The imperial edict was sent urgently over 800 miles to all parts of Darong.

Afterwards, the emperor suspended court for three days, and the people mourned for three days.

Sheng Xiyan had nothing to do, so she found the dowry list and rubbed it carefully with her fingers with nostalgia.

After so many years, the red dowry list had faded, but the words on it were still legible. The handwriting was vigorous and powerful, and it was written by Old Lady Xu herself, just like the medical notes that Sheng Xiyan had read many times.

Old Mrs. Xu and his wife were childhood sweethearts and had a deep love for each other. Mrs. Xu had a weak constitution from birth, and even though Old Mrs. Xu took good care of her and studied many medical books to keep her alive, she still died early. Later, Old Mrs. Xu raised her young daughter alone, making a living by practicing medicine, and never remarried.

After Xu passed away, Old Mrs. Xu spat out blood in the mourning hall.

After the funeral, Old Lady Xu wanted to take Sheng Xiyan away and raise her herself, but Sheng Xingan was unwilling.

The two families had a big fight over this.

According to etiquette, if Sheng Xingan wanted to remarry, the candidate had to get permission from his original wife's family. Old Lady Xu even used this as a condition in exchange, but Sheng Xingan still refused.

Finally, the case was brought to the government, but Old Lady Xu still failed to get what she wanted.

He could only rush back to his hometown in Liangzhou despite his sick body, bring Xu's dowry list over, and secretly give it to Sheng Xiyan.

Not long after, he died of illness.

Sheng Xiyan's eyes felt a little warm. She closed her eyes, and her turbulent emotions gradually calmed down.

She read the dowry list from beginning to end. The dowry was not actually that much, only sixty-four pounds, but it had everything that was necessary. For the Xu family, who had been practicing medicine for generations, buying this dowry would have emptied the family's savings. There were quite a few life-saving medicinal herbs in it.

Sheng Xiyan put down the dowry list and said to Xigui, "We'll go to the warehouse tomorrow to check."

Since her rebirth, she had only gone to the warehouse to get a few medical notebooks, and had never read them carefully.

Looking at the dowry list, Sheng Xiyan spent three full days counting all the items in the warehouse, and then asked Xigui to register them again.

Nothing was missing from the warehouse, and they matched the dowry list perfectly, but many of them were old and damaged due to years of lack of maintenance. Two of the calligraphy and paintings even had moth spots on them. Sheng Xiyan planned to go out in a few days to find a craftsman and ask if they could be repaired.

Sheng Xiyan took the book that Xigui had re-transcribed and flipped through it page by page. His eyes then fell on a line of small characters:

A mutton-fat jade pendant with a kirin and auspicious cloud pattern.

There was actually nothing special about Xu's dowry, which made the jade pendant even more special.

She pinched the jade pendant on her waist, feeling itchy inside. Curiosity made her reluctant to sit back and wait.

"Last time, the Yongning Marquis' Mansion deliberately set a trap for Yan Ge'er. Xigui, do you think I should give them some trouble?" Sheng Xiyan said eagerly, "And ask them some more questions while I'm at it..."

She was talking about how the Yongning Marquisate prevented Sheng Yan from taking the military examination.

Xigui handed her a cup of warm water and said with a smile, "As long as you are happy, young lady."

"Let me think..." Sheng Xiyan said in a tone that seemed half true and half false, "There has to be a reason for this, otherwise it will become my fault, girl?" As she spoke, she laughed first.

Before she could figure out how to solve the problem, she went to the Zhenbei Palace first.

She delivered the visiting card in advance and brought Sheng Yan along.

Jingle was waiting for them. As soon as Sheng Xiyan arrived, she was led in.

When Jingle saw her, she couldn't hide her smile, and before she could greet him, she quickly asked them to sit down. If Sheng Xiyan hadn't brought Sheng Yan with her, she would have waved her to sit next to her.

"Princess." Sheng Xiyan went through all the formalities before saying, "My brother and I are here to express our gratitude. I brought some homemade snacks. Would you like to try some?"

Jingle agreed happily.

Sheng Xiyan took the food box from Xigui's hand, walked up to her, and handed it to her personally.

