《The Jiang Family's Little Girl Has Magic Powers》


 Chapter 1: Vita nuova

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    Since regaining consciousness again, she had been in this dim yet extremely warm andfortable ce.


    She could not speak, she could only hear some sounds from the outside world, and her limbs could only move in a small range.


    She had guessed a lot before, and even waved her limbs to try to get out of here, but it all ended in failure.


    After countless attempts, she was horrified to find that she seemed to be in someone''s belly.


    To be more precise, she was reincarnated into the womb with her memories from her previous life.


    At this time, her mother in this life gently stroked her belly while gently talking to a male voice: "I have a very good pregnancy this time, the one in my belly is much more well-behaved than his older brother."


    "That''s good, it looks like our Xiao Ba is an understanding and filial one."


    She recognized this clear and gentle male voice as her father in this life.


    "He''s not even born yet, how do you know so much. I just hope he will be less mischievous in the future so I will have fewer headaches." The woman''s voice was gentle and happy, full of hope for the future.


    "Just take it easy, the boys in our family are a bit mischievous, but they are all polite and sensible." The man said with a lowugh.


    "That''s right!" The woman''s voice was quite happy and proud.


    After a pause, she seemed to have thought of something, and was quite regretful: "It would be great if this one was a girl."


    Hmm, from these words, it seems that her mother in this life does not value men over women, which is very good.


    Just as she was about to wave her hands to respond to her mother, she heard her father chuckle: "If this child is a daughter, not to mention our family, even the entire Jiang Family in Xijin ferry would have to worship you."


    Her motherughed tenderly: "It''s not that precious."


    Her father said: "It can be even more precious. Since our Jiang Family took root here, it has been two hundred years without a girl being born."


    "That''s true, I''ve heard it before and found it unbelievable..."


    Even with her memories from her previous life, the fetus''s spirit was still limited. As her parents chatted lightly, she soon fell asleep again.


    In her dream, it was as if she had returned to her previous life.


    In her previous life, she was an orphan from the earthquake, and did not know who her parents were.


    She struggled and grew up in the welfare institute, relying on her own efforts to get into the best medical university in the country at the age of 14.


    During college, by a coincidence, she discovered that she seemed to have the ability to promote nt growth andmunicate with animals. She waster recruited into the supernatural ability group of the state special department, under the military.


    She did her bachelor''s, master''s and doctorate in eight consecutive years. After graduation, she became the youngest surgeon in the general hospital of a certain military region.


    She worked diligently and conscientiously for several years, sending most of her savings to the welfare institute, and the rest was just enough to get by.


    Life was busy but in, and she asionally went on missions. She thought it wouldn''t be bad to live like this for the rest of her life.


    But her life came to an abrupt end at the age of 27 that year.


    She became "Ah Piao".


    She was posthumously recognized as a "hero".


    She saw her burnt body; she saw the mourning flowers in front of the kindergarten where she died;


    She saw many people crying bitterly at her memorial service, including the orphanage director who raised her, her formerrades-in-arms and colleagues and friends, and many strangers.


    Among them were the thirteen children she had saved and their parents.


    Her heroic deeds were widely reported by major media, and countless people felt regretful for her while praying and blessing her online, praying that she would have a good next life.


    After that, her ashes covered with a red g and the military medal of "First ss Merit" that belonged to her were buried together in the Martyrs'' Cemetery.


    Perhaps moved by people''s prayers, or for some other reasons, the legendary hell guard did note to take her to the underworld.


    On the third day after her burial, while she was sitting on her tombstone bored, an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard, wearing Taoist robes, suddenly appeared in front of her tomb.


    The old Taoist carefully looked at her twice, and without waiting for her to speak, he inserted a red jade stone carved into a lotus shape into her forehead, and said, "Infinite longevity and happiness.


    Little friend, you were loyal to the country and cared for the people in your life, with boundless merit. You should not wander like this in the world.


    Oh well, I will give you a chance." After saying that, he sat cross-legged in front of her tomb and began chanting scriptures.


    As the scriptures progressed, her forehead became brighter and brighter, and eventually it was a great glow of gold, until she lost consciousness.


    When she regained consciousness again, she was already in the womb of her mother in this life. It seems that it was the old Taoist priest who helped her transcend.


    When she woke up from a sleep, the surroundings were still dark. The outside world was still very quiet, she judged it was still night, and her mother was still asleep.


    Pregnancy is not easy, so as not to disturb her mother''s sleep, even though she was awake, she dared not move. Lying still was a bit ufortable, so she retreated her consciousness into the spiritual realm.


    This spiritual realm was hidden in her forehead, precisely the red lotus jade inserted into her forehead by the old Taoist priest, called Fuyong Spiritual Realm.


    This Fuyong Spiritual Realm, she didn''t know which great supernatural being created this artifact. At a nce, it was boundless.


    Not only did it replicate all the medical facilities of the general hospital where she was in her previous life.


    Also, the medicines in it seemed to have regenerative capabilities, inexhaustible no matter how much was taken.


    In the parking lot of the hospital, there were even several camouge-painted high-performance military off-road vehicles, which made her quite excited.


    Behind the hospital was a foggy area. She tried it with her hand, but found that it was a wall made of jelly-like gel that could not be pushed open, so she gave up.


    Just outside the front door was a huge spiritual spring, about half an acre in size, with water constantly gushing out from the middle.


    Because of the huge amount of water, the spring water overflowed to form severalrge rivers, radiating in all directions with the spring as the center, until disappearing at the end of sight.


    Beside the spring stood a white jade carved beast. This beast had two majestic forked horns on its head that looked somewhat like a deer.


    But it had long white horselike mane on its neck, and faint golden stripes on its body, very handsome and martial, with an extraordinary momentum.


    Looking around, there wererge tracts of ck farnd, as well as meandering spring rivers flowing through the fields in the distance. Further in the distance were undting mountain ranges...


    At this time, half of the fields were filled with heavy high-quality rice, and the other half were nted with all kinds of medicinal herbs in excellent condition.


    Among them were ginseng as thick as a baby''s arm, and piles of red and purple lingzhi stacked seven or eightyers, at least a thousand years old.


    Although this was not her first timeing in, she still had a feeling of getting rich instantly.


    Anyway, as long as she was born smoothly, relying on these, her future days would not be too bad.


    As the days went by, she stayed awake longer and longer, and could hear more and more about the outside world.


    Not counting her who was not yet born, there were a total of fifteen people in the family she was about to be born into.


    Grandpa Jiang Jingan, also known as Old Jiang. Grandma Hu. The old couple had three sons. Eldest son Jiang Wenkang, eldest daughter-inw Lin.


    Second son Jiang Wenxi, second daughter-inw Zhu. Third son Jiang Wenyuan, her father in this life, and third daughter-inw Lu Yuwan.


    In her generation, Eldest uncle had three sons, second uncle had three sons, and she herself already had an older brother. Truly flourishing in offspring.


    This world was called "Xia", the Da Xia Dynasty. A feudal dynasty simr to ancient China, established less than a hundred years ago.


    From the limited information she had obtained so far, although themon people''s lives were not rich, they were rtively stable.


    It''s just that there had been no rain since the drizzlest December, already three or four months.


    Seeing that it was already mid-March, with spring ploughing imminent, if it didn''t rain again, themon people would have a hard time this year.


    These days, the family seemed to be discussing this matter, and their words were full of anxiety. A depressed atmosphere weighed heavily on everyone''s hearts.


    Perhaps the adults'' emotions affected her, these days she also became more irritable than before, and couldn''t help waving her arms and kicking her legs from time to time.


    She really wanted to say, don''t worry, I''m here for everything.


    But thinking that she was still a lump of flesh in the womb, the arrogance that had just risen immediately deted.


    Fortunately, these frustrating days did notst long.


    A few dayster, one evening, the Jiang family had just finished dinner and were sitting together when they started talking about getting up early the next day to carry water and irrigate the fields.


    Just then, Ms. Lu suddenly felt her skirt getting wet below, her waters had broken.


    The house was suddenly in chaos.


    Fortunately, the daughters-inw of the Jiang family had all given birth to several children, and Ms. Lu herself had already had one child. After the initial panic, everyone calmed down.


    Those who were supposed to go into the delivery room went in, those who were supposed to find a midwife found one, and those who were supposed to boil water boiled water.


    However, there are always idents.


    Jiang Wenkang, who had gone to find a midwife, ran back in a panic and said the midwife they had booked in advance had broken her leg that afternoon. She had gone to the clinic in town and still hadn''te back.


    When the Jiang family heard this, they were at a loss.


    There were only a few midwives within twenty li of this ce, and each family with a woman about to give birth had booked one in advance. On this dark night, where could they go to find another midwife?


    Desperate times called for desperate measures, and Ms. Hu had no choice.


    Seeing her daughter-inw in unbearable pain, she steeled herself, washed her hands, and went to deliver the baby herself, with two daughters-inw assisting her.


    Ms. Hu had given birth to three children herself, and Ms. Lu had also given birth before. They knew that in this situation, this was the only solution.


    Under the guidance of her mother-inw and sisters-inw, and relying on her experience from her previous delivery, Ms. Lu pushed when she was supposed to push, and rested when she was supposed to rest.


    The baby also very cooperatively contracted and rxed or strived to squirm outwards along with the contractions. Finally, just before dawn,


    There was suddenly a great burst of golden light in the room, instantly illuminating the entire delivery room and half the courtyard outside as bright as daylight.


    Hidden within it was a swirling red lotus flower radiance, shining so brightly that people could not open their eyes.


    At the same time, an extremelyfortable and fragrant scent rushed into their noses, making them feel as if they were in the lush forests and wilderness full of grass and trees.


    In the cracks in the stone steps in the courtyard, the few unnamed weeds that were there originally suddenly grew wildly in the presence of this aura.


    In just a few breaths, theypleted an entire lifetime of growing tall, flowering, fruiting, and withering.


    Not only that, the fallen seeds actually sprouted tender buds again in a very short period of time.


    The big pomelo tree in the middle of the courtyard was originally full of luxuriant flowers, but in an instant it was full of fruits asrge as washbasins, weighing down the branches.


    The skin was slightly yellowish, and it was already ripe.


    Whether it was the anxious people inside or outside the house, they were all stunned by this spectacle.


    Immediately afterwards, there was a cry of pain from Ms. Lu, followed by a loud "wah" from inside the room, the loud cry of the newborn baby.

 Chapter 2: Bliss

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    In the delivery room, the three women who were helping with the birth were so shocked by this strange scene that they nearly fell to the ground.


    It was not until they heard the crying of the newborn baby that they finally managed to calm themselves down a bit, and started to clean up the child and the mother who had just given birth.


    When they saw that there was no little penis between the baby''s legs, the mother-inw and daughters-inw were all stunned, and a tide of wild joy rose in their hearts at the same time.


    Eldest Sister-in-Law Lin happily cheered, "Ancestors be praised! It''s actually a baby girl. Mother, congrattions on having a granddaughter."


    Second Sister-in-Law Zhu was also overjoyed, "This is great, our family finally has a girl, we are no longer a monastery of monks."


    Old Lady Hu was so happy that tears came out, "Good, very good. My olddy finally has a granddaughter, my old Jiang family finally has a granddaughter."


    Then she hurriedly turned around and shouted to the exhausted third daughter-inw, "The third son''s family, did you hear that? It''s a baby girl, a baby girl! Our Jiang family finally has a baby girl, you are the great contributor to our old Jiang family!"


    When Lu heard this, she uttered an exhausted and hoarse voice, "How wonderful!" With a smile on the corners of her mouth, she fell asleep peacefully.


    The few women skillfully cleaned the baby, tied the umbilical cord, and wrapped her in soft swaddling clothes.


    Second Sister-in-Law Zhu gently flipped the edge of the swaddling clothes, looked at the child and said softly, "The children in our family are so beautiful, as white as snow and as delicate as water. I have never seen a newborn from any other family that is as delicate as this one. Don''t you think there is a red lotus flower in the middle of the child''s forehead?"


    Eldest Sister-in-Law Lin picked up the conversation, "It looks like the lotus flower in the golden light just now."


    Old Lady Hu lovingly reached out and gently touched the mark on the child''s forehead. Her voice was somewhat ethereal, "I wonder which immortal family sent her to be born in our family. This is a blessing for our family. Let''s take the child out for the men to see, be careful."


    Lin responded and carefully wrapped the child again before carrying her out the door.


    As soon as the door opened, the crowd of people waiting outside swarmed over.


    In the expectant eyes of everyone, Lin couldn''t restrain the smile on her face and announced in a loud voice, "It''s a girl!"


    Everyone was stunned again.


    Old Jiang was the first to react. He pushed his annoying sons aside and stared with eyes as big as bull''s eyes.


    "Eldest daughter-inw, what did you say? Say it again!"


    Lin happily repeated, "It''s a baby girl, Father! Congrattions on having a granddaughter!"


    "A girl. A granddaughter. I have a granddaughter?" Old Jiang was overjoyed and silly.


    "Yes, absolutely!"


    The old man trembled as he stretched out his hands, wanting to hold the child.


    But then he hesitated, scrubbed hard on his clothes, before gently and carefully taking the gray-blue swaddling clothes.


    The little girl in the wraps had smooth and tender skin unlike any other newborn. Her delicate little eyebrows, big eyes, small nose, and tiny mouth were all exquisite.


    The most eye-catching was the bright red lotus flower birthmark on her forehead, so vivid it was as if it was alive. It was as beautiful as could be.


    At this moment, she opened her big ck eyes and looked straight at him.


    Old Jiang''s heart instantly melted. Tears of joy fell one by one on the swaddling clothes, seeping into them along with his tion.


    At this time, the child''s father had lost his usual gentlemanly manners,ughing like an idiot.


    He kept repeating, "I have a daughter, I have a daughter!" Looking so silly it was unbearable to watch.


    But no oneughed at him now, because everyone was just as silly.


    After the silly fatherughed like this for a while, he suddenly remembered that he hadn''t held his daughter yet. He hurriedly begged the old father with an apologetic smile, "Dad, let me hold my daughter, please."


    Old Jiang ruthlessly shoved him away, "Go away, I haven''t held enough yet. She is my precious granddaughter. My darling, grandfather''s heart and liver."


    The others also came back to their senses one after another and swarmed around to see the child. Surprisingly, no one snatched her.


    Firstly because they were afraid of scaring the child, and secondly, they couldn''tpete with the family patriarch.


    Just like Old Jiang, when the Jiang family saw the child, their hearts melted.


    They just felt that there could be no more beautiful baby in the world, and such a baby was their own. Just thinking about it made them feel wonderful.


    After all she was a newborn who couldn''t stand the wind. After a short while, Lin took the child back into the room under the reluctant gazes of the men.


    With the child out of sight, the men in the yard also calmed down.


    Old Jiang held up thentern and looked at the strange scene in the courtyard, his expressionplicated.


    Seeing his equally puzzled sons, he said in a low voice, "What are you still dazing around for, hurry up and get to work!


    Bring two torches and pick the pomelos first and put them away properly. Then pull out the weeds.


    Otherwise when outsiderse in and see this in the morning, we will have some exining to do."


    Knowing the severity of the matter, the brothers nimbly lit torches and broughtdders. They quickly picked all the pomelos off the trees.


    What amazed them most was that as soon as the fruits left the trees,


    the trees rapidly sprouted new branches and leaves, blossomed in full bloom after a short while.


    The picked pomelos had filled up half a utility room, three times as many as before.


    As for the weeds in the yard, they were easily cleared away.


    At that moment, rumbles of thunder sounded from the sky, and a torrential rain poured down after just a short while.


    Everyone looked up happily, "It''s raining hard, it''s raining hard, we won''t starve this year!"


    Old Jiang was even more delighted, the wrinkles on his face trembling, "It must be because my darling granddaughter has brought good fortune.


    It has been so dry for so long, and as soon as she was born, she brought this wee rain. This is a great blessing!"


    Jiang''s men all felt honored and ted. Indeed it was a great blessing.


    She was born under a canopy of golden light, with a strange fragrance, made the trees and nts in the yard grow wildly, and also brought wee rain. No ordinary child would have such a grand entrance.


    Their child was probably a reincarnation of some immortal...


    The newborn baby girl''s vision was blurred and she couldn''t see anything clearly. But that didn''t prevent her from liking them.


    The family in this life, I have arrived, thank you all for loving me.


    She remembered her short previous life, alone until death, never experiencing the warmth of kinship.


    Matron loved her, but her love had to be divided among all the children in the orphanage, so what she could give was very limited.


    She still remembered that year when she was five, she and a few older siblings from the orphanage went out to dig wild vegetables.


    On the way back, she saw a stub of pencil in a roadside trash can. She hurriedly tiptoed to pick it out and carefully put it in her pocket.


    But this attracted the wanton ridicule of some passersby.


    At the same time, a little girl about her age next to her, wearing a beautiful dress, was acting coquettishly with her mother, throwing a tantrum and demanding a beautiful doll.


    But her mother never scolded her no matter how sheshed out. She kept patiently coaxing her.


    At that time, she was very envious of the little girl, envious that she had a mother.


    But in this life, she also had a family, with loving parents and rtives.


    Perhaps this life, she could also be a carefree child, growing up happily under the wings of her parents and family.


    Well, that was a good idea, so be it!


    She quietly mobilized the power in her body and found that her supernatural abilities from her previous life were still present, only feeling very weak because of her young age.


    But it was good to have them. She believed that as she grew up, her abilities would slowly strengthen as well.


    Thinking of this, the little girl was even happier. After a cute dainty yawn, she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep with a heart full of joy.


    After taking care of the newborn and the mother who had just given birth,


    Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu gathered their sons and daughters-inw around them.


    Old Jiang had a grave expression, "You have all seen the strange scenes just now. Our darling treasure is probably someone of unusual origin.


    We family members should know about these matters, and must not divulge a single word to others.


    Not even to your maternal families. Otherwise, it would be disastrous for our darling and our family."


    Old Jiang sipped some water from a coarse porcin bowl, cleared his throat, and continued, "She is still so young, you all as elders must love and protect her more.


    In the future no matter what anomalies happen in the family, do not panic. Just help cover it up.


    Our darling is like those in the operas, she has great fortune. When she is well, our family will be well too."


    He sipped some more water, and said to Old Lady Hu, "Old woman, after the third daughter-inw wakes up, tell her about this too."


    As for the children, there was no need to mention them. Little kids had loose lips and who knows when they might let something slip, inviting trouble.


    And so the family came to an agreement.


    After the heavy rains. The news that Old Jiang''s third daughter-inw had given birth to a little girl soon spread throughout the entire vige.


    At that time, where the golden sun first rose in the east, golden red rays filled half the sky, like an unfolding phoenix gliding about, radiance spilling over, the sight lingering for a long time, too beautiful to take in fully.


    Naturally such a wondrous scene drew gasps of amazement from the people.


    It was rare that the entire Jiang n of Xijin ferry was not busy working the fields, but instead everyone was running over to Old Jiang''s house, each carrying something or other in hand.


    Even the "Iron Rooster", Third Uncle''s family, who had that nickname in the n, unusually brought over ten eggs and two catties of millet, saying it was for the new mother to have congee to drink.


    Too many n members came to see the child. Old Lady Hu warmly weed them along with her two daughters-inw, Lin and Zhu.


    Since the child had just been born, and the daughter-inw was still in her postpartum month, she could not be exposed to wind, so only several esteemed elderly women and mothers-inw of the n were allowed into the room to see the child.


    Seeing the red lotus mark between the child''s brows, and the jade-like snowy cuteness, it truly delighted the olddies.


    Old Lady Hu also put out word that when the child reached one month old, she would treat the whole vige to a feast.


    Only then did the n members leave, satisfied.


    The boisterous day finally passed.


    Taking stock that night of all the gifts the n had brought, even those who had prepared themselves, the mothers-inw and daughters-inw couldn''t help but smack their lips.


    Just the eggs alone numbered over 170, filling up onerge bamboo basket.


    There were also 17 chickens, 5 ducks, 3 wild rabbits, over 20 fish, several bolts of floral cloth, severalrge jars of preserved vegetables, over 10 catties of rice, flour, brown sugar and other assorted items, a massive pile.


    Old Lady Hu said: "The fresh vegetables can''t be kept, leave some out to cut up and make pancakes to eat tomorrow morning.


    Also leave some of the preserved vegetables, distribute the rest to the neighbors on either side.


    As for the eggs we can keep, store them away first, raise the chickens and ducks for now, for the third daughter-inw to eat to help her milke down.


    She paused, then said to the two daughters-inw: "Don''t think I''m ying favorites.


    The third daughter-inw has given birth to the only girl of our Jiang family across so many generations, so this old woman is happy in her heart.


    Let''s see who still dares mock our Old Jiang family behind our backs in future,ughing that our n is a monastery."


    Lin was a candid woman. Hearing this, sheughed: "Mother, I''m not jealous.


    Earlier, when my fourth son fell ill, it used up all the silver money in the household, resulting in the third sister going through her entire pregnancy unable to even touch any rich food.


    Yet third sister not only didn''t resent this, she even secretly took out her own dowry money to pay for medical treatment for the fourth son. This is all etched in my heart.


    Now she has given birth to the precious darling of our household, I''m so happy I can hardly stand it, how could I be upset over this with her?"


    Zhu also said: "Eldest sister-inw is right. I''m a dummy, I don''t know how to say fancy words.


    I only know that the clothes on my three rascals are all made by third sister.


    That year when my youngest had a high fever in the middle of the night, it was third sister who carried him on her back and walked over ten li to find a doctor before he could be saved.


    Without third sister, I might not even have my youngest anymore. Mother, I will remember her kindness for the rest of my life!"


    That year, Old Lady Hu''s elder brother, who was the third brothers'' uncle, passed away.


    ording to custom, apart from the expectant Lu, and the third son Jiang Yuhu and fourth son Jiang Yuhai whose zodiac signs conflicted with the deceased, the rest of the Jiang family members all went to Old Lady Hu''s parental home for the funeral.


    By coincidence, that day Jiang Yuhu had been ying in water.


    Afraid of being scolded by the adults, he didn''t dare mention it when he got home, only secretly changed his clothes. As a result he caught a chill and suddenly developed a high fever in the middle of the night, even muttering deliriously at one point.


    This scared Lu out of her wits. To make things worse, she was the only adult left in the household.


    Afraid something untoward would happen to the child from his fever, Lu steeled herself despite being over six months pregnant. She carried the sick Jiang Yuhu on her back and walked over ten li to the town to find a doctor.


    The doctor was also shocked to see Lu, bluntly calling her gutsy.


    Fortunately both little Jiang Yuhu and the child in her belly were fine. Two dayster when Zhu returned and heard about this, she broke down in tears while holding Lu.


    Previously she had looked down on this delicate third sister-inw, but after that incident she truly treated Lu as her own sister.

 Chapter 3: The Name

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    The two daughter-inws were so generous and understanding that Old Lady Hu was very pleased, "The third daughter-inw is good and you two are also extremely good. It''s my three sons'' blessing and also my old Jiang family''s blessing that they married you when you entered the door."


    "Mother..." Lu and Chen were both delighted to get a word of praise from their mother-inw and both were a little embarrassed.


    After the mother-inw and two daughter-inws tidied up, theydled another bowl of thick chicken soup and took it to Lu''s room.


    Lu had slept all day and wasn''t sleepy at this time except for being a little tired.


    Her silly husband Jiang Wenyuan was lying next to her at the moment, watching the soft little daughter with a silly smile.


    Seeing her mother and two sister-inwsing, he hurriedly came up to take the tray.


    Old Lady Hu quickly stopped her third daughter-inw who wanted to get out of bed, "Take good care of yourself, don''t move around, don''t startle my precious good granddaughter."


    Lu handed the sleeping child to her mother-inw, "She''s asleep now, mother can hold her."


    Old Lady Hu carefully took over and looked at the child affectionately, then let the two daughter-inws take a look before gently putting her back next to Lu.


    She lowered her voice, "Let her sleep well for now. Hurry up and drink the chicken soup while it''s hot, it''s good for producing milk. You have to raise our precious little dumpling well anyway."


    "Thank you, mother!" Lu sincerely appreciated her mother-inw.


    Her own father was a private school teacher. Her family ran a private school. Her brother was a clerk in the yamen. Her maternal family was quite well off and she had been pampered since she was a child without suffering any hardships.


    Later she married into the Jiang family. The Jiangs had littlend but many children so conditions were not good. Even so, her mother-inw and two sister-inws never let her suffer. They always rushed to do the tiring chores, leaving her to just take care of the children and embroider every day, much more rxed than the two sister-inws.


    Luckily she was good at embroidery and could earn quite a lot of silver each month selling her work, otherwise she would have felt too guilty.


    Old Lady Hu pulled her third son over, "Son, be more alert at night, don''t sleep too heavily. If anything happens, go to the east room and call me."


    "Okay, I¡¯ve noted it down. It''ste, you and the two sister-inws have been busy all day, go back and rest soon."


    Old Lady Hu gave her son more instructions before looking at the child again. Only then did she leave with the two daughter-inws.


    The Jiang family decided to hold a one-month-old celebration for the child and skip the three-month celebration.


    Just a family celebration would be enough.


    When Lu¡¯s maternal family heard that their daughter had given birth to a little granddaughter, on the third day Lu¡¯s mother Guo came with her daughter-inw Chen, bringing lots of packages in a mule cart.


    In addition, several prestigious elders of the Jiang n also came, making it very lively.


    The copper coins thrown into the child''s baptismal basin filled the entire bottom, and there were even two broken silver corners, making Old Lady Hu beam with joy.


    The more things thrown into the basin, the more blessings the child would receive.


    Lu¡¯s maternal family ran a private school and her brother also worked in the yamen, so they lived quitefortably.


    Therefore, the gifts prepared by the maternal family for this newborn granddaughter were extremely generous.


    There was a longevity lock ne studded with auspicious patterns, a pair of silver flower bell bracelets with matching ankle bracelets,


    as well as a very meaningful and cute tiger head hat, one for spring and one for winter. Two pairs of tiger head shoes.


    A pink quilt, a big red cape trimmed with snowy rabbit fur, and other items for the baby and the lying-in woman to use.


    This showed how much Lu¡¯s maternal family doted on this daughter and newborn granddaughter.


    After the lively third day celebration, the little girl finally got her name.


    She was born with a lotus mark on her forehead, so her given name was Jiang Yuqing. Qing means clear water gives rise to lotus.


    Yu was the generation name for their generation. This was agreed upon by the n.


    Usually ording to the rules at that time, when a daughter married out, she would not continue the family line or n and could not be entered into the n genealogy. Naturally she could not take the generation name like the males who continued the n line and genealogy.


    Many rural girls didn¡¯t even have proper names in their whole lifetime.


    But her father doted on her and thought it would be great if his daughter could take the male generation name.


    Thinking this, Jiang Wenyuan boldly brought it up slightly to the n elder, and the n elder thought for a bit before agreeing.


    This girl was the first in hundreds of years and over a dozen generations that the Jiang n of Xijin ferry had been waiting for nearly two hundred years, so she was extraordinary. It was just taking the generation name, no big deal.


    She had her given name and also umted a pile of nicknames.


    Things like Qingqing, Little Good Girl, Good Baby, Sweetheart, and more that Jiang Little Dumpling Yuqing was too embarrassed to say.


    After Jiang Yuqing was born, the spring rains officially started.


    There is a saying, the n for the year lies in spring. Farmers rely on the heavens for food, and race against time.


    During the busy spring plowing, the fields were full of mor and busyness, with farmers wearing conical hats and rain capes everywhere sowing seedlings and transnting rice.


    The Jiangs also had over ten mu of paddy fields, so except for Old Lady Hu, Lu who was sitting the month, and little baby Jiang Yuqing, everyone in the Jiang family including Jiang Wenyuan the schr went to work in the fields.


    No matter how busy or tired, when they returned home every day the old and young of the Jiang family woulde to see and y with her.


    As a baby she had the desire but not the ability to help even if she wanted to.


    Drinking milk well, sleeping soundly, not crying or fussing, trying not to pee her pants, and causing as little trouble as possible for the adults was all she could do.


    Of course, when the elders and brothers yed with her, she would also try her best to control her facial muscles and give them a gummy sweet smile.


    Two dayster, the Jiangs'' grain seeds were sown in the seedbeds.


    These precious sprouts would spend their seedling stage in the seedbeds. When they grew to over half a foot tall they would be transnted into the fields.


    The day after the third day celebration, Jiang Wenyuan reluctantly kissed his precious wife and daughter goodbye, took his belongings and a basket of boiled red eggs, and returned to the county seat.


    Next time he came back would be his daughter''s one month celebration.


    He was currently studying at the county school in preparation for the autumn exam this year.


    Usually he was busy with schoolwork and could onlye home once every half month. He had specially asked for leave this time because he expected his wife to give birth soon.


    It just so happened that his wife gave birth as soon as he returned home, and it was a daughter, which made him overjoyed.


    Returning to the county school, his ssmates congratted him one after another and wished him congrattions on gaining a precious daughter. Jiang Wenyuan was surprised, "How did you know I had a daughter?"


    The ssmate said, "How rare! The whole Qingzhou County has spread the news that the Jiang n of Xijin ferry who never had a daughter was born with an extraordinary daughter some days ago, and the father is a schr. There''s only you as a schr from Xijin ferry, and you asked for leave just because your wife was about to give birth, so I figured it must be your family."


    Jiang Wenyuan happily said, "That''s right, it''s my family''s, thank you so much!" He also gave each person two red eggs to share the joy.


    He also specially gave some to the teachers. Arriving at the teachers'' ce, he couldn''t avoid another round of questions.


    This matter was truly too strange, even the usually serious teachers couldn''t help gossiping a bit.


    So Jiang Wenyuan talked about some presentable things about when the child was born to satisfy the teachers'' curiosity before taking his leave.


    The tiny baby grew rapidly with time.


    As time passed day by day, the little girl became more and more beautiful. Her vision also gradually became clear as she slowly recognized everyone in the family.


    Grandpa Jiang Jingan was a cheerful old man with a goatee and head of gray hair. He looked slender and smiled at everyone.


    No matter how busy or tired, the first thing when he got home was to wash his hands and tidy up before going to the west chamber to see her.


    As a baby she spent most of her time sleeping.


    When Grandpa Jiang came, if she was sleeping he would happily hold her for a while. Then he would carefully hand the child back to his wife for his wife to ce back into the daughter-inw''s arms.


    If the child happened to be awake he would y with her, calling "Good baby" sentence by sentence.


    If she responded with a few "Ah wos", he would smile so wide that his wrinkled face became like a sunflower. He was an extremely lovable, happy, and doting grandfather.


    Of course if the boys in the family did something wrong, he would also put on a stern face and discipline them with punishment as the family patriarch without indulgence.


    Old Lady Hu was a sharp-tongued yet soft-hearted olddy. She embodied all the virtues of traditional women from the feudal era.


    For decades, she had dutifully and tirelessly maintained thisrge family.


    The children she raised were all well-behaved, and one even became a sessful schr, bringing great esteem to the Jiang family.


    Elder brother Jiang Wenkang was tall andposed. In his youth, he had worked as an escort and learned some rudimentary martial arts.


    He was skilled at hunting and farming, andmanded respect in the family.


    Whenever he furrowed his brows, the younger ones feared him.


    However, there were few asions for Elder Brother to hold her. The two times they interacted, she could feel he was very nervous each time.


    In Jiang Wenkang''s own words, cradling such a soft darling made him afraid of identally hurting her with his clumsiness.


    Elder Brother''s wife, Lin, came from a family that operated escort services.


    It was said that in her youth, she had apanied her father on escort missions.


    That was how she met Elder Brother Jiang, and fell in love at first sight, beseeching her father to betroth her to him.


    Lin had a bold and forthright personality, and was skilled at managing household affairs.


    Second Elder Brother Jiang Wenxi took after their father in personality. He had an ever-present smile, and doted on the children. The children all loved him.


    To describe him in the words of her previous life, he had "innate likeability".


    Jiang Wenxi was skilled at carpentry. The furniture in the house was all made by him.


    During the farming off-season, he would also go out to find carpentry work, or fetch wood from the mountains to make small wares to sell for extra ie.


    His wife Zhu was the niece of the master who taught him carpentry.


    Zhu lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her elder brother. After her brother married, his wife disliked having her around as a freeloader, and often beat and scolded her.


    When she finally came of age, she was promptly married off. Her elder brother and his wife pocketed the 50 taels of silver for her bride price, but did not even provide her with decent clothes.


    Fortunately, the Jiang family did not fuss over such details. As long as the daughter-inw was willing to live properly, that was enough.


    Having grown up in that kind of environment shaped Zhu''s prudent and self-effacing personality.


    She may not be as capable and opinionated as Sister-inw Lin and younger sister-inw Lu, but she was attentive and hardworking, content with her station in life.


    In her own words, to have met such a reasonable mother-inw and kindly sisters-inw was a blessing she had cultivated in her previous life.


    Next was her father in this life, Jiang Wenyuan.


    Jiang Wenyuan took after Old Lady Hu in looks, quite handsome. Having read books since childhood, he had the aura of a schr, refined and cultivated.


    When he was studying at the vige school, his teacher took notice of him, believing he was destined for great things. So the teacher married his best disciple to him.


    This teacher was Lu''s father, Jiang Yuqing''s father-inw.


    True to expectations, Jiang Wenyuan passed the county-level imperial exam to be a schr at 20, three years after getting married. This greatly enhanced his teacher''s prestige.


    After bing a schr, Jiang Wenyuan knew he was not ready to immediately attempt the provincial exam. He said he would focus on studying for a few more years, and prepare to take the exam this autumn.


    The autumn exam was a big deal, but even though he was reluctant to leave his newborn daughter, Jiang Wenyuan still returned to school to study diligently.


    Her birth mother in this life, Lu, had the given name Yuwan. She was fair-skinned and beautiful, with arched brows and eyes like autumn water, exuding the fragrance of books and learning.


    While not a peerless beauty, she was famed as a great beauty for miles around.


    Since both parents were good-looking, her elder brother, the seventh-born Jiang Yuchuan, was also a handsome youngd.


    It seems she could look forward to her own looks in this life.

 Chapter 4: The Big Red Mushroom

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Of her generation, there were a total of eight children including her.


    The twelve-year-old eldest brother Jiang Yujiang, the ten-year-old second brother Jiang Yuhe, and the nine-year-old fourth brother Jiang Yuhai were the children of the eldest branch.


    The nine-year-old third brother Jiang Yuhu, the eight-year-old fifth brother Jiang Yuming, and the six-year-old sixth brother Jiang Yushan were of the second branch.


    The third branch was the five-year-old seventh brother Jiang Yuchuan and her, the eight-month old baby.


    Among the seven brothers of this generation, only the eldest brother Jiang Yujiang and the third brother Jiang Yuhu studied at Old Man Jiang''s private school.


    The other children could only wait for their elder brothers to teach them when they returned from school every day, or for their uncle toe back and give them some pointers during his rest days.


    In ancient times, education was precious. Even though all the adults in the Jiang family were diligent, life was still hand to mouth with three children studying.


    Even so, the Jiang family still nned to hold a lively full month celebration for the child.


    As for the money for the celebratory dinner... The pomelos peeled off in the freak ident that night were all sold. Not only were theyrge and thin-skinned, the pulp was exceptionally sweet.


    In this spring with scarce fruits, they were truly a rarity that allowed a traveling merchant to buy them all at once at a very good price.


    In addition, therge fat pig raised in the backyard for over a year was just about ready.


    Jiang Yuqing had heard the elders say that the pig was originally intended to be sold to raise travel funds when her father went to the prefectural city for the civil service exam. Killing it now meant they''d have to find another way to raise those funds.


    Jiang Yuqing was unwilling to let her elders worry about money matters.


    It was just a one month celebration, whether they held it or not she would still grow up all the same.


    If they killed the pig now, where would they get the travel funds for father''s examter?


    s, she was just a babbling baby who couldn''t even speak, and it seemed there was nothing she could do.


    The straitened circumstances of this family urgently needed improving.


    There were many treasures in her spiritual space, if only she could take them out.


    The tiny baby girl wrinkled her exquisite little brows and sighed.


    Hmm, perhaps she could try! The baby immediately became excited. She decided to try using her mind to take things out after the adults fell asleep tonight.


    Old Lady Hu happened to catch this cute change in expression as she was holding the baby.


    Old Lady Hu immediately smiled and lightly poked the baby''s chubby, tender little chin with her finger. "Oh, what''s made my little darling sigh so soon? Tell me, who''s made you unhappy!"


    "Ah woo!" No one''s made me unhappy, I just realized our family seems to be poor, and it''s worrying!


    Old Lady Hu couldn''t understand her baby talk, and continued to tease her with a smile. "Are you happy or not? We''re going to have a full month celebration for our good baby, you''ll get to eat meat!"


    "Ah woo" No! You all love me so much, I''m very happy. But let''s forget about the full month celebration.


    Save the money for father''s exam and my brothers'' education. This baby doesn''t care about such formalities.


    Old Lady Hu kept talking to herself. "Granny is going to kill a big fat pig for you, and make our good baby''s full month celebration lively and bring lots of blessings."


    "Ah woo woo!" As you say, I guess. A feeling of helplessness rose in her heart again.


    As a baby, she had no say.


    Lu looked at her adorable daughter with doting eyes. Hearing her tender baby babbling brought her endless joy. She happily said to the old woman, "Speaking of which, our good baby is truly easy to care for.


    She eats her fill then sleeps, sleeps her fill then eats. Even if she wakes in the night she never cries or fusses. She only whimpers a little when she needs to pee or poop, she''s very well-behaved."


    Old Lady Hu was full of pride. "Of course, just look at whose child she is. Our children are all easy to care for!"


    She hadpletely forgotten about how she had cursed those wretched grandchildren foring to collect debts.


    Old Jiang came back from working in the fields outside. He carefully washed the ck mud from under his fingernails, changed into fresh clothes, then gently knocked on the door to the west wing and softly called out, "Wife, is our darling awake? If she''s awake, bring the child out for me to kiss her."


    "She''s awake. What''s an old geezer like you want to see her for, you''ll scare her!" Old Lady Hu scolded in jest, but still wrapped the child snugly in a nket and brought her out to the main hall.


    Just in time, the rest of the Jiang family had returned too. They all surrounded the child, ying with her merrily. What a lively scene.


    Jiang Yuqing managed to wake up halfway through the night and found her mother sleeping soundly next to her.


    It was the dead of night, the perfect time to act. She closed her eyes again and sank her awareness into her spiritual space. She walked to the edge of the spiritual medicine field, picked the smallest nt, and pulled hard to uproot it.


    She hugged the lingzhi tightly to her chest, repeatedly chanting in her heart, "I want to take the lingzhi out, I want to take the lingzhi out."


    Then, a sh of white light, and she felt her body drop heavily as the lingzhi was actually brought out by her.


    This thing was really heavy, and pressed on her tiny body until she could barely breathe. She just wanted to get it off quickly.


    There were even some bits of wood debris on the mushroom''s stem, as if it had just been picked.


    Lu was a light sleeper. Hearing her child make a couple sounds beside her, she immediately woke up.


    She thought the child needed to pee, and hurriedly rose, lit themp, and lifted the quilt to take a look. She was so shocked her eyes widened and her mouth gaped, but thankfully she covered her mouth in time to avoid screaming.


    She saw an enormous crimson mushroom pressing down on her daughter''s body. Looking closely, it resembled a lingzhi that she had seen before at the pharmacy.


    The mushroom was about half the size of the child''s body. Her little hands could only barely grasp the edge of the mushroom, trying to move the ufortable thing weighing her down off of her.


    Lu thought she must be dreaming. She pinched her arm, and felt real pain. The giant red mushroom on her child was still there. Just then, her precious baby looked at her crying "Ah wo, ah ya ya", as if saying to quickly take it off of her.


    Only then did Lu regain her senses. She hurriedly moved the mushroom aside, checked her daughter''s little body again, and breathed a sigh of relief finding her unharmed.


    Lu looked at the giant mushroom beside her and forcefully swallowed, her heart racing until it felt like it would jump out of her chest.


    "Good baby, where did thise from!"


    "Ah wo wo!" It''s mine, mine. Please take it away quickly. This thing is heavy, it took me a lot of effort to get it out. I''m exhausted!


    Lu didn''t know if her daughter could understand her. She took a deep breath to calm herself, then solemnly said to the girl.


    "Good baby, Mother knows you''re different from others since birth.


    No matter which immortal family you''re from, to me you''re just my daughter, the one I carried for ten months and gave birth to.


    I don''t know if taking out this treasure has hurt you. If it''s bad for you, don''t do this again, you hear?


    Mother doesn''t need you to do anything, I just want my good baby to grow up safe and healthy."


    "Ah wo wo!" Don''t worry Mother, I''m fine.


    Jiang Yuqing was moved by a mother''s selfless love for her. She babbled iprehensibly while giving her a gummy smile.


    Lu examined her from head to toe, confirming she was indeed unharmed. Only then did she carefully wrap therge mushroom in a piece of in cloth.


    She wetted a hot towel and carefully wiped her daughter''s little hands clean, then swaddled her up snugly. Only then did she hurry out the door holding her daughter and the mushroom.


    The Jiang family was poor, but with many children, all hardworking, so although it was a thatched cottage, they had built over ten rooms, quite spacious.


    The main building had three sections. The central part was the main hall. The first room to the left was Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu''s bedroom. The one to the right was Jiang Wenkang''s bedroom.


    To the left of the main building was a row of five side rooms, the dwellings of Jiang Wenxi''s family and several of the young masters.


    The five rooms on the right were Jiang Wenyuan and his wife''s bedroom, a room split off to be a study, a guest room, the kitchen, and the bathing room.


    Thetrine was set several dozen meters behind the house.


    Because there was a daughter-inw recovering from childbirth in the family, Old Lady Hu was a very light sleeper at night. Almost as soon as Lu knocked on the door, she awoke.


    "Is that Third Son''s family?"


    "Mother, it''s me!" Lu''s tone was a bit urgent. Old Lady Hu was shocked, assuming something had happened to the child. She immediately got out of bed and called for Old Jiang to wake up as well.


    "Is our darling ufortable?" Old Lady Hu asked.


    "Mother, the baby is fine, I''ll exin after you open the door."


    Old Lady Hu opened the door and let Lu in after seeing her outside holding the child.


    She frowned, "In the dead of night, why did you bring my darling over too, you might interrupt her sleep."


    By now, Old Jiang had also gotten up and put on clothes.


    "Darling, little treasure is awake!" Lu gently handed her daughter to her mother-inw, and spread out the things she had brought on the shabby little low table.


    "Dad, mom, look!"


    Under the dim oilmp, a brightly colored, bright redrge mushroomy quietly on the in white handkerchief, the bright red color piercing to the eyes.


    "This, this is the Red Lingzhi mushroom! My goodness, where did ite from?" It took Old Jiang quite a while to find his voice again.


    Qingzhou County was located south of Da Xia. With many mountains and dense forests, abundant waters and marshes, it was rich in medicinal materials. People often heard of others going into the mountains and gathering precious medicinal materials.


    In the older generation of the vige, some had also gathered Lingzhi mushrooms before. Old Jiang had seen them when he was young.


    However, Old Jiang was seeing such arge Lingzhi mushroom for the first time. He felt his heart and liver trembling.


    "Third son''s family, where did thise from?"


    Lu took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible. "Dad, mom, you may not believe me when I say this. Just now I heard little treasure humming, and thought she needed to pee again. But when I lit themp and looked, I saw the child hugging this.


    My daughter-inw thought it looked a bit like Lingzhi, but wasn''t too sure. You two are more knowledgeable and widely experienced, so you should be able to recognize it."


    Upon hearing this, Old Lady Hu lowered her head. Seeing her granddaughter looking at her with big, shiny, round eyes, her heart instantly softened into water.


    She gently touched her little granddaughter''s cheek with her face, and said somewhat choked up: "My darling baby is so sensible! She was afraid we didn''t have money for her full month celebration banquet, so she brought money herself. We don''t know which immortal family in heaven sent her to be born in our family. This is a blessing for our Old Jiang family."


    Old Lady Hu tidied up the baby''s quilt and said to Old Jiang, "Old man, go call our eldest and second son''s families. Let''s discuss this properly!"


    "Alright!"


    Soon, the main decision makers of the Jiang family''s three households gathered, cramming the originally not veryrge room of the elderly couple full.


    When Jiang''s eldest and second son''s families heard that the elders had called them over in the middle of the night, they thought something had happened. They didn''t expect it to be such a joyous event.


    The group looked at the huge Lingzhi mushroom on the table, truly shocked and delighted. The way they looked at Jiang Yuqing now held a hint of awe, in addition to the usual doting.


    This impromptu family meetingsted nearly half an hour.


    Little Miss Jiang Yuqing, the baby, had long fallen deep asleep like a little pig.


    When the meeting adjourned, Old Lady Hu once again solemnly instructed her sons and daughters-inw: "Little treasure is definitely an immortal sent by the heavenly families to be born into our home.


    Her matters must not be divulged to outsiders, including your natal families.


    If anyone gossips and brings cmity to my little treasure, the men will be driven from the family, and the women sent back to their maternal homes. Did you hear that?"


    "Yes, mother. We''ll remember."


    Jiang Family Eldest Household


    Lin poked her husband beside her. "Master, do you think our family''s little treasure is really an immortal sent down from heaven?"


    Jiang Wenkang pillowed his hands behind his head and slowly said, "Who knows? Even if not, it''s not far off.


    You saw the omens when she was born, the golden light shining through the door and illuminating half the yard.


    The pomelo tree in our yard clearly only had one bunch of flowers, yet in an instant it became a tree full of fruit. Right after the fruit was picked, it bloomed another bunch of flowers.


    Then it brought a heavy rain. In my decades of life, I''ve never heard of any other family''s child being born with such spectacr signs."


    As Jiang Wenkang spoke, he became somewhat proud. "This kind of spectacr sign and fortune can only happen with our family''s child!"


    "Hypocrite!" Lin couldn''t stand his arrogant manner and punched him, then turned away and ignored her husband.


    But in her heart she agreed.


    The same scene urred in the second household.


    That night, aside from the carefree children, the Jiang family adults were sleepless for the whole night.

 Chapter 5: Knowledge Changes Destiny

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    The next day, when the sky had just begun to brighten, the three Jiang men shouldered their baskets and went up the mountain to pick mushrooms.


    It was the rainy season, and the mushrooms on the mountain were especially plentiful and fat during this time, so there were many people going up the mountain to gather mushrooms.


    By noon, the vigers of Xijin Vige saw the three Jiangsing down the mountain with delighted expressions on their faces. Upon asking, they learned that the Jiang family had actually found a huge lingzhi mushroom on the mountain.


    This lingzhi was a valuable medicinal ingredient. It was said to be very expensive.


    Thete Fifth Old Master Qi of the vige had found one before and sold it for a full thirty or so taels of silver. With that money he built a five-room house with blue brick and zed tiles, which made the other vigers extremely envious.


    It was a pity that his descendants were not hardworking. Not only did they lose all the family money gambling, one of them even worried his wife to death. They sold off the fields and children too.


    In the end, even the house with blue brick and zed tiles was mortgaged to someone else. Thinking back now, it was sigh-inducing.


    After the Jiang father and sons hurried home to eat lunch, they immediately rushed to the county seat and went to the biggest and most reputable medicinal shop, Andang.


    Finally, because of this lingzhi''s age, excellent quality, and potent medicinal properties, Andang paid the high price of 180 taels of silver for it.


    It was the first time the Jiang father and sons had seen so much money. They didn''t dare stay in the city for long. After leaving Andang, they headed straight home.


    By the time they got home, the sky was already dark. After dinner, they sent the children to their rooms to rest.


    Old Jiang poured all the silver they had earned today selling the lingzhi in a pile on the table.


    Seeing the shiny heap of silver ingots, the women''s eyes lit up.


    Old Lady Hu carefully reached out and touched it, her face full of disbelief. Stuttering, she asked, "Old man, is all this really ours?"


    Seeing the excited expressions on everyone''s faces, Old Jiang suppressed his own excitement and affirmatively replied, "That''s right, it''s all ours. This lingzhi sold for a total of 180 taels of silver.


    The shop owner at Andang gave 100 taels in banknotes, plus five 10-tael silver ingots and six 5-tael small ingots. It''s all here."


    He pushed the entire pile of silver in front of Old Lady Hu.


    Old Lady Hu looked at him, then gathered the silver into a pile. Hesitating for a moment, she said, "Over these years, the family has worked hard to send Third Son and the two grandchildren to school.


    Now, thanks to our good girl''s blessing, we''ve gotten this much silver.


    I''m thinking, give each room some for pocket money, and for yourselves to buy what you want, or to take back to your maternal families. It''ll be more convenient that way."


    As she spoke, Old Lady Hu took three 10-tael silver ingots and gave one to each room, saying, "Today I''m giving 10 taels to each room."


    Then she picked up two 5-tael small ingots and ced them in front of Lu, saying, "These two are for our little good girl. It''s thanks to her blessings that our family has gotten all this silver."


    Old Lady Hu turned to the first and second rooms, "You don''t have any objections, right?"


    Seeing that her two daughters-inw both shook their heads saying they didn''t, she nodded in satisfaction and put away the remaining silver.


    Old Jiang picked up the conversation, "The rest of the silver, I n to use some to host a one-month celebration banquet for our good girl, and keep some for when Third Son goes to the prefectural city for the exams.


    We must host an abundant banquet for the good girl''s one-month celebration. Firstly to umte more blessings for her, and secondly to show some reciprocity to our nsmen.


    Over these years, our nsmen have helped us out a great deal inside and out. Now that our lives are a little better, we should also give back. One must not forget their roots!"


    Old Jiang took a sip of boiled water and continued, "Third Son will be taking the county exam in the second half of the year. This is a big deal. With this money, our family can finally breathe easy." Speaking to this point, Old Jiang vigorously said, "All of our grandchildren, every single one, I will send to school!"


    "Ah oh, ahh yaya!" Go to school, good! Send big brothers all to school!


    Knowledge changes destiny!


    Grandpa is amazing!


    Hearing that the big brothers would be sent to school, Jiang Yuqing excitedly jumped and shouted.


    The tender, milky cries of the infant sounded especially lovely in the quiet night.


    As soon as Old Lady Hu heard it, she smiled and took her granddaughter from Lu''s arms, happily ying with her, "Good girl, Grandpa said he''ll send your big brothers all to school. Isn''t that good?"


    "Ah oh oh!" The little baby earnestly answered, of course it''s good.


    However poor, one must not skimp on education or be harsh with children.


    Studying is a good thing. If this was my previous world, the big brothers would have entered school long ago.


    "Hahaha, it seems my good girl also thinks Grandpa is right!


    It''s settled then.


    Tomorrow morning, Eldest, take the children and bring Little Seven too, go to your inws'' and ask.


    If it''s possible, send them all to school!" The inws Old Jiang referred to was Lu''s own father, Old Schr Lu.


    When Old Schr Lu was young, he was quite learned and talented. But unfortunately, bad timing meant he never managed to pass the provincial exams despite trying multiple times from a young age to be a sessful candidate.


    The first time he took the exam, his grandfather died, so he had to observe the mourning period for three years ording to custom. Right after the mourning period ended, his grandmother passed away, and he observed mourning again for three years.


    After barely finishing that mourning period, on his way to take the exam for the third time, he got caught in the rain and came down with a severe cold, nearly dying from it, let alone taking any exam.


    After that experience, Schr Lupletely gave up any thoughts of taking the exams again. Instead he returned to his hometown of Xiushui Bay and opened a school, devoting himself wholeheartedly to teaching. He did teach several sessful candidates in the end.


    Jiang Wenyuan was one of them.


    Not only that, Old Schr Lu saw that this young man was exceptional in appearance, learning, and character. Later, he even married his precious daughter to him, who was Lu.


    After Jiang Wenyuan passed the county-level exam, he went to study at the county school.


    The Jiang family also sent the oldest of the next generation, Jiang Yujiang, and the third son, Jiang Yuhu, there too. They were all family, so they could look after each other more.


    The next day, Jiang Wenkang did indeed take a string of nephews to Xiushui Bay where Lu''s father lived. This included the reluctant Jiang Yuhe, who got headaches from reading and was stubbornly unwilling to study.


    Xiushui Bay was not far from Xijin Vige. Going upstream along the Qing River about four or five li, the ce where the river bent was it.


    Because the riverside was filled with who knows how many years¡¯ worth of thick, sturdy willow trees, one of which was so enormous it took five or six grown men to encircle it, and the scenery there was picturesque in all four seasons, it was called ¡°Xiushui Bay.¡±


    Old Schr Lu''s private school was located on a small slope to the west of Xiushui Bay. It was a two-section courtyard built with blue bricks.


    The school currently had over 50 students in total, all from the surrounding viges, separated into three sses from A to C.


    ss C was for theplete beginners. ss B was for those with some foundation.


    ss A had the fewest students. They were the ones who had studied for a few years and were preparing to take the entrance exam for tongsheng status next year. Currently Jiang Yujiang was in ss A and Jiang Yuhu was in ss B.


    Despite only being a little over 5 years old, Jiang Yuchuan was the smartest of the Jiang boys of this generation.


    This child seemed to take after his father, and was quite gifted in studying.


    At such a young age, he could already recite the Three Character ssic from memory, and had started reading the ssics and histories. He was a little study master.


    Aside from his own talents, Lu''s daily teaching also yed a big part.


    As for Jiang Yuhe and Jiang Yushan, they fell a bit short. Let alone reciting it, they still stumbled through the first ten lines of the Three Character ssic.


    Of course there was nothing wrong with that. In the end, the Jiang family was sending them to study not expecting every grandson to be able to pass the exam to be a sessful candidate.


    They only hoped these children could learn more words, so they wouldn''t be blind when they went out into the world in the future.


    After the news spread that the Jiangs had struck it rich selling lingzhi and sent all seven grandsons to school, it caused quite a stir all around.


    There were vigers who praised them, envied them, and spoke sourly of them.


    But most people secretly looked upon the Jiang family''s newborn baby girl.


    Right after the child was born, the sky broke out in heavy rain despite having been in drought for a long time.


    After that, the rain became normal, and spring plowing was able to proceed. In just a few days, the Jiang Family only went up the mountain to pick some mushrooms, and found a lingzhi.


    ording to Sanqiu Dad who had seen this lingzhi, the lingzhi was as big as a washbasin, and so purple it was red, worth at least several dozen taels of silver.


    Good heavens, several dozen taels of silver, how much money was that!


    Even if they didn''t eat or drink their whole lives, they were afraid they couldn''t save that much money.


    Just look, the Jiang Family sent so many grandsons to school in one breath, which said it all.


    It was said that for each child, just the monthly tuition was five hundred wen, plus books, writing brushes, paper and ink, each child had at least eight hundred wen in expenses per month, which was at least eight taels of silver per year.


    Calcting this way, the Jiang Family''s seven children, just the tuition for the year was fifty-six taels.


    For ordinary farming households that had only three or four taels of silver in household expenses per year, this was simply an astronomical figure.


    If this kept going, the silver from selling the lingzhi would be used up in just one year, and might not even be enough.


    Had the Jiang Family gone crazy? How would they get by in days toe?


    No matter how outsiders guessed and gossiped, life in the Jiang Family went on as usual, doing things the way they always did.


    Soon, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s one-month celebration was approaching.


    The day before his daughter¡¯s one-month celebration, Jiang Wenyuan specifically took time off to return home.


    The Jiang Family had said early on that for the good baby¡¯s one-month celebration, they would not ept gifts.


    All the Jiang n members, every single one, coulde eat at the feast.


    In addition, the Jiang Family also invited a few neighbor families they were on good terms with, like the vige chief family, the Zhao Liuzhi Family, and the Qi Tofu Family.


    A few days prior, the Jiang Family had already begun preparations.


    The head chef, the servers, the women and olddies who would help wash vegetables, cut vegetables, and do odd jobs had all been arranged.


    The things that needed to be bought had also mostly all been purchased.


    In addition, the tables, stools, bowls and chopsticks needed for the banquet had also been arranged to borrow from various households.


    On the big day, before it was even light out, the Jiang house was already brightly lit.


    In the backyard, the big fat pig let out tragic squeals as Old Fifth Wang used an iron hook to hook under its chin and drag it out of the pigpen.


    With the help of several strong young men from farming families, in less than half a hour, the pig had been turned into meat on the chopping block.

 Chapter 6: Full Moon Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    When it was light, Old Fifth Wang''s courtyard was bustling with peopleing and going, extremely lively.


    Several groups of sturdy young men of the same n brought tables, chairs, stools and benches borrowed from each family over, and set them out in designated areas in the yard. Those that wouldn''t fit were ced in the yards of neighboring families.


    The women who came to help were divided into several groups. Some washed vegetables, some ughtered chickens, some scaled fish, some minced meat, some chopped vegetables - everyone worked very efficiently.


    In the open area outside Old Fifth Wang''s courtyard along the west wall, rows of fourrge stoves were set up. Fierce big fires were lit in the stoves.


    One pot was used to cook rice, one pot to simmer bone soup, and the other tworge pots were busily used by the head chef to stir-fry meat and vegetables with argedle.


    The rich meaty aroma drifted far away, making people''s mouths water.


    Farmers rely on the heavens for their meals. In good years when the harvest was plentiful, after paying taxes they could barely get by with adequate food and clothing.


    Meat was not easy toe by. Only for the birthdays of elders or festivals could they ughter a little, offer ceremonial food, but they could never eat their fill.


    This time, for Jiang Yuqing''s one-month celebration, Old Jiang had prepared a full thirty tables of food, and ughtered a whole fat pig.


    ording to what Old Fifth Wang said, this pig was so fat that even without counting the offal, the meat alone weighed over 200 catties.


    In addition, there were whole chickens and fish, even more sumptuous than New Year celebrations.


    Whether it was the few unrted families who were invited, or the vigers who came to watch the liveliness,


    they felt amazed at how Old Jiang doted on his granddaughter, and also couldn''t help secretly clicking their tongues at Old Jiang''s generosity.


    Old Jiang had gotten rich, and was so generous. There was also a schr son-inw in the family.


    It was said he would be taking the provincial examinations to be a juren in the second half of the year. If he passed, this family was bound to rise, and they had better curry favor with them from now on.


    Of course there were also outsiders who spoke sour grapes, privately saying Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu were muddleheaded old fools.


    With so many grandsons, they didn''t dote on them but held a one-month celebration banquet for a little girl.


    No matter how outstanding the granddaughter, she would belong to someone else''s family in the future. It would be better to save the money and use it for the grandsons to get wives in the future.


    But let''s not mention what others are thinking!


    On April 20th was Jiang Yuqing''s one-month celebration.


    The protagonist, little baby Jiang Yuqing, woke up early and was eagerly dressed up by her mother, grandmother, two aunts.


    It was mid-spring, flowers bloomed everywhere, and it was already quite warm.


    Even so, as a little baby, Jiang Yuqing was made to wear a red tiger head hat lined with eiderdown.


    The exquisitely made hat had two standing tiger ears, and on the tips were embroidered two lively golden carp with golden threads.


    Echoing the red lotus on her forehead, it looked extremely childish and cute.


    She wore a red baby dress in the same color scheme, with little red pants underneath. On her chubby feet were cute little tiger head shoes...


    In short, everything was bright red, looking exactly like a fortune baby in New Year prints.


    After a month, the little dumpling hadpletely grown up. Thanks to drinking spiritual spring water every day, her body didn''t contain any impurities.


    Her skin was like the finest mutton fat white jade, translucent and delicate. Her fairplexion glowed with a hint of healthy pink.


    Her exquisite little nose, cherry blossom lips, lush and dense eyshes like fans, and especially those clean crisp grape-like big eyes, when she looked at you, could instantly make one feel their soul purified.


    What child wouldn''t be loved like this?


    But the Jiang family was very nervous, and didn''t easily let others hold her.


    Early in the morning, Lu''s maternal rtives arrived. Old Master Lu and Madam Guo, along with their son Lu Pingzhang, daughter-inw Chen, and two grandsons came in a mule cart.


    Hearing her maternal family had arrived, Lu came out holding her child to greet them.


    As soon as Guo saw them, she took Jiang Yuqing into her arms, tenderly calling her heart''s treasure and darling. Jiang Yuqing was very obliging to her doting maternal great-aunt, revealing a gummy smile. Next was paternal aunt Chen.


    Chen had given birth to two sons but didn''t have a daughter.


    Ever since she caught a glimpse of her younger sister''s daughterst time, she had liked her immensely.


    Seeing the girl in her arms today looking even more beautiful and lovable than when she was born, she liked her to the bone. She wished she could take her home and raise her.


    Of course, she could only think about it. This was the Jiang family''s beloved, whoever tried to take her would face their fury.


    As an aunt, she was already very satisfied to be able to get close to her and benefit from her blessings.


    Maternal grandfather and paternal uncle Lu also extremely liked this little granddaughter.


    They had heard early on that this child was born with a lotus flower on her forehead, and was destined for great blessings. Seeing her today, it was indeed true.


    However, men''s expression of emotions tended to be more restrained.


    Paternal uncle Lu''s two sons, one eleven and one nine, had both started studying under their grandfather. They were schoolmates and rtives by marriage to Jiang''s seven grandsons, and got along very well.


    After paying respects to the elders of their maternal uncle''s family and seeing their younger sister, they went off to y with Jiang''s boys.


    Jiang Wenyuan kept his father-inw and teacherpany, chatting with his uncle in the outer room. Lu conversed privately with her mother and sister-inw in the room.


    Soon, they heard her maternal family arrive. Lu apologized to her mother and sister-inw again before going out to greet them carrying her child.


    Lin''s maternal family ran an escort service.


    Her father Old Escort Head Lin had served in the military when he was young. After returning to civilian life he started an escort service. He was heroic and righteous, also a famous figure in Qingzhou County.


    This time, the inws came in person to celebrate their daughter gaining a child, showing how much they valued their inws.


    The Lin family''s gifts for Jiang Yuqing''s one-month celebration were very generous.


    A silver ne with a hundred bats for longevity, one pair of silver bracelets with lotus patterns, one pair of silver anklets, plus four sets of the child''s summer clothing, and other tea gifts and so on.


    Old Lady Lin held Jiang Yuqing in her arms, utterly doting on her for some time.


    She also had granddaughters in her family, but had never seen one grow up to be so beautiful and lovable before.


    She praised Old Lady Hu, "Old inw, this child is born so well, looks just like a little fairy attendant of Guanyin, clearly one with great fortune!"


    Old Lady Hu loved it most when others praised her family''s children. She immediately smiled from ear to ear, "Sister-inw, don''tugh at me.


    In all the generations over the years in my Jiang family of Xijin ferry, we''ve only gotten such a darling granddaughter.


    I could brag about this for a lifetime, of course I have great fortune!"


    "Hahaha, old inw, you''re right, we all have great fortune!"


    Just as they were speaking, a sturdy, honest-looking man carrying shoulder poles came in from outside, and an old man leaning on a walking stick.


    Hanging from one end of the man''s shoulder poles was a basket covered in red cloth; from the other end were tied two clucking old hens.


    Old Lady Hu quickly went up to greet them, "Ai yo, my elder brother, little San''s uncle, why have youe.


    It''s so far, going to such trouble for you toe, hurry,e inside and sit."


    This old man was maternal aunt Zhu''s maternal uncle, and also cousin to Jiang Wenxi''s teacher. The man carrying the shoulder poles was Zhu''s cousin.


    Zhu lost her father at a young age and was raised by her elder brother.


    After her brother got married, his wife disliked having her as a burden, and often beat or scolded her. She was worked from morning to night, and often couldn''t even eat her fill.


    If it wasn''t for her uncle''s family who couldn''t bear to watch, and often helped her here and there, Zhu probably wouldn''t have survived.


    Later when Zhu married, her elder brother and his wife took the betrothal gifts from the Jiang family but didn''t give her a penny.


    It was thanks to this uncle who spoke up for her, and provided her with two sets of new clothes. Her cousins also pitched in to prepare her dowry so she could leave home.


    Because of her elder brother and sister-inw''sck of benevolence, Zhu rarely returned home after her marriage.


    If she asionally went back, she would only visit her uncle''s family.


    As a result, her sister-inw spread rumors in the vige that she was an unfilial white-eyed wolf, but let''s not get into that for now.


    When Jiang Yuqing was awake, she had also heard her mother and grandmother talk about some things regarding maternal aunt Zhu''s maternal family.


    Thus she felt great affinity for this kind old man.


    When the old man held her, she was very obliging, revealing a big smile, and even grasped the old man''s fingers in her tiny hands.


    Jiang''s family had prepared thirty banquet tables for Jiang Yuqing''s one-month celebration.


    On each table were eightrge dishes brimming with chicken, duck, fish and meat, all dried goods. The aroma drifted far away, making the vigers'' mouths water as their stomachs were usuallycking in oil and rice.


    They regretted they couldn''t immediately open their stomachs and eat their fill.


    Just then, a line of distinguished-looking people parted through the dense crowd and walked towards Jiang''s courtyard.


    At the door stood a handsome young man in a rain-washed cyan robe with a jade crown on his head, a jade pendant around his waist, and a very good-looking face.


    With him was a cute little boy of about five or six, also dressed in brocade robes and wearing a small golden crown on his head.


    Although very young, the aura the child exuded made people dare not look at him a second time. Behind the two were six guards who were clearly no ordinary people.


    Li Zheng, the vige chief, grabbed Jiang Yujian of the Jiang family and said, "Quick, go call your grandfather, father and uncles. An important guest has arrived at our home."


    Jiang Yujian''s heart skipped a beat. He quickly nced at the visitors before lowering his gaze. He bowed and went inside to call his family.


    When the grandson said there were dignitaries outside, Old Jiang hurried out with his sons to greet them. There he saw Li Zheng leading a group of richly dressed people standing at the door.


    Seeing the hostse out, Li Zheng quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "This is Magistrate Qin from our county and the young master. They are visiting privately today. Having heard your family makes wine, they came specially to share in the celebration!"


    Old Jiang had never seen such important people before. For a moment he didn''t know what to do with his hands and feet.


    Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi were not much better than Old Jiang.


    It was Jiang Wenyuan who first stepped forward and bowed, "Student Jiang Wenyuan pays respects to Magistrate Qin, young master, and all the elder brothers!"


    Only then did Old Jiang and his two sons react. They quickly knelt down to kowtow to the county magistrate.


    But Magistrate Qin stopped them and said, "No need for such courtesy, old sir. I''m just making a casual private visit today. I heard your family is celebrating a baby''s one-month celebration, so I also wanted to share in the joyous asion!"


    Old Jiang said happily, "You honor us with your presence, sir. Pleasee in and take a seat, sir, young master, brothers."


    When they heard the county magistrate had arrived, people inside the house wanted toe pay their respects too. But Magistrate Qin had his entourage stop them.


    Jiang Wenyuan arranged for the county magistrate to sit at the head table, and invited his father-inw, eldest uncle, the old chief of the escorts, Zhu the Elder, Li Zheng, and several n elders to apany him.


    His uncle Lu Pingzhang was the county''s household registrar, so he was very familiar with Magistrate Qin already.


    When they saw each other, they were both surprised. After learning of the Lu family''s rtionship with the Jiang family, Magistrate Qinughed and said, "I knew you wereing today for your niece''s one-month celebration, but I didn''t expect it to be this family. What a coincidence!"


    With Uncle Lu present, the atmosphere at the table was much more rxed.


    Unexpectedly, the seemingly aloof young master went to sit at a table with Jiang''s seven sons and two nephews from the Lu family, just enough for ten people.


    When the time came, firecrackers were set off to start the banquet.


    After three rounds of wine, ording to custom, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife carried the star of the celebration, Jiang Yuqing, to go around the tables greeting guests and asking for blessings.


    At each stop, the child received countless blessings.


    For a moment, within a radius of several hundred meters centered around the Jiang family courtyard, everywhere was filled withughter and joy at the lively celebration.


    When the guests had eaten and drunk their fill, they gradually took their leave.


    Magistrate Qin also prepared to go.


    Jiang Wenyuan led the n to see them off.


    Before leaving, out of curiosity, Qin Jue asked to see the baby. Since the county magistrate wanted to see the child, the Jiang family naturally could not decline.

 Chapter 7: One Hundred Days

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    The first time Jiang Yuqing saw Qin Jue, Qin was secretly shocked.


    She saw that the baby in the swaddling clothes had a red lotus on her forehead that looked like she was made of pink jade. She was the very picture of a remarkable and cute child. As expected for the only girl born in the Jiang n in 200 years, she really had the look of fortune.


    Jiang Yuqing was also curious as she looked at the county magistrate in front of her. Although only in his twenties, he already possessed an air of authority, likely cultivated from long years spent in high office.


    Thinking that her own family were his subjects, Jiang Yuqing reflexively showed him a smile.


    There''s a saying that a county magistrate can ruin a family, and a prefect can destroy a whole n. Whether to fawn on him or not, at least she shouldn''t offend him. "Ah--County Magistrate, hello!"


    Qin County Magistrate was taken aback, as he didn''t expect this baby to speak to him.


    But her baby talk was unintelligible, so he gently said, "Little one, what are you trying to say to me?"


    "Ah--nothing much, just weing you to my family''s full month celebration banquet."


    "Hehe. Do you know who I am?"


    "Ah--" Of course, of course I know you''re the biggest official in our Qingzhou County."


    After Qin County Magistrate teased Jiang Yuqing a little, he casually took off the jade pendant at his waist and put it in the baby''s swaddling clothes.


    He smiled at Jiang Wenyuan, "Your child is truly beautiful as jade in snow. I came impolitely today without any gifts on hand. Let this jade pendant be a toy for the child."


    Jiang Wenyuan quickly declined, "Sir, this is too valuable, we can''t ept!"


    Qinughed heartily, "It''s nothing. I heard that women are rare in your Jiang n, with only one precious girl born in generations.


    Meeting her full month banquet today must be fate.


    By age, she can call me Uncle. Elders'' gifts cannot be declined, so please don''t refuse again."


    With the County Magistrate speaking to this point, it would be rude for Jiang Wenyuan to continue refusing. He could only bow and say, "I humbly thank you on my daughter''s behalf for your generosity!"


    Just then, the little boy who had been quietly standing to the side suddenly tugged on Jiang Wenyuan''s clothes and looked up to ask him, "Can I see her?"


    Jiang Wenyuan was a little surprised but said, "Of course you can!" Then he bent down and lifted his daughter closer.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the boy who seemed to be only five or six years old, with chubby cheeks set in a serious expression. Now seeing her, he looked rather surprised.


    "Can I touch her?" he asked again. Jiang Wenyuan looked at his daughter in his arms, then at the little boy, feeling somewhat conflicted.


    He didn''t want to refuse and offend them, but was worried the child may injure his precious daughter unintentionally.


    The little boy seemed to sense his dilemma and said earnestly, "I''ll just gently touch her, I won''t hurt her."


    "Alright then. She''s young, so please be very careful, Young Master!"


    "I will be careful."


    With approval, the little boy first stretched out a finger and gingerly touched Jiang Yuqing''s soft, tender, chubby little face, seeming to find it satisfactory.


    He also gently stroked the red lotus birthmark on her forehead, eximing "It''s real!"


    He said, "You''re so pretty! The prettiest little child I''ve seen."


    "Ah--thank you, you''re also the most handsome and cute little boy I''ve seen!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled toothlessly. To the little boy, it was as if this pretty little sister was smiling at him, liking him.


    So the little boy took off a blood-red warm jade pendant from his neck and put it in Jiang Yuqing''s swaddling clothes.


    "My father gave me this on my third birthday. Now I''m giving it to you. I hope you grow up safe and happy."


    "Ah--thank you little boy. Although I really like it, it''s your birthday gift from your father. I can''t ept it."


    Qin Yu was quite surprised to see that jade pendant.


    But in the end he didn''t say anything, only patting the boy''s head, seeming to acquiesce.


    It was Jiang Wenyuan who wanted to return it, but finally let it remain under the little boy''s insistence.


    That night after the busy day, the Jiang family could finally rest. As they chatted, the topic turned to the jade pendants.


    The Jiangs were justmoners. The highest official they usually saw was the vige tutor like Uncle Lu.


    They never expected that their granddaughter''s full month banquet actually attracted the County Magistrate to drink with them.


    The County Magistrate and the little boy even gifted two jade pendants that were clearly valuable at a nce, which pleasantly surprised the Jiang family and made them feel honored.


    After all, which family''s child could invite the County Magistrate himself to attend their full month banquet? Only their good child aplished this.


    It was unbelievable that someone who they didn''t even dare dream would visit had taken the initiative toe on his own. This fortune was not something ordinary people could have.


    Old Man Jiang felt he could brag about this for the rest of his life.


    The news that the County Magistrate attended the full month banquet of the Jiang family''s youngdy quickly spread throughout the surrounding viges.


    The few elders who were fortunate to dine with the County Magistrate that day felt especially honored.


    No matter who asked, they tirelessly recounted the events of that day in detail, even down to how many bites the County Magistrate took of each dish.


    Who knows how the old man, who couldn''t even remember how many grandsons he had, could remember so clearly.


    A few days after Jiang Yuqing''s full month celebration, the rice seedlings in the fields had grown over a chi tall. Spring plowing officially began.


    At this time, whether due to inferior seeds orck of techniques, rice could only be nted once a year.


    Seedlings were raised inte March or early April, transnted in mid orte April, and harvested in August. The yield was also pitifully low.


    Thinking of the vast expanses of mature high-yield rice in Ling Realm, Jiang Yuqing felt it would be very worthwhile to improve the seeds once conditions allowed in the future.


    But for now...just drink milk and sleep!


    After over ten days of hard work, the adults finally finished transnting all the seedlings into the fields.


    Spring plowing was officiallyplete. It was now early May.


    The weather grew warmer day by day, and the little milk doll also grew a bit bigger.


    At least she no longer needed to be wrapped tightly in swaddling clothes every day. The feeling of her limbs free of restraint was heavenly.


    Inte June when the vige dogs were panting from the heat, school was also let out for summer break.


    The Jiang boys were finally liberated.


    Taking off their stuffy schrly clothes, they only wore thin coarse linen or tattered short jackets.


    Every day they gathered the vige ragamuffins to fool around everywhere.


    Going to the riverside willow woods to catch cicadas; catching dragonflies and frogs on the sandbank; swimming and fishing in the river; foraging for mushrooms on the mountain.


    A farm kid''s happiness was just this simple.


    Oh right, add hugging their sister.


    But there was only one sister. So the Jiang boys often fought over who got to hug their sister first and who she liked more, fighting endlessly until she got a headache.


    What a sweet burden!


    Amidst her noisy brothers'' squabbles, Jiang Yuqing also reached her hundred days.


    The current Jiang Yuqing, though still with barely any hair, had arms and legs as thick as lotus roots. Big eyes, double chin, chubby and milky.


    As it was hot, she only wore a red bellyband with fish and lotus patterns along with thin, breathable cotton pants.


    At first nce, she looked just like a big white rice dumpling wrapped in rouge, extremely cute.


    Having already held a full month banquet, her hundred days was just celebrated at home with immediate family and maternal grandparents, very warm and lively.


    There''s a saying that "flip at three months, sit at six, crawl at seven, and walk at eight". On her hundred days, Jiang Yuqing seeded in flipping over, surprising the elders.


    When the dishes were served, the aroma filled the room.


    After everyone sat down and had just picked up their chopsticks, a rather grating female voice rang out from outside.


    "Oh, so the head of the household really moved up in the world, looking down on us poor rtives.


    You didn''t even send word about your granddaughter''s full month celebration, let alone her hundred days!"


    Listening to these sarcastic words, everyone''s faces darkened.


    Old Lady Hu pressed down her daughter-inw Zhu who wanted to get up and coldly said, "Oh, who else but my sister-inw?


    What wicked wind blew your family here today?"


    The neer was none other than Zhu''s maternal aunt and uncle''s family.


    Back then, Zhu''s sister-inw Luo wanted to sell Zhu to a fifty-some year old man as a concubine for twenty taels of silver.


    Thanks to Uncle Zhu''s desperate efforts, even mobilizing the Zhu family''s power, the Luo family was unable to seed.


    Later, when Uncle Zhu happened to see Jiang Wenxi who was learning craftsmanship from his cousin, he entrusted his cousin to mediate with the Zhu family.


    Although the Jiang family was a little poorer, everyone in the family was upright in character. Old Lady Hu was not the kind of person who liked to pester people either. Naturally, such a family would not be too bad.


    When proposing the marriage, Jiang Wenxi''s master did not conceal the conditions of the bride''s side, saying that the youngdy might not have a dowry when she gets married.


    At that time, Old Lady Hu said, "As long as the youngdy is kind-hearted and willing to live in our family wholeheartedly, not having a dowry is nothing."


    Thus, Jiang Wenxi was engaged to Zhu.


    On the day Zhu left to get married, Luo angrily threw out a big basin of water, cursing, "You don''t want to be a rich madame, but insist on marrying a country bumpkin. Don''t bothering back in the future.


    I don''t want to be pestered by poor rtives all the time asking for help. "


    Zhu wiped her tears and said resentfully, "Rest assured. After leaving this house today, I will no longer be a Zhu family member.


    Even if Ie back, I will never set foot in your house again."


    Her words were still vivid in memory.


    But today it was Luo who came to make trouble. It would be strange if Old Lady Hu was polite to her.


    Zhu''s brother was a self-righteous yet cowardly and silly man. People nicknamed him Blind Zhu.


    But he had skin thicker than city walls. Seeing that it was difficult to handle the Jiang family, he immediately changed his attitude.


    He fawned, "Mother-inw, don''t mind. My sister-inw has a foul mouth and can''t speak properly. If she said anything unpleasant, don''t take it to heart. Just let it go.


    Look, it''s noon already. We''ve traveled a long way and haven''t even had a sip of water. Shall we... Hehe!"


    There is a saying that goes, "Don''t hit a smiling face with your hand stretched out." Since Blind Zhu spoke like this, Old Lady Hu naturally could not stop him anymore.


    She just said in a cold face to her second son, "Set out bowls and chopsticks for the Luo family!"


    Soon, Blind Zhu sat down at the dinner table, and Luo also sat at the women''s table.


    As soon as they picked up their chopsticks, they only picked the meat and vegetables, turning the dishes upside down. Oil was dripping from their mouths as they ate.


    The women at the table frowned at this behavior. Zhu blushed with shame.


    At the other table, Blind Zhu and his precious son Zhu Jinbao were no better.


    The child had been spoiled by his parents. At four or five years old, he still held a bowl and was fed while chasing after them. Now six years old, he still couldn''t properly use chopsticks.


    Unable to use chopsticks well, he couldn''t pick up food neatly, so he simply abandoned the chopsticks and reached into the dishes to grab food directly with his hands.


    There was even undried snot on the back of his grabbing hand, which was very disgusting.


    The other children at the table were already in school. When had they seen such rude rogues before? They angrily threw down their chopsticks and were about to cause a scene.

 Chapter 8: Uproar

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    Blind Zhu said, ¡°Who are you? Eating with your hands is so disgusting!¡±


    ¡°Right, your hands are so dirty!¡±


    ¡°Such bad manners!¡±


    The kids made a fuss, and suddenly everyone in the room was looking at that table.


    Seeing that his own son was grabbing food from the tes with his hands, even though Blind Zhu had incredibly thick skin, he still felt a little embarrassed.


    He quickly put down his chopsticks and walked over to the kids'' table, pulling Zhu Jinbao down.


    Zhu Jinbao was holding a big meat bone in his hand, gnawing on it happily, and of course didn''t want to leave the table. He immediately started crying and making a fuss.


    Blind Zhu saw that everyone in the room was giving them cold looks, father and son, and he couldn''t get off the stage for a moment either. Angrily, he gave his son a p.


    Zhu Jinbao let out a cry and burst into loud sobs, throwing himself on the ground.


    Even so, he didn''t let go of the big piece of meat in his hand.


    Seeing her son get hit, Luo couldn''t sit still either. Still holding her chopsticks, she rushed over and fiercely punched Blind Zhu''s back twice.


    She yelled hoarsely, "You bastard, are you trying to beat him to death? Good-for-nothing wimp, only knows how to bully at home, have the guts to bully outsiders!"


    While hugging Zhu Jinbao in her arms and coaxing her dear son.


    Luo was used to being domineering at home. Seeing Blind Zhu standing there cold-faced, noting over to help her and their son, she got even angrier. The chopsticks in her hand were flung at her husband without a second thought.


    Blind Zhu instinctively dodged it, and the chopsticks hit the wall behind him with a snap, bouncing back out, just barely grazing past Jiang Yuqing''s cheek.


    Jiang Yuqing was frightened at first, then felt a sharp pain on the left side of her face. She couldn''t help but cry out loudly.


    A baby''s face is so tender, being hit by such thick chopsticks at high speed, Jiang Yuqing''s face immediately swelled red in one area, with faint traces of blood seeping out, looking particrly shocking.


    Now the ho''s nest was truly stirred up.


    Old Lady Hu saw that the darling of the family had been beaten like this, and shook with anger. She mmed her chopsticks heavily on the table.


    Pointing at the family who was still making a scene, she yelled, "Eldest, second, third son, what are you standing around for? Go get the hoes, beat these shameless lowlife scoundrels out! If you want to die, go die in your own home! Don''te making trouble in my house!"


    Before the three brothers could react, Zhu had already taken the initiative to grab a hoe and rush over.


    She fiercely whacked Blind Zhu and Luo over the head, while crying and cursing, "Get out, get out back to your Zhu house!


    You can''t stand seeing me do well, wishing I was dead, right? What bad karma did I umte in my previous life, to be born from the same womb as you? You want to harm me this much!


    Get out, get out of my house! From now on, I''ll consider you all dead! Get out, get out!"


    For a time, the room was in chaos. Second Master Jiang was busy coaxing his wife, the women were busy coaxing Jiang Yuqing, busy looking for a doctor.


    The Jiang family''s other sons, regardless of what they were holding in their hands, frantically beat Blind Zhu and Luo.


    Making trouble at the hundred day celebration of their precious darling, and even injuring her, it was absolutely unforgivable.


    Even Zhu Jinbao was secretly kicked several times, beaten until several people were crying out in pain, ducking like rats.


    If they weren''t afraid of killing someone and getting into legal trouble, the Jiang men would have greeted the heads of this couple with their staffs.


    Among them, Jiang Wenyuan was the most vicious.


    He deliberately targeted the most painful spots that were hidden and not visible from the outside.


    Don''t be fooled by this guy''s usually refined, gentlemanly demeanor. Among the three Jiang brothers, he was the most cunning.


    To use Jiang Yuqing''s words from her past life, he was a white-faced ck heart, a smiling tiger. Anyone who offended him usually didn''t end up well.


    This time the Zhu family troublemakers messed up his darling daughter''s hundred day celebration and injured her, he was resentful enough to tear them apart alive.


    The Jiang family people beat Blind Zhu''s family far away, naturally also attracting many onlookers.


    Hearing that they made a huge ruckus at the Jiang''s and even injured Jiang Yuqing, the Jiang nspeople were immediately furious.


    Joining the avenging army, they chased Blind Zhu''s family far out of the vige before stopping.


    Some even directly dered that they were never allowed toe to Xijin ferry again, or they''d be beaten every time they were seen.


    Bah! Damn scum!


    Although Blind Zhu''s family was driven away, no one was in the mood to continue eating. They just shoved in a few mouthfuls before hastily ending the meal.


    Fortunately the doctor came to examine her and said it was just a minor abrasion. It only looked so serious because a baby''s skin is tender.


    He left a bottle of mild medicinal oil and instructed them to apply it three to four times a day, apply for three to five days and it would be fine. He also said there would be no scarring. The Jiang family finally felt relieved.


    After sending off the doctor, Grandpa Lu''s family also wanted to leave.


    They were worried about their granddaughter, but firstly there was no room in their daughter''s crowded house.


    Secondly, after what happened today, the inws'' house would have some matters to deal with, it would be inconvenient for them to stay here, so they could only go back first.


    Before leaving, they repeatedly urged their daughter and son-inw to take good care of the child, and send someone to Xiushui Bay to notify them if anything happened.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his wife personally escorted Father-inw''s family to the door.


    Taking advantage of when his wife was talking to her mother, Jiang Wenyuan seemingly casually said to his uncle, "There have been rats at home recently, gnawing and ruining the family heirlooms.


    Although they''ve been temporarily driven away for now, who knows which day they might sneak back.


    Does uncle have any good methods to deal with this rat problem?"


    Lu Pingzhang nced at his brother-inw, his gaze profound, "Just a few rats, no need for my brother-inw to worry. I have plenty of medicine to guarantee I can eliminate the illness."


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, "Then I''ll have to thank uncle for this."


    On the way back, Chen asked her husband, "What riddle were you two speaking just now? What''s all this about rats and medicine, I don''t understand at all?"


    Lu Pingzhang looked at his wife meaningfully, "You''ll understand tomorrow."


    Old Schr Lu nced at his son but just smiled without speaking.


    After the Lu family left, Zhu cried again, confessing guiltily to Lu, "Sister-inw, I really wronged you.


    I didn''t expect my older brother and Luo to be more and more unreasonable after so many years.


    Not only did they ruin precious'' hundred day celebration, but hurt her like this too. I, as her aunt, have let precious down. I really deserve to die..." As she spoke, she cried again.


    Although Lu felt aggrieved in her heart, she also understood this wasn''t Zhu''s fault. Having a brother and sister-inw like that, there was nothing she could do.


    So she patted Zhu on the back tofort her, "Don''t cry anymore, today''s matter isn''t your fault at all. You don''t need to me yourself.


    We have been sisters for many years, I know very clearly what kind of person you are. Moreover, the doctor also said precious was just lightly injured, it''ll be fine after applying the medicinal oil for a few days.


    If you keep crying, I''m afraid our house will flood." She didn''t know before that Zhu could cry so much, crying until her head hurt.


    Lu Yuwan felt sad, she must not let Second Aunt cry again in the future, she really cries too much.


    Lin and Old Lady Hu alsoforted at the side. Old Lady Hu said, "Sister-inw, you''re a good one, this is not your fault. I''m also at fault.


    If not for thinking about that bit of familial face, I should''ve chased them out earlier, then none of this would''ve happened afterward."


    After this, Zhu finally felt a bit better, but was still depressed.


    Jiang Yuqing cried for a while, then fell asleep when she got tired.


    When she woke up, she saw Second Aunt hugging her, eyes brimming with tears apologizing, "Precious, Second Aunt has wronged you.


    Those scum came and not only ruined your hundred day celebration but even injured you. Second Aunt really deserves to die." As she spoke, she cried again.


    "Wah wah, don''t be sad, it''s not your fault, if you want to me then me those bad guys. Don''t cry, I''ll feel heartache if you keep crying."


    Dumplingforted while speaking, and stretched out her two chubby arms, wanting to hug Zhu.


    But her little arms were too short, she could barely reach Zhu''s face.


    She simply changed to using her four chubby dimpled hands to wipe away Zhu''s tears: "There there, Second Aunt, don''t cry.


    Look, I''m fine now, you''ve cried until you look like a rabbit!"


    "Sister-inw, stop crying, look even precious is helping you wipe away your tears." Lu said to her daughter, "Isn''t that right, Mother''s precious!"


    "Yes yes." So please don''t cry anymore.


    "Sister-inw, look even Qingqing feels heartache seeing you like this." Lu handed over her handkerchief, "Hurry and wipe your tears, tidy up. We still have to make dinnerter!"


    Zhu took another look at her daughter-inw''s worried face, then gazed into the bright, innocent eyes of her little grandniece in her arms. She nodded slowly, wiped away her tears, and decided to temporarily set this matter aside for now.


    The day after Jiang Wenyuan''s daughter''s hundredth-day celebration, he had to return to the county school early in the morning. The autumn semester was about to start, and he didn''t dare dy for even one more day.


    Lu was packing the things her husband would need to bring with him tomorrow. Jiang Yuqing felt she should do something for her handsome father too.


    She didn''t know much about the imperial examinations, only that there were tests on poetry, prose, policy proposals, and argumentation.


    Although there were many books in the hospital, most were rted to medicine.


    However, there was a nationally renowned old professor in the Traditional Chinese Medicine department who was a history buff. He had given lectures on the Hundred Schools of Thought and published books.


    His office had a small annex filled with thread-bound books. Perhaps she could go take a look there.


    She didn''t know what she would find, but her search did unearth many treasures.


    There were rare editions of Tang poetry and Song lyrics in traditional Chinese bindings, annotated editions of ssical works by famous authors from each dynasty, and even a booklet containing rubbings of old imperial examination papers from the Ming and Qing dynasties.


    When Jiang Yuqing took these things out, she really shocked her parents.


    But after the previous incident with the lingzhi mushrooms, the couple reacted much more calmly this time.


    Jiang Wenyuan flipped through the books briefly and was overjoyed, as if he had obtained priceless treasures.


    As the child of an impoverished family, he didn''t have easy ess to rare books and ssics like the children of noble families did. Even consulting famous schrs was out of the question.


    For the examinations, all he could do was study diligently on his own. Now his daughter had presented him with annotated works by famous authors that he hadn''t even dared dream of obtaining before. How could he not be thrilled and regard them as invaluable gems?


    Jiang Wenyuan hugged his daughter and smothered her freshly healed little face with kisses, nearly rubbing her skin raw again. "Sweetie, did you get these books to help Daddy with the exams?"


    "Goo goo gah gah!" Yes, they''re for you. Read them carefully, they might be useful.


    "Sweetie, do you think Daddy can pass the exam this time?"


    "Goo goo gah gah!" Daddy, do you think I''m a prophet who can tell the future?


    Whether you pass or not depends on your own efforts!


    Jiang Father: "Oh, if I can pass, that would be wonderful! With my darling''s auspicious words, I hope her daddy can seed as he wishes!"


    Jiang Yuqing: "..." Alright, as long as you''re happy.


    That night, Old Lady Hu came over to give her son some silver for his trip. Jiang Wenyuan told his parents about how his daughter had given him the books. The elderly couple was even more delighted to hear their precious granddaughter had given their son some extremely valuable books. They eximed Jiang Yuqing was a treasure bestowed on the Jiang family by Heaven.


    Meanwhile, after Luo and her dumb husband had been driven out of Xijin ferry that day, they hadin in bed for several days before finally feeling alive again.


    They had just managed to get out of bed when a group of yamen runners burst in, saying someone had used them of trespassing and deliberately inflicting harm. Without further ado, they arrested the couple, hauled them to the county yamen, and each was given thirty strokes of the rod.


    Afterwards they were locked up in the prison for several more days. By the time they were sent home, they only had half their lives left in them.


    Only then did the dim-witted couple btedly remember that Jiang''s third uncle was a clerk at the yamen.


    Realizing this, the couple turned even paler. If only they had known¡ªif only they had kept their distance from the Jiang Family.


    Now they had been retaliated against, and it was toote for regrets.


    After being beaten and jailed, the couple''s reputation waspletely ruined.


    Word was, wagons refused to give them rides to town, afraid of being tainted by these stinking dogs.


    With everything going wrong, the two bickered and fought every day, their lives a mess.


    But no matter how hard things got, they didn''t dare go back to Xijin ferry to court more bad luck. They had truly been frightened into good behavior. Even the thickest skin can only take so much abuse!

 Chapter 9: China National Examination No.01

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    At the end of July, Jiang Wenyuan packed his luggage and prepared to go to the capital city to participate in the autumn imperial examination.


    The autumn imperial examination started on the ninth day of August andsted for three consecutive days on the ninth, twelfth, and fifteenth of August.


    It takes four days to travel from Qingzhou County to Lingzhou Prefecture.


    Jiang Wenyuan and several fellow examinees, led by the headmaster of the county school and an academic official, set off on the second day of August to the capital city for the examination.


    Lingzhou Prefecture is located in the southern part of Daxia and has a warm and humid climate.


    Although it was already autumn in August, the autumn heat was still scorching.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that it was inhumane to have an exam for three days in such hot weather, where eating, drinking, and even going to the bathroom were confined to small rooms the size of a palm.


    Exams are like going to war, and if the logistics cannot keep up, it won''t work. She had to think of a way to prepare something for her dear father.


    Jiang Yuqing''s consciousness delved into the spiritual realm, selecting and organizing, and finally came up with a package of things she believed would be useful.


    A packet of pure traditional Chinese medicine mosquito repellent, with a one-month validity. With this, she wouldn''t fear mosquito bites.


    Two boxes of cooling oil, not only for relieving itching but also for applying to the temples to stimte the brain. They were absolutely essential.


    Since no fires were allowed in the examination room, and only hot water was provided, she also prepared a box of instant noodles with various vors, apanied by pickled vegetables, ham sausages, and braised eggs. It was quick, simple, and delicious.


    Let''s not worry about the nutritional value for now, at least they could have something warm to eat.


    Entering the examination room required strict body searches, and the things that could be brought were limited. These items were sufficient; bringing more would raise suspicions.


    Jiang Yuqing did not remove the outer packaging of the food.


    She was just over five months old and far from speaking.


    The packaging had instructions printed on them, although in simplified Chinese characters, Jiang Wenyuan and Lu, with their intelligence, could easily guess their purpose.


    Sure enough, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife saw this pile of things and, based on the fonts and pictures on the packaging, sessfully guessed the uses of these items.


    While marveling at the magic of these divine objects, they hugged their precious daughter tightly.


    Then, Jiang "Milk Bun" Yuqing was subjected to a shower of affectionate saliva from her parents and even her grandparents.


    Oh my, what a sweet burden it was!


    After the couple''s surprise, they removed the packaging of the food, wrapped them in dried lotus leaves, and then covered them with ayer of oil paper.


    Even the cooling oil was taken out and carefully packed in a miniature bamboo box. A tree that stands out in a forest is bound to be toppled by the wind.


    When it came to protecting their daughter, the couple left no room for error. Or rather, the elders of the Jiang family instinctively concealed the extraordinary aspects of the child.


    On the second day of August, Jiang Wenyuan set off for the capital city amidst the eager anticipation of his family and several ssmates.


    During the Mid-Autumn Festival, while Jiang Wenyuan was in the examination room, faced with a table full of delicious dishes, the adults of the Jiang family were somewhat absent-minded.


    Old Jiang took a sip of strong liquor and suddenly sighed, "I wonder how the third son is doing?"


    Jiang Wenkang put down his chopsticks and said, "If we calcte the time, he just took the third round of exams today. We''ll have to wait until the results are announced, at least until early next month."


    "Mmm!" Old Jiang didn''t say anything and lowered his head to eat his food. Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit gloomy, Jiang Yuqing wanted to liven things up, so she stretched out her little arm towards Old Jiang, asking him to pick her up. "Ah, ah, ah!" Grandpa, pick me up.


    Old Jiang happily embraced his granddaughter and said, "Oh, oh, my precious grandchild,e to grandpa''s embrace!"


    The chubby arms of the little girl held onto Old Jiang''s neck, and her small hands gently patted his shoulder tofort him. "Ah, ah, ah!" Grandpa, don''t worry, everything will be fine.


    Dad is so capable, he will definitely pass the exam.


    Old Jiang was immediatelyforted. His darling granddaughter was so considerate, even at such a young age she knew how tofort him. Unlike those stinky boys who only knew how to bury their heads in cooking.


    Hmph! They have no ambition.


    In the anxious atmosphere of the Jiang family, time came to early September.


    The sweet pomelo in the yard had turned yellow, the branches were weighed down heavily with the fruit.


    Although these fruits were not as big as the one that was harvested on the day Jiang Yuqing was born, they were much better than previous years.


    Afraid that the fruit would break the branches, Old Lady Hu had her sons prop them up with wooden supports.


    These past few days, the children in the family would asionally look up and steal nces at them.


    Old Lady Hu thought it was time to pick them, so as to prevent the children from sumbing to temptation.


    Poking the pomelos was a minor matter, but damaging the pomelo tree was a major concern.


    This old pomelo tree had been nurtured for over thirty years. Every year, it would bear over a hundredrge pomelos that tasted great and could fetch a good price. Even if just one branch was harmed, she would feel heartbroken.


    During dinner, Old Lady Hu announced this news.


    Upon hearing that they could pick the pomelos after school tomorrow, the children in the Jiang family became excited.


    The next day, on the third day of the lunar month, the autumn weather was refreshing. Early in the morning, magpies were singing on the pomelo tree.


    After breakfast, the boys in the Jiang family went to school as usual.


    Old Jiang took his two sons to the fields to weed.


    After the rice harvest, the vacant fields had been nted with peas, fava beans, radishes, cabbage, and some vegetables that could survive the winter. Now, the vegetables had grown, and the grass had also grown tall.


    Old Lady Hu carried a basin of chicken feed to the backyard to feed the chickens, while the three daughters-inw of the Jiang family sat under the pomelo tree with small stools, doing needlework.


    In another month, the weather would turn cold, and they needed to quickly make winter clothes and shoes.


    In previous years, the family was tight on money, and they wouldn''t rece their cotton clothes and quilts for many years. They had long lost their warmth.


    Thanks to the blessing of their little sweetheart at home this year, Old Lady Hu had money in her hands and decided to make new cotton clothes for everyone.


    Jiang Yuqingy in her own baby cradle, listening to her beautiful mother and aunts chatting about family matters, while idly staring at the carvings on the cradle.


    The cradle was specially made by her second uncle. The railing was carved with exquisite flowers and birds, and it was spacious andrge.


    The bottom of the cradle was also equipped with wheels, so it was more like a miniature baby bed than a cradle.


    A few days ago, two small white dots finally emerged from her gums.


    Because of teething, she always felt an itch in her gums and wanted to bite anything she saw, and now she wanted to bite her fingers again.


    Although she felt a bit embarrassed, after struggling a few times, she couldn''t resist her baby instincts.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately felt satisfied as she stuffed her little hand into her mouth, experiencing an inexplicable sense of contentment.


    Oh well, let it be destroyed! Embraceplete decadence! She didn''t care about losing face because no one would mock her anyway.


    "The fruits on this tree look really good!" Suddenly, a voice eximed. Jiang Yuqing listened carefully and realized it was a magpie speaking.


    "Yes, they are indeed good, but unfortunately, the skin is too thick for us to peck open," replied another magpie, sounding somewhat regretful.


    Jiang Yuqing was overjoyed in an instant. It seemed that her ability tomunicate with birds and animals from her past life was still intact.


    "Ah, hello little birds! How are you?" she greeted them cheerfully.


    Startled, the two birds were taken aback upon hearing someone talk to them.


    After taking another careful look, they flew over to Jiang Yuqing lying in the baby crib. They discovered that the scent emanating from this human baby was incredibly pleasant, akin to the breath of Mother Earth herself.


    But she was unmistakably a human.


    One ck-feathered magpie hesitated for a moment, unable to resist the temptation, and flew down from the pomelo tree,nding on the railing of the baby crib.


    With its ck, bean-like eyes, it gazed in astonishment at Jiang Yuqing in the crib.


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." Are you calling me? You can actually understand us talking.


    "Ah, yes indeed! Surprised, aren''t you? Unexpected, isn''t it?" she replied.


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." You are so beautiful, and your scent is delightful, like the life essence of Mother Earth.


    "Ah, yes! I am the most beautiful child in Xijin Ferry," Jiang Yuqing said proudly. "Ah ya ya ya. Can we be friends? I like you."


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." Will you hurt me?


    "Ah ya ya ya. Of course not. We are friends, aren''t we?"


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." Alright then, I''m willing to be your friend. Moreover, I really like you.


    "Ah ya ya ya. My name is Jiang Yuqing, and my family likes to call me ''Sweetie.'' You can call me Qingqing."


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." I don''t have a name. The magpie sounded a bit sad.


    "Ah ya ya ya. How about I give you a name?"


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." Alright, thank you.


    "Ah ya ya ya. Your species is a magpie, so how about I call you Xi Xi?"


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp." Xi Xi? I like that name! From now on, I''ll be called Xi Xi. You''re really kind.


    Not like some human children who always chase and hit us. Many of my friends have been injured by them.


    "Ah ya ya ya!" That''s truly a heartbreaking thing.


    But I promise you, the people in my family will never hurt you.


    When you and your friends are out in the wild, be careful if you encounter mischievous kids with slingshots. Quickly move away from them.


    That way, they won''t be able to harm you. Or better yet, you can bring your other friends to my house to y.


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp!" Alright, I''ll remember that.


    There''s somemotion outside. It seems like many people areing to your house, making noise and banging gongs. I''m a bit scared, so I have to go now.


    "Ah ya ya ya!" Okay, take care of yourself and don''t let the bad people capture you.


    If you can''t find food and your stomach is hungry,e to my house, and I will give you food.


    "Chirp chirp chirp chirp!" Alright. Thank you, Qingqing. I''m leaving now. I wille to visit you often.


    Xi Xi chirped a few times and flew away pping its wings.


    The women of the Jiang family lovingly watched the child in the cradle, dancing and talking to a bird.


    Both sides, one human and one bird, chatted happily.


    No matter how you look at it, this scene feels inexplicably funny, yet surprisingly cute and heartwarming.


    They remained silent and didn''t disturb each other until the magpie flew away.


    For a moment, Lu even suspected that her daughter could understand thenguage of birds. But that was too far-fetched. However, considering the extraordinary qualities her daughter possessed, being able to understand birdnguage didn''t seem like a big deal.


    At that moment, a faint sound of gongs came from outside. Lin said, "It sounds like gongs!"


    Zhu said, "Maybe someone is having a celebration!"


    Just as they were speaking, a flurry of footsteps could be heard from outside.


    Two young men from the same n, drenched in sweat, rushed into the Jiang family''s courtyard and shouted, "Aunties, great news! Our Uncle Wenyan has passed the imperial examination, he seeded!"


    The messenger of good news is about to reach the vige entrance. The vige head sent me to hurry back and deliver the message."


    "Is this true?" Although mentally prepared, when this moment arrived, Lu''s mind went nk, thinking she was dreaming. Her two sisters-inw were dumbfounded.


    "It''s true. He will be at the doorstep soon. The vige head asked you to prepare the wedding gift money!"


    "Alright, I understand!" Lu took a deep breath and reluctantlyposed herself.


    The young man who brought the news said, "Huazi, your grandfather and your two uncles are weeding at the arched bridge. Please go and tell them toe back quickly. Find someone with fast feet to go to Xiushui Bay School and inform my father and the other kids from our family."


    Huazi excitedly said, "I''ll go call my grandpa, and then I''ll go to Xiushui Bay."


    "Good child, when youe back, he will treat you to a drink."


    Huazi happily said, "That''s great! Aunt, I''m going!" After speaking, he turned and ran out, disappearing in no time.


    Lu turned to another short and sturdy young man and said, "Yucai, please go and invite the n leader and a few elders toe over. Find someone quick to help set off fireworks for our family!"


    "Alright, Auntie, I''ll go now. I''ll be the one to set off the fireworks. I enjoy doing that!"


    "Alright, it''s you then!"


    After the two young men left, Old Lady Hu also came out from the backyard upon hearing themotion.


    Upon hearing that her son passed the examination and the official messenger of good news was about to arrive at their doorstep, she became so overjoyed that she didn''t know what to do with herself.

 Chapter 10: Zhongju 02

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Lu eventually experienced the triple joy of her father and husband passing the county exam to be xiucai and her elder brother passing the provincial exam to be juren. Although she was also excited this time, she reacted in an experienced manner.


    She asked her excited mother-inw to watch over the baby in the cradle, and took her two exhrated sister-inws who were too happy for words to set up the tables, make tea, bring out snacks, moving very quickly.


    Just as the preparations were ready, the Chief of Jiang n and several n elders arrived at the Jiang residence, followed closely by Old Jiang and his three sons.


    In their hurry to get back, they hadn''t had a chance to roll down their trouser legs that were pulled up, and Old Jiang had lost one of his grass sandals.


    Father and sons briefly greeted the n chief and elders, then hurried into the house to change their clothes and shoes. Just as they had tidied up, the messenger arrived at their door.


    The two officials bearing the good news both worerge red silk robes.


    One sounded a gong, then the other held up the document and proimed in a loud voice: "Good news - Jiang Wenyuan, son of Old Jiang of Qingzhou County, Lingzhou Prefecture, has gloriously obtained second ce Yuan in this county exam.


    Good news - Jiang Wenyuan, son of Old Jiang of Qingzhou County, Lingzhou Prefecture, has gloriously obtained second ce Yuan in this county exam. We hereby announce this joyous news! Esteemed elders, please ept our congrattions!"


    "Our shared congrattions!" Lu stepped forward and stuffed a bulging bag of coins into the messenger''s hand. "Thank you both for making this trip, pleasee in for a cup of coarse tea."


    As soon as the messenger took it in his hand, his face instantly blossomed into a smile.


    Readilying into the Jiang residence, seeing that tea, fruits and snacks were alreadyid out, his mouth split into an even wider grin. Heplimented the Jiang family profusely, sentence after sentence, until their faces were flushed red.


    While the men talked, Old Lady Hu also regained herposure. She discussed with Old Jiang and his two sons, took out some silver coins and called over some Jiang n members to help buy meat and vegetables to prepare for lunch.


    Without saying anything else, at the very least the messengers bearing good news, vige chief, and Lu''s natal family would have to be treated to a meal. As for the rest, they would treat the whole vige after the third son returned.


    When Schr Lu, Lu''s father, heard that his student and son-inw had obtained second ce Yuan in this county exam, his mustache bristled with excitement.


    After announcing this great news at the academy and dering an afternoon off, he brought along two grandsons and rushed at top speed with Jiang''s seven boys to his daughter''s home.


    By the time they arrived, the Jiang residence was already bustling with peopleing and going, filled with distinguished guests.


    Seeing him enter, everyone quickly stood up to usher him to the seat of honor. As both the father-inw of a juren and a respected teacher, he had to be treated well.


    The entire day, the Jiang residence was exceptionally lively. What''s more, Old Jiang announced that when the third son returned, they would treat the whole vige to wine. Everyone joyfully agreed before dispersing.


    That night after all the guests had left, everyone in the Jiang family was exhausted, but their hearts were filled with joy.


    Jiang Wenyuan passing the provincial exam meant that from then on, the Jiang family name would bepletely transformed, stepping into the ranks of schr families. Among schrs, farmers, artisans and merchants, schrs were the most noble.


    For several consecutive days, the Jiang residence saw streams of peopleing and going. This liveliness reached its peak the moment Jiang Wenyuan stepped through the front door on the sixth day of the ninth month.


    As soon as Jiang Wenyuan entered the front door, he personally set up two stools for his parents to sit on.


    After his parents were seated, he smoothed his robes and knelt solidly on both knees, knocking his head on the ground three loud times. "Father, Mother, your son has lived up to expectations and obtained second ce Yuan in this county exam."


    "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Father is proud of you!" Old Jiang helped his son to his feet, eyes rimmed red. "My son has made something of himself, the ground feels cooler!" Old Lady Hu was already in happy tears.


    After getting up, Jiang Wenyuan also deeply bowed to his two sisters-inw. "Younger brother thanks both elder brothers and sisters-inw for your decade of support. Without elder brothers and sisters-inw, there would be no Jiang Wenyuan of today!" These were his heartfelt words.


    In ancient times, studying was precious. Jiang Wenyuan''s achievement as juren was the result of the entire family tightening their belts to support him.


    Today, Jiang Wenyuan''s bow let Oldest Master Jiang and Second Master Jiang''s couples feel that all their past hardships were worth it. Their third younger brother was a conscientious man who didn''t forget his elder brothers even after bing sessful.


    Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi supported their younger brother up, eyes full of gratification. "Quickly get up, we are brothers by blood. As elder brothers we should support our younger brother, it''s only natural!"


    Jiang Wenyuan also gave a deep bow to Lu, sincerely saying, "Husband thanks wife for working hard these years to manage the household and raise our children. Jiang Wenyuan''s aplishments today could not happen without wife''s efforts." Hearing this, Lu felt both embarrassed and delighted, and tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, making the vige women watching the lively scene rather envious. They secretly thought Lu was blessed with kind inws, a harmonious family, and sessful husband who appreciated her. Isn''t this what women desire in life?


    Jiang Wenyuan also paid his respects to his father-inw and the vige elders before sitting down to chat.


    That day, the Jiangs held a banquet with over thirty tables fully upied.


    Aside from rtives, friends and n members, there were also the academy headmaster, ssmates, and some local gentry who came to congratte them on their own initiative. It was even livelier than Jiang Yuqing''s one month celebration.


    The various gifts from close and distant rtions, both familiar faces and strangers, filled up half a room. Just the mary gifts totaled over 200 taels of silver.


    Even the county magistrate of Qingzhou sent over a gift, giving the Jiang family tremendous face.


    Of course, these social obligations would need to be repaid in the future.


    In this county exam, Qingzhou county had sent six candidates. Although only Jiang Wenyuan seeded, his high ranking of second Yuan exceeded expectations, and could be considered an unexpected joy.


    That night after the guests dispersed, the family gathered in the hall to talk, asking about his experiences during the exam days.


    Jiang Wenyuan took a sip of tea, rather moved as he said, "You don''t know, the exam shed leaked rain, it was very damp, and mold grew in some ces. It was full of mosquitoes, buzzing, and many couldn''t stand being bitten. Some had scratched their faces bloody. Fortunately I had the insect-repelling sachet gifted by Guaibao, which spared me from mosquito bites.


    At mealtimes, others only had hot water and hard steamed buns or stiff glutinous cakes, while I ate noodles. Just soak them in hot water, and they''re aromatic and delicious. Even the exam proctor smelled it and came over.


    After leaving the exam hall, the proctor secretly asked me where I bought the noodles. I said it was something my wife happened to buy from a wandering merchant, but we could never find him again afterwards. That gentleman was quite regretful."


    Just from these few sentences, Jiang Yuqing could discern that instant noodles would be wildly popr in this ancient era.


    Given how prevalent they were in the modern era of abundant food, there''s no way they wouldn''t thrive in this time of scarce food.


    These aren''t difficult to make. Perhaps in the future the Jiang family could specialize in selling instant noodles.


    Exam takers, merchants, escorts, even the military would be steady customers.


    ...Of course for now these were just musings, given her current six month old body. There would be time in the future.


    After a few lively days, the Jiang residence gradually settled down. Butpared to ordinary vigers'' homes, the Jiang household gate was clearly different now.


    First was thend tax. Under the legal code, juren were exempt from tax on 150 mu ofnd.


    Although xiucai were also exempt fromnd tax, it was only 15 mu. Juren enjoyed a full tenfold increase.


    Frankly speaking, even if they did nothing but lease out that 150 mu tax exemption, it would be enough to live worry-free for life.


    No wonder people say, poor xiucai, rich juren.


    The Jiang family originally owned 17 mu ofnd. After discussing, Old Jiang''s family bought another 30 mu, for a current total of 51 mu.


    The remaining 99 mu they nned to distribute to their inws. Oldest daughter-inw Lin''s maternal home ran an escort service and had no farnd.


    Second daughter-inw Zhu''s maternal home did ownnd, but with such a ruthless brother-inw, the Jiangs naturally did not n to give them any.


    Finally, with unanimous agreement from the family, they allocated Uncle Zhu''s 3 mu ofnd for his retirement.


    As for Third Daughter-inw Lu''s family, they already hadnd and both a juren and xiucai, so didn''t need any allocated.


    In total, there were still 96 mu remaining. After some thought, they decided to allocate it to the n.


    There were 47 households of Jiang n members descended from Xijin ferry, so they allocated 2 mu per household, leaving 2 mu which they gave to the most impoverished Granny Yang in the vige.


    Therefore, when the Jiang n chief announced this news to the n, the Jiang n was ted. They all said that the Jiang Wenyuan family had conscience, and didn''t forget to help the n be sessful.


    Thend tax during the Da Xia Dynasty was 30 taxes per 1, which was quite lowpared to other dynasties. But the grain yield was not high at that time. After a year''s hard work, the farmers paid their taxes but hardly had any grain left.


    Two mu ofnd could save at least 20-30 catties of rice each year. Converted to coarse grains and other staples, frugally used, it could feed a family for a month. In a bad harvest year, it could save lives. How could one not be delighted?


    Granny Yang was not a Jiang n member. When she was young, she had fled here with her parents, andter married Yang, a hunter in the vige.


    In his early years, Yang went hunting in the mountains but was attacked by a tiger, leaving behind only orphans and a widow.


    Granny Yang barely managed to raise her son to adulthood and get him a wife. But when the daughter-inw gave birth to their second child, she died due toplications. Less than half a yearter, her son also died in an ident while performing corveebor service.


    Only Granny Yang was left, raising her six-year-old grandson and three-year-old granddaughter. Life was as bitter as gentian.


