonial attire, displaying imperial presence. Her head was adorned with numerous gold ornaments, making her look like a walking sunflower from a distance.
Cui Shi was also present and appeared to be in good spirits. Although her face was heavily powdered, she looked a bit plumper than she had a few days ago.
It seemed her medicine was working, at least it could compress Cui Shi's remaining lifespan.
Oh, and there were a few particularly familiar faces.
Li Man'er strolled in, smiling enchantingly, possessing unparalleled beauty.
She indeed had a face that could topple cities and nations, her skin flawless and lustrous like jade, making her unforgettable and inevitably provoking a hint of jealousy.
"Anning greets the Princess Royal."
The Princess Royal glanced at her, speaking in a tone that was neither soft nor hard. "Anning is here."
"You personally sent the invitation, how could Anning dare not come?" Li Man'er rose, then looked at Cui Shi and said softly, "Has Grandmother recovered completely? You look well."
Cui Shi snorted, "You don't need to worry, County Princess. This old woman isn't dead yet." As soon as she said this, everyone around cast curious glances, as if the grandmother and granddaughter were having a rather unpleasant exchange.
Li Tian'er, who had accompanied Cui Shi, curtsied to Li Man'er. "Greetings, County Princess."
"Tian'er, we are sisters; there's no need for such politeness."
Li Tian'er smiled exceptionally gently. "Courtesy must not be neglected. Eldest Sister is now a County Princess, and it is only proper. Rest assured, County Princess, Grandmother has largely recovered. Tian'er has been attending to her, staying by Grandmother's side and seeing her improve day by day."
Upon hearing this, the people present began to whisper.
Li Man'er, with her keen hearing, overheard many sarcastic remarks, calling her falsely virtuous and unfilial, while praising Li Tian'er for being dutiful and filial.
This was preposterous!
"Sister has always been a filial person. Thank you for taking care of Grandmother." Li Man'er casually found a comfortable spot and sat down, as if unaffected by everything.
She was a County Princess, and no matter what, others would not sideline her. Soon, a maid brought tea.
Someone ingratiatingly asked the Princess Royal for confirmation, "Your Highness, we heard that the Young Duke has procured many precious and rare flowers for you. Such as 'Eighteen Scholars' and 'First Rank Orchid.' Is it true?"
The Princess Royal smiled and nodded. "Tong Qiao, this child, is truly filial. He knows I like flowers and that I've been feeling troubled lately, so he specially found those flowers to please me." Her gaze drifted casually to Li Man'er, as if to say, you are not worthy of my son.
Li Man'er said nothing, took a sip of tea with a smile, and gently fiddled with the hem of her skirt.
A faint fragrance wafted out, unnoticed by anyone.