The food box contained nine-layer cake and a piece of shortbread. She opened the food box, took out two plates of snacks, and placed them on the tea table. Just as Nanny Lan was about to ask someone to get chopsticks, Jingle had already picked up a piece of nine-layer cake through the handkerchief, put it in her mouth and took a bite.

The nine-layer cake has distinct colors, clearly showing its nine layers. It is slightly sweet but not soft. It has a refreshing taste and is not greasy at all.

Huh?

Sheng Xiyan was about to ask her with great anticipation whether the food tasted good, but suddenly she noticed that her nails were a little pale, an unhealthy kind of pale. She subconsciously looked at Jingle's expression again.

Jingle applied makeup thicker than when she was in the princess's mansion. She also put a thin layer of rouge on her cheeks and used a bright red lip balm, as if she was deliberately concealing something.

Is Princess Jingle sick?

Sheng Xiyan frowned and thought, planning to find an opportunity to check her pulse later. He didn't pay any attention to what she was saying. When he came to his senses, Jingle had already finished two pieces.

Jingle wiped her fingers with a handkerchief and said with a smile, "My son Chen also likes sweets."

Thinking about the Jujube Flower Pastry and Golden Milk Pastry that Chu Yuanchen had taken away from her, Sheng Xiyan felt that Jingle was absolutely right, and the corners of her mouth curved up in a lovely arc.

Jingle became even happier, and wanted to ask her more about Chu Yuanchen's preferences, and also ask her what she liked, and tell her son when he came back.

But Sheng Yan is still here.

Jingle smiled and looked at Sheng Yan who was sitting below.

Sheng Yan was not unhappy about being ignored. His expression was calm, and his eyes were bright and clear, without any trace of gloom. Although he was still just a teenager, he was very handsome. The royal blue brocade robe made him stand straight, and he had the heroism and sharpness that only young people have.

nice.

Jingle praised in her heart.

After the Queen Mother issued an edict granting the marriage, Jingle had someone specifically check the Sheng family. Therefore, she had also heard of Sheng Yan, knew that he was a bastard, and knew that he and Sheng Xiyan had a very good relationship as siblings. The two of them could even be said to have grown up relying on each other.

That day, when Chu Yuanyi came back from the Ministry of War and told her that Sheng Yan was deliberately made difficult and was not allowed to participate in the military examination, she did not even ask the reason, but wrote a letter of guarantee in her own hand and asked Chu Yuanyi to deliver it.

Jingle asked, "Your name is Yan Ge'er?" She had a smile on her face and looked very gentle.

Sheng Yan quickly said, "Yes, Princess, my name is Sheng Yan, you can just call me Brother Yan."

Sheng Yan was also looking at Jing Le, his eyes were burning. He wanted to learn martial arts, partly because he wanted to support Sheng Xiyan in the future, so that her in-laws would not dare to bully her because she had a brother-in-law who could beat people, and partly because he admired the Zhenbei Palace.

He never expected that the Prince of Zhenbei would become his brother-in-law. Until now, Sheng Yan is still a little dizzy from the news.

"Brother Yan," Jingle said gently, "how are your martial arts skills?"

Sheng Yan grinned: "I think it's pretty good."

He secretly told himself that he had to make his sister proud and not let the princess think that his sister had a stupid brother. When he said this, his back was straight and he was not afraid at all.

Jingle nodded secretly. She liked children who were so straightforward.

She suddenly thought and said jokingly, "It's useless for you to tell me whether your kung fu is good or not. I'll take you to try it out."

Although he didn't quite understand how they came here to express their gratitude and it turned into a test, Sheng Yan readily agreed: "Okay!"

So Jingle led them to the martial arts arena.

The martial arts arena was located in the front yard of the palace. It was as big as a polo field and was paved with bluestone slabs. One side was connected to the racecourse, and the other side was lined with rows of weapon racks with swords, spears, hammers, and all kinds of weapons.

Sheng Yan's naive mouth opened wide, and he was almost about to utter "Wow".

Princess Jingle asked, "What kind of weapon are you good at?"

Sheng Yan laughed and said, "Fist." He gestured as he spoke.

Princess Jingle: "..."

