This is the Zhenbei Palace, his own territory, so Sheng Xiyan didn't care too much and went into the inner room with Cheng Chuyu.

Chu Yuanchen was still standing by. He waved to Sheng Xiyan and said, "Come here and listen together."

When Sheng Xiyan saw his expression, her heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, what Doctor Dong said was almost the same as what the good doctor said: the broken spine might have compressed the spinal cord.

If it is just a spinal fracture, you can still walk and run if you rest well and wait for the bones to grow back. However, if the spinal cord is compressed, you will definitely become paralyzed.

Cheng Chuyu's heartstrings suddenly broke because of the imperial physician's words. Her pupils shrank slightly, her mind went blank, her hands trembled uncontrollably, her lips turned pale and she couldn't speak. Guilt and self-blame almost drowned her.

It's all because of her!

It's her fault!

It was she who harmed Han Qianzhi...

Sheng Xiyan pinched her cold palms and asked the imperial physician, "It's just possible that the spinal cord is compressed, right?" She emphasized "possibly."

Doctor Dong nodded and said bluntly: "From the pulse, yes. However, I can't be completely sure."

Even the most experienced doctors can only make a judgement based on feeling the bones and pulse; no one can see the condition of the bones beneath the skin and flesh. Based on Doctor Dong's experience, the patient will most likely suffer from paralysis.

I'm sure Miss Shengda can also understand this.

When Doctor Dong and his companions first arrived, they saw the silver needles on Han Qianzhi's body and knew that the person who gave him the acupuncture was no simple person.

Miss Shengda is a medical practitioner and her medical skills are extraordinary.

Even though she was not an expert in orthopedics, she could tell from the pulse that Captain Han's governing vessel was blocked, which meant that his spinal cord was damaged and hemiplegia occurred.

Doctor Dong added, "However, we will have to wait until Captain Han's spine bones grow back to see the exact situation."

"That means there is still hope." Sheng Xiyan said firmly.

She did not do this just to comfort Cheng Chuyu, but she really felt that she could not directly sentence Han Qianzhi to death.

When she was young, she heard her grandfather say that doctors can save lives, but ultimately whether the patient can recover depends on the patient himself. As long as the desire to survive is strong, miracles will often happen.

She believed Han Qianzhi could do it.

She looked at Chu Yuanchen, who also said, "Han Qianzhi went into battle three times and killed three times, crawling out of a pile of dead bodies. What's there to be afraid of with just a spinal injury?"

There was not a trace of hesitation in his expression, as if all this was natural.

She felt more at ease, and the last bit of hesitation in her heart disappeared.

Cheng Chuyu sobbed twice, stopping the tears that were about to fall from her eyes. She finally calmed down, bit her lower lip, and said, "I'll go see him."

She walked to the bedside, looked at the unconscious Han Qianzhi, and asked, "Doctor, when will he wake up?"

Doctor Dong went over and explained to her in detail: "Captain Han's heart is weak, but it is very stable. He is in a coma now because..."

Sheng Xiyan withdrew her gaze and pulled Chu Yuanchen out.

Chu Yuanchen had just heard what the imperial physician said, so he didn't bother him at this time.

After coming out of the inner room, Sheng Xiyan gave the brocade box to Chu Yuanchen, told him some of her guesses, and said, "Achen, I suspect that the incense was mixed with the Ten Perfection Ointment."

As she spoke, she added, "A few days ago, I smelled a similar odor in the incense sticks I used in the small Buddhist temple in my mansion."

Chu Yuanchen's pupils shrank and he exerted force with his hands so hard that the incense box was almost deformed by him.

Chu Yuanchen said anxiously: "I'll go call the imperial physician..."

Sheng Xiyan was startled by him at first, then she raised her lips slightly. She could see his panic and uneasiness. Chu Yuanchen, who was invincible and fearless on the battlefield, was afraid because he was worried about her.

She smiled, and her heart felt warm, as if a spring breeze was blowing across her heart, and all the anxiety and irritation gradually dissipated.

"It's okay." There was a soft smile in Sheng Xiyan's almond-shaped eyes.

She took his hand and said quickly, "Really, I'm fine."

She told the whole story without hiding anything, and then said, "Perhaps because they saw that I was on guard, there were no problems with the incense burning afterwards."

No matter how terrible this Ten-Herb Ointment is, Sheng Xiyan believes that if it's just a little bit, there won't be any harm. Otherwise, the merchants in Minzhou wouldn't have sent it for more than three months.

It takes some time from the first taste to addiction and then to being unable to leave.

