13
Li Yue Haili was beginning to get accustomed to the warm hospitality at each of the horse relay stations along the journey.
Traveling with the Second Prince’s heir was truly different.
Originally, a long journey like this would have been quite arduous, with the rickety wooden wheels of the carriage jolting along, causing headaches and backaches.
At the relay stations, the best one could usually expect was hard, stale mantou served with bland vegetable broth lacking even salt, and dilapidated shelters barely sufficient for a night’s rest.
The young girl had traveled long distances before and had prepared herself for discomfort.
She hadn’t expected that at every relay station this time, there would be fragrant, hot noodles waiting, along with chicken legs, braised pork ribs, and freshly steamed buns billowing with steam.
The attendants would lead her family to clean rooms, and although the furniture was old, the blankets, sheets, and pillowcases were all brand new.
“The prince must have sent people ahead to make arrangements,” she said with a smile as she noticed her elder brother’s satisfaction with the ample food and comfortable accommodations.
“But the next time you travel, don’t expect it to be like this, all right?” she teased, bending down to wash her face with the hot water brought up by the servants to their room.
“Fine, fine.
Do you think your big brother is a fool?
I know we’re relying on the prince.” Li Zhengqing responded casually, using the hand hardened from years of gripping a sword to gently tousle his younger sister’s small head in a playful, affectionate gesture.
“But honestly, I’ve heard rumors that the Second Prince’s heir has a terrible temper and doesn’t treat women kindly.
But he seems to be quite nice to you.
Perhaps…”
“Big Brother!
I’m only seven years old.
He doesn’t see me as a woman.
To him, I’m just a little girl.
Don’t you dare go spreading such nonsense.” Li Yue Haili glared at her older brother, “Think about it.
If you were in his place, could you possibly have improper thoughts about a six- or seven-year-old girl?
How ridiculous.”
Her brother, taking in her stern words, scratched his head, his long black hair tied simply in a ponytail like a carefree wanderer of the martial world.
He nodded in agreement.
“You’re right.”
The young girl laughed at her brother’s simple-mindedness.
Li Zhengqing was very much like their father—straightforward and warm-hearted.
Though he could be a bit brash, he was kind and protective, especially of her.
“But what about you, Brother?
Once we reach the capital, the main family will surely start looking for a match for you.”
“Mmm, Father and Mother have said the same thing.”
“And what do you think about it?”
Li Zhengqing looked a bit surprised.
“Me?” he repeated.
“What is there for me to think about?
Marriage is the decision of our parents.
If they’re happy with it, then I have no other opinion.”
Li Yue Haili was momentarily stunned.
Her older brother’s maturity exceeded her expectations.
“Father and Mother will surely find an excellent sister-in-law for me,” she said, grabbing his arm with her small hands and gently swinging it.
“But if there’s someone you already like, don’t keep it a secret.”
“My little sister is so thoughtful,” her brother said with a chuckle.
“You too—if there’s someone you fancy, don’t worry.
Your big brother will make sure to bring him to you.”
“Brother!” Li Yue Haili protested, but her older brother only laughed heartily, clearly amused.
Neither of them realized that outside, someone had been eavesdropping on their entire conversation.
“I understand.
You may go.”
Feng Yongyuan said to his trusted servant in another room.
When Wu Cheng had left, the young man poured himself a cup of tea, sipping thoughtfully.
In the previous life, Li Zhengqing’s fate did not end well.
With neither parent to arrange marriage for him and his sister, the responsibility fell to the elder Furen of the Li family’s main household in the capital, and to the Second Furen He Shi, the primary wife of Li Han, Li Taixuan’s younger half-brother.
The elder Furen Li was the second wife of the late General Li.
Li Taixuan’s mother had fallen ill shortly after giving birth to him and passed away when he was only three years old.
The old general, deeply attached to his first wife, mourned her for three years before marrying the elder Furen Li as his second primary wife.
She later gave birth to Li Han, Li Jing, and Li Rui.
As a result, the current Li family was divided into four branches: the main branch, the second branch, the third branch, and the fourth branch.
Originally, Li Taixuan had wished to separate his household from the family manor and establish his own as the general of the border, but the old general firmly refused to allow it.
Thus, Li Taixuan remained the head of the entire Li family manor, and Shen Xuefei retained her authority as the principal wife.
Naturally, the elder Furen Li, who wished for her own son to take over the title of head of the family, was displeased.
The Second Furen, who had managed the household affairs in Shen Xuefei’s absence for many years, became increasingly arrogant.
They feared that when the Li family returned to the capital, many of their privileges would be taken away.
Consequently, they began to plot extensively.
The simplest method was to first eliminate Shen Xuefei, thereby plunging Li Taixuan into despair, and then taking control of his two children.
Feng Yongyuan’s fingers tightened around the edge of his teacup.
“The Li family…
This time, I will see what you are capable of.”
The resentment of Ying Ying, I will return it to you a hundredfold.