There are always those who court trouble, like this Miss Huang Yuzhu. It was one thing for her to seek attention from Huang Yuhe, but now she dared to come to Li Man'er for it. Wasn't that like a moth to a flame?
"Little sister, Sister Man'er is leaving," Huang Yuhe said, not wanting the situation to escalate. Besides, Li Man'er was her honored guest, and she didn't want her to witness the unsightly affairs of the Huang family.
"What's the hurry? Didn't Miss Li come to treat Concubine Liu? If she can treat an姨娘 (yí niáng - concubine), why can't she treat Mother?" Huang Yuzhu, accustomed to being arrogant at home, hadn't considered the difference in family status. She just wanted to make Li Man'er uncomfortable, and anyone who stood with Huang Yuhe was fair game.
Unfortunately, she was destined for disappointment this time. Li Man'er was as solid as a rock, not someone to be easily kicked.
"Sister Man'er is my friend," Huang Yuhe's eyes seemed ready to spit fire.
Huang Yuzhu's haughty demeanor made her look like a clown. Though she was at the age of a budding flower and her appearance was decent, she insisted on adorning herself with gold and silver to show off her wealth. Her face was caked with thick powder, and her rouge was an unusually vibrant color, making her look vulgar and like a madam from a brothel welcoming guests.
Compared to Huang Yuzhu, Huang Yuhe appeared younger. Her skin was as delicate as can be, she didn't wear excessive makeup, her face was clean, her eyes were bright, and her attire and jewelry were fitting. She was simply a pleasure to behold.
"A friend? If your friend can treat your concubine, why can't she treat your mother?" Huang Yuzhu smiled faintly. "That doesn't make sense. That's unfilial, isn't it, Miss Li?"
Huang Yuhe was so angered she didn't know how to retort, clearly accustomed to being suppressed at home.
Seeing her friend puffed up like a pufferfish, Li Man'er suppressed a smile. "Is this a young lady from the manor? She doesn't look like one."
Huang Yuhe pouted. "My sister."
"How so? I am of legitimate birth," Huang Yuzhu declared, her chin held high.
"Looking at your attire, I thought you were here to perform a play. It seems I was mistaken."
Huang Yuhe was touched that Li Man'er had stood up for her and almost burst into laughter. It was so true! Great minds think alike; she had always felt Huang Yuzhu resembled a performer, all colorful and flamboyant, just like someone on a stage.
"You..." Huang Yuzhu was furious, her face becoming even more colorful and unsightly.
Li Man'er had no desire to get entangled with such a person. She preferred to cut through the Gordian Knot swiftly.
"Miss Huang, you might not be aware of my reputation. I'm the one who dared to chase after Tong Qiao with a sword." It was Tong Qiao who had attacked her with a sword, breaking its tip, but somehow the story spread that she had attacked Tong Qiao with a sword.
"You know who Tong Qiao is, right? The son of the Grand Princess."
Even if Huang Lin's official position was minor, he was still an official in the capital. Huang Yuzhu, having been exposed to such matters since childhood, naturally knew who Tong Qiao was.
"If I dared to attack Tong Qiao, do you think I wouldn't dare to attack you?" Li Man'er's gaze suddenly turned fierce, radiating a killing intent that made even the young Huang Yuhe jump.
Huang Yuzhu dared not even breathe. "You, you wouldn't! This is my home."
"Do you think I wouldn't?" Li Man'er's eyes narrowed menacingly as she stared into Huang Yuzhu's eyes. "You can't hide in your home forever."
Huang Yuzhu's palms were sweating. She desperately wanted Li Man'er to leave.
"And don't think Yuhe is an easy target. If you dare to bully her, I'll make sure to bully you back next time," Li Man'er said before turning to leave, not giving Huang Yuzhu another glance.
Huang Yuhe, a little excited, quickly followed Li Man'er out.
Huang Yuzhu swallowed hard, watching them go with wide eyes, not daring to utter a word.
After a brief exchange with Huang Yuhe at the entrance, Li Man'er got into her carriage and returned home. That evening, she transferred the medicinal paste from her spatial realm into small porcelain bottles and sealed them, preparing to give them to Liu Shi the next day.
However, when Huang Yuhe's maid came to collect the medicine the following day, she looked hesitant, as if she had something to say but couldn't.
"What happened?"
Li Man'er was an excellent judge of character. This girl, Xiao Tao, was clearly more spirited than her mistress. She suspected that after she left, Huang Yuzhu had retaliated against the "foolish girl."
Xiao Tao suddenly knelt. "Miss, please save my mistress! After you left yesterday, everything was fine. But this morning, Fourth Miss suddenly made a scene, saying our mistress brought someone... improper into the manor..."
Li Man'er guessed it wouldn't be anything good.
"Just say it. I won't blame you."
Xiao Tao kowtowed to Li Man'er before speaking. "Fourth Miss said our mistress brought someone improper into the manor and that our mistress asked you to be an accomplice to scare Fourth Miss, all to suppress her. Fourth Miss is of legitimate birth and is the most favored at home. When Madam found out, she immediately locked our mistress up and forbade her from eating. Our mistress fears starving..."
Li Man'er almost couldn't contain herself.
Lü Yi let out a snicker. Zi Yan managed to hold back, but her shoulders trembled.
"Alright, stop crying. Did they hit your mistress?"
Xiao Tao shook her head. "Not letting her eat is worse than being beaten."
At this, Zi Yan couldn't hold back either.
Li Man'er had no choice but to personally deliver the medicinal paste.
Upon hearing of her arrival, Huang Yuzhu retreated to her room in fear. Li Man'er, however, handed the medicinal paste to Xiao Tao to deliver to Liu Shi. She then sent someone to announce her arrival and requested to see Madam Zhang, the wife of Vice-Director Huang.
Madam Zhang, being a wife of an official, knew Li Man'er was someone they couldn't afford to offend. Her background was far superior, coming from a family that had established itself through military merit.
Madam Zhang treated Li Man'er as an honored guest, even offering the finest tea usually reserved for distinguished visitors.
"Madam, I haven't come for tea. I heard Miss Huang has been confined. Why is that?"
Madam Zhang had never expected Li Man'er to come to Huang Yuhe's defense. She was somewhat displeased; this was their family matter, not something for outsiders to meddle in.
"Miss Li, you jest. This child, out of filial piety, wanted to find a doctor for her concubine. She was deceived and brought someone improper into the manor. Ah... I'm not afraid to be laughed at, but with so many daughters in the family, one must be mindful of reputation, wouldn't you agree?"
Li Man'er almost burst out laughing. "Did Fourth Miss neglect to mention to you that the 'improper person' was me when she complained?"
Madam Zhang froze, her handkerchief falling from her hand.