Madam Wu was seeing Li Man’er diagnose a patient for the first time, and she found it quite novel. She couldn't imagine that this delicate-featured, tranquil, and composed person was Li Man’er, yet she clearly saw Ning Ru Ying’s shadow in her.
They say daughters resemble their fathers, but Li Man’er took after her mother. Previously, she only thought Li Man’er looked six or seven parts like Ning Ru Ying, but now, she seemed to resemble the late Marchioness even in temperament.
“How is it?” Madam Cui’s urging pulled Madam Wu’s thoughts back to the present.
“Grandmother, I suspect that Fourth Aunt’s current situation is not simple.”
Madam Cui frowned, “Could you have mistaken?” The one at fault was her beloved youngest son, so naturally, she hoped to downplay the matter, lest it escalate and cause further trouble.
“No.” To prove her words, Li Man’er immediately turned to Madam Xue, “Did Fourth Aunt eat anything from outside today?”
Madam Xue was greatly surprised, then composed herself, “Yes, Fourth Master brought a box of pastries for Mistress. Mistress didn’t particularly like sweets, but out of consideration for Fourth Master’s thoughtfulness, she ate two pieces.”
“The pastries, are there any left?”
Madam Xue shook her head, “That pastry box was very small, with a total of five pieces. Mistress ate two, and the remaining three were all eaten by Fourth Master.”
Madam Cui said impatiently, “Fourth also ate those pastries; he wouldn’t harm himself, would he?”
“Grandmother, you misunderstand. I don't suspect Fourth Uncle. They are deeply devoted to each other; how could he harm their child? I suspect there was something wrong with the pastries, but the evidence is gone.”
“But Fourth Uncle ate them too and was fine. What could be wrong with pastries?”
Li Man’er patiently explained, “Fourth Uncle is a man; it’s fine if he takes medicine that promotes blood circulation and dispels stasis. But Fourth Aunt is pregnant; she cannot touch such things.”
“You’re saying the pastries were laced with something that could cause your Fourth Aunt to miscarry?”
Li Man’er nodded, “Fortunately, Fourth Aunt dislikes sweets and didn't consume much. We should ask Fourth Uncle where the pastries came from.”
She already had a guess, most likely the work of that courtesan.
What Li Man’er could think of, Madam Cui naturally could too.
“Man’er, if you were to treat your Fourth Aunt, what is your confidence level?”
Li Man’er simply said, “This is not a difficult matter. The moxibustion has already shown effect; it depends on the doctor’s prescription.”
Did the doctor truly not discover that Lady Tian had eaten something she shouldn’t have? Not necessarily!
The matters within noble households, their grievances and enmities, are difficult to unravel. On the principle of avoiding trouble, the doctor likely chose to conceal the truth, to downplay the situation. As long as the prescription was appropriate and both mother and child were saved, it also protected himself.
If he were too honest, it would be a major issue, potentially offending the perpetrator and leading to his own demise.
Therefore, as long as the doctor’s prescription was appropriate, Lady Tian’s pregnancy would be safe. The only fear was if the doctor was incompetent, harming himself and others.
Madam Cui was also sharp and immediately understood Li Man’er’s meaning.
“Alright, it’s late at night; everyone go back and rest!” This was a signal to clear the room so she could interrogate Fourth Master.
Li Man’er quickly curtsied, “I hope Grandmother takes care of herself. Fourth Aunt is a blessed woman and will surely get through this trial safely.”
Madam Xue, listening from the inner chambers, had a flicker of complex emotion in her eyes.
They all said that the First Miss of the Marquisate, Li Man’er, was a troublemaker, impetuous, rude, arrogant, and vulgar. Before, she had been like everyone else, thinking Li Man’er was like a shrew from the marketplace. Now, she realized she had been foolish, only now understanding what kind of person the First Miss truly was.
As soon as Li Man’er left, Madam Guo also followed.
Madam Cui hurried to the outer room and found Li En.
Madam Cui questioned him about the pastries. Li En, guilty as charged, dared not respond and stammered for a long time.
“Was it made by that courtesan?” Madam Cui had long guessed the truth; she had only wanted to save her youngest son some face in front of others earlier.
Fourth Master nodded, “Nothing escapes Mother. Niang is skilled; she made them to please Yan Yan.”
“Foolish!” Madam Cui scolded her son and shouted, “Kneel!”
Li En dared not refute; he lifted his robe and knelt.
“You have compounded your mistakes today; it is simply foolish. What kind of place is a courtesan house? The men of my Li family either fight on the battlefield, serving the emperor loyally, or study and understand principles to govern the country. Look at your elder brothers, and then look at you!”
Li En dared not argue and could only say softly, “Whatever Li Man’er says goes? That pastry was made by Niang, and I ate it, so why am I fine? Clearly, Lady Tian is jealous, which is why she miscarried.”
“You dare to speak!” Madam Cui’s face darkened, “Fourth, I warn you, stay away from those women in the brothels from now on. If you are obedient, even as an idle Juren, the Marquisate can guarantee you wealth and honor for a lifetime. Whether you meet friends outside or wander in the gardens, I can overlook it. But if you dare mention taking a courtesan as a concubine again, beware, I will make her disappear from this world forever.”
Upon hearing this, Li En’s expression changed instantly, “Mother, how can you be like this?”
“Isn't this for your own good? Your sister entered the palace at fifteen, maneuvering carefully and exhausting herself. For whom did she enter the palace? But you, you cause trouble outside, never considering others’ feelings. Have you thought about how many eyes are watching our family? If the Censorate discovers your affairs, your eldest brother and your sister will all suffer because of you!” Madam Cui panted with anger, her slightly cloudy eyes filled with ferocity.
Madam Xue in the room couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The old madam was so capable and shrewd, yet how could she have given birth to such a foolish son as Fourth Master.
“If your wife has any mishap, you will leave the Li family and become a monk.” After scolding him for a long time, Madam Cui stood up and, leaning on Madam Wang’s arm, said, “Go and repent before the ancestral tablets. You can come out when Yan Yan wakes up.”
Li En was extremely reluctant but had no choice but to go.
Fortunately, Lady Tian woke up the next day. Although she was weak, her stomach no longer hurt, and the child was saved.
The doctor’s prescription was effective, proving Li Man’er’s prediction correct; the doctor merely saw without speaking.
Everyone in the Marquisate looked at Li Man’er with new eyes, except for Li En.
How could a young girl understand medicine for women? Perhaps it was pure luck. Besides, the doctor didn't say anything about something being in the pastries; they were clearly framing someone, with the main objective being to falsely accuse Niang.
This version of events soon reached Qing Ping Courtyard and was known to Li Man’er.