Five days later, Ning Daocheng's eyes had completely recovered.
Ning Qianjing pushed him into the courtyard, accompanying him to admire the beauty of spring.
"This garden has truly been created with care. Every plant and tree is exquisite and elegant, possessing a distinct Jiangnan charm."
Ning Daocheng, gazing at the vibrant greenery, was filled with emotion. "Brother, I long to return home now, to see Mother, Second Brother, my two sisters-in-law, and my nieces and nephews."
"Heh." Ning Qianjing seemed equally happy. After a couple of light chuckles, he said, "You'll have to ask Man'er about that. No one can let you leave without her consent. But rest assured, I've already sent a letter to Mother, informing her that you are well."
Ning Daocheng touched his leg. "One's heart is never satisfied! When I couldn't see and my limbs were crippled, I thought I'd be content to see my family one last time, even if I were to die. Later, when my hands healed, I wished my eyes could see. Now that my hands and eyes are healed, I yearn for my legs to recover too. Brother, do you think I'm too greedy?"
Ning Qianjing patted his shoulder and said softly, "There will be such a day."
"Man'er's medical skills are unprecedented. If even she can't help, then perhaps no one in the world can cure my legs." Ning Daocheng smiled. "However, this wheelchair is very good and convenient for travel. Brother, after Man'er's wedding, let's go home. I want to open a medical clinic to treat the poor."
As long as it could make his brother happy, Ning Xingjing would spare no expense, let alone a small charity hall.
"You do whatever you want to do. Our family's business is managed by me and your second brother. Your nephews are grown now, some studying, some engaged in commerce; there will always be people to manage the household. Man'er's marriage to the Ninth Prince will also offer some protection to the younger generation. Just focus on what you want to do. Opening a charity hall is excellent; it will accumulate virtue for our family's descendants. It's a good deed."
Ning Daocheng nodded with a smile. The brothers' understanding was unspoken.
Li Man'er specifically chose an auspicious day to enter the palace. Today was the day to administer the pill to Emperor Chenghua.
The medicinal power of Jiuxia was gentle yet potent. For those with poor health, their internal organs needed to be conditioned first to achieve the best results.
Li Man'er, along with A'Si and Ziyan, entered the palace. Because it was a minor court assembly, she didn't see Emperor Chenghua immediately. Instead, she encountered Consort Rong, who had been waiting for her in the side hall where she rested.
"Consort Rong?" Li Man'er raised an eyebrow. She had predicted Consort Rong would come today, but she hadn't expected her to be so impatient.
"Princess Anning is so diligent. Having a skill to rely on certainly gives one confidence."
The obvious sarcasm indicated that Consort Rong had lost her composure. The consorts in the harem were all playing it safe, yet this minor Consort Rong was rushing forward.
"Your Highness, what is this..."
"I heard the Princess is here to see His Majesty for a follow-up today, and I was worried, so I specifically came to check."
Li Man'er nodded. "Consort Rong truly has deep affection for His Majesty; it's quite moving."
Sarcasm? Who couldn't do that?
"You..." Consort Rong's smile was on the verge of breaking. She understood that Li Man'er knew her background, which was why she made such a remark, implying that she, despite being His Majesty's woman, was still fighting over a foolish past affection.
More accurately, it was merely her unrequited crush, her one-sided hope. It was precisely because of this that Li Man'er was humiliating her.
"Is something wrong, Your Highness? You seem unwell. Would you like me to examine you?" Li Man'er smiled serenely.
Consort Rong naturally dared not erupt. Not to mention that Li Man'er was currently His Majesty's savior and someone she couldn't afford to offend. This was not her territory; it was filled with His Majesty's spies and informants. Any leak of information would spell her ruin.
"I am merely concerned about His Majesty's health." Consort Rong suppressed her anger. "However, I have been feeling unwell these past few days. The imperial physicians only say I have an overactive liver, poor rest, and excessive worry. I've taken two doses of bitter decoction, but there's been no improvement. Perhaps, when the Princess is not busy later, you could visit my palace and take a look at me as well?"
Li Man'er nodded. "Very well, or would you like me to examine you now?"
Consort Rong naturally refused. "His Majesty hasn't been seen yet. How dare I occupy the Princess's time? Perhaps the Princess could visit my palace later?" *Once you're in my domain, I'll see how I deal with you.*
"Alright!" Li Man'er agreed. "Then I'll trouble Your Highness to wait for me for a while."
"Certainly, certainly." Consort Rong stood up. "Then I shall return to my palace first."
"Won't Your Highness wait for His Majesty?"
Consort Rong lowered her eyes and subconsciously touched the hairpin on her head. "His Majesty might not wish to see me here."
"I bid Your Highness farewell."
Consort Rong gave her a glare. Seeing that Li Man'er hadn't even curtsied, she left in a huff.
After the court session, Emperor Chenghua changed his clothes, had tea and snacks, and only then had Li Man'er summoned.
Duan Xu and two other imperial physicians were already waiting, or rather, kneeling and waiting.
"Anning, come and take my pulse. These old fellows are so afraid of losing their heads, they're being overly cautious."
Duan Xu immediately kowtowed. "Your subject is filled with trepidation."
The imperial physicians behind him followed suit, fearing that if they were half a beat slower, Emperor Chenghua's inkstone would be thrown at them.
"Yes." Li Man'er stepped forward and took Emperor Chenghua's pulse. After a long while, she said, "Congratulations to Your Majesty. Your health is excellent. Although your vital energy is slightly depleted, your chronic ailments are gradually healing, and all signs point to a resurgence of vitality."
"Then may I take the pill now?"
"Naturally."
Emperor Chenghua was overjoyed. He knew his body best. In the past month, his spirit, energy, and vigor had significantly improved. When he retired to the harem, he also regained much strength, no longer suffering from having the will but not the ability.
Perhaps soon, a new life would be born in the palace.
"Duan Xu, you may all withdraw."
"Yes, your subjects take our leave."
Emperor Chenghua took out the small box and pushed it towards Li Man'er. "How should this pill be taken? Do I need to bathe and change, light incense, and pray?"
"No need." Li Man'er said, "Just treat it as ordinary medicine and take it directly."
"Oh? I heard that Marquis Tie Dan took it dissolved in water?"
Li Man'er said, "Your Majesty, he couldn't... swallow it, could he? That was the only way."
"Makes sense." Emperor Chenghua was eager to try, picking up a pill and preparing to pop it into his mouth.
"Your Majesty..." Eunuch Xia looked somewhat worried. This medicine hadn't been tested on a trial eunuch. If something went wrong, their heads would be forfeit.
Emperor Chenghua, however, said, "It's fine. Would Anning harm me? If she wanted to harm me, she could have simply said my illness was incurable. Why would she go to such trouble to nurse me back to health for so long?"
Li Man'er smiled charmingly. "Your Majesty is wise!" In her heart, she thought that Eunuch Xia's concerns weren't entirely unfounded.