Cui listened to Li Shu's words, her gaze suddenly darkened. "You've accepted a mission and are going to the Northern Desert?"
"Nothing escapes Mother's notice. His Majesty has already spoken to me about it, though the imperial decree has not yet been issued," Li Shu replied. "The situation in the Northern Desert is unclear. For the past few years, the Xiao family's memorials have only requested money or grain. His Majesty's intention is for me to investigate."
The matters there had dragged on for too long and could not afford further delay.
Cui was silent for a long time before finally saying, "It is an opportunity, but also dangerous."
Li Shu immediately understood her meaning. "Mother, rest assured. I am aware of the dangers and will be extremely cautious. Besides, if something were to happen to me, the Xiao family would be the first to suffer."
"Indeed!" Cui said with firm resolve. "On this trip, you must be wary of the Xiao family and handle the Emperor's affairs well. As for your sister, it's time for a resolution."
Perhaps with Li Shu's departure to the Northern Desert, the Consort's position could be further elevated. The matter of recuperation would have to be expedited and brought to the forefront.
Since there was a role to be played, some benefits had to be offered. As for Madam Guo, she could only blame her own ill fortune and greed.
"Request Imperial Physician Duan to visit a few more times. If she cannot be awakened, then there is nothing to be done. If the King of Hell wants you to die at the third watch, who can keep you until the fifth? Do your best and leave the rest to fate."
Li Shu had already prepared himself mentally and readily agreed.
"There is one more matter. Madam Guo is not virtuous, and the shops must certainly be returned. However, dealing with the Guo family might still require Mother's intervention."
"Ah," Cui mused. "Perhaps this matter should be left to Man'er to handle."
"Man'er?" What could she do?
Cui rubbed the pattern on her sleeve. "You must show her some kindness so that she will remember you as her father. Do not forget how Madam Guo treated her, and how you treated her." Cui spoke righteously, as if she had no part in it.
"Hand that Guo Yongzhang over to her. As for how the negotiations with the Guo family proceed, that will be none of our concern."
Li Shu agreed to all of it.
"You go and attend to your duties. I will handle these trivial matters of the inner quarters."
"It is my filial impiety that causes Mother to worry."
Cui waved her hand. "It was nothing initially; it is merely that things have happened so suddenly, without preparation. If Madam Guo had been content and lived a modest life, why would she be in this predicament today? Do not be sad, either. A man's ambition lies in the four directions; do not let the women at home tie your hands. When your mourning period is over, there is no rush to arrange another marriage."
Li Shu had no such thoughts. Madam Guo was still alive; it was not time to consider such matters. Fearing that Cui might say something he could not accept, he quickly said, "Mother, I have military duties to attend to, so I will take my leave for now and will see you again later."
"I am well. Go about your business."
As Li Shu rose to leave, Nanny Du rushed in, exclaiming, "Old Madam, please go and see! The Second Miss and the Eldest Miss have started fighting."
"Fighting? What is going on?"
Nanny Du recounted truthfully, "The Second Miss claims the Eldest Miss caused the Madam's current state. The Eldest Miss told her not to spout nonsense, and that the Second Miss was acting like a shrew, which was beneath her dignity. The sisters then came to blows. I couldn't break them up, and the Eldest Miss even had the door locked..."
Li Shu knew that Li Man'er had martial skills. Her strength was such that even he could not withstand it. If she were to hit Zhao'er...
"Where are they now?"
"Reporting to the Marquis, they are still in Chaohui Courtyard."
Li Shu could no longer sit still and hurried towards Chaohui Courtyard.
Cui looked displeased. "Has Zhao'er been spoiled by Madam Guo? The older she gets, the more unruly she becomes. At this critical juncture, she is causing trouble for the household, as if she's here to collect debts."
Nanny Wang quickly comforted her. "Old Madam, please calm your anger. The Second Miss is likely too anxious and lost her composure for a moment."
Nanny Du saw things most clearly and vividly.
Now that the Eldest Miss's status in the manor had risen steadily, the Old Madam wanted her to help adjust Consort Shu's health, and also to gain favor with Princess Wuyou. Under such circumstances, the Second Miss was bound to be the one to get scolded.
In this family, whoever had ability could stand firm, gain the Old Madam's approval, and receive her favoritism and protection. It had been like this for the Second Miss before, and now it was the Eldest Miss's turn.
"Alright, never a moment's peace. Let's go and see!"
Nanny Wang quickly stepped forward to support her, and Nanny Du followed closely behind. They soon arrived at Chaohui Courtyard.
By this time, the sisters had stopped fighting. Li Man'er appeared composed, her clothes neat, not a single strand of hair out of place. Li Zha'er, on the other hand, had messy hair, smudged makeup, and some dirt on her skirt hem.
"Grandmother," Li Zha'er cried, tears streaming down her face. "Grandmother, you must seek justice for Mother. She is not ill; she was harmed by someone."
Cui did not comfort her as she usually would. Instead, she asked sternly, "What did Imperial Physician Duan say?"
"Imperial Physician Duan..." Li Zha'er's expression turned somewhat sulky. "Is Imperial Physician Duan omnipotent? If he were truly that capable, why couldn't he cure Father back then? He's simply a quack."
"Presumptuous!" Cui was furious. "Do you know what you are saying? How many people wish they could invite Imperial Physician Duan to their manor, and you dare to question him based on your status?"
Li Zha'er was speechless, only managing to say, "In any case, my mother is not sick; she was harmed by Li Man'er."
Li Shu was quite troubled. He couldn't explain this matter to his daughter. "Zhao'er, where are your manners and upbringing?"
"My mother is like a living dead person; what rules or upbringing do I need?"
Li Man'er sneered. "Li Zha'er, I originally intended to let you off the hook, but since you're seeking your own doom, don't blame me."
"What do you mean?" Li Zha'er asked vigilantly, afraid Li Man'er would play some trick.
"Why are you so convinced that I harmed Madam? Do you have any evidence?"
Li Zha'er didn't know what she was implying and remained silent.
"You know why your mother went to Yaowang Temple, don't you?"
Li Zha'er's eyes darted, but she dared not meet Li Man'er's gaze.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Cui and Li Shu, however, were beginning to understand something.
"You know your mother wanted to harm me, and you are also fully aware that she intended to find someone at Yaowang Temple to ruin my reputation."
"You're spouting nonsense! When did my mother ever try to harm you? She treated you like her own, raising you through hardship; how could she harm you?"
"She wouldn't harm me? Then what happened at the Princess's manor? Don't you know? After failing to use Young Master Geng to scheme against me, she found your cousin. Her current predicament is clearly Heaven's retribution; it's karma." Li Man'er let out a disdainful laugh. "She deserved it."