    If not for the asional help from vigers, they would have perished long ago.


    Granny Yang never imagined that Schr Jiang would exempt her family''s only two mu ofnd. She was overjoyed to the point of tears.


    With the extra grain that year, she no longer had to worry about the children starving. The Jiang family were truly good people!


    The Yangs were destitute, with nothing presentable to offer.


    After some thought, Granny Yang brought the children to the Jiang residence and respectfully kowtowed several times before Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu.


    This shocked the Jiangs. They quickly helped the old woman and children up.


    Granny Yang expressed endless gratitude before she finally wiped her tears and went home.


    When word of this spread, all the vigers gave a thumbs up, praising the Jiangs for their benevolence and righteousness.


    With thend tax exemption arranged, it was time to build a new house.


    The current Jiang residence was barely adequate, being made of mud bricks with a thatched roof. It required repairs every year and still leaked.


    When the rainy season arrived, it would rain outside and drip inside. Over time, the mold grew thick in the corners.


    Now with some surplus wealth, and a son who passed the imperial exam, there were more guests. The ce was bing rather shabby.


    After discussing with his sons, Old Jiang decided to build a grand three-sectionpound, one section for each son.


    It was perfect timing. In a few years, the grandsons woulde of age, marry and have children who would also need living space.

 Chapter 11: Building a House

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing''s big beautiful eyes curved into crescent moons when she heard they were going to build a new house.


    Afraid there might not be enough silver at home, she hurriedly pulled out a bowl-sized spiritual mushroom from the spiritual realm and gave it to Old Lady Hu. Old Lady Hu was so happy she gave Jiang Yuqing a big hug and kiss.


    "Build it, build it, the bigger the better. I also want my own separate room."


    With the matter settled, the Jiang Family busily looked for construction teams and bought materials and furniture. They were extremely busy making preparations.


    Of course, Jiang Yuqing didn''t have much to do with all of this. The little dumpling continued to eat, sleep, and y as usual. asionally outsiders who saw her would call out "Little Miss."


    Ever since passing the county exam, whenever Jiang Wenyuan returned to the vige from outside, even the vige chief would respectfully address him as "Master Jiang" or "Schr Jiang."


    Even when Old Jiang and Granny Hu walked around the vige, no one dared to casually call them "Old Jiang" or "Granny Hu" anymore.


    More respectful vigers would address them as "Old Master" or "Old Madam." At the very least they would call them "Eldest Jiang Brother" and "Sister-in-Law Jiang."


    In short, as long as they were from the Jiang Family, no one dared look down on them when they went out.


    Even vige girls who married out, as long as they mentioned their maternal home was west of the Xijin ferry, others would look at them with more respect.


    However, Jiang Wenyuan himself did not becent because of this.


    Through this exam, he was even more aware of the gap between him and others. He told himself he needed to work twice as hard.


    Thus after staying home for two days, he bid farewell to his wife and daughter and returned to the county school, wholly focused on preparing for next year''s spring exam.


    The school master saw how hard he worked without arrogance or impatience, and was very gratified.


    Afraid he might damage his health from working too hard, after discussing it, the Jiang Family bought a clever 17-year-old youth named A Ping to serve him as an attendant, to help look after his daily needs.


    Although Jiang Wenyuan felt somewhat helpless, he also knew this was his family''s good intentions.


    Moreover, he soon experienced the benefits of having an attendant. At the very least he no longer needed to worry about mundane chores like washing clothes and buying food, saving a lot of time.


    The weather was growing colder and colder.


    In early winter, the Jiang Family''srge manor was also officiallypleted and move-in ready.


    The blue brick tiles, spacious and bright three-section manor was the first of its kind in Xijin ferry, and was quite eye-catching. However, people could only look on with envy, for who would dare to offend a family with a sessful schr?


    Inte winter, it finally snowed for the first time this winter, and it would likely be the only snowfall this winter. Although it was just a thinyer, it still truly delighted everyone.


    The climate in the south was mild and warm. Snow was quite a rare sight in the south.


    At nine months old, the jade-like dumpling Jiang Yuqing had grown even more cute and plump. Dressed in so manyyers, she looked just like a chubby sticky rice ball.


    This chubby ball still could not walk, but she could crawl quite nimbly. At night after taking off her thick clothes, standing while holding on to the bed railing, she could stand steadily for a while.


    However, whenever she wanted to move her feet and try walking, her little short legs extremely uncooperatively made her fall on her butt.


    She was not discouraged either, persisting again and again, falling again and again, bing more determined the more setbacks she suffered.


    Every time Jiang Yuqing fell butt-over-head, Lu would happily watch her daughter, then watch her climb up again, walk again, fall again, climb up again.


    asionally, when her daughter fell over, she would lightly poke the child''s soft little belly, or tickle her chubby little feet, deriving endless enjoyment from this. She even treated this as a funny anecdote to write in letters to her husband.


    Fortunately, the sticky rice ball had an extremely mature and powerful soul inside. On one hand she scorned her mother''s weird sense of humor, while on the other hand she continued to tirelessly work towards the grand goal of independent walking.


    The Lunar New Year in the south started on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    The academy closed for winter break the day before Lunar New Year''s Eve. Jiang Wenyuan also returned from the county school.


    On the twenty-fourth, they did the Lunar New Year''s Eve house cleaning and stove worshiping.


    The Jiang Family''s house and furniture were brand new, so there wasn''t much need for cleaning.


    Even so, tasks like washing bedding, nkets, quilts, as well as New Year sacrificial items still amounted to quite a big job, keeping all the women in the family extremely busy.


    Jiang Wenyuan took on the important task of looking after his precious daughter, while also gathering the group of nephews in the study for lessons and review.


    Of the seven Jiang grandsons, eldest brother Jiang Yujiang was the most steady, with good grades. After honing himself for another two years, he would be able to take the county exam.


    Additionally, third brother Jiang Yuhu and seventh brother Jiang Yuchuan were also quite outstanding.


    Especially Jiang Yuchuan. Perhaps he had inherited his father''s schrly genes, despite his young age, he was the smartest of the seven brothers.


    No matter what, he would remember lessons after the teacher exined just once, and was even able to take examples and apply them widely. He had an exceptional memory.


    With such talent, he naturally was Old Schr Lu''s favorite grandchild, who often gave him extra guidance.


    When Jiang Wenyuan discovered his son''s talent for studying, he was also extremely happy. Whenever he returned home he would keep his son by his side and carefully teach him.


    As for the rest, although their talent for studying was not as good as the first few, they were also very hardworking and decent enough.


    Only second brother Jiang Yuhe was the exception. No one knew which bone he was born contrary, but he got headaches the moment he started reading, only interested in swordy and martial arts. He often dreamed of learning from the chivalrous heroes in storybooks, roaming jianghu in the future to fulfill his ideals of justice.


    As a result, after studying for so long in the academy, he could barely recite half of the Three Character ssic, often earning scoldings from the teacher for being an uncarvable rotten piece of wood.


    As for the little dumpling Jiang Yuqing, when her brothers were studying, she would obediently sit in her handsome father''s arms, staring with wide grape-like eyes, pricking up her little ears, quietly watching and listening without crying or fussing.


    If any of the brothers cked off during lessons, she would call out a few times to remind them to pay attention.


    Her voice was soft and milky. Even if she raised her voice a little, it didn''t sound unpleasant, but made others feel how cute their little sister was.


    At first Jiang Wenyuan thought his daughter was just restless and making noise randomly, as lively children tended to do.


    But over time, he realized she only called out when one of the young ones was distracted or recited incorrectly.


    Only then did he realize his precious daughter might not only be cute, but also extremely intelligent.


    At the very least, she could remember the passages her brothers had read, otherwise how could she urately point out their mistakes whenever the brothers misspoke?


    He held up his daughter to face him, smiling as he teased her, "Is my good baby aware when her brothers read incorrectly, so she reminds them?"


    "Ah ya ya, it''s not me, I didn''t do it, don''t falsely use me! I''m just a little baby who can''t even talk, how would I know this stuff?"


    The little dumpling''s eyes shifted shiftily, deliberately avoiding her handsome father''s eyes.


    Jiang Wenyuan had no intention of letting her off easily. "Then from now on, let good baby be in charge of supervising her brothers'' studying. How about that?"


    "Phbbt..." No way! Dad, you''re exploiting childbor! Is this a job babies should be doing?


    The little dumpling was extremely angry. But looking at the dense spittle constetions she had sprayed on her handsome father''s face, she strangely felt a trace of guilt.


    Ahem, anyway, this baby didn''t do it on purpose, it was just my tongue not listening to instructions. I''ll just give you a kiss as apology.


    And so the little dumpling immediately gave her father a loud smack on the face, making the saliva marks shine even brighter, dazzlingly bright.


    The little dumpling felt even more guilty, and in her guilt pretended to be an ostrich. She ced her little chubby cheek against her father''s shoulder and pretended to fall sleep. Pretending and pretending, she really fell asleep.


    After a while, Jiang Wenyuan finally took out a handkerchief to wipe the spit stars off his face, then stroked the nearly bald little head nestled against his neck, smiling with a foolish infatuated expression.


    As expected, nothing beat the sweetness of a daughter. Even her baby drool carried a milky scent.


    The nephews looked at their father/uncle''s infatuated expression, and unanimously scorned him in their hearts. Of course, they would never admit they were jealous of how long he got to hold their little sister.


    On ordinary days, only the older ones were allowed to briefly hold their sister for a little bit. The younger ones were not even allowed to hold her, afraid theirck of strength might drop her.


    Especially little seventh brother Jiang Yuchuan. He felt particrly aggrieved. As her same birth brother, yet he was not allowed to hold her, truly too excessive.


    Starting from the day Jiang Wenyuan returned home, vigers would steadilye to their door, asking for couplets.


    Jiang Wenyuan was easygoing, so whenever vigers came to make requests, he would write couplets for them. Each couplet cost 20-30 cents depending on the number of characters.


    Back when he was still a schr, this was his price. Now that he was a sessful schr, keeping the same price greatly gave the vigers face.


    After this matter spread, the number of peopleing to ask for couplets grew more and more, and even many from neighboring viges who got wind of it came.


    On the 25th and 26th days, there were especially many people, and Jiang Wenyuan was simply too busy to handle them all. He had no choice but to grab several nephews to help out, and was busy until the time to light themps before he could barely get the couplets written that the vigers wanted.


    He put out word that he would be going out the next couple of days to deliver New Year''s gifts, so if people wanted couplets they would have toe a bitter in the afternoon.


    While Jiang Wenyuan was busy, the rest of the Jiang Family was also busy. They had to wash utensils, buy New Year''s goods, make nian gao and ci ba, as well as rice balls.


    Qingzhou was known for its rice production, and amongst those was a fragrant rice, which when cooked had an exceptionally aromatic fragrance, so much so that there was a saying "One family cooking rice, ten families smell the fragrance."


    The yield of this fragrant rice was extremely low, with only about a hundred catties produced per mu ofnd, so the price was correspondingly high.


    Usually only wealthy households would buy it for New Year''s, to dye it yellow with gardenia fruit and make nian gao, either for their own use or to give as gifts to rtives and friends. Then there was ci ba made by steaming glutinous rice, and rice balls.


    Nowadays, even in a bumper harvest year,moner households could barely fill their bellies, and their New Year''s would be to symbolically buy a couple catties of meat, get a fish, just to feed their mouths. That would already be considered very good. Where would they have the luxury to think about these other things?


    Only when a family married off a daughter, would they make a couple bowls of ci ba as part of the dowry, which was already very prestigious in the countryside.


    Also for New Year''s, the n would pool funds to make a couple bowls to offer ancestors, which was meaningful in its own way. As for rice balls, those were even harder toe by, since they required a lot of sugar and oil.


    For peasant households, they rarely even saw a drop of oil in their rice bowls, let alone oil-fried rice balls. They didn''t even dare dream about it.


    This year, the Jiang Family''s fortunes had turned for the better. Old Lady Hu had generously bought 200 catties of fragrant rice and 300 catties of glutinous rice to make nian gao, ci ba, and rice balls.


    This way, aside from offerings to the ancestral hall and gifts, they could keep some to eat themselves too.


    Making nian gao, ci ba, and rice balls required a lot of manpower that the family itself was not enough for. So Old Lady Hu invited some rtives from the n toe help.


    On the 26th, they made nian gao.


    The fragrant rice was soaked for two days, then rinsed clean and drained of water. Gardenia fruit was boiled to extract the juice to evenly dye the rice a golden yellow. Then it was steamed.


    In less than half a hour, the fragrance of the rice had drifted throughout the entire vige, making adults and children alike swallow their saliva. Even little Jiang Yuqing was enticed by the unique and overpowering aroma, with her little nose twitching.


    Lu smiled and poked her little nose teasingly, "Does my good baby want to eat it too?"


    "Ah ya!" Yes, it smelled too delicious.


    "Little greedy cat! Wait for it, Mother will get you some."


    Soon, Lu came back pinching an extremely small rice ball. Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly lit up when she saw it, opening her mouth wanting to eat it.


    The rice entered her mouth, and that unique, bright, fresh, elegant fragrance instantly exploded in her mouth, making one feel as if they were in the clouds. It was so delicious it made you want to cry, far better than that boastful country''s fragrant rice, which couldn''t evenpare to the dregs.


    The little baby ate up the fragrant rice, still smacking her lips wanting more.


    But Lu would not give her any more: "Although it smells nice, it''s not easy to digest. You''re still young, eating too much will cause indigestion."


    Although Jiang Yuqing felt regretful, she also knew Mother''s words made sense, so she did not insist. There would be chances to eat it againter, no need to rush right now.


    After eating, she pestered to go to the courtyard to watch the nian gao making.


    Lu didn''t have time, so she bundled Jiang Yuqing up well, and had the steady-natured Jiang Yujiang carry her to watch, repeatedly urging her nephew to stand farther from the stone mortar, in case the men making nian gao identally hurt her.

 Chapter 12: All Things Before the Year

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    At this time, a circle of people had already gathered in the courtyard, with both adults and children.


    The children each held a small rice ball and gnawed on it whileughing and watching. They quickly made way for the best spot when they saw Jiang n''s eldest brother carrying his younger sister out.


    The steamed fragrant glutinous rice was bright yellow, with each grain clearly visible. It was poured into a specialrge stone mortar, and three burly men took turns pounding it with wooden mallets, turning it over while yelling rhythmically, "Hei yo, hei yo!" This task required a great deal of experience and strength.


    After pounding for a while, the three burly men switched out for another group to take over hammering. Front to back, it pounded for about two ke/hours.


    The fragrant rice in the stone mortar was then thoroughly pounded into a fine, sticky dough.


    Then the older aunties came over with clean, oiled bamboo sieves.


    They put the pounded dough into arge funnel-like device and used a trapezoidal wooden wedge to press it down.


    The dough was squeezed out from the funnel''s lower circr pipe, forming neat, smooth cylinders.


    Then, using clean scissors wetted with water, they cut it into sections of a certain length andid them out on special wooden boards to dry. Once dried, the rice cakes were finished.


    The freshly made rice cakes were the tastiest, both fragrant and chewy with a nice bounce. But because this food was precious, even though the spectators were drooling, they didn''t dare ask for any.


    Old Lady Hu, however, took the initiative to have some short sticks cut to share with the watching children.


    The process for making zongzi glutinous rice dumplings was simr.


    The premium glutinous rice was steamed until cooked, then pounded in a stone mortar into a fine, sticky dough. Then it was pinched into fist-sized pieces and pressed into shape.


    Making candied fruits was much moreplex.


    After the glutinous rice was soaked, it was washed clean and drained. Then it was ground into a foamy flour. One-fifth was taken out, mixed with water into a dough, pressed into cakes, and cooked in boiled red sugar syrup.


    The cooked dough along with the syrup was poured into the remaining rice flour, mixing into severalrge 10+ jin doughs, and left to ferment for two ke.


    Then it was rolled out with a rolling pin intorge 1 cm thick dough sheets, and cut with a special ruler into 5-7 cm wide noodles.


    Then it was cut into 1 cm wide strips with scissors or a knife, sprinkled onto a cutting board to dry out the moisture, and finally fried in hot oil.


    The Jiang house was filled with alluring fragrances the entire day. The finished rice cakes, zongzi, and candied fruits filled Jiang''s three wing rooms.


    After dinner, Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu called the three sons and daughters-inw to sit together and hold a family meeting to discuss sending out New Year''s gifts.


    Everyone chimed in, and after drinking two pots of tea, they finally came up with a reasonable n.


    First were the gifts for n members.


    There were 47 Jiang n households. Plus Vige Chief Zhao Liuzhi, Qi Doufu, and Granny Yang, there were 51 households total.


    For these families, each would get 5 rice cakes, 5 zongzi, totaling 1 dou. Additionally, each would get 1 jin of candied fruits and 2 jin of meat.


    Over the years, Jiang n had received no small amount of help from their rtives and n members. Now that they themselves were better off, they naturally could not forget everyone else, otherwise it would be forgetting their roots. For example, the Zhao family.


    Zhao Liuzhi and Jiang Wenyuan were childhood friends, with Zhao being 2 years older than Jiang Wenyuan.


    When they were children, Zhao helped Jiang Wenyuan take quite a beating when their vige kids got into a fight with kids from another vige. Later on, he also helped Jiang Wenyuan a lot.


    His family had littlend. During the farming busy seasons when he saw Jiang n was shorthanded, he would oftene over to lend a hand.


    Whenever there was something good, he wouldn''t forget to save some for Jiang Wenyuan. Therefore, Jiang Wenyuan remembered his kindness deeply.


    As for the Qi Doufu family.


    Although the Qi were settlers, they made a good living with Qi''s superior beancurd-making skills.


    Over ten years ago, Old Jiang fell gravely ill and needed an extremely expensive medicinal ingredient to save his life.


    Old Lady Hu took the three sons to borrow money from all the n members, but still could not raise enough money for the medicine.


    When Qi Doufu heard about it, he took the initiative to lend the Jiangs a sum of silver, which allowed them to finally purchase the lifesaving medicine.


    Because of this kindness, Jiang n always treated the Qi family with extra courtesy.


    As for Granny Yang''s family, helping them was purely incidental. A lonely old widow, life was truly hard for them, so lending a hand when possible was simply the right thing to do.


    Second were the three families of inws and Jiang Wenxi''s teacher.


    These four families would each get 2 dou of rice cakes, 2 boxes of zongzi, 5 jin of candied fruits, 5 jin of brown sugar, a whole bolt of fine cotton cloth, a 10 jin vat of wine, 10 jin of pork, and 2 jin of premium tea leaves.


    Since Lu was both a rtive by marriage and the wife of seven children, her maiden family got double the original amount on top of that. Jiang''s eldest and second branches had no objections whatsoever.


    As for Old Hu''s maiden family, Jiang''s eldest brother-inw and sister-inw had passed away less than two years after their only nephew also died from illness.


    The nephew''s wife took their only 3 year old grandson and remarried, and they never heard from them again. It was best not to bring them up.


    Third were the county magistrate, the teachers at the county school, the mountain chief, academic officers, and several honored local gentry families. These families would receive even more substantial gifts.


    Although Jiang n now had a sessful imperial exam candidate, their foundation was still shallow. No matter how they scraped together gifts, they could only managemon local specialties. But Jiang n did not feel this was inadequate at all, and generously gave what they had.


    Firstly, this suited Jiang n''s status; secondly, it avoided any pretense of currying favor. On the contrary, this put both parties at ease.


    The next day, on the 27th day of thest lunar month,


    At first light, Jiang Wenkang took his eldest son Jiang Yujiang, while Jiang Wenyuan took his son Jiang Yuchuan to hitch up therge mule cart boughtst month, and set off for the county seat.


    Besides the New Year''s gifts being delivered to each household, the mule cart also carried Jiang n''s three daughters-inw and little milk dumpling Jiang Yuqing.


    As for Jiang Wenxi, he took the rest of the kids to deliver gifts household by household to the n members.


    The mule cart moved quickly, arriving at the county seat right at Chenshi/7-9am. Although it was still early, the county town was already very lively because of the impending New Year.


    The three daughters-inw took Jiang Yuqing and got off at the town gate to go shopping.


    The two father-son pairs split up to deliver gifts.


    Jiang Wenkang and his son delivered to the other local gentry households, while the county magistrate, county school teachers, and mountain chief had to be personally visited by Jiang Wenyuan. The family agreed to meet back up at this spot at an arranged time, and then went their separate ways.


    Ever sinceing to this world, this was Jiang Yuqing''s first time going out. Naturally, she was very curious about the lively traditional era marketce.


    The streets were paved with blue stone or goose egg-sized cobblestones, just barely wide enough for two carriage to pass side by side.


    The shops lining both sides of the streets were mostly 2-3 story buildings densely packed together.


    Hanging over each shop''s entrance was a sign made of carved wood or calligraphed, or at the minimum a banner hanging from a pole.


    Coupled with the peddlers pulling carts and loudly hawking wares while walking down the streets, it was brimming with old-timey charm and the smoky vour of human life.


    Life was good for Jiang n, and Old Lady Hu was generous. Long ago she had purchased fabrics and cotton and reced everyone''s clothes with new ones.


    Especially for the precious darling Jiang Yuqing of the household. Everything from head to toe was brand new.


    A big red tiger head hat, with a small silver bell dangling from each tiger ear that jingled with the slightest movement.


    A red skirt embroidered with a pattern of hundreds of butterflies dancing around flowers,yered over with a thick matching red cape trimmed with rabbit fur.


    On her feet were equally cute little red tiger head cotton shoes.


    Around her neck she wore a longevity lock ne strung with beads depicting hundreds of butterflies, the chubby hands and feet sporting silver bangles and anklets, which perfectly set off the bright, glistening red lotus birthmark on her forehead, making her look just like a jade doll.


    Therefore, no matter where she went, many people stared at Jiang Yuqing, praising what a good looking child she was, clearly one with great fortune.


    Jiang n''s three daughters-inw browsed through the morning, buying no small amount of items, with the baskets on their backs filled to the brim.


    Even Lu''s back basket held many things. As they passed by the embroidery shop, the women couldn''t help but walk inside. With the new year approaching, the store was packed with customers buying fabrics.


    The moment the shopkeeper saw Lu, she delightedly weed her over, "Oh, sister-apprentice, it''s been awhile!"


    This shopkeeper''s surname was Chen. She was called Aunt Chen or Shopkeeper Chen, a forthright and capable woman.


    Herte husband had been taught by Lu''s father for a few years, so she addressed Lu as sister-apprentice due to this connection.


    Back when life was difficult, Lu woulde to the shop every month to sell embroidered goods, and received a lot of care from Aunt Chen.


    After Lu gave birth to a daughter, her visits became less frequent.


    On one hand, she didn''t have as much free time; on the other, with the family''s situation improving, she no longer needed to do embroidery day and night.


    "These days, there are so many things at home that I really can''t get everything done. I took this chance today when I have time toe see Sister Chen," said Lu.


    "It''s so nice of you toe. I heard your husband passed the imperial exam and became a schr. Now you''re a schr''s wife. After so many years, you''ve finally seeded," Chen said.


    Lu was delighted and replied, "Thanks to Aunt Chen''s blessing, I''m doing quite well now."


    When Aunt Chen saw the chubby baby in Lu''s arms, she happily eximed, "This must be my little niece! Just look at her cute face, she''s as beautiful as the goddess in front of Guanyin statue. She''s so adorable!"


    Like all mothers, Lu was no exception in feeling happy when othersplimented her daughter.


    Although Aunt Chen''s words were just pleasantries, she still felt extremely joyful every time someone praised her daughter.


    "Come on, greet Auntie!" Lu told her to greet the guest politely.


    Jiang Yuqing babbled "Ya Ya" obligingly.


    "Oh my, what a good girl!"


    The three sisters-inw each picked some fabrics, getting ready to bring them as gifts when they returned to Lu''s parental home on the second day of the lunar new year.


    When checking out, not only did Aunt Chen give them the best discount, she also gifted Jiang Yuqing two beautiful pairs of little tiger head shoes embroidered with rice beads.


    Lu tried to decline but had to ept in the end.


    After bidding Aunt Chen farewell, the three left the Embroidery Shop and continued shopping.


    Seeing it was past lunch time, they were all quite hungry.


    Lin suggested finding a ce to grab a quick bite first before filling up their stomachs, then going to wait for their donkey carts at the city gate.


    Most importantly, the child was hungry.


    It was inconvenient to nurse outside, and the baby hadn''t eaten anything for half a day, her little tummy was growling.


    Lu had already heard it rumble twice.


    The child was also sensible, she must have known it was difficult for Mother and didn''t cry or fuss even though she was starving, which made people''s heart ache for her.


    After walking for a while, the sisters-inw saw a dumpling stall on the roadside that seemed to have good business and looked clean. They went over and sat down at a clean table and ordered three bowls of pork dumplings.


    While the owner was cooking the dumplings, Eldest Sister-inw Lin took over Jiang Yuqing and held her on herp, ying with her.


    The nine-month-old chubby baby was quite heavy after being nurtured with good nutrition. It was fine to hold her for a short while but tiring after a long time.


    Holding Jiang Yuqing, Lin weighed her in her hands jokingly, "Our good girl has grown so well, she''s heavy! It''s a good thing you were holding her for so long."


    Lu shyly said, "I only held her, didn''t carry anything. You and Second Sister-inw were the ones carrying all the stuff, you must be the most tired."


    Soon, the dumplings were served. The skins were thin and the fillings were big and tasty.


    Lu wanted to take her daughter back so her sisters-inw could eat. But Lin refused happily, "You eat first, I''ll feed her! Usually I can''t even fight to do this job."


    Zhu piped up, "I''ll help you!" Then she pretended to re fiercely at Lu, "Eat your food, this is none of your business!"


    That was true.


    Ever since Jiang Yuqing started eating solid food, the job of feeding her was basically monopolized by Old Lady Hu. Even Lu as the mother had to stand aside.


    Jiang Yuqing was an extremely easy baby to feed, she was not picky at all and would eat anything given to her. She ate mouthfuls eagerly and with great appetite.


    When happy, her chubby arms would subconsciously sway around. The silver rattles on her wrists would chime crisply with her movements.


    Just then, a brash voice called out, "Nanny, I want that rattling bracelet!"

 Chapter 13: The Beating was not deserved.

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    Everyone followed the voice and saw a six or seven-year-old boy. In front of him was a bowl of wonton, and an olddy with patched sleeves was lovingly feeding him.


    The boy had a fat and arrogant face, with his already small eyes squinted by the excess flesh. Judging from their attire, their family didn''t seem wealthy. It was quite a skill for him to be raised in such a manner.


    The olddy followed her grandson''s finger and saw the "extremely luxurious" little girl in Lin''s arms. She couldn''t help but sneer and said to her grandson, "Alright, alright, alright. I''ll buy it for you when we go back."


    The mischievous child insisted, "No, I want it now. I want that kid''s bracelet. Go get it for me!"


    The olddy felt somewhat helpless, but her grandson was the only treasure in their family, and she couldn''t bear to see him unhappy.


    She immediately put down the bowl and said in a gentle voice, "Alright, alright, I''ll go get it for you."


    Saying that, she got up and headed towards the table where the Jiang family was seated.


    The bizarre conversation between this peculiar pair of grandmother and grandson was clearly heard by the Jiang family, and their brows furrowed in response.


    Jiang Yuqing quickly turned around and hid his chubby little hand in his eldest aunt''s embrace, tilting his head slightly as he vigntly observed the situation. Quite cunning!


    The olddy approached Lu and wore a big smile on her face as she said, "Um, youngdy Lu."


    "My grandson really likes the bracelet in your daughter''s hand. Can you lend it to my grandson to wear for a while? We''ll return it to youter."


    Lu frowned and was about to refuse, but her sister-inw, Lin, raised an eyebrow and interrupted, "Oh! I must say, olddy."


    "I''ve seen plenty of beggars on the street, but this is the first time I''ve heard of borrowing a bracelet."


    Granny Tan felt embarrassed and said, "Well, my grandson really likes it."


    "Besides, I''m not keeping it forever. What harm can it do to borrow it for a while?"


    Lin sneered, "What harm? Well, I quite fancy your family''s silver! How about you lend me a hundred or one hundred and eighty taels, and I''ll return it after using it?"


    Upon hearing this, Granny Tan furiously raised her triangr eyebrows and retorted, "Spit! Even if my family doesn''t have a hundred or one hundred and eighty taels, why should I lend it to you, a non-rtive?"


    Her shameless remark truly amused Lin, who loudly proimed, "If that''s the case, why should I lend my bracelet to you? Just because you have a big face?"


    This remark drewughter from the surrounding guests.


    A red-faced man sarcastically remarked, "Isn''t she known for having a big face? They call her Granny Tan Big Face!"


    Another old woman chimed in, "I think calling her shameless suits her better!"


    Hearing these words, the women of the Jiang family immediately understood, realizing that this was a despicable person.


    Granny Tan, feeling utterly humiliated, turned to the people around her and cursed, "What business is it of yours if I lend my things? Meddling in others'' affairs while you loaf around!"


    Then, she turned her head and spat at the Jiang family, as if trying to make up for her loss, "Bah! I won''t lend it, who cares! Just a girl who brings misfortune, dressed so well but not afraid of never growing up."


    This remark was truly cutting.


    Lu, who had been observing silently, suddenly erupted with a loud "Ah!" and grabbed the bowl on the table, smashing it onto Granny Tan''s head with a loud crash.


    Before she could react, Lu raised her hand and pped Granny Tan''s face repeatedly, causing her to scream in pain.


    Lu was furious and cursed while she continued to hit Granny Tan: "I''ll p you to death, shameless old hag! You ate shit this morning and spew nonsense with a mouthful of feces. My daughter is so young, how dare you curse at her? Are you even qualified to insult her? Who do you think you are?"


    Jiang Yuqing was dumbfounded as she witnessed her usually gentle mother reveal such a fierce and dominant side. Her fighting power was off the charts.


    Therefore, one should never underestimate a mother''s love for her child. Once you cross their bottom line, they can transform from a gentle and harmless cat into an enraged mother lion, tearing apart anyone who dares to harm their child.


    Clearly, Lu was one of them.


    Although Lu was usually gentle, she was still young and currently in a state of rage. When she started to use force, she showed no mercy. The loud pping sounds were painful to listen to.


    Zhu had initially thought about stepping in to help, but when she saw the overwhelming fighting power of her sister-inw, she immediately retracted her foot.


    She calmly watched the spectacle while protecting her sister-inw and the child in her arms.


    The one-sided beatingsted for about a dozen moments, during which a table was knocked askew, and several chairs were overturned.


    If it weren''t witnessed with their own eyes, who would believe that Granny Tan, who once ruled over half the county, waspletely defenseless against Lu''s seemingly weak attacks?


    For a moment, the street was filled with Granny Tan''s cries for help: "Save me! She''s killing me! Someone help this olddy!"


    Unfortunately, this despicable wretch was usually arrogant and shameless, earning herself the title of "the malignant tumor of the West City."


    She had offended everyone in the neighborhood.


    The onlookers couldn''t wait to kick her themselves and had no intention of intervening.


    As for her grandson, who was as fat as a pig, he didn''t lift a finger to help his grandmother. Instead, he immediately hid himself, without a trace.


    Although the stall owners didn''t like Granny Tan either, they were afraid of getting involved in a real problem that they couldn''t handle. They hurriedly found the patrolling officers to restore order. Finally, the two women were separated amidst the chaos.


    When Granny Tan saw the officers, she clung to one of them as if he were her own father: "Sir, please help me! This olddy is about to be killed by her!"


    This inexplicable attack came out of nowhere."


    Granny Tan''s face was swollen and bruised from Lu''s brutal reprimand. Her face and body were covered in messy soup, with specks of coriander scattered on top.


    Her appearance was truly unbearable to look at.


    Granny Tan cried, her snot and saliva aplete mess, staining the officer''s face.


    Even after pushing her twice, he couldn''t get her off. In the end, unable to bear it any longer, he kicked her hard, causing Granny Tan to fall t on her face.


    "It''s you again!" The officer was thoroughly disgusted by the soup and snot on his clothes. He thought that he would definitely need to fumigate himself with mugwort leaves when he got home to ward off bad luck.


    This damn old hag, today was theirst shift before the new year, and she had to cause trouble for them.


    In a little while, they would inquire about the reason, and if it turned out to be her causing trouble, they would make her regret it.


    The eyes of the crowd were keen.


    Before the women of the Jiang family could speak, the onlookers were already discussing the matter in great detail.


    The constable turned his head and observed the attire of the Lin family. It didn''t look like they were ordinary peasants.


    The little girl being held was particrly adorned with jewelry, looking quite affluent.


    He asked, "Where are you all from? How did you end up in conflict with this old woman?"


    Lu adjusted her disheveled hair and straightened her clothes before saying, "Respected sir, we are from Xijin Ferry."


    The constable was taken aback and asked cautiously, "Xijin Ferry? Do you know Jiang Schr?"


    Lu raised her head, her pretty face still bearing traces of blood, and said proudly, "Indeed, he is my husband!" Lu then pointed to Lin and Zhu, saying, "These two are my sisters-inw, and this is my daughter."


    The constable was startled and quickly bowed, saying, "So you are Madam Jiang and the two sisters-inw. I apologize for my earlier rudeness. How did you end up in conflict with this troublemaker?"


    As soon as this was mentioned, Lu became infuriated: "We don''t even know her. We were simply having a meal peacefully when she came up demanding my daughter''s bracelet for her grandson to wear. We refused, and she started insulting my daughter, calling her a worthless girl who would bring only losses. She even cursed my daughter, saying she would never grow up."


    Lu choked with emotion as she continued, "If she had insulted me, I could have endured it and let it pass. It wouldn''t have mattered. But how dare she insult my daughter? Is it something she can do to my precious child?"


    Well, it turned out that this old woman was the source of all the trouble.


    Once the cause and effect were made clear, the constable no longer wasted words.


    With a stern face, he said, "Granny Tan, you demanded something and cursed someone''s child. You even distorted the truth and made false usations. Do you know that falsely using someone can lead to punishment?"


    Granny Tan was startled and stammered, "I-I didn''t make false usations. She hit me first and even dumped a bowl of noodles on my head. Look, look at all the bruises on my body. She shouldpensate me for medical expenses. I don''t want much, just twenty taels!"


    The constable chuckled with anger, "Who made you insult someone''s child first? Even if I beat you to death, it would be justified! And you have the audacity to ask forpensation? I think you''re really itching for a beating. If you dare to cause trouble again, I''ll take you away directly!"


    After saying that, he drew his sword with a "swish."


    Granny Tan, seeing the gleaming de, was almost scared out of her wits.


    She was used to being domineering and unruly, but only towards ordinary folks in the neighborhood. She would never dare provoke officials or wealthy households.


    Never did she expect that today she would kick a metal te, stirring up trouble with a schr''s family.


    She knew that she wouldn''t gain any advantage today, so she turned to leave.


    But the stall owner blocked her path and said sternly, "Hold on, you can''t leave without paying. Five wen for a bowl of wontons!"


    Granny Tan didn''t dare linger any longer. She swiftly took out fiverge coins, tossed them onto the table, and pushed her way through the crowd, running away.


    Only a chorus of disapproving murmurs remained.


    Seeing that there was no more excitement to be had, the crowd quickly dispersed.


    Lu let out a sigh of relief, feeling that the sky had cleared up a lot.


    She handed a small purse to the yamen officers and apologized, "It''s almost New Year''s, and I''m sorry to trouble both of you."


    "It''s freezing cold. Please have a bowl of hot wonton to warm yourselves up and ward off the cold. Please don''t refuse!" she said with sincerity.


    The two officers pretended to decline for a while but eventually epted the offer, politely bidding farewell and leaving.


    This woman was the wife of the newly appointed schr, Jiang Schr, and the younger sister of Master Lu, who worked at the yamen.


    Jiang Schr was currently having a pleasant conversation with the county magistrate at the county yamen. They mustn''t offend him.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at her mother''s disheveled hair and bruised face, feeling both heartbroken and touched.


    She struggled to have Lu brought back and hugged her tightly, kissing andforting her with affectionate words.


    The people around witnessed this scene and marveled at the child''s thoughtfulness, saying that even at such a young age, she knew how to care for her mother.


    Indeed, she was a child from a schr''s family, truly intelligent.


    After this incident, the women of the Jiang family lost interest in continuing their shopping spree.


    Theypensated the vendor with 300 wen aspensation for disrupting their business.


    Since they had purchased almost everything they needed, they decided to take their belongings and wait for the agreed meeting ce near the city gate.


    After Lu and the others left,


    In a private room on the second floor of a tea house across from the wonton stall,


    Several well-dressed men leaned against the window, watching the excitement unfold. They returned to their tea table and continued discussing the recent events.


    A well-fed out-of-town merchant wearing a fur cloak expressed his confusion, "Although that old woman was talkative, it was truly excessive to beat someone like that. I don''t see anything exceptional about the family upbringing of a schr like this."


    The local wealthy gentleman sitting across from him smiled and shook his head, "Sir, you''re mistaken.


    This Jiang Schr is the second-ce winner in this year''s provincial examination in Lingzhou Prefecture. His knowledge, character, and family background are impable.


    His wife alsoes from a schrly family.


    The reason she became so furious today must have struck a nerve."


    "Oh, could it be that the Jiang familycks male heirs?"


    The local wealthy gentleman shook his head, "On the contrary. The Jiang family has eight grandchildren, and among them, seven are grandsons. Their family line is flourishing."


    "Why is that?"


    The local wealthy gentleman exined, "You''ve hit the nail on the head. The old woman just now cursed the only granddaughter of the Jiang family, who is also the youngest."


    "I see. So, this young girl is highly favored in the family?"


    The local wealthy gentleman took a sip of tea and said, "It''s more than just being favored. It''s safe to say she''s the apple of their eye."


    The out-of-town merchant became skeptical, "Isn''t that a bit excessive for a young girl? No matter how much they dote on her, she shouldn''t surpass the male descendants."


    The local wealthy gentleman responded, "If it were an ordinary family, you would be right. However, the Jiang family is different."


    The out-of-town merchant''s interest was piqued, "Don''t keep me in suspense. Tell me straightforwardly, what makes them different?"


    The local wealthy gentleman exined, "To understand this, we need to go back to the Jiang family at Xijin Ferry.


    The Jiang family has been established here for over two hundred years since the previous dynasty. They have prospered for ten generations, with several hundred family members. Their family line is flourishing.


    But here''s the peculiar thing.


    The Jiang family seems to have either received the excessive favor of the heavens or their ancestral burial ground is located in an unusually auspicious ce, as it is truly a case of having too many sons and not enough daughters.


    Two hundred years have passed, and not a single baby girl has been born; they are all boys.


    You and I are both business people, and we understand the value of rarity.


    The same principle applies to human beings.


    While others hope for sons, the Jiang family longs for daughters.


    Perhaps the heavens have finally smiled upon them. In the spring of this year, Mr. Jiang''s wife, after carrying the pregnancy for ten months, gave birth to a baby girl.


    The one you just saw.


    At that time, it caused a sensation throughout the county.


    Qingzhou had been suffering from a prolonged drought, and it seemed that the spring nting would be dyed. However, as soon as this child was born, heavy rain poured down from the sky amidst thunder and lightning.


    Thanks to this, the spring nting was able to proceed smoothly.


    At that time, Mr. Jiang was still a schr, and his family''s circumstances were quite ordinary.


    In order to hold a full month banquet and seek blessings for the newborn girl, the Jiang family even considered using the money intended for their son''s examination expenses.


    Several gentlemen from the Jiang family went up the mountain, hoping to try their luck and perhaps hunt some wild game to exchange for silver.


    However, they failed to catch any wild game, but unexpectedly came across a bowl-sized Ganoderma lucidum. Theyter sold this Ganoderma to He''an Medicine Hall.


    ording to what I heard from a youngd at He''an Medicine Hall, this Ganoderma was promptly sent to the capital overnight. You can imagine how precious it was.


    There were rumors that the baby girl was born with good fortune.


    Sure enough, not long after her birth, her father, Schr Jiang, sessfully passed the imperial examination and became the second-ce schr.


    Next year, he is expected to pass the advanced examination and secure an official position.


    This baby girl is undoubtedly the treasure of the entire Jiang family. She is handled with utmost care, as if afraid of dropping her or melting her if she were held or even mentioned.


    That old hag who cursed someone''s eyes, didn''t the longevity star hang himself and seek death?


    In my opinion, they deserve every bit of the beating they received!"


    The out-of-town merchants were astounded and eximed, "Oh my, this is truly a remarkable story!


    If it''s true, then that woman''s beating was well deserved..."

 Chapter 14: Upper Genealogy

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Having left, the Jiang women didn''t know at all that in other people''s mouths, their family had already be legendary.


    Even if they knew, they probably wouldn''t care.


    They went to the agreed ce, and after waiting not long, they saw a carriage rushing over, then stopping in front of them with a cry.


    It was Jiang Wenyuan and his son.


    Jiang Wenyuan had heard the news at the county government, saying that the women of his family had been bullied. His wife had even fought with that shrew.


    He knew his wife''s disposition was gentle and soft.


    Usually she had never quarreled with anyone, but today she was fighting publicly on the street, so the other side must have done something particrly excessive.


    The Qin county magistrate was also a sympathetic man. As soon as he heard the news, he immediately ordered a carriage to take them over.


    As soon as Jiang Wenyuan got off the carriage, his gaze urately locked onto his wife.


    Seeing his usually dignified and gentle wife now with disheveled hair, tangled clothes, and even several torn ces.


    On her fair and beautiful face were several deep scratch marks, now oozing blood. She waspletely disheveled.


    And their precious daughter still had undried tears on her face, looking up at her mother''s injured face, blowing at it, as if that could blow away the pain.


    With just one look, Jiang Wenyuan''s heart was broken. He quickly took off his cloak and covered his wife with it.


    Seeing her husband, Lu went from a protective lioness to a weak little white flower in an instant, with tears flowing before she could speak.


    This made Jiang Wenyuan''s heart ache. He hurriedly hugged his wife into his arms, gently patting and coaxing her, just like coaxing their darling daughter.


    Lu''s antics really made the two sisters-inw next to her dumbfounded.


    They finally knew that this third couple had been married for many years and had two children, but were still as affectionate as newlyweds. So that was the reason!


    The two sisters-inw looked at each other with understanding. They decided to have an in-depth discussion with their third sister-inw about "managing her husband" when they got back, regarding this academic issue.


    After Lu hadpletely calmed down and wiped away her tears, Jiang Wenyuan thanked the coachman and sent away the carriage.


    Since Dad was back, he didn''t have anything else to do. Jiang Yuqing sneakily handed Dad a tube of erythromycin ointment, signaling him to apply it to Mother, saying that such a beautiful face couldn''t be left with scars.


    Jiang Wenyuan had long established considerable tacit understanding with his daughter. Taking advantage of his sleeve''s cover, he quickly hid the ointment in his sleeve, then patted his daughter on the head.


    He used a handkerchief to wipe his wife''s face clean and apply the medicine.


    As for what medicine it was, the couple tacitly didn''t ask. It must be fine if their darling daughter gave it.


    After applying the medicine, Jiang Wenkang and his son Jiang Wenyuan came back driving a mule cart. Seeing the situation of their younger siblings, they were quite shocked. They hurriedly asked Lin what had happened.


    Lin simply told them what had happened.


    Jiang Wenkang was so angry that the veins on his forehead popped up. He immediately picked up a rod to turn back and settle ounts with that shrew.


    But Jiang Wenyuan stopped him, "Eldest brother, don''t be impulsive yet.


    That shrew is just a rotten pot, while we are fine porcin. What''s the point of fine porcin bumping a rotten pot?


    Anyway she didn''t get the upper hand this time. If she causes trouble again in the future, we can settle it then, it won''t be toote."


    Jiang Wenkang thought this was reasonable. Moreover, the New Year was almost here, better to let some things go, and remember this grudge first to settle itter.


    Besides, his darling daughter was a fairy who descended to earth. How could a stinky old shrew curse her?


    When they got home and told the family about this, Old Jiang and the others were furious again.


    On the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, they went to give New Year gifts to their inws.


    Lin, the wife of the eldest branch, had already brought gifts to her maternal home in the county seat yesterday.


    When Jiang Wenyuan and his wife of the third branch went back to her maternal home, they brought all eight of their children along. It was both to bring New Year gifts and to let the children pay New Year respects to their grandfather.


    For the second branch, Jiang Wenxi and his wife personally drove an oxcart, carrying a full cart of gifts back to Zhu''s maternal Uncle Zhu''s home in Tongluo Ping Vige.


    They first went to Jiang Wenxi''s master''s home to deliver New Year gifts and sat for a while. Then they went to Uncle Zhu''s home.


    This made Uncle Zhu''s family extremely happy. They didn''t care about their niece''s small gifts. As long as their niece remembered them in her heart and came back to see them asionally, they were satisfied.


    The couple apanied the elders in chatting for half a day. They also ate lunch at Uncle Zhu''s.


    When leaving, Zhu''s cousins pressed half a basket of bright orange tangerines and a bag of jujubes onto their oxcart, for them to bring back and eat.


    Until they left, Zhu didn''t even nce at the nearby courtyard that she had once thought was home. This showed she had truly given up.


    The news that Zhu and her husband brought back a cart full of valuable New Year gifts spread throughout the vige very quickly.


    Everyone said Uncle Zhu''s family were good people with good fortune. At the same time, they didn''t forget tough at Zhu Dazi and Luo.


    Zhu Dazi and Luo naturally also heard about it. Although they hated it through gritted teeth, they didn''t dare make trouble for Uncle Zhu''s family, let alone make trouble for Zhu.


    They still had fresh memories of those two beatings.


    Every time they recalled it, they only felt their bones still ached.


    Now the Jiangs had also produced a sessful imperial examination candidate, so they didn''t dare provoke them even more.


    Other than sulking by themselves and cursing secretly, there was nothing they could do.


    Busy and bustling, it was soon the 30th day of the 12th lunar month.


    Early in the morning, the Jiang elders got up and busily killed chickens, chopped meat, and sliced fish.


    ording to custom, in the afternoon at the hour of wei (1-3 pm), all the n members would offer sacrifices at the ancestral hall.


    Because of the imperial examination candidate from the n this year, the offerings were several times more than previous years.


    There was a whole suckling pig roasted, steamed pork with lotus leaves, a whole red braised big grass carp, roasted chicken, roasted duck, etc.


    Plus other fried dishes, a whole vat of wine, cakes and pastries, dried fruits, and even arge te of big red apples that came all the way from the north.


    Including the rare suckling pig and red apples, these were all provided by the Jiang family.


    Seeing such abundant tributes, the smiles made the old n chief and elders'' eyes crinkle into slits.


    Not only because the ancestors could enjoy such a good offering, but also because these tributes would be divided among the families after being disyed, so they could also get a share of the light.


    At the hour of wei, it was time for the Jiang n members to make sacrifices to the ancestors. ording to the rules, the n''s men, led by the n chief and elders, would all gather in the inner hall of the ancestral temple to kowtow three times to the ancestors. The women would all kneel and bow in the outer hall of the temple.


    After the n members had finished paying respects, the newborns of the n this year would all be carried into the inner temple by elders to kowtow to the ancestral spirit tablets and be entered into the genealogy.


    There were nine newborns in the Jiang n this year, excluding two that died young. Jiang Yuqing was one of them.


    Dressed up Jiang Yuqing baby was carried into the inner temple hall by her father Jiang Wenyuan, witnessed by all the n members. She kowtowed three times to the ancestral spirit tablets.


    After the three kowtows, the white-haired old n chief opened the thick genealogy book. Below the names of Jiang Wenyuan and Lu, next to Jiang Yuchuan''s name, he solemnly wrote the three characters "Jiang Yuqing".


    Next to it, he wrote in small characters: (Qingzhou County Jiang n of Bixi Hall, first daughter since the opening of ancestral temple).


    Seeing her own name written solemnly on the yellowed paper, Jiang Yuqing felt somewhat hot in the eyes.


    Her heart felt full, warm, and overflowing.


    If she had to find an appropriate definition for this feeling, she thought it was a sense of belonging.


    Even in her previous life''s modern society that touted gender equality, in many ces girls still could not be entered into the ancestral tablets.


    But here, in this backward feudal era, her name was solemnly recorded in the genealogy by the n members.


    It could be said that as long as her name was still in this genealogy book, no matter whether she married out in the future, as long as she wished, she could be buried back here after her centennial birthday, buried in the Jiang ancestralnd.


    This was the backbone the n members gave her!


    Her family loved her, and the n members also loved her!


    She was rooted.


    She swore that in the future, she would also do her utmost to reciprocate the n members for this heavy and cherished love.


    After the ancestral offering ended, the tributes were divided among the n members. The Jiang Yuqing family also got a small portion.


    The Jiang family was not short of food, so Old Jiang took the initiative to give it to a family with more children.


    The focus after that was the New Year''s Eve dinner.


    There were sixteen people and a servant boy called Aping in the Jiang family, making seventeen people in total. The adults and little Jiang Yuqing ate at one table, and the seven boys of Yuqing¡¯s generation and servant boy Aping ate at another.


    The dishes on both tables were the same, with chicken, duck, fish and meat of all kinds, extremely abundant.


    It was just a pity that little Jiang Yuqing could only look at most of it. Apart from half a bowl of defatted chicken soup and shredded chicken legs, and two small meatballs, she was not allowed to eat anything else.


    There was a buzz of chatter andughter in the room, very lively.


    After finishing the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner and cleaning up, the adults prepared tea, seeds and snacks, getting ready to stay upte.


    Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu took out a small basket of red envelopes and started giving out New Year''s money to their grandsons. This was the happiest time for the children.


    The boys each got one hundred wen. In the past this was unimaginable. So the boys were all very satisfied.


    When it came to little Jiang Yuqing, Old Lady Hu directly gave her a gold ne with a ruyi gold lock. This made the boys very envious.


    However, envious as they were, none of them grew resentful. They all felt that their little sister was the family¡¯s treasure, and it was only right that she got the best things in the family.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that her brothers were all sensible. s, as a little baby she didn¡¯t have any money of her own, so even if she wanted to give them New Year¡¯s money she couldn¡¯t. Oh well, there would be time in the future.


    The children were all growing, and before midnight they were all too tired to stay up and went to sleep. As for little baby Jiang Yuqing, she had long fallen asleep in her mother''s arms, not knowing whether it was tonight or tomorrow night.


    Lu looked at her daughter''s chubby sleeping face and felt that no amount of doting was enough...


    The next day was New Year''s Day.


    Every family in the vige started visiting each other to pay New Year''s greetings. Jiang Wenyuan had be a sessful imperial examination candidate, so his status in the vige was unmatched.


    Therefore, not long after breakfast, rtivesing to pay respects filled Jiang¡¯s living room.


    The boys of the household were busy serving tea, refreshments and fruit to the guests.


    As for little baby Jiang Yuqing, her job was to sell her cuteness. Whenever someone praised her for being cute and pretty, she would give them a big smile, until she couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open anymore and fell fast asleep.


    Such a quiet, well-behaved little baby charmed everyone in the vige.


    They all said that Lu was fortunate, with good looks, good birth, a good marriage, and even her daughter was more precious than others'' sons. Ordinary people really couldn¡¯tpare.


    On the second day of the new year, married daughters returned to visit their natal families.


    This was the day that daughters-inw of the Jiang n envied the most every year.


    Because there were no married daughters in the n, they didn¡¯t have to worry about which daughter-inw should stay home to receive returned daughters, or even argue over it.


    Everyone could happily and freely return to their natal families.


    However, people''s sorrow and joy do not coincide.


    Precisely because the young people had all returned to their marital homes with their children, this day was also the quietest for the Jiang n¡¯s elders, who felt loneliest.


    For example, only Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu were left in Jiang¡¯s family.


    At lunchtime, Old Jiang looked at the full table of dishes and the empty chairs around it, and felt utterly unmotivated. He sighed, "It would be good if we also had a daughter who could return home."


    Old Lady Hu red at him and bluntly said, "It''s still daytime, what are you dreaming about?"


    Old Jiang red back at his old wife, and reasoned, "Why can''t I dream? I don''t have a daughter, but I have a granddaughter. My granddaughter is so outstanding, she will surely find a satisfactory husband in the future. When she gets married, won''t she be able to return home on the second day of New Year?"


    Old Lady Hu sneered, "You really are a good grandfather. Our precious girl is so little, yet you already have ns for her. You just get more outdated as you get older."


    After being ridiculed by his old wife, Old Jiang was instantly short of breath, and his voice became much softer. "I''m just thinking about it, what''s wrong with thinking?"


    "Fine, nothing''s wrong with it. So just shut your mouth and eat more, try to live until the day our precious girl can return home."


    Old Jiang: "..."


    Life was unbearable.

 Chapter 15: The Only Good Day in the First Half of the Year

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    At fifteen, this year could be considered over. Going further, it entered February.


    When startled in early spring arrives, warm spring breezes send warmth, and spring returns to the earth. Inside and outside the vige, in front of and behind houses, patches of new green, fragrant flowers everywhere.


    There is a poem that says: "Unknown who cut out the delicate leaves, the spring breeze in February like scissors."


    Another poem says: "Late spring mountains beautiful, spring breeze, fragrant flowers and grass..."


    From ancient times to the present, whether literati ormon people, they have some bias towards spring among the four seasons.


    Because spring is the season of hope.


    After being startled in early spring, vigers began to repair farm tools, dams and ditches, preparing for the uing spring plowing.


    The Jiang Family people prepared farm tools while busily preparing luggage for Jiang Wenyuan who was about to go to the capital for the imperial examination.


    Jiang Yuqing was already eleven months old. She could yell Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Granny, and some simple words. She was trying hard to practice walking.


    Her little short legs were a bit out of control, and she wore a lot, so walking was staggering, stumbling like a clumsy penguin.


    The clumsy penguin had a good temper. She didn''t cry or make trouble when she fell down. Even if she fell over, she still got up and continued walking. She was an extremely easy-to-care-for good baby.


    In the words of her granny, "This child came to repay kindness."


    A couple of days before leaving, when there were only parents in the room, Jiang Yuqing pretended to take out a pile of boxes and bottles from her clothes pocket.


    These were medicines. In addition to the cool oil fromst time, there were also medicines for colds, fever, diarrhea, and even traumatic medicines like Yunnan Baiyao and gauze for first aid.


    "Medicine, Dad, no, sick." Her undeveloped little body struggled to speak.


    In fact, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife both knew that their daughter''s clothes pocket was empty.


    But seeing the "magical medicine" piled up like a hill out of thin air, although not the first time they had seen their daughter''s skills, the couple still felt terrified.


    Jiang Wenyuan stroked his daughter''s soft little head with aplex expression and asked worriedly, "Good baby, is it hard for you to conjure up so many things? If it''s difficult, don''t make them.


    Dad doesn''t want you to hurt yourself to make things. Even without these, Dad can still take good care of himself. Don''t worry, good baby, okay?"


    Jiang Yuqing felt warm inside. Seeing these "treasures", her parents'' first reaction was not joy, but concern that she might be hurt as a result.


    She once again felt that children with parents were so fortunate. Such parents, she was willing to love them with her life.


    "A lot of medicine. Dad, no, worried!" The original owner had a lot. Use it, Dad, don''t worry!


    She took out some food. Milk, bread, instant noodles, self-heating hot pot and self-heating rice.


    There was also a variety of beef jerky, spicy sauce like Lao Gan Ma that was easy to carry.


    Even peanut melon seeds cookies and other snacks were avable. Eat on the way, convenient and delicious, just change the packaging and who would know.


    "Eat food!" Seeing his precious daughter''s innocent soft little face, Jiang Wenyuan felt both happy and worried.


    He was happy that his daughter had such great abilities, and worried that he could not protect such a capable daughter.


    He swore in his heart more than once that in the future he would definitely pass the imperial examination and embark on an official career. Only when he became an official and had power and influence could he better protect his daughter.


    Jiang Yuqing also prepared several pouches of spiritual spring water. Although this water could not reach the point of bringing the dead back to life and rejuvenation, it could still strengthen the body.


    In addition, there were several hundred-year-old ginsengs, at least five hundred years old, which could be called a natural treasure.


    This stuff was hard currency. Even with money, there was nowhere to buy it.


    The Jiang family had been poor farmers for generations, and had too little silver. Her taking out this stuff meant that Jiang Wenyuan could use it for connections. If it really came down to it, it could be sold for emergency funds.


    In any case, there was plenty of this stuff in her spiritual world. If it was gone, she could just grow more.


    In addition to the things Jiang Yuqing gave, somemonly used books and clothes also had to be brought along.


    Because there were too many things to prepare, it was very inconvenient to hire horses and carriages. The Jiang family simply went and bought another carriage and hired a carriage driver.


    So on the eighth day of the second month, under the eager and worried eyes of the whole family, Jiang Wenyuan set off on the road to the capital with the servant A Ping and a carriage driver.


    This year''s spring imperial examination would begin on March 12.


    It would take Jiang Wenyuan more than 20 days to reach the capital city. After arriving in the capital, he would still need about 10 days to adapt to the local climate and environment. The time was very tight.


    After sending off Jiang Wenyuan, the Jiang Family also started getting busy. After two spring rains, there was water in the fields, and the men drove oxen or pulled plows themselves to start plowing the fields.


    The family had added several dozen acres of fields this year. Although they had hired people to plow the fields, they still had to supervise things, so the men were not idle.


    Busy with work, it was February 24th.


    February 25th, which was tomorrow. It was said to be the only good day in the first half of this year.


    Suitable for worshipping, marrying, roof raising, grave moving, in short everything was suitable, with no taboos. Many families chose to celebrate on this day.


    Among the Jiang family''s inws, there were two families who wanted to celebrate. One was the nephew of Lin''s maternal family marrying a daughter-inw. This was a proper inw.


    The other family was Old Lady Hu''s sister-inw marrying off a daughter. Due to past grievances, Old Lady Hu really disliked this sister-inw.


    Originally the two families had long broken off contact, but after the third son passed the county-level imperial exam, this sister-inw shamelessly renewed the rtionship. After Jiang Wenyuan passed the provincial-level examst year, this sister-inw got even closer.


    There was also an invitation that had just been delivered yesterday. The Jiang and Qu families from the county seat were holding funeral ceremonies.


    The children of these two families had died unnatural deaths, which was quite unlucky.


    But when Jiang Wenyuan passed the provincial-level exam, these two families had given heavy gifts to congratte him. Now that they had sent invitations, not going would be not giving them face and offend them.


    So after dinner in the evening, Old Lady Hu organized her sons and daughters-inw to have a family meeting to discuss arrangements for tomorrow.


    "Tomorrow is Lin''s nephew''s wedding. The oldest will definitely go back.


    I heard a few days ago that his mother-inw is a little sick from a cold. I still have some ginseng in my room. Take it back to supplement your mother-inw''s health."


    Lin hurriedly declined, "Mother, I still have some money on me. I can buy some supplements.


    There''s no need for the ginseng. You and Father keep it to supplement yourselves!"


    Lin knew about that ginseng root.


    It was given by He the county magistrate from the west of the city when the third son passed the provincial examst year. The elderly couple had not been willing to use it.


    Although she felt distressed for her mother-inw, she also knew that a daughter-inw should not take her mother-inw''s things to give her own mother.


    Old Lady Hu red at her: "Your father and I are still healthy enough to eat and move around. Where do we need this stuff.


    I think it looks just like a dried radish.


    I don''t know how to store it properly as an olddy, and just pressed it at the bottom of the clothes box. I worry every day that bugs will bore holes in it. Take it with you, it will give me some peace of mind!"


    Lin had married into the Jiang family for many years and was well aware of her mother-inw''s temperament. Afraid of making her angry by refusing further, and also because her two sisters-inw were open-minded and would not care about such things, she happily epted it.


    Old Lady Hu also said to Lu, "Tomorrow is the Jiang and Qu families'' funeral ceremonies. They sent invitations so we can''t not go or it would be easy to offend them.


    Your third brother is not at home, and the men in our family don''t have close friends there either. If we went, we might lose face. It can only be you as a sessful provincial-level examinee''s wife going to keep up appearances."


    "But absolutely do not bring my sweetheart there. Young children have unstable souls and are prone to collisions. I will take her to the Tan Family at Lotus Pond."


    Old Lady Hu only said the Tan Family, without mentioning the word "aunt" at all, showing that she had no feelings whatsoever for the sister-inw.


    "Okay, Mother, I know. I have already agreed with my sisters-inw to go together tomorrow."


    "That''s good. With your sisters-inw I''ll feel at ease."


    After settling the important matters, Old Lady Hu briskly sent the family members off to rest. "Eldest son''s family,e with me for a moment..."


    In the spring of the south, because of the affectionate rain, it is always more hazy than sunny. The drizzling rain has been falling sincest night until this morning.


    After breakfast, Old Man Jiang took his second son to the fields. The seven sons of the Jiang family still went out to school as usual.


    The eldest Jiang Yujiang walked in front, followed by the sixth and seventh sons. The second son Jiang Yuhe brought up the rear. They wore the same azure schr robes, headbands, and simr style school bags.


    Walking with their heads held high and chests out, the vibrant young schrs were always a very bright sight, often arousing envy from passersby.


    Jiang Wenkang and Lin went back to Lin''s maternal home, Lu went to the county town to meet up with her sister-inw''s family, and then took her mother-inw and little niece to the Tan family in Lianhua Vige.


    In fact, the Tan family was not very close with the Jiang family.


    Old Lady Hu''s birth mother died early. Her fatherter married another woman. The stepmother brought a daughter with her when she married in.


    The daughter was sweet-talking and eloquent. Sheter coaxed her father and also took the Hu surname. She became little Mrs. Hu.


    Little Mrs. Hu was very calcting and aggressive. Relying on her stepmother''s support, she tried to overwhelm Old Lady Hu and her siblings in everything. Fortunately, the stepmother didn''t have any children after marrying in, so the lives of the siblings weren''t too miserable.


    They lived bumpily for a few years. When it was time for Old Lady Hu''s brother to get married, the stepmother withheld the family money and refused to provide a dowry.


    At that time, Old Lady Hu''s father was still alive. He cared a lot about his only son. Seeing his wife being so unreasonable, he was so angry that he threatened to divorce her. Only then did he scrape together money for Old Lady Hu''s brother''s wedding.


    After the wedding, the stepmother still took advantage of her status as mother-inw to torment her daughter-inw.


    It wasn''t until the second year of Old Lady Hu''s brother''s marriage that her father passed away.


    The siblings had umted a lot of resentment. Therefore, as soon as their father''s coffin entered the ground, Old Lady Hu''s brother decisively seized control of the house and improved the lives of the siblings.


    The stepmother wanted to make trouble but didn''t dare after thinking it through.


    In the ancient society with strong n concepts, she was just a stepmother with baggage and no children of her own. Offending her stepson could easily get her kicked out of the house with no ce to go or help.


    Her stepdaughter was capable. Knowing that she lost her backing, the stepbrother and stepsister didn''t like her and her daughter either.


    Before Old Lady Hu got married, she had tried every means to attract the son of a newly widowed smallndlord surnamed Tan from the neighboring vige.


    With her superb skills, she married into the Tan family as a stepmother ahead of Old Lady Hu.


    Although little Mrs. Hu was a stepdaughter, she still bore the Hu surname. It was unreasonable for the younger sister to marry before the elder sister.


    This infuriated the Hu n members, who scolded the mother and daughter for being shameless.


    Later, after little Mrs. Hu married into the Tan family, she sessively gave birth to three sons and a daughter. Old Lady Hu''s life was hard after she married into the Jiang family. So she was often mocked by little Mrs. Hu when she returned to her maternal home.


    It wasn''t until Jiang Wenyuan passed the imperial examination and became a schr that little Mrs. Hu stopped looking down on them. She thick-skinnedly brought gifts to visit.


    They were guests when they came to visit, so Old Lady Hu didn''t feel good about driving them out even if she disliked them. She just gave customary return gifts indifferently.


    With such visits going back and forth every year, they could never be considered close, not evenpared to ordinary members of the Jiang n. It was just superficial formality.


    This time, it was for little Mrs. Hu''s daughter''s wedding.

 Chapter 16: Stolen

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Tan Yuhua was Little Mrs. Hu''s daughter bornte in her life, so she was quite doted on at home. It was said that her maternal family was in the county seat and ran a tofu shop there, and it seemed they had some family property.


    After arriving at the Tan house, out of face, Old Lady Hu gave her a silver hairpin as a dowry gift, though it was hollow, it was still two or three taels.


    Given Jiang Family''s current family circumstances and prestige, if they were to provide a dowry to a well-regarded family, it certainly wouldn''t be so shabby.


    For example, what she had prepared for her Eldest Daughter-inw and the introductory gift she gave to the new niece-inw of the Lin Family, was a pair of solid gold bangles.


    But for Little Mrs. Hu''s daughter, even if it was just a hollow silver hairpin, she still begrudged it.


    Tan Yuhua was somewhat dissatisfied with this aunt''s stinginess. She thought that even for the Hu family''s status, they should at least have given a gold hairpin.


    Fortunately, she was sensible enough not to show it on the spot.


    In fact, the dowry her mother had prepared for her was nothing more than a six-piece silverb set.


    At the very least, among all the dowry items, this silver hairpin was the most valuable.


    At the auspicious time, the groom rode a donkey, and brought a four-man bridal sedan chair, with fanfare and noise, to pick up the bride.


    After that, it was time for the bride¡¯s family to sit for the wedding feast. Because she was Old Lady Hu''s older sister, and the mother of a sessful imperial examination candidate, Old Lady Hu was naturally treated with courtesy by everyone.


    In this era where everything else was inferior, only education was supreme. Even an ordinary degree holder would make people look at them with more respect, let alone the family member of an examination candidate.


    Having gotten up early and watched the excitement, Jiang Yuqing''s baby had already fallen asleep in Old Lady Hu''s arms.


    Little Mrs. Hu then ingratiated herself and said, ¡°Big sister, the baby is already asleep, and you¡¯ve been holding her all morning, it must be tiring. Why not let her sleep in my room for a while. Usually no one else goes into my room.¡±


    Old Lady Hu was holding her granddaughter, so it was inconvenient for her to eat.


    Moreover, the granddaughter was chubby, and after holding her all morning, her arms were sore beyondpare.


    After thinking about it, she agreed to Little Mrs. Hu''s suggestion, carried the child and followed Little Mrs. Hu into the room.


    After putting down the child, she covered her with a thin rabbit fur cloak, gently patted her for a while, made sure she wouldn''t wake up for a while, before reluctantly leaving.


    Not long after Old Lady Hu left, a sneaky figure entered Old Lady Hu''s room.


    After rummaging around and not finding anything valuable, the lecherous man''s greedy gaze locked onto the sleeping baby on the bed.


    Third Aunt said this child looks good. If sold to a brothel, she would definitely fetch a good price.


    She heard that some brothels specifically buy pretty young girls, raise them, train them to be ythings, and then sell them to wealthy businessmen, tycoons, and senior officials for a lot of money.


    Moreover, this child was dressed in gold and silver, clearly from a wealthy family. Just stripping off her jewelry alone would be worth a lot of silver.


    Recently, those bastards from the gambling dens had been fiercely chasing debts. If he couldn¡¯t get more silver soon, his arms would be forfeit. Selling her, the silver from it could pay off the debts, and perhaps he could gamble some more.


    Thinking of this, he hesitated no longer. He took out a kerchief soaked in anesthetic from his bosom, and pressed it over the child''s nose and mouth.


    The baby struggled slightly, then stopped movingpletely.


    After all, it was his first time doing such a thing, and the lecherous man''s heart thumped wildly.


    He quickly flipped open the quilt, picked up the child, carefully stuck his head out the door, saw his Third Aunt nod at him.


    He looked around again, saw no one was paying attention here, before slipping out the door and running away swiftly,


    Halfway through the meal, Old Lady Hu suddenly felt a sudden heartache. Remembering her granddaughter who was still sleeping in Little Mrs. Hu''s room, she apologized and got up to see the child. Little Mrs. Hu also had no choice but to put down her chopsticks and follow along.


    The two pushed open the door and saw the bed was empty, no trace of the child whatsoever.


    Old Lady Hu''s mind instantly went nk, as if she had fallen into an ice cer, her legs went soft and she almost copsed.


    "Where''s my darling granddaughter?" Old Lady Hu shook as she grabbed Little Mrs. Hu.


    Little Mrs. Hu''s face was also pale now. She stammered, "She was sleeping well just now, where could she have gone in this short time?"


    "I''m asking you, where is my darling granddaughter?" Old Lady Hu was both anxious and angry, raising her voice and yelling, "Didn''t you say no onees into your room? Where has my granddaughter gone?"


    "Uh, big sister, don''t panic first. Let me ask the family, maybe the child woke up and they carried her to coax her, who knows."


    Old Lady Hu really had no other way at this moment. Feeling light-headed, she stumbled out to ask who had taken the child from the room, but after asking around, everyone said they hadn''t seen her.


    Only then did the Tan family realize something bad had happened, and hurriedly spread out everywhere looking for the child.


    In the chaos, a young boy yelled at Little Mrs. Hu, "Auntie Tan, just now I saw Third Uncle Tan going towards the county seat, carrying something in his arms, wrapped in arge red cloth. That cloth had a white furry trim, looked really nice."


    Everyone instantly realized what happened when they heard this.


    That little girl from Jiang family, wasn''t she wrapped in arge red cloak with white rabbit fur trim today? Everyone had admired it at the time, saying that Jiang family doted on this girlvishly.


    Another rough male voice said, "It must be him. Tan Laosan lost a lot of money gambling in the city these past few days. I bet he saw that Jiang family''s pretty little girl and got some wicked ideas."


    Everyone immediately broke out in an uproar. They said in session, "Oh my, hurry and chase after him!"


    "That''s right, such a pretty little girl, if she really gets sold, she''ll be lost for good."


    "Wicked!"


    "That beast, even daring to steal his aunt''s child!"


    "When driven desperate by gambling losses, what evil won''t a personmit..."


    Old Lady Hu only felt a buzzing in her head, the world spinning around her. Fortunately people supported her in time, otherwise she might have copsed.


    If not for worrying about her kidnapped granddaughter, she probably would have fainted dead away already.


    She forced herself to stay calm, and said to the people around her with trembling lips, "Please, can some people go report this to my family at Xijing Crossing, and some go report it to the county yamen.


    My family''s child''s uncle is Master Lu at the county yamen. She must be found and brought back no matter what.


    Once the child is found, our Jiang family will definitely richly reward you."


    Most of those who came to drink were Tan family''s rtives and friends or fellow vigers. The vige chief was also here, and knew this was a major incident.


    Moreover, this was an imperial exam candidate''s child, the niece of Master Lu. If anything went wrong, all the vigers would suffer implicatons.


    The vige chief immediately made arrangements, swiftly sending out several groups of people.


    One group chased in the direction of Tan Laosan, one group went to report to the county yamen, one group went to Xijing Crossing to inform Jiang family.


    Old Lady Hu was already half-mad with rage. Tears rolling down her face, she grabbed Little Mrs. Hu''s cor, the hatred churning in her eyes almost drowned Little Mrs. Hu.


    She gnashed her teeth and said, "When we were young, you and your mother brought cmity upon me and my elder brother. Now your good-for-nothing son hase to harm my granddaughter.


    Hu Yuzhen, what grave of your Wang family did I dig up in my past life? Let me tell you, Wang Cuihua (Little Mrs. Hu''s original name), if my family''s child is returned safely, I''ll let it go. But if a single hair on her head is missing, I will make sure your whole family will never know peace.


    What I, Hu Yuzhen, say, I will do!" As she spoke, she shoved Little Mrs. Hu away forcefully.


    Little Mrs. Hu sat paralyzed on the ground, her face as pale as if she had just been dragged out of a coffin.


    She had originally wanted to use her daughter''s wedding as a chance to repair her rtionship with her elder sister, so her family could also bask in the gloryter.


    She didn''t expect not only was there no glory to bask in, but this happened instead.


    It was over,pletely over!


    Little Mrs. Hu''s Eldest Daughter-inw and Second Daughter-inw were both angry and hateful.


    Usually the mother-inw favored Third Uncle, keeping all the good food and drink for Third Uncle first, even the children had toe after.


    No matter how much of a wastrel Third Uncle was, she wouldn''t let others say a bad thing about him. If there was the slightest dissatisfaction, they would be scolded til their head bled by the mother-inw.


    And now, it had developed to the point of kidnapping children. Well now, the whole family was going to be ruined by him.


    Little Mrs. Hu''s Eldest Daughter-inw cried and scolded, "It''s because you spoiled your precious son so much he grew up to be an idle wastrel stealing chickens and ducks.


    If not for us watching closely, even his sister''s dowry would have been stolen to pay off gambling debts. And now he has grown so bold as to steal children, simply inhuman."


    Her little daughter-inw also cried, "Today uncle could steal Auntie''s child. Tomorrow he might take our children to sell when we''re not home!


    I absolutely dare not stay in this family. Today I''m taking my children and returning to my maiden home!" As she spoke, she pulled several children and prepared to leave.


    The Eldest Daughter-inw also pulled along her child. Disregarding the father''s attempts to stop her, she returned to the room, packed up the clothes, and left. For a time, there were crying and shouting in the courtyard. A joyous asion had in an instant be gloomy with sorrow.


    Let us speak of Jiang Yuqing, who had been carried out by Tan Laosan. Halfway down the road she awoke. Because she had been smothered with medicine, her mind was dizzy and muddled.


    She did not know what had happened to her, only feeling that the grip on her was extremely ufortable. She struggled instinctively. This frightened Tan Laosan who was holding her.


    Tan Laosan thought the child was about to cry, so with one hand he held her while with the other he reached into his bosom to feel for the handkerchief soaked in medicine, intending to drug her again.


    This time he would smother her longer, he was determined she would not wake again. However when he touched inside, he discovered nothing at all, and cursed under his breath.


    He threatened the child in his arms viciously, "Don''t cry, or I''ll kill you." These words sounded like thunder in her ears, and Jiang Yuqing''s muddled mind instantly cleared.


    Oh no, she seemed to have fallen into the hands of bad people.


    She remembered she had fallen asleep in Old Lady Hu''s embrace, and now she hadnded in the hands of viins. What about Old Lady Hu? Had she also met with misfortune?


    If she had been snatched away from Old Lady Hu, with Old Lady Hu''s doting love for her, she would rather stake her life than let him seed.


    In a struggle, she would definitely have awakened long ago, how could she bepletely unaware?


    Unless she had been drugged in her sleep.


    She gently sniffed, and as expected, she could smell the odour of inferior narcotics.


    And someone who wanted to drug her in her sleep would definitely choose a time when Old Lady Hu was not present.


    She also thought of today''s asion, it was very likely that after she fell asleep, Old Lady Hu had ced her somewhere to sleep, and this fiend had found a gap to drug and steal her away.


    If that was the case, then Old Lady Hu was safe.


    Thinking of this, she felt relieved by half. The most important thing now was how to escape. Her mind raced swiftly, looking for a way to get free.


    After threatening for a spell, seeing the child make no further movements, Tan Laosan''s heart suddenly rxed somewhat.


    With the doting love that old woman of the Jiang Family had for her granddaughter, discovering the missing child was only a matter of time. By then, people would definitely be sent to pursue them.


    Just now his heart had been anxious, thinking only of fleeing quickly, he was also unsure if anyone had seen them on the road.


    But he could not take this main road to the county town again, he would have to pick a lesser used path.


    Thinking thus, he turned onto a mountain path by the roadside. This mountain path led straight to Zuo Family Vige outside the county town.


    Going to the county town from here was actually even shorter than taking the main road.


    However, because this small path was narrow and winding, with lush forests on both sides, there were often snakes and bugs.


    And halfway was also an eerie abandoned grave site, thus very few people took this path.


    Tan Laosan was anxious to flee, he had turned onto the path without noticing, and the child''s shoes had been caught on the brambles.


    He could not be bothered, and forcefully tore it free before hurrying on.


    Not long after, the child''s other shoe also fell off.


    By the time he had run a long way out, and was about to climb over a hill to reach the abandoned graves, Tan Laosan finally stopped to rest for a spell.

 Chapter 17: Rescued

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    At this time on the big road below the mountain, a few fine horses were escorting a carriage heading slowly towards the county town. A slender hand lifted the carriage curtain and casually looked at the scenery outside.


    Suddenly, a red little thing came into view. It was hung in the bramble bushes by the roadside, swaying in the wind.


    It was a little tiger head shoe that a baby wears.


    He instinctively felt something was wrong, and quickly stopped the carriage.


    The one who got off was Qin Jue, the county magistrate of Qingzhou.


    He had his subordinates take the shoe off the brambles and held it in his hand to examine it carefully. His expression then became somewhat solemn.


    The few subordinates who followed him for many years were all capable people. At this moment, they also noticed something wrong: "Sir, this ce is far from any vige or town. How could this baby''s shoe appear here?"


    Qin Jue held the shoe in his palm: "This tiger head shoe is exquisitely made, and studded with pearls the size of rice grains. It must be something only wealthy families can afford!"


    The subordinate said: "But most children of wealthy families have servants or wet nurses looking after them. Even if a shoe was identally dropped, it would be picked up immediately. How could it be left in such a ce? If the family knew, they would be furious!"


    "Moreover, the height where the shoe was hung looks as if it was hooked off when the child was being carried horizontally."


    Qin Jue stroked the shoe upper, and probed a finger into the shoe. His brows furrowed: "There is still warmth. It seems the shoe hasn''t been dropped for long. The weather today is not cold, but a baby without shoes outdoors could easily catch a cold. What kind of situation would make someone in such a hurry that they didn''t even have time to pick up the child''s fallen shoe?"


    Everyone unconsciously thought of the same two words in their minds: escaping? Or fleeing for their lives! In any case, it was not a good thing.


    Soon someone discovered the small path: "Sir, there is a mountain path here."


    "Leave one person to watch the carriages and horses. The rest wille with me to take a look!" Qin Jue led the way into the mountain path, with the others quickly following behind to search ahead.


    After walking not far, they picked up another small shoe on the side of the path, matching the one Qin Jue was holding.


    A few steps away, there was also a small, rabbit fur-trimmed bright red cape.


    At this point, everyone''s hearts thumped. Someone indeed came in here carrying a child, and judging by the traces along the way, the one carrying the child was unlikely to be a good person.


    Qin Jue had people pick up the cape and ordered to hurry ahead at the fastest speed...


    At this moment, Tan Laosan casually threw the child in the bushes by the roadside, cursing and swearing: "Damn brat, how much good food did you eat to grow so fat and heavy. You really fucking tired me to death."


    While cursing, he leaned against a tree panting heavily.


    His family was quite well off, and he was the youngest son. Little Mrs. Hu favored him, and never made him do any hard work at home.


    Today, after carrying a chubby baby running such a long way, he was really exhausted.


    This angered Jiang Yuqing. What women hated most were the three words "dark, ugly, fat", even if she was still a baby! Not only did this pervert kidnap her, he actually dared toin about her being fat.


    Where was she fat? It was called baby fat! This ignorant fool!


    The annoyed realm master decided to teach this scum a lesson. Fortunately, the surrounding bushes were lush, with frequent snakes and insects, suitable for some idental misfortunes within reason.


    Her limited wood elemental powers quickly spread out, and soon there were rustling sounds in the bushes.


    Three snakes came over. One bamboo green, one banded krait, and one king cobra. The first two were venomous, while thetter was non-venomous.


    "Are you the one summoning us, Spirit of the Earth?"


    "Indeed I am summoning you, but I am not the Spirit of the Earth." Jiang Yuqing exined.


    Being called this made her feel a bit ashamed. Due to her wood elemental powers, this was not the first time animals had mistaken her for the Mother Earth.


    "But you have the aura of the Spirit of the Earth on you." said the banded krait.


    Jiang Yuqing did not bother debating this issue with it. Escaping was most urgent now.


    So she discussed with them, "I''m caught by bad people now and need help. Are you willing to help me?"


    "Of course we are willing, Spirit of the Earth."


    "Do you see that man sleeping under the tree over there? He''s the bad guy who caught me."


    The snakes nodded to indicate they understood.


    "Banded krait and king cobra, go around to the front to attract his attention. Remember not to bite him. Bamboo green, sneak attack him from behind and give his leg a hard bite."


    The reason for this arrangement was purely because the banded krait''s venom was too potent. If it bit Tan Laosan even once, he would die within a short time.


    In her previous life, she hated human traffickers the most. Who would have thought she herself would be a victim again this life.


    A scumbag like Tan Laosan who didn''t even spare such a young child was simply insane.


    Letting him die like this would be too easy on him. She wanted him alive to face the trials of Da Xia''sws, because she had heard her father say that in the Da Xia Dynasty, those who abducted women and children would face capital punishment.


    On the other hand, the bamboo green viper''s venom was much weaker than the banded krait''s, and it expelled less venom each time it struck.


    If a person was bitten, it would not be fatal. Of course, without timely treatment, it could still cripple the area. Therefore, she let the bamboo green viper be the main attacker.


    People feared death. She didn''t believe that after being bitten by a venomous snake, this scumbag would still have the mindset and strength to continue escaping with her. As long as he had the slightest bit of sense, the first thing he would do was find a doctor. By then, she would be safe.


    Moreover, her spirit realm had enough supplies tost ten lifetimes. She absolutely did not need to worry about starving to death.


    Not to mention with her capabilities, as long as the scumbag was not by her side, this forest was no different from her family''s backyard.


    Whether it was snakes, rats, ants or wolves and tigers, none would harm her. If she wished, the animals would even be happy to obey hermands.


    Most importantly, she had faith in her family. After her grandmother discovered she was missing, she would surely mobilize many people to look for her, even reporting it to the officials.


    Although this ce was remote, it was still a road. Where there are roads there will be travelers. Her family finding her was only a matter of time.


    The snakes moved very quickly.


    When Tan Laosan heard sounds from the bushes in front, he opened his eyes to see two thick snake bodies as wide as his wrists sticking half their length up, flicking their tongues at him. He was so frightened that his soul almost left his body.


    He slowly sat up, and just as he was about to run, he suddenly felt a piercing pain in his right calf.


    Looking down, he saw a triangr-headed bluish-green venomous snake firmly biting his lower leg.


    In shock, Tan Laosan instinctively kicked and shook his leg, flinging the venomous snake away.


    Pulling up his pant leg, he saw two deep bloody holes oozing ck blood. As for the other two big snakes, they were already gone without a trace.


    Tan Laosan''s vision turned ck. He thought this was the worst luck ever.


    He recognized the snake that bit him as a bamboo green viper. Although not fatal, improper treatment could still leave lifelong disability.


    He was still young and did not want to be a cripple for life, suffering others'' ridicule. He had to hurry to the city as fast as possible to find a doctor for treatment.


    As for everything else, he could not bother with them for now.


    At the brink of life and death, Tan Laosan''s mind became exceptionally clear.


    He quickly tore off a strip of cloth from his clothes and tied it tightly above the wound. This could slow the spread of the venom. He also picked up a thick stick to use as a crutch.


    Then he jumped over to where Jiang Yuqing was lying and squatted down, looking condescendingly at her. He said sinisterly, "I originally nned to sell you to a brothel.


    But now that I''ve been bitten by a snake, I don''t have the strength to bring you anymore. You can just die here on your own. As for the jewelry on you, I won''t stand on ceremony."


    As he spoke, he reached to rip off her ne.


    Jiang Yuqing instinctively wanted to resist with her abilities, but her current infant body was too small. The bit of power she managed to gather with great difficulty had already been used up summoning the snakes just now. Gathering more would take time.


    It seemed she could do nothing.


    Her skin was delicate and well nurtured, her little arms and legs like lotus roots, all chubby flesh.


    The bracelets on her wrists and ankles had been worn for a rtively long time and were not easy to take off. Tan Laosan was anxious to get to the county town to find a doctor, so he forcibly pulled hard.


    The sharp edges of the solid bracelets scraped off the skin wherever they passed, grinding her little hands and feet bloody. The pain made her wail loudly.


    Tan Laosan''s calf was in severe pain, but he was afraid the child''s crying would attract passersby. In a panic, he turned around, leaned on his cane, and limped towards the county seat.


    Magistrate Qin and others chased him several li along the mountain path before turning around a small gully and hearing the pitiful cries of an infant.


    The group was startled, then raced swiftly in the direction of the cries. Before long, they saw the badly wounded little baby abandoned in the grass.


    Qin Jue quickly went forward and wrapped the child in his small cloak, gently cradling it in his arms. He nced around but saw no one. "Pursue him quickly," he shouted, "That man can''t be far ahead. Don''t let him get away, that beast!"


    The two attendants immediately leapt forward using their lightness skills, and soon dragged back the ashen-faced Tan Laosan.


    One of them presented Qin Jue with the baby''s bloodstained ne, bracelet and other ornaments taken from Tan Laosan''s body, saying "Your Honor, it''s him! It looks like he was bitten by a poisonous snake."


    Jiang Yuqing''s strategy had seeded.


    She had been saved, and by someone familiar at that - the county magistrate she had met once before, Qin Jue. The tightness in her heart finally loosened.


    She was safe now.


    Because of the red lotus on her forehead, Qin Jue''s attendant who had attended Jiang Yuqing''s one month celebration easily recognized her identity. After all, it would be difficult to forget such a uniquely beautiful child.


    "Aiya, this lotus flower... Good heavens! Could this be Master Jiang''s daughter, Advisor Lu''s niece? How did she end up here?"


    "Have you ever seen a second child with a lotus blossom on their forehead?" Seeing the child''s withered little face, Qin Jue was filled with unrestrained anger. "Hurry back to the city. First take the child to the clinic for treatment. Send someone to the Xijin ferry to notify the Jiang family to collect her from the county office.


    As for that snake-bitten one on the ground, if he''s not dead, take him to the clinic as well and investigate his background.


    Also station someone to watch him. After treatment, bring him straight to the county office for interrogation!"


    To daremit crimes in his jurisdiction, against such a young baby no less, he must have the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard.


    When Qin Jue''s carriage arrived at the city gate, he saw a group of farmers with hoes and picks blocking the road and searching for someone.


    His subordinates went to ask and found they were vigers from the Xijin ferry. Hearing that Master Jiang''s daughter was missing, they hade of their own initiative to help search.


    Qin Jue sent people to tell them the child was found and the criminal captured. He repeatedly assured them in the name of the county government that the news was true before sending them back. After entering the city, two more groups of vigers searching for the child blocked their way. Only then could he smoothly proceed to the clinic.

 Chapter 18: The Legal Blind is always extraordinarily naive.

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Two flowers bloom, each on its own branch.


    Let''s talk about how the government yamen received a report that Jiang Schr''s precious daughter and Private advisor Lu''s niece had been kidnapped.


    ording to the reporter, the one who kidnapped the child was none other than the son of Jiang Old Madam''s sister-inw, Tan Laosan from Lotus Flower Vige of the Tan family. Tan Laosan had been chased by gambling dens for debts recently. And when the kidnapping happened, the abducted baby was sleeping unattended in Tan Laosan''s mother''s room.


    What''s more, the baby was wearing a lot of valuable jewelry.


    This is outrageous!


    Upon receiving the news, Private advisor Lu almost fainted. The whole yamen was in an uproar. It so happened that the Qin County Magistrate was away inspecting rural areas.


    Luckily, the yamen''s head catcher was quite capable. He immediately dispatched people to search across the county and apprehend Tan Laosan, with priority given to checking gambling dens, pawn shops and brothels.


    When Jing Yan came home from school and heard about this, his heart skipped a beat. Was it the cute little sister with a lotus flower mark on her forehead?


    "Chang Feng, Po Lang."


    Suddenly two people appeared in the room, kneeling on one knee andnding without a sound.


    "Young master!"


    With hands behind his back, Jing Yan''s still childish face was solemn, vaguely revealing a hint of killing intent.


    "Go find the child quickly, she must be found in the shortest time possible. Bring the viin back to the county yamen." He would have liked to kill the man outright, but still had to consider his uncle''s reputation.


    "But... young master, your safety..." The bodyguards were somewhat hesitant.


    "No protection needed, these small ces, Gale Force and Breaking Waves are enough!"


    "Yes!"


    Not long after Chang Feng and Po Lang left, hurried footsteps sounded outside the study again. The attendant excitedly pushed open the door and said loudly, "Young master, the child has been found. Your father has personally taken her to the medicine hall."


    "Good! Ready the carriage, we''ll go take a look too."


    After the attendant left, he shouted at the air again, "Send a signal to Chang Feng and Po Lang, the child has been found, no need to search anymore."


    "Yes." This time only the voice was heard without seeing the person.


    When Jing Yan arrived at the medicine hall, the doctor was dressing Jiang Yuqing''s wounds.


    The tiny baby girl was being held by a female doctor''s assistant, with her hair down and bare feet. Her little hands and feet were full of injuries, bloody all over.


    On cute little Yuexue''s originally fair and lovely face, there was a purplish handprint, looking like a ghastly broken doll.


    If not for the unique red lotus birthmark on her forehead, Jing Yan would have hardly recognized her as the soft and adorable little sister from before.


    Jing Yan was dumbfounded, frozen in ce for a moment. Qin Jue saw him and said in surprise, "Yan''er, what are you doing here?"


    Only then did Jing Yane to his senses and said, "I heard this little sister was injured and wanted toe see how she is. Is she...alright?"


    Qin Jue said, "Don''t worry, she should be fine!" To be honest, he didn''t know. He would ask the doctor againter.


    "Oh." Jing Yan was slightly relieved. He didn''t know why either, but he was always a bit worried about this little sister, perhaps because she was so cute.


    The old doctor finished dressing the wounds and started applying medicine. The gold wound medicine stung a lot. Even adults would find it painful, let alone such a young child.


    Jiang Yuqing''s involuntary tears of pain came out.


    Seeing this, the female assistant quickly spoke softly tofort her. "Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid. It won''t hurt after a while! With the medicine applied, your hands and feet will get better, right? Oh dear, our baby is such a brave good child!"


    Although the little girl''s bun face was wrinkled in pain, from cleaning the wounds to the final bandaging, she didn''t make a sound.


    She just bit down hard on her few tiny milk teeth, with big teardrops rolling down her cheeks. The pitiful sight really distressed the adults present.


    While admiring the little girl''s bravery, they also angrily cursed at the unconscious Tan Laosan on the ground, wishing they could personally go up and kick him a couple times.


    Toy hands on such a small child, damn kidnapper!


    Jing Yan stood to the side with reddened eyes, wanting to touch her but also afraid of hurting her. He hesitated for a good while before softly asking, "Do you remember me? Does it hurt?"


    Jiang Yuqing looked up and carefully eyed the little gentleman in front of her, recognizing him. On the day of her one month celebration, the County Magistrate''s son who gave her the warm jade pendant with dragon pattern.


    She had memories from her past life, but not the body.


    In this life, she was just a tiny baby who couldn''t even walk steadily.


    Only heaven knew how terrified she was of being killed by that scumbag earlier. And now seeing the second familiar and gentle person after Qin Jue. Grievance and fear instantly found an outlet.


    She struggled to stretch out her uninjured arms to hug the little gentleman''s neck tightly.


    Tears rolled down her cheeks like beads as she sobbed andined incoherently, "Guoguo, bad, grab, hand, hurt hurt."


    She looked utterly pitiful.


    Miraculously, Jing Yan somehow understood her. Feeling the warmth and unceasing shivers of the small body in his arms, Jing Yan''s heart was about to shatter.


    It wasn''t hard to imagine what kind of abuse the cute little girl must have suffered under that scumbag''s hands to frighten her so much that she didn''t even dare cry out loud.


    He took the little one into his arms and held her steadily.


    A sh of killing intent showed on his immature face as he stared coldly at the unconscious Tan Laosan and said to Qin Jue, "Uncle, I want him dead!"


    Qin Jue gently patted his little nephew''s shoulder. "Our dynasty''sw states that both kidnapper who has taken and not yet sold the victim shall be executed by dismemberment!"


    Meaning kidnappers who have abducted people for human trafficking, whether they have sold the victim or not, will be sentenced to death by dismemberment. (Borrowing Qin dynastyw here.)


    "Good!"


    Qin Jue also asked about Jiang Yuqing''s condition.


    The old doctor sighed and said, "The external injuries on her hands and feet are minor and will heal in a few days with proper care. But such a young child being forced to take knockout drops may not be able to take it mentally.


    I see the child already has symptoms of catching a chill. Adding the great shock she suffered, she may develop a feverter tonight. My lord must have someone keep close watch on her. This old man will write two prescriptions for treating chills and calming the spirit, to be prepared."


    With that said, he shook his head andmented, "What a sin!" Then he turned to go into the consultation room to write the prescriptions.


    Qin Jue was anxious to return to the county yamen. He had been away for several days already and work was piling up.


    Plus having to promptly handle the little girl''s case, he really couldn''t be dyed.


    He originally wanted to bring the little girl back to the yamen, but the yamen only had crude old masters, no one who knew how to care for a child.


    Also, the doctor said she may develop a fever. He thought it''d be better to leave the child at the medicine hall for the female doctor''s assistant to look after.


    Qin Jue told the old doctor his concerns. The old doctor readily agreed to keep the child at the medicine hall. He would have suggested it if Qin Jue didn''t bring it up.


    That knockout drug was nasty stuff. Even adults couldn''t handle it, let alone such a young child. It''d be a shame if such a lovely child passed away.


    Qin Jue instructed several subordinates to keep a close eye on the child and Tan Laosan. After Tan Laosan recovered from the venom, bring him back to the county yamen for interrogation immediately.


    Although reluctant to part with the little one, Jing Yan also knew this was best for her.


    He carefully handed over the crying-to-sleep Jiang Yuqing to the female doctor before reluctantly following his uncle back to the county yamen.


    Tan Laosan was knocked unconscious then thrown over a horse to be brought back.


    After being woken by needles, the first thing he worried about wasn''t being beaten, but frantically yelling in the medicine hall for the doctor to save his life quickly because he''d been bitten by green bamboo viper.


    He thought that since he''d already been caught by the yamen people, at most he''d get a beating.


    Right now, removing the venom was most urgent. If treatment was dyed, even if he didn''t die he''d be crippled for life. He hadn''t even married a wife yet!


    It had to be said, thewless were always extraordinarily naive.


    The old doctor was irritated by the noise, and he was originally the vengeful type to begin with.


    He shouted back unhappily, "What''s with the racket! It''s just a useless green bamboo viper. I''d prefer an over the hill silver ring snake, that''d save me the trouble! Hmph, inauspicious!"


    Tan Laosan: "......"


    The medicine hall instantly filled with muffledughter, even Qin Jue''s usually stoic subordinates couldn''t help grinning. This old doctor really was amusing!


    After the outburst, the old doctor''s anger dissipated somewhat. Only then did he slowly have his apprentice prepare the tools and ingredients to treat snake venom. He himself casually flipped through some prescription notes.


    Tan Laosan''s leg hurt badly, because the spread of snake venom made his face appear extremely abnormal ashen gray, and his head also began to feel dizzy and throb.


    He was afraid the doctor would be too slow, and he himself would be in mortal danger, so he urged impatiently: "Old man, can you speed up, you''re killing Laosan!"


    The old doctor calmly did his job, without even lifting his head, and coolly said: "What''s the hurry, you''ll die anyway after being cured.


    If you make any more noise, I''ll have someone throw you out at the south city gate right now.


    The coffin shop there has slow business, just nice to take care of you. The owner is generous, who knows, he may even give you a paper-made little wife for free, even saving you dowry money!"


    Tan Laosan: "..." Tan Laosan was so angry he couldn''t speak. It''s you who should die, it''s you who should have a paper-made little wife. He was very angry, but couldn''t do anything to the old doctor.


    "Hahahahaha" At that time, the whole clinic roared withughter, some evenughed till they pounded the ground.


    That godlike paper-made little wife, the old doctor''s mouth was as venomous as being painted with vermilion, it''s a bit too toxic.


    Whileughing, everyone secretly warned themselves not to offend the old man, otherwise his mouth could make you doubt life.


    The apprentice prepared the stuff, and saw it was almost time. Only then did the old doctor have Tan Laosan carried to a chair and held down by two people on each side.


    Then he rolled up his pant leg, and saw that the leg bitten by the snake had swollen to the size of a small bucket, purplish-ck all over.


    The old man grinned, took a sharp small knife, roasted it on the fire, and cut straight down on the two blood holes...


    At that time, Tan Laosan''s screams could be heard throughout the clinic. Those who didn''t know thought a pig was being ughtered.


    Let''s change perspective. Lu and sister-inw Chen had just walked out of the Jiang''s manor gate when they heard the little servant from Lu''s brother''s housee to report that their daughter was lost.


    Lu copsed on the ground immediately, everything turning dark before her eyes.


    When they heard that the niece of Master Lu, the dear daughter of Schr Jiang, was lost, people from both Jiang and Qu manors were also shocked.


    After asking about the girl''s distinguishing features, they hurriedly sent out all the manpower avable in the manor to search.


    Chen was both anxious and angry. She immediately pinched Wan''s philtrum, waking her up and persuaded: "Wan, now is not the time to be weak.


    Our people have cast the to find her. With so many people in a palm-sized town like Xuzhou, they must be able to find her. Let''s go back home first and wait for news."


    Lu was gentle in temperament, but not weak. She was just suddenly struck down by the terrible news that her daughter was lost.


    After regaining her senses, she knew sister-inw was right. So she nodded, walked to the carriage in tears, and went to her brother''s house.


    Meanwhile, when the Jiang family in Xijin Ferry vige heard that their beloved granddaughter (niece) had been taken away, they felt like the sky was falling down.


    Zhu cried and cursed: "Kill that bastard, what wrong did my family do to his Tan family in our previous life that he wants to harm us like this?


    My child isn''t even one year old yet, can''t even walk steadily. If she..."


    She dared not think about those bad consequences. While crying, she ran to inform the n chief and vige head, asking everyone for help to find the girl.


    When the two elders heard that Jiang Yuqing was kidnapped by thieves, they were immediately furious. They immediately took the bronze gong and banged it wildly in the vige.


    The vige gong was never sounded lightly, only when major events happened.


    When the vigers heard the gong, they immediately abandoned their work in the fields and ran back.


    Upon hearing that the precious granddaughter (niece) of Schr Jiang''s family, the vige''s beloved dumpling Jiang Yuqing, was stolen at Lotus Flower Vige by the son of a rtive''s family, everyone was indignant.


    They immediately grabbed tools, formed groups of three and squads of five, those with ox carts drove their ox carts, those with donkeys led their donkeys, and they rushed out, nning to cast a centered around the county town to find the girl.


    When one squad reached the fork in the road at Xiushui Bay, they ran into the seven Jiang brothers who had rushed home after receiving the news.


    Hearing that their beloved younger sister was lost, the seven Jiang brothers who were in school almost went crazy. They abandoned their things and ran home.


    When they reached the intersection, they happened to run into the vigers who went to find the younger sister. The two groups joined forces and ran towards the county town.


    For a moment, the area within a radius of several li was in chaos.

 Chapter 19: Crucifixion

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Fortunately, the Lu family and the Chen family had just entered the house and hadn''t been inside for a while when they heard a report from the yamen that the child had been found and was currently at the clinic. The child had suffered some injuries, but the doctor had already treated her.


    When they heard the news, the aunt and sister-inw were both overjoyed. They asked which clinic the child was at, and rushed straight to He''an Medicine Hall. As soon as the two entered the clinic, they asked, "Master Qin, did you bring a little girl here?"


    The Apprentice in medicine shop said yes, he recognized Chen, knew that she was Master Lu''s wife, and called Chen sister-inw, thinking she must be Master Lu''s own younger sister and the mother of the little girl inside.


    The Apprentice in medicine shop led the aunt and sister-inw to the back courtyard¡¯s detention room.


    Inside the detention room, a little girl was lying quietly on the bed, with a female doctor sitting beside her, flipping through medical books while carefully monitoring the child. From time to time she would reach out and touch the child''s forehead, extremely attentive. Seeing the Apprentice in medicine shop leading twodies, she figured they must be the parents of this poor child.


    Her daughter, who had left the house well that morning, nowy on the clinic bed covered in injuries, like a fragile rag doll. Lu''s heart was broken.


    She bent down to kiss her daughter''s little face, but seeing the purple and ck handprints covering half of her daughter''s face, she didn''t dare kiss her, afraid of hurting her.


    Lu choked back sobs, crying rain for a while. identally, a few teardrops fell on Jiang Yuqing¡¯s face.


    The child blinked open her eyes and woke up.


    "Mother, hug!" After suffering such an ordeal, her throat felt itchy and blocked, and her voice sounded particrly hoarse and weak.


    Lu could no longer hold back and hugged her daughter tightly in her arms. Facing her lost and found daughter, Lu was both sad and happy, crying uncontrobly.


    Jiang Yuqing felt bad seeing Lu so heartbroken, and took the initiative to rub her little face against her mother''s: "Don''t cry! Baby is fine." Hearing her precious daughter''s tenderfort, Lu cried even harder, and it took her quite a while to calm down.


    At this moment, a group of people poured in with a whoosh outside the hall, it was Master Lu, Jiang Wenkang and his wife, and others.


    Jiang Wenkang and his wife were just back from a wedding banquet at the bride''s home when they heard their little niece was missing, and they immediately dropped their chopsticks in fright. The couple stuffed the bride price they had prepared for the bride into the hands of their old mother, gave her some instructions, then rushed out in a hurry.


    On the way they happened to run into Master Lu, and heard the child had been found and was being treated at the clinic, so the group hurried over.


    No matter what, the child had been found back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After waiting another half hour, Old Lady Hu from Xijin ferry and the Jiang family from Xijin ferry had all arrived.


    Jiang Yuqing wanted to get intimate with each of her elders, but she had no strength now, drifting in and out, and soon developed a fever.


    Everyone hurriedly called for the doctor. After the old doctor came to examine her, his expression was very solemn, saying this fever came on fiercely and dangerously, and told them to be mentally prepared.


    Hearing this, Lu almost fainted to the ground.


    The illness came on fiercely and critically. In the time it took the Apprentice in medicine shop to brew medicine, bubbles had appeared at the corners of Jiang Yuqing''s mouth, her lips had turned purple, and her whole body began to convulse violently, leaving the Jiang family at a loss as to what to do.


    This was a convulsion caused by high fever. The old doctor had them loosen the child¡¯s clothes, spread out his acupuncture kit, and inserted silver needles one by one into her body¡¯s acupoints...


    Seeing her red-hot granddaughter, Old Lady Hu''s heart shattered. Crying, she pped herself, "It''s all my fault. If I hadn''t agreed to amodate that old hypocrite due to some vanity, how could my precious granddaughter have suffered so much..."


    Although Lu was angry, she also knew it wasn''t her mother-inw''s fault.


    She swallowed her grief and wiped away her tears, hoarselyforting her mother-inw: "Mother, you mustn''t me yourself, this was just an ident.


    No one in our family loves our precious granddaughter more than I, her mother, do.


    She is lucky, and I as her mother am lucky. If our precious granddaughter wakes up and finds out her grandmother hurt herself because of her, she would definitely not be happy."


    The others joined in persuading her: "That''s right, Mother, don''t be sad. That scumbag has been caught now, and Master Qin is a good official, he will surely give him no good end..."


    The Jiang family kept vigil at the clinic for a night, busy for a night, and worried for a night.


    It was also the most tormenting night for the entire Jiang family.


    Seeing the dying child, the Jiang family''s heartache and anger reached its peak.


    If it wasn''t for Tan Laosan being escorted back to the county prison at this time to await sentencing, I''m afraid he would have been beaten to death by the angry Jiang family.


    Perhaps the heavens had heard the Jiang family''s prayers. By daybreak, Jiang Yuqing''s fever finally broke.


    The old doctor, who had also been busy all night, pounded his aching old waist, checked the child''s pulse again, and smiled with relief: "It''s okay now, she''s out of danger.


    As the old saying goes, survive a great disaster and good fortune will follow. Raise the child well, and good days are ahead!"


    "Thank you, thank you, doctor."


    The Jiangs wept with gratitude.


    Lu and Old Lady Hu stayed at the clinic to watch over Jiang Yuqing. The rest of the Jiang n went out for breakfast.


    Because Jiang Yuqing had a fever, the whole family hadn''t even remembered to eat dinnerst night, then stayed up all night, so now they were both hungry and tired.


    They found a breakfast shop near the clinic, ate a simple meal, then packed some food for Lu and Old Lady Hu before returning to the clinic.


    After a short rest, they got up and headed to the county government.


    This matter had to be resolved today.


    The incident had caused an uproar, and within just an afternoon, the whole city knew about it.


    Most people were kind-hearted, and deeply detested human traffickers.


    Although Tan Laosan''s actions had not yet been conclusively judged, themon people had already equated him with a human trafficker, and greatly sympathized with the Jiang family''s plight.


    Hearing that the county yamen was holding a court session on the case today, all who had nothing to do rushed to the county yamen to watch the excitement, crowding the county yamen hall so tightly that water could not trickle through.


    Only little Mrs. Hu and her two sons came representing the Tan family.


    Her hair was a bit messy, there were dark circles under her eyes, her face was haggard, apparently she had not slept well eitherst night. Compared to her joy and pride yesterday, it was like night and day.


    The court session officially began early in the morning.


    Master Qin had the defendant and victim brought into the hall.


    Tan Laosan was brought back personally by Master Qin, catching him red-handed, leaving no room for denial.


    He figured a beating today was inevitable, and hoping Master Qin would be lenient in sentencing him for his cooperative attitude.


    Then he would y the pity card, get his old mother to pull some strings, spend a few days locked up and he''d be out again. His n was good, but naive.


    So before the club came down, Tan Laosan readily confessed everything.


    ording to him, he owed 150 taels of silver debt to a usurer. The usurer told him to pay it back in 5 days, or they would chop off one of his arms.


    He had no choice, so he eyed his family''snd deeds.


    But when his father died, knowing this younger son was unreliable, he had given all thend deeds and property deeds to his two older sons, leaving him with nothing.


    Just then, his younger sister was getting married, so he eyed her dowry.


    But his sister was shrewd, guarding her dowry like the apple of her eye, and he failed several times trying to get his hands on it, even until the moment his sister left the house upon marriage he still hadn''t seeded.


    It wasn''t until at the wedding banquet that he noticed his aunt and her little granddaughter.


    The reason he noticed Jiang Yuqing was because the child was so beautiful. In all his years, he had never seen such a beautiful little girl, like a little bodhisattva.


    His third aunt told him that beautiful little girls sold to brothels as child brides fetched a good price. Also, just the silver ornaments on her body were worth a lot of money.


    So he got the idea to abduct the child and sell her. As luck would have it, the child had fallen asleep.


    He saw his aunt put the sleeping child in her mother''s room, and surprisingly her mother didn''t lock the door when she came out.


    What''s more, his third aunt came to him and volunteered to help create a diversion for him. The reason was that his third aunt actually held a grudge against the child''s family.


    He readily agreed. So during the banquet when everyone was seated, he sneakily slipped into his mother''s room. He first rummaged through his mother''s room and found nothing. Then decisively made his move on the child.


    He was afraid he would wake up the child if he took action, so he called someone over. He then ruthlessly covered the child''s nose and mouth with a handkerchief that had been soaked in anesthetic a few days earlier, and as expected, the child struggled for a while and then lost consciousness.


    After leaving the vige, he had originally intended to take the main road to the county seat, butter worried that Old Lady Hu would find out and give chase, so he changed to take the small mountain path instead.


    At the entrance to the mountain path on both sides were thorns, and in his panic one of the child''s shoes got caught on the thorns and was pulled off, but he didn''t think to pick it up.


    After running about halfway, he couldn''t run anymore, so he stopped by the side of the path to rest, and was unexpectedly bitten by a poisonous snake.


    What bit him was a bamboo leaf green snake, and he knew well the toxicity of this kind of snake. If he didn''t hurry to find a doctor for treatment, he was afraid he would be crippled for the rest of his life.


    He had no choice, so he took off the child''s jewelry and abandoned her by the side of the path, then rushed alone towards the county seat to find a doctor.


    Unexpectedly, he had barely walked away when he was caught and brought back by Qin County Magistrate.


    Tan Laosan knew that he was caught so quickly entirely because of the little shoe that had been hooked off by the thorns at the entrance to the path.


    He regretted it so much that he wished he could go back to that moment when he lost the shoe and p himself twice, before snatching the shoe back...


    As for the information Granny Tan gave up about his aunt. After Qin County Magistrate rified the specific name and address, he immediately had people bring her in.


    The other Jiang family members did not recognize her, but Jiang''s three daughters-inw did.


    She was exactly the granny Tan who had unsessfully tried to take bracelets from them at the wonton standst year, and cursed that Jiang Yuqing would not grow up, before being severely taught a lesson by Lu.


    That day, she had been invited back to her natal family for a celebratory feast, and as soon as she saw Jiang Yuqing in old Lady Hu''s arms, her eyes turned red.


    Just then, her third nephew had lost a gamble and needed money to buy back his life. She immediately hatched a n, provoking her nephew that this child was so good-looking that if sold to a brothel could fetch a lot of silver and so on.


    Tan Laosan was both wicked and stupid, and as soon as she provoked him he took the bait.


    Later she took the initiative to offer to be a lookout for him. It was purely to get back at the Jiang family for the anger she had suffered from themst year.


    The truth of the matter was now clear.


    As the saying goes, sworn enemies are exceptionally jealous when they meet.


    If not for Qin County Magistrate and Master Lu holding these women back desperately, the three daughters-inw would have been unable to stop themselves from pouncing forward and tearing her apart alive.


    s, Qin County Magistrate held back the Jiang family women but did not hold back little Mrs. Hu.


    Little Mrs. Hu rushed forward like a madwoman, raising her big ear scraper and pping while cursing: "What wrong has our Tan family ever done to you that you would scheme to harm your own nephew like this?


    He is your own nephew! You are heartless...


    Granny Tan was no pushover either, and immediately fought back.


    In an instant, the two women together nearing a hundred years old came to blows, with their hair flying wildly as they scratched and wed ferociously at each other.


    As the saying goes, you shouldn''t involve yourself in other families'' affairs. Not a single woman in the Tan family, whether married out or married in, was a good person. They were all stupid and wicked.


    The onlookers were amused to watch the show, but it made Qin County Magistrate''s head throb with pain.


    This was too disgraceful. Two shrews brawling in open court, how could this be allowed? He hurriedly had people pull them apart.


    After all thismotion, the case should alsoe to a conclusion.


    The evidence was clear.


    Granny Tan had provoked others tomit a crime, and assisted the principal offender by keeping watch in this case, making her an essory to the actual crime. ording to thew she was sentenced to death by hanging, to be carried out in three days at the vegetable market.


    Upon hearing this, Granny Tan immediately copsed limply to the ground.


    The principal offender Tan Laosan, for abducting a young child, and for the cruel harm and robbery he inflicted on the abducted child,mitted heinous crimes. ording to thew he was sentenced to death by dismemberment.


    He would be beheaded three dayster at the western vegetable market, and must alsopensate the Jiang family with thirty taels of silver.


    Although Tan Laosan had attended school for two years, he waszy and unlearned, causing trouble and mischief until his exasperated teacher finally expelled him.


    When he was driven back home, he couldn''t even recite the Three Character ssic fully, so naturally he didn''t understand ¡°death by dismemberment¡±. But he could understand ¡°beheading three dayster at the western vegetable market¡±.


    He immediately copsed limply to the ground in fright, followed by a stench as he lost control of his bowels and dder.


    Little Mrs. Hu was also frightened limp, but when she came to her senses she knocked her head on the ground, wailing loudly.


    As she wept, she pleaded for her son''s life: "Your Honor, spare his life! Spare his life, my third son knows he was wrong, he knows he was wrong, please just spare his life..."


    However, the Law of Da Xia could not be circumvented with a simple admission of wrongdoing. No matter how she caused a scene and pled, everyone on the bench remained unmoved.


    They even scolded her harshly, warning that if she continued making a ruckus they would give her a few boards to eat as well.


    When little Mrs. Hu''s tearful pleas to Qin County Magistrate were fruitless, she turned and threw herself at old Lady Hu''s feet, hugging her legs as she urgently pleaded: "Sister, I was wrong.


    I beg you, spare my third son''s life, he is still young, you are a generous elder, let him off just this once!"


    Old Lady Hu coldly kicked her away: "Disgusting wretch! Still young at over twenty? My granddaughter is not yet one year old, what wrong did she do? When your precious sonid hands on her, did he think to let her off!


