A crisp slap echoed through the air, making everyone present involuntarily jump. The frail woman had never expected Li Man'er to strike her. Her face, directly hit by the palm, immediately began to swell.
The stinging pain jolted Liu Jiaoruo back to reality. She covered her face, her eyes brimming with tears, wishing she could tear Li Man'er apart. "You dare to hit me?"
Li Man'er sneered dismissively, "Why wouldn't I dare? Who do you think you are?"
"I am your second uncle's concubine, and in a way, your elder..."
Li Man'er couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Liu Jiaoruo instinctively flinched, swallowing the rest of her words and letting her tears fall.
"A concubine, merely a plaything for men, dares to presume to be an elder to a young lady?" Nanny Lin stepped forward at the opportune moment, scolding Liu Jiaoruo fiercely. The scolding left Liu Jiaoruo pale-faced, resembling a delicate flower swaying in the wind and rain, much to Nanny Lin's delight.
In recent years, the madam's health had been poor, and her relationship with the second master had also grown distant. This had inevitably led some restless individuals to harbor improper thoughts.
When selecting concubines for the second master, the madam had always been cautious, avoiding those who were overly seductive or had impure intentions. However, this Liu Jiaoruo was a gift from the second master's superior, making her difficult to dismiss. Coupled with her alluring appearance, she had captured the second master's considerable attention.
Some people are simply short-sighted. A few honeyed words from a man are enough to make them believe they are irreplaceable in this world, that the man cannot live without them. How laughable.
"I..." Liu Jiaoruo was extremely indignant. The second master always doted on her. If he knew she had been wronged by Li Man'er, he would surely stand up for her.
A wise woman knows when to retreat.
Li Man'er glanced at Liu Jiaoruo. "Nanny Lin."
Nanny Lin immediately bowed respectfully to Li Man'er. "This servant awaits the young lady's command."
"The second madam is kind-hearted and does not wish to be harsh with her concubines; we all know this. However, a concubine disrespecting the primary wife is an act of insubordination, disregarding hierarchy. This can never be tolerated."
Hearing this, Nanny Lin felt immense satisfaction and her impression of Li Man'er improved further.
"The young lady speaks the truth. This old servant has often advised the madam to establish proper rules, lest some individuals forget their place and fail to distinguish between right and wrong, truly believing themselves to be treasures."
Li Man'er's lips curved upwards. She didn't spare Liu Jiaoruo another glance. "Let's go. We should go and see the second madam."
The group, as if Liu Jiaoruo and her companions were invisible, walked past them and went to see the Second Madam, Madam Bai.
Liu Jiaoruo, feeling both humiliated and helpless, covered her face and ran back to her small courtyard.
This matter could not be left as it was. She had to find a way to regain her lost dignity.
Before Li Man'er even entered the courtyard, Madam Bai was already aware that she had slapped Liu Jiaoruo. While her initial reaction was complex, upon reflection, she felt it was not a significant matter.
"Madam, the young lady has arrived."
"Quick, invite her in."
A maidservant promptly went out to greet her, and within moments, welcomed Li Man'er inside.
"Young lady, please come in quickly."
As soon as Li Man'er entered the room, she felt an intense heat. Although the weather had turned cooler, it wasn't so cold that it would be hot. The windows and doors of Madam Bai's room were mostly closed. Despite the stuffiness, Madam Bai was still wearing thick fabric clothes, yet not a single drop of sweat was visible on her forehead.
"Young lady, I'm so glad you're finally here," Madam Bai said, grasping Li Man'er's hand as a gesture of closeness. However, her hand was ice-cold, devoid of any warmth.
"Second Aunt, are your hands and feet always this cold?"
Madam Bai, suppressing an itch in her throat, said helplessly, "Please sit. Fuxian, serve tea."
Madam Bai's head maid personally brought tea to Li Man'er.
"Second Aunt, I'm in no hurry for tea. Let me examine you first!"
With a look from Madam Bai, Nanny Lin ushered the unnecessary attendants outside. She instructed Fuxian to guard the door while she remained inside to serve.
Zi Yan, familiar with the routine, opened Li Man'er's medicine chest, took out a medicinal pillow, and placed it on a small table.
Madam Bai placed her hand on the pillow, waiting anxiously for Li Man'er's diagnosis.
Li Man'er's expression was calm, making it impossible for anyone to discern anything from her face. Nanny Lin's heart remained in her throat, fearing that Li Man'er would give the same prognosis as the other doctors.
"Sporadic bleeding, aversion to cold, and a fear of cold. Second Aunt, your root has been damaged."
Nanny Lin's head buzzed. Tears immediately welled up, beyond her control.
Madam Bai, however, seemed resigned. "I've heard these words countless times. Every doctor says the same thing."
Li Man'er gestured for Zi Yan to fetch paper and brush. Zi Yan quickly retrieved them from the medicine chest.
"Young lady, is the madam's illness something that can only be managed?" Other doctors, while writing prescriptions, would shake their heads and only advise rest and observation.
Even the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital said the same.
"Managed?" Li Man'er let out a light scoff. "When one lacks capability, they resort to advising management. This illness, though severe, can be treated promptly. With proper care for six months, and by adhering to medication, attending follow-up appointments, and adjusting prescriptions, you should be almost recovered by next spring."
Madam Bai was so astonished that the handkerchief in her hand dropped.
Nanny Lin was overjoyed, tears streaming down her face, but she dared not cry out loud for fear of disturbing Li Man'er as she wrote the prescription.
Li Man'er wrote for a good six to seven pages. She selected five sheets and handed them to Nanny Lin, instructing her to send someone to fetch the medicine.
"These include oral medications and external applications. I will explain how to use them once the medicine is brought back." Nanny Lin repeatedly agreed. Looking at the two pages in Li Man'er's hand, she asked, "May I ask, young lady, are these two pages not prescriptions?"
Li Man'er handed those two pages to Madam Bai. "These are Second Aunt's medical records, detailing the time of consultation, symptoms, medications, and so on. For each follow-up visit, two more pages will be added. Once the illness is cured, they can be bound into a booklet."
"The young lady is indeed meticulous," Nanny Lin quickly said. "This old servant will arrange for someone to fetch the medicine immediately. Young lady, please be seated for a moment."
Li Man'er nodded and instructed Zi Yan to pack up the items.
Madam Bai couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. Even now, she found it hard to believe her illness could be cured.
"Man'er, is there truly hope for my illness?"
Li Man'er smiled. "Your body is your own. Once you take the medicine, Second Aunt will understand."
With such cryptic words, Madam Bai couldn't probe further. She simply asked for fresh tea to be served and couldn't help but study Li Man'er with a few more glances.
This young lady of the household had truly changed immensely from before.
"Second Aunt, why are you looking at me like that?" Li Man'er picked up the still-warm tea and took a sip, then gently placed the teacup back down.
"I just feel as if I've never known you before."
Li Man'er couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. The moment she smiled, Madam Bai felt as if the entire room lit up.