The Princess Wuyou indeed planned as Li Man'er had said, verbatim.
The first time she met Li Man'er, Princess Wuyou was startled. Women of Li Man'er's appearance were rare in this world; even the imperial consorts in the palace lacked such delicate beauty.
Princess Wuyou harbored some apprehension, fearing that Li Man'er might develop romantic feelings for Qi Yihan during his treatment.
With her looks, if she were to harbor such thoughts, even the Ninth Prince might find it difficult not to be moved.
Yes, the Ninth Prince had a notorious reputation. Outsiders claimed he was moody, unpredictable, bloodthirsty, and arrogant, but Princess Wuyou knew in her heart that these were not true.
Moreover, even if they were true, what difference would it make? There were plenty of people in the capital who, despite their ignorance, still eyed the Ninth Prince covetously. Compared to his status and position, those notorious reputations seemed insignificant.
Princess Wuyou had been secretly monitoring Li Man'er. After some observation, she found Li Man'er to be quite proper and honest, at least enough to put her mind at ease.
However, Princess Wuyou never expected that Qi Yihan would visit Li Man'er before this outing. She understood his desire to ensure his physical well-being and prevent complications during his affairs. But why did he visit Li Man'er alone, and late at night in her private chambers?
Could he not have come to the Princess's manor for treatment, as he had in the past?
Princess Wuyou could not tolerate such a matter. Even though she was married, and even though she and the Ninth Prince were never on equal footing, she couldn't help but resent the women around the Ninth Prince. If she couldn't have him, why should those wretched women?
Princess Wuyou got up from the ground and snorted, "Indeed, that was my plan."
Li Man'er smiled, "I am a physician, and I am well aware of the mischief you made in the hall. The tea was not drugged, but the incense from the burner and the perfume worn by the maids mixed together to produce a dizzying toxin. Am I correct?"
"So what if I did?" Princess Wuyou retorted. "Don't get smug. This is the Princess's manor. Even if I can't incapacitate you, I can still ensure you and the Prince Consort have your way. If you're sensible, you'll comply willingly, and I'll see to it that the Prince Consort treats you with tender affection. If you refuse to cooperate, don't blame me for my ruthlessness."
Li Man'er sat down on a chair and casually picked up a pear from the table, taking a bite. "Then I'll trouble you to explain just how ruthless you intend to be."
Princess Wuyou was already burning with rage. Li Man'er had shown her great respect earlier, but now her attitude had completely reversed. She felt as if her dignity as a princess was being trampled underfoot by Li Man'er.
"Hmph, if you are sensible, you will become the Prince Consort's concubine. If you are not, then any servant, young stable hand, or groom in this manor can be your husband."
Li Man'er paused, then put down the pear and asked coldly, "Aren't you afraid of this matter coming to light? What will happen if the Ninth Prince blames you?"
"Hahaha." Princess Wuyou burst into laughter. "Li Man'er, you overestimate yourself. Yes, you can treat the Ninth Prince's蛊毒 (gǔdú - a type of poison/curse), but so what? In his eyes, you are merely a doctor, nothing more. Even if you die, the Prince will be fine."
Young Master Jiang had a way to save the Prince's life, though he would suffer some hardship.
"It's different for me," Princess Wuyou's face flickered with a hint of smugness. "I have been by the Prince's side for so many years, doing so many things for him. I have eyes and ears everywhere, both within the palace and outside, and among the Empress Dowager's confidantes. The Prince cannot do without me."
Young Master Jiang sneered, "That's not necessarily true!"
As Princess Wuyou was about to say something more, Li Man'er suddenly moved. Her speed was astonishing. In the blink of an eye, she was in front of Princess Wuyou, her hand clamping down on the princess's throat.
Princess Wuyou hadn't expected Li Man'er to be so strong. Those slender fingers felt like iron pincers, capable of crushing her throat in an instant.
"You..." The previously unperturbed princess's expression finally changed, fear evident in her eyes, which Li Man'er found quite satisfying.
"Princess, you have quite the audacity. You are merely a pawn of the Prince, yet you dare to be so presumptuous. Do you know for certain there will be no successor after your demise?" Li Man'er's eyes flashed with the image of the Prince Consort's face. Beneath his panicked expression lay a calm heart, his eyes devoid of any disturbance.
Could such a person be a meek and submissive Prince Consort?
If Princess Wuyou was a chess piece for the Ninth Prince, why couldn't the Prince Consort be one too?
"How... how is that possible!" Princess Wuyou's face turned a shade of eggplant. If Li Man'er hadn't deliberately left her a sliver of life, she would have long since choked to death.
Li Man'er leaned closer to Princess Wuyou and whispered, "How is it not possible? Wouldn't you agree? Ninth... Prince." She looked up towards the roof, as if she had long seen through the person hiding there.
Princess Wuyou's eyes widened abruptly. She pushed Li Man'er away with all her might, coughing uncontrollably.
A rush of oxygen flooded her lungs, causing a dull ache in her chest. She disregarded everything else and frantically searched around. When she saw the person who had somehow taken a seat, all her strength seemed to drain away.
Princess Wuyou collapsed onto the ground, momentarily speechless.
Qi Yihan gazed at Princess Wuyou with icy eyes, as if looking at a dead person. "It is I who have indulged your growing audacity."
"No..." Princess Wuyou wept. "Your Highness, please spare me this once. Even if you don't let me be a princess, I'll be happy to be a maid or a servant."
Li Man'er inwardly snorted, thinking, *You are the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter. Who can force you to be a maid or a servant? Why didn't you think of this earlier?*
*This tactic of feigning retreat to advance might fool others, but to fool Qi Yihan will be exceedingly difficult.*
Qi Yihan, however, said, "Over the years, I have given you many chances."
Princess Wuyou's heart trembled. Had the Ninth Prince known about all her actions?
How was this possible?
"There is no use in saying more," Qi Yihan stated coldly, like a callous man. "A'Wu."
The emotionless A'Wu appeared like a ghost. "Your Highness."
"Take her away!"
A'Wu walked forward with his arms crossed and said sternly, "Princess, please!"
Princess Wuyou was enraged. "Are you here to mock me too?" she said, as if she knew A'Wu well.
Li Man'er, enjoying the spectacle, added, "What's most important for a person is self-awareness. What do you consider your status to be now, Princess?"
"You..." Princess Wuyou was about to retaliate, but her body suddenly stiffened, and then her eyelids rolled back, and she fainted.
To complete his task, A'Wu had knocked her unconscious with a palm strike.