Li Qingyun had never truly looked at Li Man'er. When Madam Guo was alive, she constantly instilled in him that Li Man'er was a menace, a fool. The original host of Li Man'er's body, during her lifetime, had indeed been a disappointment, her actions having earned her a notorious reputation. Li Qingyun, due to having such an elder sister, had suffered ridicule from his peers.
Li Qingyun's ingrained disgust for Li Man'er ran so deep that he had never bothered to understand her true character. He didn't even know that Li Man'er practiced martial arts, and was highly skilled.
Looking at Li Man'er's cold eyes, at the glinting dagger in her hand, Li Qingyun felt fear for the first time.
He was afraid of Li Man'er, truly afraid she would kill him without hesitation, just as he intended to kill her.
"Eldest Sister, you... you can't kill me. I am the heir, Father's legitimate eldest son."
Li Man'er sneered, "Do you think I care about the Li family, about Father, or about your damn legitimate eldest son?"
Li Qingyun's eyes widened, unable to comprehend Li Man'er's words.
In families like theirs, wasn't the most important thing the prosperity and continuation of the clan? Li Man'er, as a woman, once married, would have only her maternal family to rely on. Without her natal family, she would be nothing. If her natal family was strong, and her brothers supported her, then she could live well.
Why did she not care about any of it?
For someone from that era, it was understandable that Li Man'er's words were incomprehensible.
"Father has more than one son. You are the legitimate eldest, the heir, but in life, there are always unforeseen circumstances, aren't there?"
Li Man'er patiently squatted down. Li Qingyun trembled slightly, not daring to move.
"What if you die? Or become crippled?" Li Man'er looked as if she were casually discussing what to eat for dinner. "Tell me, what if I disfigured your face, or severed your Achilles tendons, leaving you a cripple? Would you still be able to be the heir?"
In this era, there were requirements for appearance when selecting an heir or an official. If there was a legitimate son, he would be chosen. If not, the eldest would be chosen. Anyone with physical deformities or injuries could not inherit a title or hold office.
Even princes and grandsons, if they became disabled, would be forever out of contention for the throne.
Li Qingyun's eyes were filled with intense fear. "No, no, you can't do this." Father was paralyzed, Mother was gone. If he also lost his position as heir, he would truly have nothing left.
"What I do depends on you..."
Li Qingyun couldn't understand. "I... I don't know."
"Idiot. I'm asking you, why are you not attending your studies and coming here to cause me trouble? In other words, who the hell has been poisoning our sibling relationship in front of you?"
Li Qingyun was still a child. Startled by her, he immediately said, "It was... it was Second Aunt. She... she said Father's illness was strange, and that it was you who forced my sister to marry into the Liang family, and that you forced Mother to her death."
Green Clothes' teeth itched with anger upon hearing this. They shouldn't have treated Second Madam back then; she was a treacherous ingrate.
Zi Yan was also angry, but Second Madam was the mistress, and they were servants, so they had no say.
"The second branch is doing quite well."
Li Man'er said, "Seeing Father fall ill, their ambitions have indeed become restless. How laughable that you, a stupid pig, are being used as a pawn without even realizing it!"
Li Qingyun was filled with anger, fear, and a touch of shame. He didn't dare to utter another word.
Li Man'er stood up, hands on her hips, looking at the people sprawled on the ground. With great spirit, she declared, "This household, if I tear it down, it's my business. If others want to scheme against me, then screw them!"
On this day, the Li mansion was in a state of trembling. Everyone knew that the eldest daughter, Li Man'er, was completely unlike her former self. This one was not to be trifled with! She dared to strike even the heir, dislocating his arm. It was rumored she had also disrespected the old madam. What else was there that she wouldn't dare to do?
Madam Bai was naturally in a panic. Her intention was to sow discord between Li Qingyun and Li Man'er, so that they would both suffer, allowing the second branch to benefit. However, she had never imagined that Li Qingyun would be so foolish. He had caused trouble, uttered insults, and yet ended up being defeated and dealt with.
What Madam Bai feared most was Li Man'er coming to settle accounts with her. But after two days, when Li Man'er did not come to demand an explanation, she became smug again.
From the third branch, Yu Shi had not gone to see Li Man'er. Apart from the day Li Man'er first returned and clashed with Cui Shi, during which Yu Shi had entered Songhe Hall to speak up for Li Man'er, the two had not met again. Yu Shi not only did not see Li Man'er herself, but she also did not let Li Qingyan see her.
"Mother, why?" Li Qingyan couldn't understand. She had been sulking for the past few days.
Yu Shi said, "Your eldest sister has just returned, and there are many matters in the household. Your eldest uncle is gravely ill, doesn't she have to take care of him? The heir is ignorant and came to cause trouble for her. As the eldest sister, she has to discipline her brother. How can she manage everything? Moreover, your grandmother harbors resentment towards your eldest sister. Why would you add to the chaos?"
Li Qingyan was no longer young. She had seen some things and could understand a little. She felt that Yu Shi's words were not entirely accurate, but she couldn't think of anything else for the moment and could only meekly agree.
"Then I won't go."
"That's right! You, quickly study. When your eldest sister is free, then go see her."
Li Qingyan, with no other choice, reluctantly went to her studies, feeling unhappy.
"Madam, are you truly alright? What if Eldest Daughter misunderstands you?" The one speaking was Liu Ya, who had been by Yu Shi's side ever since she escorted Li Qingyan back to the capital.
"Eldest Daughter is an intelligent person, she will understand."
Li Man'er might understand, but not everyone did.
Zi Yan did not understand. "Miss, you've been back for a few days. Apart from the fourth branch sending some things, there has been no movement from the third branch. I can't understand why."
She felt that the people from the third branch were quite close to the eldest daughter. On the first day of the eldest daughter's return, the third madam had even contradicted the old madam to defend her. Yet now, why were they not even showing their faces?
Li Man'er only said, "Third Aunt's actions are correct." Currently, Beiting was in Li Nian's hands, and he had taken over this duty from Li Shu. Those who were unaware might try to create trouble between the legitimate and illegitimate branches of the Li family. Yu Shi's act of maintaining distance at this time was a very wise decision.
"By the way, did Fourth Madam's delivery go smoothly?"
While Li Man'er was away, Tian Shi had given birth to a fat baby boy weighing six pounds. This had delighted their entire family. With this son, Tian Shi had a reliance. No matter how unreliable Li Si might be in the future, she would have hope.
"It went very smoothly. She safely delivered the sixth young master in just two hours."
"Has a name been chosen?"
Zi Yan replied, "This name should have been chosen by the Marquis. Now, it is likely that Fourth Master will have to choose it himself."