Her white little hand was covered by his broad palm, and the thin silk thread in his palm rubbed her delicate back of the hand, which was a little itchy. She said, "I just checked Chu Yu's pulse, and Chu Yu's pulse was normal. After the dizziness, she didn't have any other discomfort for the time being."

This also proves that the impact of Shiquan ointment is not as great as they imagined.

"I'll check her pulse tomorrow."

The Shiquan ointment was something they had never come into contact with before, so they had to do everything step by step.

She said seriously, "Don't worry, I'm fine."

His eyelids were slightly lowered, and his thick eyelashes drew a perfect arc, concealing the shock and terror in his eyes.

Sheng Xiyan took his hand and shook it gently, saying, "Empress Dowager..."

When Sheng Xiyan mentioned the Queen Mother, Chu Yuanchen immediately understood what she meant and said, "I've told my eldest brother that someone will bring the pulse case over in a while."

For example, the emperor and the empress dowager in the palace would have imperial physicians take their pulses every three days and record the pulses. Some experienced doctors could judge the patient's recent physical condition just from the pulses.

If we count from the time King Zhao gave the Queen Mother the Shiquan Cream, she has been taking it for more than two months, and some changes must be reflected in her pulse.

Achen is still thoughtful!

Sheng Xiyan smiled sweetly, without saying a word, but her clear almond eyes were full of trust.

She believed him!

This realization made Chu Yuanchen's heart soften. He raised his hands and wrapped them around her slender waist. A sweet fragrance as elegant as orchid lingered in his nose.

Sheng Xiyan leaned on him subconsciously. This feeling of having someone to rely on was something she could never ask for in her previous life.

Chu Yuanchen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He closed his eyes and calmed himself down. He stroked her long, smooth black hair with his hand and said in a hoarse voice, "The Imperial Guard is already investigating the foreign goods stores in Beijing. There should be results today or tomorrow."

Maritime trade has been booming in recent years, and there are many foreign goods shops in Beijing. However, with the help of the Jinyiwei, no matter how many shops there are, they can be clearly analyzed.

"Let's go take a look later."

Chu Yuanchen kissed her smooth, full forehead. Sheng Xiyan was stunned for a moment, and her ears turned a little pink. She could feel his warm breath surrounding her earlobes, making her a little at a loss.

At this moment, he reluctantly let go of her slender waist and took half a step back.

Sheng Xiyan's earlobes were still a little hot. She glanced at Chu Yuanchen and was about to speak when there were hurried footsteps outside. Ji Mingyang rushed into the hall and saw Chu Yuanchen was there. He stopped and saluted, saying, "My Lord, Miss Chu."

Ji Mingyang was originally teaching Jiaoyang and Sheng Yan in the martial arts arena. When he heard that Han Qianzhi was in trouble, he hurried back.

Chu Yuanchen explained the situation to him and said, "I will go to Cheng's house later. You can take care of Han Qianzhi here. If you need anyone, go to my mother for help."

Ji Mingyang could not hide the fear in his eyes, and his heart was hanging in the air.

Those who practice martial arts certainly know the seriousness of spinal fractures.

Chu Yuanchen sighed and said, "Han Qianzhi hasn't woken up yet. When he wakes up, I'll tell him everything."

"Tell him?" Ji Mingyang was surprised, then immediately understood and replied, "Yes."

Han Qianzhi is not a weak and indecisive person. Instead of hiding it and letting him make all kinds of guesses, it is better to tell him everything.

Just like in the army, the prince never hid the dangers of their war.

The more this happens, the less likely they are to back down.

"I understand." Ji Mingyang paused for a moment and said hesitantly, "Prince, should we send someone to inform the Marquis of Jingwei's Mansion?"

Unlike Ji Mingyang, Han Qianzhi was not from Northern Frontier. He joined the Northern Frontier Army when he was fourteen and stayed there until he was twenty-one when he went to the capital with Chu Yuanchen. He stayed in Northern Frontier for a full seven years and was promoted to colonel based on his military achievements.

Chu Yuanchen thought for a moment and said, "No need. It's useless to say it."

The Jingwei Marquis Mansion was somewhat complicated. Han Qianzhi was the only son of the eldest son. His parents died when he was three years old. Later, his second uncle inherited the title. He was raised by his aunt since he was a child and was flattered beyond recognition.

Chu Yuanchen had returned to the capital once seven years ago, and he and Han Qianzhi had known each other for a long time. To be precise, Han Qianzhi was provoked by a group of troublemakers to fight with him, and Chu Yuanchen beat him down.

