When a person falls on hard times, even drinking cold water can cause them to choke.
First, he was poisoned. Then, as his body was barely recovering, he suffered a stroke.
Of course, the process of the stroke was somewhat difficult to articulate, but as long as he didn't mention it, he believed others wouldn't be so insensitive as to speak ill of him.
"I heard His Lordship suffered a stroke a few days ago, is that true?"
"Indeed," Li Shu replied, "My mouth couldn't speak, and my limbs were paralyzed. It was truly a fate worse than death." Li Shu gave a wry smile and waved his hand, "It's fortunate my daughter was here, or I wouldn't have been saved."
"The Eldest Miss's medical skills are extraordinary. His Lordship has raised a good daughter." Xiao Ruo Di added, "When His Lordship was poisoned, I was in Qi Prefecture and couldn't return. Now that I see you are in good spirits and health, I can finally put my heart at ease."
This was all meaningless platitudes.
Li Shu was not foolish. He subtly glanced at Xiao Ruo Di's leg, guessing that Xiao Ruo Di wanted Man'er to treat his leg.
Thinking this, Li Shu couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, but then he worried that Xiao Ruo Di's injury was an old one and might not heal easily, lest it tarnish his daughter's reputation.
"The snow in Mobei is heavy and the weather is cold, which might not be conducive to His Lordship's recovery," Xiao Ruo Di said with great apology. "It's a pity you are here in Mobei by imperial decree and cannot leave easily. Otherwise, if you were to recuperate in Jiangnan for half a year, I believe it would yield twice the results with half the effort."
"It's nothing," Li Shu was quite magnanimous. "Although Mobei is harsh, it is also a blessing to be able to serve alongside the soldiers on the border."
Xiao Ruo Di seemed to appreciate his words. "His Lordship should rest well. Once you have recovered, you can inspect the front lines. Every year at this time, the barbarians are restless and repeatedly attack, attempting to break through our defenses. Now that His Lordship is overseeing Mobei, it has given us peace of mind."
"I look forward to that day as well."
"Then I shall not disturb His Lordship's rest." Xiao Ruo Di cupped his fists in salute. "If His Lordship requires anything, please do not hesitate to tell me."
"You are too kind, General."
Xiao Ruo Di gave a wry smile, "I am now a commoner. His Lordship should just call me Ru Xian."
"Ah, General, do not be discouraged. Though you are no longer in the military, the soldiers have never forgotten you." Once Li Shu was at work, he seemed like a different person. His mind became sharper, his words more concise, and he analyzed everything thoroughly.
His double entendre surprised Xiao Ruo Di greatly.
"His Lordship jokes. We are all working for the welfare of the people and serving His Majesty." Xiao Ruo Di bowed respectfully towards the direction of the capital, his reverence almost overflowing.
Li Shu smiled. "General Xiao is loyal, brave, and benevolent. The Xiao family is full of loyal martyrs, truly a model for us all."
After a bout of mutual flattery, Xiao Ruo Di finally departed.
Li Shu thought for a moment and then asked Old Sun to summon Li Man'er.
Li Man'er was making medicine when she saw Old Sun arrive and felt it was strange. "Why have you come? Is there something at His Lordship's?"
"His Lordship wishes to see the Eldest Miss. He didn't say what it was about, and I didn't ask."
Li Man'er nodded and put down the ointment she had just finished boiling. "Just in time, it needs to cool for a while. Liu Ya, please watch this medicine for me."
Liu Ya quickly took Li Man'er's cloak and helped her put it on. "Yes, Miss. Please don't worry."
"Let's go!"
As they left the main courtyard, Li Man'er asked, "Did something happen before Father called for me? Did he meet anyone?"
Old Sun was very impressed and said, "The eldest son of the Xiao family, Xiao Ruo Di, has returned and spoke with His Lordship for a while." He wondered how Li Man'er's mind worked, as if she had seen it herself. How did she know His Lordship had met someone?
"So that's how it is. What did they say?"
Old Sun replied, "I was standing far away and couldn't hear clearly, but vaguely I heard them praising each other."
Li Man'er understood. "Oh~" So they were just exchanging pleasantries.
Qin Si saw Li Man'er arrive and quickly cupped his fists in salute, opening the door for her.
Li Man'er entered the room, took off her cloak, and bowed respectfully. "Father."
"Do you know why I summoned you?"
Li Man'er no longer felt the need to hide her abilities. She said directly, "I heard Xiao Ruo Di came. I presume Father wants me to treat his leg?"
"Your news is quite well-informed."
"Xiao Ruo Di coming to see you so ostentatiously cannot be hidden. He has never had any dealings with Father, and he has no official position now, focusing solely on business. Besides his leg, what else would warrant such an effort?"
Li Shu was so exasperated he almost spat blood. "Couldn't he simply want to befriend me?"
Befriend...
"He wouldn't dare," Li Man'er said. "So many eyes are watching from above and below. Does Father really think the saying 'heaven is high and the emperor is far away' is true?"
Li Shu knew better than anyone how far the Emperor's influence reached. Before coming to Mobei, he knew the Emperor would never wish for him to be on friendly terms with the Xiao family. Whichever of them fell, the one on the dragon throne would only be pleased.
This was also why, after he was poisoned in Mobei, there was no reaction from the capital.
The Emperor was simply hoping they would consume each other.
"You are indeed sharp." This trip to Mobei had changed Li Shu's perception of his daughter. He was tired of saying she was smart and beautiful. Her medical skills, her clear head, and her ability to understand the court's situation were all extraordinary.
Li Shu felt a sense of confusion. Had he truly neglected his daughter for so long? When had she grown up so much?
Li Man'er was unaware of Li Shu's quiet contemplation. "Therefore, I will not treat Xiao Ruo Di's leg."
"Then I ask you, if he invites you, what will you do?"
Li Man'er said, "Father thinks too highly of me. Even if Xiao Ruo Di wanted to ask me to treat him, he would likely have the Seventh Miss Xiao do it. He wouldn't ask me directly. Also, if I refuse, it would be difficult to save face. If I agree upfront and then say I cannot cure him, regardless of the outcome, wouldn't that suffice?"
"This is a plausible method." After all, so many years had passed, and Xiao Ruo Di's leg had long been crippled.
"However, if this matter were to get out, it might damage your own reputation."
Li Man'er said indifferently, "Father jokes. I am a doctor, not an immortal. I cannot bring the dead back to life or regenerate bones."
Li Shu disliked this arrogant demeanor of Li Man'er the most, as if no one else could compare to her.
"Alright, you may go back. I suspect the Xiao family will invite you in the next few days. You may state your answer then."
"Yes." Li Man'er stood up and took the cloak handed to her by Old Sun. "Father, if the Xiao family sends more maids in the coming days, please be cautious. A stroke is prone to recurrence, and if it does, it will only worsen. By then, even with my golden needles, I may not be able to restore you to your previous health."
Li Shu: Thank you very much...