Li Man'er saw her concern and said, "Granny, there's no need to worry. I'm not the same person I used to be. I can handle matters within my own courtyard. Besides, Li Zhao'er is married, and Madam Guo is gone. Grandmother won't stoop to those underhanded tricks anymore."
Li Man'er knew a bit about Madam Cui's temperament. She wouldn't act unless she did, and when she did, she aimed for the vital point, striking with precision.
With Li Shu away and Li Zhao'er in mourning and recently married, the Marquis's mansion was in a precarious situation. Madam Cui wouldn't dare cause trouble at this time.
Granny Wu felt a flicker of joy and immediately said, "It's good that the young lady cares for this old servant."
"You can stay with the Ning family for a few more days. Firstly, update your maternal grandfather on the situation here. Hmm… focus on the good news."
"This old servant understands." Granny Wu was quite touched. The young lady had truly grown up.
"And also, spend some time with your family," Li Man'er added. "So many years have passed in a blink; you haven't even met some of the grandchildren!"
Li Man'er had Luyi fetch the box from her bedside and handed it to Granny Wu. "For my maternal grandfather, I only have a letter and some pills. After all, everything I have comes from the Ning family, so offering him only these might seem insincere. My needlework isn't very good, so I won't embarrass myself by making shoes and socks for the elders."
The key was, she didn't know their sizes.
"This box of items is for you."
"This…"
Li Man'er said, "It's a meeting gift for your grandchildren. They are silver bracelets, silver locks, and the like. They're not particularly valuable, but they are a token of my regard."
Granny Wu quickly bowed her thanks to Li Man'er. "Eldest Young Lady, this is too precious." While these items might not be valuable to a legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis's mansion, they would be treasured possessions in an ordinary household.
"Compared to your years of unwavering loyalty, what are these worldly possessions?" Li Man'er said. "I'm always worried about you traveling alone. I'll also assign a clever young servant to escort you back to the Ning family."
A clever young servant? Could it be one of the household-born boys who had caught the young lady's eye?
While she was thinking this, she heard Luyi quietly say, "It's the temple keeper from the Yaowang Temple."
Granny Wu suddenly understood.
Li Man'er had encountered danger at the Yaowang Temple and had gained a trusted subordinate. The man possessed martial skills and had agreed to serve Li Man'er for ten years.
His surname seemed to be Sun.
"Young Lady, is this appropriate?" Granny Wu, with her experience, felt that the man's background might not be good. Perhaps he was from the jianghu, or involved in some case.
What if such a person harbored ill intentions!
"Granny, rest assured. This person is trustworthy. He might be a bit old to pose as a young servant now. You can arrange how to explain that on the road!"
Although Granny Wu felt uneasy, she trusted Li Man'er's judgment now.
Besides, she was an old woman and had no precious treasures on her. What was there to fear?
"The man and carriage are waiting at the side gate. Granny, pack up simply and be on your way!"
Granny Wu kowtowed to Li Man'er.
Li Man'er did not stop her. She knew she couldn't. At this moment, Granny Wu's heart was likely filled with mixed emotions, perhaps more regret and helplessness.
If Madam Ning were still alive, would everything be different?
After Granny Wu left, Li Man'er instructed Luyi, "Later, you will personally escort Granny out."
"Yes, Young Lady."
Li Man'er, accompanied by Ziyan, went to pay her respects to Madam Cui.
She had made such a grand gesture of contacting the Ning family, and Madam Cui must have heard wind of it. Rather than waiting to be confronted, it was better to strike first, which was in line with her own style.
As expected, as soon as she was seated, Madam Cui asked, "I heard a letter from your maternal family arrived. What did it say?"
The opening was direct enough, and Li Man'er liked it.
Li Man'er smiled faintly, casually picked up the teacup beside her, and held it without rushing to drink. She gently stirred the unfurled tea leaves with the lid, speaking in a voice tinged with joy, "Yes. I originally thought my maternal grandfather would be angry with me, but surprisingly, he was very happy. He said I've grown up and become sensible."
Madam Cui was rendered speechless. She suddenly didn't know how to respond.
Li Man'er offered her a way out. "In the past, Man'er was insensible and failed to live up to grandfather's earnest hopes. But it's never too late to turn over a new leaf, wouldn't you agree, Grandmother?"
"Yes, that's right." Madam Cui found Li Man'er increasingly difficult to deal with. "How is your maternal family? Speaking of which, I haven't seen them in years."
"My maternal grandfather is old and has a leg ailment, so it's inconvenient for him to travel. Grandmother, when March comes next year, I'd like to stay at the Ning family for a few days."
Madam Cui paused slightly. "Ah, that's appropriate. Make sure things are well-prepared then, arrange for reliable staff. You must plan it carefully."
Li Man'er replied with delight, "Thank you, Grandmother! I'm already looking forward to it!"
Madam Cui almost choked on her own saliva. Her mood instantly plummeted. She didn't want to see Li Man'er for another moment.
"Your third aunt hasn't been feeling well these past few days. She's seen a doctor, who said there's nothing serious. If you have nothing else to do, go and see her."
Li Man'er put down her teacup and said earnestly, "Your granddaughter will go there now. Third Aunt has been eagerly anticipating this pregnancy for a long time. We must ensure both she and the baby are safe and sound."
Madam Cui was once again rendered speechless and could only wave her hand.
Li Man'er conducted herself flawlessly. After bowing, she withdrew. As soon as she left the Songhe Hall, the corners of her lips couldn't help but curl up. Even Ziyan behind her couldn't help but suppress a smile. In the entire Marquis's mansion, only this young lady dared to speak to the Old Madam in such a manner.
Li Man'er truly went to Pin Ya Courtyard to inquire about Madam Bai's condition.
Her belly was already very large, protruding high, and she waddled when she walked.
With Li Man'er's care, this pregnancy was naturally safe. Madam Bai had gained some weight, but her health had improved considerably. Her complexion was ruddy, and her pregnancy was stable.
"I'm fine," Madam Bai said. "I eat well and sleep well every day. I feel more energetic than ever. Man'er, thanks to you."
"This is not a major issue. If we calculate the time, the baby should be born around the end of the year."
Madam Bai nodded. "The midwife has been arranged, and a wet nurse has been found. We're just waiting for this little one to arrive." She gently stroked her belly, her face radiating a glow that Li Man'er understood well.
In ancient times, not having a son was practically an outrage!
However, it was understandable. In the future, such a scientific and advanced world, weren't there still plenty of people striving to have a son? Much less in this society.
Li Man'er took Madam Bai's pulse and gave her some advice. She left without even prescribing any medicine.
Madam Bai's health was excellent, and the baby was also very healthy. There was no need for medication.
A few days later, Li Man'er surprisingly received a card from Princess Wuyou.
She held the princess's personal card and wondered, had Qi Yihan returned?