As soon as wet nurse Du left, Cui Shi's eyes snapped open, filled with venom and unwillingness in her cloudy, triangular gaze. She had spent her life preying on others, only to be pecked by a goose.
Cui Shi's maiden name was Cui Wanru. She hailed from the Marquis of Zhennan's estate, a legitimate daughter who was doted upon from birth, truly a pampered and precious jewel. Spoiled beyond measure, Cui Shi's temper was as arrogant and biased as her upbringing. She carried herself with an air of superiority, offending many noble ladies.
Having offended so many, Cui Shi had no idea who harbored a grudge against her. One sweltering summer day, she was suddenly struck by a severe illness. Her body felt as if it were trapped in an ice cave, and she shivered constantly. She couldn't even swallow a sip of hot soup. Within days, she withered away like a ghost. Numerous medicines proved ineffective.
Her mother resorted to everything, from praying to Buddha and gods to secretly enlisting shamans for rituals. Every possible method was tried, yet her illness showed no improvement.
Finally, a wise elder suggested seeking out a limping beggar woman. The old woman took one look and declared the cause: Cui Shi had been poisoned by gu.
The beggar woman was indeed skilled. She mixed strange ingredients into a bowl of water and made Cui Shi drink it. After drinking, Cui Shi vomited incessantly, and soon, she expelled something resembling a gecko.
Though the beggar woman limped, her movements were surprisingly agile. With a needle, she deftly pierced the head of the expelled creature, causing black blood to splatter. The creature died instantly.
From that day on, Cui Shi recovered without medicine. It was also from then that she learned of gu poison, a hidden and insidious weapon capable of harming people without their knowledge.
To exact revenge, Cui Shi kept the limping beggar woman in her estate and learned the art of making gu. Perhaps due to lacking innate talent, Cui Shi only managed to grasp five or six parts of the beggar woman's skills. Shortly after Cui Shi's marriage, the beggar woman passed away. Cui Shi's mastery of gu making thus reached its limit.
It was true that she had killed Ning Shi. She had even intended to kill Li Man'er in the same manner, but alas…
"That brat's life is too hard."
Little did Cui Shi know, the true Li Man'er had long since been killed by her. The one now before her was a living king of hell, someone she could not possibly provoke.
The next morning, Li Man'er handed the letter she had written to Ah Si, instructing her to take it to Jiangnan to handle some matters on her behalf.
Since Cui Shi had already harbored murderous intent towards her, Li Man'er had no intention of pretending to be a filial daughter or granddaughter. She completely ceased paying her respects, opting instead to practice her boxing and swordplay in her own courtyard.
Wet nurse Wu watched the glinting swords and flashing blades, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. Several times, she wanted to advise Li Man'er that a young lady, destined for marriage, should not be wielding swords and sabers, as it was unseemly. However, upon seeing the look in Li Man'er's eyes, she dared not utter a word and swallowed her thoughts.
"Miss, the Second Madam has arrived."
Bai Shi?
Li Man'er sheathed her sword and, as expected, saw Bai Shi.
"Second Aunt."
Bai Shi observed Li Man'er's martial arts practice with what seemed like disdain. She even covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief before speaking, "When did the Eldest Miss return yesterday? I retired early and didn't know."
Li Man'er, unwilling to witness her pretense, accepted a handkerchief from Luyi to wipe the sweat from her forehead. She asked somewhat impatiently, "Does Second Aunt have business?"
"Nothing major, I just haven't seen you for a few months and wanted to visit."
Li Man'er smiled, "Alright, Second Aunt, please go to the hall and have a seat. I'll change my clothes and be right there."
Ziyan, receiving a signal from her young lady, promptly said, "Second Madam, please."
After Bai Shi left, Luyi quickly said, "Miss, the Second Madam came from the Old Madam's courtyard."
When it came to gathering information, Luyi was undoubtedly an expert.
"I know."
Li Man'er changed her clothes and went to see Bai Shi.
"Second Aunt," Li Man'er said, "I'm a person who prefers directness. If Second Aunt has something to say, please speak plainly."
Bai Shi's eyes flickered, "Today, I didn't see the Eldest Miss pay respects to the Old Madam."
Li Man'er chuckled lightly, took a sip of the hot tea offered by a maid, and then said, "I heard the Old Madam was unwell, so I didn't go. Why? Is the Old Madam missing me?"
"Not at all," Bai Shi replied. "The Old Madam merely said she hasn't been feeling well lately. This morning, she specifically summoned me and gave me a token, asking me to assist with managing the household affairs. Logically, this matter shouldn't be my concern, but with the Marquis's estate lacking a mistress and the Marquis himself in his current state…"
So, she had come to show off!
"Second Aunt, the Old Madam entrusting you with managing the household is a sign of her trust. You must not let her down and should not embezzle funds."
Bai Shi's eyes widened, "What do you mean, Eldest Miss?"
Li Man'er, however, changed the subject, "Oh, and Second Aunt, I brought you a gift from Mobei."
"Ah?" Bai Shi thought this was an unexpected delight. The Ning family was wealthy, and Li Man'er possessed a considerable sum. Perhaps she had indeed brought back something valuable from her trip to Mobei.
"How could I possibly accept…"
Li Man'er genuinely went to the inner chamber and brought out an exquisite box. "I've already packed it. Here you go, Second Aunt."
Bai Shi took it, overjoyed. Although the contents of the box didn't seem heavy, what if it contained banknotes?
The second branch was unlike the first; they were not adept at making money. The entire household combined had less wealth than Li Man'er alone.
"Second Aunt, why don't you open it and see if you like it?"
A flicker of greed crossed Bai Shi's eyes. She eagerly opened the box in her hands, but as she saw its contents, she let out a gasp of shock and even threw the box away.
With a clatter, the box hit the ground, and two bloody wolf fangs fell out.
"I personally slew this wolf, and I personally pulled out its fangs."
Upon hearing this, Bai Shi began to tremble and clung to the maid beside her. "Why… why are you giving me this?"
"To ward off evil! Haven't Second Aunt heard? Wolf fangs are precious. They ward off evil."
Bai Shi looked down and saw the dried bloodstains on the wolf fangs. She nearly fainted. "Eldest Miss, I… I have urgent matters at home. Household affairs are busy, so I will take my leave now."
"Second Aunt won't stay for a bit longer? These wolf fangs…"
"No, no, I appreciate the thought." With that, she fled Qingping Xuan as if pursued.
"Hmph! Seeking excitement at my expense!" What a nerve.
On that day, she shouldn't have treated her.
As soon as she had someone clear the room, she heard a commotion outside the courtyard. Li Man'er frowned. Who dared to cause trouble now?
Ziyan tried to stop Li Qingyun, saying urgently, "Young Master, you are grown now. You should be more mindful. What sense does it make to barge into your elder sister's private chambers? If this were to spread…"
Li Qingyun's eyes were red. He slapped her away and roared, "Who do you think you are?"
Li Man'er witnessed it clearly and immediately became enraged. The ungrateful fool, coming to be beaten again.