The next morning, Li Man'er and the others left the Medicine King Temple in a hurry without even eating breakfast, returning to the capital to handle family matters.
As they departed, the temple keeper came to see them off. He knew that Marquis Tie Dan had not pursued his responsibility entirely due to Li Man'er's intervention, and he felt a sliver of gratitude towards her. Although he was unwilling to be Li Man'er's long-term attendant, he believed in keeping his word, and he still possessed a sense of martial ethics. After the entourage from Marquis Tie Dan's estate left the Medicine King Temple, the young monk handed the temple keeper a heavy bag. "This was left by the female benefactor."
The temple keeper opened the bag and found it contained about two hundred taels of silver, along with a letter from Li Man'er. He did not open it immediately, but simply put it away, feeling quite apprehensive.
Meanwhile, on the way back, Li Man'er had been resting with her eyes closed. Her two maids were quite worried, feeling as if something major was about to happen.
"What are you pondering?" Li Man'er slowly opened her eyes and saw the worried expressions on Ziyan and Lvyi's faces.
Ziyan said, "Miss, how will we cope when we return to the mansion? I fear passing the old madam's hurdle will not be easy."
Consort Cui protected Consort Guo because Consort Guo was the birth mother of the Crown Prince. If Consort Guo's character was found to be wanting, the Crown Prince Li Qingyun might also face scrutiny.
"This matter is not as complicated as you think. Do you think Consort Guo can still have so many people protecting her as she did before?"
In the past, the original owner was too much of a disappointment. Her temper and arrogance were all shields provided by Consort Guo. Consort Cui and Li Shu had no need to fall out with Consort Guo over an unpromising granddaughter (or daughter). Both would turn a blind eye. Perhaps Consort Cui even welcomed Consort Guo disciplining the original owner, as she could benefit from any money unearthed.
But now, things were different. She was so promising and possessed a prescription that could cure Consort Shu's infertility. Consort Cui would not risk falling out with her over a discarded piece.
To fall out completely?
There was no need for that at all. They could simply announce to the outside world that Consort Guo had fallen seriously ill and could not get out of bed.
Lvyi breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that Miss has a solution."
Ziyan still felt uneasy. Even if the old madam said nothing, what about the Guo family? Would the Second Miss and the Crown Prince let the Eldest Miss off?
Everything was still uncertain.
Two hours later, the carriage finally stopped at the side gate of the Marquis's mansion.
The old woman lifted the unconscious Consort Guo onto a pre-prepared small sedan chair with a green canopy, and escorted her to Chaohui Hall.
At this time, the mistresses of various courtyards in the mansion had also received news of Consort Guo's return.
Bai Shi and Tian Shi had both come. From Songhe Hall, Consort Cui had sent Madam Du. The three concubines in the eldest branch were also waiting in their courtyards. By the time Li Zhaojiao, the Crown Prince, and Li Qingyu arrived, Consort Guo had already been carried into the room.
As for Guo Yongzhang, no one knew where Li Shu had taken him. He was nowhere to be seen.
"How could this happen?"
Li Zhaojiao, her face unchanged, looked at the sleeping Consort Guo with red eyes. "Father, everything was fine. Why did Mother become like this just after visiting the Medicine King Temple?"
Li Zhaojiao's gaze swept over Li Shu and landed on Li Man'er behind him. "It was you, wasn't it?"
"What does Second Sister mean? I don't understand," Li Man'er replied.
Li Zhaojiao rose indignantly. "You must have poisoned my mother."
"Without proof, Second Sister, you should not speak so recklessly!" Li Man'er reached out and adjusted the seven-colored glazed jade earring she wore. "Imitating one's mother is a grave sin. I cannot bear it."
Her indifferent demeanor angered Li Zhaojiao greatly. Without thinking, she raised her hand to slap Li Man'er across the face.
Li Man'er grabbed Li Zhaojiao's wrist and raised an eyebrow. "What? You dare to hit your elder sister in front of Father?"
Li Shu also said sternly, "This is absurd. Your mother is still ill, and you are taking your anger out on your elder sister?"
"Father, what is wrong with you? Why are you protecting her?"
Li Man'er squeezed her wrist forcefully, causing Li Zhaojiao to grimace in pain. "Do you intend to kill me?"
"Second Sister has been a bit hot-tempered lately. Mother is ill, and I am also anxious, but what is the point of you attacking others like a mad dog? Someone has already been sent to fetch a doctor. We will know what happened when the doctor arrives."
Li Zhaojiao struggled fiercely, pulling her wrist out of Li Man'er's grasp. A large patch of red marred her skin as white as snow, stinging Li Zhaojiao's eyes.
She knew that this matter was inseparable from Li Man'er. She knew something of what her mother had intended to do. Perhaps Li Man'er had discovered something, which was why she had acted against her mother.
She was someone who had healed her father's poison and earned the praise of Imperial Physician Duan Xu. It would be too easy for her to tamper with her mother.
"If Mother is ill, what about Nanny Yu? She never leaves Mother's side. Why isn't Nanny Yu here?"
"Second Sister perhaps didn't notice. I saw Nanny Yu just now. She returned with us."
Li Zhaojiao was somewhat doubtful. She had indeed not seen Nanny Yu, but Li Man'er's demeanor was too certain, making her ponder.
"You don't believe me? Then ask Father. See if Nanny Yu didn't return with us!"
Li Shu merely nodded without speaking.
Nanny Yu had indeed returned with them, but like Consort Guo, she was currently unconscious.
Seeing Li Shu nod, Li Zhaojiao felt somewhat more at ease. She now only hoped that the doctor would arrive quickly.
"My Lord, the doctor has arrived."
"Please invite him in."
The doctor entered the room carrying his medicine box. Seeing too many people in the room, the doctor couldn't help but excuse himself.
"My Lord, could you please ask the Madam and young ladies to wait in the side hall? Too many people in the room is not good for the patient."
Before Li Shu could give an order, Li Man'er spoke first, "Then I will go outside and wait."
Li Zhaojiao could only glare at her retreating back, anxious. She couldn't leave. She needed to hear what the doctor had to say. If she wasn't there, what if her father, in his attempt to shield Li Man'er, made the doctor speak nonsense?
Li Shu gave her a look, and the people in the room filed out. Only Li Zhaojiao resolutely refused to leave, determined to listen.
Li Shu simply indulged her, as he was fully aware of her intentions.
The doctor felt Consort Guo's pulse and examined her eyelids. After a long while, he cupped his hands and said, "My Lord, this old man's skills are lacking. I truly cannot discern the Madam's condition. I request you find someone with higher expertise."
Indiscernible!
Li Shu was stunned. Before he could ask any questions, he heard Li Zhaojiao step forward and say, "Doctor, is my mother poisoned? She's poisoned, isn't she?"
The doctor was astonished. "Why does the young lady say that? The Madam's pulse is strong and vigorous. Her skin and lip color are all normal. Look at her complexion – it is rosy and radiant. How can this be poisoning?"
Li Zhaojiao was furious. "Did you conspire with them?"