As the hour struck, Li Man'er began taking out needles one by one, also drawing blood from Li Shu.
All the poisonous blood gathered at his fingertips. Now, all that was left was to prick his fingertip and drain the toxic blood to achieve complete success.
If any adjustments were needed later, they could be handed over to Imperial Physician Duan, who would surely be happy to oblige.
While Li Man'er was drawing blood from Li Shu inside the room, Madam Guo began her instigation again.
"Mother, it's been nearly half an hour, and there's still no movement from the eldest young lady?" Having Li Man'er detoxify the Marquis was simply absurd. Madam Guo had no faith in Li Man'er's medical skills.
She had only lived in the Ning family for a few years as a child and read a few medical books with her eccentric uncle. Was it possible to become a divine physician in three to five years?
Thinking of this, Madam Guo couldn't help but cast a glance at the Head Imperial Physician, Duan Xu. This old man had read medical books his entire life, and his hair and beard were already half white before he reached the position of Head Imperial Physician. His disciples might have a place in the Imperial Hospital, but what about his disciples' disciples? They were much older than Li Man'er, and likely couldn't even enter the Imperial Hospital, only doing odd jobs.
Every doctor in the world started this way. How could Li Man'er be so exceptionally gifted?
"Just wait and see," Cui Shi was also anxious, but what could she do now?
Li Zhao'er quietly tugged at Madam Guo's sleeve and subtly shook her head. At this point, she was the calmest.
"Mother, please try to be at ease. Have you forgotten who proposed this matter?" The Ninth Prince would bear all the blame, right or wrong.
Madam Guo merely sighed. She was worried about the Marquis and hoped Li Man'er could save him. Only if the Marquis lived could they be well.
Seeing that Madam Guo was distracted and seemed not to hear her, Li Zhao'er gave up trying to persuade her. She secretly looked at Qi Yihan, and with just one glance, her heart raced, and she became flustered.
Afraid of being discovered, Li Zhao'er quickly lowered her head to hide her thoughts.
She had thought that Young Master Tong Qiao was like a celestial being, with excellent birth and handsome looks, embodying the vibrant spirit of youth. But compared to the Ninth Prince, he suddenly seemed insignificant.
He wasn't as good-looking as the Ninth Prince. Although his lineage was noble, he was at best a Duke with little real power. His power wasn't as great as the Ninth Prince's, nor did he possess that same imposing aura. He cowered before the Ninth Prince like a mouse facing a cat.
Li Zhao'er's heart beat rapidly, and her cheeks flushed. She was shocked by the vague and unrealistic idea in her mind.
Someone as noble and precious as the Ninth Prince shouldn't be as terrifying as the rumors claimed! He seemed quite normal, not raging or cursing.
Just as Li Zhao'er was lost in thought, the door to the side room was finally pushed open.
Cui Shi quickly rose and had Nanny Wang help her walk over. "How is it?"
Imperial Physician Duan was even faster. Without a word, he directly ran into the room.
Before Li Man'er could even reply, a gasp came from inside.
Imperial Physician Duan touched Li Shu's pulse, his whole body trembling. It was too unbelievable, too miraculous.
Cui Shi, Madam Guo, along with Madam Bai, Second Master Li Yi, and others, all rushed into the room, surrounding Duan Xu and questioning him, "Imperial Physician Duan, how is the Marquis?"
"Yes, speak up!"
Duan Xu stroked his goatee and took a long moment to regain his composure. "The Marquis's toxins have been cleared. Although his body is a bit weak now, his life is no longer in danger."
"Is it true?" Madam Guo exclaimed. "The Marquis was cured by the eldest young lady?" There was no one else in the room except Li Man'er. If not her, then who?
"You can look at the Marquis's complexion. His face was previously pale and sallow, filled with a deathly pallor. Now, it has a healthy glow, and his lips have returned to their normal color."
"Light the lamps," Cui Shi's old eyes were dim, and she couldn't see clearly. She quickly ordered the servants to light the lamps to make the room brighter.
As the lamps were lit, everyone clearly saw Li Shu's improved complexion.
Indeed, his complexion had improved considerably. It was no longer a sickly greenish hue but had a rosy color, looking much better.
"Hmm?" Duan Xu noticed the bloodstains on his fingertips and was baffled. He quickly went to Li Man'er to ask for clarification. "Eldest young lady, may I ask what poison the Marquis was afflicted with?"
Li Man'er shook her head. "I don't know!"
"You don't know?" Li Zhao'er's voice was sharp and high-pitched, as if deliberately trying to attract someone's attention. "Li Man'er, you don't even know what poison your father was afflicted with, yet you dare to detoxify him?"
"The process is not important; the result is. The person is well, the poison is resolved, isn't that enough?"
Duan Xu quickly said, "The eldest young lady is right. It was my narrow-mindedness before. The eldest young lady, at such a young age, has extraordinary medical skills. This old man is impressed."
He also remembered the previous wager. Although kneeling to a child would be beneath his dignity, consistency in word and deed was the most basic principle of being human.
With this in mind, Duan Xu lifted the front of his robe and was about to prostrate himself.
Li Man'er, with quick hands, supported him and said, "I merely used needles to force out the toxic blood. As for what the poison was, please, Imperial Physician Duan, research it yourself."
Duan Xu was greatly surprised. "Eldest young lady, earlier..."
Li Man'er handed him the small jar containing the toxic blood and added, "I will trouble Imperial Physician Duan to continue treating my father. The subsequent recovery and care will also be entrusted to you."
Duan Xu was naturally overjoyed.
He had been ordered by the Emperor to treat the Iron Gallant Marquis, but his lack of skill in saving the man was already a failure. Furthermore, his arrogance had led him to make a bet and lose miserably.
Now, the eldest young lady was giving him a way out, and it was also for his own good. At least, in the Emperor's eyes, he would have made amends and wouldn't have to lose face by becoming a disciple.
"It is my duty! Eldest young lady, please rest assured, this old man will do his utmost to treat the Marquis. However, I wonder when the eldest young lady will have free time. This old man wishes to seek her guidance on acupuncture techniques."
Others who heard him speak were astounded. Duan Xu's arrogance was well-known. His medical skills were extraordinary, and he indeed had some talent. For the past few years, the Emperor and Empress Dowager had trusted him greatly, and the imperial concubines also had faith in his medical skills, which had made Duan Xu somewhat conceited.
However, at this moment, the usually arrogant Duan Xu was speaking in a humble tone to Li Man'er, wanting to seek her guidance on acupuncture.
Of course, this was a more tactful way of putting it. In reality, everyone present knew about the wager.
In the medical field, strength is respected. Regardless of Li Man'er's age, if she could resolve a poison that Duan Xu could not, then she deserved to be respected.
At least Duan Xu was not stubbornly refusing to admit defeat. At least Duan Xu acknowledged Li Man'er's status!