    Beastly creature, he belongs in the eighteenth level of hell.


    Heaven''s justice is right, he deserves to die! With him dead, there will be one less scourge in this world!"


    Little Mrs. Hu watched helplessly as her beloved youngest son was put in shackles and dragged away like a dead dog.


    She looked again at the Jiang family members ring resentfully at her, then at her sullen eldest and second sons, and instantly even the strength to cry left her as she fainted dead away.


    The Jiang family took away the thirty taels of silver inpensation from the Tan family that very day, and brought Jiang Yuqing back to Xijin ferry.

 Chapter 20: One More Water Tank

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    Three dayster, Tan Laosan and Granny Tan were executed at the vegetable market in the west of the city.


    On the day of the beheading, Jiang Family and Tan Family all went there. The Tan Family had brought a thin wooden coffin on a donkey cart to collect Tan Laosan''s body.


    As for Granny Tan''s family, there was not even a single person who showed up, let alone collect the body.


    After being taken down from the gallows, the body was just rolled up in a tattered straw mat and thrown to the chaotic graves outside the city.


    Even after his death, Tan Laosan''s body was dismembered. He deserved his punishment. Old Lady Hu personally saw her young son being dismembered and went mad at that time.


    In fact, if Tan Laosan ended up like this today, Old Lady Hu should be held half responsible.


    If only she hadn''t spoiled her young son so much, or given him a p the first time he did something wrong, instead of thinking about how to help him get away with it, the ending wouldn''t have been like this.


    After Tan Laosan''s death and Old Lady Hu went mad, the Tan Family divided up the family property as quickly as possible.


    Old Lady Hu had already displeased her other two sons because of her previous favoritism towards her young son. And now, because of Tan Laosan, not only did they lose most of their family property,


    the reputation of the Tan Family in the viges nearby also plummeted.


    Her two daughters-inw hated her even more, and did not care about her at all. Not long after, she identally fell into a pond and drowned.


    The matter was settled. The old couple of Jiang Family discussed with their sons and daughters-inw, prepared generous gifts, and went door-to-door to express their thanks.


    They thanked those who helped find people back then, like Jiang Mansion, Qu Mansion, Lin Family where the daughter-inw was from, and Lu Family where the daughter-inw was from.


    They also speciallymissioned a horizontal inscribed board with the four big characters "Fairness for the People".


    Old Man Jiang personally led the whole family to present it to the county government office with gongs and drums. This deeply moved Qin Jue.


    Although the Qin Family had powerful background, which official on the career path would dislike a better reputation?


    At least Qin Jue was very ttered, and felt that the Jiang Family really knew how to handle matters properly.


    Jiang Family also bought glutinous rice to make pastries, and purchased pork, sugar, wine, grains, fabrics and other items.


    They gave every single person who helped find people that day a pastry, a five-jin jar of wine, three jin of meat, five jin of white rice, two jin of brown sugar, and five chi of cloth.


    Even those few people from Lotus Flower Vige who helped spread the news and find people got a share.


    Jiang Family''s intention was very clear that the Tan Family was the Tan Family, and had nothing to do with other people from Lotus Flower Vige. They would not make indiscriminate usations.


    When the word spread, people from ten li and eight viges quite approved of Jiang Family''s magnanimity.


    Especially other vigers of Lotus Flower Vige, they all heaved a sigh of relief, at least they didn''t need to worry about retaliation from people of the Xijin ferry.


    Ever since losing her granddaughter that day, Old Lady Hu felt very guilty. If it wasn''t for her own negligence, her little granddaughter wouldn''t have suffered so much.


    Fortunately, after the fever subsided, her granddaughter''s condition improved day by day.


    After changing the medicine several times, the wounds on her hands also scabbed and did not leave any scars. She was still cheerful and smiling.


    Additionally, her daughters-inw often consoled her, so she gradually put her mind at ease.


    But she became even more protective of her granddaughter.


    For Jiang Yuqing, this was truly a heavy yet sweet love.


    In fact, she really didn''t expect to have such a severe fever that day, it was just some inferior sweat-inducing medicine and a cold.


    The reason was that her current body was too small and couldn''t withstand the ordeal.


    Fortunately, she often drank the spiritual spring water, so the foundation of her body was much better than that of ordinary infants. If it was a normal baby, they might have died directly.


    The spiritual spring water was really good. When she could walk independently, she would fill the family''s water vat with spiritual spring water every day. It would not only prolong the life and improve the health of the family drinking it, but at least also strengthen their bodies.


    No, do it now!


    "Milk, water water!" Her little tongue hadn''t yet learned to say the word "vat". She just kept pointing her little hand towards the kitchen.


    Old Lady Hu thought she wanted to drink water, and smiled: "Good baby, do you want to drink water?"


    Speaking, she poured half a cup of warm water into Jiang Yuqing''s carved little bamboo cup.


    The little milk dumpling avoided it. Her little body leaned forward, her little hand kept pointing to the kitchen: "Water water!" Old Lady Hu didn''t understand why, wasn''t there water already, why must she go to the kitchen.


    But to indulge her granddaughter, Old Lady Hu still carried her to the kitchen.


    At that time, several daughters-inw were preparing lunch in the kitchen.


    Seeing the two of theme in, they thought the little one smelled the fragrance and got greedy, so Luughed and tweaked her daughter''s little nose: "Lunch is not ready yet, you have to wait a while before you can eat."


    Jiang Yuqing avoided her mother''s hand, and pointed at the big water vat in the house: "Water water!"


    Old Lady Hu exined: "Just now in the hall, she kept pointing here and saying water water. I thought she wanted to drink water. But when I poured it, she didn''t drink it either, she just wanted toe to the kitchen."


    Old Lady Hu carried Jiang Yuqing to the edge of the water vat, and pretended to be angry: "There, we''re at the vat now. What on earth do you want to do?"


    The little milk dumpling grinned, exposing two little rice teeth, and with a thought, a trickle of clear stream flowed into the almost empty vat.


    The water flow wasrge, clear and fast. In a short while, it filled more than half of the vat. This operation really stunned the women in the kitchen.


    Everyone was speechless! For a moment, the kitchen was so quiet that only the sound of water flowing into the vat "gulu gulu" and the cracking sound of firewood in the stove "papa" could be heard.


    Until a rich burnt smell rose in the big kitchen.


    Zhu, who was cooking, suddenly cried out and jumped up: "Oh my, my dishes!"


    After a flurry, the women finally cleaned up. Then they continued staring nkly at the now full vat.


    Zhu said in a daze: "Can someone pinch me to see if I''m dreaming?"


    Eldest sister-inw Lin was stunned for a moment, then reached out and twisted her. Zhu immediately grimaced in pain.


    It was true! Although they already knew Jiang Yuqing had some magic, it was still shocking to see it so directly and explicitly. Jiang Family''s women were still a little spaced out.


    The daughter being able to get things out of thin air, Lu had seen many times, sopared to her mother-inw and two sisters-inw, she was much calmer.


    She took adle without a word, scooped adle of water and drank it.


    The spring water that entered her mouth was clear and sweet, and it tasted much better than the well water carried home. It must not be ordinary water.


    Lu drank most of thedle in one breath, then put down thedle vigorously and smiled: "You should try it too!" The women each took a drink, and it was indeed much tastier than the water fetched from outside.


    Lu gently stroked her daughter''s little face: "Baby, this water is different from usual. Does it have any effect?"


    The little milk dumpling nodded and smiled: "Spirit, water. Drink, no sick!"


    Lu said: "You mean this is spiritual water, and drinking it will prevent sickness, right? Is it only for today, or every day in the future too?"


    "Have, lots!" The big eyes of the little dumpling smiled into crescents, extremely cute.


    Old Lady Hu said solemnly: "The old rule. Only the adults in the family need to know about this, no need to tell the children.


    Also, don''t randomly pour the water used for washing vegetables anymore, take it all to the backyard to water the ground."


    She thought for a while and added: "Or rather not, such good water would be too wasteful to use for washing things. From now on it can only be used for drinking, use the water fetched from outside to wash vegetables and dishes and such."


    The women all expressed agreement.


    At noon, when the family members came back to eat, Old Lady Hu told them about it.


    After a moment of silence, the adults allughed. The two uncles even joked: "Good, with little darling at home from now on, we can fetch less water."


    "Right, less." The little dumpling''s expression was serious, full of confidence.


    The room was filled withughter in an instant.


    From then on, there was another smaller vat in Jiang Family''s kitchen. The small vat held drinking spiritual spring water, and the big vat held water fetched from outside.


    Every morning Jiang Yuqing would have a family member carry her into the kitchen to fill up the small water vat.


    To make watering the ground more convenient, Old Man Jiang even specially hired someone to dig a well in the backyard.


    This provided better coverter for Jiang Yuqing with the spiritual spring water.


    When the me-red mountain camellias bloomed all over the hillsides, Jiang Yuqing''s birthday on the twentieth day of the third month arrived.


    Although Daddy was not at home, the birthday banquet for darling Qingbao, the family''s cherished one, was still held very grandly.


    All the close rtives and friends who were avable came. In addition, an unexpected personage showed up, namely the son of the county magistrate, Jing Yan.


    When Lu saw him, she was quite surprised. Through her elder brother''s connections, she knew some of the inside story about this young master.


    She knew he was the nephew of the county magistrate Qin, the son of the county magistrate''s older sister, and was from the capital.


    At his young age, he was not given to smiling, and was full of an air of nobility. She didn''t know how her little daughter had fallen for him, but he seemed to be extremely fond of her well-behaved treasure.


    No matter howplicated Lu''s feelings were, since he was a guest, and an honored guest at that, this was a matter of face for the Jiang family, so naturally Lu had to treat him respectfully.


    Today she was dressed up by her mother-inw and two aunts-inw very festively. She wore a red crossover-cored top matched with a skirt of the same color embroidered with a hundred butterflies and a pair of simrly embroidered shoes.


    The little hair she had was parted into two sections. Using two thin red hair ribbons, they were twisted and wrapped upward, tied into two straight little pigtails standing upright on her head, just like the two little antennae on a snail''s head.


    With every move, her skirt swayed, her antennae shook, simply adorably cute.


    At this time, in the Jiang family''s great hall, two eight-immortal tables had been put together to form one big table, covered with a thick red velvet cloth. The adults were holding all kinds of things and cing them on it one by one.


    For example, her eldest aunt put down a littleb and cosmetics case, apparently hoping she would grow up to be a beautiful youngdy.


    Hmm, she had secretly looked in the mirror, and found she was quite good-looking in this life.


    Her second aunt put down a little wooden spat and sewing kit, hoping she would be able to sew and cook when she grew up, and be a youngdy skilled with her hands and mind.


    When it was her mother''s turn, she put down a book, hoping she would gain knowledge and propriety.


    Grandma Old Lady Hu put down a silver ingot. The old madam hoped her precious granddaughter would be rich and noble and neverck for money to spend all her life.


    Hmm, this was definitely necessary.


    Eldest brother Jiang Yujiang put down a writing brush, hoping his younger sister would have learning and be able to write good calligraphy.


    Second brother Jiang Yuhe put down his most beloved little wooden sword. This meant he hoped she would be a female general or heroine in the future.


    That was also possible. Which girl hadn''t once dreamed of being a chivalrous swordswoman!


    Third brother Jiang Yuhu, who was good at math and aspired to be the manager of a big restaurant, put down a little abacus.


    Fourth brother Jiang Yuhai put down a little catapult, and fifth and sixth brothers Jiang Yuming and Jiang Yushan put down snacks and pastries. Did this mean they hoped she would be a foodie?


    Being a foodie wouldn''t be bad either! Besides, she had originally been a foodie!


    Seventh brother, her own elder brother Jiang Yuchuan, put down a little pen holder which Daddy had carved for him before leaving for the capital. He treasured it greatly, yet today he also put it down.


    When it was young master Jing Yan''s turn, he took out a carved jade seal from his bosom and ced it on the table. After him, the other people put down some odds and ends like dried fruits, rattles, and other little knickknacks.


    "Come, good baby, choose one thing! Choose what you like best yourself!" The several brothers were itching to prompt her, giving all kinds of hints for her to choose what each had put down.


    Even young master Jing Yan looked at her with hopeful eyes, just short of saying outright to choose the seal.

 Chapter 21: Zaozhou

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing stood on the tform, looking at the shining, expectant eyes all around her. She felt extremelyforted, extremely happy, extremely warm.


    Love this sweet, how could it be let down? Only children make choices, adults of course¡ªwant it all.


    She staggered to the corner of the tform, lifted up a corner of the velvet cloth, folded it in, then pulled hard, dragging it to the middle.


    Then she went to another corner, lifted the velvet cloth, folded and pulled it to the middle. She did the same for the other two corners, messing up the nice piece of velvet cloth into arge, unclosed bundle with everything wrapped inside.


    Then, she stood in the middle of the velvet cloth, hands on her plump waist arrogantly announcing: "Mine!"


    The crowd was surprised for a moment, then burst outughing. Even young master Jing Yan''s mouth corners curled high.


    This little one is a cunning child, not offending anyone.


    Old Lady Hu hugged her granddaughter into her arms,ughing out loud: "Good, good, it''s all yours. It''s all my good baby''s. My good baby will definitely grow into a well-mannered youngdy who can enter the hall and kitchen, knowing books and rites with spiritual and skilled hands."


    The story of Jiang Yuqing sweeping everything on the table quickly spread.


    The Jiang n all said that our clever baby is very smart and will have great sess in the future.


    Of course among outsiders, there were also some sour women who said: "No matter how sessful, she is still a girl. How could she be an official in the future?"


    The woman had just finished speaking when her husband immediately covered her mouth: "Watch that broken mouth of yours. I don''t know if the girl can be an official or not, but her father definitely can."


    The woman''s expression changed and she didn''t dare say any more.


    The day Jiang Yuqing did the baby grabbing game was also thest day of the imperial exam for Jiang Wenyuan. After the gong rang to end the exam session, the examinees of that exam hall trudged out one after another after being cooped up for a full nine days.


    Most of the examinees who came out had disheveled hair and ashen faces. Some were so weak they needed support to even walk.


    Only Jiang Wenyuan strode out vigorously. Other than looking slightly tired, his hair wasn''t even that messy. His condition really attracted attention among the stumbling examinees.


    Seeing his good condition, servant A Ping was slightly relieved. He supported Jiang Wenyuan onto the carriage.


    Jiang Wenyuan was also tired. Upon returning to the inn, he didn''t even bathe before falling asleep.


    He slept for a full day and night before waking up. After waking up, he had the inn send up hot water and took a nice bath and ate a good meal before finally feeling revived.


    The exam hall was damp, cold, narrow and small. Examinees slightly taller even had difficulty lying down.


    Especially examinees from the south who were not ustomed to the climate and environment. Staying in this kind of ce for several days, other than the three bowls of hot water every day, they really didn''t even have a trace of warmth.


    Many could not endure and had to be carried out midway. Fortunately, the food and spring water prepared by his darling daughter allowed him to avoid much suffering.


    The results would be posted on the 5th day of the 4th month. There was still half a month before then. Jiang Wenyuan didn''t have acquaintances in the capital, let alone connections to befriend officials.


    Fortunately, he had a good mentality. Most of the time he stayed in his room reading books. asionally he would discuss and exchange with acquainted examinees or fellow townsmen. He wasn''t impatient at all.


    On this day, he went to a teahouse at the invitation of a fellow townsman to meet with some examinees to discuss ssics and history. When the gathering ended and there was still some time, he wanted to go out for a walk.


    His darling daughter''s one year birthday was such an important asion, yet he as the father was not home. He felt it was quite regrettable.


    He still had some silver on hand and wanted to buy a nice little gift to please his daughter.


    Of course his dear wife and mother should also have gifts. His two sisters-inw were also working hard and could not be forgotten...


    North of the exam institute street was an extremely livelymercial street.


    Here there were restaurants, bars, silk and satin shops, jewelry stores, cosmetics shops, etc. lined up side by side.


    There were also street peddlers selling snacks and trinkets, hoop spinning, truly everything for food, drink, entertainment and leisure.


    Jiang Wenyuan browsed for a while. For his darling daughter he bought a pair of butterfly pearl hairpins, a pair of velvet flowers, two exquisitely embroidered small pouches, and a small tiger shaped pillow.


    For his dear wife he bought a jade hairpin. For his mother a pair of gold bracelets. For each of his two sisters-inw a gold hairpin.


    Because he had to buy a lot of things, the money on him was insufficient. On the way he even went to a medicine shop to sell a 100-year ginseng.


    Since the inn was not far, the master and servant did not take a carriage. They just walked back like this.


    When passing through a small alley, he saw two rogue-looking men pressing down a very small child and rummaging through his belongings.


    Seeing this, Jiang Wenyuan hurriedly shouted, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you two doing? Stop, you hear me!"


    Hearing the voice, the two rogue men were startled, thinking some formidable character had arrived.


    Looking up and seeing it was a schr, they were rather angry: "Scram, it''s none of your business. Stop minding other people''s business!"


    But the child heard the voice and shouted loudly for help: "Uncle, save me! They want to rob my stuff!"


    Hearing this, Jiang Wenyuan sternly shouted, "Let go of the child! Let go! Didn''t you hear me? This is under the Son of Heaven''s feet, how can you run amok here! If you don''t let go, I''ll report this to the officials!"


    At the same time, he rushed over with A Ping and started brawling with them.


    Although Jiang Wenyuan was a schr, he came from a farming family. He was quite strong from doing farm work at home.


    A Ping was also a strapping youngd, hot-blooded on his own. Fighting together, they actually gained the upper hand.


    The two rogues got hit hard several times. Knowing they were no match, they hurriedly threw down the stuff and ran away limping.


    Although master and servant won the fight, they also got hit several times.


    Especially Jiang Wenyuan. He got hit hard on the chin. The corner of his mouth was cut and bled. Some teeth also became loose, fortunately none fell out. They should grow back after recuperating.


    He used a handkerchief to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, caught his breath, then handed the retrieved jade pendant back to the child. "Here, your belonging. Hide it well, don''t let it get snatched again."


    The child epted the jade pendant and earnestly bowed to him in thanks.


    Seeing the blood at the corner of his mouth, the child was rather worried. "Uncle, are you alright?"


    Jiang Wenyuan licked the corner of his mouth, unconcerned. "I''m fine. How about you? Did they hit you?"


    The child shook his head. "No, they wanted to hit me but you came."


    "That''s good!" Jiang Wenyuan squatted down, patted the child''s head, and brushed the dust off him in passing.


    This child looked about five or six, simr age to his own naughty son.


    "Whose family''s child are you? Howe you''re alone here? Where are your elders?"


    The child shook his head and after a while muttered, "I got separated from my family, I''m lost."


    Jiang Wenyuan sighed. "Forget it, do you remember where your home is? I''ll take you back! You''ve been missing for so long, your family must be worried."


    The child hesitated for a bit before answering, "My home is in Ningkang District Rong An Street in the west." Hearing this, Jiang Wenyuan thought, good, it''s quite far from here.


    Oh well, see the Buddha off till the West. He led the child out of the small alley onto the busymercial street from before. He had A Ping go rent a carriage and ording to the address given by the child, they found Rong An Street in Ningkang District.


    When the carriage stopped in front of a majestic mansion with a pair of giant stone lions crouching in front under the direction of the child, the master and servant were both stunned speechless.


    They saw arge horizontal tablet hanging above the vermilion gate with six big characters "Duke of Protector''s Mansion" written on it in gold paint on a red background, with an awe-inspiring aura.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s expression wasplicated as he looked at the child beside him. Turns out he''s a little noble. But whether he''s nobility or not doesn''t matter much to him. Anyway, he''s returned the child safely.


    Jiang Wenyuan carried the child off the carriage and patted his head. "Go in, your elders must be anxious."


    The child nodded. "Thank you uncle. I''ll remember not to run around randomly again. Even if I go out to y, I''ll bring more people."


    Jiang Wenyuan watched the child knock on the vermilion gate. Soon someone came out. Seeing the child, he was extremely delighted and shouted, "Oh my! It''s the young master! The young master is back!"


    The child looked back at him and Jiang Wenyuan waved his hand. "Go in, I should get going too." Then he turned and boarded the carriage, leaving swiftly.


    Duke of Protector''s Mansion


    The Duke of Protector''s Mansion was shocked to find the missing heir. The entire mansion was thrown into chaos looking everywhere but not finding the child. They were about to send people to search outside when a servant came to report the young master had returned through the main gate.


    Jiang Wenyuan was brought back and carefully questioned. It was then discovered that this mischievous child had awoken from his afternoon nap and, taking advantage of the maid who was nodding off, had sneakily evaded the attendants and servants and slipped out through the back door.


    He had run so far away. And had even been robbed by thieves. If he hadn''t been rescued and brought back in time, who knows what would have happened.


    By the time they understood what had happened and went out to search, the benefactor was long gone without a trace.


    Fortunately, investigating an individual was no difficult task for the Duke of Protector''s Mansion. After giving the order, information on Jiang Wenyuan was on Duke of Protector Yuan Meng''s desk in less than a day.


    "Lingzhou Prefecture, Qingzhou County." Yuan Meng tapped his desk with a crooked finger: "Oh, I remember that Qin Family boy is there!"


    "You mean Guan Zhi? He''s in Qingzhou," said Heir Apparent to the Duke of Protector Yuan Yun as he put aside the military book in his hand and flipped through the information on Jiang Wenyuan.


    He smiled. "Oh, he was the second ce inst year''s Lingzhou Prefectural Examinations. This person seems quite learned."


    "Mm!" Yuan Meng habitually stroked his sparse precious moustache. "With his ranking, he''s guaranteed a spot on the top tier as long as nothing unexpected happens."


    "Does Father want to support him?"


    Yuan Meng said, "A weak schr who fought street ruffians to save an unfamiliar child, and was injured in the process, clearly has backbone and grit.


    Later, when he found out it was a child from our mansion, he didn''t fawn or tter or take advantage to ask for favors. Instead, he quietly left. From this we can see he has excellent moral character.


    But it''s too early to make a definitive judgment now. There are still some days before the lists are posted. Yun''er, quickly send a sealed letter to the Qin Family boy to investigate Jiang Wenyuan''s background.


    If his character is indeed reliable, then give what support you can within your capabilities. If he doesn''t bring it up, our mansion can''t pretend not to know - that would be ungrateful!"


    "Yes, Father!"


    Of course, Jiang Wenyuan didn''t know what was happening in the Duke of Protector''s Mansion. After returning that afternoon, he put the matter out of his mind.


    For this examination, he was eighty to ny percent confident.


    If his name was on the lists, there would still be the pce examination. He absolutely could not waste any more time and should concentrate on studying.

 Chapter 22: Zhengugong Mansion

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    The next morning, Jiang Wenyuan was studying intently in his room. Suddenly, the innkeeper came personally to knock on his door, saying a distinguished guest hade to pay a visit.


    Jiang Wenyuan wondered if it was an acquaintance from his hometown. He immediately tidied his clothes and opened the door, only to find the visitor was a tall and dignified stranger he did not recognize.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s eyes shed as he guessed who it might be. He came forward and bowed in greeting. After exchanging pleasantries, he learned the visitor was actually the heir of Duke of Protector.


    Jiang Wenyuan quickly invited him inside to sit down and had A Ping serve tea.


    The Duke of Protector''s family rose to prominence through military achievements. Yuan Yun, as the heir of Duke of Protector, held the rank of Huaihua general himself.


    As a military man, Yuan Yun was straightforward. He got right to the point, "I won''t hide it from you, Brother Jiang. The child you saved yesterday was my son. He slipped out through the dog hole in the back garden while the maids who were on duty dozed off. If not for your rescue, I''m afraid he would have gotten into big trouble yesterday."


    "You overpraise me," Jiang Wenyuan smiled and said, "It''s only natural for a child that age to be curious and mischievous. It''s in their nature. I also have a little monkey back home about the same age. He follows his older brothers to catch fish in the river and birds on the mountain. He''s always scampering about and has been punished by the family many times."


    As fellow fathers, Yuan Yun''s interest was piqued. "Hearing you say that, Brother Jiang, it seems you have quite a few children in your family?"


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled. "Just one of my own, but I have a bunch of nephews. More than enough for a cuju team."


    Yuan Yun was surprised, "Your family is really prosperous!"


    Following this topic, the two chatted freely for the whole morning. Jiang Wenyuan felt Yuan Yun was generous and schrly, without the arrogance typical of privileged young masters.


    Yuan Yun thought Jiang Wenyuan was sincere and straightforward for a schr, and held great respect for frontier soldiers.


    After an earnest conversation, the two men from vastly different backgrounds unexpectedly hit it off, feeling a sense of regret for not having met sooner. It was quite remarkable.


    After seeing Yuan Yun off, Jiang Wenyuan looked at the threerge boxes left in the room withplicated feelings. He slowly opened them.


    The first box was tightly packed with brocade. Although he didn''t know much about fabrics, he could tell from the exquisite patterns and weaves that they were no ordinary goods.


    The second box contained books, brushes and inkstones. Flipping through them, he found many rare editions. There was also a fine quality inkstone, a whole set of brushes, and two sticks of pine soot ink - all extremely valuable objects. Jiang Wenyuan had only heard of them before; this was the first time seeing such treasures, and he was truly shocked.


    Thest box contained the most practical items - gold and silver.


    The top twoyers were silver. There were five rows with ten ingots of ten liang each per row, 250 liang in total for oneyer, so 500 liang for bothyers.


    The bottomyer was gold, also in ten liang ingots, with a total of 25 pieces.


    Based on the exchange rate of one liang of gold to ten liang of silver, not counting the other items, just the gold and silver in this box was worth over 1,000 liang - a huge amount that made Jiang Wenyuan gasp. The Duke of Protector''s mansion was indeed generous.


    These valuables were too much to ept, but he absolutely could not return them.


    After thinking it over, he took the thickest root from the ginseng his precious daughter had given him, and personally selected an exquisite brocade box to hold it in. He had A Ping deliver it to the Duke of Protector''s mansion as a return gift.


    Now let''s talk about the mistress of the Duke of Protector''s household, Qu. Upon hearing from a servant that someone named Jiang Wenyuan, a schr, had sent a brocade box as a health tonic for the old madam, she immediately knew who it was - the benefactor who had saved her son.


    Just yesterday, her husband had specially prepared generous gifts to thank him. When he returned, he had spoken admiringly of the man. One must know, in this whole court of civil and military officials, those who could gain her husband''s approval could be counted on one hand.


    Therefore, hearing that such a person had sent something to their home, Qu was quite curious. She quickly had the servant invite him in.


    The maid presented the box. As soon as Qu lifted the lid and looked inside, she was shocked.


    Inside the boxy a ginseng root as thick as a child''s arm, with all its whiskers and tail intact. From what she could glimpse of its humanoid shape, it looked to be at least nine liang, and at least several hundred years old.


    Qu came from an elite background and had seen countless treasures since childhood, but this was her first time seeing such ginseng.


    Any ginseng over eight liang was an earthly treasure of heaven and nature, a rare encounter. She did not expect to see such a specimen today.


    Qu calmed herself and closed the lid. She said to A Ping, "This item is too valuable for our household to ept. Your master already has our gratitude for what he did for our family. How could we ept something so precious?"


    A Ping bowed and said, "My master said the same before sending me here. Thanks to the Young Master''s generosity, he only provided a helping hand, and feels ashamed to receive such favors. As amoner, he owns little of value, and only had this item to give in return. I beg your household to ept it, or my master''s conscience will feel uneasy."


    Qu looked at the box in her hand. This heaven-born treasure could save lives at a crucial time. Not just the Duke of Protector''s mansion - even the imperial pce may not have one.


    After careful thought, she decided to keep it, thinking she would take extra care of Jiang Wenyuan in the future.


    After heavily rewarding A Ping, she had him escorted out.


    Then she summoned the household doctor to appraise it. The doctor assessed it was at least five hundred years old. In terms of quality and medicinal value, it was a supreme ginseng, fitting to be called the King of Ginseng. Qu was overjoyed to hear this.


    After returning from court in the afternoon, Qu told her husband about the five hundred year old King of Ginseng Jiang Wenyuan had gifted. Yuan Yun looked at the item and took the box to his father''s study.


    Duke of Protector Yuan Meng was also quite surprised. After thinking about it, he said, "Keep it. This man is wise, not greedy, and knows propriety. We should interact more with him in the future. Besides, his gift today implies something. In any case, our Duke of Protector''s household has the ability to support someone we see as promising."


    On the fifth day of the fourth month, the day the exam results were posted.


    The square where the lists were posted was packed densely with crowds of people.


    At dawn, with the sound of a gong, the lists were officially put up. The crowd became even more frenzied pushing forward to see.


    Wedged among the throngs of people, A Ping started from the top name and quickly scanned down until he saw his master''s - Rank 4, Jiang Wenyuan of Lingzhou Prefecture, Qingzhou County.


    A Ping was instantly thrilled and shouted with a somewhat hoarse voice, "Ah - My master passed! He passed! Rank 4, Rank 4!" As soon as he finished speaking, countless envious gazes around him focused on him.


    With this rank, he would at least make it into the second ss in the pce exam. If he performed well, even the top three sses was possible.


    At the same time, the crowds frequently erupted into cheers, presumably families of the schrs who made the lists.


    There were also some men who wanted to seize a bride below the lists. As long as she was unmarried, they would carry her away, regardless of her willingness.


    However, people''s joy and sorrow were not connected.


    Some also copsed into uncontroble sobs, "Why isn''t my name on the list, why? I tried so hard. There must be a mistake, a mistake..."


    "Waa - I studied for a full 22 years, took the exam four times, but still nothing, nothing..."


    With over ten thousand exam takers each year, and only the top three hundred selected, it was just like a narrow bridge with thousands of horses. There were always fewerughing and more crying. People would sympathize for a while, but that was it.


    A Ping strenuously squeezed out of the crowd and ran back to the inn. He excitedly shoved open the door and shouted, "Master, you passed, you passed! Rank 4!"


    Although Jiang Wenyuan was confident, hearing that he had made the lists brought immense joy.


    "Let''s go downstairs. The messenger should arrive soon!"


    "Alright!"


    "Did you prepare the money to tip him?"


    "Prepared aplenty!"


    Master and servant went downstairs. The great hall was already filled with schrs who hade down to await the news. Compared to the rxed smiles on his face, many had rather tense expressions.


    Seeing hime down, a schr he was acquainted with waved him over, "Brother Shuyi, over here! You sure keep your cooling down just now. We''ve been waiting here since early morning."


    Jiang Wenyuan sped his hands in greeting, "Brother Wenchang!"


    The two sat and chatted while awaiting the messenger.


    Soon, the street became noisy. It was groups of messengers, who had brought gongs and were going door to door to announce the good news.


    They typically started from the bottom of the lists and ended with the top name.


    The people in the hall watched team after team of festively dressed announcers in red and green entering the inns, and the sounds of celebratory firecrackers bursting filled the air, sending up billows of smoke. Everyone was eager and envious.


    Seemingly sensing the impatience of the people in this inn, a team of happy announcers headed straight for it.


    Stepping through the front door, they immediately began singing: "Congrattions to Li Wanchang, son of the eminent Li family of Jing County, Lingzhou Prefecture, for cing 74th in the Imperial Examinations as a tribute student." They sang it twice in session.


    When Li Wanchang first heard his own name, he was so overjoyed he almost fainted.


    Although he didn''t think he did very well on the exams this time, he still harbored some hope. Now that he really heard his own name, he was truly overwhelmed with happiness.


    "Congrattions to Brother Wanchang on passing the exams with honors!" Jiang Wenyuan immediately stood up to offer congrattions.


    After ten years of arduous study for the civil service exams, it was no easy feat. As a fellow examination candidate, Jiang Wenyuan deeply understood his feelings.


    "Congrattions, congrattions!" The whole inn suddenly rang out with voices of celebration.


    "Our shared congrattions!" Li Wanchang stammered his thanks as he told the errand boy to give the announcers a tip, too ted to know what to do with his hands and feet.


    After the announcers left, the innkeeper immediately had the waiter take out the firecrackers they had prepared ahead of time and set them off with a bang.


    With each gong of the copper bell and bang of the firecrackers, the names were announced in order of increasing rank. There were only a few left.


    Just as the innkeeper thought this would be the onlyureate toe from his inn, another team of announcers entered the front door: "Congrattions to Jiang Wenyuan, son of the eminent Jiang family of Qingzhou County, Lingzhou Prefecture, for cing 4th in the Imperial Examinations as a tribute student!


    Congrattions to Jiang Wenyuan, son of the eminent Jiang family of Qingzhou County, Lingzhou Prefecture, for cing 4th in the Imperial Examinations as a tribute student!"


    "Wow, 4th ce. How impressive!"


    "Congrattions, Brother Wenyuan. We are now proper colleagues!"


    "Our shared congrattions!"


    The room was filled with sounds of celebration and joy. Jiang Wenyuan had A Ping reward the announcers with a full five taels of silver. This called for generosity.


    The announcers secretly weighed the heft in their hands, pleasantly surprised. They wouldn''t have guessed this inly dressed gentlemanureate, staying in such an average inn, actually had such considerable family resources.


    The innkeeper again had people set off firecrackers, and announced that from this day forth, the two gentlemen''s food and lodging at the inn would bepletely free of charge.


    Of course the innkeeper would not run his business at a loss. Havingureates stay at his inn greatly benefitted its reputation, and a good reputation naturally meant a constant stream of customers and prosperity.


    The Duke of Protector''s Mansion, which had been keeping an eye on Jiang Wenyuan, also sent people to deliver congrattory gifts at the first opportunity.


    In the three days before the pce examination, they even specially sent someone to exin in detail the etiquette and protocols he needed to pay attention to during the pce exam. Jiang Wenyuan was extremely grateful.


    He wouldn''t have imagined the child he happened to save that day would actually bring him such great blessing. A Ping said he was a good person who received good fortune.


    It could be said that reaching theureate level, as long as there were no idents in the subsequent pce exam, bing an official schr was guaranteed.


    The pce examination was on the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month. The emperor personally oversaw the exam.

 Chapter 23: The title of the Golden List

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Jiang Wenyuan smoothlypleted the exam paper with the help of the Duke of Protector''s Mansion.


    Among the candidates in the same major, twocked the psychologicalposure. One fainted at the first sight of the imperial majesty, while the other spilled the inkstone.


    Losing manners in front of His Majesty resulted in them being dragged out immediately. They were then barred from the bureaucracy for life, which was truly regrettable.


    After the pce examination ended, the papers were reviewed the next day and the results posted the day after. Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s name was highlighted in red as the Third-ce winner in imperial examination.


    This was followed by the street parade on horseback.


    The new top schr was a middle-aged man over forty. The second ce was also over thirty.


    By contrast, Jiang Wenyuan, the Third-ce winner in imperial examination, was naturally handsome and in the prime of his youth. As expected, countless youngdies and married women rushed to pursue him.


    Flower petals and sachets flew towards him like snowkes.


    Jiang Wenyuan remembered his dear mother who was still waiting for him at home. Naturally he refused to indulge in these distractions.


    As a result, he fled rather awkwardly, much to the amusement of the top two schrs.


    After the imperial drinking party, official appointments were assigned.


    ording to the regtions, the top three in the highest category could remain in the capital as Imperial Academy. The top schr was assigned as Compiler at Imperial Academy, 6th rank.


    The second and third ce were assigned as Compilers, 6th rank.


    Jiang''s family did not have connections in the capital. Entering the Imperial Academy meant slowly rising through the ranks, with no telling how long that would take.


    Moreover, the top three schrs were selected every three years. Before one could rise in ranks, the new batch woulde in.


    Hadn''t one seen how many previous top schrster faded into obscurity despite their momentary glory?


    It would be better to be assigned to a local post, where one might still build a career.


    When the Duke of Protector''s Mansion learned of his intent, they made noment for or against it.


    Within two days, he was granted an official appointment.


    Looking at his assignment after the initial shock, Jiang Wenyuan burst outughing like a silly three-year-old.


    He was to take up the post of county magistrate in his hometown of Qingzhou County! This must be the result of the arrangements by the Duke of Protector''s Mansion.


    His servant A Ping nearly twisted his mouthughing, muttering that the ginseng was well worth it after all.


    Jiang agreed with this sentiment.


    Otherwise, with just the gratitude for previous assistance, the mansion had already sent over boxes of gifts. How could there be more that followed?


    He had to thank his darling daughter for bringing over those wonderful gifts.


    After receiving his appointment decree, Jiang Wenyuan sent over a notice to the Duke of Protector¡¯s Mansion to express his thanks in person.


    He then purchased local specialties and curios from the capital to bid farewell to ssmates and fellow townsmen.


    On a fine sunny day, he left the capital and rushed straight towards Qingzhou, traveling nearly two hundred miles in one day. He was indeed buoyed by the tailwind of spring.


    The new graduates had one to three months to return home and visit parents. This was the so-called ¡°returning home in splendor¡±.


    However, due to poor transport and long distances, many could not make it back to their hometowns. They had to depart straight from the capital to their new posts.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s assigned date to take up post was May 28th.


    Strictly speaking, time was very tight.


    For other ces, he definitely could not make it home. Fortunately for him, his new assignment was in his hometown.


    Qingzhou, Xijin ferry.


    April 28th. A rare clear day without rain.


    Early morning, the magpies in the big tree outside Lu''s window broke into song.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the few birds on the tree, none of which she recognized. She asked them, "Do you know Xi Xi?"


    The birds looked at each other for a while before replying, "Little human child, are you talking to us?"


    "Yes! Have you seen Xi Xi? Xi Xi is also a magpie. She has some ck feathers on her head."


    "Oh, it''s her! She''s a mother now, busy feeding her babies."


    Delighted by the good news, the little dumpling happily gave the birds a cup of spring water and some millet seeds from her spiritual space to entertain her new friends.


    After breakfast, Jiang Yuqing merrily followed Old Lady Hu to the backyard vegetable garden to set up trellises for the cucumber and beans.


    Since learning to walk, aside from reading and spending time with her elders, her favorite activity wasing to the vegetable garden to see her vegetables.


    It waste spring. There weren''t many vegetables ready for harvest in the garden yet. Most were newly transnted seedlings like chili peppers, eggnts, beans and cucumbers.


    The perimeter of rose bushes along the walls were blooming, clusters of pink, white and deep red covering the entire wall, their fragrance filling the air beautifully even if not in full bloom yet.


    When Jiang Yuqing and her grandmother arrived, Lin and Lu were already weeding and had finished a small patch.


    Due to days of rain, the weeds had grown even taller than the vegetables.


    Old Lady Hu brought over a bundle of thin bamboo poles over ten feet tall. One pole was inserted per cucumber seedling, with four poles forming a trellis tied together at the top with strips of rag.


    Jiang Yuqing enthusiastically volunteered to help, but her short arms and legs were more hindrance than help despite bustling around busily for a while.


    The elders teased her for a bit before she sadly abandoned the arduous task for the time being. She suddenly remembered her purpose foring to the backyard today.


    A few days ago, she had found a sack of fresh sweet potatoes in the storeroom on the second floor of the hospital.


    She didn''t know if a patient''s family had gifted them or if the cleaner brought them from her hometown.


    Anyway, they were hers to enjoy now.


    From her observations over the past days, agricultural output in this fantasy ancient Da Xia dynasty was extremely low.


    Even the finest farnd painstakingly tended could only yield 200-300 catties of grains per mu annually.


    After paying the grain tax, what was left to mill into coarse grains could barely feed a family.


    That was in a good year with ideal weather. In a bad harvest, starving people selling their children wasmonce.


    Sweet potatoes were also called yams, or red/purple potatoes in some northern regions, and red shao in parts of southwest.


    This crop once yed an extremely important role in Chinese history.


    Its high yields sustained countless lives until modern times when it remained one of the staple crops.


    In her previous life, the backyard of the welfare home that raised her was nted with sweet potatoes every year by the matron.


    Harvest time was the happiest time for the children.


    If she could promote its cultivation in this world, it wouldn''t be in vain to relive this dynasty.


    Finding a patch of soil not nted yet, she dumped out the sack of yams and called out loudly to Lu, "Mom, nt yam yams!"


    Seeing the pile of red roundish tubers of various sizes suddenly appear out of nowhere, Lu knew they must be another item from her daughter''s "fairnd".


    Curiously picking one up, she asked, "Sweetie, what is this?"


    "Sweet potato. Yam yams, nt many many. Tum tum, not hungry!" Her enunciation was clearer after turning one.


    Of course she was still limited to three sybles. More would tie her tongue in knots.


    "Sweetie, you mean this thing called sweet potato will bear a lot of fruit?"


    "Yes yes! Many many, very many!" She gestured a big round with her hands to convince the adults. "Sweet!"


    The eldersughed affectionately at the cute gestures.


    Lu kissed her chubby cheeks and indulged, "Alright, nt yam yams to feed our sweetie."


    Anything the precious girl brought from "fairnd" surely wouldn''t be wrong. May as well nt them.


    The two aunties swiftly prepared the plot and nted the sweet potatoes as Jiang Yuqing instructed.


    The yams didn''t look like much, only filling up half the plot.


    No worries. Once the sprouts grew, they could be propagated by cutting and renting the vines.


    This crop was hardy, not picky about soil, and could be nted anywhere.


    With a little management, yields of 4,000-5,000 catties per mu would be no problem.


    In China, average yields reached 7,000-8,000 catties, and some well-managed plots exceeded 10,000 catties.


    After nting the sweet potatoes, Old Lady Hu also finished setting up most of the bamboo trellises for the cucumbers.


    They were still busy when suddenly the sound of suona horns and drums rang out, approaching from the distance. After exchanging looks, the women dropped their work and ran towards the front yard.


    The little dumpling was left standing alone in the vegetable patch, tufts of grass poking out of her hair and a plump green inchworm still wriggling in her hand.


    Staring after her departing mother, grandmothers and aunties, she sank into deep suspicion and self-doubt.


    Did you forget something?


    What about the once in two hundred years promise?


    That''s it?


    So is love fleeting after all?


    Jiang Yuqing sighed and shook her head.


    Putting the fat green caterpir into his pocket, he walked carefully to the edge of the ground. He rubbed his shoes on the edge of the green bricks, scraping off the mud from the soles, before slowly ambling towards the front yard.


    When he got to the front yard, he happened to hear someone singing in a loud voice: "Congrattions - Qingzhou County Jiang Wenyuan , Jiang Old Master, hase third in the imperial examinations." The song was repeated twice.


    Oh, so my father came third in the examinations.


    Came third.


    Third ce?


    Ah - my father came third in the examinations! You not only have to be very learned but also look good toe third.


    In other words,ing third means you''re the best of the best!


    Father is the mightiest third cer! That makes me the daughter of the mightiest third cer.


    In other words, I''m the mightiest daughter!


    Milk dumpling [term of endearment for a young girl] was already mad with joy. So mad that she started calling herself all sorts of ridiculous yet highly amusing titles.


    She looked just like those celebrity-obsessed teenage girls in her past life.


    Her mother, Lu, was already weeping for joy. She hugged Milk Dumpling and cried, "Daughter, did you hear that? Your father came third in the examinations. He''s a third cer!"


    Milk Dumpling''s grandma also cried, "My son has made something of himself. He''s a third cer. I''m the mother of a third cer!"


    Then, her grandfather, her uncles and aunts, her brothers who had rushed home from school, her paternal grandparents, her maternal grandparents, her uncles...were all overjoyed....


    After Lu had seen off the messenger bearing the good news and the neighbors who hade to join in the excitement, she calmed down and remembered that she had let her precious daughter run off to the vegetable garden at the back.


    rmed, she hurriedly turned around to look for her, and as soon as she did so she saw her darling daughter sitting in a corner with a dazed look on her face and green juice smeared all around her mouth.


    Little Milk Dumpling looked up at her innocently, with half a fat wriggling caterpir still hanging from the corner of her mouth.


    Could she say this was a misunderstanding?


    She had been watching the excitement with gusto and had habitually taken a bite from the winter melon snack she kept in her pocket. Only after biting down did she realise it didn''t taste right - she had forgotten that she had also put the vegetable caterpirs in her pocket earlier.


    These creatures were high in protein, so other than the taste there was no harm in eating them.


    Moreover, she had already bitten halfway through, so spitting it out now as if she was afraid would be too pretentious. She might as well just finish eating it.


    And so Lu watched helplessly as her cute, adorable, soft and chubby darling daughter stuck out her little tongue and rolled the rest of the caterpir into her mouth, chewing and swallowing it down.

 Chapter 24: Return of the Splendid

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Lu almost fainted. Her palm raised high in the air but she couldn''t bear to p down. She tapped Lu''s forehead helplessly, "naughty girl, how can you eat anything. Aren''t you afraid of getting sick from it!"


    In fact, when the family was in dire straits before, they had also caught bean bugs and pea aphids as vegetables. Therefore, Lu didn''t take it seriously. She just took her daughter back to the room, rinsed her mouth carefully, washed her face and hands, and told her family to forbid her from eating things randomly, especially when going to the vegetable garden.


    Jiang Wenyuan was the top schr in the provincial examination from high school. As the news spread, Xijin ferry was boiling again, not only that, the entire Qingzhou County was boiling.


    This was the best result achieved by a candidate from Qingzhou since the founding of the dynasty. For a time, the name of the top schr was known to everyone in Qingzhou. The Jiang family also rose with the tide.


    However, even happier news followed. In less than two days, Jiang''s uncle sent back news that Jiang Wenyuan was on his way back to Qingzhou, and would arrive home in about ten days.


    He was awarded a 6th grade official position, and was about to take over as the magistrate of Qin County, bing the next magistrate of Qingzhou County. While the term of the current magistrate of Qin County was about to expire and he would be transferred back to the capital.


    Of course, Jiang''s uncle told the Jiang family to keep this news to themselves for the time being, in case anything happened and unnecessary trouble was stirred up.


    The Jiang family knew the severity of the matter and naturally kept it to themselves, only secretly rejoicing in private.


    Jiang Wenyuan was the top schr from high school. This was not only a big event for the Jiang family, but also for the entire Jiang n, and even the entire Xijin ferry.


    ording to the regtions, Xijin ferry could erect an "Examination Pass" que at the vige entrance. This que had a uniform format nationwide, funded by the government.


    It was the highest honor tomend the vige that nurtured the sessful candidate in the examination, and also encouragedmoners to study.


    In addition, when someone outstanding emerged from the n, memorial ceremonies to report to the ancestors should be held.


    Old Jiang said that when his son returned to the vige, he would treat the whole vige to a banquet. All these things were being prepared in full swing.


    Although it was the Dragon Boat Festival, the Jiang family only celebrated it casually, waiting for the top schr son to return home for the grand celebration.


    Jiang Wenyuan went smoothly all the way, and arrived in Lingzhou Prefecture on the fourth day of the fifth month.


    He stayed in the prefecture for two days, paying visits to his future superiors, such as the prefect and magistrate.


    He set off for Qingzhou early in the morning on the seventh, and arrived in Qingzhou in the afternoon.


    Master and servant randomly found an inn to stay in. Jiang Wenyuan sent A Ping back to Xijin ferry to spread the news, while he himself rushed to the county government office immediately...


    On the morning of May 20, escorted by two teams of yamen runners with sabers, wearing a gauze hat, dressed in bright red official robes, the gant Jiang Wenyuan, weed by the cheers of elders and vigers, rode a tall horse. He entered Xijin in the deafening gongs and drums and bursting firecrackers, returning to his hometown after being away for three months.


    It was a true triumphant return in splendor.


    Arriving at the door, he first paid respects to his parents and elder brother, then was led by the n chief to pay respects to his ancestors at the Jiang ancestral hall.


    The nearly sixty-year-old n chief was so happy that tears streamed down his face. Under his leadership, not only were girls born in the n, but also a top schr. When he met the ancestors after death, he would be the one with the straightest backbone.


    After paying respects to the ancestors, the Jiang family banquet officially began, with feasts for three consecutive days.


    No matter whether you were from this vige or not, no matter what your status or surname was, you could sit down and eat as long as you sincerely congratted during these three days.


    Back home. The Jiang family gathered and marveled at Jiang Wenyuan again...


    That night. After the couple washed up.


    Jiang Wenyuan hugged his wife from behind, resting his chin on Lu''s shoulder. "Wanniang, I''ve been away from home for so long, have you missed me?"


    Lu coquettishly tapped him lightly, shyly hmm-ed.


    Jiang Wenyuan kissed his wife''s hair: "I missed you too, and the children every day in the capital."


    Lu nced sideways: "I heard that noble husbands in the capital like to marry schr-husbands the most, howe they didn''t marry you?"


    Jiang Wenyuan chuckled and pinched Lu: "I had A Ping check the lists for me."


    Lu humphed satisfiedly: "What about parading on beating the horse, did any youngdies throw purses?"


    Jiang Wenyuan''s handsome face suddenly showed some unease, he coughed lightly, his tone slightlycking in confidence: "Of course there were, but I avoided them all.


    With a beauty at home, how could I look at pebbles?" Only then was Lu satisfied: "Humph, you have conscience at least."


    Jiang Wenyuanined: "Wife, is this the time to discuss this? The night is so beautiful, why don''t we...settle in?"


    (5,000 words omitted here)


    For several consecutive days, the Jiang house was full of guestsing and going, the gates were bustling.


    After the excitement subsided and life returned to normal, the Lu family finally talked to him about some things that happened at home while he was away.


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard that his beloved daughter was almost abducted and sold, his blood rushed to the top of his head in an instant, and he pped the table heavily: "Evil creature!"


    Later when he heard the culprit had been executed, he finally loosened his clenched fist.


    When he heard that Jiang Yuqing had rolled up everything on the table at her one-month celebration, he was delighted as if it was something to be proud of, and directly called his daughter domineering.


    In a few days, he would take office.


    Jiang Wenyuan decided to spend these few days at home with his family and children, especially his beloved daughter, except for necessary social activities.


    Thinking that his beloved daughter had suffered so much at such a young age. If Qin Jue hadn¡¯t found the child back in time, what would have be of her, what would this family be? He dared not imagine.


    Because of this, he specially prepared generous gifts and went to thank Qin Jue profusely.


    In fact, the Jiang family had already sent gifts to express their gratitude for this matter, but Jiang Wenyuan came to thank him in person this time, which showed he was a man of affection and noble character.


    Qin Jue appreciated him very much and wanted to befriend him.


    It just so happened that one was the current magistrate of Qingzhou, and the other was about to take over as magistrate.


    Although they had superficial interactions before, after this incident, Qin Jue truly regarded Jiang Wenyuan as an equal, a friend, and confided to him some inside information about officialdom.


    He made it clear that in the future if he encountered tricky matters, he could write to ask him at the Pingyang Marquis Mansion in the capital.


    Only then did Jiang Wenyuan know that Qin Jue turned out to be the heir of the Pingyang Marquis Mansion. His ability to return home to Qingzhou to take up office also had Qin Jue¡¯s involvement.


    He just didn''t know why he, the heir of a marquis mansion, was willing to stay in a small ce like Qingzhou for so many years.


    Of course, he was just curious. He would not really probe into other people''s privacy, which was the most basic morality.


    Qin Jue had been in Qingzhou for three years, he was not corrupt and governed Qingzhou very well. Although it didn¡¯t reach the point where no one picked up anything on the road, robberies rarely urred.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s abduction was a vicious criminal case. As a result, he was very loved by the people of Qingzhou. He had great feelings for Qingzhou.


    Now that his term was up and he was to be transferred back to the capital, he naturally didn¡¯t want the sessor to be a greedy fool.


    It just so happened that Jiang Wenyuan was the top schr from high school and didn¡¯t want to stay in the capital. He thought of the connection between the Duke of Protector''s Mansion and Jiang Wenyuan, and came up with the idea. Then he contacted the Duke of Protector¡¯s Mansion.


    Thus, the position of the next magistrate of Qingzhou fell on Jiang Wenyuan''s head surprisingly and unexpectedly.


    Jiang Wenyuan had a childlike heart, and this was also his hometown. It was best for him to take over as magistrate.


    There were still a few days before taking office. Jiang Wenyuan didn''t go anywhere, just stayed home with his family.


    One thing puzzled Jiang Wenyuan very much.


    The little girls in other families all liked beautiful clothes and jewelry, dressing up beautifully.


    His beloved daughter, however, would either run to the kitchen to fetch spring water for the water tank, or run to the backyard vegetable garden every day after getting up.


    In addition, she would also scatter a handful of millet for the foraging birds, give them some water. Pull weeds in the garden, catch bugs, water the nts.


    What she treasured most was the thing she nted called sweet potato. ording to her, this stuff was not only delicious, but also very productive.


    The more time he spent with his daughter, the more extraordinary Jiang Wenyuan felt his beloved daughter was.


    For example, when she fed the birds, she would direct the birds to catch insects for the vegetables. The birds would miraculously only eat the bugs, without damaging the vegetable leaves at all.


    Whether it was the poultry raised at home, the cats and dogs in the vige, or even the vige bully''s geese, they seemed particrly intimate with his daughter.


    ording to her grandmother, for two days the little one took the initiative to volunteer to feed the chickens. During those two days, the family collected twice as many eggs as usual.


    Not only that, since she was born, even in the hottest of summers when mosquitoes swarmed, she had never been bitten by mosquitoes or bugs even once.


    Although in the same environment, the little boys in the family including the adults were full of big and small swellings.


    For example, when she waters the vegetables, as long as she puts her hands at the roots of the vegetables, a stream of water flows out from between her fingers. Also, no matter what was nted in the fields she waters, they grow like crazy.


    Just like the cucumbers in front of her. Although they were from the same batch of seedlings, those in other families had just started climbing the trellises, while the cucumbers in her family had already been picked twice.


    Not to mention the size, the taste was also exceptionally good. He thought that if he couldn''t make it in the officialdom one day and returned home, he could make a fortune just by relying on his daughter to grow and sell vegetables.


    Fortunately this was their backyard. Since the family intentionally protected her, even the children were repeatedly told not to let outsiderse in easily. Therefore, no one knew about the girl''s extraordinary abilities.


    Therefore, for the sweet potato that he especially treasured his daughter for, he had a few more expectations.


    When the sweet potatoes were first nted, Jiang Wenyuan was afraid it would be toote in the season, so he poured more spiritual spring water to stimte germination.


    He even used his abilities, although only a tiny bit, but in just six or seven days, the seedlings had grown tall and strong enough.


    Jiang Wenyuan then directed the adults in the family to peel the potato seedlings for nting, and then poured spiritual spring water over them.


    Now more than ten days had passed, these vines had grown long enough to cover the ground. It was time to transnt them to the fields.


    Jiang Wenyuan estimated that after cutting these vines, they could nt at least one acre.


    She pulled her dad''s arm and pointed to the sweet potato vines, "Vines, grow, nt."


    Jiang Wenyuan was startled, and gently patted his daughter''s little head, "They have already been nted well, look how nice they have grown."


    Jiang Yuqing only wished she could grow up immediately. It was so difficult tomunicate something that could be expressed clearly in a few words.


    "Cut! Cut!"


    "Good baby, do you want scissors?"


    "Yeah."


    "Okay, you stay there and don''t move. Dad will go back and get them for you. Jiang the father of the daughter''s ve will of course get his daughter what she wants." Soon he came back with a pair ofrge scissors.


    Jiang Yuqing selected a thick and long sweet potato vine, and motioned for him to cut it off.


    She personally hugged the vine from the base, plucked off three leaves, leaving two leaves behind, and motioned for him to cut it there.


    Then she dug a small mound of soft mud and made a small pit to bury the cut sweet potato vine, patted it and said, "Joints, nt, leave leaves."


    Jiang Wenyuan was knowledgeable about agriculture, and immediately understood that sweet potatoes could be propagated by cuttings.


    This way, they could be mass propagated. Thinking of this, his eyes lit up immediately. He asked his daughter again about the approximate nting distance, then ran back to discuss it with his father.


    They had never grown this crop before, and didn''t know how much area they could nt with the cuttings from the back.


    Fortunately, there were still two acres of fields left that were not used because the terrain was too high to irrigate easily. It was just right to use it to nt sweet potatoes.


    They would nt as much as possible, and for the rest they could nt some soybeans, peas and the like, so thend would not be wasted.

 Chapter 25: Cicada

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    The men of the Jiang family were all good at farming, including Jiang Wenyuan. They rolled up their pants and went into the fields.


    They plowed the fields, raked the soil, made ridges, applied fertilizer, and tidied up two acres of fields in just two days.


    During this time, Qin Jue came with Jing Yan to visit Jiang Wenyuan once. When the uncle and nephew saw the newly minted top schr, with his pants rolled up and his butt stuck out, swinging a hoe to dig the soil, their jaws nearly dropped.


    Stuttering, they said, "Brother Yi, what are you doing?" (Brother Yi was Jiang Wenyuan''s courtesy name. Qin Jue was one year younger than Jiang Wenyuan.)


    Jiang Wenyuan put down his hoe and casually wiped the sweat from his sleeves. He said, "What brings you here? I''m turning the soil to nt some sweet potatoes."


    "What are sweet potatoes? I''ve never heard of this crop. In his three years in Qingzhou, he had been to the fields countless times and was familiar withmon crops.


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "I happened to save an old Taoist priest, and he gave me these seeds. He said they were from Overseas Barbarian States and had very high yields.


    I want to try nting them. If they grow, themoners will have another staple crop.


    The seedlings are in my backyard. Go directly to my backyard if you want to see them."


    Qin Jue nodded. "I will definitely go take a look."


    The two men returned home and finished their conversation. Jiang Wenyuan did take them to see the sweet potato vines in the backyard.


    Seeing the lush green vines covering the ground, Qin Jue wondered, "They don''t look very special. And I don''t see any flowers or fruits on these vines. Could you have been tricked?"


    Jiang Wenyuan shook his head and said solemnly, "That shouldn''t be the case.


    The old Taoist said the tubers grow underground and ripen around September or October each year.


    Oh well, it doesn''t hurt to try. If it doesn''t work out, no big deal. At worst we can eat the leaves."


    Since the farmer had said so, Qin Jue naturally didn''t dwell on it.


    Since the family had a little guest, and her older brothers were all away, Jiang Yuqing enthusiastically took it upon herself to entertain Jing Yan. She acted as a little tour guide.


    First, she took him to the backyard to pick cucumbers. They each picked arge cucumber, took them inside to wash, then sat under the eaves nibbling on the cucumbers.


    When they were halfway through, they suddenly heard the sound of cicadasing from outside the yard.


    Jiang Yuqing''s ears perked up. She immediately abandoned her cucumber. She ran inside to ask her mother for a small shovel about the size of a palm and a jar, then led Jing Yan out to the big camphor tree in front of her house to dig for cicada nymphs.


    In her previous life, Jiang Yuqing had dug up quite a few cicada nymphs and took them back to the orphanage to be fried in oil as a rare treat for the children.


    She still remembered what to do. Soon she had dug up several nymphs.


    A few boys walking by became curious seeing the two digging.


    One chubby boy looked in her jar and grinned with his missing front teeth, "Hey fat girl, you got quite a lot there. Let''s y together!"


    Jiang Yuqing red at him. "You, fat!" How dare he call her fat when he was clearly the rotund one. Besides, she just had baby fat! Baby fat, get it?


    Humph!


    The tubby boy didn''t seem to understand her rejection. He gathered a group of boys under the big trees around Jiang Yuqing and started digging with sticks and twigs, dropping all the cicada nymphs they found into her jar.


    Jiang Yuqing let them be. It was natural for children to want to y together.


    But it wouldn''t do to have them running wild outside every day. It would be great if the vige had a school to pen these rambunctious children so the vige could have some peace and quiet.


    Of course, that was just wishful thinking. She was still too young.


    After ying for a morning, the group of children had turned over every inch of soil under Jiang Yuqing''s trees, filling half the jar with nymphs.


    She figured this summer her ears would finally have some peace and quiet. At least the cicadas wouldn''t disrupt her afternoon naps anymore.


    Jiang Yuqing brought the children back home and had her mother wash the nymphs clean and fry them in oil.


    Sprinkled with salt and chili powder, she kept some for herself and Jing Yan and divided up the rest for the children. They ate with relish, already nning their next nymph hunting trip that afternoon.


    After lunch Jing Yan had to leave with his uncle. He seemed reluctant to part, frequently looking back until Jiang Yuqing was out of sight before closing the carriage curtain.


    Because Qin Jue had praised the Jiang family dishes, Old Lady Hu was delighted.


    She brought along several daughters-inw to the backyard. Ignoring the cucumbers, peppers and eggnts, they filled tworge baskets for him to take back. The city boy Qin Jue was quite shocked.


    He thought to himself that the Jiang family matriarch was really too enthusiastic. With so much produce, they probably wouldn''t need to buy any until it was time to set off for the capital.


    With the fields tidied up, the Jiang women followed Jiang Yuqing''s instructions, cutting the sweet potato vines and nting them as cuttings.


    The weather was fortuitous, with a heavy rain right after nting so they didn''t even need to water. They nted one and a half acres this way.


    Jiang Yuqing was determined not to use the spiritual spring water on this plot of sweet potatoes. She had her reasons.


    Her father would soon take office as the county magistrate. This harvest of sweet potatoes could fill up his governing track record. The crop was cheap, but with proper management could yield several thousand catties per acre.


    As long as the emperor had some wit, sweet potatoes would surely be widely propagated. Then this one and a half acres could all be collected as the original seed stock.


    If she used the spiritual spring water for irrigation, the yield would be at least ten thousand catties per acre.


    Ordinary people didn''t have ess to such miraculous water. If they couldn''t achieve the same yields, they would use her father of exaggeration and fraud. Therefore it was better to save the spring water for home use.


    The remaining sweet potato vines were washed clean by Old Lady Hu who stir-fried the tender leaves with minced garlic and dried chili peppers. The result was surprisingly crisp, tender and delicious.


    On May 21st, under sunny skies without a hint of cloud, perfect weather for traveling, Qin Yu left with his nephew Jing Yan, escorted by a contingent of guards. Jiang Wenyuan brought his whole family in a carriage loaded with two huge baskets of local specialties to see them off.


    Seeing the adults conversing, Jing Yan pulled Jiang Yuqing aside. She wasn''t sure what the little gentleman intended, but she was quite fond of him nheless.


    Jing Yan pursed his lips. "Can I call you Qingqing?"


    "Okay, Guoguo!"


    "I''m your brother, not Guoguo!"


    "Guoguo!" Jiang Yuqing was a little embarrassed. She really couldn''t be med for mispronouncing words at such a young age.


    Jing Yan knew he couldn''t make too many demands from such a young girl. He moved on to his main purpose today: "I''m leaving now. You have to take good care of yourself in the future. Don''t let bad people kidnap you again."


    "Mm-hmm." The little dumpling nodded to show she understood. "Guoguo, take care. Safe travels." Little brother should also look after himself and have a safe journey.


    "Mm, I will. And..." Jing Yan''s usual proper little face took on a reluctant look. "Even after I''m gone, don''t forget me.


    My name is Jing Yan, Jing as in scenery, Yan as in epassing everything under heaven. You must remember." Of course he had no idea if the tiny dumpling could understand.


    "Mm-hmm, remembered. Guoguo, Jing, Yan!" Hearing the little dumpling''s awkward repetitions, it seemed she really hadmitted his name to memory. Jing Yan smiled satisfied. "I''lle visit you in the future. You can alsoe visit me in the capital!"


    "Mm-hmm." The dumpling nodded. But she was skeptical inside. Let''s not be so idealistic! Little brother, do you really think you''ll remember a country bumpkin like me after you leave? And how could a pipsqueak like me possibly travel to the capital by myself?


    Wake up!


    Still, this little boy had treated her well. She had wanted to give him a parting gift too, but couldn''t think of anything suitable no matter how she wracked her brains.


    Later she thought of the lollipops at the corner store. Those should work... After all, no matter how mature he acted, he was still just a child.


    There was a saying in her previous life: there''s no child that can''t be pacified with a lollipop. If one doesn''t work, try two.


    Making up her mind, she pretended to rummage in her little purse when she actually reached into her spiritual realm and pulled out a handful of Popsicle brand lollipops - about three, given her small hands.


    She ced the three lollipops in Jing Yan''s hand, smiling as she patted him. "Candy, sweet, for Guoguo."


    Jing Yan looked at the strangely shaped candy in his hand, solemnly said thank you, and carefully put it in his arms.


    See someone off for thousands of miles, eventually there is a farewell. Even if Jing Yan was still reluctant to part with his little sister, he obediently got on the carriage.


    Before leaving, Jiang Wenyuan stuffed Qin Jue with a small package, saying it was for boiling water to drink, and instructed him to open it after getting on the carriage. Qin Jue''s eyes shed, took the package, nodded, and got on the carriage.


    The convoy officially set off.


    After traveling a distance, Qin Jue opened the package stuffed by Jiang Wenyuan and saw tworge and small cloth bundles inside. After opening it, he was shocked.


    The small cloth bundle contained a ginseng root as thick as a child''s arm, with all whiskers and tails. As soon as he uncovered it, the pungent scent of ginseng permeated the entire carriage.


    He was so scared that he immediately covered it, afraid that people outside would notice something wrong.


    Therge cloth bundle contained a five-leaf red lingzhi mushroom, bowl-sized, blood red all over. He shuddered again, hurriedly wrapped up the item, and put it back in the package.


    After wiping the nonexistent sweat from his forehead, Qin Jue''s mind was racing. This Jiang family, they really are...inscrutable!


    To casually give away such heavenly treasures, packaged so casually, it was simply wasteful.


    He looked around the carriage, opened thergest hiddenpartment on one side of the carriage. Afraid it would be damaged by the bumps on the road, he added a sheepskin nket inside for padding.


    Determined, when he arrived in the city, he would definitely buy two of the best boxes, so as not to insult their value.


    After hiding the items, he stretched outzily andy back on the soft quilt behind him. His gaze happened to meet his grinning nephew.


    Qin Jue suddenly felt a little guilty. He quickly sat up and said, "Um, Yan''er, can we make a deal?"


    "You mean not to tell His Majesty about these two treasures, right?" Jing Yan saw right through it. Qin Jue was embarrassed to be exposed.


    But he was shameless, so he just said it out: "Your maternal grandfather and grandmother are getting old with poor health.


    Especially your maternal grandfather, who was injured on the battlefield when he was young. Over the past few years, his health has been deteriorating year after year. Your uncle is afraid..."


    Jing Yan looked at him with an expression that this person is hopeless. He patted him and said, "Don''t worry, my father doesn''tck these little things. My maternal grandparents'' health is more important!"


    Qin Jue was overjoyed and rubbed his nephew''s head: "Thank you, I knew you were a good one." Jing Yan coolly pped his hand away: "I told you not to touch my head anymore..."

 Chapter 26: A New Official Takes Office

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    The convoy gradually went away, raising a trail of dust. It was not until the carriages could no longer be seen that the Jiang family finally turned back towards the door of their home.


    May 22nd was the day Jiang Wenyuan took office. Since he was taking up a post close to home, there were no particr feelings of parting.


    After breakfast, Jiang Wenyuan only brought his letter of appointment and his wife Lu held a small bundle before going to the county government.


    It was only on this day that people finally realized that Jiang the Top Scorer was the new county magistrate of this county, and jaws dropped all around.


    Jiang Wenyuan was born and raised in Qingzhou, and was extremely familiar with the local climate, customs and human rtionships.


    With the assistance of his uncle, taking care of affairs was like adding wings to a tiger. In just a few days everything was rified and dealt with smoothly.


    Among the existing staff at the yamen, the most delighted was Master Lu Pingzhang.


    Lu Pingzhang did not have much talent for studying. After barely passing the imperial examination at the provincial level, he knew there was no hope of passing the metropolitan exam, so he found someone to get him the position of Registrar at the yamen.


    Previously he had been worried that when Magistrate Qin left, the new superior might make things difficult for them, or even kick them out altogether and bring in his own people.


    Now the new superior turned out to be his brother-inw, and he was so happy he couldugh in his dreams. As long as he did his job properly and made no mistakes, things would definitely go smoothly.


    While Jiang Wenyuan was busy at the front office, Lady Lu was also busy tidying up the rear courtyard.


    The furniture and such were all ready-made. When Qin had left, other than ques and brush pots themon people had gifted him, and some necessary clothing and tea sets, he hadn¡¯t taken anything else with him.


    Everything was left behind for them, all made from high-quality chicken wing wood.


    But the bed curtains, quilts and nkets, pots and pans, anddles and bowls all had to be newly purchased.


    In addition to their own room and their son and precious daughter¡¯s rooms, they prepared two extra bedrooms for when family came to the county town and needed a ce to spend the night.


    Fortunately Eldest Sister-In-Law Chen was there to help, but even so, after two days Lady Lu was exhausted.


    Chen said, ¡°This won¡¯t do. Now your status is different, how can you do everything yourself?


    You can¡¯t just let anyonee and have the wife of the county magistrate personally pour tea for them, how would that look?


    Don¡¯t say you don¡¯t care yourself, even your brother-inw would be aughingstock. Not to mention, your family isn¡¯tcking for money now.¡±


    Lady Lu felt Sister-In-Law¡¯s words made sense. That evening when Jiang Wenyuan returned from the yamen, she brought it up with him.


    Jiang Wenyuan said this had been his intention already, but had forgotten about it due to being busy after just taking office.


    Eldest Brother also had servants, and he was familiar with the local employment agencies, so it would be best for her to ask him to find several good ones.


    The next day when Chen came again, she told Chen about it. Chen immediately sent someone to call the head of an employment agency. After selecting carefully, they bought four servant girls of twelve or thirteen years old for their family.


    They were given seasonal names of Lu Chun, Gu Yu, Li Xia, and Xiao Man. There was a cook called Rong Sao, and an old woman to do odds and ends as well as a young boy to run errands.


    They also bought two robust older women and the Yang family of five and sent them back to Xijin ferry.


    The Yang family of five were originally household ves from the estate of an official in the nearby Chenzhou Prefecture. Later when the official got in trouble and his family property was seized, the ves were all sold off, and their family was sold here.


    Old Man Yang was over forty years old, and would do well keeping watch over the gate. His son Yang Tiesuo was in the prime of life and had considerable strength, being skilled at farming work.


    His daughter-inw was also capable and diligent, and the two children, one nine and one six, could also help with light tasks.


    If clever, they could serve as young studypanions for the household''s boys in the future.


    These people had already learned some manners at the employment agency. After some further training, they would quickly be capable.


    Lady Lu also felt relieved. By the time everything was properly put in order, four or five days had passed.


    Thinking of the son and precious daughter they hadn¡¯t seen for many days, the couple felt extremely eager in their hearts. That day after Jiang Wenyuan left the yamen, the couple hurried home without even bringing a servant girl.


    Upon entering the door, it was just in time for dinner. Seeing the two of them return, the pair of older brothers teased in unison.


    Eldest Master Jiang drew out his tones, ¡°Oh, oh oh, County Magistrate is gracing this humble abode, please excuse us for noting out to greet you sooner. Please bring chairs.¡±


    Second Master Jiang echoed, personally bringing two chairs over, ¡°Here¡ªya, please be seated, sir and madam!¡±


    The two brothers sang and bantered, provoking loudughter from the whole room, rendering Jiang Wenyuan and his wife unable to decide whether tough or cry.


    The baby girl was eating dinner. Not having seen her parents for many days, she really missed them somewhat.


    Therefore, the moment they entered, she put down her spoon and nimbly slid off of her chair, running over to snuggle with Mother for a while.


    Then she threw herself into Father¡¯s arms to snuggle, and once she had kissed them enough she sat on Father¡¯s knee and hugged her little bowl to continue eating.


    Ever since she was barely able to hold a spoon, she refused to be fed by adults.


    Although due to her young age her limbs were uncoordinated and she often made a mess all over the table, she always managed to feed herself full.


    Over time, she became better and better at handling the spoon, and although she still spilled some here and there, it was far better than when she first started.


    Even with his daughter getting rice all over him, Jiang Wenyuan didn¡¯t show any distaste at all.


    Happily, he would wipe the oil off the baby¡¯s messy little mouth from time to time,


    Or put one or two chopsticks of food she could eat into her little bowl, extremely content to dote on his precious child.


    After dinner, seeing it was still early, Jiang Wenyuan called all of the children and nephews to the study, tested each of them on their recent schoolwork, then pointed out their shorings before getting up and heading to the front hall.


    In addition to fetching the children this time, there were two important matters.


    One was establishing a n school.


    For a n to prosper in the long term, they needed talented people. And education was crucial.


    He didn¡¯t expect everyone to be able to be top schrs, but at least they couldn''t remain ignorant.


    His initial idea was that his family would provide the silver to build the school and hire a teacher, as well as buy over a hundred mu ofnd to serve as n property.


    As long as it was managed properly, the proceeds from the fields would be sufficient to sustain the n school in future.


    The second was building roads.


    From Xijin ferry to the county road was over five li, all muddy paths.


    On sunny days it was still passable, but on rainy days when there were many people and vehicles, it turned entirely to mush, even sinking his carriage in multiple times.


    He nned to discuss with the vige, with him providing silver to purchase materials, and the vige providing manpower. Together they would repair and widen the road to allow two carriages to travel abreast.


    After discussing with the family, Eldest Grandfather and the two elder brothers all raised their hands in agreement. Firstly, the vigers would benefit. Secondly, it would build up their family¡¯s reputation. And reputation was extremely important in officialdom.


    There was no time like the present. Eldest Grandfather immediately sent people to invite the vige chief, n chief, and several esteemed n elders toe over.


    When they arrived, everyone thought the new county magistrate was going to announce some government policies. Hearing that Jiang Wenyuan wanted to build a road and school for the vige, the group of elders were so excited they nearly fainted.


    When Jiang Wenyuan passed the imperial examination as Top Schr, it only made the vige¡¯s reputation sound a bit better. But these two things he proposed now were concrete benefits for the vigers.


    After discussing, they were in agreement with Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s ideas.


    One was the school. The construction costs and initial fees to hire a teacher plus stationery supplies would be borne by Jiang Wenyuan.


    Later on, the proceeds from the n fields would sustain it. The school would belong to the Jiang n, and any Jiang nsmen above the age of 5, regardless of gender, could attend.


    Vigers of other surnames could also attend without paying tuition, but would have to provide their own stationery. Additionally, the teacher¡¯s room and board would need to be provided by students taking turns.


    Two was repairing the road.


    They had to either not build it, or build it properly. The existing road would be widened to allow two carriages to travel abreast, using lime-mixed river sand and gravel to make rammed earth.


    Built this way, not only would the surface be t but also extremely solid, easilysting twenty years without damage.


    Forbor, each family would provide one person. It wasn¡¯t a particrly busy time for the fields presently anyway.


    Xijin ferry was right next to the Qing River. In the past when the Qingzhou county seat was further upstream before it moved down, merchant ships plying the river often docked there for supplies, and over time the ce got its name.


    The shoreline including the old dock stretched over ten li up and down the river, all covered in pebbles.


    On the riverbank, simply lifting up a patch of grass revealed thick sand underneath.


    Many families¡¯ fields along the Xijin ferry riverbank were sandy soil. Even Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s family had over ten mu of sandy fields.


    In short, these natural building materials were too good to pass up. Using them saved a lot of money, just requiring a bit more manualbor.


    When all was totaled, the sum exceeded six hundred taels, a considerable amount.


    Jiang Wenyuan had money from selling ginseng earlier, plus the generous gift from the Duke''s estate. While not wealthy, six hundred taels was within his means.


    He immediately had Lu fetch six hundred tael banknotes, stating he would pay the excess costs and collect the difference owed.


    Settling these two matters lifted a weight from Jiang Wenyuan''s mind. He had left instructions with the property agent to notify him immediately if suitable farnd became avable.


    The next morning, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife brought Jiang Yuqing back to the county office.


    As for their son, for now...this would work best:


    First, staying with his older brothers allowed bonding and familiarity. Second, the tutors at his father-inw''s academy were highly learned and dutiful with students.


    He himself had studied there, so felt assured. After testing into the academically-advanced tongsheng ss, their son could join them without dy.


    Xijin Ferry


    The vige chief and n Chief told everyone about Jiang Wenyuan funding the n school and road repairs. Beyond delighted excitement, they loudly praised him as a man of real action.


    The Jiang family''s reputation in the vige rose another level.


    The school impacted the children''s futures, so mistakes were uneptable. They must hire specialized builders for proper design.


    But roadwork required no special skills, just strong arms.


    Initially, each family had pledged oneborer. Now, all ages eight to sixty, regardless of gender, able-bodied or not, joined the crews hauling sand and stones whenever free.


    The tools were motley: baskets, backracks, ox carts, donkey carts. Some women even brought unused chamber pots from home to impress.


    In just over ten days, Jiang Wenyuan had thend deed back. A small farmstead, 121 mu in all. Not far from Xijin Ferry, about five li downstream.


    It had belonged to andlord whose only son killed someone fighting over a courtesan in the provincial city. To ransom his son from prison, the family sold their ancestral property. Truly, raise your children well, or their wicked ways will lead to ruin.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife had brought Jiang Yuqing to the county office. Whenever awake, she explored with two servant girls, pattering about on little legs.


    Small butely, and sweet-tongued, she charmed everyone. The household servants called her "Young Miss," the errand boys called her "Young Master." Older women like cooks andundresses called her "Mistress."


    As for her father''s colleagues, she addressed them as "Uncle" or "Elder Cousin." After just a few days, she had wrapped them all around her fingers. Each outing ended with bulging robe pockets, stuffed with candies, cakes, snacks, dried fruits - every treat imaginable.


    Moreover, she was extremely disciplined. Knowing she was teething, she rarely overindulged, eating just one or two pieces before distributing the rest among the servant girls Spring and Rain.


    When adults learned of this, their affection for her grew. The gifts they showered her with multiplied, until Lu tailored a small pouch for her to wear slung across her back.


    As June progressed, the weather grew increasingly hot.

 Chapter 27: The Watermelon

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Little Dumpling''s flesh was plump, and even in the lightest clothes, she still felt hot. She began to miss the air-conditioning of her past life a little, or at least a can of cold soda or a slice of watermelon would do.


    She suddenly remembered that the doctor''s offices and lounges in each department of the hospital were equipped withrge refrigerators.


    Usually, colleagues would also put some of their favorite snacks and drinks in them. In addition, the small supermarket in the hospital also had refrigerators with even more stuff in them.


    In her past life, she had died in the summer. Just a few days after she died, she was reborn with her spiritual awareness. There was probably still watermelon in the refrigerators.


    Thinking of this, she became excited and immediately sunk her awareness into her spiritual space. Sure enough, she found a whole frozen watermelon in Dr. Shen''s office refrigerator.


    In addition, there were quite a few snacks and beverages like coke in the refrigerator. She didn''t know which colleague had bought them, but now they came in handy for her.


    Afterwards, she searched through all the refrigerators in the hospital''s offices. Almost every refrigerator had watermelons in them. Some whole and some cut in half.


    The small supermarket had the most. There were a good forty or fifty melons over ten catties each stacked in the back warehouse. In addition, each refrigerator had varying amounts of bottled water and beverages, and she also found quite a bit of tea.


    Especially in the Dean''s office. The whole fridge was filled with tea leaves. Moreover, they were all rare and exquisite teas.


    The old man had disciples all over, and he also loved tea. So every year, students would try their best to find local premium teas to send to him.


    After scouring everything, Jiang Yuqing was very satisfied as she exited her spiritual space and took afortable nap.


    When she woke up, she signaled for Lu to dismiss the maids. Lu took a look at her daughter and guessed that the girl was going to show off her abilities again. She then told the maids to go rest as asked.


    She poked her head out the window again and made sure no one else was around before nodding at her daughter.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and happily brought out a huge watermelon from her spiritual space. But who would have thought that in her excitement, she forgot that she was still just a little over one year old. The watermelonnded with a thud on top of her foot. A muffled "dong" rang out.


    The watermelon split open.


    Little Dumpling''s smile froze on her face.


    It just...hurt a bit.


    Really hurt.


    It really hurt!


    Ah--she couldn''t stand it anymore. It hurt too damn much! Little Dumpling plopped down on the ground as physiological tears came out.


    It was over. Over. She didn''t break her toes, right?


    No way!


    Even if her foot was broken, she couldn''t cry! If her former colleagues knew that the top surgeon of the military hospital cried from getting hit by a watermelon, she would beughed to death.


    Lu was shocked dumb by this sudden turn of events. When she came to her senses, she immediately picked up her daughter and put her on the bed to take off her shoes and check her little feet.


    In just a few breaths, the fairylike little feet visibly swelled up before her eyes. Lu''s face turned white with fright. She immediately yelled for someone to ready a carriage to go to the medicine hall.


    A few maids ran in and were also shocked when they saw this scene. They quickly ran out to call for a carriage...


    In a hurry, they arrived at Huan''an Hall. It was the same old doctor fromst time who liked to sass people.


    The old doctor recognized her and asked what happened. Lu didn''t dare tell the truth. She only said her daughter was hit by arge green-skinned pumpkin.


    Upon hearing she was hit by arge pumpkin, the old doctor was both angry and amused. After carefully examining her, he scolded: "You little girl have such misfortune at such a young age. Luckily no bones were broken. Go back and apply some medicine wine to disperse the swelling. Nurse it for a few days and it''ll be fine. Don''t be naughty next time. You''re not even as heavy as a pumpkin yourself, what ability are you showing off..." He grumbled on and on.


    After applying the medicine wine so she wouldn''t hurt, he also had the nurse stuff a piece of candy in her mouth.


    Hmm--Jiang Yuqing felt that the doctor was a good doctor, and the old man was a good old man. Of course, it''d be even better if he wasn''t so long-winded.


    Lu thanked the old doctor and paid the fee, about to leave. Just then a group of people rushed in, headed by none other than her husband and brother.


    Jiang Wenyuan was discussing affairs with some colleagues in the front courtyard when he suddenly heard maids from the inner residencee report that his little daughter''s foot was hit by something unknown, and it seemed to be hit severely. His wife had already taken her to a medicine hall.


    Jiang Wenyuan was shocked and after asking which medicine hall, ran out with the crowd of people following behind. Lu Pingzhang, who was discussing affairs together with him, was also shocked and ran out along with them.


    Seeing his daughter''s tearful big eyes and her little feet swollen like steamed buns,


    Jiang Wenyuan felt distressed, and also both angry and amused. He really couldn''t resist flicking the little antenna on top of his daughter''s head, "Little troublemaker, what hit you to swell up like this?"


    Lu gave her husband a strange look, and softly said, "This is not the ce to talk. Let''s go back first."


    Jiang Wenyuan understood in an instant.


    The group returned to the county office. Seeing his niece was fine, Lu Pingzhang returned to work in the front yard.


    Jiang Wenyuan followed Lu back to the inner residence. The smashed watermelon was still lying on the floor. Its red juice flowed along the cracks and gathered into a small puddle on the blue brick floor.


    Little Dumpling pointed at the watermelon on the ground, "Melon, melon, eat eat!"


    "Is darling saying that this is a melon that can be eaten?" Since the little girl started babbling, the couple''s babynguage skills grew daily. Now, they had at least a six-level certification.


    "Mm-hmm, melon, cut cut, sweet sweet." Oh, this melon had to be cut open with a knife to eat. The taste was very sweet.


    Jiang Wenyuan picked up therge watermelon from the ground and felt its weight, eximing in surprise, "Good heavens, this is at least seventeen or eighteen catties. No wonder it smashed her foot like that."


    He then solemnly said to his precious daughter, "Dear, you''re still too small. In the future if youe upon something heavy again, you must not try to pick it up yourself. You can ask Mother or Father to help you, or even Licui and the others. Understand?"


    "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Little Dumpling hurriedly nodded her head. Having an ident like this once was enough. She would definitely not let it happen a second time.


    Jiang Wenyuan personally carried the watermelon to the kitchen, washed it clean, then cut it into slices.


    Looking at it, it had a green peel and red flesh, with brownish-ck seeds inside. The more he looked at it, the more it resembled the winter melon described in a travelogue he read before. When he was in the capital, he had also heard of this exquisite fruit.


    It was a tribute from the Western Regions. Because the journey was so far, the imperial pce only received a handful each year, making it extremely rare.


    ording to those who ate it before, this fruit was abundant in juice and very sweet-tasting. It was worthy of being a delicacy.


    Thinking of this, he couldn''t wait to pick up a slice and take a big bite. The cool and sweet juice instantly filled his entire mouth, then slid down his throat. It seemed like half the summer heat dissipated in an instant, leaving his whole body feeling refreshed.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s eyes lit up. He didn''t even want to spit out the seeds, quickly finishing one slice. He nimbly put the remaining watermelon on arge tray and hurried back to the room.


    As soon as he entered, he happily called out to Lu, "Wanniang,e quickly and try this. This melon is so sweet."


    Lu red at him, speaking unhappily, "It smashed my daughter''s foot like that, I don''t care how sweet it is."


    Jiang Wenyuanughed and ced down the tray, picking up a slice to hand over, "It''s exactly because of this that we must eat it to get back at it for our darling."


    Lu was amused by her husband''s convoluted logic. Looking at the red watermelon, she hesitated for a moment before epting it. She carefully took a bite. It really was cool and sweet, super delicious.


    Jiang Wenyuan took his daughter into his arms and fed her a slice while asking, "Dear, does this melon have a name?"


    Little Dumpling gnawed on the melon and mumbled unclearly, "Watermelon."


    "Happy melon? What a joyful name."


    "No--not happy, west, watermelon."


    "Oh, it''s called watermelon!" Now he heard clearly: "Your father read about a kind of melon called winter melon in books before that looks quite simr to this."


    Little Dumpling nodded vigorously: "Watermelon, winter melon, same."


    "So winter melon is actually watermelon! A melon from the Western Regions, so it''s called watermelon. Not bad, the name is quite illustrative." As she nibbled, Little Dumpling carefully spit out the watermelon seeds onto the table. "Beans, nt." Seeds to nt. Her tongue hadn''t learned the word "seeds" yet, so she used another word. But the meaning got across as long as it could be understood.


    Upon hearing this, Lu immediately followed her daughter''s actions and spit out the seeds to ce together.


    Jiang Wenyuan fiercely kissed the top of his daughter''s head. His precious daughter really was clever to know to keep the seeds. As for whether they could grow or not, they''d know after trying next year.


    Jiang Yuqing''s constitution was cold, so after eating just half a slice, she stopped. Lu ate three slices, and Grandpa Lu finished off most of the remainingrge half. He was so full that he didn''t even eat dinner, which really impressed Jiang Yuqing. The origin of this watermelon was "unknown," so they shouldn''t let outsiders know about it. But all the officials working in the yamen were clever. If they casually took it out, it was likely people would guess something, which could bring disaster instead of good fortune. If there were leftovers, it would be fine to secretly give a slice to Uncle Lu.


    It was toote to nt melons this year. So Jiang Yuqing nted all of the leftover watermelon seeds in her spiritual space. With the magic of the spiritual space, she believed that before long, she would have more watermelons than she could eat.


    Actually, things from the hospital could be endlessly duplicated. Even without nting, she could have endless watermelons. But she liked the feeling of nting and harvesting more.


    Farming seemed an innate talent of the Huaxia people, or perhaps it was encoded in Huaxia genes.


    After that, whenever Jiang Yuqing took watermelons out of her spiritual space, she never personally carried them anymore. On the hottest days, she would deliver some to Xijin Ferry and Xiushui Bay every few days, and Uncle Lu''s ce also had some. She repeatedly exhorted that they were only for family to eat, and must not spread the news.


    Uncle Lu and Schr Lu didn''t suspect anything. They assumed it was a gift from some wealthy merchant who, for certain reasons, could not say where they were from. This was an unspoken rule of officialdom. They never imagined the source was their own niece.


    During the days Jiang Yuqing was recovering from her injury, the wives of local gentry and wealthy households often visited. The women''s conversations inevitably revolved around cosmetics, jewelry, clothes, fashion, and endless ttery about how cute and pretty Jiang Yuqing was. Listening to them made her want to fall asleep.


    Jiang Yuqing understood the importance of socializing with these women. But understanding was one thing, liking it was another. She would rather be back at the farm at Xijin Ferry than listen to their boring gossip.


    asionally some would bring their children, like the children at Xijin Ferry. The older ones treated her like a child, while those her age were hard for her to rte to. It was so boring she would rather hide in her room reading.


    After several more days of this dullness, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t stand it anymore and begged to go back to her grandparents and brother. Lu understood that she found the yamen boring and wanted to go home.


    Although the couple was reluctant to be apart from their daughter, they were even more reluctant to see her unhappy. After thinking it over, they sent her back to Xijin Ferry. It was close enough that they could easily visit her or bring her to stay with them for a while.


    Little Bun was very filial. Before leaving the yamen, she hoarded arge pile of watermelons for her elderly parents to eat after they returned.


    As she wished, Little Bun returned to Xijin Ferry. Seeing her grandparents, uncles, and aunts who she hadn''t seen for half a month, Little Bun couldn''t wait to run over and snuggle up to each one. She gave every person a fragrant kiss and a small gift she had prepared herself.


    Although they were inexpensive trinkets, they made the elders so happy they nearly fainted. A small cotton-padded coat really was the most thoughtful gift. She didn''t forget to bring presents for everyone after going into town.


    When her older brothers returned from school, Little Bun repeated the whole process, effortlessly winning over the group.


    The next day was the end of the 10-day week. Both the yamen and the school had a rest day. Jiang Yuqing got up early. After waking up, she identally saw her father sleeping soundly with his bare chest pressed against her mother''s back. Her mother also seemed to be naked. The sheet had slipped down, exposingrge areas of fair, delicate skin covered in a pattern of red marks...


    Cough cough. Jiang Yuqing averted her eyes awkwardly.


    Was this something a little bun like her should see?


    She decided that from today onward, she would sleep alone. No one could stop her.


    To avoid her parents dying of embarrassment when they woke up, Jiang Yuqing tiptoed quietly out of bed and out the door to the vegetable garden.

 Chapter 28: My Daughter Is a Genius.

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    The vegetables in the vegetable garden were taken care of extremely well by the diligent elders.


    The cucumbers, eggnts, bitter melons, green beans, peppers and so on were all covered in fruits. The leafy greens like napa cabbage, bok choy, sow thistle and so on were also very lush.


    Seeing no one around, Jiang Yuqing condensed some spiritual spring rain and thoroughly watered the vegetable garden.


    She also gave them some psychic energy, and before her eyes, the vegetable babies grew noticeably faster, only then was she satisfied and stopped manipting.


    Jiang Yuqing pulled up arge cucumber to hug while nibbling on it as she walked to the front yard. After all, it had just been showered with spiritual spring water, so washing was unnecessary.


    She looked around, and none of her little bird friends were around.


    She figured they must have gone out to look for food to eat while it was cool in the early morning. Since this was the case, she woulde to see them again in the evening.


    Lu got up and didn''t find her daughter, she was just about to go to the back yard, when she saw her precious daughter hugging an enormous cucumber, crunching on it as she came over.


    The cucumber was half as long as her, and with her baby teeth, she had nibbled all the way without biting off much. Her cheeks were puffed out, her little mouth opening and closing, looking just like a furtively nibbling little animal.


    Lu''s face melted at the sight of her precious daughter being so cute. She took therge cucumber from her daughter''s hands, kissed her cheeks, and led her back into the room to wash her face.


    After washing her face, Lu gave the cucumber back to her and let her keep nibbling. She had just taken two bites when her big brother saw it. He said eating so much cucumber in the morning was not good, snapped off a piece and walked away nibbling it.


    Before she could react, her second brother Jiang Yuhe came over and snapped off another piece.


    Then it was her third brother Jiang Yuhu...Yuanzi looked at the small piece of cucumber left in her hand,pletely speechless...


    Old Lady Hu happened to catch this scene. The olddy immediately red up, "Do you guys not have hands?


    There''s so many in the garden out back, if you can''t pick them yourself, what''s the skill in snatching from your sister''s mouth! All of you, asking for a spanking."


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t doubt at all that if she spontaneously cried out loud, not a single one of these brothers would get away with it. Male and female group beating was guaranteed.


    But for the sake of familial harmony, Jiang Yuqing magnanimously decided to let them off. It was just one cucumber after all, there were plenty more in the back garden.


    Humph! This youngdy is just that open-minded!


    After breakfast, Jiang Wenyuan gathered his sons and nephews to tutor them.


    Being able to receive tutoring from the third-ce winner in imperial examination was treatment not just anyone could get. The Jiang boys were pained but happy. Little Yuanzi had nothing to do, so she also held a book in her arms.


    Books of this time were printed in traditional characters and stitched together, mostly hand copied, and the content was abstruse. They were read from right to left, top to bottom, and most annoyingly didn''t even have punctuation, truly giving people a headache.


    Seeing his little daughter reading with utmost seriousness, flipping through for a while, then closing the book heavily with her little brow furrowed tightly, Jiang Wenyuan was quite amused.


    He guessed that she was angry because she didn''t recognize the characters and couldn''t understand. His precious daughter was just too cute.


    So he rubbed his little girl''s soft hair and gently said, "My good girl needs to learn to recognize characters. As long as you learn to recognize characters, you''ll be able to see many more interesting things."


    Yuanzi''s eyes instantly lit up. Right when she wanted to learn, someone delivered a pillow. She immediately nodded heavily, "Want!"


    Receiving an affirmative answer, Jiang Wenyuan spread out some paper and wrote out the three big characters "Jiang Yuqing".


    Pointing to it, he said, "Look, our family''s surname is Jiang. Jiang is our surname.


    For example, my good girl''s name, and your dad and brothers'' names, the first character is all this Jiang character."


    Yuanzi nodded, indicating she remembered.


    "This is read ''Yu''. Yu is the generational name for our Jiang n, our seniority.


    Your big brother is called Jiang Yujiang, second brother Jiang Yuhe, and my good girl you are called Jiang Yuqing. Yu is the character for your generation." Yuanzi nodded again.


    "Thest character is read ''qing''." Because when you were born, there was already a lotus flower between your brows. The lotus is also called furong.


    Qing is taken from the meaning of clear water producing furong.


    Daddy hopes my good girl will be someone of noble character in the future. So these three characters together form your full name, Jiang Yuqing. Does my good girl remember?"


    Yuanzi nodded again: "Jiang, Yu, qing. My, name!" She spoke very slowly, enunciating each character clearly.


    Jiang Wenyuan was quite surprised. He had just casually exined it. Who would''ve expected this little tot not even two years old to actually remember it so clearly.


    His precious daughter not only remembered it in one go, but remembered it so clearly. Could it be...his daughter was a genius?


    To verify his guess, Jiang Wenyuan taught his daughter ten more characters in one go.


    Afterwards, he crumpled up the written paper into a ball and tossed it away. Then he jumbled up the order of the ten characters, evenbining them with other characters, and had his daughter recognize them again. Jiang Yuqing urately recognized them every time without fail.


    Photographic memory! His daughter really was a genius! Jiang Wenyuan was so excited he paced around the study, this feeling was no less than when he had been named third-ce winner back then.


    Afterwards, he thought again, since his daughter was a fairy reincarnated, of course she would be smarter than others, so Jiang Daddy calmed down again.


    Jiang Yuqing''s slick move didn''t just show off to Jiang Daddy, it also showed off to her brothers.


    After the excitement, the boys lowered their heads again to keep diligently reading. Even the usually mischievous second brother Jiang Yi behaved himself.


    Their little sister was already so awesome at such a young age. If they didn''t work hard, they would soon be surpassed by their sister.


    What a beautiful misunderstanding!


    Little did they know this beautiful misunderstanding prompted the Jiang boys to start down the road of bing top students from then on. They rose to the top of their family school, then the top of the vige school, and kept rising all the way up the road to sess.


    Jiang Yuqing felt she had only recognized a few characters, yet Daddy reacted so dramatically.


    If in the future she showed off some other skills, wouldn''t her dad be so happy he fainted.


    But learning to recognize characters was imperative, and had to be done quickly.


    Then find a reliable master to study medicine under, that way, the skills from her past life wouldn''t go to waste and she could be famous for her talents, not buried and forgotten.


    One willing to learn, one willing to teach. In just one morning, Jiang Yuqing had gotten through half of the Three Character ssic.


    If he wasn''t afraid of tiring out his daughter, Jiang Wenyuan really wanted to teach through the whole Three Character ssic in one go.


    At lunch, when Jiang Wenyuan told the family about this, they were all shocked beyond belief.


    Jiang Wenyuan even asserted that if Jiang Yuqing had been born a boy, the Jiang family could produce another top examination graduate.


    After eating, the sun was at its most vicious time of day. Everyone happily ate a huge watermelon, then contentedly returned to their rooms for an afternoon nap.


    In the afternoon, Jiang Wenyuan didn''t keep the children reading. With nothing else to do at home, Jiang brought his grandsons basket after basket, bamboo basket after bamboo basket, those with shovels grabbing shovels, all rushed down to the riverside to dig up sand and stones to pave roads, even the youngest Jiang Yuchuan wasn''t spared.


    The old man said the Jiang men could not be idle in four ways or unskilled in the five grains. Even though your uncle (dad) was a third-ce winner, when he got home he still rolled up his pants and went into the fields to work. Are you more delicate than your uncle (dad)?


    And so, Jiang''s seven cbash brothers, with no arguments, obediently did as told.


    With the boys of the house gone to dig up pebbles, Jiang Wenyuan carefully put a small hat with lotus leaf edges on his precious daughter, then carried her out the door. He nned to go take a look at the school grounds.


    The foundation of the school had already beenid, the workers were building up the walls, which were about one man high. At this speed, it would only take a few days before they could put up the roof beams.


    When they went over, the old n chief and a few senior nsmen were sitting in the vige shade by the school cooling off, each holding arge palm leaf fan.


    Chatting while fanning themselves, asionally raising their heads to look at the workers. Next to them was a teapot missing its spout and an earthenware bowl.


    Seeing the father and daughtere over, they hurriedly stood to greet them.


    "Wenyuan, when did youe back?"


    "I came backst night. The yamen is closed today, so I came back to take a look. I was tutoring the children at home this morning, and this afternoon I''m taking my daughter out for a stroll."


    "n chief uncle, third grandpa, seventh grandfather, please sit. No need to stand on ceremony."


    Jiang Wenyuan chatted casually with the elders while looking for a clean brick to sit on, just like before when he wasn''t an official yet.


    His easygoing and casual manner trulyforted the elders.


    They marveled that the child was so good, he didn''t look down on them old fellows even after bing a big official.


    "Here, let sixth grandpa hold you!" The n chief reached out his hands to Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuqing did not want to disappoint these kind elders, so she slipped out of her father''s arms and ran over to hug the n chief.


    The chief was overjoyed by her affectionate intimacy. Laughing heartily, he said, "That old fogey your grandfather is so stingy, keeping you hidden away like a treasure. We old folks miss you whenever we want to see you, and have to go over to your house."


    Stroking her hair, he asked, "Sweetheart, do you miss your Sixth Grandfather?"


    "Yes, Sixth Grandfather," she nodded.


    "Oh, so you only miss Sixth Grandfather, and not the rest of us?" the other two elders protested unhappily.


    Realizing her mistake, Yuqing immediately tried to smooth things over. "Miss you too, Grandfather!" she said, addressing each of them.


    The two old men were promptly mollified.


    The n chief asked Jiang Wenyuan, "Howe it''s only darling granddaughter here, and not those seven rascally grandsons of yours?"


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled and said, "Their grandfather has taken them to shovel rocks by the river."


    The n chiefughed and gave a thumbs up. "That''s just like your family."


    After chatting with the elders a while longer, Jiang Wenyuan finally picked up his daughter to take their leave, heading towards the road construction site.


    When he had returned to the vige yesterday, he had taken a quick look and seen that at least two li had beenpleted already. At the time, he had wondered how the progress was so fast. Now he could see that most of the vigers were working on this road, even the elderly, women and children.


    Some families were even out in full force. Some shoveling sand, some breaking rocks, some mixing lime, some tamping down and leveling the surface - everyone was busy as bees, backs soaked with sweat.


    As Jiang Wenyuan walked along, he greeted the vigers, feeling both delighted and moved.


    Worried they might suffer heat strokeboring in the intense heat, he called over a sister-inw who was also his childhood friend''s wife.


    He gave her a handful of silver coins, asking her to start making mung bean soup every day from tomorrow onwards, to bring to the worksite for everyone to cool off with.


    This thoughtful gesture moved the vigers deeply once again. They all praised Third Young Master Jiang for not forgetting his fellow vigers even after bing an official.


    First he had built a schoolhouse and hired a teacher for the vige, then provided money to construct the road, and now even hiring someone to make mung bean soup because he was worried they might get heat stroke. Where else could you find such a good son, or such an upright official?


    Moreover, ever since he had risen in status, the vigers gained much face whenever they traveled outside. Even when peddling vegetables in the city, as soon as people heard they were from the same vige as Top Schr Jiang, their produce would sell faster than others.


    When the vige youths wanted to propose marriage, things proceeded extremely smoothly. Any potential bride who was unattractive or came from a problematic family would not even be mentioned by the matchmakers.


    There were countless visible and invisible benefits like these.


    The vigers had no valuable possessions to repay him with. All they could offer was theirbor and sweat, hurrying toplete the road as fast as possible. This way, travel would be easier for everyone in future, and the Magistrate could return home quicker too.


    After leaving the construction site, father and daughter went next to the sweet potato field.


    In the month since nting, the vines had grown over a foot long, vibrant with life. Not a single weed could be seen in the entire field, proof of attentive care.


    Jiang Wenyuan gazed at the sweet potato nts, eyes deep and brooding, as if trying to foresee the harvest through the thick soil.


    Seizing the chance, Yuqing called over some birds and asked them to help look after the field, catching any insects promptly and reporting any destructive humans or animals. The birds happily agreed.


    That night when it was time for bed, Yuqing insisted on having her own room again, saying she was too big to sleep with Mama and Papa now.


    The couple had no choice but to indulge her demand and let her move back to her own quarters, with Lu Chun and Gu Yu taking turns keeping watch through the night.


    At first, Lu felt a little sad that her daughter didn''t want herpany anymore, thinking she had grown up and didn''t need her Mama''s affection.


    But suddenly her fair face flushed crimson, and she punched her husband in embarrassment, as if recalling something.


    Seeing his wife''s maidenly reaction, Jiang Wenyuan''s handsome face also reddened slightly.


    Could it be that their precious daughter had seen something inappropriate in the early mornings? Knowing what a precocious child she was, it was not impossible.


    That night, the couple got up twice to check on her. Seeing her sleeping peacefully under a thin nket, belly covered, they finally rxed and went back to their room.


    The next day, they hugged and kissed their daughter repeatedly before reluctantly leaving her in Lu Chun and Gu Yu''s care.

 Chapter 29: The Can

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    At the end of June, the school was built. On the day ofpletion, Old Lady Hu, who was usually stingy, exceptionally had someone buy a pig and treat the whole vige to pig-killing rice.


    Jiang Yuqing was also taken there by the olddy Hu.


    Whether the big pot of rice tasted good or not was debatable, but it was really lively.


    At the dinner table, Old Lady Hu drank too much. She sang dragon boat tunes in a broken voice, and as she sang she cried.


    She cried and drank at the same time. She cried about the hard days of the past and the grievances the Jiang Family members had suffered...


    The nearly sixty-year-olddy cried with tears streaming down her face, like a child.


    Not to mention those who had experienced hardships with her, even she, an outsider, was quite moved.


    This olddy had been thinking about the Jiang Family all her life, without any selfishness. Apart from her ability, just based on this point alone, she deserved the Jiang Family''s respect and lived up to their ancestors.


    Jiang Wenyuan entrusted former mountain chiefs and ssmates, and offered very good conditions to find a gentleman of good character and integrity as a teacher for the Jiang Family''s school.


    The mountain chiefs promised that if they found a suitable candidate, they would definitely rmend him to Jiang Wenyuan.


    Inte early July, the road from Xijin ferry to the county road was fully paved and could amodate two carriages side by side, nearly six miles long, all rammed with y, wide, t and solid.


    Not only was it better than the county road, it was even better than the threshing grounds in many viges.


    Xijin ferry became famous again. Girls from viges miles around were proud to marry Xijin ferry boys, and Xijin ferry boys were proud to marry Xijin ferry girls. Xijin ferry was in the spotlight again.


    No matter how lively it was outside, it had nothing to do with little Jiang Yuqing. In the eyes of Lichun and Guyu, their youngdy was really too lonely and pitiful.


    At this age, she should be curious and yful.


    But their youngdy was either reading in the study or gardening in the backyard, or was carried by someone to inspect the fields.


    Apart from a few brothers, she didn''t even have a ymate, which made people feel sorry for her sensible personality.


    Regarding the issue of ymates, Jiang Yuqing was also helpless.


    Among the nsmen of the same surname, there were no other girls except her. There were a few from other families in the vige.


    But those older than her were hindered by her status and didn''t really dare to y with her. Those around her age were really too young, they couldn''t even speak clearly, how could they y together?


    After all, not everyone was as gifted as her. If they identally made her cry, she would probably have to coax them instead, so it was better not to bother.


    Ever since she was taught how to read and write in the study that day, Jiang Yuqing formally began learning.


    When Dad was not around, she would learn with her brothers. With her previous life''s foundation, she could grasp the general idea of a book by guessing even though she was just starting to recognize words.


    When she encountered unfamiliar characters, as long as someone gave her a little guidance, she could remember them eight or nine times out of ten.


    Her hands were small and couldn''t hold a writing brush yet.


    So Second Uncle made a small sandbox for her to practice writing characters every day with little sticks to reinforce her memory.


    Later she simply took out pencil and paper from her spiritual space to write.


    The elders in the family marveled more than once that if she had been born a boy, the family might have produced another top schr.


    When Jiang Yuchuan heard this, he secretly swore that since his sister could not be the top schr, he would make her the sister of the top schr, the most glorious sister of a top schr.


    From then on, Jiang Yuchuan studied even harder.


    In July, the watermelons in Jiang Yuqing''s spiritual space ripened. The harvested watermelons were piled up like a mountain in her spiritual space.


    Since they could preserve freshness in her spiritual space, they wouldn''t spoil no matter how long they were kept if not finished eating.


    She just had to nt them outside next year, and then she could enjoy them openly and unrestrainedly, give them away or sell them.


    Not like now, she still had to hide even in her own home, which really took away the fun.


    The cry of cicadas urged the passing of time.


    The hot July finally passed, and the autumn tiger was still ferocious after Beginning of Autumn. Amidst the heat waves, the people of Xijin ferry weed the autumn harvest.


    The Jiang family had a total of 51 mu of good fields, and after harvesting and drying to remove chaff, they got a total of 16,371 catties of grain, averaging about 321 catties per mu.


    The elders were ted, saying that the yield was very good. But in Jiang Yuqing''s opinion, the output was frighteningly low.


    Her family didn''t need to pay grain tax, and the grain was enough to eat. Mostmoner families still had to pay tax.


    Take Third Grandpa''s family for example. His family had thirteen mu of fields, of which eight mu were good fields and five mu were inferior fields. Based on an average yield of 300 catties per mu, they would harvest about 3,900 catties.


    Of those, two mu were tax-exempt, so the tax grain was about 110 catties. After paying the tax, there would be less than 3,800 catties left.


    Their family had four generations and fifteen people in total. On average, each person would only have about 252 catties of grain per year.


    One catty of grain was three ounces of rice and three ounces of bran. Based on this ratio, these 252 catties of rice, when hulled, would barely give 176 catties of rice at most.


    Calcting it carefully, the average was less than half a catty of rice per person per day. Even if they only ate two meals a day, it was still not enough to eat.


    Moreover, except for two little babies, the rest were all half-grown boys.


    There was a saying, half-grown boys could eat their old men to death.


    In order to fill their stomachs, the family would often keep very little rice and sell the rest to buy other coarse grains and cereals to stretch the food longer. Even so, there were still times when food was scarce.


    When that happened, they would dig wild vegetables and make pancakes from rice bran, basically eating whatever they could find.


    In her previous life, Jiang Yuqing was an orphan. At the orphanage, the food may have beencking at times but she could still eat her fill.


    Later when she went to school and learned history, she had a general idea that ancient grain yields were low, and even tragedies like "exchanging children to eat" urred during times of famine.


    But back then when she was reading books, she only understood the literal descriptions, nowhere near the feeling brought by personally experiencing it now.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that being able to reincarnate in this life, plus that huge golden finger, was most likely because she had umted virtues in her previous life.


    Not to boast, but the old daoist who helped her cross over back when she was still spirit A Piao said so.


    Since this was the case, she should do more good deeds in this life. She didn''t expect to be reborn again after death, she just hoped not to have lived this life in vain.


    After the autumn harvest was the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    As the highest official in Qingzhou, Jiang Wenyuan received Mid-Autumn Festival gifts piled up in a whole storeroom.


    There were mooncakes, pastries, local specialties, liquor, tea, some precious medicinal materials, and so on.


    Correspondingly, the return gifts from the Jiang family were also quite a lot.


    It was still hot now, and things couldn''t be kept.


    Lady Lu spent a whole morning sorting everything out.


    The precious medicinal materials were kept for future needs.


    The rest were divided into two parts, keeping some of the wine, tea and other guest reception gifts. The remainder was divided into two parts.


    One part was sent back to Xijin ferry for the elders and vige heads of the n to distribute. One part was taken by his wife''s eldest sister-inw to give to his parents.


    The county government was off for a day on Mid-Autumn Festival.


    This year''s Mid-Autumn Festival was also the fiftieth birthday of the Jiang family patriarch, Old Jiang.


    By custom, it should be celebrated grandly. However, the old man had instructed his children and grandchildren long ago not to celebrate his birthday, and the n members also got the message.


    The old man once heard a storyteller at a restaurant say that some senior officials used birthday celebrations to extort money, then seized property and exiled those who didn''t give gifts.


    This story left a deep impression on him.


    His son was now the magistrate of Qingzhou. If he held a grand celebration for his father''s birthday, the various prefectures would surely feel obligated to give gifts.


    Wouldn''t that make his family the same as the one in the story?


    Therefore, the birthday must not be celebrated. It was much better for the family to eat a lively meal together, rather than make a big fuss.


    The old man was stubborn. No matter how hard his sons tried to persuade him, he insisted on not celebrating.


    The sons had no choice but to obey him.


    Since it was Mid-Autumn Festival and Grandpa''s birthday.


    After dinner, the family sat together eating mooncakes and appreciating the moon. To liven up the atmosphere, Jiang Yuqing decided to entertain her elders by performing for them.


    Dumpling couldn''t speak clearly yet, so singing was out of the question.


    But dancing was still possible.


    She asked Big Brother to y a tune on the flute to apany her dance, it didn''t matter what song it was, she just wanted to have fun.


    Jiang Yujiang yed a light and cheerful melody.


    Dumpling danced along with the tune, making an effort to move her chubby arms and short legs. It was taught by the youngdy volunteers when she was still at the orphanage in her previous life, and she still remembered it now.


    It was a little clumsy, but on closer look, it still had some shape and was quite amazing to the elders.


    After reacting, everyone apuded loudly and cheered. Her brothers even pped until their palms turned red.


    After the dance was over, little Dumpling was kissed affectionately by the enthusiastic elders, her little face kissed red. Dumpling felt extremely happy inside, ah, this was such a sweet burden.


    After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the weather cooled down day by day. Jiang Yuqing was taken by the Lu family to stay in the city for a while.


    In September, autumn fruits began to go on the market inrge quantities.


    This year, the weather was favorable for crops, and the fruits yielded a bumper harvest.


    Among them, thergest yields were tangerines, oranges, pomelos, pears, chestnuts and persimmons.


    Everywhere on both sides of the streets were people selling fruits, and there were also some out-of-town merchants who came to buy fruits, but the number taken away was very limited.


    Because these weremon fruits in the south, all states and prefectures had them, and they were not rare.


    Under the circumstance of oversupply, the price of fruits would inevitably fall to the point where fruit farmers would cry without being able to sell them.


    Take persimmons for example,rge persimmons weighing three or four taels, no one wanted even seven for a penny.


    A fruit farmer runs a stand for a day, and the ie is still not enough to buy two buns for himself.


    How can this work?


    If the fruits could not be sold, they would rot in the fields. Without economic ie, families would fall into difficulties.


    When themon people''s livelihood was difficult, how could Jiang Wenyuan, as the prefect of a county, sleep soundly?


    During this period of time, in order to sell more fruits for the elders, Jiang Wenyuan even lowered his status and personally pulled merchants, just asking them to buy more.


    Butpared to the huge remaining base, it was still very limited. He worried so much that his hair fell out in clumps.


