Li Man'er calmly stated, "You forget I am a physician; I can tell from the pulse. The Empress's internal organs are already showing signs of damage. If this continues, I fear she will be like a lamp running out of oil."
At this moment, Aunt Wensiu was very agitated. She stepped forward and asked, "The young lady says the Empress's illness can still be treated. Is this true?"
The imperial physicians had all said they would do their best, but it was unclear whether they were unwilling to put in full effort or were truly helpless.
"Of course, it's true," Li Man'er replied. "However, the medicinal ingredients will require considerable effort and trustworthy individuals. If this were outside the palace, I would naturally take full responsibility. But within the palace, I need someone reliable in the Imperial Medical Academy."
To thrive in the harem, one indeed needed connections within the Imperial Medical Academy.
Li Qingshu understood Li Man'er's unspoken concern about the medicine being tampered with. After a moment of thought, she said, "It's fine. Why don't you stay in the palace and recuperate with me for a while before returning?"
Aunt Wensiu couldn't help but clap her hands. "This is an excellent idea, Your Majesty."
Li Man'er was secretly astonished. Li Qingshu seemed so confident. Could it be that she was still favored by the Emperor and had complete assurance that she could persuade the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to let her stay?
However, upon reflection, she understood a bit more. Li Qingshu was still a consort and had borne a royal heir. Although the Fourth Princess was gone, this was precisely why the Emperor pitied her. Coupled with her powerful family and no other sisters, it was perfectly normal for her niece to come and stay with her for a short while.
Li Man'er said, "This matter is of great importance. Aunt, please reconsider."
Li Qingshu did not answer her directly but asked instead, "I heard you went to treat Princess Wuyou's leg some time ago. How was the effect?"
"It should be quite good. I haven't received feedback yet, but the Princess's condition is different from yours, Aunt. Although her illness is chronic, it is not fatal. With gradual recovery, she will surely get better." Li Qingshu's illness, however, could not be prolonged. At most, three to five years, and at least a dozen months, she could be gone.
The irony was that, on the surface, Li Qingshu appeared to be fine; at least her complexion was good.
"Then stay. I will personally speak to the Empress Dowager about this."
Li Man'er had no choice but to nod. "Then, alright. But could my aunt send someone back home to retrieve my medicine chest? It contains the silver needles I'm accustomed to using, which will be very useful."
Li Qingshu then instructed Aunt Wensiu to arrange this. "Let your maid go back to fetch them. She seems like a clever girl."
Ziyan's heart pounded. She had never dreamed that she would accompany her young lady to stay in the palace.
While Wensiu arranged for someone to accompany Ziyan to the manor, she also had Li Qingshu attended to for her grooming.
"You will stay in this chamber and go nowhere. If you feel bored, have someone escort you to walk in the courtyard. Do not go outside."
Li Man'er nodded. "Aunt, please rest assured."
After Li Qingshu left, a young woman named Sang Mo arrived. "Your servant, Sang Mo, greets the young lady."
"Are you the Empress's maidservant?"
Sang Mo nodded. "The Empress ordered me to accompany the young lady."
Li Man'er simply said, "If you have anything to do, feel free to attend to it. I am a free person and do not require company."
"Then, may I bring some pastries for the young lady to try?"
"Certainly!" Li Man'er smiled. "Go ahead."
Sang Mo did not know what Li Man'er meant but nodded and went to the side room to fetch pastries.
Bored, Li Man'er began to wander. She did not go into the rooms but roamed the courtyard, looking at the potted plants under the eaves and the carvings on the railings.
The sun was not fierce. Ants were moving their homes at the base of the wall. Everything was so vibrant, yet so uninteresting. This small courtyard was Li Qingshu's entire life; how tragic.
Ziyan was already sitting in the carriage returning to the manor.
"The young lady is being kept by the Empress?" Luyi looked at Mama Wu hesitantly. "Mama, what should we do?"
Mama Wu reassured her, "Don't worry. It's the palace, and the Empress is the young lady's own aunt. What trouble could there be? Our young lady has grown sensible now. She knows what she's doing. Our job is to help the young lady keep the house safe and prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation to reach into Qingping Pavilion."
Luyi wholeheartedly agreed and regretted not learning martial arts from Li Man'er. She vowed, "I will never be lazy again. When the young lady returns, I will learn martial arts from her."
Mama Wu also instructed Ziyan, "You are steady. In the palace, you must advise the young lady on everything. Although she is sensible now, she is also ambitious. I fear she may not tolerate grievances. Everyone in the palace is noble. Even with the Empress's protection, you must be cautious in all matters."
"Mama, please rest assured."
Seeing her ready to face death with noble resolve, Mama Wu immediately patted Ziyan's hand. "You don't need to be overly vigilant. Besides the Empress, there is also the Empress Dowager in the palace! Considering the Ning family's past contributions, the Empress Dowager will also look after the young lady."
Ziyan nodded heavily.
Iron Gallant Marquis Manor
"What did you say?" Madam Cui looked at Ziyan in shock. "The Empress wants Man'er to stay for a visit?"
"Yes!"
The head steward who accompanied Ziyan said, "Old Madam, please do not worry. In the palace, the Empress will be there for everything!"
Madam Cui immediately said, "Since it is the Empress's wish, then so be it! The palace is not like home. You must remind the young lady of everything."
Madam Cui's words were subtle, but Ziyan understood. "Your servant understands."
"You may go!"
Ziyan knew Madam Cui must have had things to ask the steward, so she quickly and tactfully bowed. "Your servant will go and get the young lady's medicine chest now."
When Ziyan returned to Qingping Pavilion, she inevitably chatted with the sisters in the courtyard and gathered a few items and clothes she might need, bringing them along.
Mama Wu carefully inspected Li Man'er's medicine chest and, after confirming there was nothing amiss, handed it over to Ziyan.
"This chest is being brought from the manor into the palace. It is of great importance. You must keep a close eye on it at all times."
Ziyan knew Mama Wu was afraid of someone framing them and immediately replied, "Mama, please rest assured, I know."
Mama Wu nodded. "Go!"
As the carriage slowly left the Iron Gallant Manor, Li Qingshu also emerged from Fengyang Palace with Aunt Wensiu.
Aunt Wensiu's face was full of joy. "Your Majesty, this went too smoothly. Empress Dowager is indeed compassionate towards you."
Compassionate?
Li Qingshu's lips curved upwards, forming a slightly mocking arc. Perhaps she was guilty.
However, as long as her objective was achieved, other things could be temporarily set aside.
When Li Qingshu returned to Xiaoxiang Courtyard, she found Li Man'er squatting by the corridor, drawing something on the ground with a twig. She frowned and called out, "Man'er, what are you doing?"
She was no longer a child, and behaving like this was unbecoming and could ruin her reputation if it spread.
Li Man'er, however, did not seem to care. She turned and smiled at her. "Aunt, I found something wonderful."