Old Sun never imagined that the jars and earthenware pots Li Man'er had asked him to buy, the things he dismissed as useless burdens, would eventually prove so useful.
Old Sun returned to Li Shu's residence and reported, "Your Highness, the eldest young lady has heard your command and immediately packed her belongings, ready to depart at any moment you give the word."
Li Shu hadn't expected Li Man'er to agree so readily, leaving him no excuse to act out and only allowing him to huff in dissatisfaction.
Old Sun was impatient with Li Shu's demeanor. In his eyes, Li Shu was an incompetent, muddled fool.
He couldn't distinguish between good and bad.
"Your Highness, the eldest young lady asked me to remind you that the third master is still waiting for your news at the inn. If we are going to the old city, shouldn't we rendezvous with the third master? Should the third master accompany us, or should he turn back to the capital? There needs to be a decision."
Li Shu had almost forgotten about this.
The third branch was the only concubine-born line in the Li family. He had been away from the capital for many years, and the brotherly affection was very shallow.
Li Shu felt that if Li Nian remained here, he would not only be unhelpful but might even cause trouble. Li Nian was also a military officer; what if he stayed and snatched the credit? More importantly, Li Shu wanted to eliminate Li Man'er in the old city. He feared Li Nian's presence would ruin his plans and expose his murderous intent. Thus, he absolutely did not want to see Li Nian. He ordered Old Sun to go to the inn and inform Li Nian that he was fine and that Li Nian should return to the capital.
Old Sun was stunned. People always said that father and son fought side by side, and brothers fought tigers. The third master had escorted the eldest young lady to the northern desert to rescue someone. Even if he had no merit, he had at least endured hardship. The journey was perilous, fraught with wolves, barbarians, bandits, and other uncertainties. To be dismissed without even meeting him.
While Old Sun was lost in thought, Li Shu's impatient voice rang out, "Why are you still here? Hurry up and deliver the message. The Xiao family is also eager for us to go to the old city quickly and won't stop you."
Old Sun slightly lowered his head, turned, and left without even a bow. He walked directly to Li Man'er's courtyard and, with a grim expression, relayed Li Shu's exact words.
Upon hearing this, Li Man'er understood immediately!
That scumbag father was afraid of Li Nian stealing credit.
And from Li Shu's words, it seemed he was planning to make a move against her. He was afraid Li Nian would witness his scheme if he stayed, which was why he wanted to send him away.
Li Man'er chuckled lightly, unconcerned, and instructed, "It's good that you go. Tell the third master that I want to buy jars and pots, and ask him to send people to buy as many as possible. Also, military achievements are within reach. There's no reason not to go. Tell the third master to prepare himself and bring Qingyan along to gain some experience."
Old Sun was about to say something, but Li Man'er interrupted, "Never mind. Let the third master choose for himself. Explain the situation to him clearly. Whether to go or stay, it's up to him."
Old Sun had no choice but to go deliver the message.
"Miss, His Highness's actions are truly disheartening," Liu Ya, being from Madam Yu's side, naturally sided with the third branch.
The reason Li Nian escorted Li Man'er to the northern desert was, in essence, to save the Marquis's reputation. Yet, the brothers couldn't even meet, let alone receive a word of thanks.
"Hmph, he has always been cold-hearted." Lacking any humanity.
Although Liu Ya was angry, she knew she was not in a position to judge Li Shu and could only fume silently.
"Have the belongings been packed properly?"
"Miss, rest assured, everything is packed," Liu Ya replied. "Apart from the medical kit, medicines, and some of your clothes, there are not many other items."
Li Man'er nodded. "Then we shall wait. As soon as Old Sun has any news, we will leave here."
"Miss, dare I ask, are you not afraid of going to the old city?" Liu Ya had followed Li Nian and his wife for many years and had seen much in the military. Her perception of warfare was far sharper than that of ordinary people.
She had observed the series of actions by the prefectural yamen, Xiao Rukai's arrangements, and Li Shu's hurriedness. Recalling the constant warfare on the border and the fact that the barbarians did not observe the New Year, she had formed some suspicions.
"What is there to fear?" Li Man'er sighed softly. "If we cannot repel the barbarians, the northern desert, and even the entire Zun Kingdom, will become a battlefield. That would be truly terrifying."
Liu Ya naturally understood the gravity of the situation and said no more.
Meanwhile, Old Sun left the prefectural yamen and headed straight for Li Nian's lodgings.
As the New Year was approaching, the inn where they were staying showed no signs of closing. Merchants who had come to the northern desert for business, or those with ulterior motives, had not departed before the end of the year. They were all forced to stay at the inn and celebrate the New Year here.
The innkeeper was hospitable and, seeking to earn more money, kept the establishment running, not giving the staff any holidays.
Old Sun arrived at the back courtyard where Li Nian and his party were staying and immediately found Li Nian, informing him about the potential war at the turn of the year.
Li Nian's expression became somewhat excited. "Elder brother has recovered completely. I assume he will lead the troops to fight the enemy?"
"Yes! However, His Highness does not wish for you to be present. He sent me to deliver a message to the third master, asking you to return."
Li Nian's brows furrowed, but then he smiled. "What did your young lady say?"
Old Sun felt somewhat helpless, as if he had been sold to Li Man'er.
"The young lady said that the decision is yours to make. If you wish to go, then go. If you wish to stay, then stay. However, she also mentioned that this is such a good opportunity, and you should bring Young Master Qingyan along." Old Sun spoke truthfully and added, "Third Master, the eldest young lady also wants to buy jars and earthenware pots, the more the better."
Jars, earthenware pots?
"What does she want them for?" And the more the better.
"This humble servant does not know," Old Sun said awkwardly. "The young lady is being secretive and hasn't explained, only asking me to buy these items for her. She wants to take them to the old city, where they will be useful."
Li Nian considered it. Li Man'er never did things without reason. The items she requested must not be a whim.
"Do this: I will send someone to accompany you to buy them. We have explored this area extensively during this period. While we may not be able to find out other things, buying jars and earthenware pots will be easy."
Old Sun seemed visibly relieved upon hearing this. "Then I thank you, Third Master. However, please make a decision regarding going to the old city."
Li Nian then asked, "During this time, hasn't Man'er argued with her father quite a bit?"
His great niece was so outstanding, excelling in everything, and possessed a strong will. He suspected she couldn't tolerate her father's actions.
Old Sun thought to himself, arguing was an understatement!
If not for their blood relation, the Marquis would have died countless times. On several occasions, he had seen a murderous glint flash in Li Man'er's eyes, and she had almost acted.
"The father and daughter are at odds, that's for sure." Old Sun didn't want to say more, lest he appear like a gossip.