Qi Yihan sat up from the couch, feeling that the internal injuries he had sustained over the years had receded considerably. In previous years, he had often been at war, leaving him with numerous hidden ailments, mostly from external injuries.
The last time Li Man'er had treated him, perhaps due to the haste of the situation, she hadn't had the time to address his chronic conditions. Now, it seemed she had healed his old wounds as well, leaving him feeling much more comfortable.
"The eldest young lady's medical skills are truly extraordinary, it's a pity."
"A pity I am not a man, and cannot serve your royal family?"
Qi Yihan dressed himself. He did not answer her question directly, instead retorting, "Will three days suffice?"
"More than enough." Li Man'er put away her silver needles, though she inwardly grumbled, *Would it kill you to say more than one word?*
Qi Yihan rose. "When this matter is concluded, I shall return to the capital, and I shall owe the eldest young lady a favor."
Li Man'er pondered for a moment, then stated, "There's no need for such trouble. What this humble subject requests, Your Highness can fulfill right now."
Qi Yihan's brows furrowed slightly.
Madam Guo had been buried for over half a month. Li Zha'er was under house arrest. The heir apparent studied diligently with his tutor from dawn till dusk, too busy to attend to other matters. Li Shu had also departed the capital with his troops to reinforce the northern frontier.
The household servants believed the turmoil was subsiding, but barely two days later, Li Man'er stirred up another incident.
She had found a marriage prospect for Li Zha'er.
Yes, a marriage prospect!
When Cui Shi heard this, her eyes widened. "Are you speaking nonsense! Zha'er is still in mourning for her mother, and you are rushing this so... " Besides, what kind of respectable young lady would arrange a marriage for her own sister? If this got out, what would become of the Li family's reputation?
"My grandmother worries too much. Sister Zha'er must observe mourning for her mother for three years. If she cannot be married during this period, her betrothal will have to wait another three years. She is no longer young and her marriage should be put on the agenda."
Seeing that she was not joking, Cui Shi asked, "Man'er, there's no one else here. What are you truly thinking?"
"Li Zha'er's mind is not clear. I fear she will negatively influence the heir apparent and jeopardize the succession for the Li family. Therefore, I wish to share your burden. As you know, Zha'er has many misunderstandings about me. The hatred for her mother's death is irreconcilable. She previously sent assassins after me, and she might poison me later. What good would such internecine strife bring to the Li family if it were to spread? It is better to let her marry, and thus achieve two aims at once."
Cui Shi was left speechless by her retort, unable to find any words.
"Eldest young lady, this may not be appropriate! You know there is an order of precedence. You yourself are not yet married, and you wish to marry off the second young lady. This is rather improper! Furthermore, marriage is a grave matter, decided by parents and matchmakers. The Marquis is not here, so this is likely... you are making things difficult for the Old Madam!"
Granny Wang's words struck a chord with Cui Shi.
"Man'er, I know you are displeased with Zha'er, but Madam Guo has only just been buried. The household absolutely cannot afford any more incidents."
"Grandmother also saw how the heir apparent treated me that day." With Madam Guo's death, Li Man'er no longer held back and spoke to Cui Shi with less deference than before. "You know my temper. If one day he foolishly crosses my path, it would be a light punishment if I beat him. You also know I have no restraint when I strike. What if I injure the heir apparent's face, or break his leg..." She spread her hands, indicating her helplessness in such a scenario.
Cui Shi's beady eyes narrowed slightly. At this point, she finally sensed something was amiss.
Li Man'er seemed like a changed person. Previously, no matter what, she had maintained the family's balance and façade. Even when Madam Guo had done many things, she pretended not to care, as if she knew nothing.
But since Madam Guo's death, Li Man'er's temper had been growing. Now, she spoke to Cui Shi without reservation. What would happen if this continued?
Cui Shi slammed the string of beads in her hand onto the table. "Nonsense! Are you threatening me now?"
Li Man'er smiled. "Grandmother, please calm your anger. I am merely speaking the truth. You know there is no possibility of reconciliation between Li Zha'er and me. Can you confine her her entire life? Prevention is futile. While she might fail to kill me, it would be effortless for me to kill her."
These words made Granny Wang's eyelids twitch, her heart filled with apprehension. She thought to herself, *This eldest young lady has been biding her time for so many years. She is truly a ruthless character! They have all underestimated her.*
"Instead of sibling rivalry, which would make outsiders mock us, it is better to marry off the second sister. Firstly, they will no longer be in each other's sight, avoiding bloodshed. Secondly, the second sister is beautiful and could be a great asset! If we can find her a husband who can serve the Li family, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
Cui Shi remained silent for a long time.
Granny Wang was sweating profusely. *Ruthless, truly ruthless.*
"Even if I agree, the process of finding a marriage prospect takes time. I fear we may not find a suitable one quickly. The two families need to exchange horoscopes, and there are other rituals. I fear there won't be enough time."
This was an excuse.
"There are no difficulties in the world if one sets their mind to it. Grandmother, I have already found a husband for second sister."
Cui Shi was seething, but at this moment, she could not vent her anger. "Tell me about it."
"The Liang family from North of the River, Liang Wendao."
Upon hearing this, Cui Shi's anger flared. She slammed the table and questioned Li Man'er, "Are you mad? That Liang Wendao is a widower whose wife has died! He is almost as old as your father, and he has four or five children. Furthermore, North of the River is a thousand miles away from the capital. I do not agree."
Most importantly, Liang Wendao was a cruel and sinister man, with a volatile temperament. If Li Zha'er married him, she would likely perish within a few years.
Li Man'er chuckled lightly. "What are you saying, Grandmother? When I find a husband for Li Zha'er, am I perhaps hoping she finds a good match, that they live in harmony and love each other until old age?"
Cui Shi felt a sense of foreboding.
"Of course, I hope Zha'er can forge a good marriage for our family! The Liang family is a prestigious clan, entrenched in North of the River for over a hundred years, producing many heroes. Would such a family disgrace her? Only by marrying into such a family can our past grievances be settled!"
Li Man'er stood up and said nonchalantly, "Grandmother, please think carefully. Would you prefer the past to be settled, or would you prefer the debt to be settled with her life?"
"You..." Cui Shi was greatly alarmed. The ruthlessness in Li Man'er's eyes, like those of a beast lurking in the dark, made her uneasy.
Li Man'er bowed. "Your granddaughter takes her leave."
As soon as Li Man'er left, Cui Shi could no longer hold on. Her body swayed, and she collapsed onto the couch.
Granny Wang quickly went to help her up, exclaiming, "Old Madam, Old Madam."
Cui Shi waved her hand, indicating she was fine.
The mistress and servant were still in shock.
Granny Wang suddenly heard Cui Shi say, "Did I do wrong?"