Not everyone has the qualification for marrow cleansing. People are born different; no one can predict the state of their bones and meridians.
Some are gifted with extraordinary talent, inherently smarter than ordinary people, and can be called heaven's favorites. However, if their talent is not discovered and they miss the optimal time for marrow cleansing, the effect will be greatly diminished.
Timing is crucial. Too early is not good; a child's body cannot endure the pain of marrow cleansing. Too late is also not good; once the bones are formed, the meridians have no room for expansion. Even if marrow cleansing is forced, the effect will not be very good.
Although Li Man'er's current age is not the most suitable, it is not too late. She uses silver needles to stimulate acupoints and simultaneously attempts to expel impurities from her body according to her past cultivation methods, allowing this body to quickly meet her requirements and thus cultivate to enhance her strength.
The two characters of Xuan Yi, the emphasis is on "Xuan." Those who inherit the mantle of Xuan Yi are all skilled physicians, proficient in complex techniques, and capable fighters.
In terms of intellect, having lived two lives, she is knowledgeable and experienced. Moreover, by appearing as a young girl, she holds a significant advantage and needs not worry excessively. On the contrary, her physical condition is far behind, and she must train diligently to reach the pinnacle as soon as possible.
Li Man'er meditated for half an hour, feeling a warmth throughout her body and a slight itch in her dantian.
The effect of the first marrow cleansing was quite good.
Last time at Drunken Lake Tower, time was too hurried, and she could only suppress the toxins in her body to prevent them from causing madness. She believes that soon she will be able to completely expel the remaining toxins and return to normal, after which her cultivation speed will be even faster.
Li Man'er withdrew the silver needles and ordered servants to prepare bathing utensils.
Two robust maidservants carried a bathtub into the sleeping chamber, followed by more servants carrying buckets of water into the room.
Zi Yan hung the chosen clothes on the screen and stood on the other side, waiting for Li Man'er's summons. Since returning from the Grand Princess's mansion, the Eldest Young Lady had only allowed her to serve her personally, seeming to have developed a resistance to others.
However, it was understandable, as only she knew the young lady's secret, which was also why the young lady trusted her.
"Zi Yan, has Father woken up?"
"Not yet." Li Man'er added, "But I've sent someone to inquire, and they say he's much improved compared to yesterday."
Li Man'er sighed imperceptibly and then said, "Duan Xu is still too conservative." He was not incapable of saving Li Shu, but the prescriptions he provided were too mild.
Imperial physicians serve noble members of the court, so it is right for them to be cautious with medication. Imperial physicians in the palace have always been this way, seeking not merit but only to avoid mistakes.
Zi Yan asked curiously, "Young Lady, if you prescribed the medicine, how long would it take for the Marquis to wake up?"
"I don't need to prescribe medicine."
Zi Yan was stunned, and her heart quickened considerably.
Did the young lady mean that she could wake the Marquis without prescribing medicine? Had the young lady held back last night?
She dared not ask.
Li Man'er merely said, "When one is just starting out, one must not be too ostentatious." If Li Shu had woken up on the spot, she would have offended too many people.
"This servant does not understand."
"Then guess, was the medicine I took yesterday poison, or something else?"
Zi Yan simply replied, "This servant believes what you say, Young Lady. If you say it wasn't poison, then it certainly wasn't." Moreover, the young lady herself had swallowed the medicine; if it were truly poison, how could she have been unaffected?
Li Man'er sneered repeatedly. Looking at the pill in her spatial dimension, she had already formulated a plan. Someone did not want her to live in peace; someone wanted her dead. If that was the case, then so be it!
They would all die!
Li Man'er changed her clothes, ate breakfast, tidied herself up, and went to Songhe Hall.
Indeed, ancient people's attire and food were too troublesome. In the sweltering summer, they were wrapped in three layers of clothing, then another three. If the fabric were not light and breathable, one would get prickly heat.
And their food, not particularly good, portions were small, and one couldn't even eat their fill!
While grumbling internally, she spotted Songhe Hall. As she and Zi Yan entered the courtyard, Yun Xiu came forward, "Eldest Young Lady."
Li Man'er nodded, "Has Grandmother finished her breakfast?"
"The Old Madam is very happy to hear of the Marquis's improvement. She drank a bowl of porridge this morning and had two pieces of pastry, eating more than usual." The current Li Man'er was not someone they dared to slight. Who in the entire mansion did not know that the Eldest Young Lady had saved the Marquis? Her medical skills were superb, even surpassing Steward Duan. This change, let alone for the servants, even the Madam would likely avoid her now.
"That's good. Grandmother is old and has a weak digestive system. You must pay more attention to her daily."
"This servant understands. Eldest Young Lady can rest assured."
Upon entering the main hall, Granny Wang came out to greet her and personally helped Li Man'er adjust her curtain, smiling, "It's a coincidence; the Old Madam was just mentioning the Eldest Young Lady."
"Thank you, Granny."
This Granny Wang, with her round, pale face, looked amiable and kind. However, Li Man'er knew her hands were not clean. To what extent, she would investigate slowly.
Entering the side hall, before Li Man'er could even bow, Cui Shi beckoned her over, pulling her to sit on the couch and asking, "How did you sleep last night?"
"Replying to Grandmother, I couldn't sleep at all in the first half of the night; my mind was in a chaotic state. I only managed to sleep a little before dawn."
Zi Yan quickly lowered her head, thinking, How dare Young Lady say that? Weren't you the one who fell asleep as soon as you lay down yesterday?
"You are a good child, and I appreciate your effort." Everyone believed that Li Man'er had been hiding her abilities before. A child without a mother would do anything to survive. If not for the Marquis being in mortal danger from poisoning this time, she would likely have continued to hide.
"Grandmother, you speak too kindly. I still remember your teachings!" Li Man'er smiled and said, "Grandmother, your granddaughter has something to ask of you."
Cui Shi was slightly surprised, but her loving expression remained unchanged, "My child, we are grandmother and granddaughter. What is it that requires you to use the word 'beg'? Tell me."
Li Man'er feigned shyness and then said, "Well, Grandmother, the steward mammy in my courtyard is still vacant. Could you allow me to bring Granny Wu back from the rural estate?"
Her voice was a little low, "Granny Wu did not commit any major offense. She was left to me by Mother."
Cui Shi immediately understood Li Man'er's intention.
Granny Wu was Madam Ning's dowry servant and one of Madam Ning's most trusted confidantes. After Madam Ning's departure, Granny Wu had always served Li Man'er and was the person Li Man'er valued the most.
Madam Guo could not tolerate her and found an excuse to send her to the countryside. This matter would not stand up to scrutiny.
Li Man'er had not brought it up before because she knew it would be futile. After saving Li Shu yesterday, she came to ask for the person this morning, indicating she knew Cui Shi would not refuse her.
This child…
Her thoughts are truly meticulous!