Li Man’er then said, "Uncle Three, rest assured, Qingyan’s good fortune is yet to come." After saying this, she herself paused slightly, thinking how familiar the line was, as if she had heard it somewhere before.
Just then, Li Qingyan, fully dressed, walked out, relieving her of the awkward moment.
"Qingyan, how are you feeling?"
"Quite well, just a bit sleepy." Li Qingyan rubbed her eyes and yawned, "Dad, I want to sleep."
Li Nian said, "Then you go sleep in the inner room!" If Liu Ya were accompanying him, he would be at ease, but these were critical times, and they were on someone else's territory, so caution was paramount.
He could only feel at ease if the child was under his watchful eye.
"Oh." Li Qingyan didn't think much of it. He was truly exhausted and turned to walk into the inner room, falling asleep as soon as he lay down on the bed.
Li Nian and Liu Ya were used to it. It was Zuo Cheng, however, who couldn't understand how the child, so full of energy just moments ago, could become so sleepy in the blink of an eye.
"Third Master, is the young master alright?"
"He's fine," Li Nian waved his hand. "After Man'er treated him with acupuncture, he gets drowsy. He'll be fine after a nap."
Zuo Cheng nodded, "So that's how it is."
"Liu Ya, Man'er is going to the prefectural office to see the Marquis. Her going there might lead to her being detained by the Xiao family, which is fraught with peril. I was thinking of having you go along to assist her and look after her. Are you willing?"
Liu Ya quickly replied, "Your maid is naturally willing! It is an honor that the young lady trusts your maid."
"You are both young ladies, and perhaps the Xiao family will not be overly wary of you. If they are willing to let you leave, so be it. If they are unwilling, remember to protect yourselves. Safety first."
"Uncle Three, rest assured, I'm not a child anymore," Li Man’er said. "Uncle Three, after Liu Ya and I go in, do not act rashly. If the Xiao family doesn't come looking for you, don't go to them, and don't investigate them secretly. Do not alert them."
Li Nian was quite puzzled. "Man’er, I was planning to shake the grass to startle the snake."
This was their usual tactic: to create trouble even when there was none, letting the Xiao family know they were not to be trifled with. Although the guards he brought were few, the tens of thousands of troops outside the city were not for show. Combined with Zuo Cheng and his men, causing trouble would be too easy.
"Just listen to me, Uncle Three! The Xiao family is not afraid of you causing trouble; they fear you *not* causing trouble."
Li Nian pondered for a moment and then, with realization, said, "You're right, it's not advisable to act rashly."
Zuo Cheng didn't understand. "Young lady, what exactly is going on? You should still inform your subordinate of your plans."
"I can't tell you for now. I need to go in and see for myself. When I come out, or when I send word, you will understand."
"Man'er, you must not be reckless. Sending messages will likely be difficult, and if the Xiao family discovers it, it might be hard to resolve."
"Uncle Three, rest assured, I understand," Li Man’er said. After thinking for a moment, she added, "We'll rest tonight. After breakfast tomorrow, I will go to the prefectural office to meet the Xiao family."
"Young lady, aren't we going now? The Marquis has been poisoned and unconscious for some days." Zuo Cheng was a little anxious. He felt that the young lady's attitude towards the Marquis was somewhat subtle, not showing much concern.
Li Man’er gave him a cold glance. "Are you questioning my decision, Guard Zuo?"
"I dare not," Zuo Cheng broke out in a cold sweat, feeling as if disaster was imminent and he could be choked to death at any moment.
The feeling was so real, as if the Black and White Impermanence were standing behind him. A sense of helplessness and suffocation quietly enveloped him. Zuo Cheng feared he would become a dead man in the next second.
He hadn't even gotten married yet!
Li Man’er withdrew her gaze and said, "Guard Zuo, it's getting late. You should go rest for now. We can talk more later."
Zuo Cheng quickly cupped his fists. "Yes, your subordinate takes his leave."
After leaving the guest room, Zuo Cheng realized his forehead was covered in cold sweat...
"Liu Ya, tomorrow at the prefectural office, no matter how the Xiao family or those minor officials make things difficult for us, remember not to act rashly. Even if they disrespect me or try to kill me, you must not make a move. If you do, my plan will be ruined."
"Miss, your maid doesn't understand, why?"
Li Man’er explained, "The Xiao family will definitely test us. We need to make them let down their guard. Only then will our lives be a little easier going forward."
Liu Ya thought for a moment and then nodded. "Miss, your maid understands."
"Also, this is my medicine chest. You have to carry it for me tomorrow."
"No problem." Liu Ya picked up the medicine chest without a word, lifted it slightly, and slung it over her shoulder with ease.
Li Man’er shook her head. "You need to act like it's very heavy and you can barely carry it."
"Ah?"
"Pretend this box is very heavy, and you can't carry it." Li Man’er tilted her chin slightly. "Put it down and try again."
Liu Ya had no choice but to put the medicine chest down and then shoulder it again. She didn't know how to act like it was heavy and just performed as she thought fit. It looked very awkward and was obvious she was faking.
"This won't do. It looks very heavy and burdensome to carry."
Liu Ya tried a few more times, and finally, Li Man’er nodded.
"Not bad, but still not up to par. Later, take everything out of the box and put two heavy stones inside to get a feel for it. Practice this today, and it will be useful at the prefectural office tomorrow."
Liu Ya nodded, half-understanding. "Miss, please be assured, your maid understands."
Li Man’er then said to Li Nian, "Uncle Three, please tell the guards who came with us that they are not to go out without reason and must not cause trouble. Also, that box of crossbows needs to be kept a close eye on."
"Don't worry, I'll have someone carry it to my room and put it under the bed."
Li Man’er nodded. "Uncle Three, I want to see A'qi."
"Alright," Li Nian nodded. "You can wait in the next room."
Mobei was a strategically important border city. Due to its geographical location, there were not many traveling merchants. It was somewhat better in spring and autumn, but in winter, life there became particularly difficult, leading to a very high turnover rate in all trades. Only long-established restaurants and inns could maintain a foothold.
Because the inn business was slow, Li Man’er and her entourage had booked the entire backyard of the inn. Apart from the staff who delivered water and food daily, no unauthorized personnel were allowed near.
Li Man’er went to the adjacent room, and before long, A'qi knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A'qi slipped in and closed the door carefully. "Young lady."
"How is your injury?"
"It's not serious, thank you, young lady, for saving my life. If you hadn't intervened, my life would have likely been forfeit. Thank you, thank you."
His garrulous nature remained unchanged.