Inside Fengyang Palace, Li Man'er was paying her respects to the Empress Dowager. Although she was not required to kneel, the feeling of being subservient still made Li Man'er feel displeased.
However, the Empress Dowager was the most esteemed woman in the Zun Kingdom. If she could make Cui Shi, that old crone, kneel, then why could she not bow to the Empress Dowager!
Thinking this way, she felt somewhat more comfortable.
The Empress Dowager was indeed kind, telling her to rise and be seated.
"Thank you, Empress Dowager," Li Man'er obediently sat on the chair, appearing to possess a certain grace and dignity befitting a noble lady.
The Empress Dowager, upon seeing her, showed a look of satisfaction and remarked, "She has indeed grown a year older; she looks much more composed than last year."
Aunt Qing, whose temples were already tinged with gray, couldn't help but say, "A girl changes with age. This is a child the Empress Dowager has watched grow up; how could she be anything but exceptional?"
"Your words have truly struck a chord with me," the Empress Dowager sighed slightly. "In the past few years, she was like a young boy, too spirited. The young ladies in the capital were quite wary of her."
They must have hated her quite a bit!
"Empress Dowager, your humble subject is not what she used to be. I have come to understand many things now." Li Man'er deliberately steered the conversation towards the annulment of her engagement, and the Empress Dowager, being seasoned and wise, could not help but understand her intentions.
"My child, have you truly thought it through?" The reason she had summoned Li Man'er to the palace was precisely for this matter. She hadn't expected the child to be so impatient, bringing up the request for annulment of the marriage from the very first words.
Li Man'er quickly stood up, first performing a curtsy, and then said with great sincerity, "Empress Dowager, please enlighten me. In the past, I was young, poorly educated, and ignorant. I merely thought that childhood sweethearts and shared youth would be a beautiful tale. But now I understand that a forced marriage will not bring happiness. The Grand Princess has never intended to accept me, and the young marquis and I are not walking the same path. Forcing us together might turn us into a resentful couple."
Her words were subtle, yet the logic was clear.
The Empress Dowager remarked, "For you to think this way shows that you have truly matured. It is also my fault for trying to force this union."
Upon hearing this, Li Man'er's spirits immediately lifted, thinking there was hope.
"Your humble subject is humbled. How could this be the Empress Dowager's fault? You were also acting for my own good. I am grateful for the Empress Dowager's grace and will never forget it."
The Empress Dowager couldn't help but smile, "This girl, she must have put honey on her lips before coming to the palace."
Aunt Qing also chimed in playfully, "Even I can smell the sweetness from the young lady's mouth."
Li Man'er could only force a smile, lowering her head and feigning shyness. She detested dealing with such situations the most, but she was an ancient noblewoman now, so what else could she do?
"When your mother passed away, you were just an unknowing child. I wanted to provide you with security, so that you would have no worries about food and clothing in the future, and also to honor the Ning family's patriotic devotion. I never expected things to turn out this way," the Empress Dowager seemed to express some regret, her expression tinged with a hint of melancholy.
"Empress Dowager, your humble servant believes that destiny is predetermined. Perhaps the young lady's destined marriage will arrive at any moment!" Aunt Qing said with a smile.
Li Man'er continued to feign shyness. After all, ancient noblewomen would blush when speaking of their marriage prospects!
"Oh, and how is your mother's illness?" the Empress Dowager asked, for some reason, suddenly bringing up Madam Guo.
Li Man'er replied, "She is still unconscious and is being sustained by ginseng soup. It's strange, we've consulted many doctors, but none can diagnose her illness. Some even claim to have never seen such a condition. Our family is at a loss and can only try our best to keep her alive, but..."
Li Man'er sighed with profound melancholy. She lowered her head, and in a spot invisible to the Empress Dowager and Aunt Qing, her eyes widened. After a few seconds, her eyes felt sore and moist, as if she were about to cry.
Only then did she lift her head, allowing them to see her slightly red-rimmed eyes. "Our family is preparing. My grandmother says we will invite a highly virtuous monk to our home in a few days, perhaps there has been some spiritual interference."
"Good child, do not be too sad. In such times, we must leave it to fate."
"It is my fault for making the Empress Dowager sad."
The Empress Dowager was getting old, and perhaps hearing such things made her mood turn for the worse.
Seeing this, Li Man'er immediately requested to visit Consort Shu.
"Indeed, you have come to the palace, and you should visit Consort Shu. Your aunt has been quite melancholic these past few years due to the matter of the Fourth Princess; your visit will surely cheer her up a bit."
"Yes, I thank the Empress Dowager for her grace."
The Empress Dowager brought up the engagement again, saying, "Return home with peace of mind. In a few days, find an excuse to dissolve the marriage between the two families. Rest assured, no one will dare to gossip."
"Justice is in people's hearts. With the Empress Dowager here, I have nothing to fear."
The Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned to a female official in the palace to hand over a box.
"This is a reward for you. Come and keep me company more often when you have time."
I would love to come, but is this palace a place I can visit whenever I wish?
Li Man'er quickly bowed and expressed her gratitude, "A gift from an elder must not be refused. Thank you, Empress Dowager. Man'er accepts it with shame." She then took the box and handed it to Ziyan to hold.
"You are an insightful child, seven parts resembling your mother in temperament." The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction. "Go and see Consort Shu. I will have Aunt Qing escort you."
"Yes."
The Empress Dowager felt tired and nodded slightly, signaling Aunt Qing to lead Li Man'er out.
"Your humble subject takes her leave."
Outside Fengyang Palace, Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did she realize she was covered in sweat, her palms clammy. Although the Empress Dowager sounded benevolent, Ziyan had kept her head lowered the entire time, not daring to look up.
And this box in her hands was not light; it was likely filled with precious items. Gifts from the Empress Dowager were surely valuable.
Under the escort of Aunt Qing, Li Man'er proceeded to Xiaoxiang Palace, the residence of Consort Shu, Li Qingshu.
"Aunt Qing, why have you come? Does the Empress Dowager have any instructions?" A round-faced aunt stepped out to greet them, her demeanor extremely respectful. Though they were both servants, Aunt Qing was an elder in the Empress Dowager's service. In this inner court, even the Empress dared not disregard Aunt Qing, let alone others.
Aunt Qing smiled, "Is it that I cannot come unless the Empress Dowager has instructions?"
The round-faced aunt was about to speak when her gaze inadvertently fell upon Li Man'er, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Is this the young lady?" She hadn't seen her in years and could barely recognize her, yet the contours of her features still hinted at the girl she once knew.
"Greetings, Aunt Wenxiu." Li Man'er bowed slightly, showing no hint of arrogance.
Seeing Wenxiu's surprised expression, Aunt Qing quickly explained with a smile, "The Empress Dowager summoned the young lady to the palace for a talk. Since she is Consort Shu's niece, I was asked to bring her to see her Ladyship."
Aunt Wenxiu immediately replied, "That is wonderful. This is indeed the Empress Dowager's great kindness."