The Li family, over a dozen people, traveled day and night for more than twenty days. The surrounding scenery grew increasingly desolate, and human settlements became fewer and farther between.
The splendor of the capital and the gentleness of Jiangnan seemed to fade before the bleakness and immensity of Mobei.
"General, we are about three days' journey from Mobei Prefecture City. The road ahead is quite desolate. I fear we won't be able to find lodging," Li Wenchang said with some concern. "The climate in Mobei is vastly different from the capital. The wind is harsh, the snow is heavy, and the temperature is low. We may have to endure some hardship."
Before Li Nian could reply, Li Qingyan piped up, "What's there to fear about hardship? We haven't exactly had an easy journey so far; we've camped out and slept under the stars before."
He didn't find sleeping outdoors arduous. On the contrary, he found it quite enjoyable. Lighting a large bonfire meant hot food and hot soup. If they were lucky, they could even hunt wild chickens or rabbits to supplement their meals, which was far more interesting than staying in an inn.
As Li Qingyan was just a child, everyone took special care of him. He got to eat first, slept in the carriage, and was covered with the thickest blankets. He didn't have to worry about food, sleep, or safety, so of course, he didn't feel hardship.
Li Wenchang shook his head with a wry smile, pointing to the endless Gobi Desert ahead. "If it were just barrenness, it would be manageable. The most dangerous things are the wolves and bandits."
"Wolves?" Li Qingyan was most afraid of wolves. Wolves, as a species, were pack animals, fierce and cunning, and they held grudges. If they were targeted by a wolf pack, their group would be in real danger.
As for bandits, Li Qingyan conveniently ignored them. Bandits were humans, and he wasn't afraid of humans.
"Qingyan, stop fooling around," Li Nian urged him to rest in the carriage and began discussing the subsequent arrangements with Li Wenchang.
Li Qingyan sulked as he climbed into the carriage and complained to Li Man'er, who was drinking tea, "Big sister, what are these adults thinking? This place is clearly vast and boundless. Neither wolves nor people can hide their tracks. What is there to be afraid of?"
Li Man'er didn't respond, but he became more animated. "When my father and I were in office, I encountered fierce bandits. Those people weren't very skilled in martial arts, and they were all timid as mice. The moment they saw my father, they dropped their weapons and surrendered."
Li Man'er couldn't stand it any longer and admonished him, "Your father served on the border for many years, was valiant and skilled in battle. Deputy General Li fought alongside my father in numerous campaigns, and has seen countless battles and slain countless bandits. Both of them are highly experienced, excelling in killing enemies, defense, and forced marches. As a mere child, where do you get the audacity to question their decisions?"
Li Qingyan was as angry as a frog. "And what do you know? I at least went on trips with my father and saw him kill bandits. You, big sister, have stayed in the inner chambers for so long, you probably haven't even seen blood. If we really encounter wolves later, big sister, don't be scared. Don't worry, I'll protect you." WAP.KANSHUWU.NET
Liu Ya almost burst out laughing. Young master had clearly not witnessed the young lady's capabilities.
Just a few days ago, within the territory of Anhe County, they had indeed encountered a crisis. Seventeen people in their group were ambushed in an inn. In the latter half of the night, they were almost wiped out, hacked to death within the inn. It was thanks to the young lady that everyone's lives were saved. The young master had been knocked out by sleeping gas, and by the time he woke up, they had already escaped danger.
Afraid of frightening the young master, everyone tacitly agreed to keep the matter a secret. And here he was, thinking the young lady had never faced any danger.
Li Man'er couldn't be bothered to argue with a little brat and simply said, "You've been slacking off these past few days. I'll test your studies later. For every character you misread, you'll get a flick on the hand."
"You're taking advantage of your position for personal revenge!"
"Believe what you want."
Just then, the carriage door was knocked. Old Sun's voice came from outside, "Miss, Third Master says we're setting up camp here and cooking. Would you like to come down for some fresh air?"
"Alright," Li Man'er replied. "We'll be down shortly."
Old Sun said no more.
Li Man'er pushed open the carriage door, and a cold gust of wind swept in, choking Li Qingyan and filling his lungs with air.
"Good thing the brazier went out, or sparks would have flown everywhere," he said, following Li Man'er out of the carriage, tightening his sheepskin hat. KAND
The fire had already been lit, and the water was boiling. They warmed the wine in their gourds and drank it, sip by sip.
Li Man'er pulled up her hood, took the hot water handed to her by Old Sun, and held it in her hands without drinking.
In the distance, the Golden Crow was setting in the west, and the afterglow of the day was slowly fading. Li Man'er gazed at the golden hue, a worried look on her face.
Seeing her standing still for a long time, Li Nian hurried over. "Man'er, is something going to happen?"
Throughout the journey, Li Man'er's divination skills had helped them avoid many disasters. He had absolute faith in her abilities, even believing her previous claim of having learned only a superficial understanding of it was mere modesty.
"Tonight may not be peaceful. The storm is coming."
Li Nian's heart sank. Li Man'er seemed particularly silent tonight, and her tone was grim, as if something truly major was about to occur.
"What do you mean?"
"Third Uncle, have everyone get ready. Make torches from useless flammable materials, soak them in lamp oil, and keep them for use."
"You mean there are wolves?"
Li Man'er replied, "Not just wolves."
Li Nian felt a pang of unease but quickly understood. "Man'er, are you saying someone is using the wolves and bandits as a pretext to silently eliminate us here?"
"Yes."
Li Nian's face was grim, and he muttered something indistinctly.
Perhaps he didn't want his niece to hear it.
"Hurry and prepare. There are wolves on the grassland. Prepare more torches and soak them in lamp oil."
"Understood."
Everyone busied themselves. Li Nian then found Li Wenchang and asked him to arrange for someone to scout ahead.
Li Wenchang pondered for a moment and said, "I'll go myself. I know the roads well, and scouting is something I'm adept at. I'll go alone and return quickly. I'll scout three to five li ahead and be back."
"Be careful."
"It's fine. I'll take my trusty tools and ride my horse. I'll be back soon."
"Very well."
Li Wenchang bowed his fists towards Li Man'er, mounted his horse, and rode ahead to scout.
Li Man'er watched Li Wenchang's retreating back, a cold smile playing on her lips.
He had been pretending all this way; he finally couldn't hold back.
"Third Uncle, Li Wenchang is suspicious."
"How so?"
The uncle and nephew spoke in private. Li Man'er's expression remained neutral, but Li Nian's brow furrowed.
"You knew all along?"
"I didn't originally. But the assassination attempt in Anhe County revealed his hand. That night, Liu Ya and I switched rooms temporarily, which Li Wenchang didn't know about. Therefore, the assassins went to the original room and mistakenly killed that couple."