    Jiang Yuqing was carried by her father, walking on the main street, looking at the fresh fruits on the whole street that could not be sold. She thought it would be better if some of them could be soldter, for example,ing on the market again in winter.


    Thinking of this, she suddenly had an inspiration. That''s right, we can make them into canned fruits!


    With this thought, she immediately pulled her father''s clothes and whispered in his ear, "Dad, go home. Fruits have solutions."


    As soon as Jiang Wenyuan heard this, his eyes lit up instantly. He anxiously asked his daughter, "Good baby, do you really have a way?" Jiang Yuqing nodded heavily.


    So Jiang Wenyuan didn''t wander anymore either. He carried his daughter and walked back with big strides. A Ping could hardly keep up with his pace.


    Back at home, he dismissed his subordinates. Jiang Wenyuan asked his daughter, "Good baby, how to do it, tell Dad quickly."


    So Jiang Yuqing took out a bunch of things from her spiritual space supermarket, including a box of persimmon cakes and two cans of canned fruit.


    "Dad, make cans."


    As soon as Jiang Wenyuan saw the persimmon cakes and the two cans, his eyes shone like they were iid with titanium alloy.


    He could barely make out the various ingredient ratios clearly marked on the canbels.


    After reading for a long time, he asked, "Dear, can we make them?" Jiang Yuqing nodded, "Yes, let''s try!" In her previous life, in order to earn tuition fees, she didn''t know how many jobs she had done, sometimes working several jobs at the same time.


    Among them, she had worked in a specialty food factory, and was very familiar with the process of making cans and persimmon cakes.


    Since it was difficult for Jiang Yuqing to speak, she simply took paper and pen and wrote down what she knew one by one, and attached specific production methods.


    After writing, she also exined them one by one, drawingparisons and making sketches. Jiang Wenyuan finally understoodpletely.


    First, fruits such as tangerines, peaches, oranges, pears and so on can be made into canned fruit, with the production method of canned fruit attached.


    Second, the long-term storage method of chestnuts.


    Third, the production method of persimmon cakes.


    He asked his daughter if the cans could be opened to taste the vor. Jiang Yuqing nodded and said of course. He then decisively took them to the kitchen...


    The dinner that night was food that was bought back from outside.


    As for the kitchen at home, it had been temporarily requisitioned by his parents to experiment with canning. Jiang Yuqing was the technical instructor.


    Canned food was not difficult to make.


    The ceramic jars were washed clean, and steamed with cork stoppers to sterilize them.


    Tangerines were peeled, with the pith removed, washed clean and drained.


    The pot was washed clean, an appropriate amount of water was added (enough to submerge the tangerine flesh), an appropriate amount of sugar was added and dissolved over low heat, then the tangerine flesh was added and cooked briefly. While still hot, it was put into the jar, stoppered with the cork, then sealed around with melted beeswax. The canned food was done.


    Such canned food could be stored for three months.


    The production time of persimmon cakes was much longer. They needed to be dried and kneaded first, dried and kneaded alternately, and finally frosted.


    Jiang Wenyuan hugged his daughter and kissed her hard twice.


    Then, holding the few cans he had made himself and the box of persimmon cakes his daughter had given him, he convened subordinates and several famous big businessmen in Qingzhou for an overnight meeting.

 Chapter 30: Six hundred Mile Rush

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    This would continue untilte into the night. When everyone first arrived, they were hurrying with confounded looks on their faces. When they left, they were calling each other brothers with smiles across their faces. It was obvious that friendly cooperation had been achieved.


    They would set up a food processing workshop, with the Jiang Family contributing 40% in expertise. The others would contribute silver coins, with the Zhou Family at 10%, the Qu and Jiang families each at 20%, and Master Lu and another grain private advisor each at 5%.


    The potential and enormous profit contained within the persimmon cakes and canned goods were obvious to anyone who wasn¡¯t a fool.


    Especially the canned goods - if made well and transported north, they would absolutely make a fortune.


    With his hands on these two golden mountains, Jiang Wenyuan could have kept it all for himself, and with his current status, even if others were envious there was nothing they could do but watch.


    The reason he chose to share this enormous cake was twofold. Firstly, time was tight, and every day dyed meant greater losses for Qingzhou''s fruit farmers. He didn''t want to see them lose everything they had worked for.


    These big merchants not only had extremely abundant funds, but also mature sales channels and extremely extensive connections. With their capabilities, the farmers¡¯ fruit could be sold at the fastest speed possible, minimizing losses.


    Secondly, aside from himself, the rest of the Jiang family were honest folk. They were good at farming, but couldn¡¯t manage the twists and turns of the marketce.


    It was better to generously share it out, cooperate together, achieve mutual benefits and shared prosperity. His precious daughter called this attracting investment.


    For the merchant families, turning down the olive branch offered to them would be foolish. The Jiangs were people they dreamed of currying favor with every day!


    Two dayster, by the banks of the Qing River east of the city, a workshop named "Qing River Foods" hung up its shingle, announcing that it would be purchasingrge quantities of fresh mandarin oranges, tangerines, Asian pears, and persimmons.


    The purchase price for mandarin oranges and tangerines was 2 copper coins per 0.5 kg, 1.5 copper coins per 0.5 kg for Asian pears, and 3 copper coins per 0.5 kg for persimmons. Although this price was lower thanst year¡¯s retail price, it was still considered very high this year.


    In a short time, themon folk spread the word and brought their families'' fruit over.


    At the same time, a small, inconspicuous shop west of the city also put up a notice saying they would purchaserge quantities of chestnuts, hazelnuts, jujubes, kiwifruit and other mountain products and fruits unsuitable for canning.


    This was Jiang Yuqing having Jiang Wenyuan send people to purchase them. She had plenty of space that wouldn''t cause them to spoil.


    Purchasing them now would allow themoners to sell what they had worked hard to produce, and selling them in winter could earn a profit margin.


    If nothing else, they could eat the surplus themselves or give them to rtives as gifts.


    Who would have thought they almost couldn¡¯t stop purchasing? In the nearly 20 days until the end of the fruit season, they purchased a staggering 70,000: 80,000 kg of assorted nuts and fruit.


    In between, because they ran out of silver coins, Jiang Wenyuan had to return home and ask Old Lady Hu for more.


    His father joked, ¡°Other officials line their pockets with money from work, while you do the opposite!¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan seriously asked in return, ¡°Oh? Should your son also skim a bit off the top then?¡±


    As soon as Old Jiang heard this, he immediately pped the table: ¡°You dare! If you dare do such a disloyal and unrighteous thing, I¡¯ll break your legs!¡±


    Seeing everyone''s smiling faces, he suddenly realized his youngest son was teasing him.


    He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°You little scamp, daring to make fun of your own father - the height of unfilial behavior!¡±


    The food processing workshop was also in full swing making canned goods. The first batch was already on its way north. The persimmon cakes were also drying very well, and would soon be ready for the frost.


    In the busy hustle and bustle, the ninth month¡¯s maiden gathered up her golden skirts and gracefully departed. The tenth month¡¯s maiden dragged her dreary temperament onto the stage.


    Some of the trees¡¯ leaves were already turning yellow, flying in the wind tond everywhere. When leaves fall, they return to the root.


    The sweet potatoes in the Jiang family fields had grownrge enough to harvest. Two days prior, the Jiangs had already put out word that they would be digging up sweet potatoes.


    Everyone in the vige knew about the field of sweet potatoes nted by the Jiang family. When they were first nted, some had asked what they were. The Jiangs said they were sweet potatoes.


    As for where they came from, the Jiangs gave everyone the same story: that Jiang Wenyuan had identally rescued a wandering Taoist on the road to the capital for the exams, and the Taoist had given these to him.


    Supposedly they were an overseas grain variety with very high yields, but they didn¡¯t know the exact yield.


    They only said they would first try nting it themselves, and if the yields were as high as the old Taoist imed, they would share it with everyer. Now hearing they were ready for harvest, everyone naturally wanted to see for themselves.


    On the morning of the fifth day of the tenth month, the autumn air was crisp and the sky clear for thousands of miles.


    Early in the morning, Jiang Wenyuan brought Private Advisor Lu and a team back. Aside from the seven Jiang boys away at school, the entire Jiang family turned out.


    Sickles, hoes, sacks, baskets, and arge scale.


    Vigers who came to watch the lively scene also filled up the sweet potato field.


    Jiang Wenyuan took the lead, rolling up his pant legs and personally cutting the vines. Seeing this, everyone else followed suit, sickle in hand.


    Some vigers couldn¡¯t resist and hurried home to grab sickles to join the vine-cutting army.


    With over thirty men fanned out across the field, it only took half a shichen topletely clear away the vines from the 1.5 mu.


    The cut vines could be bundled to feed pigs or cattle, nothing wasted.


    Now came the crucial part.


    Jiang Wenkang first hefted a hoe, went to one end of a mound, brushed away some dirt, then fiercely drove the hoe down and pulled - a cluster of reddish tubers appeared.


    Two more strikes of the hoe brought out the entire cluster. Immediately cries of astonishment rang out: ¡°Damn, look how many, and so big!¡±


    Jiang Wenkang happily picked up the string of sweet potatoes, counting seven.


    The biggest was asrge as his palm, at least 1.5 kg, and the smallest 2-3 liang. Hefting it, this one nt had to be at least 4-5 kg.


    Just one tuber was 4-5 kg, with so many nts per mu...Jiang Wenkang¡¯s eyes turned red.


    Not just his eyes turned red, everyone present had reddened eyes.


    The men didn¡¯t hesitate, each grabbing a mound and swinging their hoes to start digging.


    The others weren¡¯t falling behind either, grabbing baskets and sacks to follow and gather the potatoes.


    Startled cries continuously rang out:


    ¡°Wow, this one¡¯s huge, even bigger than my head!¡±


    ¡°Good heavens, this nt has ten potatoes!¡±


    ¡°Quick, quick, I need another sack. I can¡¯t fit them all...¡±


    After another shichen, all the sweet potatoes in the 1.5 mu were harvested. Jiang Wenyuan also had the final numbers.


    The total harvested was 7,289 kg, averaging 4,859 kg per mu. This was after measuring twice.


    Hearing this number and looking at the mountain of sweet potatoes piled at the edge of the field, everyone fell silent, then their eyes reddened.


    One of the county clerks suddenly dropped to his knees, sobbing loudly, ¡°Mother, open your eyes and see, a grain that produces 4,000-5,000 kg per mu. We¡¯ll never go hungry again, never go hungry again!¡±


    Seeing this, the other clerks present patted his shoulderfortingly.


    Jiang Wenyuan knew this clerk¡¯s circumstances. His father died early, and his mother had struggled to raise him.


    Later, disaster struck their hometown and the crops failed. His mother took him to flee famine with their neighbors.


    On the road, in order to let her son survive, his mother gave him her own rations, eventually starving to death.


    Fortunately he waster picked up by kind people and adopted. He learned to read and write from his adoptive father, and was rmended to work as a county clerk.


    After watching his mother starve to death, it was understandable that he would be so emotional today, moved by the circumstances.


    Jiang Wenyuan had the uprooted potatoes carried away to steam at home.


    The rest were not to be touched - this was next year¡¯s seed grain, the lifeline of themon people.


    After transporting all the sweet potatoes back to the manor, Jiang Wenyuan arranged a special room to store them and had people guarding them twelve hours a day.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust his family, but rather to prevent thieves from outside. No matter the time, there would always be those willing to take risks for profit.


    After settling everything, Jiang Wenyuan hurriedly returned to the county office with his people.


    After returning to the county government, Jiang Wenyuan immediately wrote a letter, attaching a small booklet detailing the methods of nting sweet potatoes, along with a basket of sweet potato vines with the roots still attached, and sent it urgently to the prefectural government.


    Two dayster, the Prefect of Lingzhou, Li Zheng, received Jiang Wenyuan''s letter. After reading it, he couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    He then used an urgent express delivery, sending Jiang Wenyuan''s original letter and the sweet potatoes to the Capital City.


    It only took eight days for the items to arrive in the Capital City.


    When the items arrived in the Capital City, it was during a grand court session. Hearing the urgent reportsing from outside the hall, the ministers'' hearts skipped a beat.


    Oh no, could it be another disaster somewhere?


    Even Emperor Xia Jing on the throne had a look of grave concern.


    "Report - urgent express from Lingzhou Prefect!" A messenger with a dusty face and tired look ran into the hall carrying a bamboo basket. He knelt down, took out a letter sealed with wax from his bosom, and said, "Announcing to Your Majesty, urgent express from Lingzhou Prefecture."


    The head eunuch Li Deshun hurried down to take the letter from the messenger, along with the heavy basket of items, and brought them up to the imperial steps. The messenger was then led away to rest.


    The Emperor took the letter envelope and tore it open in three moves, speed reading it. His eyes instantly widened in shock.


    Grabbing the letter in one hand, and pushing away the interfering eunuchs with the other, he personally pulled the bamboo basket over. From inside he picked up a heavy string of fruit, weighing it in his hand - at least four or five catties.


    The letter''s words were not false.


    Emperor Xia Jing couldn''t help throwing both hands in the air and shouting to the heavens, "Excellent, excellent, excellent! The heavens bless my Da Xia! Hahahaha!"


    The Emperor''s loudughter echoed throughout the grand hall.


    The ministers who had been closely observing the Emperor''s every move were immediately greatly relieved.


    Seeing the Emperor''s smiling face meant it was happy news! At the same time, they were curious what exactly was this joyous event, important enough to warrant an urgent express delivery to bring smiles from the Emperor.


    This suspense did notst long. Afterughing for a while, the Emperor handed the letter to the Minister of Revenue Zhang Xiu.


    "Minister Zhang, take a look at this! And you all,e take a look, everyonee see haha." At the same time, he had Eunuch Li Deshun bring down the sweet potato vines for everyone to see.


    After reading the letter, the ministers were also shocked, with their temples pulsing.


    No wonder the Lingzhou Prefect used an urgent express to deliver this, if the matter was true, even an eight hundred mile express delivery would have been warranted.


    Minister Zhang Xiu''s eyes turned red.

 Chapter 31: Four to five thousand kilograms of grain per mu

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    The Ministry of Revenue is responsible for managing the nation''s finances and resources. In recent years, the imperial court has imposed minimal taxes on the people in order to recuperate and revive the country. With limited national ie but significant expenditures, every penny spent needs to be carefully ounted for. Zhang Xiu, who is in his early forties, has dedicated himself to filling the empty treasury, resulting in his hair turning half white. As a result, some people secretly mockingly call him "Stingy Zhang".


    He feels aggrieved! If one doesn''t take charge of the household, how can they understand the value of every grain of rice? How can he not be frugal? How can he not be?


    Now, suddenly, someone has given him such a big surprise. A yield of four to five thousand kilograms per mu of grain! If this can be widely implemented, there will be no more starvation in the entire Da Xia, and the treasury will be brimming. He wishes he could kowtow to the person who grew these sweet potatoes and shout, "Ancestors!"


    Therefore, Zhang Xiu, who has always been extremely thrifty, is the first to speak up: "Your Majesty, this person deserves great rewards."


    However, there are both supporters and opponents. A portly official steps forward and says, "Your Majesty, I believe we should approach this matter cautiously. After all, a yield of four to five thousand kilograms per mu of grain is unprecedented. We must investigate thoroughly before considering rewarding him."


    "I''m afraid there are audacious individuals who, for undisclosed purposes, deceive and deceive others, attempting to deceive the emperor. Moreover, this Jiang Wenyuan is just a county magistrate. How could he personally go to the fields? I suspect there''s deception involved. I earnestly request Your Majesty to conduct a thorough investigation."


    Before he finishes speaking, a voice with a hint of rascality rebuts him, "Tong Furen, you really have a lot of power. The matter hasn''t been thoroughly investigated yet, and His Majesty hasn''t said anything. But with your pping mouth, you''re already using someone of deceiving the emperor. Isn''t that too hasty?"


    As the words are spoken, a man steps forward from the ranks of civil officials. This person is none other than Qin Jue, the newly appointed Left Attendant of the Ministry of Personnel, the Marquis of Pingyang Mansion, the younger brother of Empress Qin, and the uncle of Crown Prince Jing Yan, a genuine uncle of the nation.


    Seeing that it''s Qin Jue, Tong Fuqiu res at him fiercely and says, "Am I not speaking the truth? It''s widely known that the yield of wheat and barley is only two to three hundred kilograms per mu, and beans slightly higher, no more than three to four hundred kilograms. A yield of four to five thousand kilograms per mu of grain has never been heard of throughout history."


    Qin Jue sneers, "How can a frog at the bottom of a well know the radiance of the moon? Just because you can''t achieve it doesn''t mean others can''t." With that, Qin Jue ignores him.


    He turns to Emperor Jing and bows, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."


    Emperor Jing, aware that Qin Jue has just returned from Qingzhou, expects him to have some knowledge about the matter. So he smiles and says, "Please go ahead."


    "I previously served as the county magistrate of Qingzhou and had several interactions with Jiang Wenyuan. This young man possesses both talent and moral character and enjoys a good reputation locally."


    At this point, Qin Jue gives Tong Fuqiu a meaningful nce and continues, "A few days before I stepped down from the position, I visited Jiang''s residence with the Crown Prince. The Jiang family informed me that he had gone to the fields."


    At that time, I found it strange that Jiang Wenyuan, a talented schr, would go to the fields. He had one of his servants apany me and the Crown Prince to the location.


    When we arrived, I saw Jiang Wenyuan, along with his father and two brothers, dressed in coarse short-sleeved shirts, with rolled-up trousers, sweat pouring down their faces, vigorously wielding hoes to till thend.


    Speaking of this, Qin Jue paused for a moment and continued, "As a distinguished talented schr, he not only enjoys the luxuries of life but also remains true to his original aspiration. I admire him for this alone!


    At that time, I asked him what he was cultivating in the fields. He said it was sweet potatoes. Having spent three years in Qingzhou, I was familiar with most crops, but I had never heard of this one. Naturally, I wanted to know more.


    He exined that he had unintentionally saved an old Taoist priest before, and in return, the priest gave him a bag of fruit, saying it was called sweet potatoes. They could be nted in April or May and harvested in September or October, with a high yield.


    I personally saw the sweet potato seedlings, with their vigorous vines and lush leaves, but I couldn''t see any flowers or fruits. I even suspected that he had been deceived.


    Jiang Wenyuan admitted that he had never grown this crop before, but he was determined to give it a try. If it failed, he would treat it as amon vegetable; if it seeded, the people would have another staple food.


    Now, it seems that he has indeed seeded, although he never expected the fruit to grow underground."


    At this moment, Jing Yan, who was sitting on a small throne beside the imperial seat, spoke, "I can testify that what Minister Qin said is true."


    Since even the Crown Prince confirmed it, there was little doubt about the matter. Moreover, when they recalled Tong Fuqiu''s "righteous" words targeting Jiang Wenyuan, the ministers began to look at him with meaningful nces. Could there be some ulterior motive behind Tong''s actions?


    Tong Fuqiu felt as if his face had been swollen. Regardless of whether the sweet potatoes were truly high-yielding, at the very least, they were grown by Jiang Wenyuan himself, with his own hands in the fields.


    The Crown Prince himself had witnessed it and couldn''t refute it. He could only cover his ceremonial tablet and retreat back into the ranks, feeling disheartened.


    Emperor Jing nodded and said, "In that case, Jiang Wenyuan does indeed possess some capabilities. However, what Tong Qing said also makes sense. We must proceed with caution. Gentlemen, who do you think would be suitable to send to investigate?"


    At that moment, Jin Yaolin, the official from the Ministry of Agriculture, who had remained silent all along, stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go and verify."


    Emperor Jing smiled upon seeing him and said, "Ah, you are indeed the most suitable candidate for this task. The Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of farming affairs, so it falls within your jurisdiction. Therefore, Jin, immediately select a few reliable agricultural officials to apany you. I will also assign twenty Imperial Guards to apany you to Qingzhou. Once there, swiftly investigate this matter. If it is true, cooperate with Jiang Wenyuan in making sweet potatoes a staple crop in Qingzhou. We must not make any mistakes. It will also be an opportunity for the agricultural officials to learn how to cultivate sweet potatoes."


    "I, Jin Yaolin, ept the edict!" Jin Yaolin replied.


    With a temporary resolution to this matter, Emperor Jing had the basket of sweet potatoes taken to the Imperial Kitchen to be steamed. Once they were ready, they would be sent to the Diligent Government Hall. He wanted to taste for himself what these sweet potatoes were like. Were they as soft, sweet, and satisfying as described in the letter?


    After the sweet potato incident, the court continued its deliberations. Before dispersing, the pce attendants brought the steamed sweet potatoes.


    On the tray, one could see elongated or oval-shaped red fruits, emitting a delicious aroma. The eunuch took one and bit into it. The outeryer was a bright red skin, and when peeled, it revealed a yellow and clear pulp that smelled enticing.


    The eunuch''s eyes lit up after taking a bite, and Emperor Jing nodded approvingly.


    Emperor Jing personally picked a medium-sized one and tasted it. As Jiang Wenyuan had described in his letter, it was soft, sticky, and sweet¡ªa delicacy that even toothless elderly and children could enjoy. After eating just one, he already felt partially satisfied, as it provided a strong sense of fullness. Emperor Jing''s confidence in the sweet potatoes grew.


    As for the mention in the letter about the tendency to pass gas after consuming it, he didn''t pay much attention to it. When it came to satisfying his hunger, such trivial matters could be easily overlooked.


    With limited supply, many ministers shared one or even split it among three people. After tasting it, they all dered it highly feasible...


    After the morning court session, Emperor Jing took another look at the letter and wondered, "This Jiang Wenyuan, if I remember correctly, he seemed to be this year''s top schr? How did such a talented schr end up farming in Qingzhou instead of staying at the Imperial Academy?"


    Meanwhile, Jin Yaolin received his assignment and immediately went to select personnel.


    Early the next morning, Jin Yaolin led several agricultural officials and guards, along with twenty armed Imperial Guards, and hurriedly rode towards Qingzhou.


    This was the first time Da Xia''s Ministry of Agriculture officials had received such treatment and grandeur when going on a mission, indicating Emperor Jing''s high regard for the new crop.


    They traveled day and night, enduring wind and dust, until twelve dayster when they reached the gate of Qingzhou.


    Jiang Wenyuan had thought that the court would send someone, but he didn''t expect them to arrive so quickly, and it was the highest-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Jin Yaolin. While he was surprised, he also felt pleased, realizing that His Majesty attached great importance to this new crop.


    Jin Yaolin''s group consisted of nearly thirty people, and the county government couldn''t amodate them all. Jiang Wenyuan had to arrange a nearby inn to provide amodations and meals for these visitors who hade from afar.


    Jin Yaolin and the agricultural officials had been bouncing on horseback for more than ten days, and their old bones were about to fall apart.


    But Jin Yaolin had to remember the purpose of this visit and was urged to go see the sweet potatoes the next morning.


    Since the high-ranking officials weren''t afraid, Jiang Wenyuan, a small county magistrate, naturally wouldn''t stop them. So he immediately led them back to Xijin Ferry.


    Although he had mentally prepared himself, he was still taken aback when he saw the sweet potatoes piled up like a mountain in the warehouse. Afterward, Jiang Wenyuan took them to see the one-and-a-half-acre sweet potato field.


    At this moment, only withered sweet potato leaves remained in the field, along with half an acre of yet-to-be-harvested soybeans.


    Jin Yaolin had good luck and identally kicked a sweet potato buried in the soil. He quickly picked it up, wiped off the dirt, and held it carefully as if it were a treasure.


    Back at Jiang''s mansion, Jiang Wenyuan led Jin Yaolin and the others to the backyard, where several rows of sweet potatoes were still growing, ready to be harvested.


    Hearing that he could personally harvest sweet potatoes, the agricultural officials were overjoyed.


    Even the leader of the Imperial Guards couldn''t resisting to join the excitement. He also wanted to witness the moment when this high-yielding crop emerged from the ground, weighing thousands of catties.


    Jiang Wenyuan instructed his men to bring sickles and hoes, telling them to first cut off the vines before digging, as it would be more efficient. The agricultural officials were all experienced and practical in farming, so they quickly understood the n. Without hesitation, they took their tools and got to work.


    However, the short stretch of five ridges of sweet potatoes only covered a small area ofnd. After harvesting and weighing, they amounted to 607 catties.


    At this moment, Jiang Wenyuan finally believed in the high-yield crop that could produce five to six thousand catties per mu. A newfound sense of pride surged within him! The people of Da Xia would never go hungry again.


    Jin Yaolin and his entourage stayed at Jiang''s house for two days. Together with Jiang Wenyuan, they meticulously nned the promotion of sweet potatoes for the following year. Afterwards, they hurried back to the capital city to report.


    Apart from Jin Yaolin, the other three agricultural officials stayed behind to assist Jiang Wenyuan in the sweet potato promotion for the next year. All twenty Imperial Guards remained to specifically guard the sweet potato crops.


    Finally, the Jiang family could finally sleep peacefully.


    By now, it was already winter. Jin Yaolin traveled north, and the further he went, the colder it became. Near the borders of the capital city, heavy snowfall almost froze him to death.


    Even so, upon returning to the capital city, it was already November twelfth. Ignoring the need for rest, he went straight to the pce to report to Emperor Jing. He vividly described the process of digging sweet potatoes, making Emperor Jing wish he could have personally participated in the excavation.


    The next day, Emperor Jing announced this matter in the court, causing a sensation throughout the entire court.


    A nation is built on its people, and its people rely on food. Grain is the foundation of a country. When themon people can''t even eat their fill, the country is not far from turmoil and chaos.


    Therefore, even the usually stingy Minister of Revenue, Zhang Xiu, earnestly requested that Your Majesty reward this individual generously.

 Chapter 32: Knighthood

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    The politics of Great Xia were generally clear.


    Being able to grow such high-yielding crops was a great achievement. Where there is merit, there must be reward - this was set in stone. As for what kind of reward and how it would be given, that was the Emperor''s business and none of theirs.


    However, they could make suggestions regarding the distribution of the grain harvest.


    Thus, around the issue of distributing the high-yielding grain, the ministers started another war of words.


    Minister A said, "Transport it to the capital and nt it all in the imperial farms."


    Minister B, who did not get along with him, immediately objected, "nting it in the imperial farms is a ruse - you''re just trying to secretly nt it in your own family''s farms!"


    Minister A retorted, "Nonsense! You''re talking about yourself!"


    Minister B said, "Whether or not I''m talking nonsense, you know full well in your heart. I''ve heard that certain people sent people to Qingzhou in the middle of the night the day before yesterday."


    Minister A was furious, "You bastard, you had me watched! I''ll take you on!" He swung a fist at Minister B. Minister B retaliated without showing weakness and they soon became entangled in a brawl.


    Seeing the situation worsening, their colleagues nearby immediately tried to separate them, only to get punched in the eye unexpectedly. Now enraged, he thought, "Damn it, I was trying to break up the fight in good faith yet you punch me. I won''t be trifled with either," and joined the fray after rolling up his sleeves.


    In an instant, the entire court devolved into chaos with caps, tablets, and shoes flying everywhere.


    Without the Emperor''s order, the guards would not dare enter no matter how loud the ruckus inside. The civil officials wanted to step in and break them up butcked the strength, while those strong enough feared getting hit.


    In the end, it was the military generals, usually looked down upon by the civil officials, who could not stand it anymore and stepped in to haul people apart like chickens, one in each hand.


    The disheveled ministers with bruised faces saw the expressionless Emperor sitting imposingly on the dragon throne, and they instantly sobered up.


    Only then did they remember what they had just done.


    They were screwed!


    Emperor Xia Jing looked at the brawling ministers below with an amused expression, "Why did you stop? I haven''t watched enough! Esteemed ministers, your martial arts skills are impressive - you look stronger than the General. How about I send you to guard the borders?"


    Laughter broke out among the crowd.


    Suddenly, Emperor Xia Jing stood up and mmed his palm heavily on the table, the deafening "bang" silencing the hall instantly.


    The Emperor''s face was cold as water, his dragon features furious, "Are you all so impatient? I haven''t said anything yet you dare openly scheme before me, trying to seize the hard-earned grains grown by others. Do you think that just because Jiang Wenyuan is a lowly county magistrate, you can toy with him as you wish! Do you deserve to? Don''t think I don''t know what you''re plotting. Let me tell you, no one may touch this batch of grains. Anyone who dares reach out, I will exterminate their entire n!"


    The brawling ministers immediately kneeled in terror, shivering and not daring to defend themselves. The other court officials also knelt and pleaded for the Emperor to quell his anger.


    After venting his anger, the Emperor finally felt somewhat relieved. He swiftly punished the brawlers, deducting sry from some, confining some, and demoting others.


    Having settled the matter, his mood improved considerably. Seeing no other official make a petition, Emperor Xia Jing flicked his sleeve to dismiss the court.


    Three dayster, amidst heavy wind and snow, the chief eunuch Li Deshun left the capital with an imperial edict and contingent of men, heading towards Qingzhou in grandeur.


    Due to the slippery roads from the snow, progress was difficult and the journey took almost a month before they finally arrived in Qingzhou in the morning of the 13th day of thest lunar month.


    Jiang Wenyuan personally led men to wee the imperial envoy at the city gates.


    Long before the envoy departed the capital, Qin Jue had already sent fast horses to ry the news to him.


    He was rewarded by His Majesty for growing high-yielding crops and conferred the title "Count of Qingzhou".


    The imperial edict bearer this time was the chief eunuch Li Deshun, a favored insider of the Emperor. Qin Jue told him to treat Li Deshun well and avoid offending him at all costs.


    The weather was cold so after brief pleasantries, Li Deshun said, "I heard the sweet potatoes are kept in your residence, so let us go there directly to announce the edict!"


    Having anticipated this, Jiang Wenyuan immediately agreed. He sent the servant A Ping racing home to notify his family while he apanied the envoy and procession to follow after.


    When Jiang''s family received the news, they calmly prepared:


    The incense table, braziers, ginger tea and such had long been set up. Now they quickly changed into new clothes and shoes, with the women even taking out hidden jewelry to wear.


    Even little Jiang Yuqing wore a brand new big red skirt with white rabbit fur trim, tiger head shoes and hat, and a matching tiger head bag. She looked just like a big red glutinous rice dumpling or lucky doll, so adorable that her brothers'' hearts melted.


    At the third quarter mark, drumbeats sounded from the vige road. The n youth keeping watch at the vige entrance raced back to report, "They''re here, they''re here! The imperial procession is almost at the vige entrance!"


    Everyone''s expressions immediately tensed up.


    Soon they saw the procession spanning over a mile entering the vige - gongs and drums led the way followed by "Silence, Make Way" signs. Behind were the imperial ensigns, then six mounted guards with sabres.


    In the middle was a vermilioncquered carriage with imperial canopy. Behind it were two carriages with green canopies, and at the rear another contingent of guards.


    The procession slowly halted in front of the Jiang residence.


    The Jiangs had opened their gates wide with the rooms swept clean. A red carpet led from the main gate directly into the reception hall, where the incense table was already set up. The Jiang family stood ready andposed at the main gate, prepared to wee the honored guest.


    Li Deshun alighted from his carriage and walked along the red carpet into the Jiangs'' hall.


    Seeing the incense table prepared inside, he nodded in satisfaction.


    Without further ado, he headed directly to the incense table, brought out a scroll of yellow imperial decree, and announced, "Qingzhou Magistrate Jiang Wenyuan, receive the decree - "


    The Jiang family immediately knelt before the incense table.


    Li Deshun unrolled the decree and started reading. It spoke greatly of Jiang Wenyuan''s achievements, praising him profusely.


    In summary, because Jiang''s father grew high-yielding sweet potatoes that greatly benefitted the country, the overjoyed Emperor conferred him the title "Count of Qingzhou".


    He was also awarded 1000 mu ofnd, a five-courtyard mansion in Qingzhou city, gold, silver, pearls, silks and satins.


    The decree then urged Jiang''s father to continue his efforts and cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture to promoterge-scale sweet potato nting next year.


    Normally, when conferred a title, one must travel to the capital to thank the Emperor. However, considering the urgent need to promote sweet potato cultivation next year, they were allowed to do so after the autumn harvest next year.


    When the reading ended, the ce erupted.


    What did they just hear? Jiang Wenyuan became a Count after just half a year as a magistrate!


    Heavens, the Jiang ancestors must be pleased!


    The excited n elder even fainted and had to be quickly revived by the nsmen.


    To prevent their patriarch from overexcitement, his sons stayed by his side until he calmed down.


    Those from other ns said enviously, "The Jiang family''s baby daughter is truly a lucky star!


    Since her birth less than two years ago, they first found spiritual mushrooms and got rich, then monthster her father became a schr and a jinshi.


    Now he''s conferred a title in such a short time! No wonder the Jiangs dote on her so, I''d spoil her to death too if I were them!"


    Hearing this, the Jiang nsmen retorted sarcastically, "Don''t kid yourself! Who doesn''t know how your three daughters live - hungry, cold and overworked while your wife beats them!


    With how you treat them, it''d be strange if your family prospered! Instead of envying others, you should treat your daughters properly. I suspect your precious son won''t be as useful as your three daughters in future..."


    Embarrassed by the exposure, the other nsman''s face turned purple. He slunk away shamefully into the crowd and left.


    Little Jiang Yuqing paid no attention to the n discussions. She was thinking about what imperial rewards to expect.


    Thend, silver, and fabrics were tangible.


    As for what rank this "Count of Qingzhou" title was, the little dumpling really had no idea. She decided to find an opportunity to ask her fatherter.


    The angels ran around for days, braving wind and snow all the way, and really suffered a lot.


    After announcing the decree, they were immediately arranged by the Jiang Family to rest in a warm room, and each was given a bowl of steaming hot ginger soup to dispel the cold. This move really won a lot of goodwill.


    Jiang Wenyuan then witnessed the imperial decree of conferring the title in front of the nsmen, and solemnly enshrined it in the ancestral temple of the Jiang Family n, announcing to the ancestors that their descendants did not fail their expectations and brought glory to the family once again. This made the old n elder cry again.


    After a short rest, it was time to eat. The Jiang Family prepared a sumptuous feast to entertain the guests who had traveled from afar.


    Jiang Wenyuan, his father and brothers, his old father-inw, eldest maternal uncle, another private advisor Wang from the county government, three agricultural officials apanied Li Deshun to sit at the main table.


    In addition to the usual chicken, duck and fish, there was even a te of green vegetables, rarely seen in winter, on the table.


    These green vegetables were green and oily, clearly just picked from the field. Such quality vegetables were rarely seen even in the pce. As a result, they were snatched up as soon as they were served.


    After the meal, Schr Lu and Uncle Lu bid farewell and left. The Jiang Family was busy arranging ces for everyone to stay.


    This time Li Deshun brought a total of 66 people including guards.


    Plus the three agricultural officials who stayed behind and their three servants, the twenty Feather Guards guarding the warehouse, and 25 servants of the Jiang Family, there were a total of 117 people.


    The Jiang Family''s yard was quiterge, but not enough to amodate so many people. Fortunately, the old houses were still there, and Jiang Wenyuan had expected today''s situation and cleaned up in advance.


    Fire pots were ced in each room and thick quilts wereid out before everyone was settled, it was really tiring.


    After the meal and a short rest, Li Deshun mentioned that he wanted to see the sweet potatoes. The Jiang Family readily agreed.


    Although he already knew that the yield of sweet potatoes was high, after all, that was just a number. When he actually saw the warehouse full of sweet potatoes, he was still shocked.


    He asked in detail about when they were nted, how they were nted, and when they were harvested. Jiang Wenyuan answered them one by one.


    Li Deshun was almost fifty years old. Braving the wind and snow on such a long journey in the cold winter had really taken a toll on him.


    The winter in the south was both wet and cold, the kind that chilled you to the bone. His knees had already started to ache faintly, and he couldn''t help kneading them.


    Especially since they had to set off back to the capital early tomorrow morning, just thinking about it gave him a headache. But there was no way, they had to go.


    Seeing that he didn''t look well, Jiang Wenyuan personally escorted him back to the room and left after he was settled in.


    Li Deshun''s room was arranged in the outer courtyard, originally Jiang Yujiang''s room. The outer room was a study, and the inner room was a bedroom, one bright and one dark. The rooms of the Jiang children were all in thisyout.


    At this time, there were two burning coal pans in the room, making it very warm. In the corner, there was a solid wood flower rack with two pots of orchids, not any famous variety, just wild orchids casually dug up from the mountain.


    Having been nourished by Jiang Yuqing''s abilities and the spiritual spring, they were full of vigor and had already sprouted flower buds. They would bloom in less than a few days.


    The bed curtains, bedding and the like were all brand new, with no incense, only the smell of sunshine, clean and refreshing. A new soft couch was added to the outer study, also neatly stacked with thick new bedding, for the convenience of the little eunuch on night duty to rest.


    After looking over the interioryout, Li Deshun nodded in satisfaction.


    Although it could notpare to his residence in the pce, it was cleaner and tidier than most ces in the countryside, which was rare. It showed that the Jiang Family had put in great effort.


    Just the fact that Jiang Wenyuan was able to properly arrange all the people he brought in such a short time demonstrated considerable ability.


    Feeding over a hundred people was really no easy task.


    Old Lady Hu, Lin, Zhu, plus two older female servants were all hands on deck. Lu also asked for help from several capable sisters-inw from the n, only then was the dinner properly arranged that night.


    The meal was still sumptuous, ording to the guests'' requests, one meat dish was reduced and one vegetable dish was added. It was a meal that brought joy to both host and guests.


    After working hard all day, everyone was exhausted.


    Tired, but happy.


    The title of "County Earl" was a third-ss earldom, rank 4a, with a fief of three hundred households, and was considered part of the nobility. It could be granted to the wife''s n or mother''s n.


    That is to say, an official wife or mother could be granted the title of Lady. Jiang Wenyuan nned to apply for a title for his old mother after the new year.


    The olddy had suffered all her life, so in her old age she should also enjoy the blessings of her children.


    As for his wife, she could only be wronged for now. When he made another achievement in the future, he would apply for a title for her as well. He believed that with his precious daughter and his own efforts, that day woulde soon.

 Chapter 33: A Rainy Day, a Guest Day

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    The next day, the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. The sky was actually pouring rain. Apanied by the howling north wind, that chill really blew into the bones.


    With this kind of weather, Li Deshun certainly could not get on the road, he could only wait for another day. However, it was this kind of weather for two consecutive days. On the fifteenth, it started to snow.


    It could not really be called snow. It was all fine icy grains, falling densely on the roof, in the yard, making a rustling sound. It fell steadily for a whole day.


    Because there was no sun, and the temperature was low, the icy grains formed a thickyer of ice as soon as they fell to the ground. Under the eaves and tree branches, there were icicles like cones everywhere.


    The little boys in the family were naughty. When they got up early to go to school in the morning, each took an icicle in his hand to y with, and they were not afraid of freezing their hands.


    In this situation, not to mention travelling far, even walking a few more steps in the yard had to be taken carefully.


    Even worse, worse news came from the Capital City: the heavy rains of the previous two days had triggered massivendslides. The official road connecting Lingzhou Prefecture to the Capital City was blocked.


    Now it was extremely cold, and the blocked section was too long. Even if more people were dispatched, it would probably take until after the New Year to fully clear it.


    Jiang Wenyuan jokingly said to Li Deshun, "When it rains, guests stay. Stay with me! Look, even the Old Man in Heaven is keeping guests. Grandfather-inw, why don''t you just stay at my humble home for now until after the new year when the ice melts and you can set off again.


    Besides, His Majesty has always been benevolent. He certainly won''t me you for being dyed a few days."


    When you hear the melody, you know the meaning.


    Li Deshun knew Jiang Wenyuan was giving him a way out. Anyway things had already happened this way, so he might as well take the easy way and stay at the Jiang''s for the New Year. It was definitely better than staying in a cold inn in the prefecture city.


    So Li Deshun stayed with the Jiang Family.


    The Jiang Family was simple and honest. Apart from some initial unfamiliarity, they soon got along well with him.


    He was two years younger than Old Jiang, so Old Jiang called him Brother Li. Jiang''s sons and daughters-inw called him Uncle Li. Jiang''s grandchildren called him Grandpa Li.


    Every day they called him to eat together and he ate whatever the Jiang Family ate.


    Knowing that he had bad legs and couldn''t stand the damp cold of the south, Jiang Wenyuan went to An Hall after work to invite a doctor toe and cook herbal pots to soak Li Deshun''s legs.


    Without ttery or fawning, they treated himpletely like another elder of their own family.


    Old Jiang was worried that Li Deshun would get bored, so he came over from time to time to chat with him. Whether it was strange news from Qingzhou, or some trivial matters from the vige and around, Old Jiang would talk about it all.


    For example, whose son was apulsive gambler and lost all the family fortune, angering his old mother to death. Or which sow gave birth to eleven piglets in one litter.


    Or who in which family beat his wife, and the wife''s brothers came to teach him a lesson. And so on and so forth.


    It was rare for Old Jiang to speak so happily. Li Deshun also found it refreshing to listen.


    Afterwards, he would also tell Old Jiang some capital city stories, such as the prosperity of the capital, the grand scenes when Foreign Countries came to pay tribute, or the scandals in the mansions of the capital city nobles.


    Listening to these, Old Jiang was constantly eximing in wonder, greatly broadening his horizons.


    In short, these two old fellows frompletely different backgrounds, education levels, and social sses, could strangely converse on the same wavelength. It was really remarkable.


    Therefore, after his initial difort, Li Deshun actually soon came to like the Jiang Family very much, and became fond of the Jiangs'' warm family atmosphere.


    On the neenth day of the twelfth lunar month, after breakfast Li Deshun returned to his room and sat at the desk reading. The little eunuch attending him sat on a small stool next to him, massaging his knees.


    Although prestigious in public, his life was worthless.


    From the day he entered the pce to serve, he had been kneeling until now. His knees and legs were already scarred all over.


    Now in this damp cold weather, his knees really ached terribly, and he couldn''t sleep. Reading could distract him a little.


    Suddenly there was a "knock knock knock" at the door, then it squeaked open a crack. Then a little head poked in through the gap.


    The little head didn''t say anything, just tilted sideways, staring at him with big grape-like eyes, its whole face seeming to say "Can Ie in?"


    Li Deshun recognized her as the Jiangs'' only little daughter, who was very spoiled.


    Because she was so young, she didn''t speak too clearly yet. But this little girl who couldn''t even talk properly had somehow won the favor of the Crown Prince. He had gone out of his way to send something to her through Li Deshun.


    In his many years in the pce, although Li Deshun was cold-hearted, he was still willing to be a little more patient with such a cute child. So he beckoned to her, "Come on in!"


    Getting approval, Jiang Yuqing skillfully climbed onto the threshold with both hands, lifted up her arms to pull up one leg, flipped over half her body, then brought over the other leg, like a clumsy little penguin trying to escape.


    Finally, the clumsy little penguinnded safely.


    After sessfully climbing over the threshold, Jiang Yuqing tidied her clothes importantly, and brushed off the dust. No matter how high this threshold was, she could still climb over it.


    Whileining to herself that the threshold at home was too unfriendly to her, she trotted over to Li Deshun with a "pit pat pit pat" sound.


    The reason she hade here was first out of curiosity about the eunuch. Second, she wanted to gain some goodwill for her family. She didn''t expect him to say nice things about her to the Emperor when he returned, but at least hoped he wouldn''t speak badly.


    Li Deshun was curious about her purpose here. "Little girl, what are you doing here? I don''t have any candy for you to eat."


    The little dumpling shook her head. "Don''t want candy. Look, book book!"


    Then she ran over to the bookshelf by herself, stood on tiptoes, and took out a book from the bottom shelf. She ran back to him, standing on tiptoes and holding up her little hand to ce the book on the desk. Then she went to push the chair.


    The solid wood chair was really too heavy for the little dumpling. She pushed with great difficulty, almost using her baby strength, but still only moved it a tiny bit, turning her little face red.


    Having no alternative, she had to seek help from the little eunuch. "Brother, chair, sit." Little brother, could you please move the chair!


    The little eunuch didn''t dare to move, and looked to Li Deshun. Seeing Li Deshun nod, he moved the chair next to him in parallel, then lifted the little girl up into the chair.


    This chair was much higher than the threshold. The little thing had struggled just climbing over the threshold, so she definitely couldn''t get onto such a high chair alone.


    After moving the chair, the little eunuch sat back down to continue massaging Li Deshun''s legs.


    Jiang Yuqing saw that Li Deshun''s face was a little pale. Recalling how he had limped going to the front hall to eat, and considering his upation, she deduced that there was a big problem with his knees.


    "Leg, hurt hurt?" The little dumpling looked at his leg worriedly, then back at him.


    She thought, I should get him some medicine. If something happens to this old eunuch, her family couldn''t afford it.


    Thinking this, she nimbly jumped off the chair, and firmly pressed his knee with her fingers. Her soft touch showed that his knee had swollen.


    But because Jiang Yuqing was so little, her strength was also little, so Li Deshun didn''t feel much.


    This was Li Deshun''s first time meeting such an interesting child, so he didn''t mind her rudeness. On the contrary, he felt like teasing her a little. "Oh, little girl, you can even treat illnesses?"


    The little dumpling didn''t speak, tilted her head looking at him, then trotted out again with a "pit pat pit pat" sound.


    This left Li Deshunpletely puzzled. He felt rather helpless, thinking to himself that children really are children,ing and going like the wind without any patience. So he shook his head and continued reading.


    But soon there was another "pit pat pit pat" sound from outside the door, gradually getting closer.


    The same knock, the same threshold-climbing posture, the same trotting footsteps.


    Sure enough, the little girl ran back, this time with a bulging little tiger head bag on her back.


    She ran to Li Deshun''s side, and started rummaging in her bag. A thick stack, about the size of half a palm, with a strong medicinal smell, some strangeyered patches, and a small porcin bottle.


    Jiang Yuqing popped open the bottle, poured out five brownish strange pills, indicating for him to quickly eat them. "Take medicine, leg leg, no pain!"


    Li Deshun understood. The little girl had seen his legs were hurting, and specially went back to find medicine for him.


    In an instant, a ray of sunlight suddenly shone into the cold, hard, bottomless grayness of Li Deshun''s frozen heart.


    So rare, so warm. His eyes were a little misty from the warmth. When he lowered his head again, his gaze towards her was much gentler.


    Touching as it was, medicine couldn''t be taken recklessly.


    Especially for such a young child, it was likely stolen from one of the elders in his family, not knowing what illness it treated, and brought to him.


    Jiang Yuqing saw that he was unwilling to take the medicine, and suddenly realized she had made a mistake.


    The other party was afraid that she had randomly taken medicine from her family to give him. In fact, if you thought about it, such a tiny child would not dare eat medicine given so casually, no matter how ill she was.


    Thinking this, she ran out again with a "patter patter", and soon pulled her father back.


    Jiang Wenyuan took one look at the medicine on the table and understood what was going on. He couldn''t help but wryly smile to himself, this precious daughter of his really knew how to make trouble for him.


    Just as he was thinking about how to cleverly smooth this situation over, the little dumpling spoke: "Master, here, take medicine. Leg, no pain." The medicine my master gave me, if I take it my leg won''t hurt.


    Jiang Wenyuan was well aware of the origins of these medicine pills his daughter had, it was no exaggeration to say they could cure any illness.


    Furthermore, his daughter had paved the way for him wholeheartedly, he could not continue to waver. If he built a good rtionship with Li Deshun, in the future he could gain another ally in the imperial court.


    Once he thought this through, he acted a little embarrassed and said: "My young daughter does not understand matters, disturbing the gentleman''s tranquility, please do not me her. If..."


    "Sir, please speak frankly, our family is not unreasonable people."


    Jiang Wenyuan hesitated for a while, before finally making up his mind: "Although my daughter is young, she has had some fortune. At the age of one she was taken by an otherworldly master as a personal disciple.


    Because she was too young, it was inconvenient to keep her by his side, so he would onlye back once in a while to teach her some medical principles, and leave some medicine behind.


    The medicine in this jade bottle is called ''Muscle Rxing and Blood Activating Pellets'', it is said to have the effects of rxing muscles, activating coterals, promoting blood cirction and removing blood stasis. It can be used for bone injuries and pain, bruises and sprains, bone bi, rheumatism and more.


    These are the original words of her master, and our family has not had such illnesses, so no one has taken it before, therefore I do not know if the medicine is really as effective as that master imed.


    As for those medicated patches, they are called Dampness Relieving and Pain Stopping Ointment. It is said to have simr effects as the Muscle Rxing and Blood Activating Pellets, just one is taken internally and the other used externally."


    Li Deshun just said: "Oh," and didn''t say anything else. He sped his hands into his sleeves, not knowing what he was thinking.


    He wasn''t doubting the truth of the im that the Jiang family''s little daughter had an otherworldly master as her teacher.


    After all, adults can lie, but children cannot, especially such a tiny tot who couldn''t even speak clearly yet, even less so.


    What he was concerned about was, although this was medicine given by an otherworldly master, Jiang Wenyuan also said that their family had not personally used it before, so they were also uncertain whether the medicine really had the effects that the master imed.


    Seeing that he did not believe, Jiang Wenyuan added: "Although my family and I have not used these two medicines, when I went to the capital for the imperial examinations, I brought some medicine for wind-cold fever and gold wound powder that the master had left behind.


    I personally tried the medicine for wind-cold fever, just swallowing a few tiny pills with water, and was better after two days. Later I also used the gold wound powder to save a heavily injured daoist priest who was bleeding a lot."


    "Was it the daoist priest who gave you the sweet potato seeds?"


    "Exactly."


    Li Deshun nodded, lowered his head to ponder for a good while before saying: "Alright, in any case for my leg the imperial doctors at the Imperial Medical Bureau don''t have any good solutions.


    It''s just trying one more medicine, I can take it, just giving myself a chance. If there really is improvement, it will be fortune for our family."


    Jiang Wenyuan said: "The gentleman is magnanimous." He squatted down again to ask his daughter: "How is this medicine taken?"


    "Eat meal, take medicine. Five pills!" She held out one small palm. Three times a day, five pills each time.


    "What about this?" Jiang Wenyuan picked up a medicated patch to ask his daughter.


    The little dumpling tugged Li Deshun''s pant leg and pulled it up a bit, gesturing for him to roll up his pant leg: "Pants, roll up. Stick on leg."


    Li Deshun understood, he should roll up his pants and stick it directly on the injured area. The little eunuch rolled up both pant legs, revealing his knees, which were indeed red and swollen, already somewhat deformed.


    Rheumatoid arthritis of this degree could not be cured even in modern society with advanced medicine, it could only be controlled to try to minimize re ups.


    A glimpse ofpassion shed in Jiang Yuqing''s eyes.


    Eunuchs really did not have it easy. Kneeling to serve others for a lifetime, without family or kin, and contracting all kinds of illnesses when old.


    In the future when they could no longer work and left the pce, those with substantial savings could spend a rtively peaceful period in their remaining years, but the final oue for most eunuchs was extremely miserable.


    Eunuchs were the most inhumane and twisted product of the feudal society.

 Chapter 34: This is How people Live.

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    If it was said that she had approached Li Deshun earlier just to gain his favor, then now the only thought left in her mind was to treat his injuries.


    In her previous life she was a doctor, and in this life she also aspired to study medicine. A doctor''s duty was to save the dying and heal the injured, and she could not remain indifferent to a patient''s suffering.


    Finally, under Jiang Yuqing''s guidance, the little eunuch sessfully peeled off the medicinal paste and neatly applied it to Li Deshun''s pair of red and swollen knees. Afraid that the paste would not stick well, Jiang Yuqing subconsciously reached out with her little hands to gently smooth it down.


    After finishing, Jiang Yuqing patted her little hands satisfied and said, "Change the medicinal paste, one day, one change! Take medicine, no spicy food!" Change the medicinal paste every day, and avoid spicy foods while taking medicine.


    With the issue resolved, Jiang Wenyuan also bid farewell and returned to the county office. With the year-end approaching, there were far too many affairs for him to have any free time.


    However, there was still a big Buddha residing in his residence. For both public and private reasons, he could not just leave the person there unattended. He had no choice but tomute back and forth between Xijin Ferry and the county office every day, which was truly exhausting. But there was no alternative.


    After Jiang Wenyuan left, Baby Dumpling sat back down beside Li Deshun and earnestly began looking through the book, puffing out her chubby, rosy cheeks.


    Only then did Li Deshun clearly see that the cover of the book was prominently titled "Shennong''s ssic of Materia Medica" in fiverge characters, which made him smile silently.


    He really could not tell that this little girl was actually a "little genius doctor".


    A "little genius doctor" not even two years old who could barely speak clearly. He was again filled with the urge to tease her: "Little girl, can you recognize characters?"


    Baby Dumpling nced at him and nodded. Of course she could recognize them.


    Li Deshun raised his eyebrows: "Then that''s good. I''ll test you today."


    He took her copy of Shennong''s ssic of Materia Medica and flipped to the first page of the preface, randomly pointing to a line of words and coaxing her: "Here, you read this sentence to the end. If you can read it all correctly, I''ll reward you with a treasure. What do you think?"


    "Okay!" Of course it was okay! Baby Dumpling looked at him with a thousand words surging forth. She thought to herself, you''re the one insisting on giving me gifts, if I don''t ept them wouldn''t I be letting myself down?


    There''s a saying, free stuff not taken is a wasted opportunity!


    So Baby Dumpling started reading: "To cure illness, first examine its source, first observe the circumstances of the illness. If the five viscera are not deficient, the six pces not exhausted, the vessels and channels unobstructed, and the spirit yet gathered, taking medicine will certainly effect a cure. If the illness has already formed, one may obtain half-recovery. If the illness has already worsened, life will be hard to save."


    Her little tongue was not yet very nimble, and she really could not read four-character phrases, so she could only break them up and read word by word.


    "Read it, read it all. Not a single word wrong!" It took the little eunuch a good while to find his voice again. The way he looked at Jiang Yuqing was full of amazement and admiration.


    Good gracious me, isn''t this little girl not even two yet? To be so amazing already. She really lives up to being the daughter of Zhuangyuan.


    The little one''s performance had truly dumbfounded the two eunuchs in the room.


    Li Deshun, who often attended the emperor, boasted that he had seen many child prodigies among the talented sons and daughters of the capital.


    His Highness the Crown Prince was the most shockingly brilliant talent among them, able topose poetry by age three and skilled in martial arts by five. Now this not-yet-two-year-old little shrimp was not far behind at all, she really made one''s chin drop in astonishment.


    Li Deshun patted Baby Dumpling''s head in amazement and gratification, and immediately fulfilled his promise: "Go, bring that box of South Pearls."


    The little eunuch responded and went into the inner chamber, soon returning with a beautifully crafted wooden box the size of an adult''s palm. Opening it, one could see it brimming full of pearls the size of a fingertip, each one round, lustrous, and glowing with a smooth radiance.


    Baby Dumpling''s eyes immediately lit up: "Ah--pearls, so pretty!"


    Li Deshun smiled and said, "You like them? If you like them then take them back and have your mother make some jewelry for you to wear."


    "Mm-hmm." Baby Dumpling was extremely delighted, nodding her head repeatedly, while her eyes smiled into little crescent moons.


    The pearls of this ancient era were not artificially cultivated, but purely wild-harvested, making them difficult to obtain. Among them, the east pearls were considered the best, followed by the south pearls.


    Although the box of south pearls Li Deshun had gifted were not as valuable as east pearls, there were quite arge quantity of very fine quality. Their value was at least over a thousand taels of silver.


    Baby Dumpling epted them with a clear conscience, not even considering what manners were.


    Or rather, she simply did not think to decline out of politeness. She had earned them through her own abilities, so why refuse? When he leaves, I can just give him some ginseng to repay him.


    "Thank you, Grandpa Li!" Baby Dumpling thanked him very sincerely. Given his age, it was fitting for her to call him "grandpa". There was no other meaning, just a term of address denoting seniority.


    Being called "Grandpa Li" by such an adorable, pretty, and well-behaved child really warmed Li Deshun''s heart.


    He had entered the pce at seven years old when his family sold him in, and had worked hard and diligently for decades. From a powerless and lowly little eunuch whom anyone could bully, he had climbed to the position of Head Eunuch, bing the emperor''s confidante. Along the way he had suffered much bitterness and injustice.


    When he was down and out, others insulted and took advantage of him. When he gained power, others ttered and cajoled him. The most disgusting thing was they would fawn over him to his face, yet call him a castrated dog and lowly person behind his back.


    He had no family or friends, only a mutted body and a cold, hard, scarred heart full of wounds.


    Only this child, this girl who had just learned to walk and could barely speak clearly, would take the initiative to ask if his knees hurt, and take the initiative to find medicine for him. When he doubted she was unwilling to take medicine, she even brought her own father to help exin.


    Without any reason or motive, purely wanting to alleviate his pain.


    In fact, to her he was just a stranger temporarily staying in her home. Yet she treated him so attentively. Truly the heart of an innocent child.


    Li Deshun dabbed at the corners of his somewhat sore eyes, and looked down at the adorable little girl beside him, "Since you call me Grandpa Li, I''ll call you Good Baby too.


    I remember your elders all call you by this name."


    "Mm-hmm, Good Baby." Yes, that''s what they call me. If you want to call me that too, you can.


    Jiang Yuqing was concerned about the dishes in the rear courtyard, so she returned after staying with Li Deshun for a while.


    Li Deshun was extremely reluctant to part as he had the little eunuch deliver both the box of pearls and Baby Dumpling to her mother, which would save the little girl the effort ofboriously crawling over the doorsill.


    When Jiang Yuqing''s mother Lady Lu saw that Li Deshun had gifted her daughter a box of pearls worth thousands of taels, she was quite shocked. After inquiring clearly about the reason, she finally epted and put them away, saying they would be kept for her daughter''s future dowry.


    Having epted such a valuable gift from someone else, Jiang Yuqing felt she should reciprocate somehow. She searched around her spirit realm and suddenly caught sight of the hundreds of thousands of catties of chestnuts and fruit she had procured a couple months ago.


    She had nearly forgotten about them!


    In the dead of winter, fruits and nuts were extremely scarce to begin with. And with New Year approaching, if they were put out for sale now, they would definitely fetch a substantial profit.


    Baby Dumpling thus selected the most beautiful oranges and dates to pack a basket for Li Deshun, nning to tell her father about selling the fruits when he returned home that night.


    That evening, when Jiang Wenyuan returned from the county office, Jiang Yuqing brought up the idea of selling fruit. Jiang Wenyuan said this would be easy to handle. Among their cooperative families, the Jiang''s business involved fruit shops, so they would certainly need the goods.


    The next day on his way to the county office, Jiang Wenyuan asked Jiang Yuqing for a fruit basket.


    That afternoon, the Jiang Family Master himself came to Xijin Ferry, and purchased nearly 40,000 catties of chestnuts and over 5,000 catties of walnuts, plus 20,000 catties of various fresh fruits for an extremely generous price.


    The Jiangs had over a dozen confectionery fruit shops in Qingzhou and neighboring counties. These were all rare delicacies before the new year, and he was worried there wouldn''t be enough to sell.


    After the Jiang Family Master left, when Jiang Wenyuan calcted the bill, heavens, just this one transaction had earned nearly 17,000 taels of silver. Adding the profit distribution from the food processing workshop, they would absolutely be able to enjoy a prosperous new year.


    Jiang Yuqing''s medicine was indeed effective. Both oral medication and external application worked together, and Li Deshun''s knees were back to normal just two dayster.


    After recuperating for another two days, the pain waspletely gone. Li Deshun was overjoyed at this.


    His knees were an old recurring issue that would often pain him for many days whenever it red up, which the imperial physicians also had no good solutions for, making it a nagging affliction.


    Yet using Jiang Yuqing''s medicine, after just three or four days it was cured. Truly miraculous.


    Moreover, it seemed this little one had taken it as her personal duty to heal him.


    Over the past few days she came to his door like clockwork at every meal to supervise him in taking his medicine on time. She would not allow him to eat anything too spicy at meals, and at night she would evene knock on his door to see if he had soaked his feet in the medicinal soup.


    He really carried out the duties of the "little divine doctor" to the fullest extent.


    Sometimes, he deliberately behaved badly to provoke her. She would get very angry and yell at him incoherently in a cute, fierce, and fierce manner.


    Li Deshun''s leg was better, and the days were up to the new year. The Old Man in Heaven finally changed his gloom of the past few days and gave a smile.


    The winter sun and spring rain are always particrly precious. It makes people reluctant to waste a bit.


    On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, it was the stove year in the south.


    On this day, the people living in the Jiang''s courtyard, from top to bottom, whether they were the master, servant or guest staying here, all worked together to clean up the houses, grounds, furniture and articles, wash bedding and bed curtains, and it was extraordinarily lively.


    Li Deshun also participated in the cleaning personally. This kind of work was alsomonly done in the pce before. It''s just that doing things in the pce and doing things here arepletely different in mentality.


    The former was cold and numb, while thetter was warm and alive.


    The twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month. The Jiang family started making rice cakes, making rice cakes, and making glutinous rice balls.


    There were a lot of things to do and a lot of manpower.


    The guards who came with the angel were all burly, and they were strong.


    Most of them were Northerners. The New Year in the north and the south arepletely different, and the food prepared for the New Year is also different.


    They thought it was interesting when they came, and secondly, they were also curious. They rarely had the opportunity to experience thepletely different New Year customs from the north, so they all participated enthusiastically.


    Because there were many people and a lot of rice, the Jiang family borrowed three sets of stone mortars and wooden pestles, and they were busy like hot mes.


    The rice cakes, rice cakes and glutinous rice balls made were piled up like a mountain.


    Baby Dumpling pulled Li Deshun around the various operation stations, ying with great joy, and eating a belly full of rice cakes, stuffed that she didn''t even eat lunch.


    This really made Li Deshun feel distressed. He hurriedly asked someone to fetch some hawthorn juice for her to take.


    In the afternoon, this pair of pseudo-grandfather and granddaughter who were destroying in the name of helping sneaked into the ce where glutinous rice balls were made.


    They asked for a piece of rice dough from the man who was kneading the dough, saying they wanted to make a New Year''s gift exclusive to each of their family members.


    As a result, these two overestimated their own artistic creativity. After ying for an afternoon, they got covered in white rice dough, but in the end they only pinched out a bunch of things that they didn''t even know what they were.


    It''s just...frustrating.


    Finally, they had no choice but to knead these artistically unique works back together again, rub them into a long noodle as thick as a thumb, and then coil it around...


    As for what it looked like, well, it was no longer important. The important thing was not to waste it.


    On the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh, every family was busy sending New Year''s gifts and buying New Year''s goods.


    There were many more people in the Jiang family this year, and the things that needed to be purchased were several times more. Food, daily necessities, everything was avable.


    Whether it was angels or guards, they were all here for their own affairs, and couldn''t even spend the New Year with their families. At the very least, they couldn''t neglect the host family. They had to prepare good food and drinks for others.


    Therefore, the Jiang family also mobilized all personnel to purchase New Year''s goods.


    With the current status of the family, it was also the first in Lingzhou Prefecture. They no longer needed to deliberately please anyone.


    To put it rudely, nowadays Jiang Wenyuan''s superior, the prefect of Lingzhou, also had to yield to him three points and respectfully call him "Uncle".


    Li Deshun was taken along by the Jiang family. Along the way, he watched all kinds of practical and impractical things being bought inrge quantities. Most of them were bought for Baby Dumpling.


    No matter what Baby Dumpling looked at more than twice, he would let the eunuch pay for it. It could be said that he pampered the child very much.


    He had also apanied the emperor on private visits to the city when he was in the capital before.


    At that time, he was nervous about being assassinated by some shortsighted assassin at any time, so how could he have any mind to look around the market.


    But today is different. Today, he is just an ordinary old man who is pulled along by his brother, surrounded by his juniors, noisy and crowded while shopping together.


    He liked days like this, without intricate scheming and deceitful calctions. Ordinary yet vibrant, just like the warm andfortable sunshine in winter.


    This is how people should live their days.

 Chapter 35: The Third Brother is a genius in business

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    At this time, Little Dumpling Jiang Yuqing was being carried by her eldest brother Jiang Yujiang. They slowly made their way from one street stall to the next. nking them were six other boys ready to take turns carrying their little sister at a moment''s notice.


    Behind them were Li Chun and Gu Yu, along with two newly purchased young servants. Their group was thoroughly doted on.


    The streets were packed with people for the New Year¡¯s market. At her diminutive height, Little Dumpling would only be able to see shoes if her brother didn¡¯t carry her.


    At fourteen, the youth¡¯s posture was already somewhat stately. Steadily holding his little sister now, watching her haggle with vendors with yelps and shouts, he couldn¡¯t suppress the smile at the corner of his lips.


    Jiang Yuqing had spotted a set of seven exquisitely crafted nested dolls of monkeys reaching for the moon. She wanted to buy them and have Li Deshun deliver them to her elder brother in the capital as a New Year''s gift when he returned to Beijing.


    This was because when Li Deshun had arrived, he¡¯d given her a small box saying it was a gift from her elder brother. Inside was a gold pendant engraved with her name in a phoenix motif, two pairs of very beautiful kingfisher feather earrings, and some other small jade and stone ornaments.


    Her brother living in the capital whom she recognized must be Jing Yan, who had left Qingzhou half a year ago. She hadn¡¯t expected that pretty, somewhat overly serious little gentleman to still remember her and have someone bring her things from so far away.


    She would naturally reciprocate this thoughtfulness. These nesting dolls would serve nicely as a return gift. Though she didn¡¯t know how he was acquainted with Li Deshun!


    The craftsmanship was excellent but when she asked the price, it was three hundred coins, which was rather expensive. She held up two tender, green onion-white little fingers in the shape of the character ¡°no¡± and counter offered ¡°Two hundred coins.¡±


    The vendor was a young fellow who chuckled at the sight and said, ¡°Hey, little missy, you can already bargain at such a young age. Very promising.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t sell them for two hundred coins. I¡¯d be taking a loss. Look at the workmanship on these. The lowest I can go is two hundred and ny coins.¡±


    Just ten coins cheaper was taking advantage of her youth. Though the workmanship was admittedly great, these were ceramic, not porcin. Forget two hundred, even at one hundred and fifty he¡¯d earn a profit.


    Quoting such a high price was purely because he saw how young she was and wanted to take her for a fool.


    Given her experience in her past life as a ruthless ¡°waist-chopping¡± figure in the night market behind the general¡¯s estate, it was time to show this vendor a thing or two about the cruelties of the human realm.


    Though her small tongue didn¡¯t allow for too many words, nevermind that for now. Best to act first, talkter.


    ¡°No, two hundred,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°That¡¯s too little. Seeing as you¡¯re so cute, I¡¯ll give you another discount--two hundred and eighty coins.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred and seventy coins!¡±


    ¡°One hundred and nine.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred and sixty coins.¡±


    ¡°One hundred and eight.¡±


    ¡°Alright...hey, why do your prices keep going down? Fine, fine. I¡¯ll take the loss and sell at two hundred coins.¡±


    ¡°No, one hundred and eight,¡± Little Dumpling held firm.


    ¡°Fine, one hundred and eight it is. Take it and go!¡± Any lower and he really would take a loss. The vendor neatly packaged up the nesting dolls and handed them to Jiang Yuqing.


    The little one happily epted them and carefully stowed them in her cloth bundle. From within, she took out a small embroidered purse with fat goldfish and fished out a piece of broken silver to give the vendor. He weighed it on a scale and returned seventy-two coins to her.


    Lord Jiang was wealthy and felt copper coins were too heavy and inconvenient. Just then, a candy hawker happened to walk by. With a wave of her hand, Jiang Yuqing bought up all his kebabs of tanghulu candied haws.


    At three coins per skewer, she took sixty-seven skewers for a total of two hundred coins. The candy seller grinned widely, baring his big teeth as he happily threw in the bamboo skewers as well.


    And so, each Jiang child got to hold a tanghulu skewer, as did Li Chun, Gu Yu, and the little servants who followed behind.


    Thirteen-year-old Jiang Yuhe was the most spirited of the bunch. He also had the biggest appetite and was the strongest, already half a head taller than his elder brother Jiang Yujiang.


    At this time, he nimbly snatched up the bamboo pole of tanghulu skewers first, much to the envy of his other brothers.


    What child doesn¡¯t have the sweet and grand childhood dream of running wild through the vige brandishing a pole of tanghulu?


    Holding the sugary skewer pole, Jiang Yuhe instantly felt like the coolest kid on the block, with the aura of a warrior who had just returned triumphant from battle. He swaggered ahead of his brothers and sisters, as cocky as a victorious generaling home from war.


    This lively bunch of attractive girls and boys walking down the main street, each holding a tanghulu skewer and eating away, was quite eye-catching indeed.


    The children on the streets saw them and mored for their parents to buy them some too. Having no choice, the parents approached Jiang Yuhe to ask the price.


    Jiang Yuhe had wanted to say they weren¡¯t for sale but was swiftly silenced by his cousin Jiang Yuhu covering his mouth. ¡°They¡¯re for sale, four coins per skewer!¡± Jiang Yuhu piped up with a broad smile.


    The parent was taken aback. ¡°Why so expensive? They usually only cost three coins a skewer.¡±


    Jiang Yuhu beamed, ¡°Uncle, as you say, that¡¯s the regr price. But now it¡¯s the New Year festival, sugar and all the ingredients have seen prices jump. We really have no choice.¡±


    The parent considered this reasonable logic. He briskly fished out eight coins and bought two skewers, one for each of his sons.


    This sparked an unstoppable wave. More and more people flocked to buy the tanghulu until all that was left were bare bamboo sticks.


    The Jiang siblings looked at each other in shock. Huddling in a corner, they counted the coins in their pouches--two hundred and twenty-four in total.


    So not only had they earned an extra twenty-four coins, they had gotten to eat eleven skewers for free!


    The Jiang children were stunned. This was the first time they realized money could be earned this way.


    Seeing the two hundred plus coins back in her hands, Jiang Yuqing didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. But through this experience, she saw that her usually discreet third brother Jiang Yuhu was a business prodigy. If he wished, he could be groomed for a future inmerce.


    Delighted by this realization, Jiang Yuqing enthusiastically gave Jiang Yuhu a big thumbs up and loudly cheered, ¡°Third brother, awesome!¡± She then fished out the extra twenty-four coins from her coin purse and ced them in his hand, cooing, ¡°For brother!¡±


    Jiang Yuhu was overjoyed at earning his little sister¡¯s praise and the twenty-four big coins. His mouth lifted into a wide grin that didn¡¯t fade for the rest of their walk.


    It was this twenty-four coppers that sparked Jiang Yuhu''s legend as the wealthiest man in Daxia. Later it even became his family heirloom. But that is another story forter.


    Though servants trailed them, the Jiang elders still kept a close eye on their children¡¯s activities. Naturally, they had witnessed everything that transpired.


    Zhu''s eyes shone as she asked her husband, "What if Third Son no longer wants to study and we let him learn business instead?"


    Jiang Wenxi said, "I have no objections, as long as the child likes it himself."


    Jiang Wenyuan added, "Sounds good. Third Son''s aptitude for academics is average but he is nimble-minded and adaptive, prime material for business. Our family will surely expand into other industries in the future, so grooming him well could lead to great sess."


    Hearing her brother-inw''s affirmation of her son ddened Zhu even more.


    On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, they celebrated Minor New Year. Time to ughter pigs, chickens, and ducks and steam rice cakes with meat.


    That day, the Jiangs ughtered three fat pigs, five sheep, plus chickens, ducks, geese, and plump fish. With over a hundred mouths to feed and no meat cutting allowed on New Year''s Day, everything had to be prepared ahead of time.


    Fresh pork wasyered with taro, seasoned, mixed evenly, then wrapped in lotus leaves for steaming. The five-tiered steamer maintained its fire from the afternoon of the twenty-ninth all through the next morning. The aromatic steamed rice cakes weren¡¯t removed until the embers had fully died down. Packed into six tall demijohns, the cakes were mouthwateringly fragrant.


    The remaining meat, fowl, and fish were also cleaned, salted, wrapped in dried lotus leaves, and stored inrge vats in the backyard. In this cold weather, they would keep for two to three days.


    That night, word arrived from the prefectural city that the official road connecting Lingzhou Prefecture to the capital had been repaired and reopened. Upon hearing this, Li Deshun decided to set off back to the capital on the third day after New Year¡¯s.


    Finally, it was the eve of the thirtieth.


    In southern China, reunion dinner was eaten early. Starting fromte afternoon, the sounds of firecrackers began ringing through the viges.


    The Jiangs'' New Year''s Eve dinnermenced at the hour of Shen (3pm).


    The great hall contained ten tables lined up in a row with no distinction between masters and servants. The cuisine was identical, only divided by screens.


    The ten Imperial Guards on duty guarding the sweet potato warehouse, because of their responsibilities could not leave the warehouse for too long, so the Jiang Family simply cleared out a space on the ground in the sweet potato warehouse, put a charcoal brazier underneath, andid out some mats.


    This way they would not neglect their duties, and could still have a nice New Year''s Eve dinner.


    Not only that, but the Jiang Family also had people make dumplings stuffed with chives and pork like in the customs of the north.


    Although the look was nothing special, it was weed by all the guests, not for anything else, but just for the thoughtfulness the Jiang Family showed in how they treated people, which was enough to make them cherish it for a lifetime.


    After dinner, everyoneid out melon seeds, fruit, tea, snacks, and pastries and started staying up through the night.


    Just sitting around would be a bit boring, so Jiang Wenyuan had people bring out a wooden pot, bottles, and sticks that were made a long time ago for everyone to y a throwing game.


    They were all young people, in their prime time for activity, so they immediately became excited and eagerly joined in. In no time the hall was exceptionally lively.


    Li Deshun also became interested, and even put up fifty taels of silver as a prize. This prize was like a drop of water falling into a hot oil pan, and the noise almost lifted the roof off.


    This was the Jiang Family boys'' first time participating in this kind of game, and they were extremely spirited.


    They had only heard their teacher talk about these kinds of games being popr activities for elite households, but back then their family was so poor they could barely eat their fill, so how could they care about such ethereal things. They never expected that now they could also experience this in their own home.


    Jiang Yuqing had only seen it before in TV dramas, so this was also her first time experiencing it, and she felt it was quite interesting.


    But because she was small, and not very strong, after trying twice and still not being able to toss it in, she gave up. She wholeheartedly cheered on her brothers instead, spurring them on.


    In the end, the fifty taels of silver prize was collected by a junior officer of the guard.


    After the throwing game ended, the servants brought in firecrackers.


    Setting off firecrackers was always the children''s favorite activity. Although they were far less beautiful than the fireworks she had seen in her previous life, still it was fun.


    And because there were many people making it lively, the Jiang Family children, Jiang Yuqing included, all sessfully stayed up until midnight.


    After midnight came the New Year.


    First the family''s servants kowtowed and paid New Year''s greetings to the main family. As usual, Old Man Jiang and Old Lady Hu gave each person a big red envelope with five hundred copper cash inside.


    Next was the family''s children paying New Year''s greetings to their elders, including Li Deshun. Each person gave red envelopes to the children. Jiang Yuqing''s red envelope was the biggest.


    After that, it was the visiting officials from the farmingmunities, the guards and attendants who hade from the capital paying New Year''s greetings to the Jiang Family and vice versa.


    Then Old Man Jiang and Old Lady Hu, acting as the elders, gave each person a red envelope with one or two taels of silver, wishing them an auspicious and smooth new year.


    After handing out the red envelopes, everyone went back to rest.

 Chapter 36: I Raise You

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    The next day was the first day of the lunar new year. Vigers and fellow townspeople went around visiting each other to exchange new year greetings.


    The first wave of visitors were children from the n and vige. The kids came in groups, offering new year blessings and auspicious words. In addition to the usual peanuts, melon seeds, and candy, Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu also gave each child a red envelope with five copper coins, for good fortune.


    After that came the adults of the vige. Li Deshun didn''t like the prying eyes, so he went back to his room. Little Dumpling, afraid he would be lonely, took him to tour the vegetable garden in the backyard.


    Only then did Li Deshun realize that the green vegetables they ate every day came from right here. Looking at the lush, thriving vegetables, he was very surprised.


    No wonder this was a family that could grow high-yield sweet potatoes. Even in the dead of winter they could grow vegetables so well.


    Because of the recent snow, the family had built simple thatched roofs over each vegetable patch, afraid the freezing hail would kill the vegetables.


    Though it didn''t really inste, as long as the vegetables stayed out of the snow, they could survive, just growing a little slower.


    Because there were so many extra mouths to feed these days, Jiang Yuqing was afraid there wouldn''t be enough vegetables. She often had her grandparents cast spells over the vegetables to stimte their vital energy and ensure adequate supply.


    There were fewer New Year''s visitors in the afternoon.


    Little Dumpling went with her brothers to visit homes in the vige.


    The eight siblings were warmly weed at each home they visited, especially Jiang Yuqing.


    She didn''t know that among the vigers she had long ago be their cherished lucky star. So at every home, the elders crammed treats and candies they normally couldn''t bear to part with into her little bag, making the other children quite envious.


    Of these goodies, she kept very little for herself. The rest, when they passed Granny Yang''s home, she asked her brother to leave them for Granny Yang''s two children.


    On the second day of the new year, daughters-inw returned to their maternal homes. Previous years this day would find the Jiang household empty. But because Li Deshun was leaving for the capital tomorrow, this year the daughters-inw all voluntarily postponed their visits.


    Old Jiang took his sons and Li Deshun on a stroll around the vige outskirts, pointing out which fields grew rice and which fields would nt sweet potatoes this year.


    After dinner, everyone started packing for the early departure back to the capital tomorrow.


    The Jiang family also prepared gifts for Li Deshun.


    Asmoners, they had neither gold, silver, antiques nor paintings to give. All they could offer were local specialties.


    Steamed cakes, rice cakes, candied fruits, steamed minced pork buns. A basket ofst year''s fresh tangerines from the old courtyard, a basket of water caltrops, even a basket of freshly picked vegetables from the backyard garden, all loaded onto a cart. It was all very down-to-earth.


    Qingzhou was over two thousand li from the capital. They might not always find inns or hostels along the way. Things like steamed cakes kept well. They could build a fire by the roadside to heat them up for a quick satisfying meal.


    After half a month together, they had all developed some feelings for each other. And the Jiangs were exceptionally kind people. Thinking of leaving them tomorrow made everyone a little reluctant, especially Li Deshun.


    The eunuch had uncharacteristically drank too much. He held Old Jiang''s hand and wept, "Old brother, I really envy you. A virtuous wife, filial children, a family full of grandchildren, enjoying domestic bliss. It only looks like I live in splendor, but actually I''ve had a bitter fate. I was sold to the pce by my father when I was just seven years old. From then on I''ve had no family, nothing but money. When I die, there will be no one even to smash my burial urn."


    The eunuch''s drunken frankness contained true sadness.


    Although Old Jiang sympathized, he had never been one tofort people. He racked his brains but couldn''t think of the right thing to say. In a moment of confusion, he bbered, "Don''t worry, I''ll smash your urn. No no, I mean, I''ll have my son smash your urn."


    The guy was two years younger than himself. It would be inappropriate, not to mention inauspicious, for him to offer to smash the urn himself. Bah!


    Hearing this, Li Deshun''s eyes lit up. He quickly considered his future care in old age. Perhaps after retiring from the pce he really could move to Xijin ferry to live near the Jiang family. If anything happened to him, given the Jiangs'' kindheartedness, they certainly wouldn''t ignore him.


    The more he thought about it, the better the idea seemed.


    Just then, little Dumpling came struggling to carry arge package. Seeing this, the eunuch tactfully took over the package from Dumpling while also lifting her over the threshold so she wouldn''t have to climb it again.


    Seeing Dumpling arrive, Li Deshun stopped crying, afraid to startle her. He quickly wiped his nose and tears and said, "Ah, my good little darling, what have you brought for me now, it''s so heavy."


    Dumpling said, "Medicine!"


    Opening it, inside were medicines he had used before. Five bottles of a muscle and joint form, fifty patches of an analgesic cream. She had prepared these afraid his old injuries might act up after he left.


    Such a tiny child, yet so dear and thoughtful. Li Deshun teared up again.


    Wiping his tears, he said to Jiang Yuqing, "Dear child, Grandpa Li can''t bear to leave you. Where in the world could there be such a good child as you? Come to the capital with me, I''ll buy you anything you want!"


    Before Jiang Yuqing could reply, Old Jiang objected, "What, no she''s not going. You old devil, I treated you like a brother yet you want to steal my granddaughter. No, the matter is settled, just hurry up and go tomorrow!"


    Jiang Yuqing knew the two old men were joking. She smiled and said, "Won''t go. Grandpa, stay." I won''t go to the capital, why don''t you stay instead.


    The eunuch said, "If I stay, who will provide for me?"


    Little Dumpling thumped her chest and dered stoutly, "Me, provide!"


    Li Deshun instantly felt his life wasplete.


    The next day, the Jiang family rose early.


    After breakfast, Li Deshun''s convoy officially departed for the capital. The Jiangs apanied them all the way out the north gate of Qingzhou.


    Before parting, Little Dumpling handed Li Deshun a small box. "Gift, for you, Little Brother." Inside was a nesting doll set of Monkey Steals Peaches she had bought before New Year''s, ten peeled candy sticks wrapped in white rice paper, and a small red wooden toy car powered by clockwork springs.


    Li Deshun epted the box and patted her little head, reluctant to leave. "I will certainly deliver these, and don''t you forget Grandpa Li. Come autumn, when your father goes to the capital, have him bring you along. Then Grandpa and granddaughter can get together again."


    "Okay, good child remembers."


    "Such a good girl..."


    After sending off Li Deshun, the Jiang family finally rxed. Hosting such an eminent guest, they hadn''t slept soundly the whole time. Fortunately in the end nothing had gone wrong.


    After settling things for a day,


    On the fifth day of the new year, the Jiang family''s three carriages set off in different directions at the same time, carrying the married sons to apany their wives on visits back to maternal homes.


    Yesterday Jiang Wenyuan had sent word he would arrive today with the children. When he came with his wife, her elder brother and sister-inw were already waiting at the gate with their two children.


    After formal greetings they proceeded to the inner hall. Jiang Wenyuan and his wife respectfully bowed to her parents.


    Seeing his distinguished son-inw, Old Schr Lu''s face cracked into a grin.


    At the time he could see the young man was no ordinary talent. He never expected the son-inw would distinguish himself so quickly. Just bing the top schr was impressive enough, but not even half a year after bing magistrate he was conferred a title of nobility. Though only a hereditary county earl rank, formoners it was a meteoric rise.


    Now when he went out, who didn''t praise his discernment in choosing a son-inw? Old Schr Lu could boast about it for a lifetime.


    While the men talked in the front hall, Lady Lu spoke privately with her mother and sisters-inw.


    Lady Lu''s mother, Madam Guo, said, "Now that the son-inw has been titled, by regtion, both maternal and marital rtives can request investiture. Has the son-inw mentioned which side he wants to invest?"


    Guo said: "As Third Brother said, we should first request a title for my mother-inw. She has worked hard for most of her life, and it is time for her to enjoy the blessings of her children and grandchildren.


    As for me, Third Brother said that nowadays the situation is very good. As long as our family does not make mistakes, granting me a title by marriage is only a matter of time, so I should not worry."


    Guo nodded: "That makes sense. Although the palm and back of the hand are both made of flesh, everything still has an order.


    She is his birth mother, and the son-inw is also filial, so of course he would request a title for your mother-inw first.


    Today your mother is telling you this to prevent you from suddenly developing biased thoughts and getting the wrong idea about your son-inw."


    Lu did not agree: "Mother - do you think I''m that petty?"


    Guo bluntly criticized: "You''re talking as if you are very open-minded, but who knows..." Before she could finish speaking, Lu covered her mouth.


    Lu was afraid that her mother would blurt out her past embarrassing stories, and she was quite annoyed: "Mother, please stop talking. Can you leave me some dignity in front of Sister-inw?"


    "Ha!"


    Chen looked at the young auntie in front of her. Over the past two years, she had be more and more graceful and charming.


    Although she was already the mother of two children, she still retained the innocence she had when she was a maiden at home. It was clear that her husband''s family had treated her extremely well over the years.


    Guo had also noticed this. As a mother, she did not ask for her daughter to be rich and noble, she only hoped that her son-inw would treat her wholeheartedly, be more considerate, and have no messy affairs - that would be enough.


    The adults were talking inside the room.


    Jiang Yuqing was taken by his brother and two cousins to tour their school.


    Grandfather Lu''s home was argepound with two courtyards. His own family lived in the back yard, while the front yard was the school.


    There were four ssrooms, a rest room for the teacher, as well as a cafeteria, storage room,trine, etc.


    In the middle was a t and spacious football field. During breaks, students could freely form teams to y football here and strengthen their physique. There was even a monthly football match. The winning team could get half a month''s tuition waived.


    The students who came here to study were all from nearby viges and were not very wealthy, so half a month''s tuition was a considerable temptation. As a result, thepetition among the students was also very intense.


    Old Schr Lu felt that in the path to the imperial examinations, having only book knowledge without a strong physique would also be in vain. So he ced great emphasis on nurturing his students'' physical fitness.


    Originally there were only three ssrooms, but after Jiang Wenyuan passed the pce examination as Zhuangyuan (top scorer), the number of studentsing here to study had increased even more, andter another ssroom was added.


    At this time, the school was on winter break, so the spacious and bright ssrooms only contained neatly arranged desks. Jiang Yuqing even sat at his brother''s seat for a while.


    After touring the ssrooms, the brothers took the little dumpling to a household in the vige that raised rabbits, to buy her a pair of snow-white baby rabbits to take home and y with.


    The few of them happily carried the rabbit cage back, and happened to run into a woman walking towards them while cracking melon seeds and staring at them.

 Chapter 37: Raising Sweet potato Seedlings

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    When Lu Huaiyi saw her, he immediately frowned. She was already in front of them, so he couldn''t avoid her and had to greet her, "Auntie."


    The neer was Lu Xiuer, Lu''s cousin from the neighboring courtyard.


    Lu Xiuer had married well to the heir of Jinxiu Tower, the best restaurant in the county seat. Although not a grand restaurant, business had been quite good over the years.


    However, this woman was not of good temperament. Even as an unmarried girl in her home, she was always contrary with Lu Yuanwan.


    Later when she married into the city as the madame of the restaurant, Lu Yuanwan was married off by her father to a poor country boy. Whenever Lu Yuanwan returned home for the holidays, Lu Xiuer never missed a chance to belittle her.


    It was only after Jiang Yuchuan passed the imperial examination as a Juren that she didn''t dare say anything more, though she still made sour remarks behind their backs.


    The Lu family all knew about this, but never made much of it out of respect for the elders.


    "Yo, isn''t this Brother Huai! Where are you all headed?"


    Lu Xiuer cocked her eyebrows and nced over the group, finally settling on Jiang Yuchuan and Jiang Yuqing.


    Lu Huai and Lu Jin stepped forward to shield their little sister behind them, and raised the rabbit cages in their hands, "We bought a pair of rabbits to take home and raise."


    Looking at the Jiang siblings, Lu Xiuer said, "These must be your auntie''s children. They really are as beautiful as golden boys and jade girls."


    As she spoke, she shoved Lu Huai aside and grabbed Jiang Yuqing, pulling her so forcefully that Jiang Yuqing nearly fell over.


    The children cried out in rm and hurried to pull their sister back.


    Lu Xiuer arrogantly shook off the Lu brothers'' hands and said unhappily, "What are you doing? I only want to talk to her, I won''t eat her!"


    Still gripping Jiang Yuqing''s wrist tightly, Lu Xiuer forced an ingratiating smile. "Don''t be scared, I''m your mother''s cousin. Just call me Auntie.


    I have a young son at home as handsome as can be. Auntie will take you to y, how about that!"


    From the moment Cousin Huai shielded her, Jiang Yuqing knew this woman was no good. But she never expected her toy hands on her so quickly.


    Jiang Yuqing struggled fruitlessly, angrily saying, "Let go, that hurts!"


    The Lu brothers and Jiang Yuchuan also came over to hit and scold Lu Xiuer, "You''ve hurt my sister, let her go, let go quickly!"


    After taking several heavy blows, Lu Xiuer felt some pain and had no choice but to release Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuchuan immediately pulled his sister back and shielded her protectively behind him.


    The half-grown boy already possessed some of his father''s dignity and authority. Glowering, he angrily berated, "My mother has no sisters. What aunt of mine are you?


    You presume upon kinship without asking if we even recognize it."


    Having checked his sister''s arm and seen five red finger marks already darkening on her fair skin, his anger grew.


    He shouted furiously at Lu Xiuer, "You''ve injured my sister. My uncle''s estate in Qingzhou will not let this rest. Just you wait!"


    With that, he squatted down and steadily carried his sister away despite not being very big himself yet.


    The Lu brothers also red severely at the troublemaker before hurrying after the siblings, carrying the rabbit cages.


    As soon as they arrived home, Jiang Yuchuan tattled to the elders, telling the whole story from beginning to end. Uncle Lu said nothing, only wore a dark expression as he told a servant, "Go to Gao''s ce..."


    In less than an hour, Lu Xiuer''s husband Gao Chong came to Xiushui Bay.


    As soon as he entered, he pped Lu Xiuer hard across the face, leaving her head buzzing and unable to cry for a good while.


    Lu Xiuer''s mother Zhou and her two sisters-inw were shocked by this sudden violence. As they recovered their wits, they hurried to pull the daughter back.


    Zhou angrily demanded, "Without telling what my daughter has done, you enter and immediately strike her. If you cannot exin yourself clearly now, don''t me me for losing my temper!"


    Gao Chong had always looked down on this family. If not for Lu Xiuer being Master Lu''s niece before the end of her mourning period, he would not have married her.


    Gao Chong''s face was gloomy. "What has she done? Why don''t you ask your good daughter what she has done!"


    Zhou paled in fright. She knew her son-inw had always disdained her family, but he had never been so taciturn and struck her daughter right in front of her before. Her heart pounded anxiously.


    Could it be her foolish daughter really did something wrong? But she had been obediently staying at home thesest few days. Other than being a bitzy, nothing seemed amiss!


    Gao Chong was so angry he nearly pped the idiot a few more times. Through gritted teeth, he growled, "The magistrate''s beloved daughter, was it not her you injured?


    How dare your hand act so improperly! She was just walking along the road. Why did you provoke her?


    Are you dissatisfied with Jinxiu Tower''s booming business, or do you think I''m not dying fast enough?"


    When Zhou heard this, her face went white with fear. Trembling, she asked Lu Xiuer, "Is what he says true?"


    Lu Xiuer still didn''t grasp the gravity of the situation. Sobbing, she pleaded to her mother for help, "Mother, I didn''t do much.


    I just saw the girl was pretty and thought to coax her back as apanion for our Hong Fu. I only pulled her a bit."


    When Zhou heard this, she wished she could seal up her foolish daughter''s mouth.


    She was also unruly, but not as great a fool as her daughter. She knew which people could be provoked and which could not.


    This wretched girl, that was the magistrate''s estate! Were the Jiangs people she could trifle with?


    Thest one who provoked the Jiangs, Tan Laosan, now had weeds half a foot high growing on his grave.


    Back then, Jiang Wenyuan hadn''t even passed as Jinshi yet. Now not only was he a high official, but he also had a title.


    Gao Chong gave a bitterugh at Lu Xiuer''s foolishness. "Coax her back as apanion for Hong Fu?


    You really dare to dream! She is the magistrate''s beloved daughter, the young miss of the Marquis''s estate in Qingzhou. Your son is just a merchant''s brat. Yet you dare to covet their golden branch and jade leaf?


    Is your head full of shit?"


    Gao Chong was truly exasperated. No wonder elders said a bad wife ruins three generations. Helplessly he said, "Tomorrow you will go with me to the Jiang residence and apologize. Even if you must kneel, you must kneel until they forgive you!"


    "I won''t go. I don''t want to see Lu Yuanwan''s arrogant face!" As if she would kneel and humble herself before Lu Yuanwan. What a joke!


    "Fine. Then you can live in your natal home forever!"


    "You want to divorce me?" Lu Xiuer looked at her husband in disbelief.


    "If that''s how you want to think of it, why not?" Gao Chong nodded. By now, he truly considered divorcing the fool.


    "Gao Chong, how can you be so heartless? You can''t do this!"


    "Why can''t I? You''ve brought my whole family to the brink of death!" Gao Chong bellowed.


    "If not for Master Lu''s face, do you think I would have married you? What do you have? What could I possibly want from you?


    Was it to suck your family''s blood like leeches, or was it for you, a fool who doesn''t know death when it stares her in the face?"


    Gao Chong was also furious now. He didn''t bother leaving Zhou''s family an ounce of face.


    Although Zhou was angry her son-inw didn''t spare her family face, she feared Gao Chong would really divorce Lu Xiuer. Then they would lose both social status and reputation.


    Hurriedly pulling Lu Xiuer to the side, she earnestly advised, "Xiuer, go. Go apologize. We really cannot afford to offend the Jiang family.


    Do you truly want to be divorced? It''s easy for a man to divorce and remarry, but a divorced woman will have difficulty finding another match."


    Lu Xiuer also became afraid. Sobbing, she nodded. After several years of marriage, she knew her husband always kept his word. If she didn''t apologize, he would divorce her for real.


    Early next morning, Gao Chong prepared generous gifts and brought Lu Xiuer to the Jiang residence at Xijin ferry. Jiang Wenyuan made them wait an hour before allowing them in.


    Lu Xiuer was truly frightened now. Upon entering, she respectfully kowtowed to give her apology to the Lu family. Lady Lu also did not make things difficult. After epting their gifts, she let them take their leave.


    After departing Xijin ferry, Gao Chong went to Xiushui Bay and presented Master Lu with thick gifts of gratitude. Master Lu said nothing else, only told Gao Chong to keep a tight rein on Lu Xiuer in the future. Gao Chong respectfully promised he would strictly discipline her going forward.


    Once they left the Lu estate, Lu Xiuer puzzledly asked her husband why he had bothered gifting Master Lu when she had offended the Jiang family. Even gifting and apologizing to the Jiangs was eptable, so why also give gifts to Master Lu? Just because he was Jiang Yuqing''s uncle? Jiang Yuchuan''s blood uncle?


    Gao Chong impatiently scolded her, "I said you were stupid, and you really are stupid. Master Lu sent people to bring me the news as giving me face and a chance, as well as in consideration of my usual tact.


    Otherwise, with the current status of the Marquis''s estate in Qingzhou, one word from the Marquis could ruin my Gao family."


    Thinking of this, he broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, he had always been filial to Master Lu in the past, and thanks to the face given by the Marquis of Qingzhou to his uncle. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    He sinisterly nced at Lu Xiuer next to him. As for this idiot...


    After that, except for the necessary courtesies on festivals and holidays, the Gao family never gave Lu Xiuer''s maiden family a penny.


    After Zhou''s repeated fruitless autumn breezes, she knew her son-inw hadpletely abandoned them. As for Lu Xiuer, she could hardly protect herself now.


    Of course, for the time being, let''s not talk about the aftermath.


    The incident that day did not have much impact on Jiang Yuqing. She soon forgot about it.


    The county yamen would start printing in two days. Jiang Wenyan took advantage of these two days to get together with several agricultural officials to discuss the promotion of sweet potatoes.


    In fact, most of this matter had already been decided at the beginning of the year. Now it was just making some minor details clearer.


    The potato seeds harvestedst year, minus those that were damaged, totaled about 7,100 catties.


    In order to prevent these potato seeds from being distributed and then profiteered by some powerful people at high prices, these 7,100 catties of potato seeds were all collected by the county government for breeding, and then distributed free of charge to themon people.


    Themon people would need to sign a contract with the county government. The sweet potatoes harvestedter would be uniformly purchased by the county government at five coins per catty. If the nters privately sold sweet potatoes to others, in addition to being fined heavily, they would also be beaten with wooden nks, or even exiled.


    After working out the details, they estimated the seedling yield of these 7,100 catties of sweet potatoes. Calcting 50 catties per mu, 7,100 catties of sweet potato seeds can nt about 142 mu, and even if there is more, it will only be one or two more mu at most, which can be dealt withter.


    It wasn''t 50 catties of sweet potato sprouts that could nt one mu ofnd all at once, but rather the need to wait for these sprouts to grow into long and sturdy enough vines before doing secondary transnting to barely cover it.


    Otherwise, if only sweet potato blocks were nted, it was feared that twice that amount would not be enough.


    They didn''t have so many potato seeds, so they had to take the trouble to adopt the method of secondary transnting. Fortunately, Qingzhou''s climate was warm enough and there was enough time for the sweet potatoes to grow.


    Jiang Wenyan quietly informed the Xijin ferry vige chief and n leaders. Those who wanted to nt sweet potatoes should sign up quickly, because there were not many potato seeds. For the time being, it was set at one mu per household, 500 coins per mu, and one mu was three thousand seedlings. Firste, first served.


    The vigers of Xijin ferry had seen first-hand how productive this new grain was, and they had long been eyeing it. They also knew that the court had ordered the promotion throughout the county.


    But there were only so many sweet potatoes in total, and so many people in Qingzhou. Even if each family got one, it still wouldn''t be enough. Now the benefits of having connections in the imperial court showed.


    Having received Jiang Wenyan''s words, the vigers of Xijin ferry swarmed to the vige chief''s house, surrounding it so densely that water could not prate.


    The vige chief signed up all 59 households in the vige, including the Jiang family, ording to the regtions given by Jiang Wenyan, signed contracts and pressed handprints.


    The vige chief dered that anyone who dared to privately sell sweet potatoes after the harvest would be directly expelled from the vige. The vigers allughed and said, how could that be? The adults have helped us so much, we must not smear the adults.


    At the same time, the remaining 83 quotas were given to 81 in Xiushui Bay, one to Zhu''s maternal uncle, and one to Jiang Wenxi''s teacher. As for Blind Zhu''s family, don''t even think about it.


    As for the nursery field, Elder Jiang generously said that it woulde from his own family. The emperor had rewarded his family with such a generous thousand-mu manor, how could he begrudge a few acres ofnd. It would also save having to move these sweet potatoes back and forth.


    Because it was ntedtest year, Jiang Yuqing had used her special abilities and the spiritual spring to stimte the seedlings to catch up with the harvest. With experience this year, they started raising seedlings after the spring equinox.


    Withst year''s nting experience, and with the assistance of several agricultural officials, after busy working for a few days, the sweet potatoes were smoothly nted. Jiang Wenyan also built two small houses next to the nursery, with the Imperial Guards keeping watch in twelve-hour shifts to prevent anyone from deliberately sabotaging or stealing the nts.

 Chapter 38: Birthday Gift

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    nting Red Seedlings, Jiang Yuqing also told her old dad that she wanted to nt watermelons.


    Jiang''s dad didn''t say anything and just agreed, and even asked her how many acres she wanted to nt. Jiang Yuqing thought about it and held up two chubby fingers.


    Jiang Wenyuan was stunned for a moment: "Twenty acres? That''s fine too!" Thinking of the big and sweet watermelons, Jiang Wenyuan unconsciously swallowed his saliva.


    With his precious daughter''s skills, she should be able to grow them, right? If it really doesn''t work... just treat it as fertilizing thend!


    Jiang Yuqing opened her mouth, barely swallowing the exmation that had reached her lips.


    She had only wanted to nt two acres at first, but her dad seemed to have more confidence than her.


    So Jiang Yuqing decided that she must not disappoint her father''s trust in her. This wonderful misunderstanding was how it came about.


    Under Jiang Wenyuan''s instructions, the Jiang family prepared the twenty-three acres of sandynd adjacent to the Qing River with sufficient base fertilizer. After leveling it, they nted Jiang Yuqing''s watermelon seeds that had been soaked in spiritual spring water.


    To keep the watermelons warm and moist, they also covered them with ayer of translucent oilcloth. After the watermelons sprouted, they would manually peel it open. Although it was more expensive, there was no other way.


    As for the thousand-acrerge manor rewarded by His Majesty the Emperor, it was five li north of the county seat, right next to the official road, with an extremely superior geographical location.


    It was originally a private property of an official. After that official got into trouble and had his assets seized, this ce was nationalized. Now it belonged to the Jiang family.


    The manor totaled one thousand and seventy-six acres, all good fields. There was a small courtyard with a well that could be used by the steward living there to watch over the manor.


    Farmers always have a special affection fornd. Therefore, Old Man Jiang had alreadye to take a look with his sons before the Lantern Festival.


    Old Man Jiang happily said that this goodnd must be nted with rice. Thedy master immediately said that she would provide the seeds.


    The rice in the Spiritual Realm were all high-quality conventional varieties, with stable gics, not only high-yielding, but could also be self-propagating. The yield of this rice in the Spiritual Realm was about 1,000 kg per acre, slightly higher than that ofrge-scale cultivation of hybrid rice in the previous world.


    Taken out of the Spiritual Realm for cultivation, affected by the nting environment, Jiang Yuqing did not dare to guarantee the yield per acre. Even if it was only 500-600 kg/acre, it would still be much stronger than the rice varieties of this era.


    Jiang''s elders already knew of her supernatural abilities, and were not surprised at all, not even by the sweet potatoes she brought out from the "fairy world".


    Therefore, when they saw the plump and robust grains suddenly appearing in their precious granddaughter''s little palm, Old Man Jiang immediately decided to use the rice seeds provided by his granddaughter.


    The manor originally had tenant farmers. They were all refugees who had fled from other ces in previous years. After the original owner''s family was investigated and had their assets seized, the manor was nationalized. The incumbent county magistrate Qin Jue was not very good at dealing with these mundane affairs either, so he just collectednd rent ording to the original number and turned it in to the state treasury.


    With his daughter providing seeds, Jiang Wenyuan wanted to turn this ce into another quality seed base, so he naturally would not rent out the fields to tenants again. But this way, the tenant farmers who made a living by sharecropping would inevitably lose their livelihoods.


    Jiang Wenyuan would never do such an hical thing that cut off people''s livelihoods.


    Therefore, after discussing with the original tenant farmers, he changed the tenancy to an employment rtionship. Each person would be paid five taels of silver per year, rest one day per month, and be hired to help manage the fields.


    In other words, they would be long-term workers.


    But this wage was already the highest in Qingzhou County. The highest-paid yamen runners also only got 7 taels of silver.


    Considering their family circumstances, with wives and children relying on them for food, Jiang Wenyuan promised to pay them half the silver in advance after starting work, and the rest would be paid out together after the autumn harvest.


    The tenant farmers counted on their fingers, five taels of silver per person, if two people from a family worked, that would be ten taels of silver. This price was sky-high in Qingzhou. The sturdy men working on the docks outside the city made at most thirty coins a day working themselves to death.


    And they didn''t need to pay food taxes either. They only needed toe to work as instructed every day, which could be considered drought-flood proof ie. As long as there were no idents midway, after deducting money for food, they could at least save five taels of silver.


    Moreover, this was a manor awarded by His Majesty the Emperor to the county magistrate, the Count of Qingzhou. The credibility was guaranteed. Only a fool would turn down such a good deal.


    After settling this matter, Jiang Wenyuan brought in Yang Tiesuo''s family to be the steward. Not only was Yang Tiesuo a good hand at farming, the couple could both read and write, and it would be a waste not to have them manage things.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s second birthday was only a few days away. Because he had missed his precious daughter¡¯s first birthday due to the exam, Jiang Wenyuan regretted it very much. He absolutely did not want to miss it this year no matter what.


    He had originally wanted to find a nice, small horse as a birthday gift for his daughter to ride.


    This kind of horse was short in stature, gentle in temperament, and had good endurance. It would be perfect as a mount for his precious daughter. But after searching for a long time, he couldn¡¯t find a suitable one, and was quite puzzled.


    Just as he was racking his brains about choosing a birthday present for his daughter, Jiang Yuqing received a package sent from Beijing. The courier said he would stay in Qingzhou for two days. If she needed to send a reply, she could have someone go to the Yongfu Inn to find him.


    The package contained two wooden boxes. One contained a whole set of pink pearl hairpins and ornaments, including pearl flowers, headband, earrings, ne, bracelets, etc., more than ten pieces in all, just right for a little girl. The other contained a small gold seal engraved with her zodiac animal.


    In addition, there was a letter at the bottom of the box. Although the handwriting was a little childish, it already had quite some style. This was from little Jing Yan sending her a gift.


    The letter said that he was doing very well in Beijing, and missed the happy times in Qingzhou very much, and also liked the gifts she had given him very much.


    The other box was from Li Deshun.


    It contained a kingfisher bloodstone carved ruyi cloud pattern filigree ne iid with jade. Her name was engraved on the inside of the ne, clearly custom-made.


    Not to mention the value, just the thoughtfulness of the old man was precious.


    Thinking that the courier was still waiting for her reply at the inn in the city, she quickly found a pencil in the clinic office and started writing back.


    Her hands were small, and holding a pen was difficult, writing was veryborious, and the speed was slow too. It took more than an hour before she finally finished the two letters that did not contain many words. She then asked her dad to find two boxes for her.


    The box for Jing Yan still contained ten peeled candies on sticks, a box of bear cookies with the packaging removed. After thinking about it, she also put in a wooden Rubik''s cube. Little boys would all like this, right?


    As for Li Deshun''s gift, she had originally wanted to give him medicinal sters. But then she remembered that when he left after the New Year, she had given him a full fifty sters. Even if his joint inmmation red up again, it wouldn''t run out so quickly.


    Since Li Deshun liked tea, she simply put in a pack of top-grade Tieguanyin instead. It was fine to shear the hospital director¡¯s sheep.


    No wait, it was all hers now.


    After packing the gifts and letters properly, she asked her dad to take them to the courier. The little dumpling pped her hands and turned to run to the vegetable garden behind.


    At this time, the vegetable garden contained all kinds of vegetables, including napa cabbage, bok choy, asparagus, garlic, celery, chives, spinach, radish, and even out-of-season string beans, cucumbers, peppers and eggnts.


    They were all nurtured by Jiang Yuqing''s abilities and the aura of the spiritual spring. Not only was the taste particrly good, long-term consumption also had the effect of strengthening the body, prolonging life and anti-aging.


    Therefore, the Jiang family had been spoiled with the taste. After eating the homegrown vegetables, the ones bought from outside just didn''t taste the same anymore.


    The little dumpling was also diligent, running to the vegetable garden every day. There were so many vegetables they couldn''t finish eating, and she really couldn''t bear to sell the excess. The extra were given to rtives¡¯ families.


    For example, the Lin and Lu families on her mother¡¯s side, while the Zhu family on her mother¡¯s uncle¡¯s side grew enough vegetables for themselves, so they didn''t need others to give them any.


    In addition to the vegetable garden in the backyard, Jiang Yuqing now also had melon fields to go to.


    The melon fields were not actually very far from home, but the little dumpling was short and had short legs, so it was quite difficult for her to walk there.


    Every time she went, she had to be carried by someone, which was quite inconvenient. She was thinking about whether to ask her dad to buy her a donkey to get around. However, when she only lightly mentioned it, her dad immediately rejected it.


    The reason was quite bizarre. He said donkeys were too ugly and did not match her temperament.


    Her dad¡¯s brain circuits really left Jiang Yuqing quite speechless.


    Her dad was so against it because he had suffered losses from donkeys when he was young.


    At the very beginning, the stubborn donkey was rejected by Jiang''s father.


    Finally, it was March 20th. Jiang Yuqing''s second birthday. It was a 10-day break from work.


    Today, the birthday girl Jiang Yuqing was dressed up like a blossoming blue snowke, just like the ones along the fence of her home.


    On top of her little "snail feelers" she wore a pair of pce flowers. She wore a pink and blue mandarin jacket with butterfly and flower embroidery on the top pink portion.


    The lower skirt portion had a pink satin base oveid with ayer of pink gauze embroidered with small pink flowers, matching the top. On her feet were a pair of embroidered pink satin shoes.


    Around her neck she wore a gold filigree agate bat pendant ne gifted by Li Deshun. Her chubby little hands were adorned with a pair of gold bracelets cast with her zodiac animal.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at herself in the mirror and felt she looked "rich and imposing." At least she didn''t look bad.


    It was just a family birthday celebration behind closed doors, so dressing up so grandly was really unnecessary. But the elders didn''t think so.


    They felt that little girls should be dressed up prettily. Moreover, their own child was so beautiful, not dressing her up would be a waste.


    In the end, Jiang''s father was unable to find a nice little horse, and could only regretfully give his darling daughter a miniature calligraphy set as a birthday present.


    Jiang Yuqing''s seven brothers mysteriously carried in arge cage covered with a red velvet cloth, saying it was a gift for their sister. And they asked Jiang Yuqing herself to uncover it.


    Jiang Yuqing raised her eyebrows. No wonder the brothers had been acting so mysteriously these past few days, it turned out they were preparing a gift for her. Since it was in a cage, it must be some cute little animal.


    Even the elders were curious what was under the cloth.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t keep everyone waiting too long. She went to the cage and lifted the cloth, revealing a fluffy white cat with ck stripes inside.


    The sudden light startled the cat, which abruptly lifted its big head with a "Meow!" and pped the cage with its paw, making the cage rattle.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s face changed drastically. He shouted "Tiger, danger!" and rushed out to grab his daughter into his arms, his heart pounding as if about to leap out of his chest.


    The others also reacted, quickly taking the children away.


    It turned out this was not a cat at all, but a whitened young tiger!

 Chapter 39: The White Nine

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    Jiang Wenkang sullenly said, "You guys sure have guts, daring to give a white tiger cub to your little sister. Tell me, where did you get it from?"


    Knowing that the thing in the cage was a real tiger cub instead of the big cat they thought, the few children all turned pale with fright.


    Second brother Jiang Yuhe was the first to step forward and whispered, "We picked it up on a hillside. We didn''t know it was a tiger cub either, we thought it was just a cat."


    "Which hillside?"


    "Songgang Ridge."


    Jiang Wenkang was so angry that he went to look for a broomstick. Jiang Yuqing saw that things were not looking good. She hurriedly ran from her father''s arms and hugged her eldest uncle''s leg, "Uncle, don''t hit them, brother."


    Jiang Wenkang was furious, "Good girl, let go of uncle. Your brothers don''t know any better, uncle has to teach them a lesson. So they know what they can and cannot do."


    Baby Dumpling held on tightly. If she let go, her brothers'' bottoms would suffer.


    "Uncle, don''t hit them. Brothers are very good. Good girl, birthday."


    Jiang Wenkang clenched his fist and rxed again. That''s right, today was the good girl''s birthday, not a suitable day to beat someone up, they could settle it tomorrow.


    Baby Dumpling saw that this tactic worked. Ignoring her face, she hugged her uncle and coaxed and begged him, barely managing to pacify Jiang Wenkang.


    Baby Dumpling heaved a sigh of relief, then looked at the poor little white tiger in the cage. The little white tiger was also looking at her.


    Jiang Yuqing''s heart stirred. She said to her father Jiang Wenyuan, "Daddy, keep it, Tiger!"


    Jiang Wenyuan stroked his daughter''s little head and shook it firmly, "No, tigers are fierce beasts. Even cubs pose a threat."


    Baby Dumpling said, "Little birds, friends, catch bugs. Tiger cub, friend!"


    I can make friends with little birds, let them help catch pests in our vegetable garden. Maybe I can also make friends with this little tiger!


    Moreover, she had special abilities. Her aura was gentle, animals would not harm her.


    To be honest, this little white tiger was really cute, too adorable.


    Jiang Wenyuan thought of his daughter''s abilities and didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    She could make nts grow, make it rain to water the vegetable garden, and even direct the birds to catch pests in the vegetable garden.


    Since she was born, even mosquitoes had not bitten her once. Now she said she could make friends with the tiger. It didn''t seem too surprising.


    Besides, this little tiger was still too small, caged up too, maybe they could really let the precious daughter try contacting it.


    He had nothing but boys in the family. Girls were still different from boys after all. There were no other girls in the n either. There were a few vige girls of suitable age from other families in the vige.


    Jiang Wenyuan thought about it. Those who wiped their noses with their sleeves were out of the question.


    In short, his precious daughter had no ymates her age and was quite lonely.


    If she really liked this little tiger, and the little tiger would not harm her, keeping it would not be impossible. It could just be a ymate found for his daughter.


    It had to be said, Jiang Daddy was really open-minded to let a tiger be his daughter''s ymate.


    The father and daughter''s conversation was not kept from anyone else. The other elders in the family could think of the same issues Jiang Wenyuan had thought of.


    They couldn''t help feeling a little guilty. In the end, it was their oversight, they had tacitly approved Jiang Yuqing''s words.


