In just a few days, Li Qingshu had become noticeably thinner, but her vitality had greatly improved. She appeared more energetic, her complexion was good, and she seemed even more spirited than before she fell ill.
Her appetite had improved considerably, her sleep had become much better, and her skin had regained its glow. She now had the inclination to dress herself up, appearing as though she had aged several years.
Aunt Wenxiu praised wholeheartedly, "Your Highness looks so different, I almost don't recognize you."
After the Fourth Princess's demise, Li Qingshu's life had been like a frog being boiled in warm water; each day was an ordeal. How could one be happy and joyful living under immense psychological pressure? And how could a dejected person have the mood to dress up?
Fortunately, Li Qingshu had now come through it. Looking at her complexion and appearance, she was just as she had been during her most favored days.
"There are so many in the palace recently who speak of me as basking in good fortune; you're the first to mention it."
Aunt Wenxiu knew she was feeling unhappy and understood that her current change stemmed from acceptance. She quickly replied, "Your Highness, you don't need to care about what those people think. Their minds are filled with filth; they simply cannot bear to see Your Highness well."
Li Qingshu was indifferent, merely saying, "Why should I bother with them?" If she were to bother, it wouldn't be now.
Wenxiu knew her intentions best, suspecting that the Fourth Princess was likely harmed by something buried outside. Her Highness's current composure was merely a period of dormancy; one day, those who harmed the Fourth Princess would pay the price.
"Has Your Highness made up her mind?" This was a path of no return.
Just then, a maid entered and announced, "Your Highness, the medicinal bath is ready."
"Mmm."
Wenxiu quickly helped Li Qingshu to the bathing chamber, saying as they walked, "The young lady's medicine is truly miraculous. Ever since Your Highness took the medicinal bath and the medicine, your body has been much better than before."
"That child is indeed miraculous, with her unique skills. You only need to look at how Duan Xu chases after her to request her as a teacher to know her medical skills are not bad."
Upon reaching the bathing chamber, Wenxiu personally assisted Li Qingshu into the tub.
"The young lady's medical skills are extraordinary, yet why do they speak of her that way outside! This servant feels the young lady is not someone who lacks discretion."
Li Qingshu simply said, "People's mouths are like two sides of a coin; they say whatever they please. Madam Guo... it's not surprising."
"Indeed, this servant feels the young lady has a difficult life. If she weren't capable, she might not even be able to protect herself."
Li Qingshu closed her eyes and remained silent. Wenxiu took a ladle, scooped up some medicinal soup, and poured it over her shoulders. When the time was up, she helped Li Qingshu out of the tub, dried her from head to toe, changed her into clean clothes, and returned to the side hall.
"Pour Her Highness a cup of warm water."
The little maid curtsied deeply and hurried to fetch the water.
Taking traditional Chinese medicine required dietary restrictions, so Li Qingshu mostly avoided fruits like melons and berries and did not drink tea. The ice basins in the room were also reduced. Although she felt a bit unaccustomed at first, her body felt hot, but after a few days of medication, her body truly felt much more refreshed. Li Qingshu now knew that Li Man'er was truly skilled.
"What is Man'er doing?"
Speaking of this, Wenxiu sighed again, "The young lady was practicing martial arts in the back courtyard this morning, saying it was for strengthening her body. But this servant observes that it's different from what martial artists practice; it's likely just fancy footwork. After eating, the young lady would read books, not feeling bored, and would sit there for the entire morning. Apart from visiting your chambers for consultations, she spent all her other time on books."
Wenxiu felt that Li Man'er was far from simply putting on a show; she had been observing for several days. If she were faking it, she would have been bored to death by now.
"Have her dine with me tonight." Li Qingshu knew Li Man'er was trying to avoid impropriety; she feared encountering the Emperor and being misunderstood.
Li Qingshu greatly appreciated her niece's sensible thoughtfulness.
"I am taking medicine, so the Emperor will not visit."
Aunt Wenxiu immediately understood, "Yes, this servant will make arrangements."
Before Aunt Wenxiu could even make arrangements, the Li family's token was sent into the palace.
Madam Guo was dead!
When Li Qingshu heard the news, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, thinking why she had to die at this time. She did not want Li Man'er to return, but Madam Guo was her legitimate mother, so she had to go back.
"Notify Man'er and have her pack her things. Also, find a trustworthy person to go back. Although I have entered the palace and cannot return, my sentiments must be conveyed."
Wenxiu responded, "Your Highness, rest assured, this servant understands."
Li Man'er heard of Madam Guo's passing and felt no surprise. Calculating the dates, it was indeed around this time.
Hmm~
It was time to go back.
"You pack things. Before I leave, I need to take Your Highness's pulse and prepare medicine; it cannot be done carelessly."
Wenxiu was delighted upon hearing this and quickly led Li Man'er to the side hall.
"Aunt."
Li Qingshu thought she had come to bid farewell, so she said, "Funerals are important matters; they cannot be treated carelessly. No matter what Madam Guo did before, the departed should be respected."
See, everyone knew the original owner's grievances, knew what suffering she had endured.
"Yes, please rest assured. It's just that before I leave, I wish to take your pulse one more time."
Li Qingshu then noticed that she was carrying the medicine box herself.
"You are thoughtful."
Li Man'er spent half an hour taking Li Qingshu's pulse and prescribed a new medicinal formula.
"Aunt, this prescription must be delivered to Duan Xu to prepare the medicine himself; I don't trust anyone else." Originally, Li Man'er would personally inspect the medicine after it was prepared. However, since she would be leaving the palace, the medicine would have to be handled by others. After much consideration, Duan Xu was the most reliable.
"Don't worry!"
Li Man'er then nodded, "Aunt, please be careful in everything. In this deep palace, you are without support. You can only rely on the Emperor and the Empress Dowager to protect yourself. Please temporarily forget those unpleasantries; there will be time in the future."
Li Qingshu seemed surprised that Li Man'er would say these things to her. She smiled and asked, "Your disposition is quiet and reserved, and you don't seem particularly close to your family, but why are you different towards me?"
The word "flattery" did not apply to Li Man'er.
Li Man'er simply said, "Because you are different towards me."
Li Qingshu had not been exceptionally good to her, or to the original owner, but she had shown kindness. At least, she had not tried to harm the original owner by unscrupulous means like the other Li family members.
"So that's how it is." Li Qingshu couldn't help but smile, "You may go!"
After Li Man'er left, Li Qingshu couldn't help but discuss her matters with Wenxiu.
"With Madam Guo gone, she will have to observe mourning for three years. After the mourning period, she will be twenty."
Wenxiu also expressed some concern upon hearing this, "She was originally betrothed to the Tong family. If this engagement falls through, it will likely be even more difficult for her in the future."
At the same time, the Grand Princess was also discussing this matter with her confidante.
"With the death of the Iron Courage Marquis's wife, Li Man'er will have to observe mourning for three years, delaying her until she is twenty. She will be an old maid no one wants. I wonder who will marry her then."
"You speak the truth."
The Grand Princess smiled, "I must give her a grand gift!"