Huang Yuhe never imagined that while she was out playing with Li Man'er for three days, her concubine aunt would be kneeling in the woodshed for three days. During these three days, nannies were stationed day and night to watch over Concubine Liu, preventing her from resting, eating, or drinking, and not even allowing her to go to the latrine.
After three days, Concubine Liu was on the verge of death.
Huang Yuhe ran to the woodshed and hugged Concubine Liu, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Auntie, Auntie, what happened to you? Speak to me."
Concubine Liu's lips were cracked and bleeding, her breath faint, unable to speak.
A glint of ferocity flashed in Huang Yuhe's eyes, and she turned to Xiao Tao, saying, "Quickly, go get a doctor."
Xiao Tao hurried out but was blocked by the nannies in the room. "Miss, we are ordered by the master to watch over Concubine Liu here. She has made a mistake and naturally deserves punishment. There's no need for a doctor. After all, family shame should not be spread."
Huang Yuhe, supported by Concubine Liu's maid, slapped the nanny fiercely. It was the first time she had ever hit anyone, and she put all her strength into it, not only sending the nanny spinning but also making her own arm tremble.
The nanny seemed caught off guard by Huang Yuhe's action, looking bewildered. "Eldest Miss, you..."
"It's you audacious and unruly servant I'm hitting." Huang Yuhe's anger flared as she saw the teapots and pastries on the side table. These servants were eating and drinking while tormenting her mother to this extent. They were truly insolent.
The nanny, defiant and believing Huang Yuhe to be easily bullied, retorted, "Miss, if you're angry, don't take it out on us. This is the master's and madam's will."
Huang Yuhe ignored her, quickly grabbing the teapot and a cup, intending to give Concubine Liu some water.
The nanny, a stooge of Madam Zhang, was emboldened by rage and tried to snatch the teapot from Huang Yuhe's hands. "Miss should ask the master and madam's permission before giving Concubine water. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, we cannot bear the responsibility."
The water spilled all over Huang Yuhe, and the teapot shattered. Her eyes turned red with anger, and she shoved the nanny fiercely.
Seeing her mistress in distress, Xiao Tao also stepped forward to tussle with the nannies. However, these young ladies were no match for the strength of nannies who had been toiling for years. Soon, they were at a disadvantage.
Although the nannies dared not openly strike Huang Yuhe, they employed many underhanded tactics, specifically targeting areas that could not be seen. The mistress and her maid suffered greatly.
Huang Yuhe was both furious and indignant. If they dared to bully her, she could only imagine how they treated her concubine aunt.
Just as Huang Yuhe and Xiao Tao were being harassed by the nannies, a scream suddenly rang out. A nanny cried out in pain and fell to the ground, unable to get up.
Immediately after, two more shouts were heard, and several nannies fled in panic, creating chaos.
"Help! Someone's killing people!"
"Quick, help! Who are these hooligans?"
Xiao Tao, with sharp eyes, exclaimed, "County Princess!"
Only then did Huang Yuhe realize that Li Man'er had returned.
Upon hearing the words "County Princess," the nannies were instantly terrified, their bodies trembling like sieves, all their previous arrogance gone.
"Man'er, you've come at the perfect time! Quickly, save my auntie." Huang Yuhe's tears flowed uncontrollably. "She's dying."
Li Man'er quickly leaned over, flipped open Concubine Liu's eyelids, and felt her pulse. "She's fine, just dehydrated and fainted. Get some water."
Ah Si immediately grabbed a nanny and roared, "Get water!"
The nanny dared not retort and quickly fetched a teapot and a new teacup from a nearby table.
Li Man'er promptly poured half a cup of water, adding half a drop of spiritual mist spring water to it, and then personally fed it to Concubine Liu.
"Man'er, let me!" She was a concubine, and her aunt was merely a concubine of a low-ranking official.
"I'll do it!" This was a joke. Half a drop of spiritual mist spring water was priceless. If even a tiny bit were spilled, she would regret it to death.
After drinking half a cup of water, Concubine Liu felt a warmth spread through her body. Her rapidly fading life force returned, and she slowly opened her eyes, a clearer light in them.
"Auntie, you're awake?" Huang Yuhe's tears fell again. It was a close call; she had almost lost her mother forever.
"Miss, don't cry," Concubine Liu said after taking a breath. "I'm fine now, aren't I?"
Li Man'er said, "Yuhe, quickly help your mother back to her room."
"Yes, Mother, let's go back first. We can talk later."
A brave nanny quietly slipped away, intending to report to Madam Zhang and Huang Yuzhu. Li Man'er pretended not to notice.
Madam Zhang was furious upon hearing that Li Man'er had arrived, saved Concubine Liu, and beaten the nannies.
Huang Yuzhu also rushed over upon receiving the news, stamping her feet in anger. Last time, she had wanted to go out with Huang Yuhe but was rejected by Li Man'er. Li Man'er had never shown her any kindness and had even said, "One should know their place." She had practically pointed at her nose and called her shameless.
Now, she had walked right into a trap.
"Mother, we cannot let this go. Li Man'er didn't take me with her last time because she didn't want me to meet the Prince. She's afraid the Prince will abandon her if he sees my beauty. This time, she trespassed into a private residence. We cannot let this slide."
Before Madam Zhang could respond, a sneering sound came from the doorway, filled with undisguised mockery and contempt, as if she were witnessing a great joke.
The mother and daughter looked up and saw Li Man'er standing at the door, watching them with an air of amusement.
Madam Zhang, startled, sprang to her feet, looking at Li Man'er with nervousness and helplessness. "County, County Princess."
Huang Yuzhu stared at the whip in Li Man'er's hand, utterly terrified, wondering how much of her conversation had been overheard.
"It seems you haven't taken my words to heart last time," Li Man'er said, flicking the whip in her hand. "Not only have you not repented, but you also harbor desires for Qi Yihan."
Huang Yuzhu felt guilty, but she was proud. Thinking that no one else was around, she figured a little boasting wouldn't hurt. She stiffened her neck and said, "Hmph, so what if I like the Prince? Li Man'er, you didn't let me accompany you, purely because you're afraid the Prince will fancy me. We're both women; I understand your little schemes. Stop pretending."
"You say the Prince fancies you?"
"What, is that not allowed?"
Li Man'er laughed again. "Qi Yihan isn't blind. He would fancy you?"
Li Man'er was digging a hole for Huang Yuzhu, but Huang Yuzhu, unaware, gleefully said, "The Ninth Prince is also a man. No man is immune to temptation. What if you're beautiful? Radishes and greens, chicken, duck, and meat – one needs to switch it up! Eating rich food every day, no one can stand it, can they?"
"Lord Huang, you truly are a capable parent."