    Jiang Wenyuan hugged his daughter and gingerly approached the cage. The little white tiger in the cage just watched Jiang Yuqing steadily, without any other movement.


    When they reached the cage, Jiang Yuqing reached out and waved at the tiger, as a greeting, "Tiger cub." The little white tiger growled twice. Human cub, are you calling me?


    "Yes. Tiger cub." I like you. Can I be friends with you? I''m still small and don''t know many words yet. I''m sending you a telepathic message now, can you hear it?


    "Grrr." Yes, I can. Finally there is a human who can understand me!


    "Mm hmm." How did my brothers catch you? Where is your mother?


    "Roar¡ª" The little white tiger was heartbroken. Because I was born white, my mother spurned me as a freak. She only loved my brothers and abandoned me.


    Later, your brothers saw me and caught me, locking me in this cage.


    It was thew of survival of the fittest in nature.


    If a mother beast gives birth to two or more cubs at the same time, to ensure the survival and propagation of the group, she would instinctively abandon the weaker one, to ensure the other cubs get more resources to survive.


    Tigers live in the jungle. White fur does not help with camouge when hunting in the bushes. So it was understandable for the tigress to abandon the white cub.


    "Don''t cry!" Don''t cry anymore. From now on, you''ll follow me, okay?


    My brothers and I all like you very much, but remember you must not hurt anyone, not harm anyone at all.


    "Grrr." I won''t hurt anyone. I''m willing to follow you, you have the aura of Mother Earth.


    "Mm hmm." Alright then, I''ll ask someone to let you out.


    After settling things with the little white tiger, little Baby Dumpling turned to her father, "Daddy, tiger cub, abandoned, tiger cub, no home."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Good girl, you mean this little tiger was abandoned?"


    "Mm hmm, tiger cub, sad."


    "Can you guarantee it won''t hurt anyone? After all, it''s a fierce beast."


    "Mm hmm." Baby Dumpling nodded vigorously, "Tiger cub said, friends, no bite, anyone!"


    "Alright then. Daddy will let it out now." He would try trusting his daughter this once. After all, so many people were here. Besides, this little tiger cub really looked cute.


    Jiang Wenyuan personally opened the cage. The little white tiger walked out, shook its head hard, then walked straight to Jiang Yuqing.


    Under everyone''s wary gaze, the little white tiger licked her palm. Jiang Yuqing casually stroked the big tiger head she had been itching to touch. It was furry, the texture was amazing.


    Soon, the little girl and tiger started ying together.


    Seeing this, the adults looked at each other, all heaving a sigh of relief. It looked like they would have to raise one more tiger in the family from now on.


    The little white tiger was a handsome fellow. Jiang Yuqing gave it a loud name, "Bai Xiaojiu".


    Because she was the eighth child in the family, the little white tiger could only be ranked ninth. Also because it was a white tiger, it was called Bai Xiaojiu.


    Her brothers jeered that it didn''t sound mighty at all. It should have been called "Bai Dawang" (White Big King) instead.


    Of course Jiang Yuqing vetoed this corny name decisively. It would be called Bai Xiaojiu.


    From then on, there was an additional little tiger in the Jiang family manor, about 2-3 months old, named "Bai Xiaojiu".


    The day after her birthday, little Baby Dumpling was ying with Bai Xiaojiu in the room.


    Her mother Lu, eldest uncle''s wife Lin, second uncle''s wife Zhu, and grandmother Old Lady Hu came in carrying a tray.


    On the tray were a shiny embroidered needle, a bottle of iodine, two cotton swabs, and two very slender silver earrings.


    Lu put down the things and gently beckoned to her, "Good girl,e here!"


    Seeing the things on the tray, Baby Dumpling''s little body shuddered. She forced out a big smile at her mother, and kept shuffling backwards with her hands behind her back. After retreating a few steps, she turned and ran.


    But her mother had quick eyes and hands, catching her in her arms. Baby Dumpling screamed in fright.


    Right now, Lu had turned into the Big Bad Wolf tricking Little Red Riding Hood, "Don''t be afraid, it''s just piercing your ears. After getting your ears pierced, you can wear those pretty earrings of yours."


    "No, no!" My dear mother, does your daughter who''s only two really need to get her ears pierced so urgently? In herst life, she lived to her mid twenties without piercings and was fine!


    Little Baby Dumpling screamed like a pig being ughtered throughout, crying for grandpa to save her, crying for daddy to save her, crying for uncle to save her, crying for brother to save her. But at the critical moment, none of these people were home.


    She was helpless and called for Bai Xiaojiu to save her.


    Bai Xiaojiu did want to help, but these people holding her down to pierce her ears were her master''s family. If it really bit them, its master would be angry.


    In the end, no one managed to save her. She was held down by her mother, grandmother and aunts, and got her ears pierced and little silver earrings put on.


    Tearful Baby Dumpling (purely physiological tears) took Bai Xiaojiu and ran out. She decided to cut ties with them for an hour, no, a whole incense stick time. Too excessive!


    Seeing her angry daughter run off, Luughed and cried, "The little stinker is so unwilling. Which young miss doesn''t get her ears pierced? Old Qi''s little granddaughter to the east of the vige is only three and already knew to get her mother to pierce holes in her ears with tea stalks. Just you wait and see, she''ll definitely tattle when her father, grandfather and unclese back!"


    The women allughed.


    Mother knows best.


    Sure enough, that afternoon, when Jiang''s men came home, Baby Dumpling pointed at her own little earlobes with earrings and began tattling to each of them.


    The elders were also happy to indulge her. After indulging her, Dumpling''s anger subsided and she was satisfied. She trotted away happily with Bai Xiaojiu.


    Halfway through, she suddenly remembered that it was just getting her ears pierced. Why make such a fuss about it?


    Tattling like that, she really acted like a child for too long, so her temperament had indeed be childish. Or was it that a child''s nature is like this?


    Thinking back on the bitterness of her previous childhood, perhaps this life was heaven''s way ofpensating her.


    Since this was the case, she should just enjoy it fully. Being a happy baby was the dream of many corporate ves.


    And so, the optimistic Dumpling cheered up again.


    Bai Xiaojiu stayed with the Jiang family like this. Jiang Wenxi even prepared a very spacious and beautiful den next to Jiang Yuqing''s bedroom for it.


    This den was so big that even if it grew into a huge tiger in the future, it would still be spacious enough.


    But it rarely went back to its den. Most of the time it followed Jiang Yuqing, sleeping on the floor next to her bed at night.


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid it would get cold, so she had people spread a thick carpet on the floor beside the bed.


    In short, wherever Jiang Yuqing went, it followed. The two little cuties were simply adorable.


    Over time, everyone discovered that this little white tiger was not only good-looking, but also very spirited.


    It would wash up after eating, and even go to the toilet on its own. Its body was always clean and free of any beastly odor.


    Moreover, Bai Xiaojiu was smart to begin with. After following Jiang Yuqing, it was fed spiritual spring water and fruits every day, so its IQ was remarkably high.


    Gradually, the vigers of Xijin ferry also learned that the youngdy of the Jiang family had raised a very civilized white tiger.


    They went from being afraid at first, to actively greeting it afterwards.


    Bai Xiaojiu was also very polite, always responding with a "roar" to the vigers. Eventually, the adults and children of Xijin ferry even considered it an honor to pet Bai Xiaojiu, which was quite remarkable.


    As the days passed by, when the melon seedlings had grown a foot tall, Jiang Yuqing still hadn''t found a suitable beast of burden.


    The over two-year-old Dumpling really didn''t want to be carried anymore, so she went to grind her dad again.


    This time her dad didn''t agree immediately nor refuse either.


    He just said to give him another month, and if he still couldn''t find a suitable colt, he would buy her a donkey. Baby Dumpling agreed.


    The spring rain was light and continuous, lingering softly. The grass and trees by the roadside grew more lush with each passing day. Xijin ferry also weed the best mushroom picking season of the year.


    Qingzhou was damp and warm, with dozens of varieties of edible mushrooms.


    The mostmon were red bean mushroom, green bean mushroom, chicken head mushroom, meadow mushroom, swan mushroom, etc., as well as bamboo fungus and matsutake mushroom. Among these, everyone''s favorite was the chicken head mushroom.


    Xijin ferry was located by the Qing River. There were many sandbars by the river, covered in shrubs and woods. There were many ant nests under the woods, and chicken head mushrooms often grew around the ant nests.


    These grew in clusters, with small clusters weighing half a catty to one catty, and if you were lucky enough toe across a big cluster, it could be two to three catties. Enough to cook a pot of fresh soup.


    Yesterday, on their way back from the watermelon field, Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi had picked up a huge cluster, and the soup they stewed was incredibly fresh and vorful.


    Therefore, early this morning, eldest aunt Lin and second aunt Zhu went with several women in the vige to pick mushrooms together.


    Naturally, the fun-loving Baby Dumpling couldn''t miss such an activity.

 Chapter 40: Worship of Master Qiu Shendoctor

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Old Lady Hu knew that Jiang Yuqing was bored stiff at home. Fortunately, the weather today was good, a rare sunny day in spring, so she persuaded her a little and did not stop her anymore.


    She only repeatedly told the two daughters-inw and Li Chun and Guyu, the two maids, to be sure to keep an eye on this little ancestor.


    With Old Lady Hu''s permission, little Dumpling picked up her palm-sized basket and shovel, and took Bai Xiaojiu with her, both trotting off happily.


    There were many mushrooms on the sandbank by the river, and many people were picking mushrooms too. Lin and Zhu came outte, so all the good spots had been taken by others.


    Therefore, after turning around for half a day, they did not find many. Jiang Yuqing was afraid that there would not be enough delicious mushroom soup to drink, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.


    She casually leaned against a tree trunk, her abilities spreading out like the tide, instantly covering the entire sandbank.


    The mushrooms were like dangerous goods under a security scanner, instantly exposed.


    Dumpling seemingly casually rummaged around, but she was actually heading straight for her target.


    As a result, it didn''t take long for her to find several clusters, filling tworge baskets full, making the two aunties praise her good luck. It also attracted many envious eyes.


    Thanks to her heaven-defying "luck", for several days in a row, Lin and Zhu took her along when going out to pick mushrooms. Compared to being at home, Dumpling preferred running around freely in nature without a care in the world.


    As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, more and more red, green, and porcini mushrooms grew on the mountains.


    The vige girls and young daughters-inw who didn''t have work would form groups and carry baskets up the mountain to pick mushrooms.


    Wild mushrooms tasted fresh, and any extras could be sold for money. The Jiang family did notck this amount of money, they just wanted to have some fun.


    Any that were not finished could be dried and kept until winter to stew with chicken, the taste was truly indescribable.


    Today, Jiang Yuqing took Bai Xiaojiu and followed Old Lady Hu, the two aunties, Li Chun and Guyu the two maids, a total of six people to Qili Mountain north of Xijin ferry.


    There were many shrubs and trees here, rtively few pine trees.


    Because vigers often came here to gather firewood, the forest was not deep, so there were only some small herbivorous animals, andrge animals were extremely rare. Rtively safe.


    As soon as Bai Xiaojiu entered the woods, he frolicked everywhere, chasing chickens and rabbits, asionally letting out a roar, showing off his future king of the mountains aura.


    Jiang Yuqing did not restrain him, and let him y freely. Although she had adopted him, she always felt that he belonged to the mountains and forests.


    The elders were busy picking mushrooms, while Jiang Yuqing used a small shovel to dig up herbs everywhere. When no one was paying attention, she also nted a lot in her spiritual realm.


    The mountain was rich in medicinal herbs, and although the quality was not as good as those in her spiritual realm, they were still very good.


    "Little girl, what are you doing?" Jiang Yuqing was digging enthusiastically when an old man suddenly jumped out next to her, startling her.


    After reacting, she hurriedly stood up and took a few steps back, looking at him warily.


    The old man seemed to realize that he had startled her, and quickly made a soothing gesture, "Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid. I''m just like you, picking herbs."


    Saying so, he took therge basket off his back and ced it in front of her. Jiang Yuqing nced at it and saw that it was indeed full of medicinal materials, and she rxed a little.


    She turned her head to look at the elders. They seemed to have noticed the old man too, and were unanimously running towards them.


    Old Lady Hu was the closest to her and the fastest to arrive. She immediately shielded her granddaughter behind her and said warily, "Brother, did my granddaughter unintentionally offend you?"


    Although she spoke like this, anyone with a brain could understand the meaning behind it - she was protecting her grandchild.


    The old man quickly said, "Sister-inw, don''t be afraid. I am a doctor, Fang Yuqian of An Tang Clinic is my junior fellow disciple.


    Just now I was surprised to see your child recognizing herbs at such a young age, so I came over to take a look."


    When Old Lady Hu heard that he was the senior fellow disciple of Doctor Fang at An Tang Clinic, she was halfway relieved. Sheughed and said, "Let me tell you.


    My granddaughter has been different from other children since birth. She doesn''t like embroidered clothes and jewelry, she just likes to tinker with these strange flowers and nts. Please don''tugh at her!"


    The old man said, "No, no. I like clever and insightful children."


    Then he smiled and asked Jiang Yuqing, "Child, let me test you. If you can answer correctly, I''ll give you all the herbs in this basket. How about it?"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t say yes or no, she just tilted her head and asked him, "Sir, are you very knowledgeable?"


    The old man chuckled smugly, "Of course. I am the Valley Master of Bianque Valley, known as Doctor Qiu. The current Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau is my chief disciple."


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes lit up instantly. She did not know what Bianque Valley Master was, but she did know the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    To be able to take the highest medical position in the country, he must be an absolute genius.


    This old man was able to teach such an outstanding disciple, he must be even more amazing.


    Moreover, she wascking a "master of the mystic arts" as a master. It would be good to trick him into bing her master, and substantiate her medical skills with a proper origin story.


    Thinking of this, little Dumpling immediately nodded, "Okay!"


    Doctor Qiu took out five herbs from the basket and let little Dumpling identify them.


    Little Dumpling only nced at them and urately named them: "Lonicera, ntago, bulrush, mint, peri." Not a single mistake.


    Although they were allmon herbs, it was still remarkable for a two year old child.


    Doctor Qiu was instantly dumbfounded, staring with his mouth wide open.


    It took him a long time to recover, excitedly jumping up and down, shouting to the sky, "A genius, a true genius!"


    Seeing the women around looking at him like he was crazy, his face reddened slightly.


    He tried hard to calm himself down, squatted down, looked at Dumpling with especially gentle eyes and asked, "Child, who taught you this?"


    If she didn''t have a master, such a genius must be brought under his tutge. Even if she had a master it didn''t matter, having one more wouldn''t hurt.


    Little Dumpling was delighted, sess! It looked like tricking this master was already halfway done.


    With a little more effort, this divine doctor would be in her pocket.


    The Jiang elders also saw what was going on, and were happy to see it happen.


    They saw Dumpling scratch her little chubby head, shake her head and say, "No one taught me, I read books." Doctor Qiu was even more delighted, "Oh, you can read? What books have you read?"


    Dumpling counted on her fingers, "Shennong''s Herbal ssic, Huangdi Neijing, that''s all."


    That was already very knowledgeable. Doctor Qiu smiled with narrowed eyes, "Child, since you like medicine so much, would you like to apprentice under me?"


    Dumpling didn''t speak, she just turned to look at her mother.


    Lu and the others had heard of Doctor Qiu''s reputation.


    They didn''t expect to meet this legendary recluse on Qili Mountain today.


    It was rare that he even wanted to take their daughter as a disciple, it was truly a windfall.


    Lu was delighted and quickly nodded at her daughter.


    Only after her mother''s prompting did little Dumpling nod in agreement, "I''m willing."


    Doctor Qiuughed heartily, "Good, from today on, you are my closed door disciple."


    Under the guidance of Lu and the elders, Jiang Yuqing knelt down and kowtowed three times to Doctor Qiu,pleting the apprenticeship ceremony.


    Lu felt that the apprenticeship ceremony was too simple, afraid it would slight Doctor Qiu. She said she wanted to choose an auspicious day, prepare tea gifts, invite many guests, and formally take him as master.


    Old man Qiu repeatedly shook his head saying he did not care for such false courtesies, no need to make a big fuss. If she really wanted to show gratitude, when they got home Jiang Yuqing could just pour him a cup of tea.


    Lu quickly nodded in agreement.


    However, unexpectedly finding a divine doctor master for her daughter while picking mushrooms, it was truly an indescribable twist of fate.


    When Jiang Yuqing got home, she took the best tea from the director''s office and brewed it herself to serve Doctor Qiu, paying respects to this master.


    Doctor Qiu was all alone, having travelled for years healing others without a permanent home.


    But this time he actually epted a super young genius disciple, and decided to just stay at the Jiangs'' so he could teach and nurture another divine doctor.


    It was only after settling down at the Jiangs'' that Doctor Qiu realized his new young disciple was the daughter of Jiang Wenyuan, prefect and count of Qingzhou, who was ennobled for growing high-yield crops - Jiang Yuqing.


    No wonder his little disciple was so smart, with such a prestigious schr for a father.


    What''s more, his little disciple also kept a cute little white tiger, Bai Xiaojiu, just as adorable and friendly as she was.


    The two little cuties bounced around in front of him every day, ying and frolicking, and he felt his aging heart grow younger watching them.


    After bing a disciple, little Dumpling''s life became regr.


    She got up every morning at dawn to practice Tai Chi with her master, strengthening her body.


    The Jiang adults and children thought it looked fun, so they joined in too.


    After breakfast every day she would recite medical texts and study medical principles and drug properties. The afternoons were free time.


    In her previous life she had focused on Western medicine and only understood the basics of Chinese medicine. Now, starting over from the beginning with her teacher, she gradually built up a solid foundation.


    Like a dry sponge thrown into the vast ocean of Chinese medicine, she eagerly absorbed knowledge.


    As her knowledge steadily grew, many problems that had troubled her in her previous life were now easily solved.


    Doctor Qiu felt that for one so young, not only did his precious disciple have a photographic memory, she was also extremely disciplined.


    But too much studiousness is not good for a lively child, so she needed an outlet for her high spirits. Thus he only gave her half-day lessons.


    In the afternoons she would take Bai Xiaojiu to see her vegetable garden,


    watering her beloved vegetables with spiritual water and abilities to help them grow better. Or she would take her master to inspect her watermelon fields.


    When Doctor Qiu heard that these green vining nts were the winter melons once offered as tribute by the Barbarian States, he was quite shocked.


    But considering that his precious disciple''s family could grow grain with yields of thousands of catties per mu, producing tribute fruits didn''t seem so surprising after all.

 Chapter 41: The Watermelon Is Ripe

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    Two days after the Dragon Boat Festival, the imperial decree granting Old Lady Hu the title of "Respectable Lady of the Fourth Rank" that Jiang Wenyuan had petitioned for arrived.


    Old Lady Hu held the robe and hat of a Respectable Lady of the Fourth Rank sent by the imperial court, and was so emotional that tears rolled down her cheeks one after another.


    After suffering all her life, in her old age she was finally able to enjoy the good fortune of her descendants and became a prestigious imperial decreedy.


    Everyone urged her to go inside and try them on.


    Old Lady Hu couldn''t resist and let her daughters-inw push her inside.


    When the borately dressed olddy walked into the hall surrounded by several daughters-inw, everyone was stunned.


    Jiang Lao, who had just returned from working in the fields with a hoe over his shoulder, almost popped his eyes out when he saw this scene.


    His daughters-inw joked with him, "Dad, doesn''t Mother look good in this?"


    The foolish old man smiled, "Very good! It makes me look like a beggar."


    If he hadn''t slept with her for decades, he would have barely recognized that this was his wife.


    Jiang Lao spoke bluntly, making his children and grandchildren burst into muffledughter.


    He didn''t mind at all, and simply put down his hoe and went over to the olddy to size her up, looking up and down repeatedly.


    Old Lady Hu nced at him sideways, "What''s the matter, don''t recognize me?"


    Jiang Lao red at her, "You''re my wife, how could I not recognize you."


    He scratched his head awkwardly, "It''s just that all of a sudden you look much younger, like the wife of a wealthy family." When I stand with you, strangers might think I''m your father."


    All women like to be told they look young. Although Jiang Lao''s words were somewhat crude, Old Lady Hu found them very pleasing to her ears.


    She immediately became smug, "Of course. Back in the day, I was also the belle of thend. Yet I ended up marrying a fool like you, and after decades of hardship, now I''m too old to even look at."


    "Not old at all! You''re still a flower!"


    "What flower?"


    "That...that..." Jiang Lao was tongue-tied and looked to his sons for help. But his unfilial descendants all enjoyed watching the show, pretending not to know anything.


    Jiang Yuqing could only step in to save the situation, subtly pointing to the trumpet flowers on the wall ten meters away.


    Jiang Lao''s mind lit up and he blurted out, "Trumpet flower!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking than Old Lady Hu''s face dropped expressionless as she stared at him murderously.


    That look was as if she wanted to tear him apart, sending a shiver down Jiang Lao''s spine.


    Meanwhile, his children and daughters-inw covered their mouths, struggling to hold in theirughter as their bodies shook.


    Jiang Yuqing covered her face in exasperation. I want to take back what I just said about him being smooth. My dear grandfather, I was obviously referring to the lush peonies blooming vigorously on both sides of the front gate. How could you abandon what''s near and pursue what''s far, looking at the withering trumpet flowers on the wall ten meters away? Should I praise you for having such good vision, or scold you for being so blunt? That''s a sure way to get beaten by anyone else!


    The Lord of the Realm says, I won''t defend you. I can only admire you.


    In the end, Old Lady Hu couldn''t bear to hit him. She generously forgave Jiang Lao.


    In their decades of marriage, his mouth had never said anything nice.


    Moreover, it was the son they raised together, yet only she received the imperial decree while he was still amoner.


    Thinking this way, Old Lady Hu felt strangely appeased.


    Ever since Old Lady Hu received the imperial decree, the olddies in the vige looked at her even more enviously.


    Although the olddies appeared aloof on the surface, they were quite pleased in their hearts.


    From time to time, she would take her granddaughter out for a stroll, basking in the basket ofpliments before returning home satisfied.


    At first Jiang Yuqing didn''t understand why, but after it happened many times, she realized that her grandmother wanted to show off and revel in the ttery. Just let her enjoy herself.


    The olddy had a difficult life. At this point, this was her only hobby. Just let her be happy.


    Time passed day by day amid lively chatter andughter. Soon it was mid-May.


    In the fields, the vines of the watermelons had sprouted small yellow flowers, and many had begun to bear plump, cute, fingertip-sized green fruits.


    In a few more days when all the flowers had bloomed, they could start fruit thinning, which would ensure that each watermelon received ample nutrition for the best quality.


    Fearing that people or livestock would damage them, Jiang Yuqing had specially instructed her grandfather to send people to guard the melon fields every day, and to weed as well.


    As for the sweet potato seedling fields, transnting had already beenpleted inte April, with the seedlings distributed among themoners.


    By now, all had survived and were growing vigorously.


    The farmers treated this single mu of sweet potato field as the apple of their eye, even voluntarily forming patrol teams that guarded it round the clock in three shifts, for all twelve hours of the day.


    They were afraid that the slightest inattention would allow the crops to be stolen or ravaged by unwatched livestock.


    As for the 20 Imperial Guards, who were originally supposed to return to the capital after their mission,


    Jiang Wenyuan had submitted a memorandum to keep them stationed at the manor to guard the rice paddies after their duties ended.


    Now, the rice growing at the manor was thriving.


    The long-term workers said they had never seen rice growing so vigorously. The seedlings were thick and strong, with many productive tillers, looking very impressive.


    Jiang Yuqing had also visited twice, urging her father to pay close attention and inform her immediately if there were any signs of pest infestation, so she could find ways to control them.


    Life continued steadily.


    Doctor Qiu would take Jiang Yuqing up the mountain to gather herbs every three to five days. The old man said it would be a waste of the abundant medicinal herbs on the mountain not to collect them.


    Gradually, the vigers of Xijingdu also found out that Jiang Yuqing had apprenticed herself to an elderly master physician to study medicine, and this master physician was living in the Jiang family home.


    Thus, following the logic of seeking help from those close by, family members would frequentlye to the door for medical consultations.


    With the visitors increasing, it inevitably became inconvenient.


    Jiang Lao generously opened up the two side rooms near the main entrance into a small clinic and dispensary.


    When Doctor Qiu treated vigers, he had Dumpling observe at his side.


    He even let her personally take pulses, discern the patterns and causes of illnesses, and prescribe appropriate forms.


    Doctor Qiu would then point out one by one the deficiencies in his disciple''s differentiation and prescriptions of sovereign, minister, assistant and courier herbs.


    With her prior medical knowledge and Doctor Qiu''s hands-on guidance, she progressed astonishingly fast in integrating andprehending everything. It truly delighted Doctor Qiu to frequently boast about her to her parents as an extraordinary talent. If only he could kowtow on the spot to the Patriarch.


    In short, not only did Bianque Valley have a sessor, it might even reach new heights.


    Was Doctor Qiu the sort to obtain a treasure and hide it for himself?


    Of course not!


    He proudly wrote to his disciples and granddisciples, even telling everyone in Bianque Valley about his new treasured little disciple, how smart and adorable she was, and what a prodigy in the medical arts.


    Naturally Jiang Yuqing knew nothing about this.


    As a result, muchter when Jiang Yuqing was traveling, she was baffled by the unsolicited challenges from various doctors, though she was never defeated. Still, it was vexing enough to make her bald.


    Onlyter when she found out these troubles had all been brought upon her by her boastful master did she get so angry she wanted to rush home and tie up the old man for a beating.


    In mid-June, after inspecting the fields Jiang Yuqing reported the watermelons could start being harvested in two to three days. The Jiang family adults and children immediately became excited.


    On the eighteenth day of the sixth month, everyone in the Jiang family rose early, including Doctor Qiu and several agricultural officials.


    Plus several dozen servants of all kinds, they took baskets, straw, and some people had been hired to weaves specially made of straw. They drove several carts and mule carts and set off grandly for the melon fields.


    The more than twenty mu of melon fields were a vast green expanse, covered in round, plump watermelons, a very impressive sight filling everyone with the joy of an abundant harvest.


    Jiang Yuqing took the lead in entering the field, tapping among the watermelons with her fingers, and finally selected apletely ripe one for her father to pick.


    Jiang Wenyuan weighed the watermelon in his hand - it was no less than seventeen or eighteen jin, a real whopper. Carrying it onto the field ridge, he cut it open with a knife. The green rind and red flesh emitted a sweet aroma that rushed into their noses, making their mouths water.


    Jiang Wenyuan nimbly divided the watermelon into several pieces, handing one to each person. As soon as they took a bite, they were satisfied. It really was sweet as honey with a cool, juicy texture. The early summer heat that had just arose instantly vanished without a trace.


    With so many people, one melon was far from enough to share. Jiang Yuqing picked several more so everyone could eat their fill.


    The Jiang family grew a tribute product of the Fanbang region, watermelons, which was a big deal. Especially with an agricultural official residing in the family, it was naturally impossible to conceal this from the higher-ups.


    Therefore, this first batch of melons had to be sent to the capital as tribute for His Majesty the Emperor.


    Since the road was long, the tributary watermelons could not be fully ripe ones. They had to be eighty to ny percent ripe. Such watermelons, though not as sweet as fully ripe ones, were durable for transportation.


    Since it was the first time growing watermelons, apart from Jiang Yuqing, only Jiang Wenyuan had the experience to judge whether the watermelons were ripe and how ripe they were.


    Jiang Yuqing had the experience from growing many, while thetter purely from eating many. Every time before eating, he would habitually knock on the melon and gain experience from eating them.


    Therefore, the responsibilities of selecting melons and leading disciples fell on the father and daughter.


    Each of them led three disciples, teaching them hands-on how to select melons, while the others helped carry them. They put them one by one in sturdys, and when loading them into baskets, addedyers of straw in between.


    After loading the baskets onto carts, they stuffed more straw, making sure to protect them to avoid damage during transportation.


    They selected a total of three carts of melons. After loading the carts, they immediately sent them rushing to the capital.


    Among them, two carts were presented to the Emperor.


    Another cart had one basket for Li Deshun, one basket for Jing Yan. This was specifically requested by Tuan Zi to send.


    There was also one basket for the Duke of Protector''s Mansion, and one basket for Qin Jue. These two families were close friends of Jiang Wenyuan.


    When passing the prefecture city, they also gave one basket each to Li Zheng, Prefect of Lingzhou, and Luo Ren, Executive of Lingzhou.


    These two were Jiang Wenyuan''s top superiors, so when sending things to the capital, they could not bypass them.


    Though called three carts, there were actually just a few dozen total.


    Watermelons were simply too big, and arge wicker basket half a person''s height could only hold five. Each cart could only load six baskets.


    After sending off this batch, the Jiang family picked some more fully ripe ones and gave them to rtives and friends.


    For example, Lu''s and Lin''s maternal families each got two baskets, Jiang Wenxi''s master and Zhu''s maternal granduncle each got one basket.


    There were also deliveries to Jiang Wenyuan''s former ssmates, the county academy teacher, and friends in manors.


    They also sent a basket to the private tutor of the Jiang family academy, and gave one to every family in the vige regardless of surname. They were extremely generous.


    When delivering, they also told them that they could keep the seeds and nt them if they wished.


    This caused the vigers of Xijin Crossing to highly praise the Jiang family''s benevolence. Jiang Wenyuan''s reputation thus rose another level.

 Chapter 42: This Guy is Real.

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    As for the remaining watermelons, they gradually ripened and were all bought up by the Jiang, Qu, and Zhou families at a high price of 300 wen per jin.


    After doing the final calctions, a total of 58,500 taels of silver were earned, not counting the ones given away.


    When Old Jiang and Old Hu heard this number for the first time, their legs trembled.


    Having worked on the fields their whole lives, it was the first time they realized that farming could be so profitable. Are these watermelons or gold?


    When the vigers heard that the watermelon given to them by the Jiang family was worth four or five taels of silver, they felt both heartbroken and regretful.


    They felt sorry for the Jiang family for not valuing money, giving away so many watermelons so casually.


    At the same time, they regretted their own greediness. Eating something worth four or five taels of silver without blinking an eye. Their household expenses for a whole year didn''t even amount to four taels. In short, they felt various diforts.


    Fortunately, most of the vigers saved some seeds, hoping to grow some next year. Even if more people grew them next year and they were not worth as much, they could still be eaten at home.


    After thest watermelon was harvested, it was already early July.


    Jiang Yuqing calcted the time and immediately had Jiang''s father send someone to prepare the more than twenty mu ofnd and urgently nt a batch of sweet potatoes.


    The sweet potato seedlings came from the two mu of sweet potato fields that Jiang''s family kept for themselves.


    Generally speaking, sweet potatoes that have been cut off from the vines will have a significant reduction in yield. Jiang Yuqing couldn''t bear to waste these two mu of sweet potatoes, so after cutting off the vines, she quickly watered them with spiritual water and used her special ability to stimte their growth.


    She didn''t dare to make it too obvious and only stimted them a little every day. After a while, the cut vines quickly grew back, even more lush than before they were cut.


    Someone found it strange and asked how the sweet potato vines in their house grew so fast.


    The Jiang family used a pre-prepared exnation, saying that they used a special potion prepared by their master for such good growth.


    The person then asked if there was any more of that potion, and if there was, they wanted to buy some.


    The Jiang family replied that it was long gone.


    Because the cost was too high, if it wasn''t for not wanting to waste these two mu of sweet potatoes, they wouldn''t have used it like this.


    And casually mentioned a price, which immediately scared the person away. The matter was easily brushed aside.


    As for the newly nted sweet potatoes in the fields, Jiang Yuqing secretly watered them twice with spiritual water and used her ability to stimte their growth once, with the protection of Jiang''s family.


    After that, she let them grow naturally.


    Although it was a bitte, they should be able to harvest before the frost in November.


    In the capital city.


    Imperial study.


    Emperor Xia Jing finished a te of chilled watermelon, took the handkerchief handed to him by Li Deshun, and leaned back in his chair, satisfied.


    He casually picked up the document on the desk and nced at it again, smiling, "This Jiang Wenyuan is truly a talented farmer. Last year, he grew sweet potatoes, and this year he grew watermelons.


    I heard that in the manor I rewarded him, he also nted new crops, and they are growing well. I wonder how the future yield will bepared to the officials in the Ministry of Agriculture. They have be useless bags of rice."


    Li Deshun couldn''t respond to these words, nor did he dare to.


    Emperor Xia Jing lightly tapped the desk with his finger and suddenly said, "Li Deshun, howe I heard that you also received a basket of watermelons?"


    Li Deshun''s spine shivered as he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is not what I, your servant, requested from Lord Jiang. This is a gift from my little friend to me."


    "Oh? I had no idea that you made a new little friend during your stay in Qingzhou for half a month," Emperor Xia Jing eximed.


    Li Deshun rubbed his old face and said, "Your Majesty, please don''t make fun of me. This little friend of mine is none other than Lord Jiang''s youngest daughter. When I was staying at the Jiang residence, we got along quite well. After returning to the capital, I had someone send her two small items as gifts. It seems that she also cherishes the friendship we had, which is why she sent me a basket in return."


    "Ah, so that''s the story? How old is this little friend of yours?"


    "Your Majesty, she is a little over two years old."


    "Two years old?" Emperor Xia Jing chuckled, "Instead of calling her a little friend, you might as well adopt her as your grandniece. That way, you can take advantage of being an elder!"


    Li Deshun wore a bitter expression and said, "I would like that, but to put it bluntly, I may have some face in front of Your Majesty, but privately, I am still a lowly eunuch who can''t hold his head up high. If a noble youngdy like her recognizes me as her granduncle, wouldn''t it bring shame upon her?"


    "I see! So, you genuinely care about this little girl," Emperor Xia Jing remarked.


    Li Deshun replied, "Indeed, Your Majesty, you don''t know how wonderful she is."


    "From what you''ve said, this youngdy from the Jiang family seems quite interesting," Emperor Xia Jing, who rarely showed interest, said. "Come, tell me more about her."


    And so, Li Deshun went on and on...


    It was said that Jiang Yuqing was the only girl born into the Jiang n of Qingzhou in the past two hundred years, which even surprised the Emperor himself, who was ustomed to grand scenes.


    He thought to himself that the feng shui of the Jiang n seemed a bit skewed. If only the good fortune of having male heirs could be shared with the Jing family.


    The imperial lineage had been thin for several generations. Now in his forties, Emperor Xia Jing only had one legitimate son and one illegitimate son, thetter of whom was born with two missing fingers, a disabled child.


    Fortunately, the Crown Prince was healthy and, despite being young, possessed a steady and profound character, suitable for shouldering great responsibilities.


    Thus, the Great Xia''s throne could be considered secured.


    Although Emperor Xia Jing received two carts of watermelons, he couldn''t reward all the people he wanted to. The favored concubines of the harem and the capable ministers from the previous dynasty, none of them were left out.


    So much so that after dividing them up, he himself didn''t get more than half.


    Correction, he had already finished eating them all, not a single one was left.


    Even the Emperor could only get half, so it was natural that Li Deshun, a eunuch, wouldn''t dare to surpass the Emperor''s authority. He could only reluctantly offer his own basket as a contribution.


    Fortunately, Emperor Xia Jing wasn''t too unreasonable and left him with one.


    To protect hisst watermelon, Li Deshun "identally" mumbled, saying that the Crown Prince, the Marquis of Zhengguo''s Mansion, and the Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Pingyang''s Mansion, Qin Jue, each received a basket.


    In other words, Your Majesty, you should ask them for it!


    The watermelons were divided equally among everyone, so why should I be the only one at a loss?


    That''s how Li Deshun thought.


    The watermelons from the Marquis of Zhengguo''s Mansion and the Marquis of Pingyang''s Mansion, the Emperor didn''t dare to ask for them. But Crown Prince Jing Yan suffered the consequences.


    Emperor Xia Jing, under the pretense of visiting his son to strengthen their bond, barged into the Eastern Pce and forcibly took one of the remaining two watermelons.


    He justified it by saying that a son should show filial piety to his father, which infuriated Jing Yan to the point of rebellion.


    The emperor relished eating the watermelon his son "filially" presented to him and casually asked, "When did the Jiang family be associated with the Duke of Zhenguofu?"


    Li Deshun''s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, but he remainedposed and replied, "There is indeed some connection. I know a bit about this matter."


    "Tell me about it!"


    Li Deshun pondered for a moment and then said, "It seems to have happened during the autumn examinationsst year. The eldest grandson of the Duke of Zhenguofu took advantage of his family''s inattention and sneaked out through a back door''s dog hole. In a nearby alley close to the Imperial Academy, he was robbed by a group of ruffians."


    He was fortunate to be rescued by Mr. Jiang, who happened to pass by and hired a carriage to send the child back. I heard that Mr. Jiang didn''t even leave his name at the time.


    Later, the Duke of Zhenguofu''s household found out about Mr. Jiang''s identity and the Duke''s heir personally sent a generous gift to express gratitude. Mr. Jiang, who was still a jinshi schr at the time, didn''t dare to refuse but found it troublesome to ept.


    After much consideration, Mr. Jiang returned the favor by sending back a ginseng root he happened to have on him, reluctantly putting his mind at ease. Around that time, the jinshi examination results were announced, and Mr. Jiang achieved an impressive fourth ce.


    The Duke of Zhenguofu''s people felt that Mr. Jiang was sincere, so they sent someone to instruct him on the etiquette and formalities required when meeting the emperor during the pce examination.


    Later on, Mr. Jiang was selected as the top scorer in the pce examination by His Majesty. However, he declined the opportunity to enter the Hanlin Academy and expressed his desire to serve in an official position outside, hoping to do practical things for the people.


    This matter came to the attention of Mr. Qin, who was then the county magistrate of Qingzhou. He wanted Mr. Jiang Wenyuan to seed him as the county magistrate and took the initiative to write to the Duke of Zhenguofu, asking for their assistance in appealing to the Ministry of Personnel. This was how the matter of Mr. Jiang Wenyuan returning to Qingzhou to assume office came about."


    In fact, the emperor was well aware of the intricate power dynamics within the court. It was not something that could be easily exined in just a few words.


    There is a saying that when the water is clear, there are no fish. As long as things don''t go too far, Emperor Xia Jing would usually turn a blind eye.


    Moreover, the Duke of Zhenguofu''s household and Qin Jue had indeed done a great favor this time.


    The Duke of Zhenguofu''s household considered Mr. Jiang Wenyuan to be sincere, and he truly was.


    For example, this time they sent him watermelons. The opening line of the apanying note read, "I humbly offer this to the Holy One."


    The rest of the note was a simple statement in innguage: "The watermelons grown in my humble home have ripened, and two carts have been sent for Your Majesty to taste them fresh." It was signed without a single unnecessary word.


    They even attached a detailed handwritten record book on watermelon cultivation.


    As he flipped through it casually, Emperor Xia Jing realized that when he became a retired emperor, he might even be able to personally grow some watermelons for his great-grandson to enjoy, following the instructions in this booklet.


    The emperor felt fortunate and eximed, "If he hadn''t requested to serve outside, I would have missed out on a true pir of the state."


    He suddenly asked, "So who was originally intended to go to Qingzhou as a recement?"


    Li Deshun replied, "It seems to be a schr who ranked at the bottom of the third ss."


    "A schr who ranked at the bottom? Rather ordinary in terms of talent, then. ording to the regtions, he can only go to the county school to serve as a magistrate or perhaps be a county yamen official, and nothing more."


    Even for a low-ranking county magistrate, it would be difficult to have a chance, let alone in Qingzhou, a solidly middle-ranking county.


    If there isn''t something fishy going on, I wouldn''t believe it even if you killed me.


    The emperor, being as shrewd as he is, immediately grew cold and asked, "Whose doing is this?"


    Li Deshun shook his head and softly replied, "Your Majesty, it was the Distinguished Gentleman Tong Fuqiu, who is a distant rtive of this fellow schr and currently serves as the Minister of Rites."


    "Tong Fuqiu?"


    Emperor Xia Jing suddenly remembered that when the urgent memorial and sweet potatoes were delivered from Lingzhou Prefecture, which was six hundred miles away, Tong Fuqiu had vehemently opposed it right then and there.


    He used Jiang Wenyuan of deception and attempting to deceive the emperor.


    At the time, he found it strange that no one in the court, neither civil nor military officials, had spoken up, but the Minister of Rites, who had nothing to do with the matter, had rushed to oppose it. So, this was the root cause.


    Understanding the whole story, Emperor Xia Jing couldn''t help but grind his teeth in anger.


    All this trouble caused by an insignificant schr who didn''t even make it to the final rankings. That damn Tong Fuqiu truly has grown weary of life.

 Chapter 43: Merit

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    The watermelon incident elevated Jiang Wenyuan''s position in Emperor Xia Jing''s heart to a new height, beginning the story.


    With Jiang Yuqing sessfully hanging a number in front of the Emperor as the middle part, and Tong Fuqiu sessfully applying eye drops in front of the Emperor as the ending.


    Long after, when Jiang Yuqing learned of this, he arrogantly summarized it.


    That is: never offend the eunuchs.


    They cannot influence the Emperor''s decisions, but their objective words and deeds will, to a certain degree, affect the Emperor''s subjective judgement.


    Of course, this is ater story, we will mention it for now.


    The fiery July. The scorching sun was as if wanting to bake dry every drop of moisture from the creatures on the ground.


    Already six months old, Bai Xiaojiu was already two feet and two inches tall, about the same height as Jiang Yuqing.


    From head to tail tip, the length had already reached a shocking five feet and four inches, it was half grown young tiger.


    Only the thick fur coat made it extremely unbearable in this scorching summer heat.


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid it would get sick from the heat, specially prepared an ovalrge wooden tub filled with cool well water under the big pomelo tree in the backyard.


    It loved it immensely.


    Other than morning and night, it spent most of the daytime soaking in its beloved bath tub, and would not move half a step unless necessary.


    Jiang Yuqing did not dare to easily approach its tub, because as soon as she got close, it would excitedly ssh her wet.


    Or it would simply grab her into its big tub to bathe together, like grabbing a rabbit.


    Although not cold, it was troublesome to keep changing clothes.


    Because of the hot weather, Jiang Yuqing and Master also rarely went out.


    But there were quite a few more patientsing to seek treatment for heat stroke.


    Tuanzi on her own prepared cooling tea bags for preventing heat stroke, five coins per bag, ced in the small pharmacy to sell. One bag could be used for several days.


    The vigersing for consultations could decide for themselves whether to purchase, since the price was not expensive, they sold quite well.


    With many people buying, the prepared medicinal materials were somewhat insufficient.


    Luckily the cooling tea bags used verymon herbal teas, which could be seen everywhere in the fields around Xijin Du.


    So Jiang Yuqing and Master took advantage of the time before sunrise when the sun had note up yet, and brought Bai Xiaojiu to gather herbs.


    Master Qiu had to carry the medicine basket, so naturally could not carry her. Tuanzi also felt bad always getting carried by someone.


    When they walked longer distances, her little short legs could not keep up.


    She still wanted a means of transport.


    Dad always said he would buy her a little pony, but after looking for a long time could not find one.


    The donkey he had promised to buy her, now after several months had passed, she had not even seen a donkey hair.


    She thought, she still had to look for Dad, otherwise who knows when she could ride a donkey.


    She had actually considered Bai Xiaojiu.


    But this thing had too yful a temper, and was still a baby. She felt a little heartache.


    Just as she was racking her brains for a mount, her dad finally got a conscience, and led back for her a white-hooved donkey with a swirl on its forehead and slender limbs.


    Jiang Yuqing was so happy. She immediately had someone support her onto the donkey''s back, and rode it out for a spin.


    Dad Jiang was afraid she would fall, so walked alongside holding the lead to escort his precious daughter.


    Father and daughter circled the outskirts of Xijin Du, even running a round in the sweet potato fields, arousing envy in many children.


    Tuanzi somehow strangely satisfied some strange vanity.


    On the way back, passing through a stretch of east water fields, which was the muddy pool where the water buffaloes of the vige most liked to wallow. From afar they saw a white animal running over fast.


    That animal ran strangely fast, and soon raced over up close, it was actually Bai Xiaojiu.


    Bai Xiaojiu was very displeased that Tuanzi had deserted it and gone out. Especially when seeing her now riding on a strange ugly thing, it became even angrier.


    Running up close, it opened its big mouth and gave a "Roar!"


    Now things had gone badly.


    The donkey was startled by the roar, and gave a shriek as it leapt up high, its hooves iling as it turned and ran off. Jiang Wenyuan pulled with all his might but could not hold on.


    This Bai Xiaojiu, afraid things were not chaotic enough, roared another two times.


    Although not enough to shake heaven and earth, it was enough to scare the inexperienced donkey witless.


    At that time the situation became even more out of hand.


    Tuanzi angrily scolded: "Bai Xiaojiu, don''t..." Ah!


    Tuanzi felt her small body flung high up, suspended in air, then quickly dropped down, then "Ssh!" she was thrown by the donkey into the mud pool beside them.


    Jiang Wenyuan was badly frightened, and quickly jumped in to fish out his daughter.


    The donkey, having lost control, kicked open its hooves and raced off like a shooting star.


    In his fluster to fish his daughter out of the muddy water and see that she was fine, only then did he feel relieved.


    Tuanzi''s head, face and whole body were covered in mud, even the tips of the little horns on her head were dripping mud.


    The white Tuanzi had be a ck mud ball, simply too awful to look at.


    She arduously spit out the mud in her mouth, and was so angry she turned and cursed at the nk faced Bai Xiaojiu on the shore.


    "Bai Xiaojiu, you''re dead..."


    It turned out this idiot tiger Bai Xiaojiu, hearing its name, thought the young mistress was calling it toe y. In its excitement it also leapt down, sshing her with another mouthful of mud.


    The little Tuanzi was furious, and grabbed Bai Xiaojiu''s tiger head to press it into the muddy water.


    But she overestimated her own strength and underestimated Bai Xiaojiu''s strength. In the end she was pounced on by the excited Bai Xiaojiu, and pressed into the mud once more...


    The two balls of dough then lovingly yed and tussled in the rotten mud puddle until forcibly suppressed through military force by dad Jiang who could endure no more.


    When the two people and one tiger once more stood on the solid road,


    and Jiang Wenyuan looked at the two small muddy monkeys, then looked at himself covered in mud, and the donkey that had disappeared, he could not help his temples throbbing violently.


    It was over, when they got home they would surely be dealt with by his dear wife!


    And that stupid donkey.


    So stupid and cowardly!


    He had said creatures like donkeys were unreliable. Sure enough there was an ident the first time she rode it!


    On the way home, because of the strange appearance of these three, they did attract quite a few curious looks.


    But due to Jiang dad''s prestige, they did not dare to openlyugh. Though turning their backs to shake andugh, they pretended not to see.


    Having seen the father and daughter leave happily and return covered in mud,


    Lu was barely able to hold back the volcano in her heart: "Did you two go roll in the mud pit?"


    Father and daughter exchanged a guilty look. That''s right, they did roll in the mud pit!


    "Speak up, have you both been struck dumb?"


    Dad Jiang saw he could not escape this, and steeled himself to say: "The donkey threw darling into the mud pool."


    "Hey, you two really have made something of yourselves... Right, where''s the donkey?"


    "It ran away!" Afraid her mother would get angry, Tuanzi quickly added: "Bai Xiaojiu scared it away."


    "Nonsense, Bai Xiaojiu was just... " Lu looked down at the energetic tail-wagging little mud tiger at her feet, and abruptly swallowed back the word she had not finished saying.


    "What exactly happened, tell me from the start!"


    "The truth is, as darling and I were riding the donkey home, Bai Xiaojiu for some reason ran out to meet us. It roared twice.


    That donkey is timid and had never seen a tiger before, was frightened into a frenzy of leaping, and threw darling into the mud puddle.


    I went down to fish out darling, then Bai Xiaojiu also jumped down, and started ying with darling in the mud puddle. In the end it became like this."


    If you really looked into it, the culprit was Bai Xiaojiu.


    Bai Xiaojiu was a tiger, tigers innately have a bloodline suppression over ordinary animals. ming it seemed useless too, it could only be said to be an ident.


    After hearing her husband''s words, Lu was also exasperated and amused.


    Looking at her daughter standing there like a little mud monkey, she pretended to be angry and said: "Throw it out, I don''t want this daughter anymore, too dirty."


    Tuanzi knew her mother''s anger had passed. She quickly went up and pulled at her mother''s clothes, smiling ingratiatingly to admit her mistake: "Mother dearest, darling knows she was wrong. Don''t abandon me, I can still be wanted if I''m washed."


    With divine washing she could still be wanted.


    Lu really could not hold back herughter. Herst bit of anger also dispersed. She personally led her daughter to the back to wash up.


    As for her husband, let him stay wherever is mostfortable! He couldn''t even protect their daughter properly.


    Humph!


    After washing up, Jiang Yuqing once again became a clean, bright white Tuanzi.


    As for the donkey that threw the precious daughter into a mud pond on its first day of work, Dad Jiang naturally no longer had any need to keep it. The day after finding it again, he had someone lead it away to sell.


    Tuanzi was still a Tuanzi without a mount.


    It was unknown whether Baby Dumpling''s desire to have a mount was too strong, or for some other reason, but this day when she followed her master up the mountain again, she suddenly felt a ripple in her spirit realm.


    Just as she was about to check what was going on, a sh of white light appeared before her eyes, and an extremely beautiful creature appeared before her.


    This exotic beast was about 2 meters tall and around 6 meters long. Its whole body was snow white, with light golden markings on it.


    It had a pair of majestic, white, fork-shaped horns on its head that were like beautiful jade. Around its neck was a flowing, silk-like mane, giving it an imposing and very beautiful appearance.


    Jiang Yuqing almost fell in love with it at first sight.


    But somehow, it looked very familiar.


    Hmm... wasn''t this the same as the carved statue by the spiritual spring?


    Jiang Yuqing quickly looked into her spirit realm, and as expected, the ce where the statue stood was now empty.


    "You, you, you you you, came alive?" The realm master stammered in shock.


    The White Deer came over and gently licked her hand, "Yes, master. It''s me." A very cute loli voice sounded in her mind.


    "Spirit artifact?" As a soul who had lived in modern society before, Baby Dumpling was naturally familiar with, and readily epted, these two words.


    "So you''re a girl like me too?"


    The Deer nodded, "If that''s how master wishes to see me, then yes."


    Baby Dumpling scratched her head embarrassedly, "I thought you were just a pretty statue before, I didn''t expect you to be alive!"


    The Deer said, "I wasn''t supposed to awaken this quickly originally, but master, you did good deeds and umted virtues, which allowed me to awaken so soon."


    "Virtues?" Baby Dumpling blinked her big eyes, when did I do any good deeds recently?


    The Deer said, "Sweet potatoes. You brought sweet potatoes to this world. Promoting them will save countless lives, that is virtue!


    Also, you taught people how to can fruits, reducing the losses of fruit farmers.


    Because of the workshop, many job opportunities were also created indirectly for society. All these have virtue."


    "And the Hibiscus Spirit Realm is muchrger than what you see now. Those parts still need virtue to unlock."


    The realm master''s eyes instantly lit up, "So the Hibiscus Spirit Realm can still upgrade. As long as I keep doing good deeds?"


    "That''s right in principle."


    "I''m in!" Baby Dumpling was ted in her heart. She decided she must do more good deeds from now on.

 Chapter 44: The White Ten

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    When Baby Dumpling heard that Lu Shu could be her mount, she was overjoyed at first but soon a bit disappointed: "Lu Shu, you''re too big. I''m so little now I can''t get on you at all."


    Lu Shu said, "That''s easy to fix, I''ll just get a little smaller." After a sh of white light he promptly shrank down several sizes, and a saddle magically appeared on his back.


    Seeing the now pony-sized Lu Shu, Jiang Yuqing was so surprised her mouth fell open. After a long pause she said, "Lu Shu, you''re so amazing!"


    "Of course," miniaturized Lu Shu was absolutely adorable, the kind that could y you with cuteness. Jiang Yuqing immediately started petting him, utterly delighted.


    "Master, please give me a name! I don''t have one yet!"


    Jiang Yuqing asked curiously, "Isn''t Lu Shu your name?"


    Lu Shu shook his head, "Of course not. Lu Shu is the name for our entire tribe, we Lu Shu are an ancient primordial beast n."


    "I see," Baby Dumpling smiled awkwardly. These spirit beasts were too clever, hard to handle. What to do? Please advise, it''s rather urgent.


    Lu Shu could also see that the realm master of this ce wasn''t too reliable.


    Besides, the name Bai Xiaoshi, while not exactly elegant, was still quite cute. After thinking it over he reluctantly epted it.


    Doctor Qiu didn''t expect that in the short time he went to fetch water, his apprentice would return with a beautiful deer beside her.


    Doctor Qiu walked around the strange beast twice, it was a deer right? It should be, horses don''t have antlers.


    But this deer was also too beautiful, its antlers looked like mutton-fat jade, he wondered what medicinal effects they might have...


    It had a long mane around its neck, and faint golden markings on its body.


    Deer blood and venison were health tonics, and there was deer whip... Oh, this one looked female, so no whip.


    Bai Xiaoshi suddenly felt a chill run through his body. He turned his head to see the lecherous old man ogling the area between his hind legs, seemingly regretful.


    That roving gaze, looking him up and down, it was like he wanted to take him apart!


    Angrily Bai Xiaoshi let out a loud "Yo-yo" at him.


    But his voice was too melodious, the old man didn''t feel threatened at all, in fact he looked even more delighted, "Oh-ho, quite the temper on this little thing!"


    Bai Xiaoshi spat at him. The world instantly fell silent.


    Bai Xiaoshi held his head high triumphantly. Let''s see, let''s see! If I don''t put you in your ce, you really will take advantage of me.


    Jiang Yuqing hurriedly handed her master a handkerchief, then sternly admonished Bai Xiaoshi, "Bai Xiaoshi, don''t be so rude. He''s my master. He''s family, don''t treat him like that!"


    Bai Xiaoshi refused to back down, "Who told him to look at me with such lecherous eyes, like he wanted to take me apart!"


    Jiang Yuqing also knew her master''s bad habit. She smiled wryly and cated him, "Master has been a doctor all his life, he''s a good person, just has some... upational afflictions. Don''t take offense, I promise you he won''t do it again."


    Bai Xiaoshi harrumphed, which counted as agreeing.


    Baby Dumpling also didn''t know how to exin Bai Xiaoshi''s background to her master. Besides, she would be studying medicine under him for a long time, it was hard to keep many things hidden.


    Moreover, Doctor Qiu treated her like his own family, he was an elder who could be trusted. She didn''t n on deceiving him either.


    So, Baby Dumpling was very candid, "Master, he''s my friend, Bai Xiaoshi. Don''t bully him in the future."


    Doctor Qiu nodded to show he understood, "Did you just find him on the mountain?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, "No, he was with me when I was born."


    "Hm?" Doctor Qiu thought his ears were malfunctioning. What did she mean "he was with me when I was born"?


    Then, Doctor Qiu witnessed a worldview-shattering scene. A sh of white light and the deer vanished. Another sh and the deer reappeared.


    "Master, Master!" Jiang Yuqing called out twice before she could pull Doctor Qiu back from his stunned state.


    Doctor Qiu stammered, "So he''s, he''s not a monster!"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head again, "No, Master. He won''t harm anyone."


    Doctor Qiu quickly looked around to make sure no one else had seen. Only then did he breathe a long sigh of relief.


    "That''s good!" He nced at Bai Xiaoshi, "Do your parents know about this?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "The elders at home know I''m a bit strange, but they haven''t seen Bai Xiaoshi before.


    Because Bai Xiaoshi was dormant until just now when he woke up. I''ll tell them when I get home!"


    "Good, good!" Doctor Qiu solemnly admonished her, "Other than your parents, you absolutely can not tell anyone else. Remember, possessing a treasure invites disaster! Be careful in the future, your master will also do his best to cover for you, understand?"


    "Yes, Master, I understand."


    "Alright, from now on, pretend Bai Xiaoshi is a deer you just happened to find. Since he''s ownerless, you can keep him and use him as a mount."


    "Thank you, Master."


    Doctor Qiu patted his dear apprentice''s little head, signaling for her to keep gathering herbs.


    In his travels all over as a roaming doctor gathering herbs, he had seen many entrics and bizarre events, but never expected his precious apprentice to have such an adventure.


    In fact, after living with the Jiang family for so long, he hadn''t missed the strange things about them.


    Like how the vegetables in the back garden would be bare one day but growing crazily the next day. Or how the kitchen tub somehow had water even sweeter than the best mountain spring, and drinking it could strengthen the body and prolong life.


    Plus the Jiang family''s overt and covert protection of the little girl, everything indicated it was rted to her.


    Now that his apprentice had confided this secret to him, it must be because she considered him on the same level as her own parents.


    He was extremely gratified, but also felt pressured. Could he really protect such an outstanding apprentice?


    In any case, his apprentice was destined for great things.


    Since ancient times, the greatly fated were apanied by great fortune, having auspicious beasts follow them was nothing odd.


    Like the little white tiger at home, and now this deer.


    When Jiang Yuqing returned from gathering herbs, she had also brought back a beautiful white deer to use as a mount.


    If this happened to someone else, it would be astonishing.


    But happening to her, Jiang Wenyuan was not surprised.


    Moreover, with this deer, his good daughter would no longer have to worry about wanting a donkey.


    This deer was not only beautiful, but bold, with exceptionally highbat ability. With just one kick, it could defeat the white tiger Bai Xiaojiu who had tried to drive it away.


    Able to defeat even a tiger, dealing withmon thieves should be no problem.


    There was now basic protection for his daughter''s safety when she traveled, so Jiang Dad felt reassured.


    Most importantly, the deer was beautiful, a fitting match for his precious daughter.


    The little girl, little deer, plus the little tiger, three little cuties, simply heart-meltingly adorable.


    It had to be said, the solemn and proper Jiang Wenyuan in front of others was a hidden cuteness-holic in private.


    After her brothers went to sleep at night, Jiang Yuqing still decided to tell her parents about the deer''s origins to keep them informed.


    "Dad, Mom, Bai Xiaoshi is my spirit beast, and I''m the realm master of Hibiscus Spirit Realm."


    "What''s Hibiscus Spirit Realm, is it the immortal realm?" Jiang Wenyuan asked his daughter.


    Jiang Yuqing also couldn''t exin exactly, she thought for a bit then pointed at the lotus on her forehead, "It''s in here!"


    The couple was instantly startled. Jiang Wenyuan grabbed his daughter and anxiously asked, "You mean it''s in your brain?"


    Jiang Yuqing thought about it, then nodded and shook her head, "Yes, and no.


    It''s a world that belongs only to me, my heritage. Right now my body is still small, I can only enter with my consciousness. When I turn three my body will be able to enter too!"


    "Is it harmful to your body?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook his head: "No. Don''t worry. Bai Xiaoshi is just a Lingjing artifact spirit, an ancient mythical beast Lu Shu deer. It is very powerful.


    Because we nted sweet potatoes and gained merit, it was able toe out early and meet me."


    Baby Dumpling turned his head to Bai Xiaoshi and said, "Bai Xiaoshi, they are my rtives. Say hi!"


    Bai Xiaoshi let out a "Yo" sound, which served as a greeting.


    It also told everyone that from today on, it would be part of this family.


    The family weed the appearance of Bai Xiaoshi with great enthusiasm.


    The children had longed for a mount they could rely on, and now they could rest assured.


    It was the golden autumn eighth month. When the vigers began harvesting the rice in the fields, the rice in the Jiang family''s thousands of acres of fields had also ripened.


    The autumn wind blew, stirring up surging waves of rice, rolling pieces of gold, rising and falling one after another, very spectacr.


    Gold is the color of joy, the color of auspice.


    The stalks as tall as a grown man''s waist were full of half-chi long ears, about three times as long as ordinary grains.


    The grains on top were dense and plump, heavy and rare. It amazed people.


    Many of Jiang''s long-term workers were old farmers who had farmed all their lives. They had rarely seen such good grains. They loved it so much that they wished they could sleep in the fields.

 Chapter 45: High Yield Grain Seed, Contemporary Shennong

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Jiang Wenyuan was grateful for their kindness and openly promised to give each person an extra one or two silver coins as a bonus, in addition to their promised wages after the autumn harvest.


    In the future, if anyone wanted to buy grain seeds to nt in their own good fields, they coulde to him.


    Of course, if anyone engaged in deceit and fraud, they wouldn''t even have the chance to talk about buying grain seeds; they would be directly dealt with for the crime of fraud.


    The county prison provided meals and amodations, along with a night-time wake-up service courtesy of rats and cockroaches, ensuring your satisfaction.


    Since Jiang Wenyuan didn''t keep it a secret, it didn''t take long for almost half of Qingzhou to know that in the manor bestowed upon the county magistrate by the emperor, there grew high-yielding rice that had grain ears three times the length of ordinary rice.


    While people were aware of it and enjoyed watching the spectacle, no one dared to steal it.


    The four characters "Imperial Gift" alone were intimidating enough.


    There were also the Feather Forest Guards who rotated every twelve hours to protect it, as well as the periodic check-ins by the court''s agricultural officials and the county yamen''s clerks.


    In addition, the hiredborers at Jiang''s home provided automatic and vignt protection, making it impossible for outsiders to steal a thing.


    August eighth, great luck and prosperity.


    In the eyes of countless people in Qingzhou, Jiang''s manor began to reap the harvest they had been eagerly anticipating.


    Theborers were divided into three groups. One group was responsible for harvesting.


    Another group was in charge of bundling the harvested grain intorge baskets and threshing it.


    The third group loaded the threshed grain into baskets and used horse-drawn carriages to transport it back to Xijin Ferry for drying.


    After drying, the chaff was blown away, and the yield was measured using scales.


    To ensure fairness and avoidplications when reporting the yield, Jiang Wenyuan entrusted this matter to two agricultural officials, leaving himself out of it.


    Jiang Yuqing also arrived.


    She enjoyed the bustling scene of a bountiful harvest, but she had some objections to therge basket used for threshing.


    It was quite primitive and time-consuming.


    In her previous life, the welfare institute where she grew up also had a few acres of rice fields. Whenever it was time to harvest, the headmistress would bring some of the older children to help, both as assistance and to teach them survival skills in disguise.


    At that time, they used a foot-powered threshing machine.


    Several boards were assembled into a semi-open wooden box structure, with arge rolling drum in the middle covered in V-shaped teeth.


    The two ends were connected by gears, with arger one and a smaller one interlocking, driven by a foot pedal in the front.


    The design wasn''tplicated. With the productivity of this era, it could easily be achieved.


    After watching for a while, she climbed back into the carriage and took out pen and paper from the Lingjing, quickly sketching a diagram, not worrying about the exact measurements.


    Her father was exceptionally intelligent, and she believed that as long as he got a rough idea, he would understand almost everything.


    Her dumpling-making skills were not very good, and the lines were crooked and twisted, but you could still make out the general idea.


    But her father hadplete trust in his daughter, believing that anything she gave him was good.


    He looked at this piece of paper, covered in childlike scribbles, and examined it horizontally and vertically several times, and he truly understood.


    This was clearly a new type of threshing machine, and if it were really built, the efficiency of threshing would increase several times over.


    Jiang Wenyuan gave a firm kiss on his beloved daughter''s head and happily went off with the drawing paper to find the agricultural officials.


    And so, everyone watched as these three officials,cking any sense of dignity, sat on a pile of freshly harvested straw, gesturing excitedly around a small piece of paper. Their enthusiasm was palpable.


    After a while, one of the agricultural officials swiftly ran off with the drawing paper, as if he were heading to see his sweetheart.


    After promising a substantial sum of money at the county office, it took only three days for the prototype of the threshing machine to be made.


    Jiang Wenyuan had the contraption transported to the field and rolled up his pant legs to personally give it a try. Oh my, it worked like a charm!


    With a slight push of the foot, the rolling drum spun vigorously, and as soon as the stalks touched it, there was a crisp sound followed by the grain falling down.


    With a quick flick of the hand, the stalks were flipped, and once again, there was a "swish" sound, leaving the grain on the stalkspletely clean, with only straw remaining.


    In short, this machine not only cleaned the grain thoroughly but also worked swiftly without tiring anyone.


    Such a marvelous invention naturally needed to be widely promoted.


    Therefore, Jiang Wenyuan immediately ced an order for ten threshing machines.


    Although they wouldn''t be used much this year, there was always next year, and they would be used every year.


    The weather was favorable during the autumn harvest, with clear and crisp days. Five days after the rice in the vige was harvested, it had dried and the chaff was blown away. All that remained was to weigh and store it.


    The three agricultural officials personally supervised the weighing process, tallying every load. It took them a full two days to finish.


    In the end, after the calctions, they found that the 1,076 mu of farnd had yielded 847,888 jin of rice, with an average of 788 jin per mu.


    Compared to the hybrid rice yields of my previous life, this yield was hardly worth mentioning. Evenpared to ordinary conventional rice, it fell short.


    However, this was ancient times, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, only basic farm manure. Given these circumstances, this yield was considered quite remarkable.


    Fortunately, the gic stability of this rice variety allowed for self-preservation of the seeds.


    In Jiang Yuqing''s eyes, this yield could only be considered passable, but to these ancient people, it was beyond their wildest dreams.


    Ordinary fertilend yielded just over 300 jin per mu, yet the county magistrate managed to achieve a yield of 788 jin per mu, more than doubling it. The townspeople were in awe.


    Once the news got out, the townspeople went crazy, surrounding the county office in a frenzy, eager to purchase the high-yielding rice seeds.


    At this point, these newly harvested grains were beyond his control.


    However, the official document was still on its way to the capital, and he had no good solution. But if he didn''te up with a n, he would have a hard time exining to the townspeople.


    Jiang Wenyuan had no choice but to take action without authorization. On that very day, he posted a notice outside the county office, expressing his willingness to sell the high-yielding rice seeds at a fair price to the townspeople.


    As for how and when to sell them, he would announce it separately. Subsequently, Jiang Wenyuan reviewed the total acreage of the county''s farnd and roughly estimated the amount.


    After seeking the opinions and advice of several agricultural officials, he decided to reserve enough seed quantity for the entire county''s acreage and distribute the rest evenly among the neighboring counties.


    It wouldn''t be right for him to feast while his colleagues couldn''t even have a taste of the soup. That would surely invite resentment.


    In Qingzhou, the price of high-yield grain seeds was 30 wen per catty, and the amount of seeds used per mu ranged from 6 to 8 catties.


    The vige heads and vige elders, together with the county archives, were responsible for tallying the number of acres in each vige that needed to purchase high-yield grain seeds. Once the household''s registered acres were verified without errors, they could proceed to the county government to make a unified purchase.


    During this process, the transfer or resale of seeds was strictly prohibited. If any such activity was discovered, the entire vige would lose its eligibility to purchase the seeds.


    This measure aimed to prevent wealthyndlords, merchants, or influential families from employing underhanded tactics or taking advantage of loopholes.


    Jiang Wenyuan had no intention of being a pawn for those opportunistic individuals.


    After finalizing the detailed regtions, Jiang Wenyuan wrote a report on this matter and expedited its delivery to the capital city.


    The capital city.


    Ever since the sweet potato incidentst year, Qingzhou had be the Emperor''s focal point of attention. Jiang Wenyuan, the county magistrate of Qingzhou, was granted special permission for his report to bypass the provincial government and be delivered directly to the Emperor.


    Especially after the arrival of autumn, when rice crops in the southern regions were being harvested, Emperor Xia Jingdi would inquire almost daily whether there were any reports from Qingzhou.


    It wasn''t until after the Mid-Autumn Festival, at the end of August, that the long-awaited messenger from Qingzhou finally reached the capital.


    Without dy, the letters were presented to the Emperor. Coincidentally, it was during a grand court assembly, and upon hearing that the report from Qingzhou had arrived, the ministers craned their necks to catch a glimpse.


    Although mentally prepared, Emperor Xia Jingdi couldn''t help but exim with delight upon seeing the report stating a yield of 788 catties per mu for the new grain variety.


    "Excellent, excellent! This Jiang Wenyuan is truly a fortunate star for Our dynasty. A yield of 788 catties per mu of rice can only be achieved by the Great Xia. Hahaha!"


    The ministers, witnessing the Emperor''s enthusiasm, couldn''t help but join in the congrattions, "Congrattions, Your Majesty, on obtaining such excellent crops."


    Of course, this time no one dared to question the authenticity of Jiang Wenyuan''s achievements.


    Do you think the three agricultural officials sent by His Majesty were mere decorations? Haven''t you noticed the three bright red fingerprints on the report?


    In addition, the agricultural officials also brought two drawings and a delicate little object along with the report.


    After reading the letters, Emperor Xia Jingdi learned that it was a model of a new type of threshing machine.


    This seemingly uplicated contraption could double the efficiency of harvesting rice.


    In other words, with the same amount ofnd and the same type of rice, the time required for harvesting would be reduced by half or even less.


    The agricultural officials suggested that it could be promoted nationwide starting from next year.


    And surprisingly, the one who came up with this idea was a two-and-a-half-year-old child, Jiang Wenyuan''s youngest daughter.


    It was said that while observing the threshing process, she suddenly sketched the design of the threshing machine. Afterpleting her drawing, she showed it to her father, Jiang Wenyuan.


    Upon seeing it, Jiang Wenyuan deemed it highly feasible and coborated with others to refine and detail the design. After several trials, they finally produced a highly functional prototype.


    After the morning court session, Emperor Xia Jingdi held the paper, which was norger than his palm but roughly folded into a semnce of a blueprint. He carefully examined it.


    The lines on the paper were crooked and seemed to have been drawn with charcoal or something simr. The strokes were incredibly immature.


    Considering the age of the artist, it was remarkable that she could produce something like this.


    Emperor Xia Jingdi asked Li Deshun, "Is that little maid really so clever?"


    Li Deshun, with an inscrutable demeanor, replied, "Your Majesty, I cannot say for certain. However, I have heard that earlier this year, Doctor Qiu took her as a closed-door disciple."


    Upon hearing this, Emperor Xia Jingdi pondered.


    The name of Doctor Qiu was known throughout the entire Da Xia Dynasty. Even the current head of the Imperial Medical Bureau was his disciple, and at least half of the bureau''s members were from Bianque Valley, his school.


    He was truly a master among masters. Such an extraordinary person had actually epted a two-year-old girl as a closed-door disciple, which demonstrated her exceptional talent.


    Who wouldn''t want a high-yield crop that produced three times the average yield?


    Just as the courtiers were secretly considering their own thoughts, Jiang Wenyuan delivered another memorial to the pce.


    After reading it, Emperor Xia Jingdi put arge "approved" stamp with his vermilion pen and added a few lines of small characters in the nk space.


    "The matter of high-yield crop and sweet potatoes is of national importance. Qingzhou''s county magistrate, Jiang Wenyuan, is entrusted with full authority to handle it. Anyone who dares to interfere will be executed without reporting first."


    After affixing the stamp, he ordered someone to bring his personal sword and immediately dispatched the memorial on a fast horse to Qingzhou.


    Upon seeing this, the previously restless forces immediately ceased their activities.


    If even the Emperor bestowed his personal sword, it would be foolish rather than courageous to challenge him.


    Now, let''s talk about Jiang Wenyuan''s reaction after receiving the Emperor''s approval and being bestowed with the Emperor''s personal sword. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and wished he could dedicate his life to the Emperor.


    With the sword in his hands, he faced the direction of the imperial pce, shouting "Long live the Emperor" and kowtowing in gratitude.


    Jiang Wenyuan, who had only been in office for a little over a year, not only received a noble title but also received the Emperor''s personal sword, granting him the authority to execute without reporting first, a privilege only bestowed upon imperial envoys who patrolled the four corners of the empire.


    As the news spread, the officials of Lingzhou Prefecture were filled with envy and jealousy, but that was the extent of it.


    To earn such trust from the Emperor, Jiang Wenyuan felt deeply moved but also felt immense pressure.


    Fortunately, with power in his hands now, he no longer needed to be cautious and could focus on his work, which undoubtedly brought more benefits than drawbacks.


    Time quickly passed amidst various spections, and October arrived. It was the harvest season for the sweet potatoes they had nted this year.


    With each family''s bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes, Xijin Ferry and Xiushui Bay resounded withughter and joy.


    For those who tended their sweet potatoes well, the high-yielding ones produced around 5,000 catties, while the lower-yielding ones yielded around 4,120 catties.


    Except for the 100 catties of seeds allowed to be kept by each family, the rest were sold to the county government at a rate of 5 wen per catty. Just from one acre ofnd, they earned more than 20 taels of silver, lifting themselves out of poverty and bing prosperous.


    Every household that nted sweet potatoes couldn''t help but smile.


    After tallying up the harvested sweet potatoes, a total of 144 acres yielded 626,400 catties, excluding the 23 acres nted by the Jiang family after harvesting watermelons.


    When the memorial arrived in the capital, it caused another major uproar.


    Emperor Xia Jingdi, filled with joy, issued an edict to confer upon Jiang Wenyuan the title of "Lord of Qingzhou," hereditary for three generations, with a thousand households as his fiefdom.


    His daughter, Jiang Yuqing, who had made significant contributions in designing new farming tools such as the rice threshing machine, was granted the title of "Lady of the Vige" and bestowed the honorary title of "Linghui."


    While the officials envied and begrudged Jiang Wenyuan for receiving the Emperor''s favor, they couldn''t help but admire him. After all, he truly had the ability, and it wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say he was a modern "Shennong," the legendary divine farmer.

 Chapter 46: Who says Women are Worse than Men

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    When the imperial decree of ennoblement was delivered to Qingzhou, it was already mid-November. At the beginning of winter, it was quite a bit cooler.


    This was the Jiang family''s second time receiving an imperial decree. Although they were also excited, with the experience from the previous time, they were much calmer.


    After the angel arrived, he didn''t waste words and went to the prepared incense table to loudly announce: "Prefect of Qingzhou County, Jiang Wenyuan receives the decree."


    After the Jiang family knelt in front of the incense table, he unrolled the imperial decree and started reading it aloud: "Hereby ordered! The Emperor decrees:


    Qingzhou County Prefect Jiang Wenyuan has sessively cultivated high-yield varieties of sweet potatoes and rice, invented new harvesting tools called rice threshers, and also grown watermelons, a tribute item from foreignnds, his achievements benefit the current generation and posterity.


    He is specially granted the title of Marquess of Qingzhou, hereditary for three generations before degrading a rank, with a fief of one thousand households.


    Granted, one mansion in Rongning Street, Ningkang District, Qingzhou Marquess Mansion, three thousand mu of fertile fields outside the capital, two thousand taels of gold, five thousand taels of silver, three boxes of gems and precious stones, two hundred bolts of gauze and silk, ordering him to continue promoting new grain varieties without error. This is decreed!"


    "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for his abundant grace, long live, long live, long live!" After kowtowing, Jiang Wenyuan respectfully epted the imperial decree from the angel with both hands.


    The angel also said, "The Emperor verbally instructed that the young marquess bears heavy responsibilities. After receiving the decree, there is no need to hurry to the capital to give thanks. Wait until the end of the three-year term as county prefect, then go to the capital."


    "Yes, your subject epts the decree." With a handful of grain varieties in hand, but unable to release them ahead of time, at this critical juncture, he really did not feel assured to just go to the capital and give thanks.


    Now, with the Emperor''s verbal instructions, he really breathed a sigh of relief.


    Just as he was about to get up, the angel took out another scroll of the imperial decree, smiled and asked, "May I ask which one is Jiang Yuqing, rural noble, pleasee to the front."


    The angel who came this time was surnamed Lin, Old Man Lin, he was Li Deshun''s adopted son. Otherwise, he wouldn''t get such a good job.


    Before leaving the capital, he had received repeated urging from his adopted father to not put on any airs in front of the Jiang family. If he offended them, he would be skinned alive when he came back.


    Especially the young rural noble of the Jiang family, she was his adopted father''s beloved person, he absolutely could not be negligent.


    When he asked this, the Jiang family members all turned their heads to look for Jiang Yuqing.


    Suddenly, a little head peeked out from behind Jiang Wenyuan and Lu, and said in a milky voice: "Angel Sir, are you looking for me?"


    When Old Man Lin saw her, he was delighted: "Oh, you must be Jiang Yuqing? Come, young rural noble, pleasee to the front, you are the main character in this imperial decree."


    "Oh, okay."


    Jiang Wenyuan exchanged ces with his daughter, letting his precious daughter kneel at the front.


    The little dumpling, kneeling there, back straight as a pen.


    Her big grape-like eyes shone brightly as she looked at the angel announcing the decree at the front, making Old Man Lin''s heart melt. He secretly thought no wonder his adopted father liked this little girl so much, she really was adorable.


    Old Man Lin coughed and then began to read the imperial decree: "Hereby ordered! The Emperor decrees:


    Jiang Yuqing, daughter of the Marquess of Qingzhou, has assisted her father in designing a new rice thresher, at a young age she is clever and wise. She is truly a model for girls of this generation, she is specially granted the title of "rural noble", titled Linghui.


    Granted, the two viges of Xijin ferry and Xiushui Bay in Qingzhou County West as her fief, granted one pair of gold and one jade ruyi each, one set of ruby, mutton fat white jade, and gold-iid jade headdresses each, plus some other jewelry. This is decreed!"


    "Your subject thanks His Majesty for his abundant grace, long live, long live, long live!"


    Old Man Lin smiled and said, "Congrattions to the young marquess, congrattions to the young rural noble."


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled, cupped his fists towards Old Man Lin, and handed over a pouch.


    "Congrattions, congrattions. Sir has worked hard along the way, this is a small token, please have some tea, I hope Sir will not look down on it."


    Old Man Lin epted it imperceptibly: "Young marquess is too courteous, our family still relies on the young marquess'' care."


    The little dumpling then remembered that she was supposed to give a tip to the imperial decree deliverer.


    The pouch her father gave was light, presumably containing banknotes, she didn''t know the exact amount, but it must be no less than one hundred taels.


    The dumpling tucked the imperial decree under her arm, lowered her head to touch her own little pouch embroidered with fat goldfish.


    Inside there were only broken silver coins and over a dozen coppers that her mother had put in earlier.


    It seemed too shabby to tip the angel.


    However, she was just a little girl, she believed others would not reallypete with her over these things. The thought was what mattered.


    Thinking this, she took off her own little pouch, tiptoed, and stuffed it over to Old Man Lin, saying word for word: "I give you all I have, please have some tea, Sir."


    Old Man Lin bent down, smilingly epted the jingling little pouch: "Oh my, thank you so much, young rural noble. My family will definitely have two more cups of tea."


    Not only was she favored by His Majesty, but also the beloved of the Crown Prince and his adopted father.


    Let alone broken silver coins and coppers, even if it contained pebbles, he would have to treasure it carefully.


    Old Man Lin did not stay long at the Jiang''s, after sitting for a while he returned to the capital to report. Jiang Wenyuan escorted him all the way to the vige entrance.


    After Old Man Lin left, the old n chief opened the doors of the ancestral hall, and ordered the young men to set off firecrackers to respectfully invite the imperial decree onto the altar.


    The newly titled "Marquess of Qingzhou" Jiang Wenyuan and his daughter "Rural Noble Linghui" each carried their own ennoblement decrees, one after the other, respectfully brought the decrees onto the altar, and ced them together with the previous Earl decree.


    The golden yellow color, illuminated by candlelight, seemed to add ayer of soft glow even to the cold ancestral spirit tablets above.


    This was truly glorifying their ancestors.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the thick, yellowed genealogy ced on the offering table, and thought to herself; You have epted me with your magnanimity, I will also use my wisdom to bring glory to you.


    Who says women are inferior to men!


    This time, the Jiang family did not host flowing banquets again. Now the Qingzhou marquess mansion was at the height of its glory, not suitable for such high profile events.


    Therefore, Jiang Wenyuan only sent people to buy several fat pigs for ughter, giving 10 jin of meat per household in Xijin ferry, which was considered hosting a banquet.


    Relying on nting sweet potatoes, the vigers of Xijin ferry and Xiushui Bay were making money hand over fist.


    After the autumn harvest, every family started renovating their houses, many of which were now brick and tiled houses. Even the poorest Old Lady Yang bought materials, queued up waiting for the work team to renovate her house.


    Because so many people were renovating houses, for a while it even stimted a small boom for the brick and tile workshops.


    No one in the two viges mentioned anything about the high-yield grains. Since Jiang Wenyuan was there, if anyone was implicated, it wouldn''t be them anyway.


    Especially now the two viges were Jiang Yuqing''s fief. This made them even less likely to be implicated.


    Thinking that in addition to sweet potatoes, next year they could also nt watermelons and high-yield rice, everyone was burning with impatience, wishing the new year woulde sooner so that spring plowing could start.


    Only then could they see hope, and truly live.


    At the end of November, the cold winds blew harder and harder.


    After a frost, the 23 mu ofte nted sweet potatoes behind the Jiang house were finally harvested.


    After weighing, the average yield per mu was less than 4,300 jin. nted sote, this yield was still quite good.


    Firstly, there was Jiang Yuqing''s special abilities and the spiritual spring water, secondly, the weather this year was good withte cold weather, otherwise the seeds might not even have been harvested.


    In summary, it was still too risky and shouldn''t be done this way next year.


    After the harvest, the remaining sweet potato vines, apart from a small portion taken back home to feed the livestock, were all chopped up and plowed into the soil to rot and be excellent fertilizer.


    As the saying goes, the fallen red leaves bear no grudges, bing spring mud to nourish more flowers.


    After the sweet potatoes were finished, the farm work was thoroughly slowed down.


    Because of their contribution in assisting grain nting, the three agricultural officials living in the Jiang house were promoted and transferred from Qingzhou to other prefectures and counties to assist local officials in promoting new grains.


    At the same time, a new appointment arrived posthaste from the capital to the Jiang house.


    Jiang Wenxi and Jiang Wenkang, for their contribution in assisting grain nting, were appointed by the court as eighth-rank agricultural officials. After new year, they would go to the neighboring Jiangzhou County and Yunxi County respectively to guide sweet potato and new rice nting.


    The two brothers had nted crops facing the earth all their lives, never expecting nting could earn them official positions. Smiles blossomed on their dark red faces.


    Lin smiled heartily, joking: "I thought being the sister-inw of a marquess was impressive enough, I never expected I would have a day as an official''s wife myself."


    "Mydy, you really give me too much face. I''ll go back to my parents'' home tomorrow, and my father will surely toast you a couple more sses of wine," said Lin. Her words made everyone in the room burst intoughter. Of course, Jiang Wenkang absolutely dared not let his father-inw toast him.


    Even if his father-inw really did so, he would not dare ept it. Whether he was filial or not aside, his wife could punch his dog head and shatter it.


    Compared to Lin''s breeziness, Zhu''s eyes were red. She had never dreamed that she would have the day of being an official''s wife.


    Among the three daughters-inw of the Jiang family, she had the most difficult birth. Not to mention losing her parents at a young age, she had also met with such a pair of heartless brother-inw and sister-inw.


    Fortunately, after marrying into the Jiang family, her inws were reasonable, her sisters-inw were friendly, her husband loved and valued her. Now her husband had also be an official, so she could be considered as having a turn for the better after hardship.


    Lu, who had been sisters-inw with her for many years, knew at a nce what Zhu was thinking.


    She didn''t say anything, just gently hugged Zhu and patted her back. Lin also smiled and hugged her, saying, "It''s all over!"


    Seeing the three daughters-inw so affectionate with each other greatlyforted Old Lady Hu.


    It was said that a good wife meant good fortune. The Old Jiang House had married three good daughters-inw, which gave rise to a hall full of good children and grandchildren.


    Old Lady Hu felt that even if she died now, she could close her eyes in peace.


    In the twelfth lunar month, the official promotion document that Jiang Wenyuan had applied for his family was approved.


    Old Lady Hu and Lu were both granted the title of Madam of the Second Rank.


    Old Lady Hu was called "Old Madam", and Lu was called "Marquise". Jiang Wenyuan''s elder brother Jiang Yuchuan was also granted the title of Heir Apparent.


    At this point, Jiang Wenyuan had truly achieved honoring his wife and providing for his children.


    There was an old saying that after the twelfth month began, it was the new year. Whether rich or poor, marrying a wife was better than celebrating the new year.


    The time before the new year was also the peak time for folk weddings.


    This year, every household in Xijin ferry had made a lot of money. Not only were there rows of new houses, but new daughters-inw were also brought in one after another.


    On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month was an auspicious day for weddings.


    The Eldest Grandson Huazi of the old n chief was getting married. ording to custom, they had to invite a Madam Fu, the Goddess of Fortune, to spread the beds for the newlyweds, and then find a pair of golden boys and jade girls to step on the beds.


    In the whole of Qingzhou, who else could have the fortune of the wife and children of the Marquess of Qingzhou?


    The old n chief''s eldest daughter-inw then suggested inviting Lu to spread the beds for the newlyweds, and letting her pair of childrene to step on the beds.


    However, as soon as she said this, the old n chief shut it down.


    He frowned and said, "No matter how good your son and my grandson are, they are still justmoners. What virtues and abilities do they have that allow a second-rank marchioness to spread beds for them? Aren''t you afraid of shortening their lives?


    As for the Heir Apparent and the Viscount, how could we even think of involving them? Stop this nonsense!"


    His daughter-inw didn''t even dare to breathe loudly after being scolded by him, and could only let it go.

 Chapter 47: Hard Decisions

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    This matter somehow reached Old Lady Hu''s ears.


    Old Lady Hu then went to Lu and said, "Your n elder brother''s eldest grandson is twenty-three and is going to get married, and they stillck a Bedding Madam of Full Happiness and a Golden Boy Jade Girl to press the bridal bed.


    His eldest daughter-inw wanted to invite you and your two children to go, but the old n elder felt that our two families'' backgrounds don''t match and was unwilling to bring this up."


    As soon as Lu heard this, sheughed and said, "What''s so hard about bringing this up? Although I''m the Bedding Madam, I''m still the daughter-inw of the Jiang Family.


    I''ll go talk to him right away and say that the three of us will take on this job."


    Old Lady Hu smiled and said, "That''s the proper etiquette. When you married Third Young Master back then, it was the old n elder''s mother-inw whoid out the bridal bed for you.


    It''s a pity that she passed away early and wasn''t able to see her eldest grandson''s wedding.


    Now that you''re going toy out the bridal bed for her grandson, first, it repays that favor. Second, given your status, it''s also saving face for our groom''s side.


    It will let the other side''s youngdy see clearly that marrying into our Jiang n means exceptional good fortune."


    Lu curiously asked, "Does Mother know which family''s youngdy it is?"


    Old Lady Hu said, "I think it''s some rtive of his aunt''s side. I heard the youngdy''s family is quite well-off and she''s bringing a considerable dowry!


    They probably wanted to invite you to add prestige, considering this."


    "It''s settled then!" Lu happily said, "I heard thatying out the bed and spreading the canopyes with red envelopes. I''ll go tell the old n elder right away that I''ve earned those red envelopes."


    Old Lady Hu chuckled and scolded her, saying she''s notcking those two red envelopes, then sent her on her way.


    Let us put Lu aside for now and say that she personally went to the old n elder''s and said she wanted to be the Bedding Madam of Full Happiness for the new couple.


    Her two children were also willing to be the Golden Boy Jade Girl to press the bed.


    This news truly delighted the old n elder''s family.


    No matter what, since Lu was willing to do it, it firmly saved face for the groom''s side.


    When the bride''s side learned that the new groom''s family had actually invited the Qingzhou Marquis Residence''s Madam to be the Bedding Madam to spread the canopy, and the Qingzhou Heir and Young Master of the County would press the bed, they were also extremely happy.


    Firstly, it proved the close rtionship between the new groom''s family and the Qingzhou Marquis Residence. Secondly, it also showed respect for the bride''s side.


    Because of this, the bride''s family voluntarily added another 30% on top of her already very generous dowry.


    The Twenty-Second of the Twelfth Lunar Month


    The day before the wedding. After eating breakfast, Lu took two maids and went to the old n elder''s home.


    They busied themselves for a morning,ying out the bridal bed and covers for the new couple, and prepared the things to spread the canopy for them tomorrow, before being kept to eat lunch and only going back afterward.


    In the evening, Lu and several aunties once again neatly groomed and prettily dressed the young brother and sister pair and sent them to the old n elder''s home.


    Seven-year-old "Golden Boy" Jiang Yuchuan and two-year-old "Jade Girl" Jiang Yuqing were responsible for pressing the bed for groom Hua Ziguo. This alluded to the wish that the new couple would be blessed with many children and grandchildren, and a family full of joy.


    The result was that brother Jiang Yuchuan couldn''t fall asleep in an unfamiliar bed and tossed and turned all night.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuqing was kept awake by the groom''s thunderous snoring and also tossed and turned all night.


    Isn''t it said that men about to take a new wife would be too excited to sleep the night before?


    Or was this n brother of hers exceptionally calm (thick-skinned)?


    At dawn, the groom got up early, happily groomed himself anew, and went to fetch his bride.


    The pitiful Jiang siblings meanwhile each sported a pair of panda eyes as they staggered back home, immediately falling asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.


    Before dozing off, they both thought the same thing - they must tell Mother that they absolutely must never be made to press beds for others again in the future.


    Those red envelopes were not worth it at all.


    The siblings slept so soundly that they perfectly missed the noon banquet, only waking in the evening to eat a little food.


    Sleeping too much during the day resulted in not being able to fall asleep again at night. It wasn''t until the next day that they finally adjusted back.


    Starting from New Year''s, the Jiang Family sessively received New Year gifts from all sides, both from local gentry and celebrities, and from the capital.


    For example, gifts from Jing Yan, Li Deshun, the Duke of Protector''s Mansion, and the Pingyang Marquis Mansion. Likewise, the gifts the Jiang Family sent them also arrived around these days.


    The Thirtieth of the Twelfth Month


    After eating the New Year''s Eve dinner, the children gathered in the yard to set off firecrackers and y, while White Little Nine and White Little Ten also excitedly frolicked in the crowd.


    White Little Nine was nearly one year old now, and had grown into arge, sturdy figure. When squatting motionless, it looked quite majestic and domineering, with the dignity and aura of a mountain king.


    But the moment it moved, that air would instantly drain away without a trace.


    Not only did it leap and bound about, its tail shook erratically too, as if it had learned from some vige mutt.


    Fortunately the family''s yard was allid with clean, neat green bricks. Otherwise sweeping up dust everywhere it went would be simply too lively.


    Relying on bloodline suppression, when idle on ordinary days it would just recklessly tear around the vige.


    Bullying dogs and terrorizing geese, throwing its weight around. It would often scope around outside people''s pigsties and chicken coops.


    It wouldn''t eat anything, just like an ADD-afflicted child, purely curious. Scaring the homeowners witless all the while.


    Wherever it went, either this family''s sow had difficulty birthing, or that family''s chickens and ducks stoppedying eggs. Because of this, the family had no end of trouble cleaning up after it and cating others.


    Everyone patiently advised it and told it where it could and couldn''t go.


    It listened well and responded properly. But it was useless, since when it came to making trouble, it still made trouble.


    It couldn''t be beaten or scolded. Finally out of options, Jiang Yuqing threw it into the Spirit Realm and had White Little Ten look after it.


    Although White Little Ten was a youngdy, she was after all an ancient exotic beast, and herbat abilitypletely crushed White Little Nine.


    If ever it was disobedient she would beat it, sometimes beating it three times a day.


    After being beaten for a period of time, White Little Nine finally settled down.


    Wherever White Little Ten was, it would obediently follow like a big cat, exceptionally easy to mind.


    Jiang Yuqing felt assured letting it back out to y.


    While the children made a ruckus outside, the Jiang adults remained inside keeping the vigil while discussing farming arrangements for theing year.


    The family''s fields here were all mature. Of the original 51 mu ofnd, 30 mu grew watermelon and 21 mu sweet potato.


    Therge farm grew all rice paddies.


    Before New Year''s, as per the little daughter''s request, the family bought over the adjacent wastnd slope bordering therge farm.


    After New Year''s they would hire moreborers to open up the wastnd and nt premium alfalfa and pigweed.


    Then they would purchase several capable tenant farmers and raise dozens or even over a hundred heads of cattle, sheep, pigs and the like.


    Not only could they yield meat, fermented pig and cow manure was excellent organic fertilizer, and could continuously provide nutrients for the fields'' crops.


    And the harvested straw could also be used as livestock bedding and feed.


    This would create a virtuous cycle.


    Jiang Wenyuan carefully recalled his precious daughter''s original words - what did she say? Oh right, sustainable development.


    The three thousand mu farm on the outskirts of the capital couldn''t be left idle either.


    They had to find a capable person to first go take it over. But the family was already so shorthanded that they couldn''t spare anyone.


    Jiang Wenyuan figured that if it really came down to it, they would just leave it for the time being.


    Jiang Yuqing happened to finish lighting a fairy me firework and came in for tea and fruit. Upon hearing that there was no one to manage the three thousand mu farm andnd on the outskirts of the capital, she was deeply distressed.


    She immediately grabbed Jiang Wenyuan''s hand and said, "Daddy, I''ll go farm it, I''ll go farm it."


    Jiang Wenyuan rejected it without a second thought: "No, darling, although you''re smart, you''re still too young. Daddy doesn''t feel assured about you going to such a remote ce alone. What''s more, farming is very tough work, Daddy doesn''t want you to suffer that hardship."


    Little Bun''s big eyes blinked as she looked seriously at her father, "Daddy, I won''t be alone. Teacher will be there too. Teacher also wants to go to the capital."


    As Little Bun spoke, she went to pull her teacher''s hand, looking at him pleadingly.


    Doctor Qiu understood at a nce what his little apprentice was up to, and helplessly poked her on the forehead.


    He said to Jiang Wenyuan, "A few days ago I received a letter from my eldest apprentice inviting me to the capital to see a difficult patient.


    As you all know, in my life I''ve only been interested in perplexing andplicated illnesses, so I was nning to make a trip to the capital.


    Although Little Bun is small, since she''s taken me as her teacher to study medicine, she can''t quit halfway. In the future, she will also often apany me to travel everywhere. I trust you all understand this in your hearts.


    What''s more, although your farm is big, with Little Bun''s intelligence and talent, she may not necessarily be unable to manage it. Take it as practice for her."


    After Doctor Qiu finished speaking, the room instantly became silent.


    After quite a while, Jiang Wenyuan finally took a deep breath and said, "This seems to be the only way. My dear child is still young, I''ll have to trouble the esteemed doctor to take extra care of her."


    Doctor Qiu said, "You need not worry. My love for her is no less than yours. You know your daughter well. She is a phoenix, born to soar in the skies, not to be cooped up in a corner, which would only break her wings."


    "The doctor''s teaching is wise," Jiang Wenyuan nodded in agreement.


    On further thought, he did have old friends from his time in the capital. If it came down to it, writing a letter to ask Qin Jue to keep an eye on things shouldn''t be too difficult.


    Speaking of which, he was already nning to send grain seeds to the Pingyang Marquis Mansion and the Duke of Protector''s Mansion, 600 catties of each type to each household. He might as well have his young daughter deliver them together.


    "When does the esteemed doctor n to set off? We should make preparations ahead of time."


    Doctor Qiu shook his head. "There is no rush. The patient''s condition is chronic, it has persisted for a year or two already. A short dy makes no difference. We can leave after the new year, when the weather turns warmer and the journey will be less arduous for the child."


    Jiang Wenyuan nodded in agreement. And so the matter was decided.


    The fireworks outside finished and everyone started ying pitching pots. Jiang Yuqing had yed all night but still scored zero. She got quite a bit of teasing from her brothers.


    Unable to bear watching his precious daughter bullied, Jiang Wenyuan stepped in. He hugged his daughter and crushed the nephews with his skill, getting sweet revenge for his darling girl.


    After a noisy, lively night, midnight came and the new year arrived.


    The children kowtowed and wished their elders a happy new year, received their red envelopes, then went off to sleep one by one. The adults also returned to their rooms to rest.


    As soon as they entered the room, Lu said anxiously, "Husband, our dear child is barely three years old. How can you bear to send her so far away from her family? I do not agree to this."


    Lu''s eyes were red. If not for the fact that today was New Year''s Day, she might have already shed tears.


    Jiang Wenyuan put his arm around his wife and gently patted her back. In a slightly hoarse voice he said, "How could I bear it? She''s my one and only daughter, and still so young, as precious as a gem.


    But you''ve seen it with your own eyes, her abilities have not only blessed our family, but also benefited many people in this world.


    Just as the doctor said, our dear child was born to be a phoenix soaring in the skies.


    As her parents, we cannot clip her wings and confine her to be a useless mountain hen that can only flutter about.


    We should believe in her and set her free to fly. When she grows tired, we will still be her safe harbor. This is the greatest love we can give her."


    "Alright..."


    Jiang Yuqing, already fast asleep and unaware of her parents'' difficult decision made behind her back...


    On the first day of the new year, they went around the vige paying New Year visits as usual.


    On the second day, married daughters returned to visit their natal families.


    Jiang Wenkang''s family from the main household brought cartloads of gifts back to the Lin family. Old Lin the Convoy Headughed so wide his mouth couldn''t close.


    Back when he married his daughter to Jiang Wenkang, many rtives had gossiped sourly. They said with his status, he could have chosen any family in the city stronger than the Jiangs.


    Yet now his son-inw had been granted an official title simply by farming, even if it was a low rank. This gave him tremendous face.


    At the new year gathering and wine drinking this year, no one dared to gossip a word before him. He was extremely satisfied.


    Old Lin the Convoy Head was ted. The more ted he got, the more he drank. The more he drank, the more crazy he acted, drunkenly crying out about his son-inw Wenkang this and Wenkang that.


    Finally, he didn''t forget to admonish his son-inw not to take concubines after getting rich and sessful. If he ever wronged his daughter, Old Lin would break his legs.


    This left Lin rolling her eyes in exasperation. She quickly helped her brother drag their father back into the room to sleep it off.


    Jiang Wenxi''s family from the second household went to pay new year visits to his master first, then went to Uncle Zhu''s ce.


    Zhu also had a cousin sister who had returned to visit her natal family today. With the entire family gathered, they barely managed to squeeze around two tables, and it was very lively.


    After the meal, they sat for a while then prepared to leave. Uncle Zhu even packed a pile of local specialties for them to bring back.


    As he saw them out the door, he noticed Blind Zhu peeking from around the corner, and Zhu''s cousin brother quietly asked her, "Do you want to go take a look over there?"

 Chapter 48: Grandma With Extra Sanity.

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    Zhu sneered coldly: "What are you looking at? My elder brother has already seen me, how can you not be my elder brother?"


    Blind Zhu''s eldest cousin brother didn''t say anything then. He happily helped load the stuff onto the carriage and told them to go slowly on the road.


    When the carriage turned at the corner of the road, Blind Zhu shouted "Cui Niang!" and then shouted "Sister!" Zhu''s expression on her face didn''t change at all.


    Blind Zhu shouted again "Brother-inw", and Jiang Wenxi then ordered the coachman: "Go faster!" and ignored himpletely.


    Some people really don''t deserve it!


    Last year, thanks to Zhu''s help, Uncle Zhu became one of the only two sweet potato growing families in the vige. The other was Jiang Wenxi''s master''s family.


    Because Uncle Zhu''s sweet potatoes were well taken care of and had a high yield, in addition to keeping some for seed, the rest were sold for more than twenty taels of silver, which made the whole family very happy.


    For this reason, at the beginning of the year Uncle Zhu specifically asked his son to buy a b of pork and send it to the Jiang family to show his gratitude.


    Zhu helped Uncle make a fortune, but refused to help her brother-inw and sister-inw at all.


    Blind Zhu and Luo angrily went around the vige telling bad things about Zhu, saying she was a white-eyed wolf.


    This remark happened to be heard by Jiang Wenxi''s master''s wife.


    This olddy was also fierce, and had a high status in Zhu''s n.


    She put her hands on her hips, raised her eyebrows, pointed at Luo''s nose and started cursing: "What a shameless young whore. Now you are saying bad things about Cui Niang everywhere, what were you doing at the beginning?


    If your brain doesn''t work well, granny will press you into the night soil bucket to remember clearly.


    In the past when Cui Niang was at home, in the fields, on the ground, in and out of the house, what didn''t she do?


    She desperately struggled to feed all of you bloodsuckers, how did you treat her?


    It was either beating or scolding, not even letting her eat enough.


    At that time, how could you not remember she was your sister, andter you wanted to sell her to a fifty or sixty year old man as a concubine.


    It was hard to say it to the Jiang family, not to mention taking the betrothal gift money, when she left home you didn''t even give her a decent outfit.


    What you did, how can that be considered human affairs? Conscienceless things!


    If your parents knew about this under the spring, I''m afraid even the coffin boards wouldn''t be able to hold them down.


    Now when you see Cui Niang is living better, you just want to take advantage. Where in the world is there such a good thing?


    If I were Cui Niang, the first thing I would do is kill all of you.


    It''s good enough she doesn''t bother you, and you still have the nerve to jump around here.


    If granny hears you say one more bad thing about Cui Niang, granny will tear you apart alive..."


    Hitting was impossible, scolding was useless.


    Blind Zhu and Luo were scolded till their faces were ck, and could only slip away home in defeat. It also made the vigersugh.


    Today was the second day, the couple figured out Zhu would be returning to Uncle Zhu''s house, so they wanted to ask in person about the high yielding crops.


    Would Zhu give them a chance?


    Of course not!


    As for Old Schr Lu in Xiushui Bay, things were going smoothly.


    Filial children and sessful grandchildren. The family of his daughter was especially so.


    His son-inw was enfeoffed as a marquis, his daughter was granted the title of formal second rank imperial consort, his eldest grandson was titled Heir Apparent to the marquisate, and his granddaughter was titled Vige Mistress. Each was richer than thest.


    And there were no annoying rtives with crooked ways. Life was truly smooth and satisfying.


    From the fifth day on, officials, merchants, and famous people beganing to pay new year visits inrge numbers.


    Most were here for the high yielding crops.


    All kinds of ttering, making connections, and some even offering heavy money. Jiang Wenyuan declined them all.


    Some families even brought 14-15 year old girls as beautiful as flowers, hinting in speech about the marriage affairs of the Jiang''s grandchildren.


    The goal of these people was also very clear, they wanted to form marriage ties.


    The Jiang boys were all under 14 years old, it was too early to be discussing marriage.


    Besides, when the matchmaker first came to propose marriagest year, the children had already clearly told their elders. At least wait until they are 18 years old before considering this matter.


    It made sense. Now the Jiang family had three officials, one even enfeoffed as a marquis, hereditary for three generations before degrading.


    Even the youngest granddaughter was titled Vige Mistress.


    With this status in the capital city crowded with powerful and noble people, they would still be the object of ttery and favor currying.


    Let alone in Qingzhou, naturally they had be the top choices for marriage ties among the officials and gentry of the provincial administration.


    The grandchildren had no way to deal with this, the rear courtyards of the Jiang men were all empty except for the legal wives.


    Besides, what man doesn''t have affairs, finding an opportunity to sneak some women in is not difficult.


    And so, some shameless families openly brought their illegitimate daughters to the door, volunteering them as concubines, saying it was to expand the branches and leaves of the Jiang family.


    This made Old Lady Hu so angry she immediately threw the people out with their belongings,


    cursing loudly: "What kind of trash dares to try and push its way into my marquis manor, do you think my manor is a junkyard? My family has good daughters-inw, we definitely don''tck grandsons! Disgusting things!"


    The people who came got nothing but aughable scene, and could only slip away in defeat.


    After Old Lady Hu''s outburst, when her sons returned home she earnestly instructed them again. Say no matter how prosperous the family bes, do not take concubines.


    It made no sense for the daughters-inw who shared hardship with you for half a lifetime to finally get ahead, then bring in some enchanting little foxes to torment them.


    If any of you have this idea, get out of this house immediately.


    The Jiang brothers all quickly imed not to dare, and would never do so.


    They were all honest people, they only wanted to live peacefully with their wives and children. Concubines were sources of family chaos that must be avoided.


    With grandmother''s words, the Jiang daughters-inw were even more emboldened.


    No matter where they went, they held their heads high. Not just because they had sons, but also because they had a good mother-inw, and even more so because their husbands did not take concubines.


    This matter also served as a wakeup call to the Jiang family.


    After instructing her sons, Old Lady Hu still felt uneasy. She thought for a bit then pulled out her grandsons to instruct and warn them as well.


    In summary there were a few key points:


    1. When out and about, if you see someone drop a handkerchief or purse, don''t rush to pick it up, as it is very likely deliberately arranged "chance encounters".


    2. When visiting someone else''s estate, if you see a girl fall into the water, you can call for help but absolutely do not rescue her yourself.


    Because it''s very possible that after you rescue her, no matter if you''re willing or not, the girl will be yours.


    3. When visiting, be extremely careful not to be "identally" sshed with tea, because it is very likely a trap.


    Look at these forward-thinking ideas and transcendent awareness.


    If she didn''t know Old Lady Hu was born and raised in ancient times, Jiang Yuqing would have thought she was also a modern person who crossed over.


    Her eldest cousin Jiang Yujiang gaped in shock and asked grandma: "How do you know so clearly?"


    Old Lady Hu proudly said: "The street storytellers in the city tell it, I''ve listened to several times.


    It''s also written in the storybooks, I can''t read, but can still have the literate servant girls read it to me, can''t I?"


    Goodness, granny was quite learned.


    After showing off, Old Lady Hu did not forget to continue lecturing her grandsons: "Did you all hear clearly? Although these are things in storybooks, nothing happens without cause.


    If these things didn''t happen in reality, how could the storybooks write them so vividly? I don''t believe it! Besides, these scams don''t go out of style, they work that''s why they''re used.


    You bunch of pups, in some people''s eyes you are just fat sheep ready to be ughtered. Catch one, and that family''s prosperity for the next half of their lives need not be worried about."


    The description was...although indelicate, it really made sense.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that with such a clear-headed grandmother, her brothers would be fine in the future.


    On the eighth, the county office opened for business. Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi each rushed off to their own duties.


    The general direction for promoting high yield crops had already been decided at the end ofst year.


    Jiang Wenyuan discussed and formted specific implementation details with several of his staff schrs, then officially posted notices and simultaneously issued orders to each vige.


    1. Sweet potato seedlings 500 wen per mu, 3000 per mu. High yield cereal seeds 30 wen per jin, 6-8 jin per mu.


    2. Because there is a limited amount of seeds, priority is given to purchase by the county''smoners.


    All countymoners, must bring household registration books andnd deeds, register and sign up with the vige chief or elder ording to the number of mu needed. Do not falsely report higher amounts, or transfer and resell.


    Upon discovery of the above behaviors, severe punishment will be enforced. Registration deadline is the fifteenth day of the second month.


    As soon as the notice came out, the whole Qingzhou prefecture immediately exploded.


    The people''s lives depend on food, and themoners were most concerned about grain issues.


    In years past, the suddenly emerged sweet potato that yielded thousands of catties per mu, and the high-yielding rice ofst year that yielded 780 catties per mu, had pulled at the heartstrings of themoners.


    This year, the government had finally amassed enough seeds and promoted them across the entire county, making themoners even happier than New Year.


    It was a matter of their stomachs. Upon hearing the news, themoners continuously surrounded the Vige Heads and Vige Chiefs of their respective viges in droves.


    The statistics and verification of fields in each vige was proceeding in full swing.


    Those with money immediately paid for the seeds, and those without money borrowed money to pay so as not toete and miss out.


    After each vige had tallied the number of fields and amount of funds, everything was handed over to the county government in a unified manner. After the county government verified without error, they would issue receipts stamped with a seal.


    The Vige Heads and Vige Chiefs took the stamped receipts and directly led people to the Xijin ferry warehouse to find Master Lu to collect the grains.


    For a time, every single person in the yamen was busy flying about, working overtime until veryte every day, without even time to return home.


    Seeing their hard work, Master Lu had the rooms near the front of the yamen tidied up and clean beddings and bed curtainsid out for the staff to rest.


    Moreover, every day he personally had people prepare sumptuous and delicious meals to be delivered to the front of the yamen.


    While those below were busy, the county magistrate Jiang Wenyuan was even busier. Often he would only return to his room past midnight, tired to the point of falling straight asleep.


    The next morning after waking up, he would hastily wash his face, gulp down two mouthfuls of thin congee, then hurriedly rush off to the yamen again.


    In just seven or eight days, he had visibly lost a whole circle around his waist.


    Seeing this, Master Lu was anxious but could do nothing. In the end, he could only run back to the Xijin ferry to find his daughter for ideas.


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing immediately trotted to the pharmacy and brought out a big bottle of ginseng invigorating elixir that she had just refined to give to her mother.


    As it was her first time independently refining medicine, the exterior was still a bit imperfect, but the medicinal effects were powerful.


    The raw ingredients were all Spiritual Realm products, made under the guidance of Doctor Qiu, so the quality was guaranteed.


    She had originally intended to take it for her family members'' health preservation, so this worked out perfectly.


    She also took two baskets of fruits produced in the Spiritual Realm, like apples, oranges, persimmons, dates, etc.,mon fruits. She had not yet obtained seeds to grow other types.


    She also took out some rice, recalling that there was not much rice left in the vat. The rice from the Spiritual Realm was much tastier and healthier than rice from outside.


    After so long, her family members had been spoiled by the food at home. After eating the rice from home, when they ate meals made with rice from outside, they always felt it did not taste right.


    She also brought a pile of small snacks like beef jerky and milk candies, so they could fill their stomachs at any time when busy, preventing low blood sugar from skipping meals.


    After Master Lu left, Baby Dumpling looked at the emptied boxes, thinking to take the time to refine some more invigorating pills for the other elders, and practice her skills at the same time.


    The result of the officials andmon people of Qingzhou working together wholeheartedly was that by the 22nd day of the first month, all field acreages had been verified without error, all grain seeds had been distributed, without a single mistake.


    When taking stock of the warehouse in the end, excluding kept seeds and those prepared to bring to the Pingyang Marquis Mansion and Duke of Protector''s Mansion in the capital, there was less than 2,000 catties of sweet potato seeds left, and less than 1,000 catties of grain seeds.


    Of course these could not simply be eaten. Jiang Wenyuan had them packed up and sent over in one go to the neighboring Jiangzhou County.


    This made the magistrate of Jiangzhou, Little Mustache, very happy, and he sent word to invite Jiang Wenyuan over for a meal.


    This period of time had truly exhausted them.


    Taking advantage of the rest days, as a superior who cared for his subordinates, Jiang Wenyuan held a banquet with two tables of the best food and wine at Dingfu Building, the best restaurant in the city, to treat his staff.


    Among them were also two small casks of "Immortal Brew" Maotai, specially sponsored by his beloved daughter.


    The taste made everyone repeatedly cry out in surprise, "This wine is only fit for the heavens, how could the mortal realm get to sample its scent a few times!"

 Chapter 49: Lift a Hand

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    In the busyness, time entered February. Doctor Qiu and Jiang Yuqing were about to leave for the capital.


    Thinking that she would be away from home for a long time, Baby Dumpling hurriedly brought out things.


    Lingmi, Lingguo, Lingquan, all kinds of precious medicinal materials andmonly used medicines for health preservation, as well as delicious melon seeds, candies and other snacks.


    Just Lingmi alone prepared 10,000 catties, enough for the whole family to eat for more than a year.


    She also asked the birds around to help take care of the fields at home and not attract insects.


    At the same time, she also asked all the elders and brothers at home to pay attention not to let people harm these lovely little friends.


    If possible, they could feed them some millet when they could not find food.


    There were many concerns, and she was quite worried.


    These days, the elders were also busy preparing things for her trip to the capital, from food to clothes and supplies, plus gifts for Doctor Qiu,rge and small packages, as if moving house.


    If carried by carriage, at least two carriages could be loaded, fortunately she had the Ling Realm that could serve as a mobile warehouse.


    In addition, there were more than 20,000 catties of grain and potato seeds. Just these seeds filled more than ten carriages.


    Plus the ones she and her master were riding, and those pulling local specialties as gifts, lined up side by side, it was almost half a mile long.


    If it wasn''t to keep a low profile, she could have put all the stuff into the Ling Realm and traveled light.


    In addition to the twenty guards from the Feather Forest Army previously responsible for guarding the granary, the Jiang family had specially hired the Lin Escort Bureau from Madam Lin''s maternal family to escort them.


    Old Escort Head Lin even brought his two sons to join them personally. Safety shouldn''t be a problem.


    As for maidservants, neither master nor disciple brought any.


