Madam Bai said somewhat helplessly, "It's just an old ailment, not worth calling a doctor for."
Nanny Lin said with worry, "Still, it's best to have a doctor come over! The weather is getting cooler, how can your health endure."
For Madam Bai, summer was the only comfortable season of the year. Spring and autumn were windy, and her body could not withstand it, while the biting cold of winter made life unbearable.
"Years ago, I advised Second Master to take a post outside, to find an official position in a place with a pleasant climate. Even if it was less affluent, it would be fine. A good climate would also be convenient for me to maintain my health. But look at him, he values noble integrity above all else, insisting on staying in the Hanlin Academy. He's been there for so many years, and my health has only deteriorated." After speaking, she couldn't help but feel that her youthful affections were illusory, and a wave of melancholy washed over her.
"Madam, please don't be sad. Second Master is simply a seed for study; he's bound to be a bit pedantic in how he conducts himself. If you ask me, besides the Hanlin Academy, nowhere else suits Second Master."
Madam Bai nodded, "It is you who sees things clearly. My father also valued this point about him back then."
Nanny Lin couldn't help but feel more distressed for Madam Bai. Men had always been selfish, only considering themselves, how could they ever consider women? "No matter what, your illness cannot be delayed any longer. If you don't see a doctor, this old servant will go home and bring Third Miss back."
"Absolutely not." Madam Bai was startled, then her brow furrowed, feeling a sharp pain in her lower abdomen and an uncomfortable flow beneath her.
"Madam, are you feeling unwell? This old servant will help you to the inner room to lie down."
Madam Bai waved her hand, asking her to pour her a cup of hot tea. She took it and drank a few mouthfuls, only then feeling a bit more comfortable, before saying, "Now, it's absolutely impossible to have her return. This is the most crucial time for learning proper etiquette. If it's delayed, it could affect her entire life."
Madam Bai, under the guise of her maiden family's name, sent Third Miss Li Tian'er back to the Bai family. Ostensibly, it was because her maternal grandmother missed her child, but in reality, she had hired a formidable nanny from the palace to secretly train Li Tian'er in etiquette at the Bai family.
Li Tian'er and Li Zhao'er were born in the same year, except one was born in March and the other in September.
Madam Bai knew that she could not covet anything from the Iron Gallant Marquisate. After the Old Madam passed away, the household would soon be divided.
The eldest branch would inherit the title, which was naturally as it should be.
The third branch, though born of a concubine, had always served as officials outside. The entire family, old and young, was united, and even if the family were divided, it would not have much impact on them.
As for the fourth branch, they were the youngest son, doted on since childhood. Even without any official titles, the Old Madam had always favored this youngest son, and might secretly provide them with considerable support.
After calculating, her own branch was the most unfortunate.
The Hanlin Academy sounded prestigious, but how many years would it take to rise through the ranks? Relying on Second Master, she feared she might never attain the rank of a noble lady in this lifetime.
After much deliberation, Madam Bai set her sights on her son and daughter.
Her son's studies were like his father's, with a high chance of passing the imperial examinations in the future. However, he was also rather uninspired, likely to be another pedantic figure, unable to navigate the complexities of social and political circles, making it difficult for him to thrive in officialdom.
As for her daughter…
Third Miss Li Tian'er had a dignified and graceful demeanor since childhood. While she wasn't as dazzling and uncontainable as Li Man'er, nor as delicate as Li Zhao'er, resembling a dodder flower, her dignity was precisely what the imperial family favored.
If she could send her daughter into the palace, that would be the best outcome. Even if she couldn't become an imperial consort, being betrothed to one of the princes would be excellent.
Li Qingshu was the prime example. She hailed from a marquisate, and though her looks weren't top-tier, with the support of her father and brothers, wasn't she still favored!
This year was a year for the imperial selections, and Madam Bai had urgently sought out that nanny to teach her daughter etiquette, striving for a successful outcome. Missing this year, the next selection would be three years later. By then, her daughter would be nineteen, a veritable old maiden.
"No matter what, we have to give it a shot."
If the selection were to happen after the family division, even if she were chosen, her rank might not be very high. Now, while the Old Madam was still alive and the Li family had not yet suffered a decline in its status, she needed to quickly finalize this matter.
"Madam, rest assured. Our young lady's appearance and temperament are first-class. You will surely achieve your wish."
"That would be best."
Nanny Lin quickly said, "Therefore, you absolutely cannot neglect your health. If anything were to happen to you, who would meticulously plan for our Third Miss like this? Wouldn't all your previous efforts be in vain?"
Madam Bai's expression turned grave, "You are right. But..."
She was rather embarrassed to have a doctor examine her, especially for certain diagnostic questions like the color and amount of discharge. She wished she could find a hole in the ground to disappear into.
It was truly a private and difficult matter.
"Why not ask Eldest Miss to examine Madam?" Nanny Lin, knowing Madam Bai best, understood her reluctance to face such matters. "This servant sees no ill will from Eldest Miss towards you. Perhaps Eldest Miss has a good solution! The prince's poison was so difficult to cure, even Imperial Physician Duan was helpless, yet Eldest Miss managed to resolve it. Moreover, last time at Old Madam's place, you witnessed firsthand that Eldest Miss indeed has some skills."
After much internal debate, Madam Bai finally agreed, with Nanny Lin's encouragement, to have Li Man'er examine her.
That evening, Madam Bai sent someone to invite Li Man'er to speak with her.
In fact, Li Man'er had been waiting for her. During their previous encounter at Pine Crane Hall, she had sensed that Madam Bai was quite seriously ill. If not treated correctly, the second branch might face a great calamity within three years.
She had expected Madam Bai to invite her much sooner, and was surprised it had taken so long.
"I wonder what Second Aunt wishes to see me about?" Li Man'er idly played with a comb inlaid with tourmaline and gems, appearing not too concerned.
"Second Madam is feeling a bit unwell and wishes for Eldest Miss to come and take a look." Before they came, Madam Bai had instructed Nanny Lin not to be secretive about this matter but to speak of it frankly.
After all, as women, communication would be much easier, and she believed Li Man'er would treat her, otherwise, she wouldn't have said those words last time.
"Is that so! Then please, Nanny, wait for me a moment. I will tidy up and be right there."
"Excellent, excellent." Nanny Lin was delighted and waited outside.
Li Man'er changed her clothes and had Ziyan help her carry her medicine chest before heading towards Second Madam's courtyard.
Just as she reached the entrance of Pinya Courtyard, a bewitching figure approached. The woman's waist was slender, appearing almost unable to grasp, exuding much charm. The woman seemed boneless, her gait swaying from side to side like a snake.
"Oh, Eldest Miss, where are you off to?" The woman giggled, covering her mouth with a fan. "Look, why are you even carrying a medicine chest? Eldest Miss, you are a young lady of the Marquisate, how can you be doing such low-class things."
Li Man'er, without even thinking, raised her hand and slapped her.