It was normal for Li Nian, a military general, to ride a horse. What surprised Li Man'er was that Yu Sanniang was also on horseback. Beneath her cloak, she wore soft armor, and instead of the thick-soled embroidered shoes commonly worn by women, she had on thick-soled boots, dressed entirely as a warrior.
Yu Sanniang exuded heroism. Her appearance was not as delicate as ordinary women, and her physique was slightly more robust. However, there was a vibrancy about her that made one feel cheerful upon first sight, as if even the gloomy weather had brightened.
The couple rode their horses to the mansion gate, dismounted, and met their relatives.
Li Shu was absent, so Li Yi took the lead. The three brothers paid their respects, and Yu Sanniang also stepped forward to greet Bai Shi.
After all, the Li family name could not be written with two different characters. Although their relationship was somewhat estranged, they had to maintain appearances to avoid becoming a laughingstock to outsiders.
"Second Brother, Fourth Brother."
"Third Brother."
"Third Brother."
Li Yi's gaze fell on Yu Sanniang. He nodded slightly, "Thank you, Third Sister-in-law, for your hard journey."
Bai Shi showed a hint of disdain. She disliked Yu Sanniang's demeanor the most, thinking that marrying a commoner born of a concubine gave her nothing to be proud of.
Although she thought this, she spoke gracefully, "Sanniang, it's been four or five years since we last met, hasn't it? Where are the children? Are they all returning together this time?"
"Thank you for your concern, Second Sister-in-law." Yu Sanniang replied politely, "My husband and I rode ahead. The carriage is following behind and should arrive soon."
Li Man'er, Li Tian'er, and Li Xue'er from the fourth branch also quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
"Man'er has grown so beautiful." Yu Sanniang was straightforward. She praised whoever she wanted, and her praise was always sincere. Moreover, Li Man'er bore a resemblance to Ning Shi, which made her eyes well up. She completely overlooked Li Tian'er beside her.
Li Xue'er was still young and was led by a wet nurse, so she didn't care about such matters. However, Li Tian'er thought more deeply. Why was it that despite being the same age and standing together, her Third Aunt's eyes only saw Li Man'er and not her?
"Third Aunt."
"Good, good." Yu Sanniang excitedly held Li Man'er's hand, wanting to say a thousand words. Yet, she understood that this was not the time to talk.
As they were speaking, everyone heard the sound of wheels grinding on bluestone. Two carriages approached and stopped steadily in front of the mansion gate.
Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to the two carriages. The door of the front carriage opened, and a woman servant carried out a girl of about two or three years old, who was fair and lovely, like a little dumpling.
Next, a boy of about ten years old jumped down, resembling a little bull. In such cold weather, he wore no cloak, and directly leaped onto the steps.
Yu Sanniang said with some authority, "Qingyan, quickly pay your respects to the elders."
Li Qingyan hurriedly suppressed his smile and respectfully greeted all the elders, "Qingyan greets Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Fourth Uncle, and all elder cousins."
The younger daughter, Li Xing'er, was also brought over and greeted them in a childlike voice.
Li Yi chuckled, "Mother is already waiting. It's cold outside, let's go inside and talk."
A large group of people then escorted the family of four from the third branch towards Songhe Hall.
Li Man'er's gaze fell on Li Qingyan several times, her expression thoughtful.
Li Tian'er noticed her seemingly meaningful look and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you looking at him like that?" Boys of that age were usually mischievous. Furthermore, the family of the third branch had been away on duty, and they were several years older than Li Qingyan, and not familiar with him at all. What was there to look at?
Li Man'er paid her no mind.
Everyone went to Songhe Hall and sat together amidst lively chatter.
Li Nian's family paid their respects to Cui Shi, then had their two children greet their grandmother and presented gifts brought from outside the province. After a period of pleasantries, the family appeared to be harmonious and loving.
"How long will you be staying this time?" Cui Shi seemed very happy, her wrinkled face breaking into a smile, making her look younger.
Li Nian stated he was unsure and added, "It all depends on the Emperor's wishes. However, the chances of staying in the capital are slim."
He primarily wanted to express his stance to his legitimate mother. He did not wish to stay here. Everything he had now was earned through his own efforts, and he would not take a single cent from the Li family.
Cui Shi naturally understood this.
With her capabilities, she could have eliminated Li Nian back then and prevented his birth. However, the old Marquis was not one to indulge in affairs with women. His only two or three concubines were all of ordinary appearance and from declining families.
At that time, Cui Shi had already given birth to two sons and had a stable position in the household. Moreover, Li Nian's mother was a simple woman, so frail as if she hadn't fully developed. Even if she had a child, she might not live long. Only then did she reluctantly refrain from taking action against her.
The outcome proved that Cui Shi's judgment was indeed exceptionally sharp. That woman had a difficult labor while giving birth to Li Nian. Although she survived the ordeal, she passed away six months later.
Cui Shi then entrusted Li Nian to another older concubine who had no children, thereby earning a reputation for benevolence.
Although Li Nian was not mistreated in the household, how could the life of a son born of a concubine be easy? Fortunately, he was ambitious and pursued the path of martial arts examinations, gradually making a name for himself.
"Alright, you've had a hard journey. Go and rest first! I've had someone prepare your courtyards. We can discuss anything later during the family banquet."
"Yes." Li Nian said respectfully, "Then, as Mother wishes, I will take my leave."
Cui Shi nodded, "Go!"
Only then did everyone leave Songhe Hall and return to their respective courtyards.
Bai Shi rubbed her throbbing temples and said to Li Yi, "I suspect that the Third Brother's return this time is not so simple."
Just as Li Yi, the second master, thought Bai Shi would offer some insightful remarks, he heard her say, "Perhaps he's here to freeload. You didn't see how excited that Yu Shi was when she saw Li Man'er. It was as if she had seen mountains of gold. If you ask me, the Ning family is too prominent. They seem to be flourishing now, but who knows what the future holds?"
Her words, instead of helping, only angered Li Yi, making his beard tremble.
"A woman's words! Do you think everyone is like you, only caring about money?"
Bai Shi was slightly taken aback, and then her grievances surged out like a dam breaking. "Are you speaking like a human? What do you mean I only care about money! Do you think I don't want to be like a celestial being? But I'm not a celestial being. I need to eat, drink, and plan for our children's future. If you were only a bit more capable and brought back more money, would I be envious of others?"
Hearing this, Li Yi became even more enraged. "Unreasonable!" He flicked his sleeves and went to his concubine's residence.
An inexplicable rage flared up in Bai Shi's heart, and she threw the comb in her hand.
The Li family, not a single decent person!