Chapter 97 Visitors from the Guo Family

If one could die in their sleep, it would surely be the happiest way to go.

Did Li Man'er want Madam Guo to sleep eternally to give her a happy death? Of course not. Li Man'er was not that kind; Madam Guo did not deserve such a peaceful end.

She was awake, conscious, aware of everything happening outside. But her body was paralyzed, her eyes unable to open, and she couldn't utter a sound. This isolation, this despair – how many people in the world would have the chance to experience it?

In medical terms, Madam Guo's state was one where bodily functions were lost, but the brain could still operate normally, allowing independent thought like a healthy person.

Madam Guo truly experienced the solitude of being detached from the world. She didn't know what spell or potion Li Man'er had used; all she knew was that she couldn't move. Even something as simple as blinking was beyond her. Yet, she could perceive everything from the outside – the weather, whether the medicine was cold or warm, what others said and did, she was acutely aware of it all…

Madam Guo was being driven to the brink of madness. She desperately tried to break free, to tell people she was fine, that she was still conscious, but not a single sound escaped her. Every day, she hoped for a miracle, striving to open her eyes, to speak, to move her body, but no matter how hard she tried, the result was always the same.

In the eyes of others, she was a living dead person, no different from being deceased, save for her breathing.

As a result, even though doctors had visited these past few days, no one had prescribed any medicine for her. The entire household was likely waiting for her to take her last breath!

She couldn't die; she had to live, to live!

As long as she lived, that little vixen Li Man'er would not have her way. She had to live, and she had to protect her children.

Madam Guo felt anguish; she wanted to cry, even if it was just a single tear. At least then, someone would see. But despite her countless silent cries, her body remained utterly unresponsive.

Every day, Madam Guo was trapped in a cycle of rising hope, slow disappointment, and ultimate despair. The little light in her heart gradually faded, and thoughts of death began to surface.

Would Li Man'er let her die?

At least not yet. If Madam Guo died, she would be free. How long had she endured this boundless darkness and loneliness? To give up so soon would make things no fun!

Precisely because she wanted to continue the game, Li Man'er visited Chaohui Courtyard every night, telling Madam Guo interesting stories.

The first time Li Man'er came, Madam Guo was extremely agitated, as Li Man'er had explicitly told her that her current state was her doing.

"You wanted to harm me, but you were harmed by me. How does that feel? Reaping what you sow, feels good?"

If Madam Guo's consciousness had a form, it would undoubtedly be clawing and ferocious at this moment. If her brainwaves could be analyzed, she would surely be cursing Li Man'er, attacking her with the most vile words in existence.

But, there are no 'if's in this world.

"Your precious daughter has been confined. The Marquis has placed her under house arrest. Do you think she's fallen out of favor? I only said a couple of things about her, and the Marquis locked her up."

"Oh, right. I also slapped her twice, and Father slapped her once. Tsk tsk, poor thing, her little face is all swollen."

Li Man'er narrated the recent events in the Marquis's manor as if telling a story.

Madam Guo was not a vegetative state; she had feelings. She could hear everything Li Man'er was saying. But no matter how unwilling or angry she was, it couldn't change the fact that she could do nothing.

"Oh, and your maternal family should have come looking for you by now. Your dear nephew is worth quite a bit of money!"

What did that mean? Yongzhang was in her hands? What did she want?

The only answer Madam Guo received was silence…

The next day, Li Man'er indeed heard news of visitors from the Guo family.

"Who has come?"

"Their old madam," said Ziyan. "I hear she's also quite formidable."

Li Man'er put down her spoon. "Is it the Old Madam's concubine sister?"

Ziyan nodded, taking the rinsing tea from Muyun and handing it to Li Man'er. A young maid who had just finished tidying her hair quickly brought over a spittoon.

Li Man'er rinsed her mouth and asked for the table to be cleared.

"Miss, you might not be able to avoid this encounter. Should you prepare yourself by dressing and grooming?"

"Lüyi hasn't returned with information yet. Let's wait a bit longer."

Ziyan didn't press further. She knew her young lady was bold and full of ideas now, so it was best to follow her lead.

Not long after, Lüyi came running back.

Her face was sunburnt red, but her expression was excited.

"Miss, I've found out everything."

"What did they say?"

"That old madam is also quite something. She's completely disregarding the Madam's fate, saying that the mistakes she made are hers to bear, and the punishment, whether beatings or death, is up to our Old Madam."

Li Man'er had expected this outcome. She merely said, "After all, she's not her own flesh and blood. To sever ties so cleanly, that old madam is indeed no ordinary person."

Her daughter might not be born to her, but her grandson surely was! Otherwise, why would she be so anxious?

"Did they mention that Yongzhang fellow?"

Lüyi nodded repeatedly. "They've come specifically for this grandson of theirs. I heard they brought a lot of bank notes; they're here to ransom him."

"Miss, should we get ready?"

Ziyan felt that no matter how much the Old Madam doted on her young lady, she would certainly send for her soon.

"Get ready. Pick out two sets of the most ornate and festive clothes, and wear some beautiful jewelry. Oh, and from the gifts Princess Wuyou sent last time, was there a pair of South Sea pearls earrings?"

"Yes. While South Sea pearls are not as precious as East Sea pearls, they suit Miss's youth perfectly."

"Then find them." Li Man'er's spirits also rose. Beauties are always a pleasure to adorn, and when adorned, they become even more beautiful, a delightful sight.

"Yes, I'll prepare them right away."

The maids busied themselves, rummaging through chests for clothes, ironing them, selecting jewelry, and matching shoes, all in a flurry of activity.

After a while, Yunxiu personally arrived.

"Eldest Miss, the Old Madam requests your presence."

Li Man'er gazed at her reflection in the mirror. "Thank you for coming all this way, Sister. I'll tidy myself up a bit and be there shortly."

Yunxiu thought for a moment, then advised, "Eldest Miss, things are rather urgent over at Songhe Hall. Please hurry."

"What did Grandmother say?" Li Man'er turned to look at her. "Sister Yunxiu understands Grandmother's heart best. Could you perhaps offer some guidance?"

Yunxiu gave a wry smile inwardly but dared not refuse. "From what I observe, the Old Madam does not wish for the matter to escalate too much. After all, they are relatives."

Relatives?

Li Man'er snorted inwardly. Aren't relatives precisely for stirring up trouble? She understood.