After Zi Yan left, Li Man'er put Dang Nu into her spatial dimension and used the same rope that had bound Old Sun to tie Qian Erniang even more securely.
As for the petty individuals outside the courtyard, they were all second-rate characters. Li Man'er had crippled their limbs and injured their internal organs. Climbing back up the mountain would be no easy feat for them.
Not long after, Old Sun returned, his forehead covered in sweat, but he appeared quite happy.
"Everyone is fine. We have you to thank for arriving in time this time." Old Sun was still a reasonable person and didn't hold Li Man'er responsible for this incident.
However, he was not as polite when dealing with Qian Erniang.
"This girl is too wicked. She's a scheming individual who came to the mountain claiming to worship Buddha, but instead, she brought people to tie us all up," Old Sun was furious. "Our temple is full of old, weak, sick, and disabled people. We were almost wiped out."
The implication was that he wasn't incompetent, but was held back by a troublesome teammate.
Li Man'er didn't expose him, merely uttered a thoughtful "Oh," and then said, "I wasn't asking for your opinion about going to Mobei; I was merely informing you."
Old Sun's expression soured. "I know. It's not that I don't want to go with you, nor am I afraid of death, it's just that..." Since he had lost and was inferior, he had to obey Li Man'er's orders.
"I'm worried about my fellow disciples." The temple didn't receive much incense or donations. If he left, what would become of his fellow disciples?
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll handle it for you," Li Man'er said with a smile. "It will be resolved soon."
Old Sun was stunned, wondering how she planned to resolve it.
"Don't just stand there. Tie up those people outside first, then tidy up a side room. We'll have a distinguished guest arriving shortly."
A distinguished guest?
Old Sun was even more confused.
"What are you standing around for? Tie up the people first."
Fine!
Old Sun decided not to ask any further questions. He knew that this Miss Li was clever and had her own plans! It would be difficult to pry any information out of her, so he might as well wait and see.
Old Sun found some helpers, tied up all the people outside, and tidied up a neat side room. They then waited.
Less than two hours later, the distinguished guest arrived.
Madam Qian, accompanied by two maids, followed Zi Yan up the mountain. All the way, her internal organs felt as if they were burning, and her mouth was in severe pain, as if it had developed blisters.
She was so much trouble. Previously, she had only thought her daughter was proud and had a few spoiled temper tantrums, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. If her daughter was pampered, she wouldn't suffer grievances in her future in-laws' home.
Now, she deeply regretted it.
Her talent wasn't particularly outstanding, but her bad habits only grew worse each day. After being criticized by Li Man'er several times, she thought her daughter would understand the principle of learning from mistakes. But instead, she had resorted to murder and robbery. Truly, not a moment of peace.
She had initially planned to keep her for another two years, but now it seemed better to marry her off sooner.
When Zi Yan saw Old Sun, she deliberately raised her voice and asked, "Old Sun, is your leg alright? Does it still hurt?"
Old Sun wasn't stupid. The moment he saw the distinguished lady behind Zi Yan, he understood what was happening.
"Of course, it hurts! My leg was almost ruined. That female bandit was too arrogant, she didn't even spare the monks. She's utterly heartless, insane, and a stray dog..."
Zi Yan almost choked on her own saliva. Was that how the word "sang" was used? She knew Old Sun wanted to express his outrage, but she hadn't expected him to be so eloquent.
Madam Qian's face burned. In the past, if any ruffian dared to speak so sarcastically, she would have had them punished with a beating. But now, with her own weakness in their hands, she could only endure the harshest words.
"By the way, in which side room is our young lady?"
Old Sun casually pointed, "And that heartless female bandit is there too!"
Zi Yan chuckled inwardly and, with a solemn expression, led Madam Qian into the side room. "Young lady, Madam Qian has arrived."
Li Man'er didn't move at all but said sarcastically, "Madam Qian, long time no see."
Madam Qian felt her old face burning. "Miss..." After saying those three words, Madam Qian was lost for words, as if anything she said would be wrong.
"Madam, you are our guest, please have a seat." Li Man'er, as if not noticing her predicament, poured her tea. "However, I wonder if Madam dares to taste the tea I've brewed?"
Madam Qian quickly took the tea. "Miss is the most forthright person." She then drank the tea in one gulp.
"Madam must also know the reason I invited you here, right?"
Madam Qian nodded stiffly. She regretted it.
At the poetry gathering that morning, she and her daughter had been thoroughly humiliated by Li Man'er, losing face. At the time, she, like her daughter, had felt resentful, believing Li Man'er was merely lucky and had the favor of Princess Wuyou supporting her. Even if she won, it wasn't true skill.
It was later, at this Medicine King Temple, that she truly witnessed Li Man'er's capabilities. Even someone as cunning as Madam Guo couldn't match Li Man'er, let alone a young lady like Fang Ruo. Even if she had some wit, could she be more ruthless than Li Man'er?
Her legitimate mother, Madam Guo, fell ill shortly after returning and died not long after. Who could clearly explain the twists and turns of this matter? Who could say that Li Man'er wasn't behind Madam Guo's death and Li Zhaor's hasty marriage?
It was from that time that Madam Qian realized Li Man'er was not someone to be trifled with, and the farther away she stayed, the better.
Madam Qian had repeatedly warned her daughter not to seek revenge on Li Man'er, even explaining the reasons to her. Who knew that while she outwardly agreed, her daughter would turn around and plot against Li Man'er again?
Her period of apparent obedience was simply because she hadn't found an opportunity.
"Miss, may I see Fang Ruo?" Madam Qian, once arrogant and imperious, now lowered her head.
Li Man'er, however, said, "Man'er understands Madam's love for her daughter. Please rest assured, Qian Erniang is very well and safe. I will also reunite you and your daughter. Before you see Qian Erniang, please first recognize these people. Bring them in."
Old Sun threw all the petty individuals in, without missing a single one. These people had either broken hands or legs, some were unconscious, and some were disfigured. It was clear they had been beaten.
The room was filled with groans. Madam Qian was startled and immediately said, "What, what kind of people are these?"
"These are the people your daughter hired to deal with me," Li Man'er said. "Madam, do you not recognize them?"
There were a couple of familiar faces.
Madam Qian shook her head. "I don't recognize them."
"Madam doesn't recognize them?" Li Man'er said with surprise. "It seems I should go find Master Qian! My apologies, I shouldn't have bothered Madam."
Madam Qian took a deep breath and said with a bitter smile, "Miss has impressive skills. If you have something to say, please say it directly."
Li Man'er picked up the teapot and refilled Madam Qian's cup, smiling sweetly. "Three thousand taels. Not a single cent less."