Li Man'er retraced her steps according to memory back to the Iron Gallbladder Marquis's residence. She entered through a side gate and was immediately accosted by two robust women.
"Eldest Young Lady, the Old Madam has words for you. She wants to see you at Songhe Hall as soon as you return."
Li Man'er let out a cold laugh. So, they couldn't wait to deal with her while the Marquis was away.
"Lead the way."
The two women paused, surprised at the ease of their task. However, they quickly recovered and led Li Man'er towards Madam Cui's courtyard.
As they entered the courtyard, Yunxiu, Madam Cui's head maid, came to meet them. "Eldest Young Lady, you've finally returned. The Old Madam has been waiting inside and has thrown a terrible tantrum."
"Is she displeased I've come late?"
Yunxiu's expression flickered momentarily before she regained her composure. "What are you saying, Eldest Young Lady? The sun is strong outside, please come in quickly!"
Yunxiu personally lifted the curtain for Li Man'er and led her into a side hall.
"Eldest Young Lady has arrived."
"Eldest Young Lady is back."
Inside the side hall, Madam Cui reclined on a couch, with a young maid who had just come of age fanning her gently from behind.
Madam Cui was in her early fifties, exceptionally well-preserved. Her hair was dark and dense, and the lines around her eyes were not deep. Her thinness made her cheekbones appear slightly prominent, and coupled with her upturned brows and downturned lips, her appearance conveyed a sense of severity.
Li Man'er's stepmother, Madam Guo, was also present. This woman, who appeared delicate and frail, had a kindly face, but unfortunately, she harbored a malicious heart, and had undoubtedly set many traps for the original owner behind the scenes. Li Zhaor, sitting beside Madam Guo, regarded Li Man'er with a meaningful gaze.
Li Man'er cast a dismissive glance at Granny Xu, who stood to the side, before offering her greetings to Madam Cui.
Madam Cui, however, uttered two words with a light breath: "Kneel!"
Li Man'er's immediate reaction was disbelief. It had been years since anyone dared speak to her in such a manner. And this old shrew dared to demand her to kneel! Even though this was ancient times, Madam Cui wasn't royalty. Why should she kneel? Even elders didn't have the right to demand their juniors kneel at any moment.
As Li Man'er hesitated, Madam Guo feigned concern. "Eldest Young Lady, do not anger the Old Madam. Disobeying elders is absolutely forbidden."
Li Man'er raised an eyebrow and turned to Madam Guo, flashing a peculiar smile. "Mother speaks so easily, casually casting the label of disobedience upon me. Our kingdom rules by filial piety, how could I possibly be defiant towards Grandmother?" With that, she knelt before Madam Cui, appearing perfectly obedient and devoid of any arrogance.
Madam Guo was momentarily stunned. She couldn't help but glance at her daughter. It seemed Zhaor was right; Li Man'er was indeed different. In the past, Li Man'er would have only shouted and cried that they were all bullying her. She wouldn't have spoken so logically and coherently.
Madam Cui stared at Li Man'er as if flowers were blooming on her face. Li Man'er, however, kept her gaze lowered, concealing the sharpness in her eyes.
She had only just transmigrated, and already she had to face a pile of messes left by the original owner. If possible, she preferred to stabilize the situation before taking the next step. But she had a premonition that even if she didn't stir up trouble, trouble would find her. Peace was not an option.
"Li Man'er, do you even have a brain!" As expected, Madam Cui's opening words were laced with strong disdain and undisguised loathing.
Madam Cui disliked Ning Shi's status as a merchant's daughter, considering Li Shu's marriage to her a joke. Even though Ning Shi had long since turned to dust, Madam Cui's displeasure remained undiminished and had transferred to Li Man'er.
"Your granddaughter is dull-witted. Please, Grandmother, enlighten me."
"What good deeds did you do at the Grand Princess's manor? Do I need to remind you?" Madam Cui was so angry she slammed the table, her jade prayer beads resting on its surface.
Perhaps she was afraid they would shatter.
Li Man'er simply said, "Grandmother, your granddaughter has done nothing wrong."
Seeing her attitude, Madam Cui's eyebrows threatened to explode. "You're still stubborn. The Grand Princess suffered a heart ailment because of you, and the young duke even drew his sword. Are these minor matters?"
Madam Guo and Li Zhaor secretly rejoiced. It seemed Li Man'er's change was fleeting, and most of the time she was still as wild and foolish as ever.
"Reporting to Grandmother, they bullied your granddaughter first. Your granddaughter did not wish to disgrace the Iron Gallbladder Marquis's reputation, nor damage the reputation of Consort Shu, incurring the Emperor's reprimand. That is why she clashed with the Grand Princess and caused a scene at the Princess's manor."
"Hmph, utter nonsense!" Li Zhaor couldn't hold back.
Who in the manor didn't know that the Old Madam's favorite was not her eldest son, Marquis Iron Gallbladder Li Shu, nor her younger son Li En, but Li Qingshu, who entered the palace at fifteen? She was the only daughter among Madam Cui's four children. From a young age, her beauty was exceptional, and her skills in poetry, calligraphy, and painting were outstanding. Madam Cui had doted on her and raised her with great care. When the Old Marquis was alive, he cherished this daughter like his own eyes.
Li Qingshu entered the palace at fifteen and was now the esteemed Consort Shu. She was Madam Cui's darling. Li Man'er's deliberate mention of her had indeed successfully captured Madam Cui's attention.
"What does this matter have to do with the Consort?" Madam Cui became anxious, her tone changing.
Li Man'er deliberately glanced at Madam Guo and Li Zhaor before saying, "Grandmother, the matter is of great importance. It would be best for unrelated individuals to leave." She was not afraid that Li Zhaor wouldn't fall for the bait.
"Grandmother, Eldest Sister is likely afraid of being punished by you for the trouble she's caused, and is now dragging the Consort into it." Li Zhaor's eyes were like knives, wishing she could stab Li Man'er with them.
Madam Guo, however, knew the matter was not that simple. The Consort was the Old Madam's darling; any matter concerning her was a major one, no matter how small.
"Zhaor, do not speak rashly and wrong your Eldest Sister, thus damaging the sisterly bond."
This was a cleverly phrased remark. If it were the old Li Man'er, she might not have grasped the subtle meaning.
"Mother, rest assured, I will absolutely not speak nonsense, nor will I damage the brotherhood between the Consort and Father!" Li Man'er smiled slightly. "I originally thought it was a matter of great importance, and it would be best to inform Grandmother discreetly. Since Mother and Sister believe I am creating a fuss, then let me explain it clearly once and for all."
Upon hearing this, Madam Guo couldn't help but feel apprehensive. She had never seen Li Man'er speak so calmly and coherently.
"Speak, I think you are fabricating things out of thin air, wanting Grandmother to let you off this time." Li Zhaor's words made it difficult for Madam Guo to say anything further. It was better to stay and hear what Li Man'er could concoct.
In Madam Guo's eyes, Li Man'er was a mere insect that could be crushed at any time. She, who clearly wasn't born with a sharp mind, dared to play schemes? Wasn't she courting death?
Thus, she waited to watch the show.