The Emperor Cheng Hua glanced meaningfully at Li Man'er, "Are you the Man'er from the Li family?"
What did she mean by 'Man'er from the Li family'? Such an old man and he couldn't even speak properly.
"Yes, this humble daughter is," Li Man'er stood respectfully, her head slightly lowered.
There was no cliché scene here, no looking up abruptly. Emperor Cheng Hua was a rather upright man, he simply asked, "The one betrothed to Jiao'er?"
"Yes."
Emperor Cheng Hua mused, "I heard you are unwilling to marry Jiao'er?"
What a question!
If she said no, it would seem ungrateful, after all, Tong Jiao was the Emperor's nephew! His mother was a princess, and his maternal grandmother was the current Empress Dowager. Such powerful connections, many people wished for them but couldn't get them!
But if she said yes! What if the Emperor got involved and insisted on the marriage, forcing them together? Moreover, perhaps the Emperor would think she was someone who clung to wealth and insisted on holding onto this engagement.
It was truly a troublesome matter.
Fortunately, Li Man'er reacted quickly and immediately thought of her response.
"Yes, this humble daughter is unwilling to marry into the Duke of Rong's manor."
"Oh?" Emperor Cheng Hua was very curious, "Why?"
Li Qingshu stood by, her heart in her throat for Li Man'er, fearing she might say something wrong and incur the Emperor's wrath. The Emperor's heart was unpredictable; his temper had become stranger over the years, no one knew what he was thinking, nor which word might provoke his displeasure.
"This humble daughter is too unruly, her temperament is unlikable, and she lost her parents at a young age, thus she was not worthy of the young Duke. However, this humble daughter has never been one to underestimate herself, and this is not the main reason why I do not wish to marry into the Duke of Rong's manor."
Emperor Cheng Hua seemed somewhat impatient, though he said nothing.
Eunuch Qian, by the Emperor's side, couldn't stand it any longer and quickly tried to smooth things over, "Oh, Miss Li, just say what you mean, you're making us anxious."
Li Man'er said, "This humble daughter is devoted to the art of medicine and has studied under renowned masters since childhood. Upon marrying into the Duke of Rong's manor, she would be a lady of rank. I doubt the Princess Royal and the Duke of Rong would allow this humble daughter to appear in public and treat patients in the capital."
Emperor Cheng Hua pondered.
He remembered that Li Shu's poison was cured by his daughter!
Li Man'er continued, "This humble daughter's lifelong wish is for peace throughout the land, for the people to have enough to eat and wear, and for everyone to afford medical care and education. If I cannot practice medicine and save lives, I might as well become a nun and leave the secular world."
Li Qingshu was utterly surprised by this explanation and was momentarily stunned. "Your Majesty..." She truly feared the Emperor might impulsively decree that Li Man'er become a nun.
Emperor Cheng Hua completely ignored Li Qingshu, nor did he seem inclined to blame Li Man'er. Instead, he asked with great interest, "Oh, I didn't expect Prime Minister Li's daughter to possess such a chivalrous and compassionate heart. Very well! A woman no less than a man. Since that is the case, I shall decree that you two return each other's tokens of betrothal and exchange the betrothal letters. This marriage shall be annulled!"
When the Empress Dowager had decreed the marriage, she had bestowed a pair of jade Ruyi as tokens, one to Tong Jiao and the other to Li Man'er, stating that when the two jade Ruyi were placed together, it would be time for their wedding.
With the Emperor's golden words, there was no room for appeal.
Li Man'er was overjoyed. Prompted by Eunuch Qian, she quickly knelt to express her gratitude.
"Rise!" Only then did Emperor Cheng Hua truly look at Li Man'er. Upon seeing her, he immediately smiled.
That Tong Jiao, is he blind? To discard such a good potential wife, and even pestered me about it multiple times. This time, I'm satisfied, though I wonder if he'll regret it later.
"Your Imperial Concubine's niece is indeed interesting."
Li Qingshu followed Emperor Cheng Hua's words, "This concubine feels the same. Therefore, I wish for her to stay and reside with this concubine for a while. What does Your Majesty think?"
"Good, good. If my Imperial Concubine likes it, then so be it."
Li Man'er shivered inwardly, thinking that although the Emperor was well-preserved, age was age. Hearing such affectionate words from his mouth was truly incongruous.
The Emperor had no intention of leaving, so others could only withdraw.
Upon exiting the main hall, Ziyan still felt it wasn't quite real. She had actually seen the Emperor. Her feet felt as if they were treading on cotton, it was all so surreal.
"Miss, this servant really saw the Emperor!"
"You, is it that necessary?"
Ziyan nodded vigorously, "That is the Son of Heaven."
The mistress and servant walked towards the rear chambers, forgetting about Duan Xu.
Duan Xu dared not act presumptuously in Consort Shu's palace, with the Emperor present, he could only leave for now and find another opportunity to discuss becoming Li Man'er's disciple.
Li Man'er returned to change her clothes and collapsed onto the bed to rest.
Ziyan, meanwhile, was busy tidying up. They were short-handed, and although Aunt Wen Xiu had assigned two palace maids, Ziyan did not trust them. For anything concerning Li Man'er, she personally took care of it, fearing that others might exploit the situation.
That night, the Emperor indeed stayed at Xiaoxiang Hall.
Li Man'er thought the old man was too inconsiderate. Knowing there was a guest in Xiaoxiang Hall and still staying over, who knew what rumors would spread tomorrow.
As expected, the next day, unpleasant gossip began circulating in the palace.
It wasn't spoken too explicitly, but the underlying implication was that the Li family intended to send Li Man'er to the palace, and Consort Shu also wished to use her young and beautiful niece to curry favor with the Emperor.
These words were too malicious, their intent venomous and obvious.
Li Man'er, upon hearing them, remained quite calm.
Li Qingshu seemed surprised that Li Man'er could remain so composed and asked, "Aren't you angry?"
"Aunt, such matters are the work of petty people. If I get angry, wouldn't I be falling into their trap? Besides, do you think these rumors won't reach the Emperor's ears? It's only a matter of time. My father is about to depart for Mobei. How could the Emperor allow such rumors to spread unchecked in the palace?"
Li Qingshu smiled slightly, "You are more insightful than I thought." She had left home early, and Li Man'er was still young then, so she didn't know Li Man'er's true character. She had only heard from others that her temper and disposition were poor, but now it seemed like all baseless gossip.
"The people spreading these rumors are quite brainless. They are likely being used as pawns."
Just then, Aunt Wen Xiu personally brought in a bowl of medicine.
"Your Ladyship, the medicine is brewed."
Li Qingshu sighed and frowned slightly, "I detest drinking these bitter decoctions the most."
"Good medicine tastes bitter. This is a prescription from Miss Li."
Li Qingshu picked up the bowl and drank the dark liquid in one gulp. The maids beside her quickly offered her clear tea to rinse her mouth and a plate of preserved fruits.
Li Qingshu took one and placed it in her mouth, feeling much better.