    On the tenth day of the second month, greeted by the spring breeze and sunny warm weather, it was a good day to go out and travel far.


    Government offices were closed for bathing break, and the school was on a ten-day break.


    Early in the morning, the vige road at the Xijin ferry was crowded with vigers seeing them off, including Jiang family members andmon people of Xijin Vige.


    Those who wanted to exhort them had already finished speakingst night.


    At this moment of parting, Jiang Yuqing kissed each of the elders goodbye, and finally hugged Madam Lu and kissed her heavily twice.


    Madam Lu''s tears flowed before she could speak, hugging her precious daughter unwilling to let go.


    Her heart and liver were only this big but had to leave home, which was undoubtedly gouging out the heart of her mother.


    Baby Dumpling gently wiped away her mother''s tears, andforted her in a soft, tender voice, "Mother, don''t worry.


    I will take good care of myself and will be back soon. I will also bring you gifts!"


    To liven up the atmosphere, Baby Dumpling deliberately stretched out her hand to outline the size of an apple: "Beads as big as this, hairpins for Mother."


    Hearing this, Madam Lu chuckled, with tears in herugh: "Are you trying to break your mother''s neck?"


    Baby Dumpling nodded firmly: "Majestic!"


    Madam Lu could only imagine herself wearing hairpins with pearls as big as apples... The scene was simply suffocating.


    What bizarre aesthetics did her daughter have, forget it!


    Distracted by Baby Dumpling, the grief of parting dissipated in an instant.


    It was gettingte, Doctor Qiu urged Baby Dumpling to get on the carriage quickly.


    No matter how reluctant the Jiang elders were, they had to put Baby Dumpling on the carriage.


    On the other side, after the husband and wife of the main branch said goodbye to the father (father-inw), the convoy officially set off.


    Baby Dumpling poked half her body out of the carriage window, waved at the crowd seeing them off, and shouted with her tender voice.


    "Father, Mother, Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncles, Aunts, Brothers, everyone, goodbye. I will miss you!"


    The Jiang women could no longer hold back their tears.


    Even the men had red eyes.


    Old Man Jiang turned his back to the crowd, squatted under a big tree, and cried,


    Crying and mumbling: "My precious granddaughter, my little cotton-padded jacket, how could she be taken away by someone surnamed Qiu.


    When hees back, see if I don''t choke him to death with chicken butts, woo woo woo...."


    Over there, after the carriage turned a corner and could no longer see the family, Baby Dumpling reluctantly shrank back into the carriage, turned and threw herself into her master''s arms, dropping pearls of tears.


    Doctor Qiu held her little disciple without saying anything, just gently patting her back.


    She was not unfeeling.


    She was also reluctant.


    Sheughed in the face of parting, just not wanting the family to worry and miss her more.


    Fortunately, inside Baby Dumpling was a mature, strong and optimistic soul.


    Leaving behind the sorrow, she happily looked out the window at the scenery.


    This was the first time she had left home since reborn into this world.


    The primitive means of transportation, the natural scenery, gave her a different feeling and mood than her previous life.


    Bai Xiaoshi followed closely beside her carriage, asionally chatting with her. As for Bai Xiaojiu, she left it at home.


    Thanks to drinking spiritual spring for years, and asionally empowered by her, it grew too fast.


    At just over a year old, it was already a circle bigger than the average adult tiger. It still had three years to mature, who knew how big it would grow.


    It was fine in Xijin Vige, where everyone had watched it grow up and was not afraid of it.


    It could stay home if it wanted, or go up the mountain to chase rabbits and wild goats when bored.


    Once away from Xijin Vige, wherever it went, it caused chaos and panic, with people and horses scrambling.


    It wasn''t about fear of being bitten, but humans had an innate fear of beasts. So it could only stay home to guard the house.


    The convoy headed north, passing through the city.


    After a short rest at noon by the roadside, they continued on their way, stopping for the night in a small town called Baimangpu at dusk.


    After traveling all day, Jiang Yuqing was quite tired. She went to bed early after dinner. She got up the next morning, had breakfast, tidied up a bit and set off again.


    On the way, she would sometimes study medical books, sometimes lie down and rest.


    When she got bored of sitting in the carriage, she would ride Bai Xiaoshi for a stretch.


    When they rested in the wild, she would also forage for useful herbs nearby with her master.


    Going along with rests in between, the convoy arrived at Lingzhou Prefecture in the morning of the fifth day.


    Doctor Qiu decided to stay here for one night before moving on.


    The prefectures of Great Xia were equivalent to provincial capitals inter generations, and were naturally much more prosperous and wealthy than Qingzhou County.


    The imposing and majestic city gates, the wide, t streets, shops lined up side by side, pedestriansing and going, all busy as ants.


    Jiang Yuqing even saw several women with veiled hats walking in groups, who must be youngdies from prestigious families.


    The convoy turned a few streets and stopped in front of a luxuriously decoratedrge inn.


    The boss and waiter immediately came up to greet them inside.


    The advance team had already booked this inn, and arranged everything so there was no need to worry.


    After the meal, Doctor Qiu asked Jiang Yuqing if she wanted to walk around nearby. Jiang Yuqing thought about it and decided there was no harm going for a walk since they had nothing else to do.


    She asked the boss if there were any fun ces around.


    The boss said that not far from this street was a Taoist temple called Qinghua Temple.


    There was a stele forest in the temple, left by literati and ink schrs of past generations.


    In addition, there were seven natural fountains in the temple, called the Seven Star Spring.


    The spring water gushed constantly all year round, and the taste was clear, sweet and refreshing. It was also one of the main water sources in Lingzhou Prefecture.


    If the guests were interested, they could go take a look.


    Jiang Yuqing was not interested in things like stele forests, but she was very curious about the Seven Star Spring. She wondered how itpared to the spiritual spring in her Ling Realm?


    Since the little disciple was interested in the temple, Doctor Qiu would naturally take her there.


    Entering the temple, a young attendant led them to the Three Purities Hall first.


    When Jiang Yuqing was still Ah Piao, it was an old Taoist priest with the demeanor of an immortal who helped her cross over and gave her the greatest blessing.


    Therefore, she had a special liking for the ancestral masters and gods of Taoism, and kowtowed particrly devoutly.


    When leaving the Three Purities Hall, she also donated one hundred taels of incense money.


    At the same time, she also received a peace talisman gifted by the abbot.


    Jiang Yuqing kept this peace talisman on her body. Not for anything else, this was her religious belief.


    Exiting the main hall and turning left, after passing through a clump of bamboo forest, there was a winding covered corridor.


    The redcquered columns and carved painted brackets were very magnificent.


    Steles engraved with calligraphy by celebrities of past generations were erected in this corridor.


    Seal script, clerical script, running script, regr script, cursive script, engraved calligraphy, all kinds of calligraphy styles you could imagine could be seen here.


    Although Jiang Yuqing was not very interested, since she was here, she naturally had to appreciate them properly.


    Otherwise, inter generations, she would inevitably be charged admission tickets to enter.


    Leaving the stele forest, they turned left and went around a bamboo forest, arriving at the Seven Star Spring.


    Baby Dumpling was looking at it seriously when a young girl''s voice suddenly scoffed, "Little girl, can you even recognize the words? Just sitting there pretending."


    Jiang Yuqing turned her head to take a look, and saw that the speaker was a girl of thirteen or fourteen. She was quite pretty, but her thin lips made her look somewhat sour.


    There was no need to pay any attention to such a person. Jiang Yuqing walked around behind her and continued appreciating the carvings.


    Seeing that Jiang Yuqing was ignoring her, the girl was quite angry. She reached out to grab Jiang Yuqing by the back of her cor. "Hey, little girl, I''m talking to you! Are you deaf?"


    Jiang Yuqing was prepared. She dodged nimbly to the side, and the girl grabbed nothing but air. Jiang Yuqing turned her head and red at her furiously. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Doctor Qiu had also noticed the situation. He strode forward angrily and demanded, "What family are you from, youngdy, that you don''t even know basic manners?


    If you continue bullying my child, I will have no choice but to go to your family and have some strong words with them!"


    The girl''s two maidservants were afraid she would cause trouble that would reflect badly on them when they returned, so they quickly came forward to advise her, "Young miss, it''s gettingte, we should head back now. Otherwise, when your mother finds out, you''ll be punished again."


    Hearing this, the young miss looked at Jiang Yuqing''s cold face, then at Doctor Qiu ring angrily at her. Seeming to think of something, she turned and left in a huff.


    After the crazy troublemaker left for no reason, Jiang Yuqing had lost her mood for appreciating the stele forest.


    She asked the young guide to lead them directly to the Seven Star Spring.


    The Seven Star Spring really lived up to its reputation.


    The seven springs were arranged in arge spoon shape, spread over an area of around two acres, continuously gushing water.


    It had an effect simr to the gushing springs Jiang Yuqing had seen in her previous life, and was extremely spectacr.


    In addition to visiting tourists, many nearbymoners carrying buckets came here to draw water.


    Master and disciple found a peaceful spring vent and took turns drinking the water. It was indeed clear, sweet, and refreshing - very good to drink, butpared to her spiritual spring, it was...notparable.


    Jiang Yuqing yed in the park for a long time before returning to the inn as the sky was getting dark.


    After dinner, everyone did a simple wash-up and then went to sleep.


    The next day, the sky was overcast.


    As soon as they left the city gate, it started raining. Fortunately the rain wasn''t heavy, so they could continue on their way.


    Spring rain was persistent and dense. It was the hope of farmers, but not so friendly to travelers.


    Even wearing rain gear, after walking all day, one would feel chilled to the bone.


    Therefore, as soon as they arrived at an inn in the evening, Doctor Qiu would take out a package of medicine and order hot water to distribute to everyone, to dispel the cold and dampness.


    From that day onward, it was continuous days of gloomy rain. The roads also became especially muddy and difficult to travel.


    Cooped up in the carriage, Jiang Yuqing watched the hazy curtain of rain outside, feeling that she was as wet as the roadside bushes, almost sprouting mushrooms.


    When passing through a narrow mountain gorge, the convoy suddenly stopped.


    The advance scout from the Feathered Forest Guard reported that a carriage ahead of them was stuck in the mud and couldn''t get out. Doctor Qiu quickly ordered people to go help.


    Not long after, a matronly middle-aged female servant holding an umbre came to give thanks.


    "This servant is from the Chen family of Jizhou up ahead. Today, thanks to your esteemed household''s assistance, our carriage was able to continue on its way. My young miss has specifically sent me to thank your household for its great benevolence."


    Doctor Qiu said, "No need to stand on ceremony, it was just lending a hand. The rain is getting heavier and heavier, we must hurry and get back on the road."


    The matron nodded and said it was so. After giving thanks once more, she took her leave. Not long after, the convoy set off again.

 Chapter 50: Every drink and peck has a certain number.

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    In the beginning, in a carriage that had just been pulled out of the mud pit, there were two maidservants apanying a youngdy of twelve or thirteen.


    The youngdy was graceful and beautiful. She kept paying attention to the movement outside the carriage. When she saw Granny get on the carriage, the youngdy asked anxiously, "Granny, have you thanked them?"


    Granny smiled and said, "Of course I did. The servant just asked around, they were from Lingzhou Prefecture passing by, the host was an old gentleman with a very young child.


    The servant took a rough look, it seemed they were carrying something very heavy in the carriage behind. In addition to the escorts, the other guards who apanied them were also well trained, they didn''t look like an ordinary family."


    Miss Chenined, "Granny is really a gossip. They helped us, we should go and thank them, why do you need to ask what they were carrying in their carriage.


    What if we offend them, wouldn''t it show Lingzhou Prefecture was ill-mannered?"


    The granny quickly said, "Yes, yes, yes, miss is right."


    The rain was getting heavier and heavier, and the world was blurred.


    The convoy hurried along and finally entered Jizhou City before the city gate was closed.


    At this time, the imperial guard from the front station came to report that due to the heavy rain blocking the road, all the inns in the city were full, and they really had no choice but to find a civilian house.


    Granny happened to get off the carriage to hear this. She thought about it and decided to tell the young miss.


    Miss Chen said, "Since this is the case, Granny, please invite them to our house to stay overnight! If it weren''t for them, we would probably still be standing in the rain outside the city."


    The granny hesitated, "But, miss, shouldn''t we let the master know first?"


    Miss Chen said, "No need. It would be too time consuming toe and go. Moreover, I know my father, he is a man who repays kindness. He would never do anything to leave his benefactor out in the rain."


    When the master and disciple heard that the host of the front carriage was invited to stay overnight in the manor, they were surprised and overjoyed.


    After thanking the granny, they ordered the convoy to follow the Chen family''s carriage.


    After settling down in the Chen Mansion, they finally realized that the Chen Mansion was one of the best merchants in Jizhou City. No wonder the yard was built so luxuriously.


    When the Chen family master returned home, he heard that his precious daughter who went to visit her maternal grandfather hade back, and he was very happy.


    When he heard that his daughter had brought back a group of people, he couldn''t help but frown slightly.


    After asking in detail, he finally realized that they were travelers who had helped his daughter on the road. Because Jizhou City was full, they couldn''t find a ce to stay, so his daughter invited them to stay overnight.


    He was a generous and righteous man. He said that since the people had helped his Chen family, they were the benefactors of the Chen family. He ordered the servants to prepare a sumptuous banquet and took his wife and children to entertain the benefactors in person.


    Hearing that the master and disciple were from Lingzhou Prefecture, the Chen family master highly praised them, "Lingzhou is a good ce. Not only does it have high-yielding crops, even delicacies like watermelons are also produced there. The various canned foods produced there are also bestsellers.


    It''s a pity that I, old Chen, don''t have any connections, otherwise I would have done this business."


    When the master and disciple heard this, they looked at each other without saying a word.


    After the meal, when they returned to the yard where they were staying temporarily, Jiang Yuqing asked Doctor Qiu, "Master, will that Chen family master know my identity?"


    Otherwise, why did he mention crops and watermelons?


    Doctor Qiu said, "Impossible! You are young and have always liked to stay at home. You rarely even go to the county town. Few people have seen you before.


    How could a businessman from Jizhou possibly recognize you? He probably just made a passing remark. But this Chen family master is not bad after all."


    "Oh!" Tuanzi nodded thoughtfully.


    The next day when the Chen family master got up, the servant came to report that the guests who had stayed overnight had left.


    Looking at the sky outside, the Chen family master rubbed his still slightly aching temples from the hangover and said, "I''m getting old, I get drunk after just a few drinks. I got up sote that I was negligent to my benefactors."


    The servant respectfully handed him a piece of paper, "Master, this was found in the room of the little guest. We servants don''t recognize the words, so we specially brought it for you to take a look."


    The Chen family master took it and saw that it was written in an extremely childish and lovely, even crooked handwriting: "Ten acres of watermelons, mid June, pick up at Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion!"


    The seal at the bottom was a bright red little seal: "Linghui Township Lord Seal"


    The Chen family master was stunned at first, and then extremely excited. He excitedly pped open the door of his daughter''s yard with the letter: "Yingying, Yingying,e out quickly,e out quickly!"


    Hearing her father yelling anxiously, Chen Yingying thought something had happened. She hurriedly put down the half-read book and ran out of the inner room, "Dad, what''s wrong, did something happen?"


    The Chen family master excitedly handed the note to his daughter, "Look at this!"


    Chen Yingying took it suspiciously and looked at it. She was so happy that she almost jumped up, "So the cute little sister yesterday turned out to be the little township lord of Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion. We really didn''t recognize Mount Tai."


    The Chen family masterughed loudly, "I wouldn''t have thought that my daughter would have this blessing to invite such a noble guest home. With this little township lord leading the way, our Chen family business will surely reach new heights."


    Chen Yingying said, "This is also our family''s blessing. If not for father''s kindness, our family would not have befriended such a noble guest. This shows that everything has its destiny."


    "Yes." The Chen family master was also quite moved.


    "Dad, let''s quickly spread the good news to mother and brother!"


    "Ok, ok, ok..."


    Doctor Qiu knew what his precious disciple had done.


    "Our family was only prepared to nt thirty acres of watermelons, but you promised ten acres with one word. You are really generous."


    Tuanzi said arrogantly, "It doesn''t matter who we sell it to. The Chen family is a good business partner that dad will like."


    Doctor Qiu also felt the Chen family was good. They were kind, magnanimous and valued justice.


    Working with such people, you could trust them with your back without worrying about getting stabbed from behind.


    After passing Jizhou, they had traveled halfway through this trip.


    Fortunately, although there was rain from time to time on the road ahead, it was smooth sailing.


    On the twenty-sixth day after leaving Qing Prefecture, which was the afternoon of the eighth day of the third month, the convoy finally entered the capital.


    Qin Jue, who was the heir of Pingyang Marquis Mansion, personally came to meet them at the city gate. As soon as Jiang Yuqing saw him, she threw herself at him, affectionately saying, "Uncle Qin, I missed you."


    Qin Jue hugged the soft and sticky dumpling andughingly said, "Little girl, we haven''t seen each other for over a year. It''s admirable that you still remember me. I''m so touched."


    Tuanzi bluntly punctured his lies, "Nonsense, if you''re touched, did you prepare the seeds I brought for you?"


    Qin Jue pretended to re at her ferociously, thenughed and rubbed Tuanzi''s little head, "Talking nonsense!" Then he asked again, stroking Tuanzi''s little head, "It must have been tiring traveling such a long way. Do you want to go home ore to my house with me?"


    Tuanzi asked, "Are there delicious food and beds to sleep in if I go home?"


    "Of course!" Qin Jue couldn''t help but tickle her and said, "Your dad sent several letters by carrier pigeon, asking me to be sure to get your mansion in order before you arrive. How could I not listen?"


    Tuanzi dodged the tickling and said with a smile, "Thank you, uncle. Don''t tickle me, I want to go home."


    Only then did Qin Jue put her down and respectfully cupped his fists to Doctor Qiu, "Doctor, you must be tired from the long trip, please go back to the mansion and settle down first."


    Doctor Qiu returned the courtesy, "Thank you, young master."


    "Don''t mention it!"


    When the convoy arrived at Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion, the mansion gates were wide open, and the servants stood in two rows, greeting in unison, "Wee the Township Lord Linghui and the Doctor back to the mansion!"


    Jiang Yuqing raised her hand slightly and said, "Rise, you will all be rewarded."


    "Thank you, Township Lord!"


    After entering the gate, Jiang Yuqing solemnly thanked Qin Jue, "Uncle Qin, thank you for taking such good care of our mansion. However, we are unfamiliar with this ce since we just arrived. Uncle Qin, could you lend us these people from your mansion first? After we have hired our own staff, we will return them to you, alright?"


    Qin Jue profoundly said, "No need to return them. I will give you their indenture contractster. From now on, they will be your people."


    Tuanzi didn''t understand, "Why, don''t you need them anymore?"


    Just as Qin Jue was about to speak, a clear adolescent voice took over, "Because I helped buy them for your family."


    The person was Jing Yan.


    When Yuqing first saw him, she was extremely happy. Letting go of Doctor Qiu''s hand, she threw herself over: "Ah, brother, Qingqing missed you!"


    Jing Yan happily took the little one into his arms and chuckled lightly: "I missed you too!"


    The two children were intimate for a while, until finally Doctor Qiu couldn''t stand it anymore. He coughed loudly with his hand over his mouth, stopping them.


    Jing Yan had already received the carrier pigeon letter from Qing Prefecture, knowing that the little one he was thinking of day and night had entered the capital. He was very excited.


    Knowing her convoy would arrive in the capital today, after leaving court he went straight to the Pingyang Marquis Mansion. It was to go pick her up together with Qin Jue.


    It''s just that his identity was inconvenient to show his face at the city gate, which is why he had been waiting in Qin Jue''s carriage the whole time. Only when they reached the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion did he get off.


    The Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion was originally built ording to the specifications of a prince''s mansion. Due to some special reasons, after the mansion waspleted, it remained vacant.


    Untilst year when the Emperor bestowed it upon Jiang Wenyuan, the Ministry of Works then modified and renovated the mansion ording to the specifications a marquis mansion should have. It had just beenpleted not long ago.


    However, the originalrge framework was still there, with an extremely expansive area.


    Just therge and small courtyards alone totaled 22, not including a nearly 20-acreke, and over 30 acres ofndscape woods surrounding the walls.


    Among them were pavilions, artificial mountains, streams, covered corridors for rain and wind, winding paths leading to secluded areas - everything that should be there was there, apletely luxurious garden.


    All along the way, Jiang Yuqing''s eyes could barely take it all in. Everywhere they went, there was a scene to behold every five steps, and a view every ten steps. It was truly endless beauty.


    She felt that a ce as beautiful as this, she could live in forever and never grow tired of it.


    Following the housekeeper through seven turns and eight corners, they finally arrived at a two-story courtyard called "Tranquil Waves Pavilion" after walking for about an hour and a quarter.


    It seemed this was where she would be living from now on.


    Just as she had expected. Because Tranquil Waves Pavilion was next to theke, with lotuses nted throughout, the surrounding scenery was the most beautiful.


    After Jiang Wenyuan got the blueprint of the mansion, this was the first ce that caught his eye. He designated it as his beloved daughter''s residence. And he personally named it Tranquil Waves Pavilion.


    The interior design was all based on her preferences, and the furnishings of her boudoir were exactly the same as her room back home in Xijin Ferry.


    These were also all drawn by Jiang Wenyuan, who had the grannies arrange everything ording to his sketches.


    Such attentiveness, even Qin Jue couldn''t help sighing, that doting on his daughter to this extent was unprecedented and unparalleled.


    Doctor Qiu''s courtyard was east of Tranquil Waves Pavilion, named "Returning Spring Courtyard".


    It was meant to signify miraculous hands bringing spring back.


    Inside the courtyard were two veryrge flower gardens, currently bare soil, prepared for him to nt medicinal materials. This was also extremely thoughtful.


    As for the Lin Family Escort Agency''s entourage, they were all arranged in the guest courtyard up front.


    The housekeeper''s surname was Zhao. He was originally a disabled veteran saved by Jing Yan in the past.


    Later, seeing his capabilities were not bad, Jing Yan had people focus on training him.


    Last year when Jiang Wenyuan was conferred marquisdom, this huge mansion in the capital was left with no one to manage it, so he had the idea to send Zhao there as housekeeper of the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion.


    From the day Zhao was assigned to the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion, he was told that from then on, his master could only be surnamed Jiang.


    Therefore, he naturally had to understand the family members and inw rtionships of the main household well.


    He knew that the people from the Lin Family Escort Agency were not only invited by the main household to escort them, but were also proper inws of the marquis mansion, and could not be slighted.


    Jiang Yuqing was also very satisfied with Zhao the housekeeper''s appropriateness. She immediately rewarded him handsomely.


    Afraid the household expenses were insufficient, she gave him an additional 2000 taels of silver, telling him to put it into the public ount.


    Dinner was ordered by Qin Jue from Shengping Building, saying it was to wee and treat them after their long journey.


    Because they had rushed on the road continuously for almost a month, everyone was exhausted.


    Thus, after eating, Qin Jue and Jing Yan took the initiative to bid farewell and leave, so that master and disciple could wash up and rest early.

 Chapter 51: Bian Que Tian Medical Art

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing woke up early. After getting up, she took theyout n and rode Bai Xiaoshi to wander around the Hou Mansion.


    This was her own home, not those fee-charging gardens from her past life.


    She could walk wherever she wanted to, and when she got tired of walking, she could simply wave her hand and have someone serve her food and drinks anytime, anywhere. It was trulyfortable and enjoyable.


    She kept wandering until noon and only managed to explore half of the mansion.


    When her stomach growled with hunger, she remembered that she should go back and have a meal with her master.


    In this huge mansion, Jiang Yuqing was the only mistress, and Grandpa Lin from the Lin Escort Bureau was an esteemed guest. Naturally, she couldn''t leave her guests unattended.


    So, she apanied her master for the meal.


    Grandpa Lin said that after the meal, they nned to go out and buy some things for their family. In two days, they would be returning to Qingzhou.


    Jiang Yuqing called Housekeeper Zhao and asked him to find two knowledgeable guides to show them around, so as not to be deceived by others.


    After finishing the meal and returning, Jiang Yuqing discovered that there was a stranger in her master''s courtyard.


    This person was middle-aged, wearing a straw hat. He had a goatee on his chin, stood straight, and had a refined temperament.


    As soon as he saw her, he smiled and said, "Is this Junior Sister Jiang?"


    Doctor Qiu nodded and waved at Jiang Yuqing, saying, "Come here, my obedient treasure, and meet your eldest martial brother!"


    Jiang Yuqing knew that she had three martial brothers.


    The eldest martial brother was Tian Guang, who had a calm and gentle personality and exceptional medical skills. He was the head physician at the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    The second martial brother was Guo Jie, the head of thergest chain medical clinic, pharmacy, and tranquil hall in Datianxia. Due to his constant travels inspecting his businesses, Jiang Yuqing had never had the chance to meet him.


    However, this second martial brother had once sent her a token, which was said to allow her to obtain medicinal materials and money unconditionally from any tranquil hall in the country. He was indeed generous.


    There was also a third martial brother.


    It was said that this third martial brother came from a prestigious family and had a handsome appearance.


    Not only was he skilled in medicine, but he also excelled in the arts of poison. He was a talented person but often went against conventions and enjoyed wandering in the jianghu.


    This person in front of her should be Tian Guang, the head physician at the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    Little Jiang rushed over and respectfully bowed, then looked up and sweetly greeted, "Hello, Eldest Martial Brother!"


    Tian Guang lovingly patted her head and took out a cloth bundle from his sleeve, handing it to her, saying, "This is for you. Keep it well. It will be of great use in the future."


    Little Jiang opened it and was astonished. It was a set of 23 gold needles, consisting of 8 long ones and 15 short ones.


    The thinnest needle was as fine as a cow''s hair. In this era, to produce such exquisite craftsmanship, it could be considered a priceless treasure.


    Little Jiang carefully rolled up the cloth bundle and handed it back with both hands, shaking her head, "Eldest Martial Brother, this is too precious. Yuqing can''t ept it."


    Tian Guang didn''t take it back and smiled, saying, "Don''t refuse a gift from your elder! Keep it. Master said that you have exceptional talent and will achieve great sess in the future. This set of gold needles will be of great use in your hands."


    Little Jiang looked at her master in distress.


    Doctor Qiu remained calm and said, "When an elder gives a gift, you must not refuse. ept it! Moreover, as your eldest martial brother, it is only right for him to give you a gift as a token of meeting."


    Only then did Little Jiang ept it.


    She reached into her bag (actually, she took it from the spirit realm) and pulled out a cloth bag.


    Doctor Qiu couldn''t help but cringe at the tattered cloth bag, but he didn''t say anything.


    Tuanzi stuffed the cloth bag into Tian Guang''s hand and smiled with her beautiful big eyes, saying, "A gift for you as a token of our friendship."


    Tian Guang opened the casually wrapped cloth bag and was surprised to find a ginseng root as thick as a baby''s arm, weighing at least eight taels.


    He was momentarily stunned.


    Tian Guang was reluctant to ept it, but as a physician, he couldn''t resist the allure of such a precious medicinal herb. He found himself caught in a dilemma.


    Doctor Qiu scolded his eldest disciple and said, "Look at you, so indecisive. Since your junior sister gave it to you, just ept it. She has plenty of good things. This is nothingpared to what she has."


    Tuanzi''s lips twitched at his words. What did he mean by saying she had plenty of good things?


    Well... maybe she did have a few too many.


    But she couldn''t exactly say that out loud.


    In the end, Tian Guang epted the ginseng, treasuring it as he tucked it into his sleeve.


    He had invited his master toe out of seclusion to save his dear friend, Yan Jijiu.


    Yan had been suffering from appendicitis for nearly two years, with frequent rpses, and now it had reached a point where no medicine or stone could help.


    Appendicitis, also known as inmmation of the appendix.


    The fact that he had been afflicted for nearly two years and had experienced repeated episodes indicated that it was chronic. If it were acute, he would have died long ago.


    In her past life, this was a minor condition that could be easily resolved with a small surgery, but in this ancient era, it was considered an incurable disease.


    Tian Guang exined that he had treated Yan a few times, and while there was some temporary relief, the condition would recur shortly thereafter. He had discussed it with his fellow doctors and colleagues at the Imperial Medical Bureau and consulted numerous medical books, but they had yielded no satisfactory results.


    Tian Guang was at a loss and didn''t want to stand by and watch his dear friend perish. With no other options left, he wrote a letter to his master, asking him toe out of seclusion and help.


    Doctor Qiu asked where the patient was currently located.


    Tian Guang replied, "He is at the Imperial Tutor''s Residence in Ningkang District. My dear friend''s name is Yan Zigu, and he currently holds the position of Yan Jijiu at the Imperial Academy. He is the only son of Imperial Tutor Yan."


    Doctor Qiu said, "It''s better to go sooner rather thanter. Let''s go and see him this afternoon."


    "Tian Guang expressed his gratitude to his master and said, "I will go to the Yan Residence and inform them of this good news!"


    It was said that Doctor Qiu had already arrived in the capital and would visit the Yan Residence in the afternoon to diagnose his son.


    Imperial Tutor Yan was extremely excited and immediately wanted to arrange a carriage to personally pick him up from the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion.


    Tian Guang was afraid that the ancestor would be too excited and suffer a stroke, so he tried to reassure him, saying that the master woulde after having lunch.


    There was no need to rush.


    At this age, it would be troublesome if he had a stroke!


    After the master and disciple had lunch and rested for a while, they set off for the Yan Residence. The carriage from the Yan Residence had been waiting at the front gate for quite some time.


    When they arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Tutor''s Residence, they found the main gate wide open. Imperial Tutor Yan personally led his entire family to greet them, indicating the high regard the Yan family had for Doctor Qiu.


    After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Doctor Qiu and his disciples were weed into the Imperial Tutor''s Residence and directly taken to the patient''s courtyard.


    The person on the bed is in his early forties, with a paleplexion tinged with a hint of green. Despite his tall stature, he appears frail and skeletal, worn down by illness and suffering.


    Upon hearing that Doctor Qiu had arrived, he struggled to get out of bed to pay his respects, but Doctor Qiu held him down.


    After a thorough examination, it was confirmed that he was suffering from chronic intestinal abscess. Moreover, due to the prolonged duration of the illness and recurrent episodes, it had developed into intestinal obstruction.


    Tuanzi saw the serious expression on her master''s face and knew that the situation was not optimistic.


    However, she couldn''t say much in front of the patient and his family. After all, she was too young.


    She could only gently tug on Doctor Qiu''s sleeve, signaling him to speak privately.


    Having spent a long time together as master and disciple, they had developed a certain level of understanding. Doctor Qiu then said to the family, "May this old master and disciple have a discussion?"


    Doctor Qiu''s words implied that it involved secrets of their sect. The Yan family, being intelligent, naturally agreed.


    They deliberately moved to the adjacent flower hall, dismissed the servants, and left only the master and disciple to talk.


    With only the three of them remaining in the room, Doctor Qiu asked his young disciple, Jiang Yuqing, "Qingbao, in this patient''s condition, in my opinion, it appears to be a terminal condition. Do you have a different perspective?"


    Jiang Yuqing looked at him and then at Tian Guang. Doctor Qiu understood and said, "Speak up. Your eldest martial brother is one of us and can be trusted. He will never reveal your secrets."


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing say, "At the end of our intestines, there is a segment called the appendix, which is of little use.


    Once the appendix bes contaminated and cannot be expelled, it bes inmed, resulting in appendicitis or intestinal abscess.


    The patient''s intestinal abscess has already progressed to a severe stage, apanied by severe intestinal obstruction. It is necessary to open the abdominal cavity, remove the contaminated segment of the intestines, clean out the waste material, and then stitch it back together for the patient to recover."


    Phew... Oh my goodness, that sentence was so long and exhausting.


    When will this little body grow up a bit?


    As soon as she finished speaking, Doctor Qiu and Tian Guang became excited. Doctor Qiu held her small shoulders and said, "Qingbao, do you know about Bian Que Divine Medical Skills?"


    "What is Bian Que Divine Medical Skills?"


    "It''s what you just described, opening the patient''s abdominal cavity and removing the diseased intestines."


    "Oh, in my heritage, it''s called surgery." Telling lies is really tiring, but she had no choice.


    She couldn''t possibly say that she had lived two lifetimes. That would be too unbelievable.


    "Heritage?"


    "Yes." Tuanzi pointed to her own head and said in a childish voice, "Right here, I''ve always known. But my father and my parents said I shouldn''t tell anyone. Otherwise, I''ll be burned alive.


    I''m not a monster. I don''t want to be burned alive!"


    In fact, not even her father knew about this. And because she was born with extraordinary abilities, her father and her family had always protected her at all costs.


    It was precisely because Doctor Qiu was the head of Bianque Valley that Jiang Yuqing readily epted him as her master.


    And because their ancestor, Bian Que, was one of the earliest physicians in Chinese history to use surgery to treat patients.


    Her medical skills indeed needed a legitimate origin. Only when she demonstrated her abilities would outsiders look at her without prejudice.


    "Good, very good! Qingbao, you are destined to be a disciple of Bianque Valley," Doctor Qiu eximed, barely containing hisughter due to the inappropriate asion.


    Doctor Qiu asked her, "So, when do you think would be the best time for the surgery?"


    Tuanzi replied, "His condition has already worsened significantly. Sooner would be better, of course."


    With a somewhat dejected expression, Tuanzi lowered her little head and extended her small hand with chubby fingers. "But I''m still too young. I''m afraid I don''t have enough strength to perform this surgery. Besides, I''ve only dissected human bodies in my dreams. I still need to find a cadaver to practice on."


    Doctor Qiu patted her head and said, "You don''t have to do it yourself. I will personallye and let your eldest martial brother assist me while you guide from the sidelines. How does that sound?"


    "Do you... dissect human bodies?" Tuanzi asked with difficulty.


    Doctor Qiu and Tian Guang exchanged a nce before bursting intoughter.


    Doctor Qiu exined, "You should know that one of the requirements for bing a disciple of Bianque Valley is having great courage. This courage is not only necessary for a physician who often deals with blood but also because after entering the valley, disciples need to dissect corpses to understand the human body''s structure. Every disciple of Bianque Valley has dissected no less than a hundred bodies. So, you don''t need to worry about that aspect at all."


    "But why didn''t you tell me, Master?"


    Doctor Qiu felt guilty and said, "It''s because you were still too young. What if you got scared and ran away?"


    At the age of fourteen, Yuqing became a top medical student,pleting a continuous eight-year program from undergraduate to doctoral studies. He became a member of a special national department, experienced the battlefield, rotated through various departments in the military general hospital, and was renowned as the best neurosurgeon in the military district. He was Yuqing, and he was afraid of running away.


    "..."


    Since they had this foundation, things would be easier to handle.


    She had the surgical instruments and necessary medications, but it was still necessary to exin the specific procedures, various precautions, and postoperative care to them.


    Of course, they would discuss these matters in detailter. For now, they needed to figure out how to tell the Yan family.


    The teacher and disciples discussed the matter in detail for a while, made a decision, and reached a consensus before opening the door.


    When Imperial Tutor Yan heard that his son could still be saved, he almost burst into tears of joy.


    However, when he learned that the method of saving his son involved surgery, cutting open his son''s abdomen and removing the diseased portion of his intestine, he hesitated.


    As an Imperial Tutor, he had oncee across some medical methods of Bianque Valley''s founder and Bianque Divine Medical Skills in a rare book.


    These healing methods were also known as Bian Que Divine Medical Skills.


    The Bian Que Divine Medical Skills were briefly mentioned in some medical books.


    However, it seemed that no one had seeded in using them after Bian Que. Over time, people began to regard them as legends.


    Now, Doctor Qiu, the current master of Bianque Valley, brought up these skills once again, seemingly believing in them and having no other alternative.


    Doctor Qiu further exined the various precautions for the surgery that were mentioned by his young disciple, including the need to prepare a clean room. He even had his senior disciple draft a "Surgery Consent Form."


    The Yan family would only agree to the surgery if they signed the "Surgery Consent Form."


    Imperial Tutor Yan looked at the numerous potential risks listed on the "Surgery Consent Form," and his hands trembled even more.


    He feared that his son would once again be tormented by illness, and he dreaded the possibility of his son dying on the operating table.


    Imperial Tutor Yan had not yet made up his mind, but Yan Jijiu spoke decisively, saying, "Let''s do it!"


    His idea was simple: rather than lying in bed and waiting for death, it was better to take a chance. What if it seeded?


    It was a desperate move, akin to trying to revive a dying horse.


    In the end, Imperial Tutor Yan put his signature on the consent form for the surgery.


    Doctor Qiu used the special anti-inmmatory medication provided by Jiang Yuqing to temporarily control the illness, and they agreed to perform the operation at the mansion in two days'' time, in the morning.

 Chapter 52: There is no priority in learning, and the master is the master

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Dr. Qiu had just left with his apprentices when news that the famous great master physician would perform surgery to treat Yan Jijiu¡¯s life-threatening illness spread quickly.


    This renowned eminent doctor was usually elusive. On normal days, nobles who wanted to seek treatment from him would find it as difficult as scaling the heavens.


    Let alone finding him, even if you did, this entric doctor had three types of patients he refused to treat:


    He would not treat non-criticalmon illnesses; would not treat the wicked and evil; and would not treat those he disliked. He was quite temperamental.


    Dr. Qiu had not been heard from for over a year,st appearing in a small town in the south.


    That he would suddenly emerge in Capital City to treat Yan Jijiu was considered his senior apprentice, the Imperial Hospital''s Chief Tian Guang, inviting him out of seclusion.


    Tian Guang and Yan Jijiu were close friends.


    That these two, one a teacher and one a doctor, two people with nomon ground, were close friends was truly remarkable.


    As for what surgery was, most people did not really understand.


    From what Dr. Qiu said, it seemed he had to cut open Yan Jijiu''s abdomen and cut out a section of necrotic intestine, and do this or that.


    Wait!


    Could a person whose abdomen was cut open and intestine removed still live?


    Everyone was buzzing with discussion behind the scenes.


    Some said Dr. Qiu''s medical skills were unparalleled in the world. Since he said it was treatable, he surely would not make empty promises.


    But the majority still held skeptical attitudes, and some even bluntly said the Yan family was crazy to indulge Dr. Qiu''s antics.


    Some others were just waiting to watch the spectacle. In short, in a moment''s time, all eyes in Capital City were focused on Dr. Qiu.


    The manyplex attitudes and reactions went over the heads of Jiang Yuqing and her master. Even if they knew, they would not take it to heart.


    After Jiang Yuqing and her master returned from the Yan residence, the steward Zhao came to report: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince came by, and left when he did not see you here."


    Jiang Yuqing was surprised. "The Crown Prince? The emperor''s son? I don''t even know him! What business does he have looking for me?"


    The steward looked at her strangely and said, "You do know him. His Highness came to our residence yesterday to wee you on your arrival."


    "Yesterday..." Baby Dumpling thought hard about the visitors from yesterday. Other than Qin Jue, it seemed only Jing Yan came. Hmm, Jing Yan!!!???


    Baby Dumpling''s eyes instantly widened like bronze bells. "You mean Brother Jing Yan? But isn''t he Uncle Qin''s nephew?"


    "Yes. Prince Qin''s elder sister is precisely Her Majesty the current Empress, mother of the Crown Prince."


    "Ah, so the Emperor''s surname is Jing?" Baby Dumpling had never paid attention to this.


    She was so busy with her own matters she did not even think to ask about it.


    The steward was speechless. He thought, you only know the Crown Prince''s name and don''t even ask whose family he is from. This young mistress really has a carefree heart.


    Jiang Yuqing felt she might be very busy over the next few days and unable to receive him. She also had no connections in the pce to gain entry.


    So she wrote a brief letter for the steward to pass to Qin Jue, so that when Qin Jue attended court tomorrow he could help pass it to Jing Yan, saving him another wasted trip.


    That afternoon, Tian Guang managed to obtain a fresh male corpse unimed by family from thew court.


    At the same time, he also brought his eldest son, Tian Shanglu. Jiang Yuqing had people surround the Hui Quan Yard and ordered that no one was to go near.


    The deceased was a son-inw who, in order to seize his wife''s family property, colluded with his lover outside to poison his wife to death.


    After the crime was exposed, he was arrested and sentenced to death, and hanged in the marketce at the third quarter mark of noon today.


    He had just been taken off the noose, so the body was very fresh.


    The death of such a person was no pity. His corpse could now contribute a little to the advancement of Da Xia''s medical field, which was also a way for him to indirectly redeem himself.


    Jiang Yuqing took a pile of things from her yard.


    Blue surgical gowns, caps, shoe covers, face masks. A full set of imported precision steel surgical instruments and equipment from a certain country, and the various medicines, gauze and so on needed for surgery.


    When Dr. Qiu and Tian Guang saw these clearly out-of-ce items, they were amazed and surprised, but tacitly did not ask about their origins.


    As for Tian Shanglu, he must have been briefed beforehand and also did not disy excessive curiosity.


    The world was so vast, nothing was unbelievable. This was an opportunity that belonged to his martial sister (junior fellow apprentice), and as their master and senior fellow apprentice, being able to benefit from some of her brilliance was their own fortune. They would not have any improper thoughts.


    After Jiang Yuqing had them put on protective gear, she exined to them one by one the usage of these surgical tools and equipment.


    Which size and type of scalpel or suture should be used at each step of the surgery, which forceps to hold in which way, and so on.


    Dr. Qiu and Tian Guang were top masters in Da Xia''s medical field, and Da Xia already had aprehensive set of golden wound surgery tools. Thus they understood immediately.


    As for Tian Shanglu, the fact that his father brought him to such an asion meant he was quite outstanding too.


    Jiang Yuqing also had them bring over a piece of pig skin with the fat still attached to practice suturing.


    She instructed in meticulous detail, down to which suture gauge to use on which skinyer, and how to hold the needle driver. And so on, not neglecting anything she could impart, until her mouth was parched from all the talking.


    Fortunately, the results were very good.


    Seeing they had practiced enough, Jiang Yuqing felt they could start cutting into the corpse.


    They began with sterilizing the skin. Standing on a tall stool, Jiang Yuqing carefully instructed them where to make incisions, how deep, and what to pay attention to...


    Master, disciple, and grandson - the four continued busily until it grew too dark to see before finally stopping.


    After bending over working for so long, their waists and backs ached, but no oneined. On the contrary, they were excited to have the door opened to a new world of medicine.


    As for the corpse, now dissected into a horrific mess, Tian Guang used a special preservative solution simr to formaldehyde to pickle...uh, preserve it, before having Jiang Yuqing temporarily transfer it to the morgue at the Imperial Hospital. They would take it out again tomorrow morning.


    Leaving it in the yard overnight would be inauspicious, and might frighten the servants.


    When they finished, the three bowed in unison to Jiang Yuqing, nearly making her jump in shock.


    "Master, senior apprentice brother, what are you doing?"


    Heavens! For masters to bow so to a disciple, have they no fear of shortening her lifespan?


    Dr. Qiuughed merrily, "There is no hierarchy in learning. You who have attained are our teacher."


    "Little Treasure, in this aspect, you are more brilliant than all of usbined and have ample qualifications to be our master."


    Baby Dumpling smiled awkwardly. "You tter me, I dare not ept such an de!" She responded even as she swiftly turned and fled like she was being chased by ghosts, frightened by her master Dr. Qiu yelling after her, "It''s dark, slow down!"


    So she ran even faster...


    For two consecutive days, the four spent all their time dissecting the corpse.


    The poor fellow was cut open from head to toe by the diligent learners, sewn full of "centipede" stitches, even "that part" not spared. Truly brutal.


    At first nce the horrific mess resembled Frankenstein''s monster, enough to frighten anyone.


    March 12th, the scheduled surgery day, arrived amidst the tension and anticipation of the entire Yan household.


    Early in the morning, the area outside the Yan estate was already packed with people hoping to watch the spectacle. Among them weremoners, but even more were spies from various factions sent to monitor the situation...


    Around the hour of Chen, Yan Jijiu was stripped of his clothes, covered only by a sterilized thin sheet, and pushed into the "operating room" meticulously prepared by the Yan family ording to the divine doctor''s requirements.


    Afterwards, Dr. Qiu brewed anesthetic Mafen San and had it fed to Yan Jijiu.


    While waiting for the anesthetic to take effect, master and disciples strictly put on sterile surgical gowns as required, sanitized their hands with disinfectant, and entered the operating room holding their instruments.


    Wearing an extra small surgical gown, Jiang Yuqing walked in second tost holding her tray.


    Only when Tian Guang kicked the door of the operating room shut did the Yan family know that the young miss of the Marquis estate, the Precious Wisdom Noble Girl, was actually Dr. Qiu''s closed-door disciple and junior fellow apprentice to Chief Tian.


    With Dr. Qiu as lead surgeon, Tian Guang assisting, Tian Shanglu in charge of passing instruments and wiping sweat - doing nurse duties, and Jiang Yuqing bringing up the rear steadily, the operation formally began.


    Of course, this would look more impressive if one ignored the tall footstool she stood on.


    Although it was their first time performing open abdominal surgery on a living person, having rehearsed many times and with Jiang Yuqing on site to supervise, Dr. Qiu smoothly made the incision.


    As soon as Fang opened the abdomen, everyone immediately smelled a stench. Even though they were mentally prepared, they almost vomited.


    It turned out Yan Jijiu''s entire lower abdomen was blocked by ck filth. Some intestines even adhered together.


    Under Jiang Yuqing''s guidance, Doctor Qiu quickly found the gangrenous appendix and deftly removed it.


    Then he cleared the filth in the intestines and rinsed it clean with saline. Then he suturedyer byyer.


    The entire surgery was very smooth.


    As Doctor Qiu tied thest knot and cut the catgut thread, everyone smiled at each other.


    Then they skillfully bandaged, applied sandbags on the wound, and finally covered the patient with a quilt.


    As soon as they opened the door of the operating room, Yan¡¯s anxious family who were waiting outside immediately gathered around.


    Hearing that the surgery was very sessful, Imperial Tutor Yan cried with joy.


    Over the past two years, Imperial Tutor Yan had not been eating or sleeping well because of worry for his son''s illness. He was afraid that one day, he would see his son die before him. Now he was finally relieved.


    Seeing the stuff taken out of his son''s belly and the half bucket of filth washed out, Yan¡¯s family was also disgusted to the point of almost vomiting.


    Even as the patient''s family member, he found such a scene disgusting. Yet the doctors who were unrted to the patient couldplete the surgery calmly.


    Thinking of this, Yan¡¯s family was even more respectful of Doctor Qiu and his apprentices. They were truly benevolent doctors.


    Since the patient just had surgery, it was not good to move him. He should also avoid seeing too many people to prevent infection.


    So Doctor Qiu only allowed Imperial Tutor Yan, after changing into clean clothes, to go in alone to see the patient.


    Seeing his son''s breathing was steady and even though his face was pale, Imperial Tutor Yan finally felt relieved.


    The news of the sessful surgery spread to the mansions in the Capital City immediately.


    Some people who were originally skeptical also had to admit they had underestimated the situation.


    A divine doctor is a divine doctor. Being able to cure a fatal disease like intestinal abscess, his medical skills were not exaggerated.


    Some people with ulterior motives or ill family members did not wait for Doctor Qiu to return home. They immediately wrote greeting notes to request medical service...


    At this time, in a luxurious manor near the southwest of the Capital City.


    A servant-looking person hurriedly ran through the garden and a carved corridor before turning into the Moon Cave Gate.


    In the room, an slightly mean beautiful woman anxiously paced back and forth, repeatedly scolding the maids and asking if the person had returned.


    Just as she was extremely anxious, she heard hurried footsteps running towards her. She was overjoyed and hurriedly went up to meet him. She asked directly, "What''s the situation?"


    The poor servant had run all the way without catching his breath. Leaning over with his hands on his knees, panting, he said, "I asked, the surgery, the surgery was very sessful. I heard Doctor Qiu say, after recuperating for a few more days, he will be fine!"


    The woman was immediately ecstatic: "Is this really the case? My son can be saved!" Saying so, she hurried into the inner chamber.


    On the ornately carvedrge bed in the roomy a dying young man.


    At an age that should have been in his prime, he had dark circles around his eyes, sunken cheeks. The exposed skin was covered withrge and small pus-filled boils.


    Despite the incense, there was still an indescribable stench in the room.


    The woman happily ran into the room to share the good news with her son, "Qi, you can be saved! Doctor Qiu hase to the Capital City. He can even cure intestinal abscess. He must surely cure your illness as well. Mother will send someone to invite him over now."


    The young man responded weakly, "Good, go quickly! I can''t hold on much longer."


    The woman promised repeatedly, wiping away tears as she hurried out.


    The smell in her son''s room was too unpleasant, she could not stand it either...


    Jiang Yuqing waspletely unaware of the undercurrents happening outside.


    After lunch at the Tian residence, she handed over the follow-up nursing tasks to her master and senior apprentice brother, and had someone send her home.


    She had been busy these past few days and was truly exhausted.


    If it were her previous life, this amount of work was nothing.


    But her current young body was too small. If she didn''t rest, Yan Jijiu would recover well, but she might die from overwork.


    Moreover, it was already mid-March. The farmstead outside the city should be getting busy.


    At dinner, Old Lin the Convoy Head bid her farewell.


    He said they would leave early tomorrow morning. They had already been in the Capital City for several days and had bought most of what they needed. It was time to go back.


    She had been busy with the surgery these two days and did not have time to apany Old Lin. She felt very guilty.


    Baby Dumpling lowered her head and apologized remorsefully to Old Lin. The old hero waved his hand unconcernedly and said she and Doctor Qiu originally came to the Capital City to save lives, so of course the patients took priority.


    As someone who travels around as an escort all year round, he was used to not havingpany. It would beughable to demand someone''s time.


    Knowing he wouldn''t stay, after dinner she took out a box of medicine from her Spiritual Space to give him.


    There were medicines for treating colds and fever, reducing swelling and pain, reducing inmmation and stopping bleeding. They were all useful to Old Lin.


    She carefully divided each type of medicine into porcin bottles,beling them with directions for use, dosage, and contraindications. She was very meticulous.


    She also asked him to bring back a letter to let her family know she was safe.


    Old Lin was overjoyed to receive a box of "divine medicine". Who didn''t know Doctor Qiu''s medicines were priceless?


    This box of medicine could save lives.


    They had no more conversation that night.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing got up early. After breakfast, Old Lin left with the convoy members.


    Jiang Yuqing apanied them with the steward Zhao to send them out of the city gate before returning.

 Chapter 53: Tiger Father Without Dog Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing sent a message to Qin Jue and the Duke of Protector''s Mansion, asking them to retrieve their respective seeds.


    The one who came from the Duke of Protector''s Mansion was the Crown Prince, Jing Yan.


    At first, he didn''t pay much attention to this little girl.


    But when he received the seeds and saw the petite girl holding a bookrger than her head, earnestly instructing him about the affairs of the estate, he realized that she had genuine skills and couldn''t be treated like an ordinary child.


    He saw her meticulousness and attention to detail when it came to sweet potato breeding¡ªknowing when to water, how much to water, when to transnt, and how to manage the seedlings.


    He understood that even such a young girl, appointed as a vige lord, must possess remarkable abilities. She shouldn''t be underestimated.


    Indeed, if a small child like her is so knowledgeable about farming, one can only imagine the prowess of her father, Jiang Wenyuan.


    It''s no wonder he was promoted from an ordinary seventh-rank county magistrate to a count and then a marquis in just over a year.


    His abilities and the value he has created are truly blessings for future generations. His noble titles are well-deserved and a testament to his achievements.


    After the Crown Prince of the Duke of Protector''s Mansion left, Jing Yan discreetly arrived at the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion. Jiang Yuqing circled around him a couple of times out of curiosity and then returned to her usual calmness.


    It was Jing Yan who made her slightly nervous, prompting her to ask, "Qingqing, what are you doing?"


    Tuanzi teased, "Nothing much. They said you''re a Crown Prince, so I wanted to see if Crown Princes have an extra mouth and nosepared to ordinary people."


    Jing Yan helplessly ruffled her small head and said, "Now that you''ve seen clearly, is there anything different?"


    Tuanzi grinned and said, "Yes, you''re more handsome than anyone else."


    Jing Yan''s face instantly turned red. "Little rascal, stop talking nonsense!"


    "I''m not talking nonsense. Big brother is good-looking, a pretty little big brother!"


    After yfully bantering for a while, Jing Yan said, "Li Deshun asked me to tell you that he ns to ask my father for leave in a couple of days toe and see you."


    Tuanzi replied seriously, "If he''s too busy, he doesn''t need to make a special effort toe. I''ll still be in the capital for a while, so he cane and see me when he has time."


    Then, Tuanzi looked a bit disappointed and said, "It''s a pity I can''t enter the pce; otherwise, I could go and see him too."


    Jing Yan said, "Who said you can''t enter the pce?"


    "Oh, really?" Tuanzi''s eyes instantly lit up.


    Jing Yan patted the little snail antenna on her head and smiled gently. "You''ve been appointed as a vige lord, so ording to the protocol, you should enter the pce to express your gratitude. It was fine when you were in Qing Prefecture, but now that you''re in the capital, you can make a trip to the pce."


    "Okay..."


    After seeing Jing Yan off, Doctor Qiu returned.


    Tuanzi asked about Yan Jijiu''s condition and was pleased to hear that the wound was healing well. Today, as per her instructions, Yan Jijiu had started slowly walking while still in bed.


    She knew that if Yan Jijiu''s condition wasn''t good, her master and senior brother wouldn''t let her have such leisure.


    I heard that Junior Disciple is going to enter the pce tomorrow, and Doctor Qiu just nodded in acknowledgment.


    This matter is beyond his control, and besides, Junior Disciple is only entering the pce to express gratitude, with the Crown Prince there to receive him. There shouldn''t be any issues.


    Doctor Qiu came back just to pick up some things and then returned to the Imperial Physician''s residence.


    He still has to stay there for a few days to watch over the Chief Wine Steward''s wound until it begins to heal. Then he''ll return to the Marquis''s residence. In the meantime, he''ll observe the progress of his recovery and keep records.


    This is his first surgical patient, and the umtion of experience is crucial.


    The next day, with the help of two maidservants, Jiang Yuqing put on her custom-tailored extra-small bright red court dress and adorned the court crown.


    This thing was made with a golden frame adorned with pearls and gemstones, weighing at least a pound.


    After putting it on, she felt like her delicate neck was at risk of being twisted at any moment. In short, it was inhumane and ridiculously heavy.


    Zhao Housekeeper personally drove the carriage and took her to the pce gate. When they arrived, Jing Yan was already waiting there.


    He had just finished attending court, still dressed in the Prince''s court dress embroidered with golden dragons on a ck background, and wearing a golden court crown.


    The little bun supported his head with his hands and ran over happily, calling him "Big Brother."


    Jing Yan watched as the little bun ran, holding his head. He felt a pang of heartache. The crown was too heavy. He would talk to the Emperor and Empress about making a lighter one for her.


    Jing Yan smiled and said, "Let''s go, the Empress is already waiting for you in the pce."


    As he spoke, pce attendants brought two sedan chairs. They each sat in one, and the attendants carried them towards the Empress''s Jiaofang Pce.


    After about a quarter of an hour, they finally arrived at their destination.


    The two of them got off the sedan chairs.


    Jing Yan held her hand and step by step, they ascended the steps. But when they reached the entrance, Jiang Yuqing was stopped by the doorframe.


    She thought the threshold at home was already high enough, but she didn''t expect the pce threshold to be even less friendly.


    If she took one step forward, it reached her chest. What could she do?


    She couldn''t climb over it without regard for her image, and besides, she had that heavy thing on her head.


    While she was struggling, her petite body suddenly rose into the air, and then she stood inside the doorway. Jing Yan had carried her in. The little bun looked at him gratefully.


    Jing Yan couldn''t help himself and gently pinched her rosy little cheek. Finally, with a calm expression, he held her hand again and said, "Let''s go!"


    Unnoticed by anyone, the hand that had pinched her cheek hung in his wide sleeve. Between his fingertips, he lightly twisted it. Hmm, it felt good. He could pinch it more in the future.


    Empress Qin sat on the phoenix couch, wearing a ck embroidered golden phoenix court robe, which entuated her already stunning and dignified face.


    From a distance, she saw her usually serious and aloof son cautiously leading in a very young girl, and couldn''t help but show a hint of surprise.


    When the two of them approached, Jiang Yuqing knelt down and paid her respects, saying, "Your daughter Jiang Yuqing pays respects to Empress Mother. May you live for a thousand, thousand, thousand, thousand years."


    Damn it, the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion in the capital city was in and simple, without even a nanny to teach etiquette.


    She could only rely on her memories of watching TV in her past life to imitate the etiquette of nobledies meeting the Empress.


    She hoped she wouldn''t make too many mistakes.


    Even if she did, she hoped the Empress would go easy on her because she was still young.


    "Get up quickly, the floor is cold."


    Jiang Yuqing supported herself with one hand on the ground and held onto her cor with the other, afraid it would fall off and embarrass her.


    There was a saying in her past life, "Don''t lower your head, or your crown will fall."


    Reality proved that if she didn''t support it with her hand, it would indeed fall.


    Almost at first sight, Empress Qin took a liking to this beautiful and extraordinary young girl and beckoned her over, saying, "Child,e here and let me have a closer look."


    Jiang Yuqing subconsciously nced at Jing Yan and saw him nod slightly before walking to Empress Qin''s side.


    With just one nce, she was stunned.


    In her heart, the barrage from the Ling Realm''s Bai Xiaoshi went crazy, "Ah, Bai Xiaoshi, this little girl is so beautiful, so stunning. She meets all my aesthetic preferences, but unfortunately, she''s already married."


    The Spirit Vessel looked down on her disdainfully, saying, "Wake up, even if she wasn''t married, you wouldn''t stand a chance. Don''t forget you''re a girl. However, you can fantasize about her son."


    "Tch!" The Lord of the Realm finally calmed down a bit.


    Empress Qin took Jiang Yuqing''s hand, her beautiful eyes filled with a smile. "Little girl, why are you suddenly so dazed?"


    The little dumpling lowered her head shyly and said, "You''re too beautiful. You''re the most beautiful person I''ve ever seen."


    Empress Qin burst intoughter and said, "You''re beautiful too!"


    The dumpling nodded heavily and boasted, "I also think I''m beautiful. Great minds think alike."


    When these words came out, all the pce maids and nannies in the hall couldn''t help but stifle theirughter. Empress Qin found it hrious and thought this little girl was truly amusing.


    "By the way, do you mean there are people who don''t think you''re beautiful?"


    "There are," the dumpling said, "Qi Xiaopang from the east end of our vige. Every time he sees me, he calls me Little Fatty. He mocks me, but he''s much fatter than me."


    The dumpling patted her slightly protruding belly and said confidently, "This isn''t fat, at most it''s baby fat. My mother said I''ll slim down when I grow up a bit."


    "And then? Did you let him off after he mocked you like that?"


    "Of course not! I insulted him back."


    "Oh, what did you call him?"


    "I called him Squinty Eyes."


    "Are his eyes very small?"


    "Yeah, very small!" The dumpling extended her index finger, and her thumb pinched the finger to show a very thin gap. "Only this big."


    "Aren''t you afraid he''ll hit you? You''re so small."


    The dumpling stood tall and said confidently, "His eyes are naturally small, so I can''t lie and say they''re big. Besides, he doesn''t dare to hit me. I have seven older brothers!"


    Empress Qin leaned against the backrest, tears almost streaming down her face. If it weren''t for her concern for her image, she would have pounded the floor with her hand.


    How could there be such an adorable and amusing little girl in this world? She truly was a little treasure.


    Jiang Yuqing furrowed her brow and pointed to the crown on her head, saying, "Empress, can I take this off? I feel like my neck is about to break."


    Empress Qin wiped away the tears that had welled up in her eyes with a handkerchief and waved her hand, saying, "Go ahead, take it off and feel relieved."


    Immediately, a pce maid came over and respectfully took her crown, cing it aside.


    Freed from the restraint of the crown, Jiang Yuqing instantly felt alive. It felt as heavy as a mountain on her head, really damn heavy.


    Empress Qin pulled Jiang Yuqing into her embrace and carefully examined her.


    She noticed a red lotus flower on the young girl''s forehead, delicate facial features, and skin so tender it seemed like it would produce water with a gentle squeeze.


    Empress Qin thought this way and indeed acted on it, getting hold of Jiang Yuqing''s face, which felt smooth and stic to the touch.


    At this moment, the young girl opened herrge grape-like eyes and tilted her head curiously, looking at Empress Qin. She was truly adorable, melting people''s hearts.


    There were princesses in the imperial harem, but both of them were raised by their mothers to be like wooden dolls.


    They were dignified, butpletely devoid of any vitality. Empress Qin didn''t feel close to them, so she naturally didn''t like them, only maintaining superficial rtions with them.


    But this young girl was different. She truly found her way into Empress Qin''s heart. Unlike her own wretched son, who, despite his young age, was indifferent and uninteresting, not fun at all.


    She suddenly thought that the young girl was alone in the capital, so why not bring her to her own pce and take care of her? The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.


    She softened her tone and said, "I heard Yan''er calling you Qingqing, so I''ll call you Qingqing too!"


    Little did she know that before the person involved could speak, her wretched son immediately objected with a stern face, "No! Choose another name!"


    Empress Qin was shocked. She knew he was infatuated with this young girl, but she didn''t expect him to be so possessive that he wouldn''t even allow the same name to be used.


    Empress Qin provocatively looked at her son and said, "What if I insist on calling her Qingqing?"


    "Mother!" Jing Yan''s eyes turned cold, his words carrying a warning.


    "Tsk, how boring!" Empress Qin looked at her somewhat annoyed son, feeling very dissatisfied. Indeed, sons were just here to collect debts, while the young girl was adorable.


    "Fine, from now on, I''ll call you Qingbao."


    Empress Qin couldn''t help but pinch the little bun on Jiang Yuqing''s head, using a tone that resembled the wolf grandmother coaxing Little Red Riding Hood.


    "Oh, Qingbao, you must find it dull being alone in the capital. As for me, most of the time I''m alone too. Why don''t youe to the pce and live with me as apanion?"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t expect Empress Qin to like her so much, to the point of inviting her to live in the pce. Although she was curious about life in the imperial pce, the free-spirited Jiang Yuqing decisively refused.


    "Empress, I can''t. I''m going to the countryside tomorrow."


    "Why are you going to the countryside?" Empress Qin furrowed her brow. "You''re so young, are you going to do farm work?"


    Tuanzi nodded, "Yes. His Majesty has rewarded our family with a 3,000-acre estate. Father said it would be a waste not to cultivate it. I brought high-yielding grain seeds from Qingzhou, and we will start nting seedlings in a few days."


    At that moment, a dignified and solemn voice sounded at the entrance of the hall, "What nting seedlings? Tell me!"


    A man, standing at a towering height of eight chi (a unit of length in ancient China, approximately 23.1 centimeters), donned a dark blue robe with embroidered golden five-wed dragon motifs. He wore a winged crown adorned with nine golden dragons and ck deer leather boots. With the aura of a dragon and the eyes of a tiger, he exuded awe-inspiring majesty¡ªit was none other than Emperor Xia Jing.


    Everyone in the hall hastily rose to their feet and paid their respects.


    Jiang Yuqing also prostrated herself on the ground, shouting, "Long live Your Majesty!"


    In her heart, she couldn''t help butin about the burdensome ss system that required constant kneeling and how tiresome it was.


    Despite herints, she still had to kneel.


    Emperor Xia Jing raised his hand slightly and said, "Please rise!" Then he took his seat in the main position next to the Empress.


    Emperor Xia Jing turned to Jiang Yuqing and said, "You are Jiang Wenyuan''s youngest daughter, right? You mentioned something about nting seedlings. Tell me about it."


    Jiang Yuqing was somewhat curious about the Emperor, but she wasn''t intimidated. In a clear and melodious voice, she replied, "It''s about the estate you bestowed upon my family, the 3,000-acre grand estate. We are going to nt seedlings, using the high-yielding grain seeds I brought from Qingzhou."


    Emperor Xia Jing carefully examined the little girl, thinking of asking her a few questions, but she seemed too young. In the end, he couldn''t resist and said, "Has your father sent reliable people?"


    With confidence, Tuanzi patted her chest and said, "It''s me!"


    Emperor Xia Jing furrowed his brow and said, "You? You little girl? This is simply absurd. It would be a waste of those grain seeds!"


    His tone revealed a hint of anger. He thought to himself that Jiang Wenyuan had only been a Marquis for a few days and was already acting recklessly.


    Indignant, Tuanzi retorted, "No, it won''t! I know what I''m doing! You are the Emperor, the highest official in the world. You should know that a tiger''s offspring doesn''t be a dog."


    The Emperor couldn''t help but chuckle at her fiery response and said, "A worthy daughter of a tiger indeed! Since you put it that way, I''ll test you. If you can''t answer correctly, I will punish you and strip your father of his Marquis title."


    As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, Empress Qin and Jing Yan grew anxious and eximed, "Your Majesty! (Father Emperor)!"

 Chapter 54: "Firewood or Golden Legs"

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    The Emperor raised his hand to stop the two of them. It was merely a casual remark, as he didn''t want to argue with a young girl over trivial matters. It would be beneath his dignity.


    But Baby Dumpling had a bit of a temper. "Hmph, go ahead and test me. What if I answer all the questions correctly?"


    Emperor Xia Jing stroked his beard and suddenly became interested. "You are now a vige lord. If you answer all the questions correctly, I will grant you the title of County Princess."


    "Deal!" Baby Dumpling tilted her head and asked, "Is being a County Princess a higher rank than a vige lord?"


    "Yes!" The Emperor couldn''t help but find it amusing. This little girl''s focus was quite peculiar, but she was indeed still a child.


    Although she was currently a vige lord, Jiang Yuqing didn''t really have much knowledge about the noble titles of the Xia Dynasty''s women. She only knew about princesses and county princesses, so she guessed that a County Princess would probably be one rank higher than a vige lord.


    "Alright, go ahead and ask!"


    "... " The Emperor looked at Baby Dumpling''s serious and confident little face and suddenly remembered that she was the one who came up with the idea of the rice-nting machine.


    Maybe she really had some talent. A feeling arose in his heart that he was going to be taken advantage of today.


    But since they had alreadye this far, Emperor Xia Jing spoke up, "Tell me, how many jin of seeds are needed to nt one mu of high-yielding crops?"


    "It depends on the type of field. It''s around 6-8 jin per mu."


    "Can you be more specific?"


    Baby Dumpling exined, "If it''s a fertile field with rich soil, the seedlings will sprout abundantly, and the nts will grow tall and strong with around 6 jin of seeds."


    "If it''s a medium or poor-quality field with insufficient soil fertility, the seedlings will sprout less, and the nts will be thin. In that case, you need to nt them more densely."


    "Additionally, adjustments should be made based on the local climate, soil conditions, and other factors. But generally speaking, 6-8 jin of seeds per mu should be sufficient."


    Emperor Xia Jing nodded, somewhat surprised by the knowledge of this little girl in front of him. He didn''t expect her to have such insights.


    He asked again, "Now, tell me how to cultivate rice seedlings!"


    Jiang Yuqing then began exining starting from the soaking process.


    How to prepare the seedling field, how to soak the seeds, how to promote germination, how to sow the seeds, and how to manage the field after sowing.


    When to irrigate and how deep to flood the field, when to transnt the seedlings to the main field based on their height... She went into great detail, even discussing what to do with the leftover straw after harvesting.


    Her exnation was as detailed as a professional agricultural book, leaving everyone in the hall dumbfounded.


    Jing Yan had a smile in the corners of his eyes and mouth. He almost pped his hands and said, "Qingqing, you''re amazing."


    Emperor Xia Jing felt like he wasn''t facing a three-year-old little girl but an experienced farmer with years of experience.


    He dared to say that even the agricultural officials in the Ministry of Agriculture didn''t have such a clear understanding as this little girl.


    Agriculture was the foundation of the Xia Dynasty, and food security meant social stability.


    In less than two years as the County Magistrate, Jiang Wenyuan had sessfully cultivated two high-yielding crop varieties, securing the Xia Dynasty''s food production.


    And his daughter, at such a young age, had such a profound understanding of farming. Truly, the apple doesn''t fall far from the tree.


    Given time, she might even surpass her father and be another outstanding talent for the Xia Dynasty.


    With such a sessor, how could the Xia Dynasty not prosper?


    At the thought of this, Emperor Xia Jing''s heart suddenly became fiery hot. His gaze towards Jiang Yuqing was as if he were beholding a priceless treasure.


    "Good, good, good, hahaha!" He eximed, uttering three consecutive words of praise.


    In an instant, the entire Pepper Chamber was filled with Emperor Xia Jing''s heartyughter. "Not only is Advisor Jiang adept at farming, but he also raises his children well. Spread the word on my behalf and reward him ordingly."


    Upon receiving the order, the eunuch left, and Baby Dumpling cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, does this mean I have passed the test?"


    Emperor Xia Jing patted her head and replied, "You have passed, indeed! I will fulfill my promise to you, without fail!"


    Baby Dumpling then plopped herself onto a small cushioned stool, pitifully saying, "May I have a cup of water, Your Majesty? I''m thirsty."


    Laughter erupted throughout the hall. They marveled at how this child showed no shyness and spoke whatever came to mind.


    Empress Qin promptly had warm tea brought over for Baby Dumpling.


    epting the cup, she guzzled down the tea in big gulps, clearly parched from thirst.


    Emperor Xia Jing found this little one incredibly amusing and began asking her about her experiences in Qingzhou.


    Baby Dumpling shared some interesting anecdotes while subtly impressing her father in front of the emperor.


    For instance, when Emperor Xia Jing asked her, "How did youe to possess such knowledge about farming at such a young age? Who taught you?"


    Baby Dumpling replied, "I learned it on my own because I found it fascinating. Moreover, my father said that even though he holds an official position, we are still a farming family, and we shouldn''t forget our agricultural skills. So, whenever he goes to the fields, he takes me along. My older brothers also join in when they have time off."


    Another time, Emperor Xia Jing asked her, "Do you think your father is a good official?" It was a clever trap, nearly tipping his hand.


    Can Baby Dumpling dance?


    Of course, she can dance, and she leaps three feet high.


    Baby Dumpling answered, "Of course, he is."


    "Why?" the emperor inquired.


    "Because my father once said that if being an official means not prioritizing the people''s welfare, then it''s better to go home and sell sweet potatoes." It had a rhyming quality, and its meaning was straightforward.


    Emperor Xia Jing became even more satisfied. Jiang Yuqing was indeed a genuinely outstanding official, and his daughter was an excellent child.


    They chatted until noon when the imperial couple warmly invited her to stay and have lunch with them.


    After finishing the meal, Emperor Xia Jing, Jing Yan, and Empress Qin had other matters to attend to, so they departed first.


    Noticing that Baby Dumpling had no maidservants by her side, Empress Qin assigned two pce maids, Yu Zhu and Yu Qing, along with a stewardess named Nanny Yan, to apany her.


    She was also allowed to rest in the pce for a while longer and received numerous precious gifts before bidding her farewell with reluctance.


    Before leaving the pce, she was given a que that allowed her to enter the pce at any time, with a reminder to visit often.


    Baby Dumpling readily agreed.


    Jiang Yuqing boarded the carriage and immediately slumped inside, closing her eyes without moving.


    Er Yu thought she must be tired and fetched a nket from the carriage drawer to cover her.


    However, Jiang Yuqing was filled with a sense of destion.


    She couldn''t count how many times she had feigned innocence, acted coquettish, and yed cute. The mere thought of it made her feel exceedingly embarrassed.


    It seemed that her petite stature and attractive appearance had the power to captivate others, even if it were just a casual wave of her hand.


    Since that''s the case, it''s better to put on a thick skin and make good use of these unique innate conditions to secure a sense of security for oneself and one''s family as much as possible.


    Just as she had returned home and hadn''t even taken off her ceremonial hat, Li Deshun arrived at the Qingzhou Marquis''s residence with an edict of appointment.


    Seeing Li Deshun again, Baby Dumpling was overjoyed to the point of almost going crazy. Like a little cannonball, she rushed into Li Deshun''s embrace, clinging to his neck and rubbing against him with all her might. "Li Gonggong, Li Gonggong, ah¡ªI missed you so much."


    In the capital, besides her master, he was the only one she could treat as an elder.


    In Qingzhou, it didn''t matter what she called Li Deshun, but here, she couldn''t address him as "Grandfather Li" anymore.


    That was the rule.


    Li Deshun held her small body, tears streaming down his face. "Oh, my little ancestor, I missed our home so much."


    They had caught sight of each other in the Queen''s pce earlier, but the timing and asion weren''t right, so they both tacitly refrained from speaking.


    Now, however, there were no inhibitions. They savored the intimacy for quite a while. Li Deshun then said, "My dear, quickly have someone set up the incense table and receive the imperial edict first!"


    Baby Dumpling suddenly remembered that the Emperor had said he would confer upon her the title of County Princess. Unexpectedly, the imperial edict had arrived so quickly. She hurriedly instructed someone to prepare the incense table.


    Since she didn''t need to change clothes at the moment, once the incense table was set up, Baby Dumpling knelt down, and Li Deshun began to read. It was still a lengthy passage.


    In summary, the Emperor conferred upon her the title of Second Rank County Princess, with the honorary title of Linghui. She would receive one thousand households as her fiefdom, along with a certain amount of gold, silver, pearls, and various silk and satin fabrics.


    Jiang Yuqing carefully put away the imperial edict. She immediately had someone remove the ceremonial hat from her head, then took Li Gonggong back to her own courtyard, where the two of them sat down and talked.


    Jiang Yuqing reached out to pulse him. "How have your legs been this year?"


    Li Deshun replied, "Last winter, they acted up, but after a few days of taking the medicine you gave me, it was fine. Recently, I caught a cold, and my legs started to ache a bit, but I used it right away, and now there''s no issue. It''s really effective."


    Baby Dumpling interjected, "If you need to use it, don''t hold back. There''s always more."


    Saying that, she dashed back to her room and brought out arge cloth bundle.


    The bundle was too big, and it contained many diverse items.


    Baby Dumpling stuck her head in and rummaged for a while, then took out two bottles of muscle-rxing and blood-activating pills, as well as a stack of ointments for treating dampness and relieving pain. She stuffed them all into Li Deshun''s hands.


    Li Deshun cherished them and gave her careful instructions on what she should pay attention to in the capital.


    How to handle necessary social interactions, which families could be trusted, which families should be avoided, and even the rtionships between different families¡ªno detail was too small. It seemed that being a beloved granddaughter was just like this.


    Listening to all theseplicated and intertwined rtionships, Baby Dumpling''s head spun in circles.


    In her previous life, the rtionships around her were simple, and in this life, she was still young and hadn''t faced anyplicated people or matters. Suddenly hearing so many convoluted connections, she felt like her brain was tying itself in knots.


    Li Deshun also knew that although the little girl was clever, it would be very difficult for her to remember all theseplex rtionships all at once.


    Not to mention, she was born into a simple and harmonious family, and being young, even many nobledies in the capital who have been in power for years may not be able to handle everything perfectly.


    Well, with herself and the Crown Prince watching by her side in the capital, there shouldn''t be any major issues arising.


    Yuzhu, Yuqing, and Nanny Yan on the side were amazed by what they saw.


    They only knew that the young county princess had a good rtionship with the Crown Prince, but they never expected her to be so close to the Chief Steward by the Emperor''s side.


    Such an intimate gesture could even be described as that of a grandmother and grandson.


    As the chief pce maid who had the favor of the Empress, Li Deshun naturally knew them.


    His status was higher than theirs, so he lightly admonished the three of them.


    There were two points to his words: firstly, he warned them not to take advantage of being from the Empress''s pce and bully their superiors; secondly, their young mistress didn''t have a proper elder by her side, so they must protect her well and not let anyone take advantage of her.


    The three of them nodded and dared not be negligent.


    They had witnessed firsthand how favored their young mistress was in the pce, so how could they dare to take advantage of her?


    Moreover, now they had Li Gonggong as a backing, so their respect for Jiang Yuqing only increased.


    Li Deshun was a trusted attendant of the Emperor and couldn''t stay outside the pce for long. After talking for a while, he had to leave. Baby Dumpling didn''t want him to go and apanied him all the way to the main gate.


    Not long after Li Deshun left, Doctor Qiu and Tian Guang returned to the residence. Jiang Yuqing introduced Er Yu, Nanny Yan, and Doctor Qiu to each other.


    "Yu Zhu, Yu Qing, Nanny Yan, this is my master and senior brother."


    "Master, senior brother, these are the two sisters and Nanny Yan that the Empress bestowed upon me today."


    Er Yu and Nanny Yan immediately stepped forward to pay their respects.


    As the Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Tian Guang was very familiar with the three of them. And she also knew that Tian Guang''s master was the renowned Doctor Qiu from the Bianque Valley.


    Never did she expect that her new mistress was actually Doctor Qiu''s closed-door disciple and Tian Guang''s fellow apprentice sister. It was truly astonishing.


    Er Yu and Nanny Yan exchanged a nce, both feeling like they had struck gold.


    Who said their new mistress was just a rootless and insignificant rural girl? This was clearly a valuable golden opportunity!

 Chapter 55: Hall of Inheritance

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    Doctor Qiu and Tian Guang circled around Jiang Yuqing twice, looking up and down.


    No matter how they thought about it, they couldn''t figure out how this little girl managed to earn herself the title of County Mistress after just going to the pce to give thanks. Since when did titles in the Da Xia Dynasty be so easy to obtain?


    Tuanzi had no choice but to exin everything that happened in the pce. Only then did the master and disciple let her off the hook. At the same time, they marveled at how gutsy this little rascal was, daring to debate with the Emperor. She really was a newborn calf unafraid of tigers.


    Doctor Qiu and Tian Guang had just returned and were only there for a short while when the gatekeeper came to report that the Mu En Marquis Mansion had sent someone to invite Doctor Qiu over to see the young master, who was ill.


    As soon as Tian Guang heard the name Mu En Marquis Mansion, he frowned. "Go back and tell them my master has no time. They can look for another famous doctor!"


    The gatekeeper responded and left to pass on the message.


    Jiang Yuqing asked curiously, "What''s wrong with the Mu En Marquis Mansion...?"


    Tian Guang said, "That''s just filth. My ears hurt just hearing that name."


    And so, Tuanzi didn''t ask further. She was afraid of hurting her ears.


    After Jiang Yuqing gave thanks in the pce, and gained the favor of the Empress and Crown Prince, being granted the title of County Mistress, the news spread quickly throughout the capital.


    It also made all the nobledies twist their handkerchiefs to shreds and grit their silver teeth.


    Just an uncouth country bumpkin and yellow-haired country girl who happened to say a few amusing words was granted the title of County Mistress. Why should she get to have that?


    Unlike the petty thoughts of the youngdies, the officials and nobles had a different mindset.


    All the major families in the capital had spies in the pce.


    Besides, Jiang Yuqing''s audience with Emperor Xia Jing in the Jiaofang Pce was not concealed from outsiders.


    They were crystal clear about every word Jiang Yuqing had said.


    With just a few light words, she made Jiang Wenyuan gain the Emperor''s praise again, making the big shots turn green with envy and jealousy.


    Just look at someone else''s daughter - so young yet already knowing how to gain merit and pull strings for her own father in front of the Emperor.


    And then look at their own bunch of jealous and petty daughters and concubines, faces red from yelling, what do they know besides fighting over favor?


    The big shots had no choice but to admit that others knew better how to teach their daughters.


    The sudden rise of the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion from the remote Qing Prefecture meant that besides a few families, no one else in the capital had connections with them to seek rtions.


    And now, after just a few days in the capital, this daughter of the Jiang family rose from country lord to county mistress. While they were still picking up their jaws off the floor, they couldn''t help but be envious of the favor shown to the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion.


    Adding to that the high-yielding grain seeds tightly held by the Jiangs that everyone desperately wanted but couldn''t get, many families suddenly flocked to their doors to congratte them, regardless of whether they were previously associated.


    All kinds of invitations to admire flowers and poetry meetings flew towards them like snowkes.


    Jiang Yuqing was impatient with entertaining these people, and there was no one suitable in the household to handle it either, yet she couldn''t truly offend them.


    Helpless, she could only ept their gifts and send back return gifts of equivalent value,


    And have her subordinates put out the word: "The young mistress is still young. There is currently no one managing affairs in the Marquis Mansion in the capital. Pleasee to pay your respects after the Marquis and Madam arrive in the capital."


    This was reasonable, and all the families expressed understanding.


    On the 17th day of the 3rd month, Jiang Yuqing brought Nanny Yan, Er Yu and 20,000 catties of grain seeds straight to the farmstead on the outskirts of the capital.


    Emperor Xia Jing was afraid someone desperate for money would make trouble for the 20,000 catties of seeds, so he specially dispatched a squad of 20 Imperial Guards to protect them.


    This farmstead was originally an imperial farm. Later, when the current Emperor''s cousin, Grand Princess Rong Ning, was married, the previous emperor gave it to her as dowry.


    Grand Princess Rong Ning did not have children with her husband. After she passed away, the farmstead was taken back by the court, together with the official ves who managed the farmstead.


    It wasn''t untilst year that it was granted to Jiang Wenyuan.


    Back when Jiang Yuqing was still on the way to the capital, Qin Jue had already received orders from Jiang Wenyuan to till the fields in preparation.


    After arriving, Jiang Yuqing first took a tour of the farmstead and inspected the irrigation ditches.


    She then had someone dig in a few ces in the leveled paddy fields with hoes to check if enough base fertilizer was applied before she nodded in satisfaction.


    Looks like the farm steward did a good job.


    Next, Jiang Yuqing truly busied herself.


    Before sowing the seeds in the seedbeds, they first needed to be germinated. The first step of germination was soaking the seeds.


    20,000 catties of grain seeds filled 67rge 300-catty y vats, packed full in a warehouse. It was a spectacr sight.


    Soaking the seeds required 2 days. During that time, the water saturation level of the seeds had to be constantly checked. If the water in the vats was insufficient, more had to be added in a timely fashion.


    On the third day, Jiang Yuqing was directing the unsoaking process when Doctor Qiu and Jing Yan came with piles of things.


    She suddenly recalled that today seemed to be her 3rd birthday.


    She turned three. This represented that her body could now enter the Ling Realm.


    Thinking of this, she suddenly became excited.


    But there were too many people around. It wasn''t the right time. She could only restrain herself and talk about it at night.


    At noon, she had a bountiful lunch with Jing Yan and Doctor Qiu. She also gave cash rewards of 200 wen each to the farmstead workers on behalf of Nanny Yan, adding some festive cheer.


    During the meal, after Jiang Yuqing asked about the banquet preparations and heard that everything was going smoothly, she felt relieved.


    Jing Yan still had sses in the afternoon. After eating, he hurried away again.


    As the Crown Prince, he had few chances to be free.


    Doctor Qiu on the other hand stayed behind. He said the situation back home no longer required his presence and Tian Guang could take care of the rest.


    Rather than dealing alone in the capital with those people who woulde knocking even if it was just a little skin peel just to get him to see them, it was much morefortable to stay at the farmstead and keep his disciplepany in the fields.


    At night, Jiang Yuqing suppressed her excited mood and got Nanny Yan and Er Yu to rest early. She immediately asked Bai Xiaoshi in the Spirit Realm, "Can I enter the Spirit Realm now?"


    After getting an affirmative reply from Bai Xiaoshi, her body shed and she entered the Spirit Realm.


    Previously, it was just her consciousness that entered, but entering physically felt different.


    As she toured the Spirit Realm, Jiang Yuqing asked Bai Xiaoshi, "In the future, can I bring people in here?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "As the master of this Spirit Realm, you can as long as you wish, as long as you ensure the people you bring in will not have malicious thoughts. You must know, an innocent man carrying jade will be found guilty."


    Jiang Yuqing knew this reasoning.


    There were huge changes in the Spirit Realmpared to before. First of all, there was now a jade stele by the spring, with scale markings simr to a thermometer scale on it. On top of the stele was a bowl that seemed to be made of glowing white jade.


    Bai Xiaoshi said this was a karma stele.


    When her karma level reached a certain marking level, spiritual milk would condense in the spiritual spring. The higher the karma level, the more spiritual milk that would condense in the spring.


    And a single drop of spiritual milk could increase lifespan by 10 years - a true treasures of immortals.


    Currently, the gold marking line on the karma stele hadn''t even reached the lowest marking.


    A long road stilly ahead!


    Behind the hospital was previously a jelly-like wall of nothingness. It now expanded into an endless stretch of majestic mountains. A transparent barrier separated the mountains from the hospital side.


    An ancient and spectacr pce loomed within the mountains, obscured by misty clouds. Numerous immortal cranes danced around it.


    Bai Xiaoshi signaled her to ride its back. Without a doubt, Jiang Yuqing got on. This guy actually took off into the air, shooting straight for the pce!


    Jiang Yuqing was greatly surprised. "Bai Xiaoshi, you can actually fly!?"


    The spiritual beast looked at her in contempt. "Quite an eye-opener huh? I''m a primordial beast; flying is standard equipment."


    The country bumpkin master said cluelessly, "But don''t you not have wings?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "Who said you need wings to fly? Don''t ostriches in the desert have wings? Can they fly?"


    "You''re...right about that!"


    Thinking about it, the mounts of many immortals in Journey to the West also didn''t have wings, for example Taishang Laojun''s mount was an ox spirit.


    "Not right. Why didn''t you tell me you could fly?"


    Bai Xiaoshi shamelessly said, "You didn''t ask! Besides, I assumed you would know!"


    Jiang Yuqing almost wanted to strangle her own spiritual beast. "How would I know something like that? I''m not an ancient immortal. If I had known earlier you could fly, I would''ve gone home to see my parents long ago!"


    As she suddenly stopped speaking, she followed up: "Oh right, how long would it take for you to fly home?"


    Bai Xiaoshi replied, "Around a day or so!"


    "That fast!?" The master was instantly ted again. She immediately decided not to quibble with the ignorant spiritual beast.


    Mentally calcting the distance from the capital to Qing Prefecture, the speed was about the same as a car.


    Bai Xiaoshi''s speed was very fast, and he soon flew to the pce. In front of the pce was arge open area as wide as a drill ground.


    Above the front gate of the pce, the three characters "Inheritance Hall" were written. Seeing these three characters, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help but twitch at the corners of her mouth.


    She had racked her brains toe up with the word "inheritance" as a reasonable and legal source for her medical skills. She didn''t expect that there would really be such an Inheritance Hall in her spiritual space. What a coincidence!


    She walked up the steps and entered the main hall. In the center was a beautifully painted statue with a solemn, dignified appearance.


    The statue was lifelike, almost indistinguishable from a real person. It wore a tall hat with wide ribbons, and had an immortal aura. Judging from its clothes, it was clearly a Daoist immortal.


    In front of the statue was an incense table. In the middle of the table was an incense burner, and on either side were a few jade tablets and two small jade bottles.


    Covered with years of dust, at first nce they did not look valuable.


    But this did not affect her piety.


    After dying in her previous life, she had wandered as a lost soul until she was enlightened by this Daoist immortal and allowed to be reborn. Naturally she had to light incense and kowtow three times.


    As she finished the third kowtow, a vision suddenly arose.


    The jade tablets on the table emitted a bright glow and eagerly flew over to her, sticking to her forehead one by one.


    Momentster the glow faded, and the jade tablets crumbled into fine powder sprinkling the ground.


    She felt a stab of pain in her sea of ??consciousness, followed by a rush of information.


    These jade tablets turned out to be cultivation methods!


    One was called Attracting Qi, one Green Wood Extension, and one Return to Spring.


    Attracting Qi was a foundational method. Thetter two were wood-elemental methods. As for the jade bottles, one contained a ck iron thorn seed, the other two Marrow Cleansing Pills.


    The former was a spiritual seed that would take her as its master after she stimted its growth, and could be used as a powerful attacking and defending weapon.


    Thetter were Marrow Cleansing Pills, also good things, used for cleansing the channels and cutting the marrow.


    And she herself turned out to have an even rarer and more precious wood-elemental physique than a top-grade single wood-elemental spirit root.


    The aura of a wood-elemental physique was extremely mild, instinctively attracting living creatures to be intimate.


    No wonder the animals she had seen in both lifetimes called her the "Mother of the Earth".


    What she had previously thought were wood-elemental abilities were actually just the manifestation of her physique.


    Also, because she did not cultivate corresponding wood-elemental methods, she did not truly stimte her potential. Her ability to stimte nt growth was very limited - like guarding a treasure mountain without knowing how to use it.

 Chapter 56: The Smoking Little Red Riding Hood

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Aoki Derivative Art is a martial art thatbines offense and defense into one. It is divided into three stages: primary, lesser sess, and great sess.


    Primary level: Regardless of the season, it can make grass and trees within a radius of 5 li sprout and bud. It can also ripen crops, fruits and vegetables within at least 1 li.


    It can also control at least five iron-thorn brambles and vines as weapons of attack and defense, following the battle and growing as if they were its arms and fingers.


    Lesser sess level: Regardless of the season, it can make grass and trees within a radius of 20 li sprout leaves and buds. It can ripen crops, fruits and vegetables within 5 li. It can also control at least 100 iron-thorn brambles and vines to fight.


    When you practice to the great sess level, you can make grass and trees within a radius of 100 li grow, and ripen crops and fruits within 20 li. You can also controlrge areas of iron-thorn brambles and vines to fight.


    Rejuvenation form is a healing technique, also divided into three stages. The primary level can heal superficial wounds without leaving scars.


    The lesser sess level can heal internal injuries in the lungs and organs.


    The great sess level can eliminate all toxins in the world. It can instantly heal anyone with a breath left, even regenerating severed limbs.


    If the former gave her more means to establish herself in the world, then thetter made her, who studied medicine for two lifetimes, overjoyed.


    In her previous life, she watched so many heroicrades be disabled for life, retiring in hatred. Some even closed their eyes forever because the treatment was not timely enough.


    She was not without hatred.


    Now with this technique, she does not seek anything else, only hopes that there will be less such regrets in this life.


    There are two wide side halls on the left and right sides of the idol. The right side hall is the elixir room.


    The shelves are full of high-quality jade bottles of various textures, it¡¯s just that they are all empty.


    She also found a thick stack of pill forms covered in dust due to the passage of time in a drawer.


    The left side is the pill refining room with earth veins and strange fires inside. With strange fires and pill furnaces, she only needs to slowly refine pills after her cultivation level goes up a bitter.


    Coming out of the side hall, she went to the rear hall.


    There are many strange things on the shelves in the rear hall that she doesn¡¯t quite understand and has no use for at the moment.


    She only picked out a few techniques rted to cultivation, such as Talisman, Formation, and Basic Magic, and ns to study them when she has time.


    The flow of time in the Spirit Realm is 12 times faster than the outside world.


    That is, one day in the Spirit Realm is one hour outside.


    Of course, this only applies to nts. Otherwise, if she stays here for a year or two because of something, it would be a big deal when she goes out.


    Since there is still plenty of time now, Jiang Yuqing took a cushion and sat cross-legged in the square in front of the hall to start practicing.


    Her current body is too small and weak, and mastering skills earlier will allow her to gain more self-protection skills earlier.


    Nothing happened overnight.


    Jiang Yuqing only practiced for one night, but she had already led Qi into her body and sweated out ck sweat all over.


    The sour and stinky smell made her want to vomit when she smelled it herself, so she quickly jumped into the Lingquan River to wash herself clean.


    These are all the impurities in the body. Due to her young age and long-term drinking of the spiritual spring water, there are not many impurities in her body.


    Bai Xiaoshi said that if it were someone else, at least they would be smeared with ck oil.


    She didn''t sleep all night, but miraculously she didn''t feel tired at all, on the contrary, she felt refreshed. It must be the benefit of cultivation.


    After breakfast, she instructed everyone to work as usual.


    Not long after work started, a servant came to report that there were people from outside the manor seeking medical treatment. It seemed to be someone from Mu En Marquis Mansion. Asking if they should let them in.


    When Doctor Qiu heard this, his face turned ck. "Howe they are everywhere!"


    Seeing her master''s abnormal expression, Jiang Yuqing asked, "Master, what''s the problem with this Marquis Mansion?"


    Doctor Qiu indignantly said: "ording to your senior brother, their prodigal son usually hangs out in brothels and teahouses, and contracted venereal diseases.


    Because they were afraid of embarrassment, they endured without saying anything. By the time the family found out, it was toote.


    Now the little cubs of the Imperial Medical Bureau can only sustain his life with medicine.


    They saw me cure Ritual Master Tina and came up with some false hopes.


    When I was in the capital, those mother-inw tried to force their way to our mansion and knelt at our gate to coerce me. I had to sneak out the back door.


    Now that I have fled here, they actually chased me here again, it¡¯s simply disgusting."


    Venereal disease, that is, syphilis, is still in thete stage.


    Even in modern times with advanced medical care, this disease cannot necessarily be cured, let alone in this era.


    No matter how good Doctor Qiu is, he is still a human, not a god. Kneeling at the door trying to morally bind others is really disgusting.


    If they had known this today, why didn''t they take better care of their younger generation earlier? Now that something has happened, they are forcing others. It''s toote.


    Especially since he ssified this guy as the "three no cures" in the "can''t stand to see" category.


    He didn''t want to bother with it even more.


    However, although Doctor Qiu is not afraid of this rubbish Mu En Marquis Mansion, he is afraid of these shameless women.


    Therefore, unfortunately encountering them, he can only hide.


    She is different.


    After all, she is the county mistress personally appointed by the Emperor. The imperial edict granting that title is still hot.


    Judging only by rank, she is one level higher than Duke Muen''s wife.


    Especially with the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion and even Jing Yan standing behind her.


    Jiang Yuqing patted the old man''s arm sympathetically andforted: ¡°Master doesn''t need to worry, I''ll go out to meet them."


    After speaking, she brought twenty Imperial Guards, Bai Xiaoshi, Nanny Yan and Er Yu, and the group strode towards the manor gate mightily.


    On the way, Jiang Yuqing asked Nanny Yan: ¡°What kind of situation is this Mu En Marquis Mansion? Listening to this title, it doesn''t seem to be one with any foundation."


    Nanny Yan curled her lips and said, "This Mu En Marquis Mansion Wang family was originally a declining minor family in the capital. Later, the family¡¯s eldest daughter entered the pce and gained favor for a few days, and was granted the title of Consort Wang Zhaoyi.


    Consort Wang Zhaoyi was quite capable, she gave birth to a princess after being favored. The Emperor was happy, so he gave the Wang family some face and granted them the lowest rank of marquis.


    It¡¯s just that this princess was unlucky and died at the age of two.


    Later, new people entered the pce, and Consort Wang Zhaoyi was no longer needed, now she only has an empty title left."


    Oh, Jiang Yuqing understood.


    It turned out that today''s Mu En Marquis Mansion that came was just a paper tiger.


    They can only bully people like her master who has no foundation in the court.


    Other families in the capital probably held the attitude of watching the show or observing.


    If the Mu En Marquis Mansion people sessfully coerced, it would show that Doctor Qiu was not as tough as he imed.


    They could alsoe ask, if that really didn¡¯t work just press with power and influence, let¡¯s see if he gives in.


    If coercion fails...then make do with the second best option!


    After all, they can''t smash their heads open and bleed just to ask for medicine.


    When they arrived at the gate, there was indeed arge group of people standing outside. Apart from the two nobly dressed women in charge and several serving maids, the rest were all burly men.


    They were really up to something, it was obvious what their intentions were.


    Seeing her, Mu En Marchioness Lady Zhong forcefully mobilized the muscles on her face, trying to put on a benevolent smile.


    Unfortunately, with her mean looks, the smile looked twisted and creepy no matter how you looked at it.


    I have to admit, the wrinkles squeezed out are quite symmetrical.


    "Are you the county mistress of Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion¡¯s Linghui County?


    We are from Mu En Marquis Mansion. We came to find your teacher to ask him to save a life!


    My child at home is seriously ill and urgently needs your teacher to save him!"


    This smile and attitude was like the Big Bad Wolf seducing Little Red Riding Hood. She really treated her as a three-year-old child.


    It¡¯s just a pity that while the Big Bad Wolf is really a Big Bad Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood is an evil Little Red Riding Hood with a ckened heart.


    Dumpling started acting.


    She tilted her head and smiled innocently, "Master is not at home."


    Lady Zhong''s smile froze slightly: "Then where did he go?"


    Dumpling looked at her like she was an idiot: "Master is a doctor, apart from seeing patients, doctors also need to collect herbs!"


    "I see!" Old Lady Zhong looked embarrassed: "Then can you let us in to wait for him!"


    Dumpling shook her head and resolutely refused: "You can''t.


    Master said there are bad guys outside who want to catch me away if I let them in. If I get caught, I won''t be able to see Master anymore."


    Er Yu, Nanny Yan and the group of Imperial Guards endured theirughter until their faces turned red. Jiang Yuqing was really worried they might hurt themselves from holding it in.


    The smile on Lady Zhong''s face was about to crack, is this naughty child so irritating?


    "Little county mistress, we are not bad people. I am from the capital''s Mu En Marquis Mansion, the birth mother of Concubine Zhao Yi in the pce."


    Dumpling pursed her lips: "Is Concubine Zhao Yi older than the Crown Prince?"


    "No, not much!" What does this have to do with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince again? Old Lady Zhong only felt her forehead throbbing violently. Are the thoughts of children these days really so unconstrained, randomly saying one outrageous thing after another?


    Dumpling let out a sound: "Oh! I still call His Royal Highness the Crown Prince older brother. I didn''t say anything! Why are you showing off in front of me?"


    It''s just a background check, as if no one has done that before. My background is harder than yours!


    Old Lady Zhong could no longer maintain herposure, her facepletely tense and extremely unpleasant. She clearly had been angered.


    She now also understood that she had been mocked by a little girl.


    She pointed at Jiang Yuqing and said, "Is this how your family taught you to speak to your elders? You really have no manners!"


    Having been used in this way, Jiang Yuqing was also angry, her voice loud, Dumpling''s even louder.


    "My surname is Jiang, yours is Wang. How am I your elder? What''s more, my father taught me that manners should be judged by the person.


    One should be respectful and courteous when weing honoured guests to our home. But if it''s uninvited guests with dubious intentions, of course there''s no need to be polite!"


    "You, you, what a sharp-tongued little girl!" Madam Zhong was so angry she couldn''t get the words out, her face twitching, her hands shaking like leaves in the wind.


    She is also quick-tempered. To be honest, Jiang Yuqing is a little afraid that she might have a stroke. That would be terrible if she were to falsely use her.


    Duke Muen''s wife, Madam Zhong, is Old Lady Zhong''s niece.


    Being both mother-inw and aunt, their looks and personalities are quite simr.


    Seeing her mother-inw furious, and worried about her son''s illness, she felt both anxious and angry.


    She couldn''t help but knit her brows: "Mother, why waste words with this little brat? Doctor Qiu must be inside! Let''s charge in!" As she said this, she waved her hand, about to lead people to rush inside.


    Dumpling hurriedly took a step forward, straddled her legs, spread her hands, and shouted in her little milk voice, "Let''s see who dares!"


    Although small in size, she emitted an imposing manner of 1.8 meters.


    Moreover, when ites to fighting, regardless of right or wrong, as long as you appear imposing first, you''ve already won halfway.


    What''s more, they were clearly in the right this time, with a 100 percent chance of winning.


    Madam Zhong had lost her head from Dumpling''s imposing manner, but her underlings had not.


    The little miss across from them was the newly instated second-rank County mistress by His Majesty the Emperor. If they were to hurt her, even killing nine generations of her family would not be enough to punish them.


    For a time, no one dared to make a move!


    When Madam Zhong saw that the people she had brought were actually frightened by a little girl, she felt both angry and resentful. Blood rushed to her head, and amidst cries of shock from the crowd, she charged forward and pped Dumpling squarely on her little face.


    Jiang Yuqing was after all a cultivator, even though she had just started guiding qi into her body. Her body''s agility was not something an ordinary child couldpare with.


    She instinctively shed to the side, lightly pulling with her little feet.


    Madam Zhong immediately swung at empty space. And because she had used too much force, unable to stop her momentum, she stumbled and heavily fell face down onto the ground.


    Her face, stered with white powder, just happened tond dead center into a pile of still steaming cow dung...

 Chapter 57: The Plan of Bitter Meat

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    The scene was extremely quiet for a moment.


    What exactly was this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle...


    No one knew who it was, but someone finally couldn''t helpughing out loud, and the scene suddenly burst intoughter.


    Even the Imperial Guards present wereughing so hard that they couldn''t stand upright.


    After a long time, the people from Mu En Marquis Mansion finally reacted and several maids came over to help up Madam Mu En.


    A maid was wiping the cow dung off her face with a handkerchief. After two wipes, she finally couldn''t stand it and turned her head to one side to vomit violently.


    Madam Zhong had eaten a mouthful of feces. After being helped up, she was both ashamed and angry. Tears streamed down her face, and she cried out a ditch of feces on her face...Then she started retching violently.


    For a while, the masters and servants suddenly vomited together.


    Old Lady Zhong almost fainted from anger. She shouted loudly, "What are you staring at? Hurry up and take them back. Are you waiting for others tough at you?"


    It was only then that everyone came to their senses. They clumsily carried Madam Zhong away.


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly sat down on the ground and cried loudly. Her voice cried intermittently, "Nanny, I can''t move my feet. It hurts so much, wah wah~~"


    Nanny Yan was shocked and immediately rolled up her trouser legs to take a look. The ankle was swollen red in arge area. Her face changed instantly.


    Nanny Yan was furious and scolded, "A fourth-rank marquis¡¯ madam actually dared to injure the second-rank magistrate. Mu En Marquis Mansion really has the guts. This ve will go to the Ministry of Justice right away to ask what crime this inferior offending superior is. If that doesn''t work, I''ll report it to Her Majesty the Empress! I don''t believe there is no ce for justice in this big capital."


    Old Lady Zhong didn''t dare to admit this crime. Her old face was swollen and red, "Don''t talk nonsense. She obviously fell by herself. Don''t try to me it on us."


    The wife of the vige chief next to her couldn''t stand to listen anymore. She interrupted and scolded, "Nonsense! If it wasn''t for her starting the fight and beating people, how could my magistrate have fallen?"


    The wife of the vige chief waspletely illiterate. Naturally, her curses were not very elegant. Everyoneughed again when they heard this.


    Didn''t Madam Mu En just eat sh*t? If it wasn''t for the asion, Jiang Yuqing really wanted to jump up and give her twelve thumbs up.


    Old Lady Zhong was so angry that her eyes were round and ring. She pointed at the wife of the vige chief, shaking like a leaf in the wind. Her mouth opened and closed, "You, you this, this..."


    The wife of the vige chief was not afraid of her at all, "What do you mean by ¡®you¡¯? Truth is not determined by who yells the loudest. Everyone present has eyes. Do you think you can shirk responsibility?"


    "It¡¯s too obvious that a small marquis mansion dared to bring people to attack tantly. Isn¡¯t it because you saw our magistrate was not in the capital and thought our young county magistrate would be easy to bully? What a madam, pah! Just a group of cowards who bully the meek and fear the strong." Now their face was truly stripped bare.


    Old Lady Zhong really couldn''t stand it anymore. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted. The maids and servants were in chaos again...


    Mu En Marquis Mansion lost face badly. Knowing that they were in the wrong, they didn''t dare to stay any longer. They carried Old Lady Zhong and Madam Zhong onto the carriage and escaped as if their lives depended on it.


    After driving away these annoying people, everyone let out a sigh of relief. When they looked at the wife of the vige chief again, their eyes were full of admiration, as if she was the triumphant general who had won a victory.


    Indeed, it takes someone of her caliber to deal with shameless people like the Zhongs.


    What a battle prowess.


    Jiang Yuqing was in a good mood. Enduring the pain in her foot, she rewarded the wife of the vige chief with ten taels of silver on the spot. The wife of the vige chief was so happy that her smile reached her ears.


    Bai Xiaoshi even had the mood to mock her on the side.


    "In order to pit Mu En Marquis Mansion, you even used your usual pretense. You really went all out."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Mu En Marquis Mansion bullied people too much. How could I let them off easily? Otherwise, anyone in the capital coulde and step on me, Jiang Yuqing and step on Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion.


    My Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion has just arrived. I was just worried about how to establish prestige. With such a ready-made scapegoat delivered to my door, how could I miss this opportunity?"


    Bai Xiaoshi suddenly felt some sympathy for the two women just now. The one in front of him who pretended to be weak but was ruthless, was the real sinister Little Red Riding Hood, the smoky kind.


    When Doctor Qiu heard that his little apprentice was injured by the people from Mu En Marquis Mansion, he became anxious and angry. He hurried to run to the entrance of the vige.


    On his way, he happened to meet Nanny Yan who was carrying Jiang Yuqing back. He quickly took over his apprentice.


    Just as he was about to check her injury, he saw his little apprentice blink at him. Doctor Qiu understood instantly. He carried her quickly back to the room and said he was going to treat her injury and no one was allowed to enter.


    Jiang Yuqing had tripped Madam Zhong earlier and felt exhrated at the time. But now her foot really hurt.


    When Doctor Qiu saw her face turn pale from the pain, he checked it carefully and immediately changed his face, "Good girl, it may really be a bone fracture."


    Jiang Yuqing was also shocked and said, "No way! I just wanted to scare them."


    Doctor Qiu patted her lightly in anger and frustration, "What do you mean no way! It looks like a crack! Exactly where the crack is located, how wide and long, I can only estimate roughly."


    For such a bone injury, pulse diagnosis does not work. For her own health, Jiang Yuqing decided to go to the hospital to take an x-ray of her leg and see.


    Jiang Yuqing organized her words and said, "Master, I''m going to take you somewhereter. That''s where I got my medical knowledge.


    There is a special machine inside that can see the internal structure of the human body.


    The ce is a little different from the outside world. Don''t be afraid or too surprised.


    Of course, you have to keep it a secret for me after youe out.


    As soon as the old man heard it, his eyes lit up instantly likenterns, nodding like pounding garlic.


    Jiang Yuqing ordered Er Yu and Nanny Yan to guard the door. She said that the master was going to check her injury. Without her order, no one was allowed to break in recklessly.


    Then she pulled Doctor Qiu and brought him into the hospital in a sh.


    Jiang Yuqing used her spiritual sense to manipte the machine to take an X-ray of her injured leg and printed it out to put on the view box. Indeed, it was a minor bone fracture.


    She felt relieved and said, "It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just a minor bone fracture. It will heal after recuperating for some time. Master, Master?"


    "Hmm, hmm, ah?" The old man''s soul was wandering!


    Jiang Yuqing had called him for a long time before he only responded with a few single-word replies like ¡°hmm¡±, ¡°okay¡±, ¡°okay¡±.


    His attention waspletely on the equipment and X-ray films around him. He didn''t even listen to a word she said.


    Angrily, she pped the table several times. The little antennae on her head even trembled a few times before she finally pulled Doctor Qiu''s eyes back.


    Jiang Yuqing felt like she was back in the ssroom in her previous life.


    The naughty student not listening in ss, the teacher pping the table and roaring angrily, while Doctor Qiu was that naughty student.


    Jiang Yuqing yelled angrily, "Master, I''m talking to you. Can you listen to me first before checking it out?"


    Doctor Qiu was also afraid that he would really anger his little apprentice and get kicked out. Then it would be bad. He still hadn''t figured out what those things were anyway.


    Jiang Yuqing pointed to the fracture site on the X-ray again and repeated her diagnosis.


    Doctor Qiu said it waspletely correct.


    Since the injury was slightly above the ankle, an area with a lot of movement, it was very necessary to apply a splint in the early stage.


    When Jiang Yuqing pulled him out of the hospital, Doctor Qiu was still reluctant. He kept asking his little apprentice what was that machine, what was its use.


    What were those magical ck films, why could they draw out fractures and other conditions so clearly without surgery?


    While sending someone back to the capital with a letter, Jiang Yuqing patiently and meticulously exined to him the purpose and imaging principles of X-ray machines.


    Doctor Qiu kept eximing in surprise, calling it a divine object.


    Since they had decided to fix Mu En Marquis Mansion to death, it was also an opportunity to deter everyone in the capital by killing the chicken to warn the monkeys. This y must be performed realistically.


    Master and disciple started acting behind closed doors.


    Jiang Yuqing cried with tears in her big eyes. Her voice even shook (actually arge part was fromughing), "Master, be gentler. It hurts, it''s killing me."


    Doctor Qiu stroked her head and said in a rough voice, "How can it not hurt? It¡¯s already injured to the bone. Damn evil woman, bullying a child like that, have you no fear of heavenly retribution?"


    While shouting at Nanny Yan, "Nanny, bring two maids in to hold her down. I need to put splints on her calf."


    When Nanny Yan heard this, her face turned pale with fright. She immediately called Er Yu in.


    Doctor Qiu, Jiang Yuqing and two others pressed Jiang Yuqing''s arms and legs as instructed by Doctor Qiu, to prevent Jiang Yuqing from struggling due to pain when putting on the splint.


    When putting on the splint, Dumpling sweated profusely as expected and her little face turned so pale without a trace of blood. Tears kept rolling down her cheeks.


    Jiang Yuqing instantly felt that Oscar owed her more than one little golden man.


    Several women couldn''t help crying. Nanny Yan felt very sad and guilty.


    She thought she was going to die for letting the young master get hurt right under her nose and failing the empress''s entrustment...


    After the "bandaging", Doctor Qiu wrote a prescription and asked someone to get medicine from the capital, while sending a letter to his senior disciple.


    Jiang Yuqing then directly asked Nanny Yan to take the post from the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion to report the case to the Ministry of Justice.


    Since it had to make troubles, it would rather make a big fuss and let the whole capital see it.


    Jing Yan had just left the court when he received the news that Jiang Yuqing was injured. He didn¡¯t even have time to change his court clothes and went straight to Zhuangzi after telling his father.


    Seeing the little guy who was still lively and active yesterday sitting in the chair now with paleplexion,nguid spirit, and a heavy splint on his left foot, his heart almost shattered.


    Er Yu took the opportunity to tattle. Jiang Yuqing almost couldn''t helpughing.


    After listening to the whole story, Jing Yan got furious directly and pped the table heavily.


    "What a gutsy Mu En Marquis Mansion! They actually dared to bully you!"


    He was afraid that his emotions would frighten Jiang Yuqing, so he suppressed his anger and said gently, "Qingqing, focus on recuperating. Leave the rest to me. I will make sure the Mu En Marquis Mansion won''t get away with it."


    Then he hurried back to the capital with his men.


    It is said that the Ministry of Justice received people from the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion reporting that the Mu En Marquis Mansion failed to seek medical treatment and then assaulted the Magistrate of Linghui County.


    As it concerned two influential aristocratic families, the ministers of the Ministry of Justice did not dare to neglect it and quickly ordered the fastest investigation into the cause of the incident.

 Chapter 58: Rumor

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    Actually, the situation is quite simple.


    In Mu En Marquis Mansion, the mother and daughter-inw were desperate to seek help from Doctor Qiu for their irresponsible son who contracted a venereal disease. They forced their way into the residence of the Magistrate of Linghui County, hoping to coerce him into saving their son.


    Cornered, Doctor Qiu had no choice but to seek refuge in the estate where the Magistrate resided.


    The women from Wang family, apanied by their entourage, followed them to the estate, attempting to deceive the Magistrate into allowing them entry. However, the Magistrate firmly refused, so they resorted to force.


    Madam Zhong, the wife of Marquis Muen, even resorted to physically assaulting the three-year-old Magistrate of Linghui County. Although the Magistrate managed to avoid the p, she injured her foot, reportedly fracturing her bones.


    It was truly a pitiful sight!


    The next day, as soon as the court session began, Wang Mian, the Marquis of Mu En, was used by more than ten officials, including the Chief Minister of Justice. They used him of failing to manage his household, condoning the violent behavior of his female rtives, pressuring the eminent Doctor Qiu, and causing harm to the Magistrate of Linghui County. They described his actions as a clear case of bullying the weak, and his conduct was deemed extremely malicious.


    Emperor Xia Jing immediately ordered him topensate the Magistrate for her medical expenses, amounting to ten thousand taels of silver. The Emperor personally visited her and publicly apologized.


    Furthermore, Wang Mian was stripped of his sry for one year and was ordered to reflect on his actions in seclusion at home. It can be said that he had lost even thest shred of his dignity.


