Sheng Yan felt that he had discovered the truth.

He knew that once he left, his elder sister would be isolated and helpless in the mansion, and anyone could bully her.

Fortunately, I came back!

He had heard from his friends that if a girl didn't have someone to support her after she got married, she would be bullied by her husband's family. His sister hadn't even married yet, but Zhou Jingxun dared to whip her. He had to beat Zhou Jingxun into submission, otherwise he would definitely bully his elder sister in the future.

Xigui smiled and said jokingly, "Master, you haven't told me why you came back so suddenly?"

"When I heard that the Prince of Zhenbei had conquered Beiyan, I couldn't hold it in any longer." Sheng Yan's eyes sparkled with admiration. "How heroic the Prince of Zhenbei must be to have defeated Beiyan and forced it to surrender! Sister, they all said that the Prince of Zhenbei is eight feet tall, as strong as a bear, with a voice like a bell, eyes like bronze bells, and that he can easily lift a thousand-jin tripod... Moreover, they also said that the Prince of Zhenbei is full of murderous aura, and those Beiyan people were scared to death when they saw him, as if they had seen a soul-catcher..."

"Puchi." Sheng Xiyan really couldn't help it.

It was really hard for her to connect the "Prince of Zhenbei" mentioned by Sheng Yan with the young man with a pair of sparkling peach blossom eyes and a nonchalant and undisciplined demeanor.

But she finally understood why Sheng Yan came back suddenly.

In the previous life, there was no news about the Prince of Zhenbei conquering Beiyan. It was as if he had really died in the war with Beiyan. Later, the emperor built a cenotaph for him. Later, Princess Jingle died of chest pain due to excessive grief, and her second son changed his surname back to his father. The Zhenbei Palace was no longer passed down, and the title and fiefdom were also taken back by the emperor.

Sheng Xiyan's eyes were a little dim.

Xigui covered his mouth and smiled, "Young Master, the Prince of Zhenbei is already the future eldest aunt of our family."

"Ah!" Sheng Yan, who had just returned to Beijing, didn't know that his brother-in-law had been replaced by another person, and subconsciously looked at Sheng Xiyan.

Sheng Xiyan nodded with a smile.

Sheng Yan stared with his eyes wide open, and was stunned for a moment. Suddenly, he clenched his fist and hit his palm hard, and said with a look of regret, "If I had known earlier, I would have hit that Zhou guy a few more times."

Sheng Yan showed mercy because he was afraid that Zhou Jingxun would bear a grudge against him and anger his sister.

"I don't know if it's too late to fight him now." Sheng Yan clenched his fists and said unwillingly, "It's okay if it's too late, sister, don't worry, Zhou Jingxun's martial arts are just a show, I will definitely find a chance to beat him up next time."

Sheng Xiyan's eyes were as gentle as water, and then he said solemnly: "Brother Yan, if you want to take the martial arts test, go ahead."

Yan Ge'er has always been fond of martial arts and has talent. Now that he has grown up, he can decide for himself what path to take.

Under the sunlight, Sheng Yan's dark pupils became brighter. He stood straight and said in high spirits, "Sister, don't worry. I will definitely achieve great things in the future and support you."

The man his sister was going to marry became the prince of Zhenbei, and he felt the pressure even greater!

Sheng Xiyan patted his head and said with a smile, "Who are you, little master? You are so disrespectful."

The little kid was almost as tall as her now. It wouldn't be long before she could not take a photo even if she stood on tiptoe. No, she had to take more photos now. Thinking of this, Sheng Xiyan smiled and took more photos.

"Sister!" Sheng Yan muttered unhappily, "I'm already twelve! I won't grow taller if you keep patting me on the head."

Sheng Xiyan smiled happily, and joy naturally emerged from her eyes and eyebrows.

"Big girl, big boy."

As they were talking, the two had already arrived at the main courtyard and were waiting in the corridor in front of the main hall. A maid went in to report.

Sheng Yan just arrived in Beijing today. He was a little scared of Sheng Xingan and didn't dare to go home. He wandered in front of the mansion for several circles. He wanted to go to a friend's house with whom he had an appointment to take the martial arts test to avoid the limelight and go back after he had registered. Unexpectedly, he met Sheng Xiyan when passing by Huashang Street.

He was afraid that the Yongning Marquis' Mansion would come to complain, so he couldn't leave Sheng Xiyan alone, so he went back to the mansion with her. But if he did that, he would definitely not be able to escape Sheng Xingan and Liu.

Even though Sheng Yan was convinced that his decision was right, he was only a 12-year-old boy and felt somewhat guilty. Last time, he said he wanted to learn martial arts and refused to go to Donglin Academy, so Sheng Xingan beat him and made him stay in bed for a month. As soon as he was able to get out of bed, he was tied up and taken to Yizhou.

Sheng Yan believed that when he came back this time, Sheng Xingan would definitely keep his word and break his legs.

But even though he knew he would be beaten, he still wanted to learn martial arts.

Only with a harder fist can he protect his sister from being bullied.

Sheng Yan calmed himself down, told himself not to be afraid, and strode into the main room.

The little maid lifted a Xiangfei bamboo curtain, and a cool breeze blew on her face.

Liu sat on the Luohan bed and looked at the brother and sister with an unfriendly face.

"Mother." They saluted together.