Han Qianzhi admitted defeat and acknowledged him as his elder brother. When the elder brother returned to Northern Xinjiang, he took him back with him and casually threw him into the military camp.

Chu Yuanchen only said: "It has been so long since Han Qianzhi returned to Beijing, and no one from the Han family has asked about it. There is no need to tell them now."

Ming Yangji responded, "Yes."

Chu Yuanchen said to Sheng Xiyan again: "Ayan, go and call Cheng Chuyu out, let's go to the Cheng family."

He raised his lips and smiled, his barely audible laughter carrying a profound meaning.

Sheng Xiyan's eyes lit up and she went in to find Cheng Chuyu.

Cheng Chuyu was standing in front of the couch. Both his movements and expressions were exactly the same as when Sheng Xiyan went out. There was no difference at all.

When Sheng Xiyan went out, she already had a cup of tea. It was as if she had been standing for a full cup of tea.

In the inner room, Doctor Dong was instructing the medicine boy to make medicine. When he saw Sheng Xiyan coming in, he explained and said, "Miss Sheng, I am making some external plasters for Captain Han to relieve pain and remove blood stasis. Doctor Xu, please go back to the palace and bring some secret medicine for injuries."

His attitude was respectful. Now in the whole capital, everyone knew the backer behind this Miss Shengda, so no one dared to offend her.

Sheng Xiyan nodded slightly: "Sorry for the trouble."

She walked up to Cheng Chuyu and whispered, "Chuyu, take us to your home."

Cheng Chuyu was stunned for a moment, and looked over with a puzzled look. Sheng Xiyan said, "Achen has something to ask your father."

Cheng Chuyu responded, "Okay. My father is on vacation today, so he should be at home."

She couldn't help but look back at Han Qian and sighed, "Then I'll come to see him later. I just need to go back."

She stabbed Qingping in the back. Qingping was a princess and had always been favored, so she would definitely go and complain, and the eldest princess would definitely cause trouble.

She still had to go back and tell her parents first, lest they be caught in the dark and become too passive.

Seeing them coming out, Chu Yuanchen said, "Let's go. The doctor will stay here until we come back."

Chu Yuanchen planned to let the imperial physician stay for a few more days and look for a doctor who was good at orthopedics in the capital.

Chu Yuanchen said something to Ji Mingyang and then went out.

Cheng Chuyu's parents were both at home. The Cheng family had not yet split up, and the whole family lived together. Cheng Chuyu's family was the third branch. When they heard that Chu Yuanchen was coming to visit, Cheng Xianzhuo and Cheng's third wife, Zhou, came out to greet him in person.

Cheng Xianzhuo was under the command of the old prince when he was in the Northern Frontier, and he watched Chu Yuanchen grow up. He said affectionately: "Prince, why are you here? If there is anything, just send someone to call us over."

Cheng Chuyu also jumped down from the carriage. When Zhou saw her daughter, she was startled and visibly frightened. She said in panic, "Sister Yu, what's wrong with you?"

Cheng Chuyu had scratches on her face and hands, especially on her forehead where there was an obvious purple bruise. Dried blood was stained on her hair, and her fair and tender cheeks were dotted with blood stains.

Zhou watched her daughter go out in the morning. Although the riding coat she was wearing was not new, it was in good condition. But now, it was covered with dust and blood. The knees and elbows were almost all worn out. There were large patches of dark red blood splattered on the bright red riding coat. The blood was particularly glaring and shocking to look at.

This doesn't feel like playing polo at all, it feels more like walking into a battle between two armies.

As the wife of a military commander, Zhou had seen a lot of blood on her husband and son, but Cheng Chuyu was a spoiled girl who had been raised to be a spoiled brat since childhood. Even though she had climbed up roofs to tear off tiles and chased dogs on the ground before, she had never been seen in such a miserable state.

Zhou's heart was pounding. She rushed over, grabbed her daughter and asked, "Where are you hurt? Let me take a look."

"It's okay." Cheng Chuyu had forgotten that she had fallen off the horse. Not only her, but also Sheng Xiyan.

Sheng Xiyan took Cheng Chuyu's pulse and confirmed that she had no internal injuries. She really didn't care about her external injuries. After all, compared to Han Qianzhi, she only had flesh wounds, and the most serious one was probably the one on her forehead.

Afterwards, all their attention was on Han Qianzhi, and as time went by, they really ignored him.

"I'm fine." Cheng Chuyu pulled Zhou and quickly explained, "I just fell off the horse. I protected my head. I only had some scratches on my body, but no fractures or internal injuries."

