Before Li Man'er left, she specifically told Li Nian, "Third Uncle, don't worry, Qingyan will be fine. I'll watch over him."
Li Nian didn't say much, only cautioning her to be careful.
Uncle and nephew understood each other without a word, and after parting, they each went about their own business.
Upon returning to the prefectural office, Li Man'er did not go back to her own courtyard but headed directly to Li Shu's residence.
Li Shu had already changed into his armor and looked quite imposing. His body, having suffered damage, was thinner than before, but this did not diminish his martial general's dignity.
Li Man'er maintained his dignity in front of outsiders, at least so as not to give them any leverage. Thus, she only walked to the side of Liu Ya and Old Sun, saying nothing.
The group was ready. Li Shu's personal guards were waiting outside the gate. After losing several men like Li Wenchang, this contingent was reduced to just over twenty men. Including Li Man'er, Liu Ya, Old Sun, and Qin Si, the total was no more than thirty people.
Xiao Rugui stood at the prefectural gate bidding farewell to Li Shu.
Regardless of any past unpleasantness or disagreements between them, there was no need for sarcasm or threats at this moment.
Xiao Rugui knew the relationship between Li Shu and Li Man'er, father and daughter, was like fire and water. It was a case of "when the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits." He had witnessed Li Man'er's capabilities and felt that this girl was highly competent and unyielding. If she returned safely from the old city this time, the position of the Xiao family's eldest daughter-in-law would be hers. Conversely, if something happened to her, he would consider the matter dropped.
Li Shu's thoughts were simpler.
Although he and Xiao Rugui had political disagreements, the fact that Xiao Rugui allowed him to go to the old city to celebrate the New Year with the soldiers showed that the man had some backbone and might not have rebellious intentions.
Of course, Li Shu was also wary of Xiao Rugui from all sides. Even if Xiao Rugui harbored no rebellious intent, it did not mean that other members of the Xiao family did. He would have to wait until he reached the old city, meet other members of the Xiao family, and then act accordingly.
If Li Man'er knew that Li Shu had been in Mobei for so long without even meeting all the Xiao family members, she would probably laugh at him again.
A useless weakling.
Xiao Qiniang also arrived. Seeing that Li Man'er was dressed in men's clothing, she swallowed all her intended words.
Li Man'er, noticing the flicker in her eyes, guessed she had something unpleasant in mind and asked Liu Ya, "Did she come looking for me?"
"Yes, she was quite haughty, sending Fu Ling instead and expecting you to go see her."
Heh.
"Don't mind her. Unless it's something truly important, she's probably just trying to subtly trip us up."
Liu Ya leaned in conspiratorially, "This servant thinks the same. She asked and then didn't say anything; clearly, she has ill intentions."
In reality, Li Man'er had a good idea. Xiao Qiniang was likely entrusted by Xiao Si to ask her to speak with Xiao Si.
This woman, with her ill intentions and seemingly dim wit, was transparent to Li Man'er. She wouldn't fall for it!
However, the Xiao family was quite interesting, with all sorts of messy affairs that truly opened her eyes.
Soon, Li Shu and Xiao Rugui bid farewell. "General Xiao, take care."
"Marquis, you too. When you return, we shall have a few more drinks."
Li Shu nodded and mounted his horse.
Li Man'er and the others also mounted their horses, adjusted their cloaks, and prepared for a hundred-mile dash.
"Depart."
With Li Shu's order, the leading horses shot forward, followed closely by the rest of the group urging their steeds to keep pace.
Because it was close to New Year's, there were still many people on the streets. The group could only patiently proceed at a leisurely pace; it wouldn't do to gallop through the streets.
As they reached the city gate, Li Shu spotted Li Nian's caravan in the distance.
"Whoa~" Li Shu reined in his horse, looking at Li Nian with some annoyance.
Li Nian rode his horse to meet Li Shu and approached him.
This was the first time the brothers had met, but Li Shu's mood was far from pleasant. "What is going on? Didn't anyone tell you to go back?" His tone was very unfriendly.
Li Nian merely said, "Elder Brother, it's almost the New Year. The journey back will likely be inconvenient, and finding lodging will be difficult. The weather is so cold. If it were just us adults, it would be fine, but Qingyan is still here. We can't let the child suffer with us!"
"Isn't this reckless? Why did you bring Qingyan?"
A hint of blame appeared on Li Nian's face. "Qingyan's health is poor, and he was considered incurable. However, Man'er can treat him! Man'er is risking herself in Mobei for you, so I must escort her for Qingyan's sake."
Li Nian's meaning was clear. Li Man'er was originally there to treat Li Qingyan, but because Li Shu's poisoning had caused complications, she was forced to bring her son along to escort Li Man'er. She feared that if something happened to Li Man'er, not only would Li Shu not be saved, but Li Qingyan would also be at risk.
Li Shu was aware that Li Qingyan had a "three-severities physique." He had not expected Li Man'er to be so formidable that she could even cure such a rare and fatal illness.
"Since you're here, I can't just turn you away! But be warned, conditions in the old city are harsh."
A smile spread across Li Nian's face. "Don't worry, Elder Brother. I've been in and out of military camps since I was a teenager; I've endured all sorts of hardship. As for Qingyan, he's traveled with his mother and me for years and is accustomed to it."
As if hearing their conversation, Li Qingyan opened the curtain of his carriage, revealing a slightly pale little face. He reached out and waved continuously at Li Shu, "Uncle, Uncle."
A smile appeared on Li Shu's face. "Then let's go together! I'm not just worried about Yan'er."
Li Shu didn't overthink it, but Li Nian knew that this journey to the old city would be anything but simple.
"Yes, Elder Brother doted on him since he was young, but the child is not very promising." Li Nian waved his hand, signaling his son to get back into the carriage.
Li Qingyan obediently curled back in, then reached up to touch the powder on his face and muttered to himself, "I look like an opera performer."
Everyone knew that the barbarians were planning something big, and only Li Shu was being kept in the dark.
Outside the city, Li Shu and his group, armed with Xiao Rugui's orders, passed through quickly without a moment's delay.
There were far fewer people outside the city, and they could pick up speed considerably. However, due to the presence of a carriage in their procession, their speed was still somewhat affected.
Li Man'er rode on her horse, her head covered by a hood, appearing to be in deep thought.
Liu Ya had a belly full of questions but dared not voice them for fear of being overheard.
Old Sun was no different. He wanted to ask about the jars, wondering if all the jars he had bought had been taken, leaving none for himself and benefiting that hunchback instead.
There was no conversation along the way. The group hurried along and finally reached the old city before dark.
The city guards still stopped them, but after verifying Xiao Rugui's orders, they allowed the group to enter the city.
Li Man'er sat upright on her horse, instantly recognizing the difference between the old city and the new.