Bai shi's pregnancy was originally a good thing, but because she had been taking medicine for many years, Shopkeeper Li and Old Madam Li were worried that this pregnancy might have problems.
Li Man'er said, "I have seen the prescriptions that Sister-in-law Li took. The medicinal properties are quite mild, and there should be no issues. I will prescribe some tonifying and nurturing formulas for her. They will strengthen her body and help with the pregnancy. After a month of taking them, she will be out of danger."
The mother and son were even more grateful upon hearing this. However, Li Man'er's consultations were based on her mood, and she refused to accept payment, leaving the mother and son worried about how to repay her in the future.
Bai shi was more understanding. After Li Man'er left, she said to her mother-in-law and husband, "Miss Li comes from a marquis's mansion and has seen all sorts of good things. She doesn't lack money either. If we were to give her gold or silver, it would seem too distant. Miss Li's association with a family like ours is also a form of destiny. Let's keep this gratitude in mind and find an opportunity to repay her slowly later."
"That makes sense." Shopkeeper Li could only suppress his gratitude for the time being.
Li Man'er then went to the Huang family and smoothly met Huang Yuhe.
"Why are you here?" Huang Yuhe chattered, "I didn't believe it when the servants said you were here. Didn't you say you would come back for a follow-up appointment in ten days?"
Li Man'er picked up a cup of hot tea and took a sip before saying, "Things have changed a bit. I'm going on a trip for a while, and I don't know when I'll be back, so I came to see you."
"Ah, going out?" Huang Yuhe was quite surprised. "At this time, you're still going out? Where are you going, and for how long?"
Before Li Man'er could reply, she immediately added, "Oh dear, I shouldn't have asked. But the weather is very cold now. You must be very careful when you're traveling."
Li Man'er smiled faintly. "Okay."
Huang Yuhe stared at her blankly, as if mesmerized.
"What's wrong?"
Huang Yuhe then said, "I just realized, Sister Man'er, you are so beautiful. No, no, I mean, you are stunning."
Li Man'er chuckled, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "Have you never really looked at me before?" It wasn't that she was bragging, but she had absolute confidence in her current appearance.
She had attended banquets and seen the ladies from various households. She had also entered the palace and seen the grace of the imperial ladies, palace maids, and female servants. In terms of appearance alone, none could rival the original owner.
However, speaking of which, the original owner came from a noble background, had a powerful maternal family as backing, and her own appearance was peerless. It was quite something that she had managed to mess up such a good hand.
"No, no, no." Huang Yuhe waved her hands repeatedly. "I just... I'm a little afraid." It was a very subtle feeling, as if Li Man'er were a beautiful jade in a brocade box, while she was a clod of earth on the ground. She just didn't dare to look directly at her.
"You make it sound like I'll eat people," Li Man'er said. "Let's go see your aunt. I'm busy."
Huang Yuhe quickly led Li Man'er to the small courtyard where Madam Liu lived.
Madam Liu looked a bit better than last time. All the blisters had erupted, leaving them a bright red and quite frightening to look at. Some blisters had shriveled, while others were still round and shiny, but overall, she had improved considerably.
"She's not feverish anymore, and the pain has lessened significantly after taking your medicine," Madam Liu said. "I used to be in so much pain that I couldn't sleep at night, but now it's much better."
Li Man'er reissued a prescription for Madam Liu. "Continue taking the previous medicine for ten days. Do you still have the topical application?"
"Yes, I do."
Li Man'er nodded and handed the new prescription to Huang Yuhe. "Start taking this prescription after ten days, and take it for another ten days. That should be about it."
Huang Yuhe was overjoyed. "Thank you, Sister Man'er."
Aunt Liu also looked very apologetic. "I've troubled you again, Miss."
"I've taken an instant liking to Miss Huang and consider her a sister. Aunt, there's no need to be so formal," Li Man'er handed her medicine box to Ziyan. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be going now."
Huang Yuhe quickly said, "I'll escort you, Sister Man'er."
Madam Liu also instructed her maid, "I can't get up. You quickly escort Miss Li."
Outside, Huang Yuhe told the maid to return. "Your aunt can't be without someone by her side. You go back!"
The maid had no choice but to bow to Li Man'er and turned back.
Seeing that there was no one around, Li Man'er took out a small medicine bottle and handed it to Huang Yuhe.
The bottle looked like a snuff bottle, small and delicate. The stopper was elaborately made, with a thin, tiny chain attached to it.
"Sister Man'er, what is this for?"
"Keep it with you and don't tell anyone," Li Man'er said. "This medicine can antidote poisons and also sedatives and other insidious drugs. Keep it close."
Huang Yuhe obediently put the medicine away and asked, "Sister Man'er, why are you giving this to me?"
"Just in case," Li Man'er leaned closer to Huang Yuhe and whispered, "I always feel that your legitimate wife and sister have ill intentions. They are plotting something! Don't be so naive as to believe everything they say. It's always right to be on guard."
Huang Yuhe nodded obediently. "I understand. If I go out, I will definitely bring people with me, and I definitely won't run around. Don't worry, Sister, I will definitely keep this with me."
She didn't know yet that Li Man'er's seemingly unnecessary worry would save her life.
After leaving the Huang family, Li Man'er instructed the carriage to go to the Medicine King Temple.
Although she had sent a message to Old Sun, she was still a bit uneasy, worried that Old Sun might not follow her.
It was better to go in person.
"Miss, you've seen Bai shi for a follow-up and Madam Liu. What about the palace? Don't you need to visit the Consort?"
Li Man'er chuckled. "Why should I go? If they want to see me, they'll ask me. I won't go running to them." Ever since Cui shi knew that Li Qingshu had difficulty conceiving, and that even a great immortal couldn't help her get pregnant, she wasn't as enthusiastic about Li Man'er treating Li Qingshu anymore.
Li Man'er was happy to have peace and quiet and wouldn't go out of her way to visit.
Ziyan nodded as if she understood, feeling that whatever her young lady said always made sense.
After more than an hour of bumpy travel, the carriage finally stopped at the foot of the Medicine King Temple mountain.
Li Man'er got out of the carriage and looked at the deserted temple gate, her lips twitching slightly.
The incense here was truly indescribable!
"Miss, shall I send someone up to find them first?"
"No need. It's just this short distance, not worth the trouble." She wasn't someone who would get out of breath after climbing two steps.
When they reached the mountain, they suddenly found the temple empty, with the main hall deserted.
"Where has everyone gone? Is anyone here?"
Just then, a young monk appeared from nowhere. "Female benefactor, are you here to offer incense?" His face was covered in dirt, and his clothes were stained with mud, making him look as if he had crawled out of a mud puddle.
"Little monk, has something happened at the Medicine King Temple?"