After she finished speaking quickly, she added, "This blood is not mine." It was splashed when she stabbed Qingping just now.

For a daughter of a general, falling off a horse is no big deal, as long as there are no broken bones.

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhou breathed a sigh of relief, tapped her forehead angrily, scolded her a few words, and never mentioned the matter again.

Cheng Xianzhuo also withdrew his worried look.

After some greetings, Cheng Xianzhuo led Chu Yuanchen to the main hall.

After Chu Yuanchen signaled him to send the servant away, he explained his purpose and handed the box of incense in his hand to Cheng Xianzhuo.

Cheng Xianzhuo felt a chill all over his body and looked at the small golden box in disbelief.

Chu Yuanchen said, "That's what happened. Although this is a matter between the Cheng family and the Wu'an Marquis's Mansion, Han Qianzhi was implicated." He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands. "I'm a person who always protects my shortcomings, so I'll take care of this matter."

He seemed to be as nonchalant as ever, exuding a sense of oppression that was intimidating.

Cheng Xianzhuo tightly grasped the gold box in his hand, feeling a little scared.

Zhou even called her daughter to her side, grabbed her wrist, her face full of panic, and when she came to her senses, she was burning with anger.

They were actually puzzled by Chu Yuanchen's sudden visit. They never thought that it would be for this. This little incense could be addictive, and it was given to their daughter by Lady Wu Anbo.

Not only that, but today my daughter fell off the horse because of dizziness. If it weren't for Han Qianzhi, it would be my daughter who is lying there with half of her body paralyzed, or even in danger of her life.

Cheng Chuyu also listened to the whole story again, and his little face, which was stained with blood and dust, showed no emotion.

Cheng Xianzhuo placed the brocade box on the tea table. This small brocade box seemed to be as heavy as a thousand pounds in his hand.

He stood up, clasped his fists and said, "I will obey your orders, Lord. I will make sure that the Wu'an Marquis's Mansion gives an explanation for this matter."

In fact, Cheng Xianzhuo still held a little hope in his heart, hoping that this was not done intentionally by Mrs. Wu Anbo.

Sheng Xiyan sipped her tea silently. She knew that Chu Yuanchen made this personal trip not only for Han Qianzhi, but also for her.

The incense coil in the small Buddhist temple and the incense in this brocade box should have the same source. Rather than slowly investigating after returning, it would be easier to just bite them directly with the roots and mud.

Cheng Xianzhuo took his invitation and asked someone to deliver it to the Wu'an Earl's Mansion.

After drinking tea, Cheng Chuyu changed into clean clothes. Not long after, Uncle Wu An and his wife arrived.

The mourning period at the Wu'an Marquis's mansion ended in early February. In addition, the emperor had already taken away his lover's favor in his early years, so daily interpersonal interactions were not too restricted. However, Wu'an Marquis saw that the court was in chaos and did not want to be involved, so he stayed at home under the pretext of mourning.

The two families have always been on good terms, so Cheng Xianzhuo asked him to come, and he came.

Chu Yuanchen took Sheng Xiyan and hid behind.

Wu Anbo and Cheng Xianzhuo are of similar age and both are military generals. Although they are middle-aged, they are still energetic and in good health.

He did not laugh, but said in full spirit, "Xianzhuo, why are you calling us here in such a hurry?"

Following behind him was the son of the Wu'an Earl, who was no more than twenty years old, dressed in a blue and white straight-collared robe, with a handsome appearance, an upright posture, and thin lips. Seeing Cheng Chuyu was also there, he smiled at her and said, "Chuyu."

Cheng Chuyu stood up and bowed, then did not respond after the greeting.

Wu Anbo Jian raised his eyebrows, feeling a little surprised.

Cheng Xianzhuo's post was very urgent, asking the whole family to come. Wu Anbo thought that something had happened to the marriage of the two children, so he hurried over. Now seeing the Cheng family in this state, it seems that it is not that simple.

"Xianzhuo, this is..."

"Old Fu, please sit down first."

Cheng Xianzhuo asked them to sit down. After the servants served tea, they left and went to the door.

There were only a few of them left in the huge main hall.

Wu Anbo's doubts and uneasiness grew even stronger. This uneasiness was like when he led his troops through a small path and had a strong feeling that there would be an ambush inside.

He smiled and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"

"Uncle and aunt." Cheng Chuyu took a deep breath. There was no more confusion in her eyes. Instead, she said firmly, "Aunt, I just stabbed Princess Qingping. Princess Qingping was seriously injured."