    At the same time, the teacher of the Magistrate, Doctor Qiu, acting as the Master of Bianque Valley, issued a decree, forbidding disciples across the country from treating anyone from Mu En Marquis Mansion.


    This caused the downfall of the eldest son of Mu En Marquis Mansion.


    It was also heard that Madam Zhong, in her excessive rage, lost control and fell face-first into a pile of cow dung, ending up with a mouthful of excrement. The stench was so unbearable that it made several maidservants vomit.


    The capital city was always teeming with idle onlookers.


    Consequently, after the news of "Mu En Marquis'' only son contracting a venereal disease" and "Mu En Marquis Mansion injuring the Magistrate of Linghui County," the shocking rumor of "Madam Zhong from Mu En Marquis Mansion eating feces" spread like a tornado, sweeping through the entire capital city and bing thetest hot topic.


    Especially thest rumor, it was the hottest of the hot, the biggest scandal among scandals.


    Of course, rumors are irrational by nature, and those based on reason cannot be called rumors.


    As the rumor spread, somehow it transformed into Madam Zhong from Mu En Marquis Mansion having a liking for eating feces, and subsequently, it became a rumor that everyone in Mu En Marquis Mansion had such a preference.


    There were even some uninformed individuals who poured their own night soil at the entrance of Mu En Marquis Mansion...


    In short, the people of the capital city were thoroughly entertained.


    Meanwhile, Mu En Marquis Mansion, at the center of the gossip, found themselves in a dire situation every day.


    Because they had angered the Master of Bianque Valley, they were subject to a ban. Now, not only Doctor Qiu but even ordinary physicians could not be employed by Mu En Marquis Mansion.


    The sole heir of Mu En Marquis, confined to his bed, could only decay away.


    The senior Madam Zhong of Mu En Marquis Mansion fell ill from anger and remained bedridden, moaning and unable to get up.


    As for Madam Zhong, the wife of Mu En Marquis, who had brought such disgrace upon herself, she dared not step out of the house anymore and no longer cared for her beloved son.


    Mu En Marquis himself despised her for her disgraceful and disgusting behavior. He chose to spend his nights in the chambers of his concubine instead.


    Emperor Xia Jing punished Mu En Marquis with seclusion and reflection, without even specifying a deadline. Even a fool could see that the Mu En Marquis family hadpletely fallen out of favor with the Emperor.


    But this was far from the end.


    Just a couple of dayster, another scandal emerged. Wang Mian, the son of Marquis Muen, forcibly abducted several young women from themon folk. During his tenure at the Ministry of Works, Wang Mian was found guilty of epting bribes and embezzling funds meant for water conservancy projects. He also instructed his rtives and servants to seizend belonging to themon people.


    The victims have now collectively appealed to the Court of Judicial Review.


    Emperor Xia Jing was furious when he heard the news, and he ordered Wang Mian to be thrown into the dungeon. He instructed the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation into this case.


    Upon learning of the situation, Consort Wang Zhaoyi, who resided in the pce, disregarded all obstacles and stormed into the imperial study to plead for her brother and seek justice. However, the enraged emperor immediately stripped her of her title and banished her to the cold pce.


    Three dayster, due to irrefutable evidence, the Marquis Muen Mansion was confiscated, and the entire family was exiled to the northwest.


    On the day of the confiscation, Wang Mian''s only son, the once notorious yboy, took hisst breath.


    Madam Zhong, with tears streaming down her face, hastily buried her son in a hastily dug grave outside the city and was then tied with a rope and sent off to the ce of exile in the northwest.


    Ten dayster, the elderly Lady Zhong from the former Marquis Muen Mansion could not withstand the hardships of the journey and died on the way to exile.


    In just ten short days, the family was destroyed and lives were lost.


    Wang Mian couldn''t help but feel regretful.


    Late at night, lying on the cold ground of a dpidated temple, Wang Mian couldn''t stop thinking.


    If only he hadn''t been so greedy, if only he had properly educated his son and restrained his family, would they have ended up in such a dire situation today?


    Unfortunately, there is no remedy for regrets in this world.


    The chaos and bloodshed in the capital city had nothing to do with Jiang Yuqing''s injuries.


    Upon learning of her injury, noble families in the capital, such as the Pingyang Marquis Mansion and the Duke of Protector''s Mansion, sent valuable supplements and medicinal herbs.


    Jing Yan even sent her thetest news from the capital every day and provided her with a wheelchair for easy movement, which he arranged overnight with the help of the Ministry of Works.


    Nanny Yan, fearing that she might have difficulty getting up at night, insisted on sleeping in her room to take care of her.


    With no other choice, Jiang Yuqing temporarily sealed Nanny Yan''s senses with spiritual energy to put her into a deep sleep, allowing her to enter the spiritual realm for cultivation.


    Although there was spiritual energy in the outside world, it was much thinnerpared to the abundant spiritual realm.


    Moreover, the time ratio between the spiritual realm and the outside world was 12:1. She spent four hours in the spiritual realm every night, which equated to three days.


    In just a few days in the outside world, she had reached the fifth level of Qi cultivation, which could be considered a small genius even in the ancient cultivation world.


    She began studying the "Wood Derivation Technique" and the "Rejuvenation Technique," both wood-based cultivation methods, as well as some basic spells.


    For example, there was a simple yet practical "Cleansing Spell." As the name suggests, with a simple spell, she could keep herself clean at all times.


    There was also the Fireball Spell, which allowed her to ignite fires and intimidate those with ill intentions.


    And then there was the Illusionary Transformation Spell, which could change her appearance in the eyes of others, serving as a deadly weapon for self-protection... cough, I mean, a means to protect herself.


    Although these spells were simple, it still took some time to practice in order to be able to cast them instantly anytime, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.


    Afterpleting a full cirction of her cultivation technique, she would use the recently learned "Rejuvenation Technique" to treat her injured foot.


    It won''t take long before she can walk freely again, much shorter than waiting for a hundred days.


    Following her master''s request, Jiang Yuqing gathered a stack of thick medical books from the hospital to study.


    To her surprise, the old man just flipped through them and angrily put them down, saying he couldn''t understand a thing.


    Jiang Yuqing then realized that the books were all in simplified Chinese characters, filled with numerous specialized medical terms and foreign words.


    Not to mention the old man, who only recognized traditional characters, even a modern non-medical college student would struggle toprehend them.


    Well, it was quite frustrating.


    This approach wouldn''t work. Jiang Yuqing had to find something he could understand.


    For example, detailed color anatomy illustrations.


    Not only did Doctor Qiu like this stuff, but her senior martial brother, Tian Guang, and her martial nephew, Tian Shanglu, also took an interest and brought back two sets to copy by themselves.


    Tian Guang couldn''t stay here for long, but Tian Shanglu could.


    He and his master, both medical enthusiasts, even secretly discussed where to obtain a corpse and made gestures.


    Jiang Yuqing was so frightened that she found an empty courtyard and locked them inside.


    She also retrieved the disheveled body of the wife murderer they had dissectedst time from the mortuary and handed it to them. Then she tightly guarded the entrance, ensuring no one could get in. Only then was it considered done.


    And thus, she, a young child, became the one in need of care.


    During the day, she had to take care of Tian Manor, her inattentive master, and the equally medical-obsessed martial nephew.


    At night, she had to figure out ways to cultivate in the Spirit Realm. The days were chaotic and filled with hardships.


    She vented her frustrations to Bai Xiaoshi,ining about whether he was the master or she was, whether he was the one being cared for or she was.


    The unscrupulous spirit took pleasure in her misfortune and sprinkled salt on her wounds: "Things thate to you on a silver tter are never good. You have to serve the master you chose, even if you have to kneel."


    Jiang Yuqing "... " This life was unbearable.


    After ten busy days, all the grains were finally sown in the rice fields, and she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    During a meal, Yu Zhu expressed her concern that Jiang Yuqing seemed to have lost weight.


    Only then did her master, with a pang of guilt, stop incessantly demanding things from his disciple.


    Jiang Yuqing stayed in the manor until early April, barely reaching a beginner level in cultivating the "Green Wood Derivation Technique" and the "Rejuvenation Technique."


    Afterward, she remembered the ck iron thorn seed that was sealed in the jade bottle.


    Something that her ancestral master would ce on the sacrificial table as an heirloom definitely wasn''t ordinary.


    She circled around the gate of the mountain hall and chose an empty flower bed, where she solemnly nted the seed. She watered it with spiritual spring water and then infused it with pure wood-element spiritual power.


    For a while, the seed remained motionless.


    Just when Jiang Yuqing was feeling disappointed, thinking that the seed may have lost its vitality due to its ancient age, the soilyer suddenly stirred, and a tender green sprout emerged. It quickly grew taller, sprouting leaves and transforming into a sturdy, vibrant vine.


    The vine seemed to have consciousness as it gently sniffed in her direction and then tenderly wrapped around her legs, climbing upward.


    After circling around her waist, it wrapped around her right hand, and soon bloomed a string of fragrant pale white flowers, offering them to her as if they were a gift.


    Jiang Yuqing received this special gift with joy and carefully preserved it in a beautiful jade box.


    Xiao Jing happily rubbed against her cheek, then pulled its roots out of the soil, swiftly shrinking and thinning its vine body. It wound itself around her chubby right arm, forming aplete circr shape.


    At first nce, it resembled an exquisite carved jade bracelet.


    The "bracelet" shyly extended a leaf and gently scratched the palm of her hand. "Master, Xiao Jing likes you!"


    "Are... you talking to me?" Jiang Yuqing stared at the vine in her hand, her beautiful eyes widening.


    "Yes, master! Xiao Jing is a spiritual nt that ranked among the top ten in ancient times. I can fight very well. From now on, let Xiao Jing protect you!"


    "Okay, thank you!" She already had an ancient mythical beast as her spiritual weapon and mount, so having a spiritual nt as a weapon seemed natural as well.


    "You''re wee, master. Xiao Jing needs to umte more power in order to grow quickly. I need you to feed me more often, okay?"


    "Um... What do you like to eat?" A nt... Maybe some organic fertilizer?


    As the old saying goes, crops thrive on good fertilizer. It should probably work on other nts... Well, she wasn''t sure!


    Xiao Jing cheerfully replied, "Spiritual energy. Master can feed me some spiritual energy every day, or even spiritual spring water."


    "Oh, okay." As long as it wasn''t eating corpses, anything was fine.


    After a brief exchange between the two, Jiang Yuqing let Xiao Jing go to the spiritual spring to drink water on its own.


    She still needed to continue her cultivation and didn''t have time to waste.


    Her diligence these days hadn''t been in vain, as she had mastered several small spells to perfection.


    She even began studying formations and sessfully set up a simple defensive formation with stones the night before.


    With this, she entered the ranks of novice formation mages, which was cause for celebration.

 Chapter 59: In Favour

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    After ensuring that the seeds were sown without any issues, Jiang Yuqing instructed Zhuangtou to take good care of things, and then she leisurely returned to the capital city with Doctor Qiu and Tian Shanglu.


    To prevent any leg injuries during the bumpy journey, Jiang Yuqing used her rejuvenation technique once again to treat herself before setting off.


    After days of continuous dressing changes by Doctor Qiu and treatment with her own wood-based cultivation method, her condition had significantly improved, and she was now able to walk freely. However, she still needed to wear a leg brace to avoid drawing attention.


    As soon as she returned home, Jiang Yuqing took a few sips of water, and Zhao Housekeeper promptly brought in a stack of various invitation cards.


    Jiang Yuqing casually flipped through them. There were poetry gatherings, tea parties, flower appreciation events, and countless other activities. The variety was overwhelming.


    After flipping through a few books, she lost interest and piled them up on the desk. She was busy every day and had no time to indulge in flower viewing or poetry writing. Those were activities for wealthy youngdies with leisure time, not something she would participate in.


    Er Yu and Nanny Yan exchanged a nce, both expressing a hint of helplessness. Their mistress was good in many aspects, except she didn''t pay much attention to things that interested women.


    Yu Zhu stepped forward and tidied up the mess of invitation cards. From the stack, she took out arge red card with gold embossing and handed it to Jiang Yuqing.


    "County Princess, you don''t have to look at the others, but it''s better to take a look at this one. Zhao Housekeeper said it was delivered on the day you went to the Zhuangzi," Yu Zhu said.


    Jiang Yuqing nced at Yu Zhu and took the card, opening it to see the signature: "Ronghua Princess''s Residence." The content was an invitation to admire the peonies in her family''s garden. The flowers would be in full bloom in ten days, on the fifteenth of April.


    Jiang Yuqing asked Yu Zhu, "Do I have to go to this Ronghua Princess''s Residence?"


    Yu Zhu replied, "If your leg injury hasn''t fully healed, you can choose not to go. But if you can walk, I suggest you go, as it can be a way to rx."


    "Is she influential?" Jiang Yuqing inquired.


    Yu Zhu answered, "Not particrly. However, Princess Ronghua is the only surviving sister of the current emperor. Therefore, his Majesty shows her special consideration. Princess Ronghua loves peonies and has a whole garden of them, all of which are exquisite varieties. Her peonies bloom earlier than those in other ces."


    "Every year at this time, Princess Ronghua holds a flower appreciation event, inviting nobledies and distinguished women from the capital to admire the flowers. Receiving an invitation from Princess Ronghua''s Residence is considered an honor among nobledies. So, I still suggest that you go, to rx and enjoy."


    Jiang Yuqing tapped the table a few times with her finger and said, "Then, let''s go! Do we need to send a response?"


    Yu Zhu replied, "Yes, we need to reply. I''ll bring the stationery."


    Jiang Yuqing took out a pen from her spirit realm and neatly wrote a reply. The characters were a bit smaller, but at least they were legible. Using a brush pen would have been quiteughable.


    After finishing the reply, Yu Zhu personally delivered it to Princess Ronghua''s Residence.


    Since the decision to attend was made, they couldn''t afford any mistakes. After Yu Zhu left, Jiang Yuqing took paper and pen and wrote a notice, which was then posted outside the main gate of the Marquis''s residence.


    The notice contained only one sentence: "On the 11th of April, the Valley Master of Bianque Valley will be holding consultations at Zhuque Avenue and He''an Medicine Hall in the capital city. This was arranged in advance with her master."


    Jiang Yuqing''s move of borrowing the residence of the Mu Enhou Mansion to wait for her benefactor was a show of strength that intimidated the influential figures in the capital.


    Now the initiative is entirely in their hands, and they can choose whom to treat or not treat based on the whims of the old master. No one can force them anymore!


    At the same time, notices were also posted in the capital and at He''an Medicine Hall, stating that starting from the 11th of April, the Valley Master of Bianque Valley would hold consultations at the hall on alternate days.


    The rules remained the same: "No consultations on the third, sixth, and ninth days." Only five patients would be epted each day, and those exceeding the limit would have toe back another day.


    Anyone who caused trouble or attempted to exert pressure on others would be cklisted by Bianque Valley and denied medical treatment for life.


    As soon as the news came out, the people of the capital spread the word like wildfire. They flocked to He''an Medicine Hall, all hoping to secure an appointment as early as possible.


    Finally, the gates of the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion became quiet.


    During the "recovery" period, there was no need to entertain guests or enter the pce.


    Jiang Yuqing enjoyed the tranquility. During the day, she would read books, let her disciple Bai Xiaoshi wander in the garden, or engage in discussions on medical skills with her master, senior brothers, and nephews. In the evening, she would practice cultivation in the spiritual realm.


    After another five or six days, she reached the seventh level of Qi cultivation and advanced to the initial stage of the "Qing Art Derivation Technique."


    Now, with a wave of her small hand, she could make the grass and trees within five miles sprout in the cold winter or make fruits and vegetables within a one-mile radius ripen.


    This ability was extraordinary and gratifying.


    She had also made progress in the "Rejuvenation Technique" and could now easily treat simple external injuries, healing them in just a few moments. As long as she wished it, the patient''s skin would be intact, without leaving the slightest scar.


    Of course, this didn''t mean that her medical skills were useless.


    No matter how powerful the "Rejuvenation Technique" was, it still required the support of spiritual energy, which only she possessed.


    Treating one or two people was manageable, but if there were many, such as on a battlefield, even if she worked tirelessly, she wouldn''t be able to treat everyone.


    Therefore, in this world, it was still necessary to firmly root oneself in traditional medicine. There were no shortcuts on this path.


    She was just an unexpected urrence.


    A bystander, so to speak.


    After these days, Jiang Yuqing''s injured leg was finally freed from the splint and fully healed.


    It was said that it takes a hundred days to recover from a bone and tendon injury, but she managed to do it in less than half a month, and no one doubted it.


    She felt fortunate to have a renowned divine physician as her master.


    On the second day of her recovery, she went to the pce.


    During her days of injury, the Empress Qin sent her delicious food and fun things.


    She even wanted to bring her into the pce and have her live there, but Jiang Yuqing declined.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t know how to appreciate the favor; it was just that the pce was too oppressive.


    Dealing with the concubines, princesses, and nobledies every day was enough to give her a headache, even just remembering all their names.


    She admired the Empress Qin even more. Despite being in the prime of her youth and beauty, she not only had topete with the women in the harem for her husband''s attention but also had to take care of her husband''s concubines and illegitimate children.


    Just the thought of it made Jiang Yuqing sympathize with her!


    Of course, it was their way of life, and she could only silently criticize it in her heart. She wouldn''t dare to speak out, as that could easily lead to an untimely death.


    After not seeing each other for half a month, Empress Qin hugged her like a cherished treasure and immediatelymented on how thin she had be.


    Well... she did lose some weight, just a couple of pounds. Who knows how she noticed it.


    When the two of them got together and started talking about what happened a few days ago, theyughed so hard that they almost fell over.


    In the end, Empress Qin yfully scolded her, saying, "You are the precious national porcin. How can youpete with those shabby jars and broken pottery bowls? It''s not worth hurting yourself. Next time, you mustn''t do such a thing." Jiang Yuqing nodded like a little chick pecking at grains.


    I believe that after this incident, no one with ack of insight wille and cause trouble again.


    The two of them chattedfortably, and Empress Qin even allowed her to drop the title "Nanny" and just call her Qin Auntie when no one was around in the pce.


    Jiang Yuqing thought this address was good, as it felt intimate and down-to-earth.


    In the afternoon, Empress Qin asked her to stay in the pce since her own residence would be empty anyway. It was better to stay in the pce and have someone to talk to.


    She ended up staying for three or four days.


    During these days, Jing Yan would visit her whenever he had free time, and Emperor Xia Jing also brought Li Deshun with him twice.


    Perhaps because she had be familiar with the empress, Jiang Yuqing was no longer as restrained as she was when she first entered the pce. She took the opportunity to have many conversations with Li Deshun.


    In no time, news of Jiang Yuqing, the favored county princess, spread throughout the court.


    It wasn''t until the day before the flower-viewing event at Princess Ronghua''s residence that Empress Qin finally let her return home.


    Knowing that she was going to attend the flower-viewing event at Princess Ronghua''s residence, Empress Qin instructed people to prepare aplete set of clothes, essories, and gifts for her, and told Nanny Yan and Er Yu to take good care of Jiang Yuqing.


    If there were any issues, they were to report directly to her.


    After returning home, Jiang Yuqing went to visit her master at the Rejuvenation Pavilion as soon as possible. After not seeing him for a few days, she truly missed him.


    To her surprise, she found the ce empty. Then she remembered that today was the day when the old man spent his time with the An Tang Clinic.


    Approaching noon, Jiang Yuqing had her servants prepare some of her master''s favorite dishes and packed them in a food box. She personally went to the An Tang Clinic to deliver them.


    The reputation of the An Tang Clinic was well-known. It was always the first choice for medical treatment among the people of Da Xia.


    Now, the An Tang Clinic on Zhuque Street had gained even more fame with the renowned divine physician sitting in.


    Even at noon, there were still many people waiting in line outside.


    It was not much different from the military hospital where she was in her previous life!


    With so many people gathered here, it had also boosted the business of nearby food stalls and inns.


    After getting off the carriage at the entrance of the An Tang Clinic, Jiang Yuqing took the food box from Nanny Yan''s hand and headed straight inside.


    A shop assistant politely stopped her and said, "Miss, if you''re here for medical treatment, please join the queue or make an appointment in advance."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and reached into her sleeve, taking out the token from Bianque Valley, and asked, "Can I go in now?"


    As soon as the assistant saw it, he immediately showed respect and said, "So you''re a junior disciple of the Valley. I apologize for my rudeness. Our master is currently seeing patients in the innermost room. Let me take you there."


    It turned out that he was also a disciple of Bianque Valley. Due tocking any notable talent in medicine, he could only be a menial worker at the outer sect, but he was still able to support his family well.


    When Jiang Yuqing entered, Doctor Qiu had just finished seeing a patient.


    Upon seeing her, he first felt joy, but then pretended to be angry and said, "You little brat, do you still remember that you have a master? I thought you were blinded by wealth and reluctant toe back."


    Jiang Yuqing coquettishly replied, "Absolutely not! Am I the kind of disciple who forgets about my master? I think of you every day in the pce. As soon as I returned home, I immediately came to find you."


    As she spoke, she personally handed him a food box and said, "Master, look, these are your favorite dishes."


    "Hmph, not bad," Doctor Qiu said, instantly satisfied.


    Jiang Yuqing apanied her master and finished seeing the two difficult patients they had scheduled for the afternoon.


    The first patient had the same rheumatic bone disease as Li Deshun.


    Based on the information provided by Jiang Yuqing, Doctor Qiu prepared a temporary prescription called "Blood-Activating and Stasis-Removing Pills" and a pain-relieving ointment for dampness. The effect of this prescription was even better than the previous one.


    However, these were all medicinal forms that needed to be decocted and taken at home.


    Afterward, a middle-aged couple dressed in exquisite clothes entered. The husband''s surname was Chen, and he was a prominent figure. They brought along a child who was tightly wrapped up. The child appeared to be around five or six years old and seemed very frightened upon encountering strangers, shrinking back and not daring to approach.


    Seeing this, Jiang Yuqing quickly stepped forward and reassured him in a gentle voice. "Little brother, don''t be afraid. We are doctors and won''t harm you."


    As she spoke, she took out two lollipops from her bag.


    These were homemade lollipops made by Nanny Yan based on her instructions.


    Malt sugar was spun into threads and wrapped around small sticks, then covered with ayer of sticky rice paper and finally enclosed in ordinary Xuan paper.


    Jiang Yuqing unwrapped one and took a sip, then handed the other one to the child. "This is a lollipop, it''s delicious. Here, take it!"


    The child looked at her, then looked at the candy in his hand, and finally couldn''t resist the temptation and put it in his mouth.


    Perhaps feeling Jiang Yuqing''s friendliness or savoring the delightful taste in his mouth, the little boy finally revealed his first smile since entering the consultation room.


    "What''s wrong with the child?" Doctor Qiu asked.


    Mr. and Mrs. Chen looked at the child, then at Doctor Qiu, then at Jiang Yuqing, their faces filled with difficulty in expressing their thoughts.


    After a while, Mrs. Chen finally bent down to remove the child''s clothes.


    Realizing what was happening, the child started to struggle violently.


    While trying to calm him down and exining that they were here to treat him, the couple forcefully managed to undress the child.


    To their surprise, the child''s abdomen was swollen like a drum, and there was even an underdeveloped hand protruding from his chest.


    Jiang Yuqing was momentarily stunned and blurted out, "This is a parasitic twin."

 Chapter 60: The Last Hope

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    Originally, the woman was shedding silent tears, but when she heard this, she immediately lifted her head in surprise and said: ¡°Little divine doctor, you know what this is?¡±


    Seeing that everyone in the room was looking at her, even her master nodded at her.


    She then said, "The cause of this disease isplex. Simply put, it is the result of shes between twins.


    When thedy first became pregnant, it should have been with twins. One strong fetus, in the process of development, in order to snatch nutrients from the mother''s body, absorbed the other overly weak twin brother or sister, or enveloped it within itself.


    It''s like the infighting was too fierce between twins sharing the same room. Clearly, this is the situation with your child."


    "Can it be cured?" This was what the couple was most concerned about.


    Chen Yuanwai said, "My family has single descendant heritage for five generations. For me to reach my age and only have this one child, if, if..." His eyes also reddened.


    He then said, ¡°I won''t be able to live if... "


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I can''t give you a definite answer right now on whether this can be treated or not.


    If you are willing to wait here, after I and Master take him into the room to examine him with specialized tools, then we can give you a reply."


    After seeking doctors for their child illness over years, they finally met a doctor who didn''t treat their child as a monster. He also able tell out the cause of illness at a nce. Naturally, they were full of hope.


    Jiang Yuqing exchanged a look with her master, personally led the child to follow Dr. Qiu to the rest room.


    In order not to expose the spiritual state, as soon as they entered the room, Jiang Yuqing used spiritual energy to make the child fall asleep. Then she took him and Dr. Qiu into the spiritual state.


    An X-ray scan showed that what was in the child''s abdomen was indeed a parasitic fetus, just as Jiang Yuqing deduced.


    As long as it was surgically removed, the child¡¯s life could return to normal after that. Moreover, the surgery was not particrly difficult.


    Aftermunicating for a while and unifying their remarks, the master and disciple brought the sleeping child out of the spiritual state.


    Chen Yuanwai had already waited outside for about half a quarter of an hour. Seeing Dr. Qiuing out carrying the child, he was shocked and hurriedly asked, "Doctor, what happened to my child?"


    Dr. Qiu said, "Nothing. He¡¯s just asleep."


    Chen Yuanwai took over the child, full of expectation, said: "Divine doctor, is it possible to cure my child illness?" This was the couple''sst hope.


    Dr. Qiu nodded and said, "It can be cured, it all depends on whether you dare to cure it or not."


    Chen Yuanwai said, "Please tell me in detail."


    Dr. Qiu then roughly drew the image he saw in the X-ray on paper and told the couple, "This is roughly the situation in your son''s abdomen.


    Look, this lump of flesh and blood is the parasitic fetus. It has no consciousness and very little bone growth.


    As long as an incision is made on your son''s abdomen to remove this anomalous fetus, he can live like a normal person afterwards."


    When Chen Lady heard this, she cried out, "Divine doctor, can one still live after being cut open in the abdomen?" Qiu Divine Doctor red at her and said, "Why can''t one live?


    Haven''t you seen that the son of Grand Imperial Physician Yan, Yan Sacrificial Official of the National Academy, also had intestinal disease? This old doctor performed surgery on him and cured him well.


    The operation was performed half a month ago, and he had already returned to the National Academy to work yesterday."


    In fact, the couple had also heard about this. At that time, they only half believed it. Now, hearing Dr. Qiu admit it personally, the couple finally chose to believe it.


    In just over half a quarter of an hour, he had clearly examined the lesions in the child''s abdomen without hurting anyone the slightest bit. This kind of magical method made them unable to disbelief.


    Since it was going to be surgery, all possible risks during the surgery and responsibilities the family members needed to bear must be fully informed.


    As with the previous operation in the Yan Mansion, they made a detailed surgical consent form for Chen Yuanwai couple to press their handprints on. The surgery was scheduled for four dayster.


    Firstly, Jiang Yuqing was busy going to Princess Ronghua¡¯s mansion tomorrow and didn¡¯t have time. Secondly, the medical hall also needed sufficient time to prepare sterile operating rooms and coordinate relevant personnel.


    After sending off the family of three,


    Dr. Qiu told the shopkeeper of Huan''an Hall that in four days, he would perform abdominal surgery to remove a teratoma for a child. He asked him to prepare a roomrge and bright enough to be an operating room. He also wrote detailed requirements and precautions before leading his beloved little apprentice home happily.


    After they left, a storm broke out in Huan¡¯an Hall.


    Dr. Qiu was going to perform surgery on a patient at Huan¡¯an Hall again. The surgery object was a child with teratoma. The surgery time was in four days.


    Once the news spread, it immediately attracted attention from the entire city. Many famous doctors from medical halls rushed to Huan¡¯an Hall one after another...


    Since she was going to Princess Ronghua¡¯s mansion tomorrow, Er Yu and Nanny Yan were worried that she would suffer losses. So they took out background information on famous youngdies in the capital and briefed her.


    Jiang Yuqing took a quick look and found that they were all unmarried youngdies, to be precise, youngdies who were not engaged yet.


    She immediately felt something was wrong and asked Nanny Yan, "Is Princess Ronghua holding a matchmaking feast?"


    She originally wanted to say ¡°concubine selection feast¡±, but this word could not be used carelessly in this era.


    Nanny Yan was stunned for a moment. After looking at the list again, she sighed, "The young miss is really amazing. You saw through with one nce.¡±


    Nanny Yan handed her a bowl of hot cow''s milk andughed, "Princess Ronghua has two sons. Her eldest son is already married. Her youngest son is almost seventeen years old and it¡¯s time for him to get married too."


    Sure enough! Jiang Yuqing wondered: "She¡¯s selecting a daughter-inw, so why am I invited? I''m so young!"


    Nanny Yan shook her head and said, "It''s probably because the Princess is curious about you, young miss. After all, although the young miss is young, your reputation precedes you. It is understandable that Princess Ronghua wants to take this opportunity to meet you too. "


    Jiang Yuqing nodded thoughtfully, this seemed to be the only exnation.


    Nanny Yan focused on telling her about some of the most important youngdies.


    Jiang Yuqing felt sleepy listening to just the beginning. But she didn¡¯t bear to disappoint Nanny Yan¡¯s good intentions, so she had to force herself to listen with yawns all the way.


    The next day, April 18.


    Jiang Yuqing slept till she naturally woke up.


    After getting up, Er Yu helped her put on the light pink gauzy Bixia imperial court dress that Empress Qin had prepared for her.


    The hairstyle was also changed from the usual two little tufts on ordinary days to two small floral buds. Decorated with a pair of pce flowers and a hair band of the same color as her skirt.


    She wore an extremely rare pink pearl cloisonn¨¦ ne around her neck, with matching pink pearl earrings and bracelets on her ears and wrists.


    She was young and beautiful and didn¡¯t need much makeup to look very pretty.


    After breakfast, seeing that it was about time, Jiang Yuqing took Er Yu and Nanny Yan and got on the carriage to Ronghua Princess Mansion.


    Princess Ronghua Mansion was located on Ronghua Street in the northwest corner of the imperial pce, not far from Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion. The carriage arrived a little over an hour.


    When they arrived, both sides of the street were already crowded with carriages bearing various badges, which should be today''s attendees.


    Princess Ronghua and her husband Duke Yu Rang had two sons.


    The eldest son was Duke Yuming. His wife was called Lady Liu. The second son was just seventeen years old, a handsome and elegant boy.


    Not only Jiang Yuqing, but actually insightful people all knew that the flower association Princess Ronghua held today was unlikely without consideration for matching her youngest son.


    The host weing guests at the door today was Lady Liu.


    Lady Liu came from a prominent family. She was beautiful and graceful, excellent at socializing. Among the nobledies in the capital, she was quite popr. In addition, she gave birth to two sons, so she was valued by her husband and mother-inw Princess Ronghua.


    At this time, Lady Liu bent down with both hands holding Jiang Yuqing''s hands. She smiled and said, "I''ve heard that the young miss is adorable for a long time. But we haven¡¯t had the fortune to meet till today. Seeing today, you really are as exquisite as a doll carved from jade."


    Jiang Yuqing felt a little embarrassed being praised by her so much. She said, "Thank you! I think I''m pretty cute too. Because I was praised by cute people, so I became cute too!"


    Lady Liu had been praised for her looks and elegance before, but it was the first time she had been called cute. She immediately bloomed into smiles like a lily.


    She secretly thought, no wonder this young miss was doted on so much. With such a sweet little mouth, even she coveted her to death!


    Lady Liu personally took the three to the waterside pavilion. She also urged the servants to take good care of them before hurriedly going ahead to greet other guests.


    At this time, there were already quite a few youngdies sitting in the waterside pavilion. They were all dressed up beautifully, whispering to each other in twos and threes.


    Originally, they didn''t recognize her. But since she was personally brought by Lady Liu and addressed as young miss, she must be that young miss from Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion given that she looked so young.


    It was said that she was kept in the pce by the Empress for several days. The Crown Prince and His Majesty were also exceptionally fond of her.


    For a time, the nobledies looked at her appraisingly. There were envious, curious, disdainful, and even hateful gazes.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded slightly to the crowd and gave a polite smile, before calmly raising her teacup for a drink.


    Suddenly, she heard a somewhat gratingugh: "Pah! Just a small child learning to wear rouge and jewelry, isn''t she afraid of beingughed at?" This words were extremely impolite!


    Although the voice wasn''t loud, the flower hall was very quiet at this time, so everyone heard this sentence very clearly. For a time, everyone revealed an expression of anticipation for the impending drama.


    Jiang Yuqing''s hand holding the teacup paused.


    Yuzhu lowered her body and whispered in her ear, "This is the legitimate second daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, Tong Xiuzhen. Her aunt is the former Madam Zhong who has already been exiled, while Old Lady Zhong is her aunt grandmother."


    I see, so this was her rtives trying to get back at me.


    Jiang Yuqing calmly put down her teacup, her bright eyes gleaming with traces of coldness.


    Raising her hand to gently touch the lotus mark on her forehead, she looked in the direction the voice came from, her gaze like torches, and said coldly: "My parents gave this to me, no need to be jealous! You can''t learn it even if you want to!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the nobledies'' eyes widened, full of excitement.


    My, this young Linghui County Lady has quite the temper, huh?


    And when they thought about how she had just confronted the Mu En Marquis Mansion recently, they were no longer surprised.


    The girl who had been rendered speechless was just about to say something when she was fiercely silenced by another slightly older girl next to her.


    That girl apologized awkwardly, "My cousin has caught a chill these past two days and hasn''t fully recovered, so she''s saying some nonsense. Please do not me her, mydy. I apologize to the County Lady on her behalf."


    Jiang Yuqingughed lightly, "If she has caught a chill, she should be nursed back to health at home instead ofing out here to bite people!"


    Did she think I was easy to bully just because I''m young? I''ll show them the might of this County Lady today. Come bite me if you''re not afraid of breaking your teeth!


    "...The County Lady teaches correctly. I will surely restrain my cousin properly!"


    After this incident, none of the nobledies in the flower hall dared to provoke her again, but neither did anyone dare to speak to her.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t mind, it was just right to have some peace and quiet.


    After a while, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, and several more groups of people came in. Among them were the daughters of the Ministers of various departments, as well as youngdies from princely families, one of whom was also bestowed a county.


    However, there wasn''t a single princess.


    When Jing Rushi heard from Mrs. Yu today that the Linghui County Lady had also arrived and was inside the flower hall, she wanted to take a look. She wanted to see what was so special about this Jiang Linghui who had stolen her limelight, captivating Her Majesty the Empress to the point where she kept her overnight in the Pepper Chamber Pce for several days. Even when she sent in her name que to seek an audience, she was denied.


    Jing Rushi stood in front of Jiang Yuqing and looked down to size her up for quite a while. No matter how she looked, she was just a little girl. Other than being rather good-looking, there didn''t seem to be anything particrly special.


    She couldn''t help wrinkling her nose, "You are Jiang Yuqing?"

 Chapter 61: Peony Flower Party

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    Anyone would feel ufortable being stared at so rudely for so long, and Jiang Yuqing was no exception.


    She looked at Jing Rushi with a half-smile and said, "I am! May I ask thisdy''s honorable surname?"


    Jing Rushi was extremely arrogant as she said, "My surname is Jing, Jing Rushi. My grandfather is Prince Canghe." Oh, I see. This must be the person that Granny and Second Jade specifically circled in the registry yesterday.


    That county lord who only had a fancy title but not even a fiefdom, what an arrogant youngdy.


    This county lord without even a title, who liked to put on the airs of royalty, and was always fond of being in the limelight.


    She could always be found at all kinds of gatherings and poetry meetings in the capital. Relying on some shallow learning, she showed off everywhere, and was quite an oddball.


    And now this oddball hade looking for her. This was really not a good thing!


    She started to carefully recall in her mind, rummaging through her memories, but could not find any connection she had with this person.


    "Oh, I know now. The county lord must be Jing Rushi!" Dumpling nodded her head, and suddenly looked at her curiously, "We are both county lords, so sister should call me by my title Linghui."


    "Sister, what''s your title?" Dumpling had just finished speaking when the room broke out in muffledughter.


    Since the founding of Da Xia, the imperial family had few offspring.


    The previous generations of emperors had all been only children. It was not until the current Emperor Jing that there were finally two princes, one of whom was disabled.


    There were even rumors among themon people that it was karmic retribution for the ancestors of the imperial family killing too many people, which affected their descendants.


    Some also said that the imperial family was cursed, but in any case, it was a fact that the imperial lineage was declining.


    With no uncles or brothers for three generations of emperors, there were naturally no princes or princesses.


    The only prince was from an old n uncle who was about toe of age.


    Although his family was flourishing, unfortunately none of them amounted to much.


    Seeing that his family was not living well, the Emperor took care of them out of kinship. He wanted to give them an idle position to support themselves.


    But when he looked around, he did not see anyone suitable. Finally, having no choice, he gave Jing Rushi, the eldest granddaughter of the main branch, the title of county lord. She was known as County Lord Jing.


    Everyone knew that this County Lord Jing did not even have a fiefdom, let alonend or property.


    Therefore, although she held the title of county lord from the imperial n, her statuspared to the real county lord Jiang Yuqing was vastly different.


    It was precisely because of this that County Lord Jing greatly resented the newly appeared country bumpkin Jiang Yuqing.


    She felt that Jiang Yuqing was just a country bumpkin, so how could she gain so much imperial favor and be more prominent than a woman of the imperial n like herself.


    Two days ago, when Jing Rushi heard that Jiang Yuqing was quite favored in the pce, she also wanted to enter the pce.


    Who would have thought that the token she submitted was rejected by the Jiaofang Pce. She naturally med this on Jiang Yuqing as well.


    So today she came specifically to make trouble for Jiang Yuqing, but unexpectedly Jiang Yuqing turned the tables on her.


    Jing Rushi''s face immediately turned gloomy as she angrily said, "Humph! So what if you have a title? What''s so impressive about that!"


    Dumpling smiled and said, "Indeed it''s not impressive, just that my rank is higher than yours, my sry is higher than yours, and I also havend and property, that''s all."


    She paused, her gaze fixed steadily on Jing Rushi''s livid face, enunciating each word clearly: "ording to protocol, shouldn''t Sister Jing give me the proper obeisance first?"


    "You!" Not only Jing Rushi, but all the nobledies present were stunned.


    They had been so focused on watching the show that they forgot this little girl, despite her age, was still a genuine second-rank county lord. Among thedies present, none of them outranked her in status.


    Not to mention them, even many of their fathers would have to pay obeisance to this little county lord.


    Once they realized this, thedies'' faces flushed red as they got up to salute Jiang Yuqing, "Your humble servants pay our respects to County Lord Linghui."


    Jing Rushi''s face, which was not very pretty to begin with, had turned pitch ck.


    Seeing everyone standing up to salute, she also could not overtly defy etiquette. Gritting her teeth, she hastily bowed briefly before moving to sit in an empty seat farther inside without saying another word.


    Jiang Yuqing sneered coldly in her heart.


    You don''t have what it takes to lord over this county lord!


    The corner of Jiang Yuqing''s mouth quirked up slightly again as she picked up her teacup, the picture of breezy tranquility.


    Inside the Spirit Realm, Bai Xiaoshi said with a pained look, "Aiya, what''s wrong with these youngdies nowadays, actually taking the initiative to provoke a ck-hearted viin like you.


    Tsk tsk, that was a double kill just now. I wonder if there''ll be a triple kill."


    "Bai Xiaoshi, mind your words! What do you mean ck-hearted! If you describe this noble lord like that, she''ll hold a little grudge against you!"


    "Go ahead and hold it. You''re already a ck-hearted little loli, yet you still don''t let people say it."


    The broad-minded noble lord decided not to quibble with the loud-mouthed artifact spirit.


    The happenings here were quickly reported without missing a single detail to Princess Ronghua.


    Princess Ronghuaughed and said, "She really is interesting. It''s just a pity she''s a little young..." As for her unfinished implication, those present understood.


    Princess Ronghua put down her teacup and said, "Almost everyone has arrived, let''s go as well! In springtime, we should be appreciating flowers and gazing at these girls even more beautiful than the blossoms."


    "There!"


    As Princess Ronghua arrived, thedies in the room unanimously stood up to salute. The Princess casually waved for everyone to rise.


    She lowered her head to find the smallest girl in the crowd and beckoned to Jiang Yuqing, smiling, "Little one,e over!"


    Jiang Yuqing revealed a sweet smile and happily walked over, saluting, "Greetings, Princess!"


    Princess Ronghua bent down to carefully look over Jiang Yuqing. She saw this child had delicate features and was made up like a beautiful jade carving. Especially the red lotus between her brows. It was a vibrant red color, yet it oddly exuded a touch of sanctity.


    It was like Guanyin sitting on her lotus seat, making people involuntarily want to - worship her. She could not help sighing in admiration, "She really is an outstanding and remarkable child! The title Linghui suits you very well!"


    "Mm hmm!" Dumpling nodded vigorously, with an expression as if shepletely agreed.


    Princess Ronghua had no daughters or granddaughters. At this moment, she only felt this little girl was extremely cute.


    After all, a child is a child. Even if her words were a bit sharp, she was still a child.


    Her previous sharpness was most likely just for self protection.


    "Good child, my garden''s peonies happen to be in full bloom. Would you be willing to join me to appreciate them?"


    "I''d love to, I like flowers."


    "That''s good then!" Princess Ronghua finally could not resist and stroked Jiang Yuqing''s little head, personally leading her by the hand towards the peony garden.


    The nobledies following behind hurried to catch up.


    Princess Ronghua really loved peonies. This peony garden covered at least ten acres. It collected famous varieties from all over.


    There was the fragrant and magnificent "Flower King" Yao Yellow; the repeatedlyyered purple-red petals of the "Wei Zi" Flower Queen; the peach-blossom like Zhao Pink "Child''s Face" clustered in blooms. And others like Bean Green, Er Qiao, Imperial Concubine Yellow, everything you could want.


    It was truly a myriad of poses and limitless vibrant colors, floral fragrances drifting as spring filled thisnd.


    For a time, everyone was enraptured by the scenic beauty before their eyes, full of praise.


    Jing Rushi suddenly said, "With such a beautiful sight, if we don''tpose a poem, wouldn''t that be letting this wonderful scene go to waste? Why don''t we take peonies as our theme, with everyoneposing one poem each? How about that?"


    As she spoke, she provocatively red at Jiang Yuqing.


    Her proposal immediately gained the approval of most of thedies.


    When they came today, their elders at home had more or less subtly hinted at something to them. None of them were stupid, naturally understanding one of the purposes of today''s outing.


    This was a good opportunity to disy their literary talents. If they could catch Princess Ronghua''s eye, then marrying into the Princess''s household would of course be best. Even if that did not happen, they could still leave the Princess with a good impression.


    As long as news of their talent spread, they would notck decent marriage prospects.


    Seeing everyone in high spirits, Princess Ronghua readily nodded in agreement.


    She immediately had someone bring writing brushes and ink to the pavilion by the peony garden.


    Thedies hurried over to the pavilion, psyched up and raring to go disy their talents in hopes of gaining fame and sess.


    Jiang Yuqing was not interested in such things. She simply asked to be excused from Princess Ronghua and Mrs. Yu, then continued strolling along the garden path to appreciate flowers with Second Jade and Nanny Yan.


    The small figure turned around several flower bushes and quickly disappeared into the sea of flowers.


    Princess Jiang Yuqing walked in the sea of flowers for about half a shichen (2 hours) and was really thirsty, so she finally returned to the flower viewing pavilion. She took the tea from the table and drank it in big gulps. After drinking it all, she began to peel the loquats on the table and ate them with great satisfaction.


    She nced around and saw that Prince Ronghua and Mrs. Yu were not there. She figured they must have left for something urgent.


    By now the youngdies had also nearly finished writing their poems. They were appreciating and reading each other¡¯s works, thinking of asking Princess Ronghua to judge for themter.


    However, Jing Rushi did not intend to let Jiang Yuqing off easily. Seeing her so carefree, her eyes turned around as she came up with a scheme and said loudly, "Sister Linghui, we have all finished writing our poems, just missing yours!"


    In an instant, everyone in the flower viewing pavilion looked towards Jing Rushi.


    They thought to themselves that she reallyckedmon sense to be so tantly targeting a 3-year-old like this. Even if she won, what could she achieve other than the disgrace of bullying a child?


    One of the youngdies could no longer stand to listen and frowned, "Ms. Jing, stop it! Princess Linghui is only 3 years old. When I was 3, I did not even know any words!"


    Jing Rushi nced contemptuously at the girl and said arrogantly, "You people from the military governor¡¯s residence can¡¯t even read the Three Character ssic by the age of 10, let alone know words at 3!"


    This was her way of insulting the military governor¡¯s residence for being unsophisticated people without literary skills.


    The girl was so angry she was speechless. Somewhat angrily, she retorted, "Of course we can¡¯tpare with Ms. Jing¡¯s refined upbringing, even bullying a 3-year-old child without shame. Aren''t you afraid of bing aughing stock?"


    Jing Rushi was furious with embarrassment from the girl''s straight words that she was bullying a child. She immediately bit back, "What¡¯s it to you how I choose to bully people? If you''re so capable, why don''t you help her write instead? It looks like other than her, you haven''t finished either!"


    "You..." The girl was indeedcking in literary skills. She was poked in her sore spot, and her face instantly flushed red, partly from anger and partly from shame.


    Seeing this, Jiang Yuqing went forward and pulled the youngdy behind her. The corners of her slightly upturned lips stared straight at Jing Rushi with an inexplicable smile.


    "Isn¡¯t it just being able to write a few sour poems that you¡¯re so smug about? If you want me topose a poem, that can be arranged too. At least it needs to be somewhat interesting!"


    "What do you mean by interesting?" Jing Rushi naturally did not want to miss the opportunity to humiliate Jiang Yuqing, and she immediately took the bait.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the expensive jewelry worth a fortune on her and slowly said, "How about all the jewelry we¡¯re wearing?


    At that time, we¡¯ll invite Princess Ronghua and all the older sisters present to be the judges.


    If your poem is better than mine, I¡¯ll give you all the jewelry I¡¯m wearing, plus 1,000 taels of silver.


    If your poem is not as good, same for you, all the jewelry you¡¯re wearing will be mine. Do you dare?"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare?" Jing Rushi did not believe that she could write poetry at all. She only thought that she was pretending. She was determined to make her look bad.


    Since the situation had already reached this point, it would be impolite for the rest of them to try to dissuade any further. So they had someone go invite Princess Ronghua.


    When Princess Ronghua heard about this ridiculous event, she frowned deeply. "How can the Canghe Prince Residence act so uncultured? A grown woman bullying a 3-year-old child, how is she not ashamed?"


    Princess Ronghua¡¯s close servant said, "The Canghe Prince Residence has declined in prestige over generations and they barely have a reputation left.


    There are many people in the family, and the men have no abilities. They rely on the prince, the stipend, and the output from their fiefs to stay alive. They are no better off than a wealthyndlord.


    Among the descendants, only her daughter still has the nominal title of a princess, which gives her some sry per month. Naturally, they have to pamper and indulge her, so after some time she has be this arrogant."


    Everyone sighed when hearing this.


    Mrs. Yu worriedly said, "To think this little princess also has a temper. But she¡¯s still too young, I¡¯m afraid she will fall short against Jing Rushi."


    Princess Ronghua shook her head and said, "Not necessarily. We never judge heroes by their age."


    Anyone capable of getting the emperor, empress, crown prince, and chief eunuch of the pce to be her backers could not be a simple person. Not to mention, she also has the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion and the entire Bianque Valley behind her.


    Who knows if she yed a part in the Mu''en Marquis Residence incident back then, even if it was their own fault.


    Some people are just born clever and cunning like a demon.


    As the mother and daughter spoke, they soon arrived at the peony garden flower viewing pavilion.


    The girls all bowed in greeting.


    Princess Ronghua had a smile all over her face. "I heard that you made a bet among yourselves? Why don''t We add to your interest?"


    As she spoke, servants brought over a jadeite headpiece, obviously of extraordinary worth just by its luster alone.


    "Thank you Princess!" the two girls said in unison.


    Princess Ronghua waved her hand. "Since that is the case, with one incense stick as your limit, you may begin!"


    As soon as Princess Ronghua finished speaking, Jing Rushi ordered her maidservant to spread paper and pen. Shaking her brush, she started writing quickly. After a while, she finished a poem, and wrote a second one in session. It was probably premeditated.


    When she nearly finished her second poem, Jiang Yuqing was still leisuringly eating fruit.


    Feeling a bit hungry, she helped herself to the good loquats, which wererge and sweet.


    She did not know which ce this early ripening variant was from. Taking advantage while no one was looking, she threw a few seeds into her spirit space and asked Bai Xiaoshi to nt them for her.


    Before long, there would be more loquats than she could eat.


    The girls immediately started whispering among themselves, "Could Princess Linghui not know how to write?"


    Another said, "She¡¯s so little. Even if she can¡¯t write, that¡¯s not embarrassing. At most it would be a small financial loss. My schr father also only barely recognized a few simple words when he was three."


    "You¡¯re right!"


    Jing Rushi naturally did not care for such talk, thinking she already had victory in hand. The higher her mouth tilted up, the morecent she felt. Upon finishing, she put down her brush, blew the ink dry, and turned to Princess Ronghua with satisfaction and said, ¡°Your Highness, I have finished writing.¡±


    Raising her head arrogantly, she was as proud as a hen who had justid eggs, waiting for her owner''s praise,cking only a few chirping sounds.


    Princess Ronghua was in no hurry to look at her poem. She gently turned to Jiang Yuqing and said, ¡°Linghui, have you thought it over?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nodded, mouth stuffed full like a little animal stealing food, extremely cute.


    Hearing the Princess¡¯s words, she quickly swallowed thest bit of fruit in her mouth, used a handkerchief to wipe her lips, and said, ¡°Princess, my hands are too small and can¡¯t yet hold a brush. Could I get someone else to write for me while I recite?¡±


    The special tiny writing brushes custom-made for her by her father were still in his study in the Qingbo Pavilion.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    The youngdy from the military governor¡¯s residence who had spoken up for Jiang Yuqing earlier voluntarily stepped forward to help her write.


    Jiang Yuqing gratefully thanked her. She felt this older sister was very nice with proper moral values.


    They quickly spread paper and pen. Jiang Yuqing then shamelessly recited several famous poems she memorized in the past about peonies from books.


    ¡°Number one, ¡®Appreciating Peonies,¡¯ Wisteria blooms in our courtyard, when the flowers open it stirs up Beijing City...¡±


    ¡°Number two, ¡®Peonies,¡¯ What person does not love... breaking through the morning glow...¡±


    After chanting, Jiang Yuqing scratched her head and asked with her head tilted, ¡°Is this enough? If not, I¡¯ll think of a few more.¡±


    Suddenly, silence filled the pavilion.


    After a long while, Princess Ronghua started pping and could not help loudly eximing, ¡°Wonderful! That was truly a wonderful poem. In all Our years, this is the first time We have witnessed what spectacr and dazzling talent is! Linghui, you fully deserve this.¡±


    Bun nervouslyughed dryly a few times and said humbly, ¡°Just lucky! This wasn¡¯t written by me either, I read it from a book. I don¡¯t know how to write poetry yet.¡±


    Princess Ronghua said, ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t write it yourself, being able to memorize so much at your age can be considered a rare aplishment.¡±


    Princess Ronghua¡¯s words had settled this matter.


    At this time, Jing Rushi¡¯s face was pale as a ghost. Even if she did not want to admit it, she knew she had lost. Thoroughly lost. Yet someone ruthlessly added, ¡°What about Ms. Jing¡¯s poem? May we also take a look?¡±


    A swift hand took her poem and read it aloud at once.


    Originally her talent was mediocre to start with, so her poem was nothing special. Compared to Jiang Yuqing''s wonderful recitation, it now looked like trash.


    The scene immediately erupted intoughter. It was basically pushing Jing Rushi onto the high tform to be publicly humiliation by discrediting her arrogance.


    Her face was like a chameleon, blue, white and red, trembling voice: "Don''t bully people too much."


    The youngdy from the general''s mansion who was writing for Jiang Yuqing said: "Who bullied people first in the end, everyone watched from beginning to end. Do you want us to help the county chief recall."


    There is a saying, when the wall falls, everyone pushes.


    Some youngdies from rich families also echoed: "I see, it''s just a bad loser.


    Obviously you picked the fight first, now that you lost, you say people bullied too much. County chief, this is only allowing the prefectural official to set fires, not allowing themoners to lightmps!"


    "That''s right! That''s right!" Among these noblewomen, there were also quite a few who were dissatisfied with Jing Rushi. Always putting on the stinky shelf of imperial n''s offspring, who cares.


    The father of the county chief of Linghui is a proper top schr official Jiang Houye, with unmatched knowledge.


    While the Prince Residence of Canghe are just a group who only know eating, drinking and having fun. She still has the nerve to look down on others.


    Now, swinging the big knife in front of Guan Gong, losing face thoroughly.


    To tell the truth, their fathers and brothers are also doing quite well in the court. They had been yielding to her before, not that they didn''t dare offend her, just unwilling to provoke such an idiot to add troubles.


    This time, seeing someone could discipline her, they naturally attacked her one after another.


    Jing Rushi finally couldn''t help crying out "wa". She left with her maids. But Jiang Yuqing stopped her: "Wait, didn''t County Chief Jing forget our bet!"


    "You!" Jing Rushi looked hesitantly at the jewelry on her body. These were already the best and most valuable she had.


    If given to the bitch, she probably wouldn''t be able to afford it afterwards.


    But if not given, she was afraid that she wouldn''t be able to raise her head in the capital afterwards. She was caught in a dilemma for a while.


    Seeing her looked difficult, Jiang Yuqing sneered coldly: "Is County Chief Jing unwilling to give it?


    It is said that County Chief Jing is open-minded. Now it seems that your breadth of mind is like mine, a 3-year-old child.


    Forget it, I don''tck these things anyway!" She shook her head very disappointedly.


    Jing Rushi was provoked by her words. She wiped her tears fiercely and said, "Who said I won''t give it!"


    After saying that, she tore off all the jewelry on her head and body angrily as if venting her anger, and threw it hard on the ground after tearing it off! "Here you go! Let''s go!"


    Jiang Yuqing looked coldly at the scattered gem debris on the ground. The broken jade sshed all over the floor.


    She said loudly to Er Yu: "Pick up the jade beads and jade ppers, have someone repair them and sell them. Donate all the money earned to the Mercy Hall in the west of the city."


    Jing Rushi, who had just walked away, was stunned at first when she heard this, then she covered her face and ran away crying.


    For a while, everyone looked at each other.


    In Princess Ronghua''s eyes, this little quarrel was not even a drizzle.


    She asked someone to bring the peony flower over and appreciated it greatly, "Your performance today really opened this princess''s eyes. Tell this princess, what did you grow up eating to be so smart?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled awkwardly. Of course she couldn''t say it was because she had lived two lifetimes. She told a half-truth: "I just grew up eating meals. Maybe it''s because I have smart parents?


    My mother said that when I was still in her belly, my father would often talk to me through my mother''s belly, and teach me to read.


    After I was born, whenever my father was home, he would hold me while reading. Maybe that''s how I became smart?"


    As soon as she said this, the nobledies in the waterside pavilion were in an uproar. Even Princess Ronghua and Mrs. Yu looked a little envious.


    Which woman doesn''t want a gentle and considerate husband who cares for the family? Lady Jiang is really lucky!


    These nobledies even developed some admiration, hoping to meet such a talented, gentle and considerate husband in the future.


    Princess Ronghua was lost in thought, then she stroked Jiang Yuqing''s little head, and saidplicatedly: "Good child, you are a lucky one."


    On the excuse of tiredness, she left Tianhua Pavilion with her pce maids. After she left, Mrs. Yu also left to prepare for the luncheon.

 Chapter 62: The Operation was Successful

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    With the troublesome people with miasma gone, the air in Guanhua Pavilion became much fresher. The atmosphere became lively again.


    Talented people are well-liked wherever they go. If people were just observing and protecting themselves earlier, many nobledies now truly wanted to sincerely befriend Jiang Yuqing.


    With the mentality that more friends means fewer enemies, Jiang Yuqing weed them.


    Because she had decisively taught Jing Rushi a lesson, Tong Xiuzhen who had caused trouble earlier was now quietly shrinking to the side like a quail.


    She was extremely grateful that her cousin had stopped her in time, otherwise she would have lost face badly today.


    The first girl to stand up for Jiang Yuqing and take the initiative to help her respond was named Wei Lingyun, 14 years old. She was the daughter of Weiqing, the Cavalry General.


    Influenced by family teachings, her literary talent was ordinary. But in martial arts, few could rival her, capable in all 18 weapons skills.


    In modern terms, she was a very stylish youngdy.


    Because of this, she was quite shunned by the circle of nobledies in the capital, who disliked her vulgarity. The only good friend from a prominent military family she had was Yuan Wuyang, the young miss of the Duke of Protector''s Mansion.


    It was just that Yuan Wuyang was already engaged to be married next year, so it was inconvenient for her to attend such asions.


    Wei Lingyun said worriedly, "You have offended Jing Rushi this time. With her petty character, she will definitely make trouble for you in the future."


    Jiang Yuqing casually shrugged. "Before today, I didn''t even know her, yet she still made trouble for me. Besides, do you think my Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion would be afraid of a destitute prince''s mansion?"


    Wei Lingyun was speechless. "That''s right."


    Jiang Yuqing was a military doctor in her previous life. Military doctor - military first, doctor second.


    Therefore, she quite liked Wei Lingyun, who came from a military family. On certain topics, the two also had amonnguage, so they quickly became friends!


    After having lunch at Princess Ronghua''s residence, before they parted, she and Wei Lingyun exchanged addresses and agreed to get together to have fun when they had time.


    Jiang Yuqing made a name for herself at Princess Ronghua¡¯s flower banquet.


    The poems she wrote about "peonies" spread through the entire capital at the fastest speed, and were even ced on the emperor''s desk.


    The students in the various academies in the capital, and even the Imperial Academy, were all talking about this poem.


    They also highly praised Jiang Yuqing, who was able to write such wonderful verses.


    Along with the spread of these poems was the parenting method of Qing Prefecture Marquis Jiang Wenyuan, which was said to have been personally told by the Magistrate of Linghui County.


    As a result, many people secretly imitated it for a while.


    No one knew if it worked, but unexpectedly, it added quite a lot of benefits for pregnant wives, and indirectly promoted family harmony.


    So much so that after some time, Jiang Yuqing was surprised to discover that the merit stele in her spiritual space had miraculously increased significantly.


    After asking curiously, she finally learned about this incident, and for a time she didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Of course that was ater story, we¡¯ll put that aside for now.


    Early morning the next day, Jiang Yuqing took Doctor Qiu to He''an Medicine Hall.


    Considering that this operating room would definitely be used more than once, and the space in the front medical building was limited, after receiving Doctor Qiu''s order, He''an Medicine Hall immediately bought the vacant house in the back at a high price and connected it.


    In the future, this ce would serve as the operating room and "inpatient department".


    The term "inpatient department" was also something they learned from Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuqing made a name for herself at Princess Ronghua''s flower banquet.


    The poems she wrote about "peonies" spread through the entire capital city at the fastest speed, and were even ced on the emperor''s desk.


    The students in the capital¡¯s academies and even the Imperial Academy were all talking about this poem.


    They also highly praised Jiang Yuqing for being able to write such wonderful verses.


    Also spreading out along with these poems was the parenting method of Qing Prefecture Marquis Jiang Wenyuan, which was said to have been personally told by the Magistrate of Linghui County.


    As a result, many people secretly imitated it for a while.


    It was unknown whether it was useful, but unexpectedly, it added quite a lot of benefits for the pregnant wives, and indirectly promoted family harmony.


    So much so that after some time, Jiang Yuqing was surprised to discover that the merit stele in her spiritual space had miraculously increased significantly.


    After asking curiously, she finally learned about this incident, and for a time she didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Of course that was ater story, we''ll put that aside for now.


    The next day, early in the morning, Jiang Yuqing took Doctor Qiu to He''an Medicine Hall.


    Considering that this operating room would definitely be used more than once in the future, and the space in the buildings at the front of the medicine hall was limited, after receiving Doctor Qiu''s order, He''an Medicine Hall immediately bought the vacant house at the back at a high price and connected it through.


    From now on, this ce would serve as the operating room and ¡°inpatient department¡±.


    The term ¡°inpatient department¡± was also something they learned from Jiang Yuqing.


    After Jiang Yuqing andpany performed surgery to cure the near-fatal illness of the Minister of Rites in an open abdominal surgery half a month ago, shocking the medicalmunity, every famous doctor in the capital wanted toe witness this extraordinary ¡°Divine Medicine Technique¡±.


    Even the Summer King Xia specially summoned Tian Guang to ask in detail.


    And he specially permitted that as long as Doctor Qiu was in the capital during this period, he could go out of the pce to learn the Divine Medicine Technique from Doctor Qiu at any time. No one was allowed to hinder him.


    From this it can be seen that when it came to "fear of death", the emperor was more so than ordinary people.


    Upon hearing that Doctor Qiu was going to perform surgery to remove a teratoma from the abdomen of a child, the entire capital, every doctor of slight renown swarmed to He¡¯an Medicine Hall.


    With Bianque Valley¡¯s reputation, Jiang Yuqing even suggested that her master open a medical school or something, it¡¯s just that the timing was not quite right for now.


    Therefore, Jiang Yuqing naturally did not reject those doctors who wanted to learn the Divine Medicine Technique.


    After careful consideration, three doctors who had achieved good results in the gold carbuncle area and had guts big enough were selected to sign confidentiality agreements and observe the surgery together in the operating room.


    Otherwise, if they fainted halfway through the surgery from fear, it would be hard to say whether to save the patient first or save the ones who had fainted first.


    After discussion, the surgery time was set at 9 am tomorrow morning.


    After leaving the conference room, the group went to the patient room where the Chen family of three lived. They told them that the child should start fasting from now, and not drink any water after dawn tomorrow.


    The surgery required fasting.


    To ease the Chen family¡¯s nervousness, the master and disciples carefully reassured the family of three. The gentle attitude made the Chen family, who had been discriminated against for a long period of time, feel as if they were soaking in a hot spring.


    Two hours before surgery on April 21st, the Chen child was given anesthetic powder medicine.


    The anesthetic powder medicine quickly took effect, and he could no longer feel pain from the needle pricks.


    The anesthetic powder medicine of this era was not inferior to the anesthetics in her hospital, so during surgery, she preferred to use the anesthetic powder medicine first.


    Only by truly utilizing this, would it not disappear like in the era she had lived in her previous life.


    She wanted these magnificent Chinese civilization treasures to be passed down from generation to generation.


    At the first strike of the morning bell, the Chen child was pushed into the operating room.


    As Doctor Qiu steadily made the first cut, the surgery officially began.


    From the moment the door of the operating room closed, the Chen couple''s hearts tightened.


    At the same time, outside He''an Medicine Hall, it was packed tightly by famous doctors from various clinics and melon-eatingmoners who came to watch themotion.


    Among the medical practitioners watching, there were also quite a few imperial doctors from the Imperial Medical Bureau who were off-duty.


    At the end of the afternoon. Tian Guang neatly stitched up thest stitch, and the surgery was deredplete. As everyone breathed a sigh of relief, their gazes towards Jiang Yuqing became even more admiring.


    Just as she had anticipated, this teratoma was connected to arge artery. The moment it was cut off, arge amount of blood gushed out, and everyone panicked for a moment.


    Only she was extremely calm in ordering Tian Guang to first press the wound with gauze, and then immediately suture it with non-invasive suture line.


    Only then did the three observers realize that this petite girl was the real core figure of this group.


    Under heaven, there were too many mysterious rumors about Bianque Valley, true and false, difficult to distinguish.


    The most widely known one was that Bianque Valley had a miraculous Divine Medicine Technique.


    It could open up any part of the human body, remove lesions, and the person would not die.


    But rumors were just rumors. Even Bianque Valley¡¯s formal inner-door disciples remained vague about it.


    Until over half a month ago, Doctor Qiu suddenly came to the capital and performed abdominal surgery to save the Minister of Rites who had a fatal illness.


    Only then did everyone exim that the legendary Divine Medicine Technique really existed.


    During the surgery, this young girl was also present at the scene. At that time, everyone thought that Doctor Qiu cherished his closed-door disciple and wanted to give her a chance even with such a big matter.


    But it turned out that this little girl was the true inheritor of Bianque Valley¡¯s Divine Medicine Technique.


    No wonder they had to sign confidentiality agreements before the surgery.


    At that time, they only thought it was to protect Bianque Valley¡¯s medical skills from being passed down casually, but it turned out the people of Bianque Valley only wanted to protect this little disciple.


    How old was she, three or four years old? She really had unlimited potential.


    After the patient was bandaged and tucked into bed, with the surgical instruments counted,


    The three imperial physicians bowed to Jiang Yuqing separately, with the etiquette of disciples towards their teacher.


    Jiang Yuqing returned their bow and said sweetly with a smile: ¡°Uncles, remember to keep it a secret for me.¡± The three men nodded vigorously and said, ¡°We definitely won¡¯t dare to forget.¡±


    The outstanding one in the woods is destined to be damaged by the wind.


    The little girl is still so young, yet she already has such heaven-defying abilities. We must protect her well before she grows up.


    She is Bianque Valley¡¯s treasure, but isn¡¯t she the treasure of the entire medicalmunity, even the entire Great Xia?


    Given time, she will promote the Divine Medicine Technique to great heights. Themon people of this world will all benefit from her blessings.


    The door of the operating room was finally opened. The doctor walked out, his face covered with a mask and cap. Master Chen and his wife immediately went up to anxiously ask, ¡°How is our child?¡±


    After receiving an affirmative answer, the couple hugged each other and cried with joy.


    The contemptuous looks they had suffered over the years and the hardships on the road to seek medical treatment, this nightmare-like days had finallye to an end.


    After crying for a while, the couple knelt down together and kowtowed heavily to the master and disciple.


    Upon hearing that the child had not yet passed the danger period and still needed to stay in the operating room for two more days, the couple became worried again.


    Tian Guang reassured them not to worry too much. The child was in good condition and there shouldn¡¯t be too big of a problem.


    After making sure he was truly out of danger, the child would be transferred to another ward to recuperate.


    Those outside heard that the teratoma removal surgery was sessful, and they all breathed a sigh of relief. They apuded loudly.


    Because there were too many onlookers, while the medical hall was grateful for everyone''s attention, it also tried its best to advise people not to watch anymore, so as not to affect those who really needed medical treatment.


    Two dayster, Master Chen¡¯s child waspletely out of danger and was transferred to a temporary ward to recuperate.


    Two dayster, Master Chen and his wife were told that they could slowly walk the child on the ground for a few steps to prevent intestinal adhesions.


    Ten dayster, Master Chen¡¯s child was discharged from the hospital.


    On the day he was discharged, it attracted countless people who came to watch the excitement and apuded for him.


    Perhaps realizing that he had gotten rid of the identity of a monster and became a normal person, although the child was a little nervous and shy, he no longer showed fear, and the corners of his mouth even revealed a faint, bashful smile.


    Seeing the child''s heartfelt smile, the corners of Jiang Yuqing''s eyes also moistened.


    She thought that this was probably the meaning of her choice to study medicine in her two lifetimes.


    After the surgery they had the fortune to observe that day, those doctors spread word of the incredible, miraculous medical technique, which attracted countless people to flock there.


    Bianque Valley and He''an Medicine Hall¡¯s reputation thundered once again. Every day, many famous doctors came to apprentice under Bianque Valley to learn the Divine Medicine Technique.


    However, it was not so easy.


    Simple surgeries were fine, but forplex major surgeries, in addition to the doctor¡¯s experience, some advanced equipment was also needed.


    For example, when Doctor Qiu removed the teratoma for Master Chen¡¯s son earlier.


    If they hadn''t seen in advance from the CT image that the teratoma was still connected to arge artery and prepared ordingly, with Doctor Qiu''s skills alone, the child might not have made it off the operating table alive.


    In short, without the necessary equipment assistance, the risks of surgery would greatly increase.


    The medicines in her hospital''s pharmacy could be infinitely duplicated, but the equipment could not.


    After the master and disciple met, they felt that establishing a medical college or something might not work, but bringing in some students who already had a good foundation and teaching them some simple suturing or minor surgeries was feasible.


    Moreover, relying solely on the things she brought from the other world was not a long-term solution after all.


    What if one day, she grew old, died or left this world forever?


    Then wouldn''t everything that was built on this foundation fall back to square one?


    It was like a pavilion built in midair without a foundation. Although it could be beautiful for a while, it would soon copse.


    It would be better to teach them some basic systematic medical knowledge and let them study and develop on their own.


    In this world, the rise of anything went from nothing to existence, from existence to innovation. This was an indispensable process.


    Today, she nted a new seed of medicine in this world.


    She believed that one day, this seed would grow into a towering tree that reached the heavens.

 Chapter 63: Ho An Hospital

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    After discussing, the master and his disciples decided to first open a small ss. There were only ten spots for clinical surgeons, as having too many would be difficult to manage.


    In addition, they would open another ss of thirty for nursing students to train professional surgical nurses.


    The sses would be held at He''an Medicine Hall.


    Firstly, there were many cases there, providing ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience.


    Secondly, when not in ss, they could also assist the frontline at any time - killing two birds with one stone.


    However, this meant they would need more space.


    Although they had just bought the mansion behind the hall, after calction it was still too cramped. The master and disciple considered buying the six-shopfront, three-storyrge mansion next door.


    In the capital city,nd was extremely precious inch by inch. The shopfronts on Zhuque Avenue were especially expensive. It would not be easy for the owners to let go.


    Especially such arge building, situated right next to the golden goose He''an Medicine Hall. The owners might not be willing to sell at all.


    However, they had to at least try to find out whether the owners were willing.


    Jiang Yuqing secretly asked the old man, "Teacher, do we really not need to ask Second Brother about moving such arge sum of money?"


    Dr. Qiu red at him, "Ask sh*t. Since he was still wearing split-crotch pants, I''ve been supporting him.


    The old man has been taking care of him until he grew up like this. What''s wrong with using money to buy a mansion? If he disagrees, I¡¯ll kick him out of the school."


    Wow... so quick to disown?


    However, when Jiang Yuqing thought about the jade token Second Brother had sent her, which allowed unlimited ess to the funds and medicinal supplies of He¡¯an Medicine Hall, buying a mansion did seem trivial inparison.


    Just as they were still thinking of ways to find out the owner of the mansion, Officer Chen brought his healed son and led a team of people carrying a gilded que, gongs and drums to visit them.


    The que read: "Bian Que is in the world, wonderful hand reviving spring."


    Not only that, to thank the master and disciple for saving the Chen family¡¯s precious son, they gifted them the six-shopfront, three-storyrge mansion next door that they had wanted to buy.


    Perfect timing! Speak of Cao Cao and there he arrives.


    Since the mansion was of immense value, the master and disciple unanimously decided they could not ept the mansion for free. After rejecting several times, they finally only bought it at cost price.


    The buyer tried to pay more; the seller tried to take less. This was perhaps the most harmonious business transaction ever.


    After obtaining the mansion, it was connected to the original He¡¯an Medicine Hall and the newly purchased mansion behind, overall shaping like the letter ¡°L¡±.


    The master and disciple walked back and forth inside a few times. Based on the existingyout and practical needs, they re-nned the entire area.


    He''an Medicine Hall would be renamed He An Hospital.


    The original four-shopfront mansion was connected with therge mansion to the right, forming a long row of shopfronts. This would be the Outpatient Department of the hospital.


    As hospitals in the front world, the first thing upon entering was a registration and triage desk.


    A corridor ran through the middle, with the Emergency Room, Surgery, and Internal Medicine departments on both sides. There was also a nurse station, a pharmacy, an observation room, and a billing office.


    The second floor was remade into physicians'' offices, arge conference room, the Dean¡¯s office, Finance Department, Administration Department, and Security Department.


    The third floor became dormitories for the medical staff.


    The new mansion was the first of the courtyards in thisrge mansionpound. The second courtyard was refurbished into several operating rooms and an intensive care unit.


    The third courtyard was the biggest courtyard with the most rooms, nearly fifty. This would be the Inpatient Department.


    The Inpatient Department had luxurious private wards catering to upper ss customers as well as small general ward rooms formoners.


    With conservative morality in this era, it waspletely unfathomable to house men and women together like modern wards with three beds.


    As for the rooms behind the original He¡¯an Medicine Hall, including the newly purchased three-courtyard mansion, they were all redesigned into a medical academy.


    It contained severalrge and small ssrooms, acupuncture teachingbs, a library, teachers¡¯ offices, lounges, a dissectionb, an activity room and so on.


    They would even excavate arge basement to store cadavers.


    With such arge area, even hiring two construction teams to work at the same time, the renovations would still require considerable time.


    In the meantime, the master and his disciples weren¡¯t idle either. They officially announced they were recruiting ten clinical surgeons and thirty nursing students, and listed the corresponding admission requirements - gender was not restricted.


    It was noted especially that females would even be given priority admission into the nursing program.


    Those who met the requirements were weed to apply before the deadline, 20 May.


    Examinations would be held on 22 May for merit-based admission selections.


    Instantly, the entire capital was overwhelmed.


    Famous doctors flocked over to apply. People almost flooded and crushed He¡¯an Medicine Hall.


    The three doctors who had observed their surgeries previously were the first to rush over and apply. One of them was in such a hurry that someone stepped and slipped off one of his shoes, yet he continued running zealously.


    Of course Jiang Yuqing did not need to worry about these trifles. She could leave them to her Senior Martial Brother and teacher.


    Recently she had started learning acupuncture techniques; her hands were itchy to try puncturing people.


    Many people at He An Hospital from top to bottom had the ¡°fortune¡± to be medically treated by her - even the non-human, Bai Xiaoshi, did not escape her demonic ws.


    It was so frightened that recently, whenever talking to her, it would keep its distance and said if she dared to puncture it again, it would cut ties with her for 100 days.


    The consequence seemed rather dire, so Jiang Yuqing the Realm Lord regretfully gave up this free practice object.


    However, she was always a diligent and studious good kid. She decided that these days, she would go to her farm manor outside the capital to earnestly practice acupuncture techniques and see how her rice paddies were growing.


    But just as she was packed and ready to set off, the butler came to report that the Empress had summoned her into the pce.


    Jiang Yuqing reckoned it had been some time since shest entered the pce. Had the Empress, that great beauty, started missing her again?


    Indeed when she entered Jiaofang Pce, Empress Qin immediately rushed out like a gust of wind. Her hands grabbed Jiang Yuqing¡¯s cute and pretty little face and stretched it sideways, then rubbed and kneaded it.


    Like in her previous life when she was petting her colleague''s cat.


    "You ungrateful little thing. For so long you didn''te see me. If I didn''t call you into the pce, would you not havee at all?"


    Jiang Yuqing giggled twice, busy denying it. "No no, that''s not true. I really have been quite busy recently."


    Empress Qin finally let go of her cute and pitiful little face and stroked her little head instead. "I know, you and Teacher have done a great deed. I¡¯ve heard all about it in the pce."


    Pulling her along, she walked inside.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing see there was also a middle-aged noblewoman and a heroic-looking great beauty in the hall.


    If looking closely, some simrity could be seen between their eyebrows.


    Jiang Yuqing was an obsessive beauty addict. Her eyes lit up immediately, "Wow! What a gorgeous beauty Jiejie (older sister)."


    Empress Qinughed. "You have good eyes indeed! Come, greet them!"


    With an open palm, she introduced them to Jiang Yuqing. "This is Lady Yuan, wife of the Duke Who Protects The Country.


    And this beautiful maiden is her daughter, eldest miss of the Duke Who Protects The Country''s Mansion, Yuan Wuyang. You may address her as Sister Yuan."


    She pointed to Jiang Yuqing and told the other twodies, "This is Linghui of Marquis Qingzhou''s Estate. Ancient yet adorable."


    Jiang Yuqing curtsied to Empress Qin, "Good day Lady Yuan! Good day Sister Yuan!"


    Lady Yuan only returned her half a curtsy, smiling happily. "No need for excessive courtesy, County Head Linghui."


    Yuan Wuyang also curtsied to Jiang Yuqing. "Yuan Wuyang pays her respects to County Head Linghui."


    Jiang Yuqing quickly let her rise, "Sister Yuan please do not overdo courtesy. Sister Wei has talked about you - that you''re an exceptionally good person.


    Linghui always regretted not having the fortune to meet you. Seeing you today, you really are extremely beautiful."


    Her praises made Yuan Wuyang blush. "Lingyun has also mentioned you. Indeed you have a sweet tongue."


    Tuanzi (Jiang Yuqing) pointed, "Too kind, too kind." Her unabashed familiarity made everyone burst intoughter. They thought, this little County Head really was an amusing creature.


    Thedies chatted for a while before Empress Qin dismissed the pce maids, leaving only two trusted chambeins in the hall.


    Jiang Yuqing knew that being summoned into the pce today was not simply because the Empress missed her. There was likely something else.


    Indeed, Lady Yuan approached somewhat awkwardly, "Actually, it was me today who entreated Her Majesty to invite the County Head into the pce."


    Jiang Yuqing looked at Yuan Wuyang, whose face was somewhat embarrassed next to her, and understood in a second: "Are you here to see a doctor for this sister?"


    Lady Yuan did not want the young county magistrate to be so smart to guess her purpose at a nce, and felt a little embarrassed.


    But she still told the reason: "It''s my daughter, Wuyang.


    About half a year ago, a small lump grew on her back. At first it was just a little bit, and she didn''t care because of her grumpy personality.


    Later it grew bigger and bigger until the maid found something wrong when bathing her and told me, it was already toote.


    Because of its location, we didn''t know who to ask for, we only found several medical women.


    The medical women also couldn''t figure out what was going on, and it has grown to the size of a grape now after dragging it until now.


    Although our two families have some old friendships, with your family''s elders not at home, we can¡¯t easilye to your door.


    So we had no choice but to seek the Empress and ask the County Magistrate toe to the pce. Please don''t me the County Magistrate!"


    In this era of conservative feudal thoughts, a woman''s chastity weighed more than the sky. Jiang Yuqing could understand that they must have had no way out beforeing to her.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded: "That¡¯s fine. We need to find a ce to let the sister take off her clothes so I can take a look."


    Empress Qin had someone take them to the side hall. Jiang Yuqing gestured for Yuan Wuyang to take off her top and squat down. She was tall, if not squatting, the lump would bepletely out of reach.


    After Yuan Wuyang, whose skin was as white as snow, took off her clothes, Jiang Yuqing easily found the lump, in the position below the left scap.


    Pressing it with her hand, it was soft and seemed to contain water that would slide around. Yuan Wuyang said it didn''t hurt or itch.


    Jiang Yuqing retracted her hand and gestured for her to put her clothes back on, saying, "This is a lipoma, a benign tumor. Don''t worry, just do a small surgery to remove it."


    Yuan Wuyang was stunned for a moment: "Use a knife?"


    Jiang Yuqing thought she was afraid, and quicklyforted: "Don''t worry, it will only take a minute. The wound will be just this small!" Jiang Yuqing pinched her thumb and index finger together to show her.


    Yuan Wuyang said, "I''m not afraid of pain. I just...can I ask you to help me remove it?"


    Jiang Yuqing understood instantly that she was shy.


    "Of course, if you trust me and can convince your mother." Although she was young, removing a superficial lipoma shouldn''t be a problem.


    "Of course. You are Master Qiu the genius doctor''s top disciple." Yuan Wuyang said excitedly, "When can we start the surgery?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Yours is simple. If you want, we can do it today.


    But this is the Empress''s pce after all. Seeing blood here would be inappropriate. And He An Hospital over there is still under construction with many peopleing and going. How about youe to my house now?"


    "Going to your house...is that appropriate?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Don''t worry, there is a small operating room in the yard where my teacher lives. He''s at He An Hospital today and won''t be back."


    "Okay. Let''s go ask Empress Mother''s permission to leave now."


    After leaving the side hall, the two told Empress Qin about the situation. Empress Qin readily let them go, not forgetting to remind Jiang Yuqing toe to the pce to see her when she had time.


    After leaving the pce, the carriage of Duke of Protector Mansion took them straight to Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion.


    Jiang Yuqing took the mother and daughter to Huichun Yard, had people guard the yard door, swiftly performed the tumor removal on Yuan Wuyang, and stitched three stitches.


    After that she applied medicine, bandaged it, and told them toe back in five days to remove the stitches.

 Chapter 64: Street Rink

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Madam of Protector Duke looked at the centipede-like needlework and was very worried as she asked, "Will it leave scars?"


    Because Yuan Wuyang was going toe of age next year.


    She was worried that scars on her daughter''s body would incur the dislike of her husband.


    Jiang Yuqing''s Return to Spring Art had already practiced to the elementary level, and couldpletely avoid leaving scars.


    But she was still a little too young, and before she had absolute self-protection ability, she did not intend to reveal it in front of outsiders.


    After thinking about it, she said, "I''m not very good at this aspect. Let me ask my master, he has a lot of good ointments there, and there should also be ones for removing scars.


    When youe back to remove the stitches,e over to get it then." She also exined some dietary taboos and some other precautions.


    "Thank you, young county master."


    The Duke¡¯s wife was very grateful. She had previously only known that she was closed-door disciple of Master Qiu the Miracle Doctor. Although clever, she had also followed into the operating room. But after all, she was still a little too young.


    If there was no way, she would not havee to her with the mentality of grasping at straws.


    It was not until she urately diagnosed her daughter''s illness at a nce, and solved that lump in just a short minute, that she believed it.


    This little girl really had skills.


    She remembered what Princess Ronghua had once said, "To judge heroes by their age is truly foolish."


    Madam Yuan took a box from the maid''s hand and handed it to Jiang Yuqing with both hands, "The county master has bothered today. Please be sure to ept this little gift."


    Jiang Yuqing took it and opened it. Inside was a pair of andradite jade twisted silk bracelets.


    Andradite jade was already valuable, and this kind of twisted silk craftsmanship was especially rare.


    It was carved little by little from a whole piece of jade. If one was not careful, the whole piece of jade would be wasted. It extremely tested the craftsman''s skills. Therefore, only master-level jade carvers could aplish it.


    This would be just right for her mother to wear when she took it home.


    She was very happy and said, "Thank you, Madam. I like it very much."


    Madam Yuan said, "As long as the county master likes it. It iste now. We should go."


    Jiang Yuqing looked outside. It was already almost noon. She did not keep the guests anymore and personally sent them out the front gate before returning.


    She was worried about her rice paddies. After lunch, she still went to the farm outside the city.


    When she arrived, she didn''t even rest. She walked around the entire farm to make sure the rice was growing well before turning back to the yard.


    At this time, the golden crow was setting in the west. Large swaths of sunset glow set the entire western sky on fire, like the celestial silks woven by the weaver girl, gorgeous and extraordinary.


    Yu Zhu brought over vegetables and dishes, all fresh produce from the farm¡¯s own nting.


    The wife of the vige chief''s cooking skills were pretty good. Jiang Yuqing liked them very much, so she rewarded her two taels of silver.


    After the meal, Jiang Yuqing was walking around the yard to aid her digestion. Suddenly, a red figure fell down from the sky, scaring her badly.


    Not only her, even Yu Zhu and the others were also badly scared, and they all rushed forward to shield her behind them, shouting sternly, "Who are you, how dare you trespass on County Master Linghui''s farm?¡±


    The person was tall, dressed in arge red Taoist robe, and not wearing a waist belt.


    The appearance was handsome. The hair was not tied up with hairpins or caps like the current noble sons, but the upper half was parted out and loosely tied with a white headband. The lower half draped naturally over the shoulders.


    Holding a green jade fan, swaying it from time to time. The whole person exuded azy and unrestrained...street rascal vor!


    It was quite simr to someone her master had described to her before as ¡°leaving home like losing something, returning home like finding something¡±.


    "Hey... don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid. I''m one of your own, one of your own." The person hurriedly stopped Er Yu who was about to call people.


    Jiang Yuqing stretched out her little brain from the gap between them and asked, "Are you my third martial uncle Lu Yi?"


    Lu Yi was stunned for a moment, very surprised and said, "Hey, little girl, you actually recognize me!"


    Jiang Yuqing signaled Er Yu to let go. She walked up with big steps, tilting her head up. Her young voice was loud and clear, and very loudly said,


    "I don''t recognize you, I guessed. My master once said that if one day I see someone wearing shy red clothes, ugly as sin, with loose hair, and likes to pretend to be awesome while shaking a shabby fan, that would be you, Third Martial Uncle."


    After Jiang Yuqing said this, everyone in the yard couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Lu Yi had never imagined that the first impression his little martial sister had of him would be like this.


    First he was stunned for a while before reacting. He immediately became furious, "That damn old man, he actually disparaged me like this in front of little martial sister. My image ah! Completely ruined. No, I must poison him mute!"


    Oh no, his wise and martial image waspletely gone.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at him curiously, "Does Master know that you are so unfilial and betraying?"


    Lu Yi looked hurt, "...Little martial sister, you''re still quite cute when you don''t speak."


    Jiang Yuqing shrugged. Alright. Teasing him a bit at the first meeting to vent his anger from scaring her just now was reasonable. She couldn¡¯t really piss him off.


    So she changed the topic, "Third martial uncle, have you eaten yet?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, a thunderous sound came from Lu Yi¡¯s stomach. Judging by the sound, it had been a long time since hest ate. She quickly asked Yu Zhu to tell the kitchen to make a few more meat dishes and bring them over.


    Although Lu Yi regretted that his image in front of his little martial sister waspletely beyond redemption, he still didn''t dwell on it anymore because of his starving stomach.


    Crisis averted. Jiang Yuqing let him into the room and ordered someone to prepare a room and hot water for him.


    This series of actions really moved him. He thought, martial sisters are indeed caring little cotton-padded jackets, unlike his two stinky martial brothers who only nag at him, not allowing this and that, annoying him to death.


    While waiting for the meal, Lu Yi took out a jingly cloth bag from his package and gave it to her as a meeting gift.


    Jiang Yuqing curiously opened it and saw that it was full of all kinds of strange things.


    It was dark, she couldn''t see clearly in the bag, so she dumped everything out onto the table.


    Among this pile of stuff, there were order tokens, fist-sized miniature cattle skulls carved from unknown animal bones...but most of them were various token-like things.


    Judging only by the items themselves, they might not be valuable. She guessed these should be credentials of some forces.


    Just like the credentials of the Bian Que Valley.


    Seeing the little dumpling looking at him expectantly, Lu Yi¡¯s previously devastated self-confidence instantly soared.


    "Come, little martial sister, let me tell you what these things are for."


    You see this ¡°order token¡±, it is the credential of Shen''s Business, the richest business in Da Xia. With it you can mobilize no less than five hundred thousand taels worth of goods and money."


    He picked up another token, "Look here." Jiang Yuqing looked over following his hand. She saw the piece of dark iron token he was holding was engraved with the word "Bai".


    "This is the token of the Hundred Secrets Sect. As long as they want to, there is no secret under heaven that the Hundred Secrets Sect does not know. Therefore, just by holding this token, you can unconditionally ask them to provide you with three pieces of information."


    He put down the Hundred Secrets Sect¡¯s token and picked up a gilt token engraved on both sides with unsheathed swords, "Do you see the treasure sword on it? This is the token of the Wanjian Vi.


    Not only are their weapons formidable, but they are also top notch fighters.


    If you fight someone and can¡¯t beat them someday, just take this token to them for help. I dare not say one hundred and eighty, but at least a few dozens can still be gathered."


    Dumpling: "......"


    He picked up another token engraved with a ferocious skull and continued, "And this one is the soul-chasing order of the Yama Hall.


    One day, if some unwise fellow annoys you, just take this to Hongliu Alley in the east of the city and ask them to get rid of that person for you."


    And this cattle skull. It¡¯s from the southwest Miao Territory. The people there like to raise all kinds of strange things.


    Some of the bugs there are quite interesting. If you like, you can also ask for a few to raise. Whenever you see someone unpleasant, just let one of them loose on that person. I guarantee they will regret it ..."


    Jiang Yuqing became more and more afraid as she listened. Her little body unconsciously shrank back.


    Was this person really her Third Martial Uncle?


    Could it be some weird pervert pretending to be him!


    Master only said that Third Martial Uncle was a little silly. He didn¡¯t say his thoughts were so creepy!


    In modern times, this person would be considered a potential extremist terrorist and a key target of police attention.


    Lu Yi was still happily chattering away,pletely unaware of his junior sister disciple''s somewhat paleplexion.


    He was even more unaware of his second senior brother disciple, who was so angry that smoke was practicallying out of his ears, standing outside the door.


    Guo Jie had been patrolling the He''an Medicine Hall in the northwest and had just returned.


    Due to some dys along the way, he was unable to make it back before the city gates closed.


    Knowing that his junior sister disciple had an estate in the suburbs of the capital, and that she lived there, he decided to stop by to ask for lodging for the night.


    After presenting his credentials from the Bianque Valley as identification, he and his party smoothly gained entry to the estate.


    Little did he expect that as soon as he arrived at the door of the house, he would hear his undisciplined junior brother disciple loudly spouting nonsense, teaching his junior sister disciple, who was only three years old, how to fight, kill, and use gu poison...


    Are these the actions of a decent human being?


    Guo Jie''s face darkened, he was so angry he thought his lungs would explode. He looked around for something to teach this bastard a lesson.


    Not knowing who it was, but clearly someone else who also could not stand to hear any more, righteously offered him a two-finger wide strip of green bamboo.


    Guo Jie grabbed it in his hand, rushed into the room, and began mercilessly beating Lu Yi''s handsome face with it.


    Lu Yi yelped and dodged while making threats: "Surnamed Guo, don''t think that just because you''re my senior brother disciple that I won''t dare to do something to you. If you make me angry enough I''ll poison you to death with a handful of poison powder. Ow! Ow! Stop hitting me, stop hitting me..."


    The bamboo strip in Guo Jie''s hand never stopped swinging as he beat Lu Yi and cursed him: "You despicable piece of trash! Your ownck of discipline is one thing, but my sister disciple is so young. How can you teach her things like this? What kind of senior brother are you?"


    Lu Yi retorted unrepentantly: "What''s so bad about learning from me? Carefree and unrestrained, free toe and go as I please. Does everyone have to bestick-in-the-mud Confucianists like you two?"


    Guo Jie was so angry he wished he could hack this wretch into eight pieces: "You still dare to talk back? Do you believe me if I tell our master about this and have the old gentlemane to discipline you himself?"


    Lu Yi stuck out his chin and said: "Go ahead and tell! I''m not scared of you. Even if the old guy was here, this is still what I would say..."


    At this point the two brothers were fighting fiercely, kicking over stools and tripping over flower pots. The room was left in a terrible mess.


    This was more than Jiang Yuqing could bear. His temples throbbed as he jumped up on a stool, hands on his hips, and bellowed at the top of his lungs, shouting himself hoarse: "Stop fighting, both of you!"


    Following this shout, the two erstwhile brawlers finally calmed down. Surveying the disastrous state of the room, both looked rather embarrassed.


    The two brothers worked together clumsily to stand the toppled furniture back up. Each took a side of the table to sit quietly and properly, like model disciples.

 Chapter 65: The Dog Drama

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    Guo Jienian was nearing 30 years old. When not angry, he was a very cultured gentleman. Compared to Eldest Martial Brother Tian Guang, he had a bit more of the shrewdness of a merchant.


    Just now when his hot blood rushed to his head, he just wanted to teach this brat a lesson,pletely forgetting that junior martial sister was still present. If she was given a "ferocious"bel at first sight, he would have no choice but to cry himself to death.


    Thinking of this, Guo Jienian was rather careful in saying: "That, junior martial sister, actually senior brother is not fierce at all. Just now, I was just angered and lost my mind for a moment. Really!"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded: "Mmhmm, I know. I''m not scared of Second Martial Brother at all!" At least this second martial brother had very upright morals.


    Jiang Yuqing put the messy things on the table into a cloth bag and pushed it back to Lu Yi, smiling embarrassedly: "Third Martial Brother, I''ve received your kind intentions. These things are all hard-earned by you. You travel the jianghu all year, they are more useful to you!"


    Lu Yi picked up the things with one hand and put them back in front of her. Rather smugly he said: "No need, for your martial brother here, this face is more useful than any famous brand. They''re for you, keep them, throw them around and y with them if you don''t need them."


    Jiang Yuqing: "......Thank you, Third Martial Brother!" Now that you''ve put it like that, what more can I do? I certainly can''t throw them away!


    Guo Jienian also didn''t eat dinner with his subordinates.


    Jiang Yuqing told Yu Zhu to make another trip to the kitchen and told them to hurry up and prepare dinner for 20 more people again, no need to mind what it was, just make sure the portions wererge.


    After Yu Zhu left, she soon came back carrying a tray, with another little maid following behind also carrying dishes of food.


    Hot steaming dishes of four vegetables and a soup were set on the table. Jiang Yuqing politely said: "It''s sote, there''s nothing good to eat at home. Two martial brothers will have to make do with eating a little."


    Guo Jienian said: "This is already very good. On the road, we eat rations every day."


    There was even less need to mention Lu Yi. He wolfed the food down, not even lifting his head.


    This guy wandered the jianghu, not taking the normal paths.


    Sometimes offending people and being chased down, sometimes to pick some rare poisonous grasses and insects, often travelling in primitive forests. He often didn''t even have a piece of hardtack to mix in, just eating whatever he could catch.


    Generally just simply roasting it a bit before eating it. He didn''t care at all for taste, as long as it wasn''t poisonous enough to kill. Let alone such proper cooked dishes like these. For him, this was already heaven.


    After eating, the three martial siblings chatted for a while. Jiang Yuqing then arranged for the two to go wash up and rest.


    After travelling all day, they were exhausted. Anything else could be talked about tomorrow.


    The next day after lunch, Guo Jie brought his people back to the capital. Lu Yi on the other hand stayed behind.


    This guy''s thoughts were rather gloomy, but his temperament was good and he was extremely patient with Jiang Yuqing.


    He even allowed Jiang Yuqing to practice acupuncture on him. Even while screaming in pain from the needles, he didn''t run away.


    When encountering somewhere inappropriate, he would even take her hand to demonstrate where to insert the needles, how deep, how many inches, whether to twist or lift the needles...


    In short, he let Jiang Yuqing sessfully turn her impression of him around 180 degrees with real action.


    Martial brother was a good martial brother. Perhaps just a little quirky in ideological awareness.


    Martial brother and sister stayed at the estate for four days before finally returning to the capital on the 11th of May.


    Because tomorrow was the day Lady Yuan came to get her stitches taken out.


    Jiang Yuqing''s days in the capital were extremely wonderful. Meanwhile, thousands of li away in Qingzhou:


    That day, Jiang Wenyuan who was working in his office received an imperialmendation edict from the Emperor and a letter from the capital.


    Themendation edict''s contents were the Emperor praising him for teaching his daughter well and raising a clever and smart child who could serve as a model for the women of this generation.


    The other letter... with just one look at the tiny ant-sized words, it was clear his precious daughter had written it.


    The letter asked after the elders'' wellbeing first. Then talked about what she had done these days in the capital and what interesting things she had encountered.


    Finally she said, the young master of the former Qin county magistrate''s manor turned out to be the Crown Prince.


    She said the Emperor and Empress really liked her and the Emperor had even bestowed her the title of Magistrate of Linghui County with tax ie from that county''s fields. She was very happy and such.


    After the couple read the letter, they were shocked and overjoyed.


    In just over half a month after this little stinker arrived in the capital, she had earned herself a "county magistrate" title. She really was amazing!


    Because of certain reasons, Da Xia dynasty had no imperial princesses. Aside from the two princesses in the pce, only the county magistrates held the highest status among unmarried women.


    Now his precious daughter''s status, in terms of rank, was almost equal with him.


    It was just there were no proper adults around her after all so Jiang Wenyan feared his precious daughter would be bullied by others.


    Luughed and said he was worrying too much: "That precious daughter of yours is more clever than anyone else. Now that she has also entered the pce and caught the eyes of the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince, it''d be impressive if she doesn''t bully others instead."


    Jiang Wenyan thought about it and agreed she was right.


    The couple went to the yamen in the afternoon and returned to Xijindu to tell the good news to everyone at home. So the family had another round of lively joy and celebration.


    In the capital:


    May 12th, the agreed date.


    Lady Yuan indeed came with Yuan Wuyang as expected. She had recovered well under care.


    Jiang Yuqing swiftly removed her stitches and told her as long as she was careful and didn''t make any big movements recently, and rested for a few more days, she would bepletely healed.


    As she spoke, she took out a small porcin jar and handed it to her: "This Ice Skin Jade Dew balm was formted by my master, it specializes in removing scars and is quite effective. Because the medicinal ingredients are rare, it is hard toe by. Take it back to apply morning, noon and night and there likely won''t be any scars left."


    Upon hearing it was Ice Skin Jade Dew balm, Yuan Wuyang quickly tucked it carefully into her bosom.


    Just as Jiang Yuqing said, because the raw ingredients were rare, a small jar was already spected to thousands of gold on the market, yet still couldn''t be bought at any price.


    With the status of their Prince''s manor, they had only heard there was a small box of it treasured by Her Majesty the Empress that she cherished greatly.


    To now have gained a whole jar of it herself, how could it not delight her immensely?


    Thus, the mother and daughter were extremely grateful. By the time they left, they had bestowed upon Jiang Yuqing 2000 taels worth of silver notes and a whole box of Eastern Pearls.


    Regarding this, Jiang Yuqing only wanted to say, damn, these old prestigious aristocratic families really were extravagantly rich, truly tycoon level wealthy households!


    Then thinking again of how her grandfather had only gotten 180 taels for selling such a huge Lingzhi back then. This could have been flipped for at least ten times that much in the capital.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing went into the pce again to apany Empress Qin for lunch. When she came back in the afternoon, Housekeeper Zhao sent in another gilt-edged invitation.


    Saying she was invited to participate in some "Furui Forum" forum.


    As a country bumpkin who had just arrived in the capital, Jiang Yuqing didn''t know anything about whatever debating forums. Just hearing the name, it sounded simr to the flower banquets from before so she had considerably little interest.


    She asked Yu Qing next to her: "Do you know what this Furui Forum or whatever is?"


    Yu Qing said: "I know about it. When I didn''t enter the pce with Mistress yet, I had gone once... "


    But it turned out, at Baoyue Tower by Baoyue Lake in the south of the city, there was a three day event held there yearly for students topare andpete in their literary and artistic talents.


    Thepetition included the six arts of gentlemen and qin (a string instrument), chess, calligraphy and painting and kicking ball games.


    And also because every year when the grand meeting was held, it happened to be when the furui in Baoyue Lake bloomed. Thus this debating meeting was also called the Furui Forum.


    At the same time, several well-known great Confucian schrs in the capital would serve as judges. The various great academies in the capital as well as even the Imperial Academy would send people to participate.


    Aside from that, the aplished young masters anddies of the various great manors of nobility in the capital would also be invited to watch. It could be considered one of the capital''s grand events.


    Jiang Yuqing finally understood. She found this was quite simr to university student debatepetitions plus sports meets in her past life. Her interest was piqued at once.


    "Since that''s the case, let''s go join in on the liveliness too. But I''m just a little country girl freshly arrived in the capital, so how would the organizingmittee give me an invitation?" This was what she still couldn''t figure out.


    Yu Zhu spoke with some helplessness: "Mydy, have you forgotten about the poems you wrote at Princess Ronghua''s peony banquet at her manor?


    They have already spread through the entire capital now. People all say you have inherited the true teachings of your father, the Marquis of Qingzhou, and your literary talents are outstanding.


    I estimate they invited you because of this.


    The Furui Forum Grand Meeting has much higher standing than Princess Ronghua''s flower banquet. When the timees, all themon people in the capital will go watch too. It''s very lively."


    "I see, I understand now."


    Jing Yan knew she had also received an invitation so he specially left the pce to see her and exin to her in detail some things that needed attention at the Furui Forum Grand Meeting.


    That day he would also go and woulde directly to the marquis manor to pick her up.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement.


    Ever since returning to the capital, Lu Yi had his master Doctor Qiu and two senior martial brothers grab strong men, busy from dawn to dusk every day.


    Jiang Yuqing had originally wanted to arrange a courtyard next to the Spring Blossom Court for him, but Doctor Qiu blocked it.


    He directly pulled Lu Yi into her own Spring Blossom Court, angering Lu Yi into yelling.


    Doctor Qiu was worthy of raising him, clearly knowing the weaknesses of this entric third martial nephew, urately grasping them.


    Every time Lu Yi would jump up to resist, yet it was of no use.


    There''s a saying, your master will always be your master.


    As a result, there was a daily ruckus of chaos in the Spring Blossom Court, very lively.


    This unexpectedly reduced the cold loneliness of the Marquess of Qingzhou manor somewhat, adding a touch of liveliness.


    On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, the Double Fifth Festival, the weather was clear.


    Early in the morning, an extremely low-key and in green canopy carriage stopped at the gate of the Marquess of Qingzhou manor.


    A servant-looking person walked up and knocked on the door, and soon a bouncy and cute little maid and an unrestrained, handsome youth in red official robes ran out.


    It was Jiang Yuqing and Lu Yi.


    As for why Lu Yi was so free today that he could go out with Jiang Yuqing,


    it was entirely because he had said to his master: "In a couple days my junior martial sister is going to thatborious grand event with that Mr. Jing, I have to go along to watch over her, lest she be abducted by a big bad wolf at some unknown time."


    Miraculously his master and two martial brothers unanimously felt it made perfect sense, and so they released him.


    Lu Yi shamelessly squeezed onto the green canopy carriage. Jing Yan expressionlessly nced at him then ignored him thereafter.


    He was also quite speechless about this entric third martial uncle of the little girl.


    Because of the Furui Forum, all the way were carriages and crowds heading south to the city.


    Among them were nock of luxury carriages engraved with manor crests. Their in green canopy carriage mixed into the traffic, not eye-catching at all.


    Just as the three had gotten off the carriage at Baoyue Lake, they suddenly heard an angry female voice yell: "Lu Yi?"


    Lu Yi reflexively turned his head to look, coincidentally seeing a whip enveloped in raging anger swinging towards him, the sound of it cutting through the air.


    Lu Yi''s face greatly changed. Right then he sprang up from the ground and did an aerial somersault to dodge.


    "Crazy woman, it''s you again!"


    The arrival was a beautiful furious girl in blue.


    Seeing him dodge, with no more words the whipshed out again. Lu Yi quickly used a folding fan to block.


    The two fought intensely amidst you advance, I retreat. It also attracted quite a few onlookers.


    Jiang Yuqing''s grape-like eyes red huge, filled with stars.


    This was her first time seeing the martial arts of ancient people. So they really did have lightness skill, they really could defy gravity and fly midair.


    Too cool, simply cool to death!


    Especially thatdy in blue, so pretty, so heroic.


    That whip dancing tigerishly with the wind brought power like it could split mountains and rocks. As if it had eyes, it struck precisely wherever directed.


    For a time, Lu Yi was chased into quite a sorry state by her.


    After evading anothersh, Lu Yi yelled loudly: "I already said I didn''t intentionally peep at you bathing, and I''ve apologized. Why are you still chasing after me!"


    Hearing this, the surroundings immediately buzzed.


    Looks like a proper man but is actually a rogue. No wonder he''s being chased and beaten by thedy. Serves him right!


    Jiang Yuqing was excited, thrilled. Heavens, so sensational! The gossip genes in her body excitedly couldn''t be suppressed.


    There''s a modern saying, ah that''s it, "Since ancient times, red and blue be a CP." Thisdy in blue might be her third martial aunt.


    She was already imagining what wedding gift to prepare for when they get married...


    But that made thedy in blue even more embarrassed and angry: "Shut up! You''re still saying it, still saying it!" And increased the force of her whip.


    To avoid harming others, especially his cute martial sister, Lu Yi quickly employed his lightness skill to fly towards a ce with fewer people.


    The woman in blue closely pursued, putting on a live chase scene of "you run, I give chase; you spread your wings yet cannot fly", letting all the melon-eating masses see a lively show.


    Only when their figures disappeared from sight did Jiang Yuqing withdraw her gaze.


    Damn, too thrilling! She must properly gossip about this with her master and two martial brothers when she gets back.

 Chapter 66: I lost my belly.

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    Jing Yan asked Jiang Yuqing, "Do you want to learn martial arts?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, "I like it, but I may not be able to learn it. Because I have to learn medical skills from my master, and help my dad farm, I don''t have that much time."


    Tuanzi has a very clear n for the future.


    Besides, she herself is a cultivator, self-protection is enough. Whether or not to learn things like martial arts doesn''t matter.


    The Baoyue Building is a three-story brick and wood structure building.


    On the first floor is arge circr stage in the middle, with tiered seats around it. Twenty years ago, the major academies in the capital jointly funded the construction for the Fuwei Academic Forum.


    But the Fuwei Academic Forum is only held for three days a year, and sits empty for the rest of the time. This resulted in a huge waste of resources.


    Later, a smart guy spotted the poprity, venue and feng shui here.


    He bought it from the academy and turned it into an auction house, creating a unique business in the capital and made a fortune.


    Also, when he bought it, Baoyue Building had signed contracts with major academies in the capital that from May 15th to May 18th each year, Baoyue Building would be vacated for the academies to hold the Fuwei Academic Forum.


    It has been so for decades. It can be considered a win-win situation.


    The first day was a culturalpetition. The host was the Ritual Master Yan of the Imperial Academy.


    Sitting on the stage was a row of five big shots, all famous schrs or big names in various fields in Da Xia.


    The participating academy teams sat around the circr stage,peting in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting, poetry and lyrics. Each small event would decide the top three in the academies, and the prizes were generous.


    Of course, if any of the guests present were dissatisfied, regardless of status, they could challenge any of the top three, and the challenged could not refuse.


    If the challenge was sessful, the challenger would immediately obtain the ranking and prize of the challenged. The inferior would have to give way to the superior.


    This was also one of the biggest highlights of the Academic Forum.


    The ancient talents on stage showed exceptional poem skills. Jiang Yuqing watched with great interest and didn''t take her eyes off them.


    When it came to the "poetry" event. The host hung a calligraphy piece covered in veil on the disy stand, and then tore open the thick gauze covering it.


    On the white paper was just therge character "grain".


    Ritual Master Yan said, "As we all know, in the past two years, the Marquis of Qingzhou first grew sweet potatoes, which yielded thousands of catties per mu, andst year he grew rice that yielded seven to eight hundred catties per mu.


    He made huge contributions to the increased grain production in Da Xia.


    Today, let''s take grain as the theme and ask for a poem within one stick of incense. Let''s begin now!"


    Sure enough, ancient talents were extremely skilled at poetry. In no time, several anonymous five-character quatrains, seven-syble regted verses or long poems were written on rice paper and handed over to the judging table.


    After discussing among themselves for a while, the judges quickly determined the top three ces.


    But as with previous events, challengers soon appeared.


    It''s just that the level of these two challengers was not good enough, and they soon lost, arousing a round of friendly ridicule.


    At this moment, a shrill female voice came from a box: "I remember that the Magistrate of Linghui County from the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion is very talented. Why don''t you let her have a try?"


    Jiang Yuqing recognized this voice. Damn it, it was that scammer Jing Rushi!


    She was quite happy to hear her dad openly praised at first. Upon hearing this voice, the smile on Tuanzi''s face froze immediately.


    Then it gradually turned cold.


    Everyone with a brain could tell what she was up to by saying this kind of thing in this kind of asion. Jing Yan next to her also had a dark expression on his face.


    Jiang Yuqing tapped her fingers on the table a few times, and frost quickly condensed in her eyes.


    Did Jing Rushi not lose enough facest time and wanted to get humiliated again in public?


    Since you are looking for death yourself, then I shall fulfill your wish.


    Upon thinking so, she calmly got up and walked onto the balcony, opened the bead curtain facing the Canghe Prince Residence box and said loudly: "I definitely have no problem.


    But Jing County Miss, why don''t you challenge the senior brothers from the academies yourself, and let me do it instead?


    Oh, I get it. Is it because you lost to me at Princess Ronghua''s residencest time and feel unsatisfied, so you deliberately want me topete with these extremely talented academy seniors and make me lose face in public.


    But obviously, it was you who provoked mest time, yet you ended up losing all your valuable jewelry and ran away crying in the end. You can''t me me for that!"


    "Hahahaha..." As soon as Jiang Yuqing finished speaking, the whole building burst intoughter immediately.


    They had onlye to attend a poetry meeting, and did not expect to get such a juicy gossip of a nobledy. It was truly an unexpected delight.


    The little magistrate from the Marquis of Qing Prefecture was really...adorably blunt.


    "Jiang Linghui, shut up! Stop talking nonsense, just say whether you dare topete or not." Jing Rushi said angrily with shame.


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "I just said I can do it. But I''d ratherpete with you. I just wonder if you are wearing as much valuable jewelry today asst time."


    The scene burst intoughter again, and the nobledies present in particrughed so hard they couldn''t stand straight.


    They thought to themselves that Jing Rushi was really an idiot this time, stripped bare for all to see.


    "Miss Linghui, you still need to leave some leeway when dealing with people!" said an angry elderly male voice.


    Jiang Yuqing guessed that it was probably Jing Rushi¡¯s grandfather.


    Before Jiang Yuqing could respond, Jing Yan took the lead and said, "Prince Canghe, if you have time to threaten others, why not spend more effort on managing your inferior descendants. What kind of asion is this, yet you allow her to make troubles."


    His tone was not loud, his voice slightly immature, yet very oppressive.


    Prince Canghe seemed to recognize his voice and dared to make no more trouble.


    Jiang Yuqing stepped forward, bowed deeply and said sincerely, "Learned schrs and teachers on stage, Master Yan, seniors from the academies, gentlemen in the audience. Linghui did not mean to disrupt the venue. I apologize to everyone."


    She''s young, and was deliberately provoked by others, yet sincerely apologized afterwards. She truly won the hearts of the people.


    While the crowd expressed their understanding, they also expressed contempt for the real troublemaker.


    The reputation of the Canghe Prince Residence in the capital, which was mediocre to begin with, fell to rock bottom after this incident.


    When the inferior makes mistakes instead of reflecting on themselves, the seniors even openly threaten the victim. It is truly despicable, and people look down on such behavior.


    Although there was a little interlude that provided some entertainment for the crowd, thepetition had to go on.


    Ritual Master Yan said, "Miss Linghui, do you still intend to ept the challenge as you said earlier?"


    Tuanzi replied, "A gentleman''s promise is a lifelongmitment. Of course I''ll keep my word."


    "Then who do you intend to challenge?"


    "Then the first ce." She shouted loudly again towards the challenged person, "I''m sorry brother who got the first ce. I''m going to challenge you."


    The challenged person also had the demeanor of a gentleman. He cupped a fist towards her and said, "Please teach me, mydy."


    Seeing this, Ritual Master Yan said to Jiang Yuqing "That''s settled then. Mydy, please also write a poem about grain within one stick of incense!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Sure. But I just started learning how to write, my handwriting is very ugly. May I recite it directly?"


    Ritual Master Yan said, "Of course, this event is about poetry, not calligraphy."


    Jiang Yuqing searched her belly for a while, and started shamelessly showing off again: "The first poem is called ''Lament for Farmers'', working the fields under the scorching sun....


    The second poem is called...just call it ''Farmer Family''. Calling the kids at midnight... The grains grow by themselves."


    After she finished reciting, the whole venue was dead silent.


    A few prominent schrs'' breathing grew hurried.


    The most prominent of them was the father of Ritual Master Yan, Imperial Tutor Yan.


    Imperial Tutor Yan slowly got up with trembling steps and walked to the middle of the stage, asking Jiang Yuqing loudly, "Child, could you tell us how you came up with these two poems?"


    Tuanzi said, "I didn''te up with them. I read them from some surviving fragments. My family farms, so we live in the countryside.


    My grandpa gets up before dawn every day, then wakes my uncles up to go work in the fields together.


    When my dad was at home, he would go with them too.


    Before my dad passed the imperial exam, our family was very poor, having only one ox.


    That ox had been kept for many years and was almost too old to walk. Grandpa felt bad for the ox, so he had my uncles and dad pull the plow and till thend."


