Chapter 316 No One in the Xiao Family is Normal

The difference between the new and old cities was vividly reflected in the people guarding them.

The soldiers of the old city, though ragged, possessed an undeniable spirit. Each face bore the marks of hardship, but their eyes shone with an unnerving intensity. They stood with an unassuming presence, yet at the slightest disturbance, they transformed, their bodies brimming with energy, like a drawn sword or a coiled beast ready to pounce and tear at an enemy's throat.

These were the elite, veterans forged in the fires of countless battles. Their experience was vast, their individual combat skills formidable, and on the battlefield, they were fierce and valiant warriors. The fact that such men guarded the city gates spoke volumes about the formidable strength of the Xiao family army. As Qi Yihan had said, skirmishes along the border were common, and those barbarians were brutal and difficult to defeat. Those who survived were naturally loyal and brave soldiers who had seen many battles.

While the soldiers of the old city were an elite force, the entire old city itself was a picture of desolation. Everywhere the eye fell, there was ruin. The streets no longer bore their former smoothness and width. Houses on either side had either collapsed or were crumbling. Some shops still bore their plaques, but their doors and windows were gone, indicating they had been abandoned.

The old city was not small in scale, yet it was almost devoid of civilians. It had clearly become a military encampment. The city's defenses were stringent, and one could not help but feel that unseen eyes were watching them from every shadow.

Li Man'er could sense a faint aura of killing intent emanating from hidden spots along the streets. She wondered if these were soldiers fresh from the battlefield or if this hostility was directed specifically at them.

Meanwhile, inside the city's governmental office, Xiao Ruqin and Xiao Ruduo were discussing defense matters.

"This time, not only must we handle this flawlessly, but we must also bring down that Li fellow," Xiao Ruduo said, his expression shifting several times. "Speaking of which, this whole idea came from the eldest brother. He's hiding in the background, playing the good guy, and making us two the pawns. It's a bit unfair."

Xiao Ruqin replied, "Isn't that just how he always is? It's only because he can no longer fight on the battlefield that his influence in the military has diminished somewhat. Otherwise, he'd likely do even more outrageous things."

As the brothers were talking, a report came in: Li Shu had returned.

A knowing smile passed between the brothers. "Let's go, we'll go and greet this unfortunate Marquis."

Xiao Ruduo, his hair now entirely white, curved his lips into a smile and followed his third brother, Xiao Ruqin, out.

Soon, the two brothers came face to face with Li Shu.

"Ah, Marquis, you've made a remarkable recovery."

"Your subordinate greets the Marquis."

The Xiao brothers bowed to Li Shu with feigned courtesy, their gazes subtly assessing the unfamiliar faces behind him. Xiao Ruqin's eyes, sharp as poisoned daggers, fell upon Li Man'er, creating an uncomfortable sensation, as if they held some hidden agenda, laden with danger.

Li Man'er was no naive young lady who had never seen the world. When others subtly appraised her, she acted as if she were unaware, instead looking back openly. This caused Xiao Ruqin to falter for a moment, after which he offered her a smile.

How to describe him…

Xiao Ruqin was extremely thin, gaunt. His hair was completely white, making him appear eighty years old if one only looked at his hair. However, his face suggested he was only in his early thirties, even younger than Li Shu. He had a pair of piercing eyes, and his appearance was somewhat unnatural, creating a jarring dissonance.

Li Man'er glanced at him twice before averting her gaze, thinking to herself, *Suicidal!* This person was clearly no benevolent soul. To prolong his life with secret arts at such a young age was a severe blow to his karma, and his life was nearing its end, beyond anyone's salvation.

From the few mentions she'd heard from Li Shu and others, she surmised this must be Xiao Ruduo, the fourth son of the Xiao family. The man with the goatee was likely Xiao Ruqin, the third son, and the current master of the Ninth Prince. Thinking of this, Li Man'er couldn't help but sigh at the twists of fate.

In the brief moment she was lost in thought, Li Shu had finished his pleasantries with the Xiao brothers.

"Marquis, and who might these individuals be?" Xiao Ruqin inquired, glancing at Li Nian and then at Li Man'er, disguised as a man, with a hint of curiosity.

"This is my third brother, Li Nian. He and his wife have served under General Bai for many years, far from the capital. They returned to report this year, and coincidentally, when I fell ill, they escorted my daughter here to Mobei."

"So, you are Deputy General Li. I've heard much about you, indeed."

Previously, they hadn't known Li Shu's background, only that the Li family boasted two generals, which was quite impressive. Now, seeing Li Shu's diminished state, the Xiao brothers naturally didn't hold Li Nian in high regard, assuming him to be just as incompetent. However, they didn't reveal this.

Li Nian clasped his hands in a fist and pushed slightly forward, a gesture of return greeting.

"And this young lady, is she your esteemed daughter?"

All eyes then turned to Li Man'er. Although Liu Ya was dressed as a woman and wore neat attire, she stood behind Li Man'er with a respectful demeanor, appearing to defer to Li Man'er in all matters, clearly not the mistress. In contrast, Li Man'er, despite her male attire, possessed a peerless beauty and demeanor that the vast desert wind could not conceal.

"Yes, Man'er, pay your respects to the two generals."

*Tch.*

Li Man'er clasped her hands in a fist and bowed, "I greet the two generals."

Xiao Ruduo's eyes flashed with a sudden brilliance as if struck by an idea. "I never imagined your esteemed daughter to be so valiant. Truly, a woman no less heroic than a man."

"The general flatters me."

What was meant as a polite remark was met with another question from Xiao Ruduo, "I hear Miss Li possesses extraordinary medical skills. You were the one who cured the poison afflicting the Marquis. A truly worthy daughter of a military family."

"The poison afflicting my father was not an incurable ailment. I imagine it was due to the lack of physicians here that it took so long to treat," Li Man'er replied, a hint of mockery flashing in her clear eyes, as if to mock the Xiao family's incompetence.

Li Shu's face immediately darkened. He felt Li Man'er's words were not a criticism of the Xiao family, but a slap in his own face. Before he could speak, Xiao Ruqin stepped in to smooth things over, his words flowing beautifully, "Standing out here in the cold wind, talking, is rather tiresome. It is my failing as a host. Come, let us go inside to talk."

Li Shu, unable to object, followed the two Xiao brothers into the courtyard.

Xiao Ruqin called for his confidant and instructed him to arrange resting places for Li Shu's and Li Nian's personal guards. He then personally led his fourth brother, along with Li Man'er, Liu Ya, Qin Si, and Old Sun, into the main hall of the governmental office.

"Gentlemen, please excuse our lack of proper hospitality. We did not anticipate the Marquis's return today, so no welcoming feast has been prepared," Xiao Ruqin stated. Li Man'er, observing his appearance, which resembled that of a scribe, immediately discerned that this man was outwardly strong but inwardly weak, appearing physically robust but in reality, only slightly better than an ordinary person. Thinking of Xiao Ruxu's leg, and then looking at these two brothers, she mused that the Xiao family was truly peculiar; not a single normal person among them.