The location of Xiaoxiang Hall was not ideal; it was quite far from the Imperial Garden but not far from the Cold Palace, making it a rather remote residence. Xiaoxiang Hall was not small, with a spacious courtyard and a rather grand main hall. The rooms and the courtyard were filled with good things.
A side hall alone, adorned with gold and jade and filled with flowers, was exquisitely detailed. It was clear that although the Fourth Princess was gone, the position of Consort Shu remained quite stable.
Her nominal aunt was quite favored. Whether the Emperor's intention was compensation or something else, at least Consort Shu was not left to suffer after losing her daughter.
She had heard that once a woman in this palace fell out of favor, her life was less free than that of a palace maid. As for whether it was as miserable as depicted in historical dramas, she could not say.
However, Consort Shu's powerful maternal family was also a reason for her continued favor.
As Li Man'er was lost in thought, the pearl curtain was lifted, and a faint fragrance wafted in. It was her nominal aunt, Consort Shu, Li Qingshu, personally conferred by the current Emperor.
Li Man'er quickly stood up and stepped forward to greet Consort Shu, performing a curtsy. "This humble subject greets Her Ladyship."
Consort Shu surprisingly showed no airs. She walked forward intimately and helped Li Man'er up. "Quickly, let this consort see. Little Man'er is growing more beautiful."
Li Man'er was secretly astonished, not understanding Li Qingshu's intentions. In the original body's memory, no one from the Li family had ever been kind to her. Even the twelve-year-old brat Li Qingyun, relying on his status as a young lord, had spoken harshly to Li Man'er. If she hadn't arrived, who knew what kind of bullying the original body would have endured!
Why was Li Qingshu treating her so well, without any pretense, and with such concern in her words?
She needed to observe more.
Li Man'er said calmly, "How is Her Ladyship in the palace? My grandmother misses you dearly."
Li Qingshu took Li Man'er's hand and sat down with her on the large heated couch by the window. She gently patted Li Man'er's hand and said, "There are no outsiders here. Why must you be so reserved? You don't even call me Auntie anymore?"
Li Man'er could not fathom her depth and could only follow her lead and call her Auntie.
"That's more like it." Li Qingshu beamed and asked, "You came from the Empress Dowager's palace. Did the Empress Dowager summon you regarding your marriage?"
This Li Qingshu was actually concerned about her! Li Man'er could see the genuine emotion in Li Qingshu's eyes. If this affection was false, it would only mean Li Qingshu was an excellent actress, so good that she had deceived Li Man'er.
"Yes!" Li Man'er nodded. "Auntie, I wish to break off the engagement."
A smile appeared in Li Qingshu's eyes. "Have you thought it through?"
Li Man'er could not fathom her attitude, but she had made her own position clear.
"A forcefully twisted melon won't be sweet. Even if the Empress Dowager bestowed the marriage, it doesn't mean my entire life should be dedicated to it. The Grand Princess is obstinate and has always disliked me, and so does the Young Duke. Before, he looked down on me, but now, Man'er looks down on him." Li Man'er said, "Auntie, I think I can't stand him anymore."
Li Qingshu's smile deepened. "Can you tell me why?"
Perhaps wanting to save her face, Aunt Wen Xiu sent away the attendants, leaving only herself and Ziyan in the side hall.
"He's good at nothing, neither literature nor martial arts, only born into a good family."
"You." Li Qingshu affectionately tapped Li Man'er's nose. "It would have been better if you had realized this sooner."
Li Man'er, wanting to test Li Qingshu, said, "It's not entirely my fault! Auntie, I once believed that the marriage bestowed by the Empress Dowager could not change, and that I would eventually marry into the Rongguo Duke's manor. But who would have thought that they would look down on me and try to smear my name?"
Li Qingshu's brow furrowed slightly. "I heard about that matter as well, but there was no evidence..."
"I know all of it. I've known since I was young that I am different from my second sister. I have no mother to protect me, so everything is difficult; she has her mother's protection, and everything goes smoothly."
Li Qingshu patted her hand with some sympathy. "I entered the palace at fifteen and know how difficult life is without family by your side. Those people only value those who can bring honor and profit to the family. Who would pity the weak and cherish their own flesh and blood?"
Aunt Wen Xiu hesitated, wanting to speak but not knowing where to begin.
Well!
There's something going on!
Li Man'er had always thought Li Qingshu was the pride of the Li family, the embodiment of their honor and reputation. She was only twenty-five and had attained the rank of consort after giving birth to a princess, which was an impressive achievement. How many women in the harem never managed to rise above the rank of concubine in their entire lives!
Someone like Li Qingshu, even with the backing of her powerful family, must have been a person of schemes, means, and even ambition to survive in the fierce competition of the harem and live so well.
But judging by her current demeanor, that might not be the case! Her nominal aunt seemed to have some reservations about her own mother and brother.
Could it be that she didn't want to enter the palace back then?
It was entirely possible. Ancient people matured early, and fifteen was already an age when many girls got married and had children. Perhaps Li Qingshu had someone she cared for, but her family disagreed and insisted on sending her to the palace to marry an old man.
This conflict would then arise.
For a woman, to give herself to an old man who could be her father during her prime years, it would be strange not to feel unbalanced. Moreover, the harem was rife with intrigue, and every step she took must have required careful consideration and strategy, making her life undoubtedly uncomfortable.
And then she lost her daughter...
Thinking about it this way, perhaps on countless sleepless nights, Li Qingshu regretted her compromise, regretted sacrificing for her family. If she had married into a family of equal standing as the matriarch, her life would have been much more relaxed.
"Auntie, Man'er learned this lesson too late." Li Man'er said, "However, it's not too late to pull back from the brink. Now that the Empress Dowager has granted Man'er's request, the situation will be rectified soon, and both sides will be free."
Li Qingshu smiled, as if remembering something. "You, that's how you use 'rectify the situation'."
Seeing Li Qingshu's brow unfurrow, Aunt Wen Xiu happily said, "Your Ladyship, it's rare to see the young lady. Why not stay for a meal? This servant will ask the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes."
"Precisely." Li Qingshu said happily, "It's still early. You can have lunch with me and chat, and then leave the palace before sunset."
"Yes, I'll do as Auntie says."
Li Man'er was very curious about Li Qingshu. She could feel Li Qingshu's kindness, which was something she had never expected before.
It made sense. When Li Qingshu entered the palace, Li Man'er was only six or seven years old and didn't remember much, so how could she know if this aunt was good or bad!