Sheng Xiyan chuckled and said, "Princess, Yan Ge'er has never properly learned martial arts, and he only knows a little bit about riding and shooting. His father and grandfather both entered the government through imperial examinations, and his father was unwilling to let Yan Ge'er learn martial arts."

Except for the two arts of a gentleman, namely, martial arts and archery, Sheng Yan's martial arts were all learned through fighting, and his style is rather wild.

Princess Jingle nodded in understanding: "The main tests of the Darong Martial Arts Test are horse archery, foot archery, archery, sword dancing, stone lock lifting, and military strategy and so on. If there is no one to teach you in your house, let Yan Ge'er come to the palace and I will find a teacher for him to practice."

The content of the Wutong Examination is actually similar to that of the Hui Examination and the Xiang Examination, but is slightly simpler.

Sheng Yan's eyes lit up and he quickly looked at Sheng Xiyan, blinking his big eyes full of expectation, making Sheng Xiyan feel that if she didn't agree, he would cry immediately.

"Sister~~"

Sheng Yan's voice was changing with a coquettish tone, and he looked at her eagerly. His usual "I am the most important person in the world" attitude was gone, and he was like a little puppy who was about to be abandoned.

Sheng Xiyan glanced at Princess Jingle and saw her nodding at her with a smile, so she said without hesitation, "Okay then. But Brother Yan, you must listen to your master in the palace."

"Yes, yes, yes! Sis, you are the best."

Sheng Yan agreed readily and was so happy that he almost jumped up.

"Go call Master Jiang over." Jingle gave an order, and soon a sturdy man came over.

He had dark complexion, was about thirty years old, and was dressed in green shorts. There was a scar on his face from the corner of his eye to the corner of his mouth. He looked a little scary, but neither Sheng Xiyan nor Sheng Yan avoided looking away.

He walked up to Jingle, clasped his fists in greeting, and was introduced to Sheng Yan.

Jingle said politely, "Master Jiang, please take the trouble to teach one more child. This kid will take the martial arts exam in October."

Sheng Yan bowed quickly and greeted respectfully.

Master Jiang looked him over, clasped his fists towards Jingle and said, "Yes, Princess!"

Jingle pushed Sheng Yan and said with a smile, "Go ahead, let Master Jiang see your skills first."

Sheng Yan's eyes lit up, and he eagerly followed Master Jiang into the martial arts arena.

Jingle led Sheng Xiyan to sit aside and said, "Master Jiang retired from the army after being injured in his early years. He taught Achen for a few years in Northern Frontier. Later, Brother Yi wanted to learn martial arts, so my father sent him back from Northern Frontier. But Brother Yi has no talent in martial arts. After Master Jiang taught him for a few years, he was just mediocre. He doesn't look like the child of a military general at all."

From grandfather to father to Achen, they were all good at archery, horse riding and shooting. Even she herself grew up touching swords and bows. Only Yige'er, perhaps because he was too comfortable, always fell behind.

At first, she couldn't help but feel a little worried, but Achen said that with him in the Zhenbei Palace, it would be good for Yi Ge'er to live an easier life.

Nanny Lan said jokingly, "Second Young Master is acting like a guest of honor."

Jingle was stunned for a moment, then smiled heartily and clapped his hands, saying, "That's right. Yibin doesn't have much talent for martial arts. I wanted him to practice archery with me before, but after a month of practice, he couldn't even hit a target. Yige'er is really just like his father. Master Jiang must be tired of teaching him."

Sheng Xiyan also laughed and looked towards the martial arts arena.

Sheng Yan and Master Jiang had already fought a round of fighting. Master Jiang put one hand behind his back and fought him with only one hand, but even so, he was still able to handle it with ease.

Sheng Yan gathered strength with his right foot, pushed off the ground with all his strength, swung his fist, and rushed towards Master Jiang.

Master Jiang did not move or retreat. When Sheng Yan rushed to him, he raised his hand to block his fist. But the next moment, Sheng Yan changed his tactics and raised his leg to kick him with his knee.

This series of movements is as smooth as flowing water. Although there is no pattern, it is just right.

Master Jiang was forced to take a step back by him, and Jingle praised: "He is a good seedling."