Liu slapped the tea table and shouted, "Yan'er, your father had to use his connections to send you to Donglin Academy, and you actually skipped school and returned to Beijing without permission!"

Mrs. Liu was in a bad mood today. She had originally made an appointment with the wife of Marquis Yongning to come to her house. The appointment was scheduled at 9:00 p.m., but now noon had already passed and the wife of Marquis Yongning had not come yet, let alone sent anyone to tell her. This made Mrs. Liu annoyed and resentful, and she felt that she had been humiliated.

It just so happened that Sheng Yan bumped into her, so Liu took it out on him.

To Liu, Sheng Xiyan is a girl who will get married sooner or later. There is no direct conflict of interest, so she just treats her coldly on weekdays.

However, Sheng Yan is the eldest son of a concubine!

Sometimes, Liu really couldn't help but wonder what Xu was thinking at the time, to actually tolerate the eldest son out of wedlock and let him live, causing her so much trouble.

"Mother..." Sheng Yan wanted to say that he wanted to drop out of school, but Sheng Xiyan secretly winked at him.

The brother and sister had a tacit understanding. At Sheng Xiyan's glance, Sheng Yan shut up obediently.

Sheng Xiyan said with a smile: "Mother, I was the one who asked Yan Ge'er to come back."

Mrs. Liu now gets a headache whenever she hears her speak. She really misses the gentle and well-behaved Sheng Xiyan in the past.

She held her breath and said, "Sister Yan, your brother is studying well in Donglin Academy. Why did you call him back? Your father will be angry if he finds out."

Liu couldn't wait for Sheng Xing'an to come back. It would be even better if Sheng Xing'an could be completely disappointed with this son and get rid of him early.

"Mother, although Donglin Academy has great scholars teaching and has produced many successful candidates, it is still not as good as the Imperial College." Sheng Xiyan smiled even more beautifully, "The Imperial College is recruiting students this year, and I heard that father also got a recommendation quota, so I called Yan Ge'er back."

Sheng Yan was confused. Didn't his elder sister agree to let him learn martial arts? However, he still kept his mouth shut.

Liu's heart skipped a beat.

She also knew that Sheng Xing'an had a recommendation quota for the Imperial College this year, and her son was too young to use it. However, her nephew from her mother's side was already thirteen years old this year, and was smart, studious and hardworking. She had already decided that this quota would be reserved for her nephew.

Liu stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist and said with a dry smile: "With Yan'er's grades, it will be difficult for him to enter the Imperial College..."

"Mother, according to the rules of the Imperial College, one only needs to be 12 years old and pass the Tongsheng exam. Yan Ge'er has just reached the age this year and has passed the Tongsheng exam, isn't this just perfect?" Sheng Xiyan clenched his fist and said happily, "So, as soon as I heard about it, I quickly wrote a letter to bring Yan Ge'er back."

Liu's curved mouth almost froze on her face, and she tried hard to make her give up the idea: "But, Yan Ge'er has already enrolled in Donglin Academy."

Sheng Xiyan shook her head and said as a matter of course: "Yang'er will take the imperial examination and become an official in the future, so of course we have to give him the best. He can quit Donglin Academy, and I will tell father about it. Mother doesn't have to worry."

Liu: “…”

Liu took a deep breath and picked up the teacup.

Her fingertips turned slightly white, and the teacup kept shaking in her hands, making slight clinking sounds.

Liu believed that if Sheng Xiyan went to Sheng Xing'an and told him that she wanted Sheng Yan to enter the Imperial College, Sheng Xing'an would definitely agree. What about her nephew?

In recent years, the number of students admitted to the Imperial College has obviously decreased, and Sheng Xingan may not be able to recommend students next year. Moreover, his family wants his nephew to take the exam next year. If he cannot even enter the Imperial College, his chances of passing the exam will be even smaller. Wouldn't this delay mean another three years?!

Liu took a sip of hot tea in a troubled mood, her brows tightly wrinkled, but Sheng Xiyan was still speaking in her ear in a brisk tone:

"Brother Yan, you must study hard when you arrive at the Imperial College."

"You are only twelve years old. There is no need to worry too much. Even if you fail the exam next year, you can still take the exam again in three years."

"Father has always said that you have a talent for studying. If you enter the government early, you can also inherit father's connections."

Liu's hand trembled again, and a few drops of boiling tea splashed on the back of her white and tender hand, causing her to almost cry out in pain.

Aunt Sun at the side quickly took the teacup and hurriedly called someone to get the burn ointment.

Liu's heart was in a mess. This was what she feared the most.

Sheng Yan is already twelve years old, while her biological son Sheng Ying is only five years old. The seven-year age gap cannot be made up. If Sheng Yan enters the government first, Sheng Xingan's connections and resources will definitely lean towards him. What will be left for her son when he grows up? I'm afraid he won't even be able to drink soup!

The maid Amber hurriedly brought the burn ointment. Nanny Sun reached out to take it, but Amber walked past her and knelt directly on Liu's footstool, gently applying the ointment to Liu.

Nanny Sun stretched her hands in the air, her face looking a little ugly.

Liu didn't notice any of this. She became more and more upset. The scene of Sheng Yan successfully entering the court, rising step by step, and finally suppressing her son and inheriting the Sheng family business kept flashing through her mind.

The time has come! Sheng Xiyan winked at Sheng Yan, and the next moment, Sheng Yan said unhappily, "Big sister, I don't want to go to the Imperial College!"