Several maids and old women surrounded Madam Tian, her entourage indicating a significant outing. Upon seeing Li Man'er, they all started in surprise, then adopted a defensive stance as if she were about to devour them.
Li Man'er tried to recall if the original owner had ever done anything to harm Madam Tian. What was with this hostile attitude?
Ziyan, as if sensing Li Man'er's thoughts, stepped forward and said, "Miss, could it be that they've heard about the second young lady being beaten, and about Madam..."
Oh~
Li Man'er suddenly understood. So that was it!
Her gaze fell upon Madam Tian's belly. She mused, were they afraid she'd harm a pregnant woman?
That couldn't be it, could it? Such narrow-mindedness.
Li Man'er thought that since they already disliked her, it was better not to interact. She turned to leave, but to her surprise, Madam Tian called out to her with enthusiasm.
"Eldest young lady? Eldest young lady." Madam Tian called Li Man'er twice and even walked towards her, holding her belly. The maids and old women around her were startled and quickly shielded her as they approached.
"Madam, be careful."
"Slowly, slowly."
Seeing the situation, Li Man'er felt she couldn't pretend not to hear and had to turn back.
"Fourth Aunt." Li Man'er tried to appear as amiable as possible, as if she were about to paste a 'I don't eat people' sign on her face.
"Eldest young lady is also out for a stroll to aid digestion?"
Li Man'er fanned herself with her fan in a practiced manner, "It's too hot during the day; it's cooler in the evening."
Madam Tian nodded, "This pregnancy has been difficult for me. I feel so restless and hot, yet I cannot indulge in coolness. Whatever I want to eat, whatever I want to do, I am not my own master."
Li Man'er simply said, "Xue'er is eight years old; she is due for a younger brother to keep her company." She deliberately swallowed the word "sister," thinking Madam Tian would prefer a son.
"There are only a few more months. Once these pass, the joy of having children around you will far outweigh the pain of pregnancy."
Madam Tian was slightly surprised, further reinforcing her belief in the rumors circulating in the manor about Li Man'er. It seemed the eldest young lady's intelligence was indeed inherited from the late Marchioness, Madam Ning.
"Fourth Aunt, if you are tired, you should go back. Although the fetus is stable after three months, this pregnancy was not easy, so it's best to be careful." Li Man'er was mainly feeling tired for the people around Madam Tian; they were all like mother hens protecting their chicks, making her feel quite uneasy.
"Ah, Man'er, you've studied medicine and even detoxified the Marquis. You must know how to take a pulse, then?"
"I can, but I'm not skilled in gynecology." Li Man'er cut off Madam Tian's words and said with a smile, "Fourth Aunt, please go back and rest. We can chat another day."
After saying this, Li Man'er bowed slightly, turned, and left with her entourage.
Madam Tian sighed. The only person she could talk to had left, leaving her with no reason to linger.
"Madam, let's go back. It's time for your medicine."
Madam Tian frowned slightly, "That bitter decoction is too unpleasant; just thinking about it makes me nauseous." Despite her words, Madam Tian obediently returned.
She had been longing for this child for many years, so naturally, she was extremely cautious.
Li Man'er soon forgot about the chance encounter with Madam Tian. Everything was going smoothly, but who could have expected that in the middle of the night, Madam Tian would suddenly take a turn for the worse, even alarming the old madam.
Li Man'er, of course, could not rest peacefully and got up to inquire about the cause and effect.
Granny Wu had already gathered all the information and said through gritted teeth, "It's Fourth Master. He insisted on redeeming a courtesan from a brothel and bringing her into the manor with full honors. Fourth Madam was enraged upon hearing this and argued with Fourth Master, who then pushed her."
Li Man'er frowned. This man was too much of a scoundrel. His wife was pregnant, and he was openly talking about taking a courtesan into the household. Was this not a humiliation?
He already had concubines.
Furthermore, resorting to physical violence against a woman was quite shameless.
"Have you called for a doctor?"
"Someone has already been sent."
Li Man'er thought for a moment and then asked her maids to help her wash and change.
"Miss, if you go over now, you won't gain any favor," Granny Wu said, concerned for Li Man'er's well-being and not wanting her to get involved in this mess.
"I must go and see. If Fourth Aunt is in danger, and I can save her but stand by idly, I won't be able to live with myself." In truth, Li Man'er wasn't that kind-hearted; she had her reasons for acting this way.
Seeing this, Granny Wu had no choice but to let her go. The young lady was grown and had her own ideas; as a servant, she had no right to defy her mistress.
The group hurried to the courtyard of the fourth household.
The doctor was already inside examining Madam Tian. Fourth Master stood at the door, looking contrite. Madam Cui and Madam Guo were waiting in the main hall.
"Eldest young lady has arrived."
Li Man'er entered the room without performing any courtesies and directly asked, "How is Fourth Aunt?"
Madam Guo clearly avoided Li Man'er's gaze. However, Granny Wang, by Madam Cui's side, replied, "The situation is not good. The doctor is still inside. Fortunately, there is no bleeding, but..."
"Is moxibustion being used?" Li Man'er's sense of smell was sharpest; she detected the scent of mugwort.
"Yes." Granny Wang had immense faith in Li Man'er's medical skills and immediately asked, "Eldest young lady, what medicine should be used now?"
"It's best to listen to the doctor," Li Man'er said. "I am young and have little experience. It's best to follow the doctor's advice."
Granny Wang nodded, "This old servant was foolish."
Madam Cui was extremely anxious and kept urging people to check on Madam Tian's condition. Just then, the doctor emerged.
"Doctor, how is my youngest daughter-in-law?"
The old doctor, his beard white, said, "Fourth Madam shows signs of miscarriage. After moxibustion, she will need medicinal treatment for recovery. I have a prescription here; let's try this and see what fate has in store."
Upon hearing this, Fourth Master Li En sat down heavily on the ground, whether from fear or guilt, it was hard to tell.
Li Man'er glanced at him coldly and then heard Madam Cui instructing someone to escort the doctor and fetch the medicine.
Madam Cui entered the inner room, and Li Man'er followed. Madam Guo, as the eldest sister-in-law, hesitated for a long time before finally following them in.
The room was filled with the strong scent of medicine. Madam Tian was covered in sweat, her eyes tightly closed, her face sallow.
The maids and old women attending her looked quite grim.
"You must serve Fourth Madam well. Report any issues immediately. At this time, Madam Tian's well-being is paramount; no matter is small. Do you all understand?"
"Yes, Old Madam."
Madam Cui nodded, about to reprimand her son, when she noticed Li Man'er standing by the bed, lost in thought.
"Man'er, what are you looking at?"
The old madam's attitude towards the eldest young lady was now vastly different from before. She spoke softly and with great warmth.
"Grandmother, may I take Fourth Aunt's pulse?"
Granny Xue immediately said, "Eldest young lady was able to cure the Marquis, even outshining Imperial Physician Duan. Naturally, her medical skills are superb. We would be much obliged if you would examine our Madam."