Jingle could tell at a glance that Sheng Yan's approach was wild, but he reacted very quickly, as if he was born with an awareness and knew how to make his move.

Jingle nodded repeatedly: "Not bad..." She remembered something and asked, "Sister Yan, do you know who did the Wuju incident?"

"It must be the Yongning Marquis' Mansion." Apart from the Yongning Marquis' Mansion, Sheng Xiyan really couldn't think of who she would become enemies with.

Jingle had also looked into this matter and wanted to remind her, but seeing that she already knew it, she said, "Yes..." and her voice suddenly faded.

Jingle clenched his fists, stood up as if nothing had happened, and said, "Sister Yan, please sit here for a while. I'll be back soon."

Sheng Xiyan was thinking about the Yongning Marquis Mansion and responded subconsciously. Then, when she turned around, she saw that Princess Jingle's steps were a little unsteady, as if her two feet were floating on the ground. Nanny Lan supported her carefully with a worried look on her face.

Thinking of her bluish-white nails, Sheng Xiyan stood up suddenly, quickly held her other hand, and placed three fingers on her pulse.

Feeling the subtle pulse coming from her fingertips, Sheng Xiyan's brows furrowed even tighter.

And in the next moment, Princess Jingle's legs sank weakly and she fell to the ground.

Nanny Lan's face changed drastically and she shouted, "Princess."

Jingle's brows were tightly furrowed, and she covered her chest with both hands. Her nails were a pale purple, and her breathing became more and more rapid.

Sheng Xiyan let go of her pulse and said uncertainly: "It's chest pain!"

Nanny Lan's face turned pale. With trembling hands, she took out some smelling salt from her bosom and put it under her nose. She then took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve pocket, poured out a black pill, and stuffed it into her mouth.

Seeing Nanny Lan's skillful movements, Sheng Xiyan knew that Princess Jingle's illness had been with her for a long time.

The two people on the martial arts field also noticed the movement here and came over quickly. Master Jiang's face was filled with shock and panic.

"It's okay. The princess has a heat stroke." Nanny Lan wiped away her worry and said calmly, "Master Jiang, you and Master Sheng continue to practice. I will take the princess back to rest."

She winked at Master Jiang, who said, "It turns out it's heat stroke. It's too hot today. Boy, if you get hot, tell me, don't get heat stroke too. If you can still hold on, we'll continue training."

When Sheng Yan heard that it was heatstroke, he felt relieved. He quickly said that he could practice for a whole day without any problem, and followed Master Jiang back to the martial arts field.

Sheng Xiyan's mind moved slightly, and she saw Nanny Lan calmly instructing a little maid to carry a shoulder strap, saying that "the princess has suffered from heatstroke" and so on.

Sheng Xiyan did not interrupt. She directly took off Jingle's shoes and took out a needle bag from her sleeve pocket.

As soon as Nanny Lan turned her head, she was surprised to see that she picked up a silver needle and inserted it into the Jinggu point on her foot with skillful and precise movements, and then into the Kunlun point.

Aunt Lan: “…”

Before Nanny Lan could say anything, Sheng Xiyan spoke first, "Help me support the princess."

There is a compelling aura in her voice that makes people listen to her and do what she says unconsciously.

Nanny Lan agreed.

Sheng Xiyan took out the third silver needle, then the fourth, and the fifth...

Her technique was extremely steady. She gave each injection without any hesitation and was very confident.

After seven stitches, Jingle let out a faint moan, almost inaudible.

Nanny Lan was overjoyed and whispered, "Princess..."

Sheng Xiyan took her pulse again and carefully examined it, then said to Nanny Lan, "Let's go back first. This place is really not very convenient."

Being in the martial arts arena under the scorching sun was not suitable for Jingle to rest. Moreover, Nanny Lan just now deliberately said that Princess Jingle had heatstroke, and it was obvious that she was not protecting them.

The sedan chair arrived soon.

Nanny Lan and Sheng Xiyan helped Princess Jingle to sit on the chair, and then returned to the main courtyard.

Along the way, Sheng Xiyan's hand never left her pulse. Fortunately, the chest pain did not recur.

