The next morning, after breakfast, Li Maner went to bid farewell to the Princess.
For some unknown reason, Li Maner felt that the Princess's attitude towards her had changed. Although Princess Wuyou appeared as warm and fond of her as ever on the surface, there were subtle differences compared to before.
Regardless, since the exterior remained the same, she decided to pretend not to notice.
"Thank you for your generous gifts, Your Highness. I am unworthy."
Princess Wuyou's lips twitched slightly. "You deserve it. Those who have rendered service should not be neglected."
A strange feeling resurfaced in Li Maner's heart. She felt the Princess had become somewhat more aloof, but then again, she was a Princess, so being aloof was understandable.
Never mind, it was best to leave for now.
Li Maner rose and said, "Your Highness, I have come to bid farewell today. Your leg ailment is temporarily out of danger, and I should be returning."
"Very well," Princess Wuyou offered a slight smile, seemingly back to her normal self. "Please send my regards to the Old Madam when you return."
"Yes, I will surely convey your message."
Princess Wuyou nodded with satisfaction and instructed Aunt Min to escort Li Maner out.
Outside the Princess's mansion, as Li Maner was about to board her carriage, she suddenly turned and stood before Aunt Min. Aunt Min was slightly startled and quickly asked, "Did you forget something, young lady? Or is there something else?"
Li Maner whispered, "Auntie, I’ve been thinking, and there's something I must tell you."
"What is it?" Aunt Min couldn't imagine what Li Maner wanted to tell her.
"Your forehead is looking dark, Auntie. You should be extra careful lately. It's best to pray to Guanyin, the Medicine Buddha, and perhaps wear a protective charm for peace of mind."
What?
Aunt Min forced a stiff smile, thinking that this Miss Li not only knew medicine but also some sort of sorcery, given her cryptic words.
"Don't disbelieve me, Auntie. I can see certain things," Li Maner blinked and then quietly urged, "Please don't forget."
"Uh, yes, yes," Aunt Min could only agree.
Li Maner seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, turned, and boarded the carriage. The carriage slowly pulled away from the Princess's mansion and soon disappeared around the corner. Aunt Min then went back to report.
"She's gone?"
"Yes, but..."
Princess Wuyou frowned. "But what?"
Aunt Min said, "When Miss Li was leaving, she said my forehead looked dark and told me to pray and wear a charm."
"Miss Li said that?"
Aunt Min nodded. "She sounded very serious and cautioned me several times, saying she could see certain things."
Princess Wuyou chuckled and shook her head. "Just humor her."
"Yes, that's what I thought. However, after a few interactions, I find her rather inscrutable."
"She's merely a bit cunning," Princess Wuyou said, perhaps trying to hide something, and took a sip of the now-cold tea on the table.
Aunt Min, as if seeing through everything, said, "She is young, exceptionally beautiful, and has her own ideas. Her future promises to be limitless. Your Highness should maintain good relations with her and, for whatever reason, not easily antagonize her."
Princess Wuyou put down her teacup and waved her hand, likely impatient to end the conversation.
Aunt Min said no more and bowed before retreating. As she turned to descend the steps, she stepped on something, her foot slipped, and she fell backward, tumbling down the stairs.
"Auntie."
"Auntie."
The surrounding maids and servants jumped, rushing to help Aunt Min up. "How are you, Auntie?"
Aunt Min's face contorted in pain, and sweat broke out on her forehead. "My foot, my foot, and my back. It's all twisted."
Upon hearing this, Princess Wuyou uttered with frustration, "Did that girl actually predict it? Don't just stand there, quickly send for a doctor!"
All of this was meticulously planned by Li Maner. She possessed no fortune-telling skills. The reason Aunt Min stumbled and her words about a dark forehead came true was because Li Maner had discreetly dropped two crushed fish oil capsules at her feet while Aunt Min wasn't paying attention.
Ancient embroidered shoes offered very little traction. While they might not feel slippery on flat ground, they significantly increased the risk of a fall on stairs. It was also Aunt Min's bad luck; ever since Li Maner had spoken those words, she had been somewhat distracted, thinking it wouldn't hurt to go to the temple and get a charm, believing sincerity would suffice.
Before she could even do that, she took a rather hard fall, rendering her unable to walk for some time.
Li Maner was unaware of any of this. She rode back to the Iron Gallant Marquis's manor in her carriage, noticing that the servants seemed even more attentive to her.
"The young lady is back?"
"Greetings to the young lady."
"Young lady."
Coincidentally, the person who greeted her with a smile was the same Old Woman Jia. She was short but sturdy and well-built. When she smiled, wrinkles crinkled around her eyes, giving her a cheerful appearance.
Li Maner said, "Old Woman Jia, find a few people to help move the things from the carriage to Qingping Pavilion."
"Yes, yes, young lady, don't worry. I'll take care of it immediately." Old Woman Jia was thrilled to finally receive a task from Li Maner. She excitedly called out to a few capable individuals to help with the lifting and carrying.
Li Maner then proceeded to Songhe Hall and conversed at length with Madam Cui. Madam Cui was also very concerned, asking how the Princess had treated her and how her leg ailment was progressing.
"The Princess's leg ailment has persisted for some time, making a complete cure difficult. However, with the regimen I prescribed, although it will take more time, it will eventually heal."
Madam Cui said three good words. "The Princess's leg ailment is unusual, having been incurred for the Empress Dowager. You must be diligent and apply all your skills."
"Do not worry, Grandmother. I will be diligent with every follow-up visit."
"Excellent." Madam Cui was very pleased with Li Maner's answer. The greater her abilities, the sooner Consort Shu's health could recover, which naturally delighted Madam Cui.
"You've just returned and must be tired. Please rest well!"
Li Maner then added, "To be honest, Grandmother, the Princess also sent me many thank-you gifts this time. I couldn't refuse them and had to accept."
"Since they are from the Princess, you may keep them."
"Yes. Then, Grandmother, please rest. Your granddaughter takes her leave." As Li Maner turned to depart, she glanced towards the inner room and caught sight of a snippet of a purplish-brown skirt by the doorway. A slight smile couldn't help but curve her lips, and she then briskly exited the main room.
As soon as she left, Madam Guo emerged from the inner room.
"Mother, are you just going to watch her continue to be so lawless?" Madam Guo seemed to have drunk a cartload of aged vinegar. "She doesn't show any respect for me, her legitimate mother, now. In the future, I'm afraid she'll even disregard you."