Mrs. Wu Anbo's pupils shrank, and her gentle and kind face cracked for a moment. She blurted out: "How is Qingping injured? Sister Yu, how can you be so impulsive!"

At this moment, all the doubts and luck in Cheng Chuyu's heart were swept away.

Their family has always been on good terms with the Wu'an Marquis's Mansion. When she was young, they often visited the mansion. Mrs. Wu'an Marquis's wife always treated her gently and softly, not much different from how she treated her own daughter.

How come it changed in the blink of an eye?

Cheng Chuyu stood there straight, with her black hair hanging down on her shoulders, her eyes clear and bright, with the proud and unyielding attitude of a daughter of a general.

"Madam." Cheng Chuyu was straightforward. She hated beating around the bush. She changed the address and said bluntly, "If you are not satisfied with this marriage, you can just ask for it directly. I, Cheng Chuyu, don't have to get married."

"Sister Yu!"

"Chu Yu."

Wu Anbo and Fu Junqing blurted out at the same time. Wu Anbo was shocked, while Fu Junqing was helpless and tolerant. He frowned slightly and said gently, "What are you making a fuss about?"

His voice was gentle, and he didn't yell at her; it could even be described as soft and gentle. However, Cheng Chuyu felt even more uncomfortable, stuffy and a little painful, as if she was entangled by countless thorns.

They had been here for so long, and he had never asked a single question about her injury.

She had only changed her clothes, and the scratches on her forehead and cheeks were visible even to a blind man.

They were childhood sweethearts, and she really thought she would marry him and live a happy life together.

She was wrong.

Fu Junqing said, "Chu Yu, if you have anything to say, please sit down and talk slowly. Don't let your angry words hurt the friendship between the two families."

He was a man of bright and handsome appearance, with a kind of perseverance and a sharpness gained from experience on the battlefield. However, his eyes seemed a little too cold and distant. This distance was not directed towards Cheng Chuyu, but towards everything.

Cheng Chuyu did not listen to him as usual. She took out the brocade box and asked, "Madam, do you still recognize it?"

Of course Mrs. Wu Anbo recognized it. She had chosen it herself, so how could she forget it?

Wu Anbo only understood half of what he heard: "What's the problem with the incense?"

Cheng Chuyu said word by word: "Madam, what did you put in there?"

Mrs. Wu Anbo's heartbeat almost stopped. She said with a straightforward expression, "So the Cheng family called my husband and me here today to interrogate us? I gave this incense to Sister Yu with good intentions. I have given Sister Yu quite a few things over the years. Do you want to take them out one by one to see what's inside?"

Cheng Xianzhuo held his cup of tea in his mouth and said nothing.

Before Wu Anbo's family arrived, Cheng Chuyu had told them not to show up.

Cheng Chuyu walked towards her with the brocade box in hand, smiling and saying, "Aunt, this is what you gave me. You said it can calm the mind and help people sleep well, and I believe you. If you can light all of these incense sticks in front of me and smell them for an hour, I, Cheng Chuyu, will immediately kneel on the ground and kowtow to you to apologize."

Cheng Chuyu curled the corners of her mouth, with a faint smile, and asked, "Aunt, do you dare to use it?"

Cheng Chuyu opened the brocade box herself. There was still half a box of incense inside. Cheng Chuyu picked up a small piece with her fingertips and rubbed it gently. Pink powder sprinkled down lightly.

Mrs. Wu Anbo's eyes widened, and she leaned back suddenly as if she had seen some ferocious beast.

No one present is stupid, so there is nothing they cannot understand.

"You don't dare, you know there's nothing good in it." Cheng Chuyu laughed even more happily, and a tear finally fell from the corner of her eye. She asked, "Then why did you give it to me?"

"Chu Yu." Fu Junqing's eyebrows were furrowed into a frown, and he said, "Don't make a fuss for now, this matter..."

"Chu Yu!"

He raised his voice and stood up suddenly.

Cheng Chuyu suddenly pressed Mrs. Wu Anbo's shoulder with one hand and put the incense in his hand directly to her nose.

"Where did this come from!?"

She tilted the brocade box slightly, and the angle became larger and larger. Seeing that the incense inside was about to be sprinkled all over her body, the wife of the Marquis of Wu'an turned pale with fear, and blurted out without thinking: "It's the wife of the Marquis of Yongning, it's the wife of the Marquis of Yongning."

Cheng Chuyu raised her hand, and all the incense in the box splashed onto her head and face.