By the time they reached the main courtyard, Jingle had already woken up. Nanny Lan helped her sit back on the beauty couch, put a cushion behind her, and told the maid to serve tea and water.

After Jingle came back to her senses, she asked in surprise, "Sister Yan, do you know medical skills?"

Her face was a little pale and her forehead was covered with sweat. Nanny Lan took a wet white towel and wiped it carefully for her.

Sheng Xiyan smiled sheepishly and said, "My grandfather's surname is Xu, and the Xu family has been practicing medicine in Liangzhou for generations."

She never felt that there was anything to be ashamed of about being a doctor. Her grandfather had saved countless lives in his life. To put it bluntly, if it weren't for her grandfather, the old lady of the Sheng family would have died on the way to the imperial examination, and there would be no way Sheng Xingan would be so successful today.

Jingle was a little surprised because Xu had passed away. When checking the Sheng family, she did not check the Xu family as well.

"Did you learn medicine from the old lady of the Xu family?"

"I only learned the basics from my grandfather." Sheng Xiyan didn't think she was being humble. She only learned some medical knowledge, which was only the basics. "But my grandfather is very good."

Jingle found Sheng Xiyan's smug look very interesting.

Nanny Lan helped her drink a few sips of water before asking, "Miss Shengda, what is this, Princess..."

In her heart, she already regarded Sheng Xiyan as a miracle doctor.

In the past, when the princess was ill, she would usually get better slowly on her own. Even if Doctor Zhou Liang prescribed medicine, she didn't think it would be of much use and she would still feel uncomfortable.

But just now, Sheng Xiyan only gave the princess a few needles, and the princess' condition immediately stabilized. Even if Hua Tuo were reborn, he wouldn't be any better!

Nanny Lan asked with a burning gaze, "Can you cure it?"

Sheng Xiyan felt a little guilty because of Nanny Lan's look as if she was looking at a miracle doctor.

If you really count, her first patient was Chu Yuanchen, and the second was Princess Jingle.

There is no other miracle doctor like her!

Sheng Xiyan quickly went through Old Lady Xu's medical notes in her mind. There were indeed several pulse cases of chest pain on them, but Sheng Xiyan always felt that they were different from Princess Jingle's pulse. She wanted to know what was different.

"Princess, I will take your pulse again."

This was the third time she took his pulse, and this time it took her longer.

Nanny Lan waited anxiously, but dared not speak out for fear of disturbing her.

Finally, Sheng Xiyan stopped.

Perhaps it was because Princess Jingle was in a stable condition now and her pulse was much clearer than before.

Judging from her pulse, the princess seemed to have chest pain, but not chest pain. Her heart pulse was indeed weak, but it shouldn't cause such severe chest pain. Her chest pain was more likely caused by other reasons.

Other reasons!?

Sheng Xiyan's mind moved, and a bad guess came to her mind.

In her previous life, Princess Jingle was so grief-stricken over Chu Yuanchen's death in battle that she eventually died of chest pain.

It was not the case in the past, but after getting to know Princess Jingle, Sheng Xiyan felt that she was not a weak person who could be bullied, and she would not be so depressed as to think too much.

Princess Jingle has a strong character. That is why she can single-handedly carry the charge of the Zhenbei Palace in the capital. She even dares to face the emperor and fight for the interests of the Zhenbei Palace. She is decisive but not rash or impulsive.

The Zhenbei Palace has been passed down for a hundred years. No matter whether it is the soldiers from the Northern Frontier or retired veterans like Master Jiang, they all rely on the Zhenbei Palace. The Zhenbei Palace is their backer.

If the Zhenbei Palace was destroyed, given the emperor's character, he would not be able to tolerate these soldiers in the northern border who were loyal to the Chu family.

Princess Jingle would not fail to consider them.

As long as Princess Jingle is here, the legacy of the Zhenbei Palace will remain and people's hearts will not be dispersed.

But the princess passed away, and Chu Yuanyi was only twelve years old. He had never been to the northern border and was not capable of managing the Zhenbei Palace.

Afterwards, the Zhenbei Palace was destroyed.

Of course, birth, aging, sickness and death are beyond human control.

But Sheng Xiyan still thought something was fishy.