Cui naturally needed to find a physician for Li Shu. She didn't trust Li Man'er, so she immediately sent someone with a calling card to invite an imperial physician. She hoped the imperial physician could cure Li Shu's illness, as the Li family's fortune would be dire if Li Shu were to fall.
Who knew how many people were secretly waiting to witness the Li family's downfall! Cui was furious and ordered Li Man'er to be locked up to vent her anger.
Li Man'er smiled faintly, "What is Grandmother trying to do? I risked my life to save my father, did I do something wrong?"
"Silence! You are no savior of your father, but a disaster that will ruin the family. What are you people waiting for? Hurry and tie this brat up!" Cui had lost her mind, hating Li Man'er to the bone. She had completely forgotten about sending her to the palace earlier. She just wanted to tie Li Man'er up and vent her rage.
She was the mistress of the Marquis's manor, and it was a simple matter to deal with a disobedient granddaughter.
Li Man'er stood as steady as Mount Tai, not even lifting her eyelids. The more composed she appeared, the angrier Cui became, wishing she could personally deal with her.
"What are you standing around for? Seize her."
The servants looked at each other, no one daring to step forward. It wasn't that they didn't obey Cui, but Li Man'er's aura was too formidable, and no one dared to act.
Li Man'er's trip to Mobei had not been without its gains. She had shed a lot of barbarian blood, and her killing intent had grown considerably. Those who had been on the battlefield carried an aura of fierceness. A single glance from her was enough to freeze the servants in their tracks.
"Useless, all of you useless!" Cui's face turned red with anger. "You, go and bring a few wet nurses to tie her up."
Granny Wang had always followed Cui's lead. This old woman understood the cunning ways of the inner chambers better than anyone. Ordinary people who fell into her hands would gain no advantage whatsoever.
Granny Wang stepped forward, her harmless smile vanishing from her face. With a stern expression, she said, "Young lady, it would be best if you accept your punishment obediently. Making a scene like this will only harm your reputation."
Before Li Man'er could say anything, A Si was furious and stepped forward, "What are you, to dare speak ill of our young lady?"
Granny Wang was unaware of A Si's prowess and retorted, "And who are you, to dare to bluster in front of the old madam?" Just as she was about to order the wet nurses to act, a commotion could be heard from outside the door.
"Third Madam, you cannot! You must not go in."
"Get out of the way!" Madam Yu was a female general who had seen battle. How could a few servants stop her? They were pushed aside and scattered, unable to block her.
Upon seeing Madam Yu, Cui immediately began to curse, "You've gone too far! Do you still have any respect for me as your mother-in-law? Is this Songhe Hall a place you can just barge into?"
Madam Yu had never feared Cui, she merely showed respect out of filial piety, as she had no other choice but to defer to her mother-in-law.
"Mother." Madam Yu curtsied slightly. "The eldest young lady has just returned. Let's discuss this slowly. Mother, please do not get angry, lest you hurt yourself."
Cui was enraged. "You don't need to play the good person. This household is not yours to lead."
Madam Yu continued, "But Mother, what crime has the eldest young lady committed? The most important thing now is to find a physician for the Marquis as soon as possible."
"I never knew the two of you were colluding." Cui seemed to recall something and stared sharply at Li Man'er, her voice piercing and sharp. "Where is the third one? Why hasn't he returned?"
Indeed, she was getting old, her reactions were slow. If she were ten years younger, she might have thought of this question much sooner.
Li Man'er curtsied slightly towards Madam Yu, "Third Aunt, congratulations are still in order. Third Uncle has been promoted two ranks and is stationed in Mobei. It seems the Emperor has high hopes for Third Uncle, and in the near future, Third Uncle will undoubtedly become another great general of our respected nation."
Upon hearing this, Cui's eyes widened, and her body trembled uncontrollably. "What did you say? Say it again."
"Grandmother, you don't know yet?" Li Man'er asked with feigned surprise, then enthusiastically explained to Cui, "Old General Xiao's health is not good, and he may have to retire this time. Mobei is the northern gateway of our respected nation, and it cannot be without a general for even a day. Third Uncle has seized the opportune moment and is taking over the defense of Mobei."
Cui almost ground her molars to dust. "This post was supposed to be your father's!"
"Yes, you are absolutely right. But who asked Father to be so useless? If he hadn't had a stroke, what business would Third Uncle have here!"
Cui could not stand Li Man'er's gloating tone. Just as she was about to lash out, she was informed that an imperial physician had arrived. She could no longer concern herself with anything else and hurried to invite the imperial physician to examine Li Shu.
Coincidentally, it was Duan Xu's turn on duty today. Li Shu wouldn't have required his personal attendance, but as soon as he heard that Li Man'er had also returned, he personally came.
Duan Xu was the Imperial Physician-in-Chief, so Cui was naturally pleased by his arrival. However, Duan Xu had no time for pleasantries and went directly to greet Li Man'er.
"Eldest Miss Li." Duan Xu bowed deeply to show respect. If it weren't for Li Man'er's magnanimity and her not holding a grudge, he should have been performing a disciple's bow.
Although it was a bit embarrassing for a man his age to perform a disciple's bow to a young girl, the thought of Li Man'er's astonishing medical skills made him eager to learn.
"Imperial Physician Duan, there is no need for such formality. The Marquis is in the back. Please, examine the Marquis first."
Duan Xu looked conflicted. "Miss Li's medical skills are superb. Why did you not personally examine the Marquis?"
"Heh, Imperial Physician Duan, someone doubts my medical skills and suspects I would harm the Marquis, so I had to invite you," Li Man'er said, glancing at Cui as she spoke.
Duan Xu naturally had to support Li Man'er. He immediately said, "Oh? There are those who dare to question the medical skills of Miss Li? I am truly enlightened. Very well, I shall go and examine the Marquis to put everyone's minds at ease."
Li Man'er quickly said, "Imperial Physician-in-Chief Duan, this way please."
"I dare not, I dare not."
Cui held back a flood of words, only managing to grit her teeth and follow. What frustrated her most was that Duan Xu hadn't even glanced at her from beginning to end, but instead treated Li Man'er with utmost respect.
When Duan Xu saw Li Shu, he was also greatly surprised. In the six months since he last saw him, Li Shu had become so emaciated and withered that anyone would be suspicious.
Cui seized the opportunity to say, "Imperial Physician-in-Chief Duan, the Marquis is the General Who Guards the North, personally appointed by His Majesty. This matter requires an explanation. Please, Imperial Physician Duan, act impartially."
Duan Xu merely grunted, too dismissive to even speak. He reached out to feel Li Shu's pulse.
Cui watched nervously from the side, while Duan Xu's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, appearing as if he had something to say but couldn't.
"Imperial Physician Duan, how is my son?"
Duan Xu glanced at Li Man'er and shook his head. "The Marquis has been poisoned twice, his internal energy depleted. It is already a miracle that he is alive."