No household affair could escape Cui Shi's notice. The items the Ning family had sent over some days ago had stirred envy not just in Li Tian'er, but even Cui Shi herself had been tempted. When Li Man'er was confused, she had often squandered wealth, trying to please those around her, even turning a blind eye to those who shamelessly came to mooch.
However, the current Li Man'er was not as easy to deal with as before.
Despite this, Cui Shi still spoke up for Li Man'er.
"Rest assured, Qingping Xuan will be well-maintained, not a single blade of grass will be misplaced," Cui Shi's robust voice carried the authority of the household, and no one dared to gainsay her.
"Thank you, Grandmother. Only then can I travel to the Northern Desert without distraction."
Although Li Man'er's words caused Bai Shi and Li Tian'er to lose face, this mother and daughter were both capable of enduring humiliation. Their faces were practically trampled into the mud by Li Man'er, yet neither wanted to leave.
"Not a single word about Man'er's journey to the Northern Desert must leak out. All of you, keep your mouths shut. If I find out anyone has been spreading rumors, you'll face family discipline." wap.kanshuwu.net
Everyone stood up, bowed, and said, "Yes."
Cui Shi eyed Bai Shi and Li Tian'er. Mother and daughter were both well-behaved, seemingly understanding the gravity of the situation. Even Li En, usually irreverent, was unusually disciplined, devoid of his usual boisterousness.
"I've summoned you all here to inform you of this major matter. It is of utmost importance to our Marquisate. At this time, the family must think as one and work together. If anyone dares to secretly cause trouble, bringing sorrow to our loved ones and joy to our enemies, do not blame me for being unmerciful."
"Mother, what are you saying? We are all family. Naturally, there will be brotherly affection, humility, and consideration."
"It's not about 'best'," Cui Shi shifted the topic back to Li Man'er's journey to the Northern Desert. "Man'er's trip is fraught with peril. Besides your father's personal guards, I plan to send a small contingent to escort her."
"That is proper," Second Master Li Yi finally spoke a sensible word. "No matter how strong Man'er is, she is still a woman. Her safety must be guaranteed."
Cui Shi continued, "I am thinking, our family cannot let only Man'er go to the Northern Desert."
Bai Shi's brow twitched. She felt there was a deeper meaning to Cui Shi's words.
"Then, Mother's intention is?"
Cui Shi's gaze swept over her second and youngest sons. "Brothers fight alongside their kin, fathers and sons fight in battle. Man'er cannot go alone. You are the Marquis's siblings, Man'er's elders, and should naturally accompany her."
Li Yi's face showed distress. He was not afraid of hardship, but if he were to go to the distant Northern Desert, he would have to take leave. This was a crucial period for compiling texts, and if he left, this coveted assignment would be lost to him.
Bai Shi was very anxious. "Mother, Second Master still has duties. Compiling texts and establishing reputations is such a glorious matter. It is rare for several great scholars to choose Second Master. If this opportunity is missed, wouldn't it be a lifelong regret?"
Li Man'er did not rush. She sat quietly, her mind racing.
Second Master Li, a scholar, going to the Northern Desert was originally unrealistic.
As for Fourth Master...
Li Man'er felt a headache coming on. He was a prodigal son, someone who would only drag them down. This gentleman was delicate and pampered, less capable than a woman. It would be better to go alone than to have him accompany her!
"Fourth..."
Before Cui Shi could finish speaking, Li En plopped onto the ground, wailing, "Mother, you cannot make me go! I only know how to eat, drink, and have fun; I can do nothing else. I am a scholar, even if my learning isn't as good as Second Brother's, I am still a Juren, aren't I? How can I go to a harsh and cold place like the Northern Desert? If I go, I might die of exhaustion before I even arrive."
Li Man'er inwardly disdained him immensely but showed no outward sign, watching Li En's performance calmly.
Fourth Master Li repeatedly claimed to be a scholar and a Juren, yet he had not opened a book in years, his learning declining rather than improving. He was now likely worse than a Xiucai. He only knew how to eat, drink, and play, indulging in women every day. Such a person was a disgrace to the Li family; she would be ashamed to acknowledge him if he were outside.
Cui Shi slammed the table forcefully and said angrily, "Enough, I didn't say you were going. Who are you putting on this act for?"
Not letting him go?
The Fourth Master Li, who had been making a big fuss without any real consequence, scrambled up from the ground. "Mother, are you serious?"
"Of course, I am serious." Cui Shi pointed at Fourth Master Li with a look of disappointment and scolded him, "If you go, you will only be a burden to your elder brother and Man'er."
Fourth Master Li grinned and admitted, "Mother is right. I do have that much self-awareness."
Fourth Master isn't going, so are they sending Second Master? kand
Bai Shi's expression soured. She asked cautiously, "Mother, if Fourth Master isn't going, we can't possibly send Second Master, can we? He is also a scholar, and his health has always been rather frail."
Second Master glared fiercely at Bai Shi before saying, "This is a major family matter, and Mother will make the decision. What does a woman like you understand? Be quiet."
Bai Shi cast an indignant glance at Li Yi. She was a woman, so was the Old Madam not? Wasn't she saying this precisely because she wanted him to be safe?
Cui Shi soothed her daughter-in-law, chastising Li Yi with a perfunctory tone. "Why are you shouting? Isn't your wife speaking correctly? Look at your own physique. You spend all your days reading, writing essays, and working at your desk. I fear you can't even get on a horse. If you accompany Man'er to the Northern Desert, with Man'er riding and you in a carriage, what would that look like?"
Li Yi's old face flushed. After a long pause, he managed a few words, "Mother is correct."
Li Man'er thought to herself, this one won't do, that one won't do. Were Cui Shi's previous words all empty talk? Did she perhaps just mean to go through the motions and had no intention of sending anyone with her?
Li Man'er breathed a sigh of relief. Going to the Northern Desert alone would be more freeing.
Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door. It sounded like someone was trying to force their way in, but was being held back by the maids.
Those in the room pricked up their ears. Cui Shi gave a glance, and Nanny Wang quickly went out.
"Young Master, why are you here?"
Inside the room, everyone's expressions shifted. They hadn't expected Li Qingyun to arrive.
"Oh dear, Young Master, Young Master." Nanny Wang couldn't stop Li Qingyun and could only watch as he barged in.
After entering the room, Li Qingyun first paid his respects to the elders present, then said, "Grandmother, I want to go to the Northern Desert."
"Nonsense!" Cui Shi was clearly angered. "Where are the Young Master's attendants? Why aren't they advising him? It's so cold outside; what if he falls ill?"
Li Man'er almost couldn't suppress her laughter. Li Qingyun was twelve. In modern times, he would be an elementary school student, but in this era, he could already be considered for marriage. Yet Cui Shi still doted on him as if he were a young child. What was this if not harming him?