    When nting rice and other crops, there would be many weeds growing in the fields. When going to weed, sweat would drip down to the ground in strings. "


    After hearing this, Grand Imperial Tutor sighed appreciatively three times before he finally spoke. He had thought that Jiang Yuqing only had a good memory, but did not expect that she was able to remember the poem so vividly because it was realistic enough.


    Although not written by her, it was trulymendable for such a young child to be able to remember the poem and her family''s farming matters so clearly.


    There were sounds of discussion all around, saying, no wonder the Marquis of Qingzhou was not in the capital yet still held a ce in the emperor''s heart.


    Look, though he was a Marquis and the old madame of the Marquis Manor, he still personally went into the fields to farm, which was why he could yield thousands of catties of sweet potatoes and almost eight hundred catties of rice per mu.


    The Magistrate of Linghui County was still so young, yet she would also follow to the fields, and was able to remember everything she had personally experienced in her mind.


    Even after going to the capital, she had apparently nted three thousand mu of high yield rice in the outskirts of the capital. What did inheriting the family business through integrity and knowledge mean? This was it!


    Before the Minister of Rites could say anything, the student who was originally ranked first took the initiative to stand up and admit defeat, "The young county magistrate is extremely talented, this student admits his inferiority sincerely."


    His gentlemanly grace had also won him much acim.


    Jiang Yuqing scratched her head, somewhat uncertain as she asked Jing Yan, "Elder brother, should I be modest and decline thepliment?"


    Jing Yan held in hisugh and nodded.


    Because she stood at the outermost edge of the pavilion, her voice was quite loud when she asked her question, which sounded extremely tender and cute, making arge group of peopleugh.


    The Minister of Rites also heard it very clearly, and said with a smile, "Young County Magistrate Jiang, there''s no need to be modest, quicklye over to collect your prize!"


    "Alright alright, I''ll head over now!" Since there was a prize to collect, Jiang Yuqing was naturally ted.


    Guarded by little eunuchs dressed as attendant boys, she ran down the stairs pit-a-pat.


    Between the high tform and the ground were over ten tall stair steps.


    For someone with little short legs like Jiang Yuqing, it was very inconvenient.


    Seeing her struggling to climb, one student could not bear to watch any further and took the initiative to carry her up onto the tform.


    Tuanzi felt that this elder brother was practically an angel. Hence, she very politely thanked him. Not expecting the sudden thanks, the student''s face turned red as he went back down.


    The prize for the poetry segment was three rare ancient books.


    For those schrs, it was impossible to measure the value of such books in mary terms - true priceless treasures.


    After collecting her prize, she passed one of the books to that student earlier.


    Very seriously, she said, "Elder brother, this book is for you. They were originally yours to begin with. I stole what was rightfully yours by luck."


    The first ce he had rightfully earned with his own abilities, yet she had messed it all up.


    Though it was not her intention, wrong was still wrong. She felt guilty.


    If she did not do something about it, she would feel awful!


    Originally, the schr thought that he had unfortunately lost out to the three rare books, and did not expect there would actually be such a pleasant surprise.


    He quickly bowed and expressed his thanks, carefully ced one book into the book box next to him, and said, "The young county magistrate is more capable than me, so the remaining two books are yours."


    Tuanzi thought about it, then happily epted them. She thanked him and said, "You''re the best! Who knows, you may top the imperial examination next year."


    The student cupped his fist towards her in salute and said, "Thank you, young county magistrate, for your auspicious words."


    Jiang Yuqing hugged the remaining two rare books and happily returned to the second floor booth, and also passed one of the books to Jing Yan.


    Jing Yan did notck such things; in the end it was a show of her feelings, so he very delightedly epted and put it away.


    There was a one hour break during noon time for everyone to rest and have their meals. The civilpetition with the other segments would continue in the afternoon. The day passed quite happily on the whole.

 Chapter 67: The Fight

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    The next day was the ridingpetition in "Da Xia".


    The ridingpetition in "Da Xia" was divided into horse riding and carriage driving. Riding was somewhat simr to equestrian events inter generations, but with fewer tricks and more focus on practicality. Carriage driving was somewhat like a driver''s license test inter generations.


    Jiang Yuqing had only ridden "Bai Xiaoshi" before. When carrying her, "Bai Xiaoshi" was afraid of letting her fall, so he didn''t run fast.


    Seeing the contestants galloping on the field, Jiang Yuqing automatically took herself as a cheerleader, loudly pping and cheering them on. She wished she could go on the field herself and run ap or two.


    Seeing how much she liked horses, Jing Yan stroked her little head and said, "When you grow up a bit, should I teach you to ride a horse?"


    "Mm-hmm, good!" came the voice from the dumpling mouth, while her eyes still didn''t miss staring at the field...


    In the afternoon was archery, just as exciting as ever, but in the eyes of the old generals in the court, these were just children ying house.


    Thest day was a football match. It was held at the football field west of "Baoyue Building".


    This was a very popr sport, and themon people in the capital all had their own favorite football teams. As a new arrival, Jiang Yuqing didn''t know any of the teams, so she just watched randomly.


    On the way, "Qin Yu" came over to whisper a few words to Jing Yan. Jing Yan frowned, then lowered his head and said to Jiang Yuqing, "Qingqing, stay here and watch for a while. I have something to take care of and will be back soon."


    Jiang Yuqing nodded: "Mm, go ahead with your business, I can take care of myself."


    Over the past few days following him out, she didn''t even bring a maid. Jing Yan had no choice but to instruct the little eunuch attendant, "Deng Sanshui", to be sure to take good care of her.


    After Jing Yan left, Jiang Yuqing continued to watch the game.


    During halftime, she felt a little hungry and went to the stalls outside to buy some snacks, then sat down to eat them on a stone bench under the shade of a tree outside the football field.


    After eating too many snacks, she felt a little thirsty. Her little attendant eagerly volunteered to go buy her sour plum soup, which Jiang Yuqing agreed to.


    There were still two pieces left in the oil paper bag. Jiang Yuqing decided to finish them all at once to avoid waste.


    At that moment, she felt her clothes on her back seemed a little odd.


    She looked back alertly and met a pair of thievish toad eyes. It turned out to be a seven or eight-year-old boy.


    One of his plump hands was holding her skirt, flipping it up, while the other was pulling down her pants, grinning wickedly.


    Jiang Yuqing was instantly furious. Where did this little brate from, doing something so indecent to a little girl at such young age? He was simplywless.


    "Let go!"


    "I won''t let go!" The toad eyes even shook her skirt up and down defiantly.


    As it was already summer, her clothes were very light. With that shake, Jiang Yuqing''s underpants werepletely exposed.


    Jiang Yuqing said coldly, "I''ll say it one more time, let go!"


    The toad eyes made a grimace and grinned, "I won''t let go, I won''t let go, I just won''t let go. What can you do about it?"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t bother talking to him anymore. To deal with such a brat, she needed to give him some intuitive loving education.


    She immediately threw away her snacks, clenched her little fist tightly, jumped up and punched him hard in one eye, then in the other eye as well, very evenly distributed.


    The boy was attacked so suddenly that he didn''t have time to defend himself and took the punches right on target. He immediately cried out in pain. Covering his eyes, he staggered back two steps and fell on his bottom on the grass.


    Jiang Yuqing circled around the stone bench and jumped on the toad eyes, fists raining down like hailstones, hitting the most painful spots. She beat him until he begged for mercy with ow ow sounds, without the slightest ability to fight back.


    Jiang Yuqing was in no mood to let him off easily. She flipped and tossed the toad eyes like a pancake, pounding him violently.


    As she hit him, she scolded him, "I told you not to flip my skirt and pull my pants. You little bastard, little rogue, if I don''t show my power, you take me for an old sick cat!"


    With her eightyers cultivation base, her strength was much bigger than ordinary adults.


    If not for fear of beating this brat to death and getting sued, she would not have stopped so easily.


    Even so, after Jiang Yuqing climbed up, she still couldn''t resist kicking the toad eyes twice more before finally stopping.


    Jiang Yuqing angrily put her hands on her hips and said to the toad eyes who were curled up on the ground crying loudly, "If you dare flip little girls'' skirts again in the future, I''ll beat you every time I see you! Stinky rogue!"


    At this time, there was a chorus of shocked cries, getting louder and nearer. A nobledy led a swarm of maids rushing over like bees, picked up the toad eyes from the ground and started crying her heart out while hugging him tightly.


    "My son! Who is the damned one who beat you like this? They want your mother dead!"


    Seeing the backer arrive, the toad eyes immediately pointed at Jiang Yuqing and tattled, "Mother, it was that cheap girl who beat me! I hurt so bad, my whole body hurts, it hurts to death!"


    As soon as the nobledy heard this, her willow eyebrows inverted into a frown: "Good for you cheap girl, beating my son like this! Today I must kill you!"


    "Lin Mama, tie up this cheap girl and throw her into theke!"


    Jiang Yuqing stood there without moving an inch. In her sweet voice she said coldly, "You dare! I am the Magistrate of "Linghui County" of the "Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion"! Besides, it was your son''s fault to begin with in this matter.


    You didn''t bother asking what had happened before wanting to tie me up and drown me. Where is the reason in that?"


    The woman was so angry that the hair ornaments on her head shook violently. "Bah! Even if you''re a county magistrate I''m the "Empress"!


    Lin Mama, what are you still standing there for? Hurry up and tie her to drown her in theke!"


    Seeing that the other party really dared take action, Jiang Yuqing had already started making hand seals in her sleeves. She decided to teach this shrew a good lesson.


    Just then, a voice cold enough to make one shiver said, "I don''t know since when the "Empress" of "Da Xia" got reced.


    Or are you of the opinion that it''s time for a change of dynasty?"


    These words were nothing short of a capital offense, enough to doom nine generations of one''s family.


    The speaker was Jing Yan. After taking care of his business he hade back, but didn''t find Jiang Yuqing in the football stands so figured she couldn''t have gone far.


    ncing around, he soon saw the little eunuch "Deng Sanshui" buying sour plum soup at a roadside stall.


    After finding Deng Sanshui he came over in Jiang Yuqing''s direction and saw from afar that she was arguing about something with someone, afraid she was being bullied, so he hurried over at a run.


    Just in time to hear this woman spouting nonsense about tying up the littless and drowning her in ake. How vicious can one be?


    Deng Sanshui recognized this woman. She was Lady Zhong, wife of Tong Fuqiu, Vice Minister of Rites and younger sister of the exiled "Marquis Muen"''s wife.


    Lady Zhong also recognized Jing Yan.


    Realizing what she just said after reacting, she immediately copsed limply to the ground, deathly pale and trembling all over.


    Seeing him return, Jiang Yuqing immediately grabbed his hand and angrily tattled on the toad eyes.


    "Brother Yan, I was just here eating, and this one bawling loudly, this stinking toad eyes, this little rogue.


    He flipped my skirt from behind and pulled down my pants.


    I told him to let go but he wouldn''t. He even made faces at me saying what could I do if he doesn''t let go. I really couldn''t stand it anymore so I punched him.


    What''s more, he''s so much bigger than me but still lost to me. All he can do is cry. Such a disgrace."


    Then sheined tearfully, "Brother Yan, I don''t want to drown, I''ll die! If I die I won''t be able to see Daddy, Mommy and you anymore! Qingqing is scared! Wah-"


    Given her textbook performance, "Bai Xiaoshi" inside the spirit space gave her two big thumbs up, "You deserve an Oscar statuette!"


    As for her spirit beast''s praise, the Young Lady wholeheartedly agreed.


    Jing Yan also didn''t want to waste words with this fool of a woman. He waved his hand and several guards immediately surrounded them. "This woman intended to murder the Magistrate of "Linghui County". Bring her back to "Ministry of Justice" for questioning!"


    He also pointed to the toad eyes who were already scared speechless. "Those filthy hands are useless. Cripple them!"


    Only then did Lady Zhong suddenly realize the gravity of the situation. She cried loudly begging for mercy, "Crown Prince spare our lives! This servant knows her wrongs! Crown Prince, spare me and my son! He''s still young!"


    With a miserable shriek, young master Tong''s hands were already contorted into freakish angles at the wrists. They were most likely crippled.


    Seeing this, Lady Zhong''s eyes rolled back and she fainted, whether from shock at her son''s plight or fear of the imprisonment toe.


    Even so, they still could not escape the fate of being thrown into prison.


    Lady Tong was taken away, and the servants of the Tong family also carried away Half-dead Toad Eyes and ran away quickly.


    Jiang Yuqing would not have any sympathy for this.


    Behind every naughty child is a naughty parent, just like Toad Eyes and his mother.


    When her son made a mistake, she didn''t ask why, didn''t teach her own child, but instead wanted to sink the victim into theke.


    With such a mother with negative triple views, even if Toad Eyes grows up, he won''t have any good results.


    Most likely he would follow in the footsteps of his cousin, who was the young master of Marquis Muen.


    After punishing Lady Tong and her son, the two of them had no heart to watch any longer, so they turned around and went back to the mansion.


    However, Jing Yan took her away directly to Jiaofang Pce of the Empress on the grounds that she was frightened.


    No matter how she thought about it, she couldn''t figure out what the rtionship was between whether she was frightened or not and whether she went back to the mansion or not. How could there be any special medicine to treat "fright" in the imperial pce?


    Coincidentally, the Emperor was also there.


    Seeing the two little onesing back, he asked quite calmly, "I heard that you threw someone into the Ministry of Justice?"


    Jing Yan said dissatisfiedly, "You already knew, why bother asking again!"


    The Emperor red at him, "Just because I knew, I can''t ask? I''m your father!"


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid that the Emperor would me Jing Yan, so she quickly admitted her mistake, "Your Majesty, I''m sorry, it''s all my fault. Don''t me my brother, I was the one who started fighting with others."


    "Oh¨Cyou''re young, but you have quite the guts, daring to fight with others." The Emperor paused and then said, "Did you win?" His tone actually contained a hint of amusement.


    The dumpling immediately lost her fear, raised her head proudly like a cocky little rooster: "I won!"


    The Emperor crooked his finger at her, and the dumpling ran to him.


    The Emperor reached out and stroked her little head, praising her, "Well done! When you encounter such little brats, you have to beat them back fiercely. If you can''t beat them, call someone to help you. I''ll cover for you if you beat them badly!"


    "Okay!" The dumpling nodded happily.


    The Empress "..."


    Jing Yan "..."


    The Emperor left satisfactorily, taking his son with him. Tong Fuqiu was still kneeling outside the Imperial Study!


    The Emperor gritted his teeth.


    He hadn''t settled ounts with Tong yet regarding the previous incident with the schr. And now Tong had stabbed another big basket for him. He thought that he might have been too good to his subordinates, so that a mere censor''s wife dared to casually sink someone into ake.


    It was really bold as brass.


    The Tong family didn''t even try to defend themselves in this matter, and no one dared to dredge things up for them.


    Who would dare dredge up someone personally delivered by the Crown Prince? Unless they wanted to die.


    Moreover, the Zhongdy really was vicious. She dared to sink a titled madame in broad daylight. She really was iparably crazy. Getting to this point now was just desserts.


    In the end, Lady Tong Zhong was sentenced to death by strangtion for the crimes of "great irreverence" and "attempted murder".


    Censor Tong was demoted tomoner status for "failure to govern his household" and "abuse of power for personal gain".


    Tong Fuqiu was ultimately shown some imperial favor by keeping his life.


    Otherwise, Lady Zhong''s words and deeds would have been deemed "treason" rather than "great irreverence".


    For treason, his entire n would have been executed!


    If that were so, all dozens of members of the Tong n would have only been able to gather in the underworld.


    The Tong family''s affairs were handled swiftly and ruthlessly.


    Some people privately ridiculed that the girl Jiang Yuqing was nothing but trouble.


    First the Marquis Muen mansion, and now Censor Tong''s mansion, whoever offended her ended up in dire straits.


    But there were also those who spoke righteously: "Look at how biased your words are. The little girl had just arrived in the capital for a short time. Who did she offend?


    Everyone was scrambling to find trouble with her, just because her guardians weren''t around and they wanted to bully the weak, right?


    Bumping blindly into an iron te, they got what they deserved for their downfall. Who else can they me?


    Can it be that they can''t teach their own sons properly, yet they me the little girl?


    This is a typical case of ming the victim! I''m ashamed to be associated with the likes of you."


    With that, the person angrily flounced their sleeves and left.

 Chapter 68: The Delivery Room is a mirror

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    Of course, Jiang Yuqing did not know about this matter. She also did not have the free time to manage these relevant or irrelevant things.


    As of May 20th, over 300 people had signed up to study Tianyi Medicine, and over 500 people had signed up to study nursing.


    Among them, there were quite a few famous doctors of long standing, even from Taiyi Hospital.


    On May 22nd, after a day of examinations, the list of students for the first batch of He''an Medical Academy was finally determined.


    The three gold sore doctors - Wu Yue, Qi Ming, and Cheng Feng who had observed the surgeryst time were on the list.


    On May 25th, the academy officially started school. There were 10 formal students in the Clinical Medicine Department, and 5 extramural personnel.


    These 5 people were the 5 disciples and grandchildren of Dr. Qiu. They were both students and teachers. Except that one of them had note back since the day he was chased by a girl and ran away.


    There is always something to learn from three people walking together, with strengths differing between master and disciples. When one of them gave lectures, the others would sit below and listen attentively.


    If the students below did not understand, they could also raise their hands to ask questions, and the teachers would earnestly answer them.


    It was precisely because of their selfless dedication to spreading medical knowledge without hiding private matters or adhering strictly to formalities, only focusing on transmitting the spirit of medicine, that deeply moved the students below.


    They also took out their own unique skills and undisclosed secrets to share and exchange with everyone, greatly promoting the development of medicine in Da Xia.


    The missing Lu Yi returned in the deep night three days after school started.


    Not to mention that the clothes on his body were dirty and smelly, they were even torn into ragged strips. Fortunately, his face was fine.


    When he came back, the first thing he asked was whether there was anything to eat. Seeing that his face was ashen, Jiang Yuqing knew that he was starving.


    Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to wake up the cook and make him a bowl of egg noodles. This guy ate ravenously without even lifting his head.


    Jiang Yuqing was very curious about what he had experienced these past few days to end up like this.


    But she did not have the heart to ask in the end. She only asked someone to prepare water and clothes for him before going back to sleep.


    The next day, when Jiang Yuqing went to the Hui Chun Yuan to have breakfast, Lu Yi was practicing martial arts in the yard. Seeing her watching with great interest, he put away his fan and said, "Junior sister apprentice, do you want to learn? I can teach you if you want to learn."


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head.


    One had to persevere in learning martial arts. She was now learning medicine and also working as a teacher, and still had to go to the Spiritual Realm to practice even at night. Where would she find the time to learn martial arts?


    She should just forget about it!


    Besides, her current cultivation level was quite high. Ordinary martial arts masters might not necessarily be her match.


    After the few master and disciples had breakfast, they went to He An Hospital.


    As soon as they arrived at the hospital, there was a mor at the emergency room, with someone crying.


    It turned out that a dying dystocia patient had just been sent in.


    The baby was breech, with its feeting out first. The amniotic fluid had already drained away, and blood was dripping down little by little, already pooling a small puddle on the floor after just a short while.


    The midwife was also truly helpless, so the family had sent her to He An Hospital.


    A caesarean section was necessary now, and it had to be done quickly.


    Jiang Yuqing asked someone to prepare for the surgery while she stayed behind to exin the situation to the woman''s husband.


    The man disagreed at that time, moring, "No, no way, how can other men see my wife, I definitely can''t agree no matter what."


    It is said that the delivery room is like a demon mirror that can show whether a woman has married the right person.


    Clearly, this woman was not so lucky and had married a pigheaded chauvinist.


    In this ancient era of blind marriages, she had no right to choose her own husband, so it could only be said that she was unlucky.


    Damn it, it was at such a critical moment, yet this man still had the mind to worry about this kind of thing.


    But for the sake of the woman inbor, Jiang Yuqing still held back her anger.


    In order for her words to be more convincing and authoritative, she even climbed onto a high stool and argued reasonably with the man while standing on it: "We are physicians who only see the patient and make no distinction between men and women. Do you want to watch your wife and child die in front of you?"


    Of course the man was reluctant about that.


    He was poor and it was not easy to marry a wife.


    But surgery meant that his wife would be seen naked by other men, which was equivalent to cuckolding him. This was absolutely intolerable to him.


    The man held his head in both hands and said, "Isn''t there any other way?"


    Jiang Yuqing wished she could beat this feudal bastard to death. She yelled angrily, "We are physicians, humans - not gods. Your wife is risking her life giving birth to your child to continue your family line.


    Regarding your pathetic little male ego more important than the lives of your wife and child, can you still call yourself a man? Bullshit!"


    It turned out that this middle-aged woman who rushed in furiously from the outside was the mother-inw of the woman inbor, the old mother of the man. She had gone to borrow money and so camete.


    After hitting her son, the anxious old woman pleaded to Jiang Yuqing, "Little genius doctor, please save my daughter-inw, we will pay any amount.


    If...if something happens, please save my daughter-inw first. She is still young. The child....the child can be had again!"


    As the old woman spoke, she was already choked with sobs.


    Hearing this, Jiang Yuqing finally revealed a smile, "Mother-inw, we will do our utmost.


    Besides, during the operation, only the abdomen will be exposed while other parts of the woman will be covered."


    Jiang Yuqing handed over the consent form for surgery again. The old woman wiped her tears and promptly pressed her fingerprint and forcibly pressed her son''s head to make him press his fingerprint too.


    Jiang Yuqing put the documents at the front desk and instructed them to definitely send it to the Dean''s office. Then she hurriedly went to change into surgical clothes.


    Jiang Yuqing personally administered spinal anesthesia to the woman, also known as the mid-half body anesthesia.


    This method was safer for the fetus and was amon caesarean section method.


    After that, she was given a blood transfusion. The woman had lost too much blood, and without a transfusion, she would not survive getting off the operating table.


    Before going onto the operating table, in order to encourage the woman, Jiang Yuqing leaned into her ear and said, "You have a good mother-inw, so you must live on if only for the sake of your child and mother-inw.


    Believe in us, you and the baby will be all right!"


    The woman nodded while weeping.


    Senior brother Tian Guang had something going on today and did note. The lead surgeon today was Dr. Qiu, with Tian Shanglu as the assistant surgeon, plus two other students from the Medical Academy, Qi Ming and Cheng Feng.


    They were the 3 gold sore doctors who had observed the surgeryst time.


    Jiang Yuqing served as both the anesthesiologist and surgical director. As for Lu Yi, he was purely just a spectator.


    This guy hade backte and actually missed everything.


    Jiang Yuqing decided to give him special training after returning to rectify Bianque Valley''s reputation.


    This was the first time for the master and disciples to perform a live Caesarean section surgery.


    Although they had done simr surgeries several times before, those were on the corpses of parturient women who had died of dystocia. There was no other choice.


    Caesarean section surgeries inflicted too much damage on the woman''s body, otherwise if it could have proceeded smoothly through naturalbor pains, who would be willing to endure getting sliced open? This was especially true in this feudal ancient era.


    Modern doctors advocate proceeding naturally throughbor if possible and only performing caesarean sections as ast resort. How much more so for this feudal era?


    The surgery to cut from outside in had 7yers in order: skin, subcutaneous fatyer, anterior sheath, muscleyer, peritonealyer, uterine serosayer, and finally the uterine muscleyer.


    Despite it being their first live birth by caesarean section, Doctor Qiu''s superb surgical skills were extremely steady with so much prior simr surgical experience.


    Seeing the living fetus inside the uterus when theyers of skin and meat were peeled away, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Then the baby was carefully taken out.


    Cheng Feng took the baby, skillfully clearing away the amniotic sac and vernix covering it, clipping the umbilical cord, then lightly pping its little bottom. The baby immediately let out a loud wail, kicking its little legs vigorously. It was an extremely robust little boy.


    The baby was carefully swaddled with russet cloths and ced in a corner on a thick wool pad little crib.


    The mother''s side had already begun stitching, first the uterine muscleyer...until the skin. Absorbable catgut sutures were used so that patients would not suffer the pain of stitch removal afterwards.


    Nearly an hourter, the door of the operating room opened. Cheng Feng held the child whose umbilical cord he had cut after delivery, with a smile covering his entire face. The family members gathered around at once when they saw this.


    Jiang Yuqing took off his mask, revealing a satisfied smile: "Fortunately no disgrace, mother and child are safe."


    Upon hearing this, the crowd observing outside the operating room immediately burst into thunderous apuse: "Divine doctor, he is truly a divine doctor!"


    The grandmother of the parturient took over the child and looked at the rosy little face of the baby, filled with delight. She soon raised her head and asked, "How about my daughter-inw?"


    Jiang Yuqing greatly admired this bold and open-minded woman, and said, "She is fine. She will be sent to the intensive care unit soon. She has just had surgery and is extremely weak, needing extra careful care. Come with meter and I will teach you how to care for her!"


    "Good, good, thank you little divine doctor!"


    Soon, Doctor Qiu also came out. Tian Shanglu, Cheng Feng, and Qi Ming pushed the parturient out of the operating room on a hospital bed.


    The husband of the parturient finally seemed to have a change of heart, and went forward to help push the hospital bed.


    Seeing his wife''s face as pale as a sheet without a trace of blood, a hint of guilt finally shed across the man''s face, and he softly called out his wife''s name.


    However, the parturient had already passed out and did not hear him.


    Jiang Yuqing believed that even if she was awake, she probably would not respond to him.


    Once a woman''s heart turns cold, the man is not far from being chilled.


    This parturient was unfortunate, yet also fortunate at the same time.


    She was unfortunate to have married a husband as good as cold-blooded. She was fortunate to have met a mother-inw who treated her like her own daughter.


    Two dayster, when changing the dressing, the mother-inw saw with her own eyes the ghastly wound on her daughter-inw¡¯s belly.


    Thinking of the suffering her daughter-inw endured to give birth, and then thinking of her own son¡¯s cold-bloodedness, the enraged mother-inw pressed her son''s head down to take a good look at the damage his wife suffered.


    Seeing the horrific state of his wife¡¯s abdomen, the man finally lowered his head with reddened eyes.


    When Jiang Yuqing heard about this afterwards, he also felt very sad, and could only hope that this man would thoroughly mend his ways and treat his wife better.


    The medicine used for the patients¡¯ surgery was all taken out from the Spiritual Realm. Jiang Yuqing felt that this was not a long-term solution.


    The medicine of Da Xia must stand on its own ground, and cannot rely too heavily on external sources.


    He was thinking that they should start by figuring out how to produce the mostmonly used basic anti-inmmatory medicines.


    One was medical alcohol for disinfection, the other was penicillin, an antibiotic for killing bacteria and reducing inmmation.

 Chapter 69: Sinopharm Administration

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing mentioned this idea to her master and several senior brothers. She obtained their unanimous approval.


    In fact, they had long been curious about those magical medicines she took out. It''s just that they didn''t dare ask much about the "Heavenly Doctor''s Legacy".


    Hearing that some of these medicines could be tried to produce by themselves, they were all eager to have a try, rubbing their fists and pping their thighs in excitement.


    Among them, Lu Yi was the most enthusiastic.


    He was good at poisons. The more strange and bizarre the poisons were, the more interested he felt.


    In some ways, these poisons were simr to bacteriology in the previous life. Or rather, they themselves were a kind of bacteria.


    It was great to have him participate.


    Alcohol purification was rtively simple.


    It was to further distill the liquor to meet the standards of medical alcohol through an additional distition process.


    The liquors at this time were all made from grain.


    Fortunately, there had been good harvests for several years in Da Xia, and the grain yield was considerable, so strong liquors were not umon.


    Among these strong liquors, "Burning Knives" was the fiercest. It was said to be the favorite of the garrison soldiers guarding the borders.


    It was said to be the strongest liquor, but Jiang Yuqing measured that the alcohol content was only over 40%, far from reaching the standard of medical alcohol.


    Fortunately, when working part-time to support her study in her previous life, she had worked in a winery and witnessed such distition equipment. After drawing the diagram, Jiang Yuqing found Jing Yan.


    After seeing it, Jing Yan took her to the Ministry of Industry without saying a word.


    Hearing that this gadget was used to refine liquor, the big bosses of the Ministry of Industry who liked to drink were instantly interested. They put down what they were doing and gathered around to study the drawings.


    Finally, they readily gave a date and said the equipment would be delivered in three days.


    On the way back, Jing Yan asked if the mass-produced alcohol could be preferentially supplied to the Da Xia army.


    The soldiers had been guarding the borders for years. The conditions there were harsh, and battles would ur from time to time. Injuries weremonce.


    When he first witnessed alcohol at the He An Hospital, he knew it was a good thing, but unfortunately it was the exclusive "secret medicine" of Bianque Valley, far from enough. Wanting to supply the army inrge quantities was wishful thinking.


    If it could be mass-produced in the future, Jing Yan would naturally like to provide more protection for the lives of soldiers at the borders.


    Jiang Yuqing was a soldier in her previous life, and she knew the hardships soldiers endured.


    Especially at this time when there was not even enough food to eat,ck of clothing and medicine wasmonce in the army.


    The cold weapons they used often had rust on them.


    Once it was chopped on someone''s body, even if the bleeding was stopped in time, a considerable number of the injured would still die from wound infection.


    Therefore, looking through the history of ancient wars, deaths caused by wound infections ounted for arge proportion of total casualties.


    So she wanted not only to purify alcohol, but also to cultivate penicillin.


    And for thetter, it was absolutely lifesaving magic medicine in ancient times. Once it came into being, the benefits it could bring were bound to make countless people covet it.


    In short, Bianque Valley had money, manpower, medicine and reputation, butcked sufficient ability to protect itself.


    As a result, even a Muenbo Mansion was able to force her famous master to hide in the town.


    Although the incident was temporarily resolved, and it also deterred other powerful figures with a warning.


    But money came first. Who could guarantee that things would not happen again in the future?


    She urgently needed to find a powerful backer for Bianque Valley.


    And in terms of which backer was the most powerful, besides the royal family, who else was there?


    Therefore, in addition to asking Jing Yan to help her solve the problem of distition equipment, another purpose for her to enter the pce today was to discuss cooperation with the Emperor.


    She needed to use these "secret prescriptions inherited from Bianque Valley" as bargaining chips to obtain a guarantee from the Emperor that Bianque Valley would not be harassed by nobles and powerful forces.


    There was a saying in the previous life that there were no permanent friends between countries, only permanent interests. This saying also applied between Bianque Valley and the royal family.


    In the imperial study room, after listening to Jiang Yuqing''s n, the Emperor was silent for a long time. After a good while, he only said one sentence: "The younger generation is formidable!" Then he asked her directly about Bianque Valley''s conditions.


    This was equivalent to a tacit consent.


    Bianque Valley''s conditions were simple. That was to cooperate with the royal family and establish a national medicine bureau.


    The Emperor would provide manpower, raw materials and venue for the national medicine bureau, while Bianque Valley would provide the prescriptions for medical alcohol and penicillin as technical investment.


    And ensure that if new prescriptions were developed in the future, they would also be put into production by the National Medicine Bureau at the first time.


    Except for supplying the military at cost price, the profits from selling medicines produced by the National Medicine Bureau would be split 73/30 between the royal family and Bianque Valley. The royal family took 70% while Bianque Valley took 30%.


    But there was one prerequisite. That was, the director of the National Medicine Bureau must also serve as the master of Bianque Valley in each generation.


    What Jiang Yuqing valued was not the 30% profit share, but rather this partner, the royal family.


    In other words, once Bianque Valley became the money bag of the emperor. Afterwards, whoever wanted to move people from Bianque Valley would have to weigh things up.


    After all, it would not be easy to move the Emperor''s money bag now that a Bianque Valley was involved!


    After listening, the Emperor nodded in agreement without saying a word. He immediately asked someone to draft a detailed contract, while asking Jiang Yuqing to return immediately with Bianque Valley''s seal to sign the contract.


    For a pie falling from the sky like this, disagreeing would be foolish.


    Not only did he agree, but it had to be done quickly. What if Bianque Valley''s people had second thoughts overnight?


    Returning to the He An Hospital, Jiang Yuqing hurriedly gathered her master and several senior brothers and nephews together for a brief meeting to tell them about the partnership with the Emperor to open a medicine bureau.


    Only then did the senior brothers realize that their little junior sister had already thought things through without their knowledge.


    Not only did she find a powerful backer for Bianque Valley that no one dared provoke, she had also resolved potential future threats.


    Doctor Qiu wished he could pick up his little apprentice and kiss her a couple of times.


    His judgement was still good. Back then on the mountain in Qingzhou, he had spotted this little girl with a medicine shovel at first nce and took her as a closed-door disciple.


    It turned out that the little one not only had high talents and status, but was also very smart. They struck gold this time!


    Doctor Qiu happily followed her back to fetch credentials and entered the pce.


    In the end, he came back triumphantly with a covenant stamped with Bianque Valley''s master seal and the emperor''s jade seal.


    After hiding the stuff properly, he hummed a tune and swaggered out to the streets.


    Well, usmoners were really happy today...


    To celebrate the sessful cooperation with the royal family, Jiang Yuqing specially ordered a feast that night. Apart from glutinous rice balls, the master and disciples all got drunk.


    After letting people send them back to their rooms, Jiang Yuqing also returned to her own yard.


    She was in a good mood tonight and couldn''t fall asleep for the moment. She didn''t want to go to the spiritual realm for cultivation either, so she simply spread out stationery and wrote letters to her family.


    She did miss them a little...


    The next day, the Emperor announced the national medicine bureau in the court. The ministers were overjoyed when they heard it. What a great thing, they must go for it!


    As for the title of Director, it was just a vanity position anyway, so they didn''t care much about giving it away.


    Among them, the most excited was Zhang Xiu, the minister of revenue. When it came to collecting taxes and money, it had always been his favorite thing to do.


    He knew Bianque Valley''s people were rich, and he had been jealous countless times, especially when the national treasury was poorer than his face.


    But no matter whether they opened a medical hall or a pharmacy, they didn''t owe a cent of taxes due. He couldn''t find any excuse to exploit them.


    He didn''t expect that this time they took the initiative to send money to his door. How could the old minister not be overjoyed?


    It had to be said that when he got to this point as minister, he really worked painstakingly hard.


    It was unanimously passed, so the matter was settled.


    No one knew that it was this National Medicine Bureau thatid the foundation for Da Xia to set up a separate medical and health department in the future.


    Seven days after the C-section, the woman who had undergone the surgery was discharged from the hospital.


    No one knew what her husband had experienced these days. When they left, he surprisingly kowtowed to thank several doctors including Jiang Yuqing who had saved his wife.


    When they left, the man carried his wife in a princess hold to a rickshaw outside the medical hall. He carefully tucked in the quilt and walked away carefully pulling the rickshaw.


    Jiang Yuqing really hoped that this man could change his male chauvinism and shoulder the responsibilities a man should take.


    Because of the recent sesses of several surgeries, He An Hospital''s reputation spread far and wide. In the past two days, the number of patients with difficult illnesses sent to He An Hospital has clearly increased, including two difficultbor cases.


    After a meeting of doctors and nurses, He An Hospital unanimously decided to open two more operating rooms for backup, one of which was specifically for receiving obstetric patients.


    At the same time, the Ministry of Industry also sent over the distillers, which was quite sessful overall. Doctor Qiu and his two disciples were busy without a break.


    Jiang Yuqing then brought Third Senior Brother Lu Yi to start refining medical alcohol.


    At first it was not ideal, perhaps because the fire was not well controlled, or perhaps because of some other reason. The alcohol refined was always below the degree she wanted.


    The two of them were not discouraged and tried again and again, improving again and again. Finally, after seven days, they seeded in extracting 75% purity qualified medical alcohol.


    The moment the test was passed, Lu Yi happily poured himself a cup and took a big gulp, then coughed violently, frightening Jiang Yuqing to quickly pour him a whole pot of water before he recovered.


    She impatiently said, "If you drink a little more, I can only give you a gastricvage!"


    Lu Yi waved his hand unconcernedly, "It¡¯s not that serious. At most I¡¯d have to drink a few more pots of water and go to thetrine a few more times."


    The first thing Jiang Yuqing did after sessfully extracting medical alcohol was to tell Jing Yan about it. It was a pity that the National Medicine Bureau had only just started construction. It would take some time for it to be built.


    Next was the extraction of penicillin.


    This stuff was very easy to extract in theboratories of the Spirit Realm General Hospital, but bringing it outside without the assistance of rted equipment was quite difficult.


    The first two batches failed in the experiment. After summarizing the lessons, the senior siblings started the third batch of experiments.


    While waiting for the fruit juice to grow mold, Jiang Yuqing suddenly thought that she could extract allicin first.


    Although this stuff was not as versatile as penicillin, it was also a good antibiotic and anti-inmmatory.


    Moreover, steam distition could extract it. The materials were easy to obtain and simple to get started with.


    She bought two baskets of garlic heads from the vegetable market and started experimenting with Lu Yi.


    With the experience of extracting medical alcohol before, the extraction of allicin went very smoothly this time. They seeded in the second try.


    The senior siblings conducted several more refinement experiments to ensurerge-scale and rapid extraction before finally finishing.


    By this time, it was mid-July.


    The weather was hot as if it could roast people.


    Doctor Qiu was old and could not stand the heat. Jiang Yuqing found some saltpeter to make ice cubes and put them in an ice bowl in her master''s room to cool him down.


    When Lu Yi saw it, he also mored to put one in his room.


    When Jing Yan came to the mansion to see her, he felt that the method of making ice with saltpeter was both amazing and simple and practical. He quickly had the people from the Ministry of Industrye to learn it.


    Thus, the aristocrats of Da Xia finally ended the history of needing to store ice in winter during the hot summer days.

 Chapter 70: The Rice Jar was Saved

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    At the same time, the watermelons from Qingzhou at home were also sent thousands of miles to the Capital City. Jiang Wenyuan was deeply afraid that his daughter would suffer losses, so he sent five carts of watermelons to her at one time.


    As a result, after the Emperor finished eating his share, he robbed the Crown Prince''s share, and then set his sights on the watermelons from the Marquisate of Qingzhou.


    The reason was that there were few masters in the Marquisate of Qingzhou in the capital, and they couldn''t eat that much...


    Jiang Yuqing was leftpletely speechless by the Emperor''s frivolous actions.


    She had no choice but to be very "understanding" and kept only two carts for herself, sending the other three carts to the pce to serve the Emperor and Empress.


    Of course, these two did not shortchange her either, and rewarded her with a lot of nice things.


    In fact, there were plenty of watermelons in the Spiritual Realm, and her father knew it too. The reason why he sent so many was just for her to cover people''s eyes.


    Therefore, of the watermelons sent from home, she gave Master Shixiong and Second Shixiong two baskets each, only eating half of one herself, and letting Doctor Qiu and Third Shixiong Lu Yi take care of the rest.


    It was the first time for the three senior brothers to eat watermelon. They had no resistance at all to such a cool, sweet and thirst-quenching delicious fruit, and they really loved it.


    In the heat wave, the third batch of tangerines also grew penicillin, and the two shixiong and shimei started the third experiment in quick session, followed by the fourth, fifth and sixth experiments.


    There is no free lunch in the world. Finally, in the seventh try, the two sessfully extracted penicillin.


    After that, there were repeated improvements. Finally, just as the Imperial Pharmacy''s production nt was built and ready for production in early August, they handed over theplete forms and mature extraction technologies for medical alcohol, allicin and penicillin.


    When she came out of the Imperial Pharmacy, Jiang Yuqing let out a deep breath in relief. Damn it, it was too tiring.


    For more than two months, Jiang Yuqing had only been between home and hospital, going back and forth between two ces. Sometimes when work went toote and she was too tired, she would simply spend the night in the rest room next to theboratory.


    When Jiang Yuqing opened her eyes she saw penicillin; when she closed her eyes she still saw penicillin.


    Jiang Yuqing even felt that her body had almost been pickled through with the smell of penicillin.


    Later on, it was home - Huangzi Hospital - Capital City Imperial Pharmacy, three endpoints. She was so busy that she didn''t even have time to go to the manor to see her rice, let alone go to the pce.


    Jing Yan dide to see her several times. He was also busy during this time. Every time he could only say a few words before leaving in a hurry. But every time he came, he never forgot to bring her something tasty, fun or useful,


    Now that the technology has been delivered, she can finally get a good night''s sleep without having to worry about suddenly dropping dead from overwork someday.


    She thought sadly that she was probably the busiest and most hardworking youngdy in the entire Daxia.


    She was busy in her previous life, and busy again in this life. It would be great if she could be a carefree fish that didn''t need to worry about anything someday.


    Of course, feeling sad and sorrowful for a while was fine. If it went on for too long, it would just seem pretentious.


    The independent and autonomous manor owner got up early the next day. She had Er Yu and concubine Yan tidy up some things, then swayed to the manor.


    Nothing else, her 3,000 acres of rice were ripe.


    Under the gorgeous autumn sun, the boundless golden rice waves rose and fell one after another, like a golden ocean, which also attracted the surrounding vigers toe and watch.


    Looking at the rice inside the fence, an old farmer enviously said, "So this is high-yield rice! My God, it''s really good! Look how much longer these ears are than the ones in my home, and the grains are so plump and dense. This Marquis of Qingzhou is really capable to grow such good grains!"


    Another man said, "If we could also grow rice like this, after paying our taxes we would definitely have a lot of grain left over. We wouldn''t have to worry about starving again."


    "Why don''t we go to the manor and ask if they sell grain seedlings?"


    Everyone''s eyes lit up, thinking it was a good idea.


    One of them said, "I heard that this field is owned by the daughter of the Marquis of Qingzhou, the magistrate of Linghui county. She is Doctor Qiu''s closed-door disciple, and a very kind person. She might be willing to sell to us."


    "What are we waiting for, let''s go!"


    So when Jiang Yuqing had just arrived at the gate of the manor, she saw a group of farmers with rolled-up trousers and hoes clustering around her family''s manor, while the steward was telling them something. Seeing Jiang Yuqing''s carriage, the steward immediately brightened up.


    "Our magistrate is here. Calm down everyone, let me ask her for you." The farmers also saw Jiang Yuqing''s carriage and quickly let her through.


    Jiang Yuqing got out of the carriage and asked what was going on.


    The steward said, "These are all vigers nearby. They saw the good rice grown in our manor and wanted to ask if we would sell the seeds after the harvest."


    When Jiang Yuqing saw the simple and sincere faces around her, it was as if she saw the rtives and fellow vigers back in Qingzhou, filling her heart with warmth.


    She assured everyone, "We will sell them! 30 wen per jin. The harvest in my family''s manor will start in a couple of days. When it''s stored, you elders and uncles can bring your field deeds and register at your vige chief.


    When the timees, the government will issue an edict. Depending on the fertility of the fields, 6-8 jin of seeds will be needed per mu. The current high-yield seeds are still limited. I hope everyone will buy ording to your needs and not too much.


    The seeds saved this way can be distributed to more families."


    Hearing this, the farmers smiled from ear to ear, nodding in agreement. Having gotten the answer they wanted, they quickly dispersed to go home and tell their families the good news.


    The emperor would be even more pleased to see the prosperous harvest scene since themon people like high-yield rice grains. Jiang Yuqing felt that she could try inviting the emperor.


    Thinking of this, she immediately had Yu Zhu send a letter to the pce to invite the Emperor to her manor to watch the grain harvest.


    The story goes on to say that after Xia Jingdi received her invitation, he was overjoyed. Not only that, he simply took the day off the next day, and brought the Crown Prince and all the civil and military officials of the court to visit her manor.


    Her not-so-big yard was filled to the brim. Plus the surrounding feathers and forest guards and the forbidden guards, there must have been nearly a thousand guards in in clothes and uniforms.


    This stunning operation really shocked Jiang Yuqing''s eyes wide open. Good heavens! So extravagant!


    She asked herself, was she going to have to feed all these people?


    Wait, that can''t be right. Wouldn''t that bankrupt her?!


    She miscalcted!


    She quietly had Yu Zhu hurriedly go to the warehouse to see if they had enough rice to feed everyone.


    Yu Zhu giggled and said, "Apart from His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince, we don''t need to feed the rest of them. They all brought their own food!"


    "Oh!" Now Jiang Yuqing was relieved.


    That''s good, the rice bin was safe!


    It was wasted to just let these many people stand around and do nothing. So Jiang Yuqing had all the sickles in the warehouse brought out and distributed them, one to each person. If there weren''t enough, they could borrow some from nearby vigers.


    Including the emperor, Jiang Yuqing got most of the ministers to work in the fields to help her reap the rice.


    Hearing the news, Lu Yi, who rushed over to watch the show, secretly gave her a thumbs up, "Little shimei, you''re awesome!"


    The emperor and ministers had never done such hard and tiring work. They were slow, not to mention some clumsiness that led to cut hands. Jiang Yuqing simply had Yu Zhu bring her first aid kit and treated their wounds before cing the box at the edge of the field.


    This saved people the trouble of going back and forth for medicine in case anyone cut themselves again!


    This group worked for less than half a shichen, and was soon huffing and puffing, sweaty from head to toe.


    So Jiang Yuqing very considerately let them take a break to drink some tea and water.


    By the way, this could give the opportunity for the next batch of "people in urgent need of exercise" to take over.


    Emperor Xia Jing came ashore full of sweat, holding a bunch of rice excitedly said to Jiang Yuqing:


    "When ites to farming, it''s still your father who has the most experience! In all My years as Emperor, I''ve seen plenty of rice grown on the imperial farm, yet this is the best I''ve ever seen!"


    "Look at these grain heads, so long, abundant, and full. If all my people of the Great Xia dynasty can grow grains of such quality, there will no longer be any starving souls under this sky. I, on behalf of all the people under heaven, thank your father!"


    Jiang Yuqing''s milky voice answered: "Your Majesty need not express your gratitude. Because my father once said, his wish is for everyone to have enough to eat!"


    The emperor nodded, and said no more. His bright dragon eyes looked at the golden rice paddies, exceptionally dazzling.


    This was also Jiang Yuqing''s intention.


    The numbers read from the memorials were ultimately not as impactful as seeing it for herself.


    She wanted the emperor to forever remember her father, remember the contributions the Jiang family has made for this country. Hopefully there will nevere a day when the bow is hidden after the rabbit dies...


    With more people, even if they were slower, two hours was enough to harvest five or six acres. The men from the vige had gotten rid of their sickles, and set up over a dozen threshing machines to start threshing the rice.


    When these threshing machines were delivered, the Ministry of Works had taught them how to use it.


    Now they were stepping on the threshing machines, the sound thundering, as the rice grains disappeared swiftly one handful after another.


    ording to them, this thing was fast and easy to use, exceptionally handy.


    As the rice grains piled up in the buckets, someone would be assigned to specially take care of cleaning the buckets, getting rid of excess straws, and after roughly cleaning, pack them into baskets to be brought to the dedicated drying grounds.


    The emperor was also attracted by this gadget, seeming rather intrigued. As Jiang Yuqing watched the worker winnowing against the wind behind the grain bucket, she suddenly thought of something good.


    A windmill.


    Specially used to process chaff!


    This thing was notplicated. On top was arge funnel. On the left was a windmill de wheel, which doubled as an air inlet. In the middle was a crank handle, and a device to adjust wind power settings. On the right was the air outlet.


    As Jiang Yuqing thought about it, she suddenly ran towards the ridge between the fields. Because she ran too quickly on her short legs, she tripped on the straw and fell, luckilynding on a newly threshed stack of straw, without getting hurt.


    Jing Yan who had been keeping an eye on her hurriedly ran over to help her up, and brushed the straws off her body, asking worriedly: "Qingqing, slow down! Are you alright?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, breaking into a wide smile: "I''m fine. I just suddenly thought of something good to process rice grains."


    After saying that she turned to run again. Afraid that she might fall again, Jing Yan could only follow closely behind her.


    Tuanzi ran all the way home, ran into the study, breathing heavily. Jing Yan ran all the way with her as well.


    Jiang Yuqing spread out paper, took out a bamboo-encased charcoal pencil from the pencil holder, and started drawing on the paper. Jing Yan sat by her side apanying her.


    Two quarters of an hourter, she looked up at Jing Yan satisfied, and said: "Big brother, could you please invite someone from the Ministry of Works, I want to make a windmill, to process rice grains."


    Jing Yan immediately waved at Deng Sanshui next to him. Deng Sanshui immediately went to pass along her request. Very soon, the sounds of hurried footsteps were heard outside the study.


    Before the emperor arrived, his voice did: "Girl, I heard you came up with another ingenious device?"

 Chapter 71: Fried Frog

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    The door opened, and in walked the Emperor, followed by the Minister of Industry and a minor official who had previously been in charge of the rice threshing machine project.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Well, I want to make a winnowing machine powered by wind! That would save a lot of effort!"


    Emperor Xia Jing took the blueprint and looked it over. The drawing was still ugly, but it was much better than the one for the rice threshing machine from a year ago.


    The Emperorforted himself that the child was still young and he couldn''t expect too much. Any progress was good.


    He didn''t understand this well himself, so he handed the blueprint to the Minister of Industry for a professional opinion.


    The Minister of Industry had been managing the Ministry of Industry for many years and had seen all kinds of odd farm tools. After looking it over briefly, he understood what it was. This thing, if built, could indeed save a lot of effort.


    He passed the blueprint to the official who hade with him from the Ministry. This gentleman was much more of an expert. With just one nce, he could see the ingenuity in it and cried out, "What a great thing!"


    But there were still some details and dimensions he didn''t quite understand. This man was obsessed, so hepletely ignored his superiors and started discussing the details with Jiang Yuqing.


    Only after the discussion did he realize that the Emperor and his superior were still standing there watching him. He instantly broke into a cold sweat and quickly admitted his crime.


    The Emperor was a pragmatic man. Compared to those officials just upying space and doing nothing, he appreciated people like this official, who didn''t talk too much and just focused on practical matters.


    People like this minor official from the Ministry of Industry, and Jiang Wenyuan, were the real pirs of the country.


    Therefore, when this official admitted his crime to the Emperor, the Emperor generously said, "What crime is there? I think you did very well, keep up the good work!" At the same time, he had a eunuch reward him with ten ounces of silver!


    The official was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude. Carrying the blueprint with detailed dimensions, he left with the Minister of Industry. They were going to hurry back to the Ministry of Industry to build the machine.


    After they left, there were only Jiang Yuqing, Jing Yan, the Emperor, and Eunuch Li left in the room.


    The Emperor stroked Jiang Yuqing''s head andughed, "I don''t know how this little head of yours works. How can you be so smart?"


    Baby Dumpling boasted, "Of course! That''s why my daddy said that two hundred years of good feng shui has all fallen on me alone in our family!"


    The Emperor didn''t know whether tough or cry, "You''re still panting when people call you fat. You''re really shameless."


    Baby Dumpling said, "That''s called confidence..." She took the peeled papaya from Jing Yan and took a big bite, making her cheeks bulge out like a little stealing animal.


    After eating a papaya, Baby Dumpling wiped her mouth and said, "Your Majesty, you and little brother can sit here for a while. I''ll go to the kitchen to arrange lunch."


    The Emperor waved his hand, "Go on, go on!" Baby Dumpling trotted off, and soon trotted back, clinging to the door frame with half her little head poking in, "Oh, I forgot to ask what you''d like to eat!"


    The Emperor said, "Anything is fine. Just arrange it as you see fit!"


    Baby Dumpling happily said, "Okay then! I''ll just arrange it!" Then she trotted off cheerfully again.


    The Emperor looked at the te beside his son. Peeled lychees and two tangerines were on it. The tangerines didn''t have a single shred of pith left on them. No need to think about who they were peeled for.


    On his side, it was clean as a whistle without a single shred. The old father felt quite sour, like he''d eaten a lemon. He pursed his lips and said, "When you have a wife, you forget your father, huh!"


    Upon hearing this, Jing Yan instantly blushed to his ears. Even his usually expressionless face showed some awkwardness.


    He still had to pretend he didn''t understand what was being said. Reluctantly, he pushed the te of peeled fruit back in front of the Emperor.


    The Emperor snorted derisively and pushed it back, "No, take it back to coax your little wife!"


    Sure enough, Jing Yan''s ears turned even redder, and even his face was tinged with rosy clouds.


    The Emperor rarely saw such a spectacle and marveled at it for a while.


    Then he finally became serious and said, "The little girl is not bad. Smart, sensible, and her family background is decent enough. If you really like her, you can keep her for now. Just don''t tell her family yet. I''m afraid that if her father finds out, he''ll put you on the cklist."


    "Mm. Son understands. Thank you, father, for allowing this."


    The Emperor became smug again, "The little girl really has outstanding talents. Someone like this was born to belong to our imperial family."


    Jing Yan: "..." Thank you for that early call.


    At lunchtime, Jiang Yuqing talked to the Emperor about selling the improved rice seeds. She needed officials to be involved.


    This method was refined by Jiang Wenyuan to maximize the number ofmoners who could obtain the high-yielding seeds.


    For something that benefited both the country and the people, the Emperor agreed without hesitation. He called in Zhang Xiu, the Minister of Revenue, and asked him to implement the matter.


    After Zhang Xiu left, the wife of the vige chief brought in lunch.


    There was a te of stir-fried pheasant, braised rabbit meat, stir-fried green beans with pork, steamed eggnt with garlic, pan-fried tofu, and fish soup with crucian carp.


    The pheasants were freshly caught from the fields, the rabbit was hunted when Lu Yi went up the mountain to gather medicine. The rest were all home-cooked dishes.


    There were few dishes, but the portions were all generous,cking the rigid rules of imperial cuisine and possessing the spicy freshness of rural areas instead.


    Emperor and son ate very contentedly.


    Jing Yan was fine since he had eaten rural meals before when following his uncle in Qingzhou.


    But it was the Emperor''s first time. He kept calling out how delicious it was. He especially liked the stir-fried pheasant, saying the meat was fat and tender, hot, spicy and fresh. He asked if there was any more.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "The fields are full of them. If you want to eat them, just grab a fat string when harvesting."


    The Emperor was satisfied.


    With one thing off his mind, Jiang Yuqing happily ate an extra bowl at lunch.


    After the meal, Jiang Yuqing personally arranged rooms for the Emperor and Prince to rest.


    Only after the Emperor fell asleep could Eunuch Li finally catch his breath a little.


    Jiang Yuqing quietly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Eunuch Li, I saved a portion of the meal for you. It''s being kept warm in the pot in the kitchen. I''ll have someone watch over here, hurry and go eat."


    Eunuch Li was deeply moved and stroked her little head, almost crying, "Good child, you''re the best, always considering our family no matter what you do."


    "Go on, hurry, hurry!"


    Under her urging, Eunuch Li didn''t refuse her kindness in the end. He went to the kitchen, got the meal, and ate heartily.


    Because the Emperor wanted to eat pheasant, Jiang Yuqing specifically told the vige chief to catch another fat string.


    She didn''t say it was for the Emperor to bring back to the pce, afraid the vige chief would pass out from happiness.


    After the afternoon break, the officials had to keep working whether they wanted to or not.


    The Emperor was watching right there at the edge of the fields. If they were caught cking off by the Emperor, that would be a real scene.


    It wasn''t until the second quarter mark of the Shen hour (3-5pm) that the Emperor ordered returning to the pce.


    These big shots who were used to living in luxury finally squeezed their arms and beat their legs, staggered along groaning and moaning, before going back.


    Jiang Yuqing wickedly thought that there would probably be quite a few asking for sick leave at tomorrow morning''s court session.


    After sending off the freeloaders, the rice harvesting troops officially started working the next day.


    In addition to the original manpower of the vige, Jiang Yuqing also recruited over a hundred more from surrounding viges.


    Nearly two hundred men and over twenty rice threshing machines lined up in the fields, the deafening noise making for a spectacr sight.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded satisfactorily. This was what the autumn harvest was supposed to look like!


    Apart from the asional outstanding ones, those high and mighty gentlemen from yesterday were just there for show.


    Wearing a little straw hat and carrying a small basket, she slowly followed behind the harvesting troops with Bai Xiaoshi, picking up fallen rice grains.


    In the distance, a group of children were peering over the fence, looking enviously at it all.


    Jiang Yuqing walked over and saw they were boys and girls aged five to nine. Their clothes were all patched up.


    They were all holding baskets or small pails with scattered grains and pheasants inside. Seeing her approach, they all unconsciously retreated back a few steps, looking somewhat at a loss.


    Jiang Yuqing asked, "Are you all children from surrounding viges?"


    The children seemed not to expect that this girl who looked so wealthy would speak to them. They nced at each other speechlessly for a moment.


    One slightly older child plucked up his courage and said, "Our fathers are working here in this vige. They said the rice grown here is the best rice in all of Da Xia."


    "We''re not here to make trouble, we just want toe and take a look. Please don''t chase us away, okay?" What simple and lovely children.


    Jiang Yuqingughed and said, "I''m the owner of this farm. If you''d like, you cane in and help me gather the rice stalks. Of course, I can pay you for your work."


    The children hadn''t expected such a good thing, and immediately nodded their heads: "We''re willing!"


    There was no opening in the fence here, so Jiang Yuqing told them to go around to the main gate.


    After they ran off in the direction of the main gate, Jiang Yuqing told Er Yu to go receive the children and find some baskets for them.


    Before long, the group of children came in, all holding baskets. As soon as they got to the fields, they spread out on their own initiative, adeptly searching for any dropped rice stalks.


    The men who were working were quite surprised to see the childrene in. When they heard that the master of the household had hired them to pick up rice stalks, they all grinned and told the children to work hard.


    Jiang Yuqing took her own small basket and walked over to a girl a bit older than her. She spoke to her: "Sister, has your family finished gathering all of your rice?"


    "We''ve finished gathering it all. My family doesn''t have muchnd, so we finished gathering it in just a few days!" The girl nimbly flipped over a rice stalk from the straw, snapped it off at the base of the stalk, and threw it in her basket.


    "How was the harvest?"


    The girl thought for a moment and said, "My father said the weather was good this year, so the grain harvest was better than previous years. Butpared to the rice from your household, it''s not even close."


    Jiang Yuqing consoled her: "Don''t worry, after New Year''s your family will be able to nt this kind of rice too."


    When the girl, whose sun-darkened face was flushed red, heard this, a brilliant smile spread across her face: "My father said that your family is kind-hearted and willing to sell us high-yield seeds at a fair price. My father also said that as long as we can nt this kind of grain next year, we won''t have to worry about going hungry anymore."


    Now that the conversation had opened up, the girl was less restrained and chattier. She babbled on happily, telling Jiang Yuqing about amusing things happening in the vige.


    Although Jiang Yuqing had grown up in the vige from a young age, she didn''t have a happy chat like this with a girl her age.


    Perhaps in her current body''s consciousness, she still needed friends her own age!


    Er Yu was also very happy to see her chatting with a girl she could really talk to, since that didn''t happen often.


    She had heard that when they were at Xijin ferry in the past, she didn''t have any close girl friends the same age as the young miss of the county chief''s household, for certain special reasons.


    The boys in the family were willing to y with their little sister, but they were often busy with their studies and didn''t have much time to apany her.


    And since Er Yu was precocious, she spent most of her time studying. On the rare asions she went out, it was only to go into the mountains with Doctor Qiu to gather herbs. She was very lonely.


    The morning passed quickly.


    Jiang Yuqing told the children to go eat with the men.


    She was an extremely generous employer. Aside from the 50 wen daily wage for eachborer, she also provided them with three meals a day.


    Not only were there big white steamed buns and coarse rice, but two meat and one vegetable dish at every meal, plus an egg drop soup.


    Harvest was hard physicalbor, so they had to eat their fill in order to have energy to work.


    The men were grateful for the master''s generosity, and worked even harder, making it a win-win situation.


    After the meal, the men each found a shady ce to rest. Jiang Yuqing told them to resume work at 2pm.


    The autumn sun at noon was scorching, and working under it they could easily get heat stroke.


    Not only that, she had also specially instructed the kitchen to brewrge vats of mung bean soup for the workers to help themselves to at any time.


    After lunch, Jiang Yuqing took a short nap. When she got up, she went to the study.


    She was thinking of summarizing her work notes and reflections from this period and binding them into a volume. She could then have copies made and ced in the Medical Academy''s library for the students to refer to at any time.

 Chapter 72: So Eat the mind Poison

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    They had all been chasing after her for a long time, but she hadn''t had the time before. Now that she was free, she figured she might as well do it.


    After dinner, when the workers got off, Jiang Yuqing personally stood at the front gate with a purse, handing out wages to the workers. She also gave each child ten copper coins. At the end, she gave each of them two steamed buns to take with them.


    This was the reward for their hard work today.


    At the same time, she told them that if they wished, they could continue toe back tomorrow until the autumn harvest ended.


    The children happily agreed and left the Jiang family manor with their elders.


    The autumn harvest continued for over ten days.


    In the meantime, the Ministry of Public Works made the windmill that Jiang Yuqing had asked for.


    These people were truly intelligent, and their hands were very capable. The things they made were extremely useful.


    Pour the dried rice into the windmill hopper, set the wind speed to level two, gently rock the crank handle, and the husked grain would blow out from the air outlet. This saved who knows how much effortpared to husking grain one bit at a time with a winnowing basket in the past.


    Naturally, theborers were filled with envy for such a good thing.


    They heard that the imperial court would soon distribute the design drawings to the states, counties and towns. Anyone who wanted one just had to pay money to have a carpenter make it, and theborers were instantly delighted.


    During that half month of the autumn harvest, Heaven had been very gracious and there hadn''t been a drop of rain. The weather had been sunny every day, and the rice had quickly dried. It was threshed, hulled, bagged and weighed.


    The final tally was 2,316,000 catties, with an average yield of 772 catties per mu.


    When the news was reported to the pce, the emperor smiled so broadly that the wrinkles on his face practically popped out.


    With these more than 20 million catties of grain seed stock, plus what was harvested in Qingzhou and several nearby counties, nearly half of Da Xia would be able to nt this improved variety next year.


    He could practically see the vast amounts of grain flying into his imperial granaries...


    The emperor immediately waved his arm grandly and bestowed Jiang Yuqing with a pile of rewards, using her invention of new farming tools as justification. Li Deshun was sent once again to deliver the imperial edict.


    The envy throughout the court simply could not be overstated.


    Everything was going smoothly.


    These past few days, the emperor walked with the wind at his back, striding lightly and briskly as if he were a young man, just short of humming a little tune.


    When the boss was happy, the ministers'' days went better, and when they returned home, their faces naturally glowed with smiles. Indirectly, this allowed the atmosphere of many households to be much more harmonious.


    The northern regions turned cold in the tenth month, entering winter. Crops there only had one season per year. After the rice harvest, all the leftover straw would be burned into ash to fertilize the fields.


    In this age, there was no talk about being environmentally friendly or not. Being able to eat your fill was the important thing.


    After burning the ash, Jiang Yuqing had the manor steward purchase a batch of daikon radish seeds. These things only grew leaves and didn''t erge their roots, so there was nothing to eat.


    But they grew vigorously. Scattering them randomly in the fields, they would surely take. And they grew quickly too. They were usually nted by farmers to use as animal feed.


    Letting them grow for two months until the heavy snow came in winter, piling thickyers of snow over them, by next year when it had all frozen rotten, then plowing it into the soil, it would be excellent fertilizer.


    With the farm work taken care of, another weight was lifted from Jiang Yuqing''s mind.


    However, she had barely returned to the manor for a few days when she heard the steward report that the past couple days, some suspicious people had been lurking around the manor, presumably eyeing the grain seeds.


    Although rare, apart from her household, the Duke of Protector''s Mansion and the Pingyang Marquis Mansion also had a considerable amount of these grain seeds. There was no reason they should attract much attention.


    Even so, the emperor had specially dispatched a squad of Imperial Guards to stand watch day and night.


    But as the old saying goes, it wasn''t thieves stealing that was scary, but thieves coveting.


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly darkened. That very evening, she disguised herself and left the city with Lu Yi.


    Arriving at the manor, she secretly gathered the steward and themander of the Imperial Guards stationed there andid out a n...to lure the snakes from their holes.


    Two nightster, in the deep of night, the small guardhouse by the manor entrance suddenly erupted in raging mes. Then someone loudly shouted ¡°Fire!¡± The manor residents were startled awake and rushed over with water buckets towards the fire.


    At this time, a short figure suddenly emerged from behind the granary warehouse. He rapidly gathered bundles of kindling and piled them against the base of the wall, then sshed oil all over.


    Just as he grinned wickedly and took out a lighter intending to ignite it, a person suddenly dropped down from the roof and kicked him more than ten meters away. He smashed against the blue stone enclosing wall and was knocked unconscious.


    This person was Lu Yi.


    Lu Yi picked up the dropped lighter and waved his hand behind him. ¡°Tie him up!¡± The Imperial Guards who had been lying in wait for some time immediately rushed up and bound the man.


    In the open ground by the manor entrance, torch light now shone brightly. Jiang Yuqing sat in the master seat, gripping her golden sword. Her little face was taut.


    Though small in stature making the chair seem oversized for her, the posture still had to be maintaned.


    Soon, two tightly bound bandits were thrown before her, one after another.


    ¡°Speak! Who sent you here!¡±


    The two bandits snorted contemptuously,pletely disregarding her.


    Jiang Yuqing was unperturbed. She calmly said, ¡°Since you dared toemit crimes at my manor, you must have looked into my background.


    I am a doctor, and a doctor can save people, but can also kill people. What¡¯s more, I have the ability to make people wish they were dead!¡±


    As she spoke, she rapped her knuckles lightly on the armrest a few times. Though gentle in force, each knock seemed tond heavily in the bandits¡¯ hearts. On this night that was merely a bit cool, it sounded exceptionally sinister.


    Seeing that the bandits remained unmoved, Jiang Yuqing knew that without some ruthlessness, it would be hard to frighten them.


    Her eyes glittered as a n came to mind. ¡°Why don''t I think of some ways for you to experience.


    In the Miao Territory in the southwest, there is a kind of Gu called the Heart-devouring Insect. As the name implies, this Gu feeds on human hearts.


    It has a pair of sharp piercing mouthparts and a pair of powerful serrated front limbs. Once it touches the skin of someone stained with blood, it will immediately bite through the skin and bore into his blood vessels, riding the blood flow straight to the heart.


    It does not immediately kill its host. Rather, it bites through the heart bit by bit, then eats it piece by piece until thest scrap of flesh is gone before the host dies. Prior to that, the victim suffers unimaginable agony.¡±


    As she spoke, she took out an object from her sleeve andid it on her palm.


    That object was only the length of a finger joint. Jet ck all over, with a distinctly menacing pair of saw-toothed pincers at the front that glimmered ominously in the firelight.


    The people around sucked in a breath, collectively taking a step back. They thought, damn, she actually has something like this!


    In the future, they absolutely could not offend the doctor. She was too damn scary.


    Even Lu Yi was given a fright. If he hadn''t known that his young martial sister had no such thing, he might have made a move already.


    Seeing this, the two bandits turned deathly pale. Instinctively wanting to retreat, but with their current restraints, they couldn''t even flee if they tried.


    Not only that, Jiang Yuqing shot Lu Yi a meaningful look. Lu Yi understood. He drew the de of an Imperial Guard beside him and lightly swung it across the face of the shaved-eyebrow bandit, leaving an immediate bloody gash.


    Jiang Yuqing held the bug in her hand and slowly walked over, waving her hands over the wound, her voice like a she-devil. ¡°Look, my darling is excited. Why don''t I just put it on your face, and you tell me... does it sizzle like roast meat when the oil burns on human skin?¡±


    Before she even finished speaking, Jiang Yuqing smelled a stench of ammonia. This guy had pissed himself from fear. Wrinkling her nose in disgust, she backed away.


    Shaved-Eyebrow shakily shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t, don''t put the bug on me! I''ll speak, I''ll tell everything!¡±


    The other one was obviously made of sterner stuff than Shaved-Eyebrow. Although also afraid, he still angrily yelled for Shaved-Eyebrow to stop. ¡°Old Four, don''t be so spineless! Don''t say anything!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing red coldly. ¡°Go grab that oil jug. Set him on fire. He wanted to burn the grain, so let him experience being burned alive!¡±


    Calling over evilly, she licked her lips. ¡°I''ve roasted chicken and roasted pig before, but have never burned a man. It''ll be interesting to hear whether burning oil on human skin pops and sizzles like roast meat.¡±


    At this point, it wasn''t just the two bandits, even the people around were badly frightened. They thought to themselves that the young mistress was far too terrifying. When they got home, they definitely needed to tell their families not to ever offend her.


    Sure enough, you never know how much an injury hurts until it''s on your own body.


    The bandit who was moring for hispanions to have more backbone watched with his own eyes as kerosene was sshed onto himself. Startled by the pungent smell, he even peed himself.


    Bawling and begging for mercy, he cried, "I confess, I confess everything, don''t light the fire, don''t light it!"


    What followed became much easier to handle. The two bandits decisively gave a clear and thorough confession.


    The mastermind behind this was actually Tong Fuqiu''s daughter, Tong Xiuzhen.


    After her mother was executed, the Tong family also moved from their former luxurious mansion to a cramped little house south of the city.


    Ever since her father was demoted, he had not been able to recover, and spent every day drowning his sorrows in alcohol.


    Seeing this, several aunts sessively took the family''s money and possessions and fled. Even the servants were all sold off.


    She immediately went from a pampered young miss who enjoyed gold and jade, fine clothes and food, to amoner even more destitute than those she once looked down on, plus she had to care for a pig-like stupid younger brother.


    If not for some jewelry she still had on hand, she likely could not even afford meals.


    She med all of this misfortune on Jiang Yuqing.


    But Jiang Yuqing''s status was prestigious, and she was always apanied by maids and servants when she went out. On top of that, her sect also provided her with ample protection, so Tong Xiuzhen was never able to find an opportunity to act against her.


    It wasn''t until a while ago when Tong Xiuzhen heard that there had been an exceptionally abundant rice harvest on Jiang Yuqing''s estate, and all of this grain was to be used as seed for future crops. A crazy idea then emerged in her mind.


    The Jiang family''s rise depended on these high-yield varieties, and this batch of seeds had also earned Jiang Yuqing an imperial reward.


    If these seeds were destroyed, even if Jiang Yuqing avoided imprisonment, she would surely lose imperial favor. Let''s see how arrogantly she acts then!


    With new hatred piled on old resentment, she sought out these two hoodlums.


    These two hoodlums had received minor favors from the Tong family in the past, so after hearing Tong Xiuzhen''s tearful tales of woe, their judgementpsed and they took on this perilous task.


    After listening to the whole story, everyone present was stunned.


    Just to vent private vengeance, she would burn so much grain seed, destroying the hopes and even lives of so manymon people. At worst, she could shake the foundations of the nation - how dare she?!


    This woman must be insane!


    With a mother who would sink someone over a trifle at the front, and a brother who was flipping little girls'' skirts at his young age behind, and now a daughter who would burn grain seeds...


    How can this Tong family keep producing such extremists? This is truly horrifying. Everyone felt uneasy.


    After the two bandits were taken away and detained, Lu Yi sidled up to Jiang Yuqing and asked, "Howe I never knew there were such centipedes in the Miao Territory?"


    Jiang Yuqing tossed the bug in her hand onto the ground and stomped it dead. After brushing off her hands calmly, she said, "Because I just made up that name!"


    "???"


    Jiang Yuqing pointed at the ground by the estate chief''s feet, "Look, there''s another one there!"


    Everyone followed the direction she was pointing and indeed discovered by the estate chief''s feet another bug identical to the one from before, but clearly muchrger.


    The estate chief was also given a fright, and quickly retreated a couple steps. After carefully observing it with a torch, he skeptically said, "How does this look so much like a dog tick?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "That''s because it is a dog tick, scientific name Heigougou. It bites the shoots and roots of fruits and vegetables, it''s a pest. We can still see them at this time of year, but once it gets colder they''ll burrow into the soil."


    The estate chief suddenly understood, "So you were just trying to scare those two?" He should have known, such a cute and gentle young miss could not be so vicious. It turns out it was all for show!


    Jiang Yuqing shrugged with the look of a singleton, "As it turns out, the effect was not bad!"


    "Then what about the kerosene? We don''t have any kerosene in our estate!" another guardsman asked.


    Lu Yi said, "It was all water!"


    The man clearly did not believe it, "How could water smell so strongly?"


    The lead guardsman red at his subordinate, "Using the water they brought in those buckets, how could it not smell? Get out, if not for me you''d be too stupid to be a soldier!"

 Chapter 73: Medical Seedling

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    The truth came to light, and the scene was suddenly filled with relievedughter.


    Although the viin had been caught, Jiang Yuqing still didn''t dare to let down her guard. She exhorted everyone to be sure to stay vignt and guard the warehouse well before going back to sleep.


    The next day at dawn, Jiang Yuqing led a small team of Imperial Guards to personally escort the two viins to the capital.


    It was said that someone had broken into the vige in the middle of the nightst night, trying to set fire to the grain stocks.


    The person behind the scenes turned out to be Zhu Xi Zhen, the daughter of former Minister of Rites Darong Fuzhou who had been demoted.


    The Emperor was furious. He immediately ordered Zhu Xi Zhen to be arrested and brought to justice.


    At first, Zhu Xi Zhen shouted loudly that she was innocent, but with solid evidence against her, she couldn''t talk her way out of it.


    Because her malicious deeds were simply too vicious, she was eventually sentenced to death by lingchi on the Emperor''s order. Jiang Yuqing didn''t go to the execution ground that day.


    The steward told her that themon people who came to watch the execution crowded the entire execution ground, over half of them from the surrounding countryside near the capital.


    The crowd was excitedly bloodthirsty, wishing they could devour her flesh alive. There were indeed somemoners who picked up pieces of her flesh, saying they would bring it home to feed the dogs.


    To single-handedly incite the fury of all themon people in the capital, this Zhu Xi Zhen was quite a talent.


    The lingchisted a total of three days until thest shred of flesh was sliced off her body. Only then did the executioner plunge a de into her heart, ending her short and outrageous life.


    Due to her misdeeds, her father Darong Fuzhou and brother were also implicated. They lost even the status ofmoners and were exiled 3,000 li away, soon dying on the road to exile.


    Thus, the once glorious Darong familypletely copsed and perished within a few short months, disappearing into the dust of history.


    The rapid downfall of the Darongs rang the rm for the other powerful aristocratic families in the capital again.


    For men and gentlemen, self-cultivation, family management, country governance, and bringing peace to thend are the most important duties, with family management being second.


    If you can''t even guide your own wives and children well, what talk is there of governing the country and bing pirs of the state? Utter nonsense!


    Moreover, both of these family leaders had married daughters of the Zhong family, so everyone began to question the behavior and upbringing of the Zhong family. Who would dare marry such a disastrous wife as this?


    Therefore, the families that had intended to propose marriage alliances with the Zhongs withdrew their proposals. Even the women who had already been betrothed found excuses to cancel the engagements and even returned home if already married.


    Inparison to Zhu Xi Zhen being despised by the masses and leaving behind eternal disgrace, Jiang Yuqing became the "dream lover" in everyone''s minds. There was even a folk saying, "raise your daughters to be like Jiang Linghui."


    Jiang Yuqing just smiled faintly in response, declining toment.


    After the grain stocks incident, Jiang Yuqing put her mind at ease and invested her attention into the Imperial Medical Academy. She would asionally visit the Empress in the pce as well.


    She gave lectures during the day at the medical academy while also studying traditional Chinese medicine. At night after returning home, she provided special training for her disciples, focusing on Lu Yi.


    She discovered that Lu Yi really was an exceptional medical student.


    His knowledge of traditional medicine ran deep,parable even to Master Qiu. His age was still young, with an agile mind and steady hands that worked quickly. It would be urate to call him a natural prodigy born for medicine.


    If she was honest with herself, he wasn''tckingpared to her either.


    Before encountering Jiang Yuqing, after Lu Yi thoroughly researched medical cases, he would feel bored and turn to the more challenging field of toxicology.


    Now with the "divine medicine techniques" brought by Jiang Yuqing, he was eager to stick to her side constantly, asking her to teach him medicine with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.


    Therefore, although he was thest to join in, his progress was the fastest. She believed it wouldn''t take long for his surgical skills to rival Master Qiu''s group.


    And now, the Hexian Hospital and Imperial Medical Academy were also on the right path.


    With Jiang Yuqing providing enormous support in professional medical textbooks for the theoretical side,bined with the abundance of surgical cases at Hexian Hospital for practical experience.


    Not only were Master Qiu and his disciples progressing rapidly in professional skills, even the clinicians and thirty surgical assistants at the medical academy made outstanding progress.


    These students originally had considerable aplishments in medicine. So their cognitive andprehension abilities were beyond ordinary people''s, only slightlycking in the surgical field.


    After this intense training period, rapid progress was only natural. Now they were able to independentlyplete some simple suture procedures, with rather high quality oues.


    Simrly, Hexian Hospital was now famed not only in the capital, but its reputation had even spread to remote regions. Many patients with difficult orplex conditions traveled from afar to seek treatment.


    As a result, beds at Hexian Hospital were always filled, and neighboring inns and guesthouses were fully upied too.


    Recently, Jiang Yuqing also noticed some new inns and hotels under construction nearby with simr designs andyouts.


    This day, after returning home from Hexian Hall, Yu Zhu reminded her, ¡°Tomorrow is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince''s birthday, don''t forget about it mydy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± She had really forgotten. Jing Yan had mentioned it to her a few days ago when he came out of the pce to see her. At the time, she was busy grading student assignments and only responded to him absentmindedly.


    Thinking about it now, Jing Yan knew her birthday and would always bring her a gift annually, but it seemed she had never kept his birthday in mind. Reflecting on this, it did seem somewhat neglectful on her part.


    How old was he now? Ten years old?


    Somewhat guiltily, she responded, ¡°I didn''t forget, I didn''t forget. I''ve prepared a gift already.¡±


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing returned home, she dismissed her attendants and retrieved a gift with some searching around in her spiritual space.


    That''s right, in her past life shortly before her unfortunate ident, she had ordered an LEDmp powered by sr energy from Taobao as a birthday gift for a young ident victim she had been taking care of. Unfortunately she had passed away before being able to present it to the child.


    She immediately ran to her office desk, dragged out a cardboard box from underneath, and opened it to indeed find that sr-powered LEDmp.


    Following the instructions she switched it on and off, adjusted the colors, finding it in great working order. Most importantly, it was sr-powered: just leave it outside for awhile to charge up after the battery ran down.


    She had Yu Zhu locate some gift boxes for her to choose from, picking a beautifully decorated one to ce themp into.


    As a gift for the Crown Prince of a nation, the packaging certainly couldn''t appear shabby.


    Curious, Er Yao asked what kind of strange object this was. Jiang Yuqing just smiled and said this was a special kind ofmp that came from a distant overseasnd, one of the inherited treasures of their sect. This prevented further questioning.


    As one who received instruction in the pce, Er Yao knew what to inquire about and what not to pry into. Like matters involving her mistress'' sect inheritance were absolutely not to be casually asked after.


    During dinner, Jiang Yuqing mentioned to her master and senior martial brother that she would enter the pce to celebrate Jing Yan''s birthday tomorrow.


    They both acknowledged her ns. Jiang Yuqing then said, ¡°Master, the new year holiday is only three months away. Will we be able to return home this year?¡±


    Doctor Qiu stared nkly, seemingly surprised she had asked this. After some thought he finally responded, ¡°I''m afraid not! The medical academy and hospital have just gotten on track. Coming and going would waste too much time.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing also understood this rationale, but still felt a little let down nevertheless.


    Unable to bear his young disciple''s sadness, Doctor Qiu said, ¡°Your master certainly can''t leave, but if you''re homesick, your third senior brother can apany you back, how about that?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing considered for awhile before shaking her head: ¡°If third senior brother and I both went, only you would be left in this huge manor. That would be too lonely, so no, I can''t abandon you master.¡±


    Doctor Qiu stroked her little head affectionately, chuckling, ¡°My foolish disciple, have you forgotten you still have two other senior martial brothers in the capital city? Your master wouldn''t be left alone for new year''s then!¡±


    ¡°Oh that''s right!¡± Tuan Zi''s eyes immediately brightened. ¡°Master, then I''ll go back for New Years. After the holiday I''ll return to the capital city to find you.¡±


    ¡°Good. It''s already mid September now. At most another month before the weather turns cold. If you want to go back to Qingzhou, you''ll need to prepare early, otherwise the roads will be difficult to travel once the snowse.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing smiled radiantly, ¡°No worries, I''ll just leave around the 27th or 28th of the 12th month, then rush back before Lantern Festival to apany you in celebrating the Spring Festival.¡±


    Doctor Qiu red at her, ¡°My foolish disciple, what nonsense you speak! Have you forgotten how long our journey here took when we traveled from Qingzhou?¡±


    On the twenty-seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, I''m afraid you will have to spend the New Year on the road as soon as you leave the outskirts of the capital. "


    Tuanzi said, "No way. My senior brother and I are riding Bai Xiaoshi back home. Bai Xiaoshi can fly, and we''ll be home in a day."


    Amidst sounds of soldiers fighting noisily, tes and bowls were smashed before most of the dishes on the table were saved.


    Jiang Yuqing called people in to clean up and put out new bowls and chopsticks before continuing the meal.


    Doctor Qiu said, "Good boy, is it true that Bai Xiaoshi can fly?"


    "Uh huh. Bai Xiaoshi said it itself."


    "But it''s so small, carrying you would be a stretch, plus can your senior brother manage?"


    Doctor Qiu looked at the resentful junior disciple beside him. Although not fat, he was the tallest of the brothers, a full head taller than the old man, though no one knew what he ate to grow so tall.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Don''t be fooled by its size. This is Bai Xiaoshi''s reduced form. Its true body is at least 10 feet long, as tall as the door to the Hall of Returning Spring. Carrying one senior brother will be no problem."


    Doctor Qiu said, why not ask it again?


    So Jiang Yuqing asked Bai Xiaoshi, who was gnawing an apple in his spiritual space. Bai Xiaoshi said, "I can, but he can''t have ideas about cutting my antlers like old man Qiu."


    Jiang Yuqing grinned twice and promised it, "Definitely not, really, I guarantee!"


    As if! All medicine practitioners have this bad habit of being unable to resist good medicinal materials.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "It agreed. But on the condition that you don''t cut its antlers!"


    The master and disciple duo quickly nodded in agreement.


    It was just wishful thinking on their part. Putting aside whether they could defeat Bai Xiaoshi, if they dared make a move on its antlers, their junior disciple would be heartbroken. They did not wish to hurt the junior disciple''s heart for the sake of antlers.

 Chapter 74: Big Bang

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing finished organizing her things and entered the pce.


    Today was Jing Yan''s birthday, and as the crown prince, his birthday celebration was expected to be grand.


    However, the emperor and empress were not fond of extravagance, and Jing Yan himself didn''t have any special requests.


    Therefore, the Eastern Pce held only a small-scale lunch banquet, inviting only his siblings, closepanions, and friends.


    Jiang Yuqing was the only girl personally invited by Jing Yan. When she arrived, the Eastern Pce was already bustling with activity.


    As there were few royal heirs, only two princes and three princesses were alive. Apart from the eldest princess who had already married and moved away, all of them were present today. It was the first time Jing Si, the seven-year-old second prince, had seen Jiang Yuqing.


    Due to his congenital disability, he had a sense of inferiority. Moreover, his birth mother, Concubine Li, was not favored, and her family background was not prominent.


    As a result, he usually only stayed in his own pce, rarely going out, except for when he went to the study for lessons.


    The third princess came with her twopanions, or rather, ymates.


    She had already reached the age of adulthood and was the oldest among the princes and princesses present. She would soon be selecting her husband after the New Year.


    The seventh princess was also fourteen years old. Herpanions were also girls from noble families.


    Jiang Yuqing had met them briefly before entering the pce. However, because she was older, they subconsciously treated her as a child and excluded her from their small group. There was politeness mixed with distance.


    Jiang Yuqing had experienced this kind of thing before, so she didn''t mind.


    There is a saying from her past life that goes: "Don''t force yourself into a circle that isn''t yours. Even if you manage to squeeze in, the result may not be what you want."


    Besides, she was busy with other matters and didn''t have much time to make friends for now.


    She hadn''t seen Wei Lingyun, whom she got along well with, for a long time.


    During this time, Wei Lingyun hade to the Marquis''s residence to look for her, but she was either busy with experiments in theboratory or on her way there. Wei Lingyun couldn''t find her on both asions and had to give up.


    Jiang Yuqing knew about it and only sent gifts twice as an apology.


    Fortunately, Wei Lingyun understood that what she was doing was important and didn''t take it to heart. She asked someone to pass the message that they would y together when she wasn''t busy.


    In addition to the few princes and princesses, there were also Jing Yan''s twopanions, Yuan Ji from the Marquis of Zhenguo''s residence and Cheng Dingzhao from the Marquis of Anguo''s residence.


    The twopanions of the second prince were Lu Jiuan from the Marquis of Pingxi''s residence and the eldest grandson of the Song family from his mother''s side. Most of them were boys aged eight to ten.


    The gifts everyone brought were packed in extremely precious little boxes.


    Only Jiang Yuqing was carrying arge item that covered half of her small body, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Everyone was curious about what kind of gift this little girl had prepared, and why it was so big.


    Jing Yan hurriedly came forward to receive therge gift box from her hands and said warmly, "Such a heavy box, why didn''t you let the servants carry it? What if you fall and get hurt?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "For a birthday gift, it''s meaningful to personally deliver it. Happy birthday, Brother Yan!"


    "Thank you!" Jing Yan held the box in one hand and patted her little head with the other.


    "Miss, what did you bring? It''s so big!" a young man curiously asked.


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "The gift has already been given. You''ll have to ask its current owner."


    Jing Yan was also curious. This little girl had once again brought him something strange and unusual. He said, "Stop guessing, let me open it and show you all."


    With that, he ced the box on the desk, and everyone gathered around, filled with curiosity.


    As the exquisitely carved wooden box was opened, a silver-white, peculiar-looking object was revealed. It had a round base with arge hood on top, and the hood had a t roof with a deep blue, strange grid pattern on it.


    It looked like a strange giant mushroom or a canopy used by an emperor on his outings, except it had a base.


    No one had seen anything like it before and had no idea what it was. Even Jing Yan could only look at her and shake his head.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled mischievously and gave everyone some context, "This was given to me by my master. It''s a treasure passed down in our sect called a ''tablemp.'' It''s a special lighting fixture used for reading and writing. The light is bright, soft, and gentle on the eyes.


    I heard it came from a distant overseas ce. There''s only one of its kind.


    Later, one of our ancestors in the valley invited a mechanical master from the previous dynasty to modify it.


    They installed a special mechanism inside it, allowing it to change colors."


    Upon hearing her words, everyone became even more curious, especially the twopanions who were close to Jing Yan.


    They knew about the several extraordinary little items in the hands of the Crown Prince, all of which were gifts from this clever County Mistress and originated from a distant overseas ce.


    The one that made them most envious was a toy called the ''little car.'' When you wind up the mechanism next to it, it runs at an incredibly fast speed. Unfortunately, the Crown Prince never let anyone see it easily and kept it well hidden.


    Today, seeing her holding such a big thing again, they couldn''t help but ask out of curiosity.


    Seeing everyone quiet down, Jiang Yuqing pressed a switch on themp, and it immediately lit up. Soft, bright, andfortable light enveloped an area within a meter.


    Witnessing this, the surroundings erupted with exmations.


    Jiang Yuqing then pressed it again, and themp became a little brighter. Everyone eximed, "Wow!"


    She continued pressing, and themp gradually grew brighter, changed colors, and transformed into a myriad of hues. It finally turned off.


    The people in the grand hall, including the pce maids and eunuchs, had their mouths wide open.


    The cries of astonishment almost lifted the roof and attracted curious and puzzled gazes from the Imperial Guards patrolling outside.


    What rare treasure did the Crown Prince receive today that made these high-ranking princes and princesses disregard their dignity and shout and cheer like this?


    After Jiang Yuqing finished demonstrating, she exined, "Themp doesn''t stay bright all the time; it requires a certain amount of energy to operate."


    Then she pointed at the sr panel on top of themp and said, "This part is called the sr panel. It collects sunlight and converts it into themp''s power source.


    If themp doesn''t have enough energy to light up, you need to ce it under the sun for about two hours to recharge, and then it can be used again."


    "Oh my goodness, this treasure is truly amazing. It can actually absorb sunlight and use it for itself. Today, I''ve truly witnessed something remarkable."


    Moreover, it is much brighter than a candle, with soft and stable light that doesn''t flicker. Most importantly, it can be bright or dim as desired, which is incredibly convenient.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "When we go out, we rely on human power if we take a sedan chair. If we ride in a carriage, we rely on animal power, and if we take a boat, we rely on the power of water and wind.


    When we normally dry our clothes and nkets, aren''t we using the power of sunlight? The forces of nature are diverse, and we have many ways to harness them in our daily lives. It''s just that you all haven''t paid attention to it before."


    After she said this, everyone suddenly realized it, as if it was true. They didn''t have much contact with her before, only hearing that she was very clever. But today, they truly saw how clever she was.


    What were they doing when they were her age?


    Sneakily ying in the mud, or trying to act cute and coax a pet dog like the older family members?


    But she could already see through all these things. That''s the difference, and there''s no choice but to admire it.


    After everyone had seen it, Jing Yan carefully put away the tablemp.


    The group moved to the small garden in the Eastern Pce to y the game of pitching arrows. They happened to encounter the Emperor and the Empress Consort, followed by several pce concubines.


    The Emperor was in high spirits and offered several ancient objects from the previous dynasty as rewards. He let thempete in pitching arrows.


    The rules were set for four rounds, with five arrows each round. The scores from the four rounds would be added up, and the corresponding rewards would be given based on the rankings.


    For a moment, everyone''s enthusiasm was ignited. Everyone wanted one or two trinkets, but the significance of those bestowed by the Emperor was different.


    Everyone tried their best to win thepetition.


    In the end, after a round of fiercepetition, Jing Yan took the lead with a perfect score of 20 arrows. Prince Jing Hong and Cheng Dingzhao, the eldest grandson of the Duke''s Residence, tied for second ce with 18 arrows each.


    The Third Princess ranked third with 15 arrows... Jiang Yuqing scored 0 arrows, cingst.


    Although she had yed before at home, she rarely hit the target because she was young andcked strength.


    Now, as a cultivator, her physique waspletely different from before, and even without using magic, she could easily hit the target.


    For cultivators, it was equivalent to cheating against ordinary people.


    It was just a game, and doing so would spoil the fun of the game itself.


    Therefore, everyone more or less gained something, except for her, who came away empty-handed.


    The Emperor asked her, "Little one, do you have anything to say?"


    With her head held high, Jiang Yuqing confidently replied, "Friendshipes first, thepetitiones second, and participation is what matters." Her answer amused everyone present.


    Empress Qin gently patted her little head andforted her, "You''re right, participation is what matters. You''re still young, and there will be another chance next year. One day, you''ll surpass them and take first ce."


    Jiang Yuqing stood with her hands on her hips and dered loudly, "Yes, that''s right! Don''tugh at me just yet. The waves behind the Yangtze River push those ahead. The first wave dies on the beach. When I grow up a little more, I will definitely surpass all of you and leave you stranded on the beach!"


    So everyoneughed even harder and thought that this child was truly amusing. In the future, they could bring her along for any activities.


    Afterward, there was a lively lunch banquet.


    The emperor and empress sat at one table with their concubines, while Jing Yan and his brother sat at a table with their tutors. The two princesses sat at another table with their attendants.


    Jiang Yuqing had originally intended to join the princesses, but before she could make a move, Jing Yan pulled her over to sit beside him, and she went along with it.


    They served each other dishes and poured water back and forth, but Jing Yan was the one who attended to her more.


    At first, she didn''t think much of it because that''s how she and Jing Yan always interacted. But when she noticed the several young men at their table exchanging nces and winking, she realized something was amiss.


    She looked up and saw everyone looking their way, and then she realized she might have made a huge mistake. Her mind went nk.


    With a mouthful of food, Jiang Yuqing chewed and swallowed it down. She pretended to be clueless and said, "Why are you all looking at me? The food is delicious. Why aren''t you eating?"


    Empress Qin smiled with hidden meaning and blinked at her son.


    Jing Yan averted his gaze, unable to look at his mother, and his ears turned crimson.


    However, this guy was single-minded and wouldn''t give up his act of feeding her just because it attracted attention. He continued to do so as he pleased.


    The people present were not fools, and they quickly understood something. As a result, the atmosphere at the dining table soon returned to its previous liveliness.


    After finishing the meal, during the break, the emperor and empress heard that their son had obtained a rare treasure and insisted that he show it to them under the pretext of mutual appreciation.


    After seeing the extraordinary nature of the deskmp, they were also amazed for a while. But they knew that such magical overseas treasures were hard toe by, so once they had seen it, they let it go.


    Bianque Valley had a history of nearly six hundred years, and it wasn''t surprising to have a few treasures. Jing Yan also had quite a few treasures in his private collection, so he didn''t mind parting with this one.


    After the emperor and empress left with their concubines, the young people stayed behind in the Eastern Pce to continue their y.


    Jiang Yuqing had eaten her fill and felt a bit sleepy. She leaned back in her chair and yawned, tears streaming down her face.


    She wanted to go home and sleep, but everyone was still having fun, and their enthusiasm was high. She didn''t want to leave first. As she leaned back, she ended up falling asleep just like that.


    Jing Yan was ying a word-filling game with the others, and when he noticed that the little girl hadn''t moved for a while, he became concerned. He quickly looked around and saw the little girl curled up in the chair, fast asleep like a little piglet.


    He raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for silence.


    Then, he walked over gently, picked her up, and carried her back to his own sleeping quarters. Heid her on his bed and covered her with a nket.


    In a soft voice, he instructed the eunuchs and pce maids to take good care of her before turning around and leaving.

 Chapter 75: Wolf’s Head Tattoo

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing slept for a full hour and a half.


    When she woke up, she found herself sleeping in Jing Yan''s bed, while Jing Yan himself was sitting at the desk across from her reading a book.


    Themp she had gifted him was ced next to him, currently emitting its warm and cozy glow.


    Seeing that she had awoken, Jing Yan put down his book and walked over to put her shoes on for her.


    As Jiang Yuqing rubbed the sleep out of her eyes in an attempt to make herself more alert, she asked, "Where is everyone else?"


    "They''ve all left!"


    After her shoes were on, a eunuch brought in hot water and Jing Yan personally washed her face for her.


    Watching this, the eunuch''s heart pounded rapidly. He secretly thought, this little county magistrate is so fortunate to receive such personal attendance from the Crown Prince.


    After washing her face, Jiang Yuqing finally felt more awake. ncing at the hourss on the desk, she saw that it was nearly the hour of Shen, so it was time for her to return home.


    Although reluctant, Jing Yan knew it would be inappropriate to ask her to stay anyter, as it would be unsafe for her to travel home toote at night. So he personally escorted her to the pce gates.


    Once she was outside the pce, Jiang Yuqing noticed there was still plenty of daylight left. Remembering that she had been in the Capital City for some time now but had never gone out shopping, she instructed her carriage driver to stop at the entrance to a bustling street district.


    She, Er Yu and Nanny Yan disembarked from the carriage, intending to browse around before heading back.


    This area was West Market, belonging to the wealthy district. Thus, the shops here sold rtively expensive wares. Lacking nothing herself, she simply wanted to wander around.


    So she entered several stores, but did not end up purchasing anything.


    As they passed by a shop selling fried chicken, she noticed a long line of people queuing up. An intense, rich aroma of fried chicken drifted through half the street.


    As a foodie, Jiang Yuqing could not deny that the smell was making her salivate. She immediately suggested, "Let''s go line up too!"


    This idea was met with unanimous approval from the others.


    Yu Qing licked her lips and said, "Li''s Fried Chicken here is a time-honored establishment of the Capital City. Its cooking techniques have been passed down for several generations. There are always lots of people lining up every day. I was fortunate enough to have tried it once, and I still can''t forget that taste even now."


    Nanny Yanughed scoldingly, "Look at you, so shameless, as if your mistress starves you. Hurry up and get in line!"


    "How many should we buy?"


    Jiang Yuqing thought for a moment then asked, "How many people do we currently have in the household right now?"


    Nanny Yan answered, "Around fifty or sixty!"


    "That many?!" Jiang Yuqing eximed in surprise. Relying on the capable housekeeper Zhao to handle things, she seldom bothered asking about such matters, assuming thirty-odd people was already a lot.


    Nanny Yan said, "That''s nothing yet. In other households, the masters alone have more than that number. Our residence is quite deserted inparison. In the future when Master returns to the capital with Madam and Elder Master and Mistress, only then will it be lively."


    Jiang Yuqing pictured their sprawling estate-like mansion back home. Just keeping it clean was already a major undertaking every day, not to mention security and such. Without so many people they really would be hard pressed to manage.


    Moreover, ever since entering the capital, she felt like she had neglected to show any appreciation to the household servants. She wondered if they secretlyined about her stinginess behind her back.


    Thinking of this, her face grew slightly hot and she dered, "Then let''s get sixty! One each for everyone, consider it a welfare treat."


    "Sixty?! I''m afraid that won''t work!"


    "Why not?"


    "They have a rule limiting each person to only five chickens per day, unless you order ahead in advance."


    "Ah?" There''s even purchase limits?


    Jiang Yuqing bit her lip, pondering for a moment before suggesting, "How about this - the four of us will line up together, so we can buy twenty in total. When we take them back, that should at least ensure everyone gets to taste it. What do you think?" She was finding a loophole, admittedly.


    "Whatever you decide, Young Miss, we servants have no objections!"


    Having made up their minds, the four promptly rushed to join the queue.


    The line slowly crawled forward. After a quarter hour, it was finally Jiang Yuqing''s turn.


    The harried server inside, with sweat dripping down his face, kept chopping chicken while asking customers, "How many do you want?"


    "Five, I want five!" The server looked up. Hmm, where''s the person?


    Something wasn''t right, it sounded like a little girl''s voice.


    Jiang Yuqing helplessly called out, "Eyes down here!"


    The server poked his head out and looked down. Well now! It was a pint-sized littless, not even half as tall as his service window.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle, "Little one, where are the adults in your family? Five chickens is pretty heavy, can you carry it?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled back, "No problem, just sell them to me."


    "Alright! Please wait a moment, I''ll chop them for you now!"


    After chopping up the chickens, the server wrapped them in banana leaves and oil paper, tying them neatly in a bundle. Concerned that she would have difficulty carrying them, he specially found a lightweight basket to put them in, leaning out to pass it to Jiang Yuqing.


    As Jiang Yuqing tiptoed and stretched out her hands to receive it, the basket was suddenly snatched away in midair by someone.


    That person tossed over a piece of silver, took the goods, and left without even ncing their way. The flustered server yelled out, "Hey mister! That chicken belongs to this youngdy, you can''t just take it like that!"


    The man turned back, eyes glinting fiercely, "Taking it? After paying with silver, you call that taking it?! Blind fool!"


    "Hey sir! What kind of way is that to talk?" Incensed, the server stopped what he was doing to argue with the man.


    Jiang Yuqing scrutinized the chicken-snatcher.


    He had an extraordinarilyrge build, face covered in bs of meat, powerful muscles discernible even under his clothes - like a hairy brown bear.


    His buzzing, rumbling voice carried a peculiar ent, sounding almost like...a foreigner speaking Chinese, inexplicably awkward.


    A curved de encrusted with shy gems hung from his waistband on the left.


    The oversized brute rolled up both sleeves, pounding his basin-sized fists on his chest arrogantly as provocation, "That''s how I talk! Got a problem with it? Come on then! Weakling whelp!"


    Jiang Yuqing keenly noticed that half a wolf''s head tattoo was revealed on his bared arm, along with pierced ears.


    Her beautiful wide eyes instantly narrowed. Damn, this was clearly a Xiongnu in disguise, appearing in the Capital City of Da Xia - what was he nning?


    She retreated several steps, whispering to Yu Qing for a few sentences. Yu Qing nodded and rapidly dashed off.


    Terms like "bear" could be considered extremely insulting. It not only angered the server, but also the others lining up.


    Everyone condemned the bear:


    "What nerve snatching stuff then acting like you''ve done no wrong!"


    "Right, how can he brazenly rob people?"


    "So overboard, bullying the weak when you''re that huge yourself, utterly shameless."


    The angry bear''s expression darkened. He whipped out the sparkling de from his waist and fiercely hacked it into the fried chicken store''s half-open door panel. With a sharp ripping sound, half the panel was sliced off.


    The crowd was stunned speechless, not expecting this unreasonable hulk to actually take violent action under public eyes.


    The bear scanned the frightened people with contempt. A bunch of weak and cowardly Da Xia sheep. He let out a satisfied snort then swaggered off, pleased with himself.


    Without warning, his foot abruptly snagged on something and his ungainly ursine body crashed heavily to the ground, facending first with a st.


    His stubbly chin mmed brutally on the stone pavement - the crisp sound made listeners wince.


    The basket in his hand also flew out quite a distance away. Two oil paper bundles tumbled out but luckily did not spill.


    Jiang Yuqing trotted over, cheerfully gathering up the packages back into the basket. While the crowd felt torn between amusement and worry that the daring child was too bold.


    Yet, even more staggering developments followed which caused their jaws to drop further.


    This little maiden, holding the basket, went right up to the bear and yanked a money pouch from his waistband. She then skipped back into the fried chicken store, tiptoeing to hand the pouch over to the attendant inside, saying very seriously - "He damaged your door so he ought to pay for it, take this!"


    The stunned attendant stammered out, "L-Little miss, hurry and run! It, it looks like he''s getting up!"


    So saying, he rushed out gripping the shiny cleaver he used to chop chicken, trembling as he shielded Jiang Yuqing protectively.


    While moved, Jiang Yuqing also felt somewhat tickled by this. Just then, Yu Qing and Nanny Yan regained their wits, hastily charging forward wanting to guard her.


    Jiang Yuqing raised her hand signaling them to halt, a trace of icy light glinted in her eyes as she smirked sardonically, "No need to worry, he won''t be getting up now."


    Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, the brute toppled down unconscious right after swaying his head.


    Jiang Yuqing, for the first time, felt that the yamen''s people being too diligent was not a good thing either. She still wanted to watch an interesting lively scene, but now it was ruined.


    Nanny Yan''s eyes lit up and she immediately went forward to tell on them.


    When the patrolling soldiers heard that someone had openly robbed the Magistrate of Linghui County, they wondered if this audacious fellow had eaten a bear¡¯s heart and leopard guts.


    Who didn¡¯t know that the Magistrate of Linghui County was one of the top five ¡°most unwise to provoke¡± people on the Capital City¡¯s list?


    And looking at the burnt chicken shop with half its door chopped off. Damn, he even dared to pull out his de. Was he asking to die faster?


    Indeed, it goes without saying. No matter if he was really knocked unconscious or pretending. The prison of the Five City Military Office provides food!


    The soldiers quickly tied up the man and escorted him away, bowing to Jiang Yuqing before they left.


    Jiang Yuqing stuffed the chicken basket into the leader¡¯s hands, winking at him: ¡°Thanks for your hard work, everyone. Here¡¯s some burnt chicken to go with your wine.¡±


    The leader understood instantly.


    After walking some distance, he lowered his head to check the basket. Indeed, he found a snow-white handkerchief inside, with the characters for ¡°Xiongnu¡± scribbled crookedly in thick ck ink.


    The leader was shocked. He tore open the big fellow¡¯s sleeve, and saw a wolf tattoo on it. His expression changed drastically. He quickly ordered his brothers to hurry back and lock this man up under close guard, while rushing to report it at the same time.


    The Xiongnu were the arch-enemies of Da Xia.


    For these bandits to show up disguising themselves in the Capital City, it meant the enemy had crept right under their noses without their knowing! If something were to happen... the entire Five City Military Office would have to eat melon seeds while watching the show.


    If this guy really was a Xiongnu person, the Magistrate of Linghui County had done them a huge favor today.


    After the Five City Military Office¡¯s people left, everyone finally realized this youngdy was not simple at all.


    A man who had been to the AND Hospital recognized Jiang Yuqing and was about to call out joyfully, but was immediately stopped by her gaze.


    He excitedly nodded, and went back into the crowd.


    After that scene just now, everyone knew Yu Qing and Nanny Yan were on the same side as her. So she didn¡¯t ask them to line up again, and simply ordered another sixty chickens from the shopkeeper to collect tomorrow.


    Out of apology and gratitude, the shopkeeper exceptionally gave her a highest privilege 9 fold discount. Everyone was delighted.


    On the road, Yu Zhu asked Jiang Yuqing: ¡°Mydy, who exactly was that man just now? I feel he¡¯s different from us somehow.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing coldlyughed. ¡°How can the Xiongnu bandits be the same?¡±


    Hearing this, the three women in the carriage were shocked speechless.


    Yu Qing stuttered: ¡°Xiong...Xiongnu barbarians? Heavens! How did they get into the Capital City?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s surely no good thing.¡±


    Yu Zhu swallowed and asked: ¡°Then mydy, how did you recognize him?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said: ¡°When he rolled up his sleeve, it revealed a wolf tattoo. And judging by his looks and weapon - the Xiongnu tribe worshipped wolves, and they are also fond of sabers.¡±


    Yu Zhu admired: ¡°No wonder you asked me to hurriedly find the Five City Military Office. I see now! But mydy, how do you happen to know so much?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing reached out and flicked her forehead. ¡°It¡¯s simple. Gossip less in your spare time, and read more books!¡±


    ¡°Mydy...¡± Yu Zhu felt rather embarrassed. She was clearly being scolded forziness by thedy.


    Yu Qing gleefully said: ¡°Didn¡¯t they say the Xiongnu people are extremely fierce? How was this one so useless? We didn¡¯t even hit him yet he knocked himself out. And on t ground too!¡±


    ¡°What? Are you saying that Xiongnu bandit just now fell and knocked himself out?¡± To Yu Zhu this sounded like a hrious joke.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, you didn¡¯t see it just now. Let me tell you what happened...¡±


    As the two chatted enthusiastically, Jiang Yuqing simply lowered her head and gently stroked the ¡°green jade bracelet¡± on her wrist.


    As if sensing its master¡¯s good mood, the small thorns lightly brushed against her palm, keeping silent about its contributions.

 Chapter 76: Shame of the Huns

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    The appearance of Xiongnu people in the capital city Jingcheng was quickly reported to the Emperor. The Emperor ordered an immediate and thorough investigation.


    At the same time, in an inconspicuous residence in the south city.


    A tall man asked his subordinate: "Has the appointment at Andong Hospital been made?"


    The subordinate replied: "Yes, my lord, the appointment has been booked for three dayster."


    The man rubbed his aching temples: "Can it be moved up? My eyes are getting worse."


    The subordinate shook his head: "No, it can''t. Qiu the Miracle Healer is too famous, there are far too many people looking to see him. Appointments are booked for two months out. What I got is already an exception."


    "Fine then, you may leave." As if recalling something, he added: "Where is Abalu?"


    The subordinate replied: "Unknown, should I send someone to look for him?"


    The man looked at the darkening sky: "Go, discreetly, don''t let anyone notice."


    "Yes!"


    An hourter, the subordinate returned, looking rather flustered: "My lord, this is bad. The Seventh Prince, he..."


    The man''s wolf-like eyes glinted coldly: "What happened to him? Speak!"


    "The Seventh Prince, he was captured by the Five City Military Office."


    "What!" The man was furious. "How did he get caught?"


    The subordinate had an odd expression, seemingly at a loss for words: "He was arrested on the street for robbing a roast chicken from someone. He even brandished his saber, attempting to harm people. While running away he knocked himself out."


    The man: "..." Unable to restrain himself, he smashed the cup in his hand. Shards scattered everywhere.


    The man tried hard to restrain his anger: "Pack up, we need to move."


    "Move where?"


    The man looked at him with a "Are you stupid?" expression.


    The subordinate: "..." He had nothing to say. Whether it was the prison or inn of Da Xia, it was still Da Xia.


    Just as the master and servant finished packing, Da Xia''s officers came knocking on their door.


    Flickering firelight illuminated the visitors¡¯ faces. The man saw the leader was none other than Da Xia Ministry of Rites¡¯ head, Minister Zhou Yifu. He was followed by a squad of elite troops.


    With an insincere smile, Zhou Yifu cupped his fist towards the man: "Greetings, Crown Prince. Long time no see, hope you are well."


    Huyan Xuri Gan casually pressed his chest and bowed slightly: "Minister Zhou, nice to see you."


    "The Crown Prince has traveled a long way to our humble country, yet resides in such shabby lodgings. Truly our Da Xia has been remiss in propriety and hospitality. Please, allow me to invite you to the diplomatic residence, with kitchen and quarters convenient to you. There will also be elite guards protecting you every moment. It will certainly guarantee the safety of both princes."


    Huyan Xuri Gan smiled, not reaching his eyes: "Then you have my thanks for the Emperor¡¯s kind intentions."


    He paused, then added: "Whether you believe me or not, I came to your capital purely for personal reasons this time. After my business concludes I will take my leave without causing any trouble!"


    Hearing this, Zhou Yifu''s mouth twitched slightly. He thought, I''d believe a hungry wolf in a chicken coop before I believed you. With a beckoning gesture, he said: "After you, Your Highness!"


    Huyan Xuri Gan didn''t move. Staring straight at Zhou Yifu, he asked: "When will Abalu be released?"


    Zhou Yifu yelped in pain: "You mean the Seventh Prince of your country?"


    Putting on a pained expression, he borated: "This is truly a misunderstanding. Today at noon, while patrolling, some brothers from our Five City Military Office captured a robber. This robber snatched a roast chicken from a child and even brandished his saber, attempting to harm people. While running away he knocked himself unconscious.


    ording to Da Xia''sw, the penalty for robbery is fifty heavy blows from the nk, a fine of 100 taels of silver, and exile for 3,000 li. After we verified the Seventh Prince''s identity, naturally the fine and exile no longer applied. Even now, the Seventh Prince of your country should have already been escorted to the diplomatic residence. The doctor is likely tending his injuries right about now."


    Upon hearing this, Huyan Xuri Gan''s face fluctuated between ck and green. The veins on his temple visibly pulsated beneath his eyelids.


    He had heard of Da Xia''s nk punishment - stripping people naked and beating their buttocks while pinned over a stool. More shameful than painful.


    Although Abalu was an utter fool whom he had no respect for, he was still a Xiongnu warrior. Xiongnu warriors can die, but cannot suffer such humiliation! Thinking of his fierce warriors suffering such humiliation from these Da Xia cowards made him see red.


    Fortunately he still had some sense left, knowing he had to bow his head when under another''s roof. He could only swallow the insult for now.


    He swore to the Snow Wolf God he would repay this debt someday.


    After being "escorted" to the inn, Huyan Xuri Gan did see Huyan Abalu having his injuries tended.


    Unable to contain his anger, he took out his whip and fiercelyshed Abalu''s bloody buttocks. Abalu jerked violently with a shriek.


    Huyan Xuri Gan yelled furiously: "Have you lost your mind? Can¡¯t you see he¡¯s already injured?"


    Huyan Xuri Gan sneered coldly: "The insane one is you! Beforeing to Da Xia I warned you repeatedly to keep a low profile and not cause trouble. Yet here you are openly robbing people in broad daylight, even daring to brandish your weapon!


    Do you think the people of Da Xia are as stupid as you? Now look, all of our years of secret work in Da Xia has been ruined because of you!


    You are a disgrace to us Xiongnu!"


    Looking at his enraged nsman, Huyan Abalu opened and closed his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. Indeed, he had not imagined things would spiral out of control like this.


    Huyan Xuri Gan vented his anger then stormed off furiously. If he stayed any longer he feared he would kill this fool.


    Meanwhile, everything said and done here was reported to the Emperor. The Emperor just coldlyughed and ordered them to continue monitoring closely.


    The next day, before lunch, Li''s Roast Chicken Shop delivered sixty roast spring chickens for Jiang Yuqing''s order. The entire residence had one chicken per person.


    Three chickens were left over. Jiang Yuqing kept them in her Spirit Realm dimension so she could take them out to eat whenever.


    She informed Lady Yuqing that she would be in secluded cultivation these next days, then entered her Spirit Realm.


    She had just broken through to the eighthyer of Qi Condensationst night. Now her hands could revive vegetation within at least an eight li radius, and save a dying critically ill patient within a few tries.


    Her various minor spells had reached consummate mastery. Her spell formations had also cultivated to the second level - she could set up soundproofing, cloaking, and barrier formations easily now. Simple trapping and illusion spell formations were no problem either.


    In the inheritance hall she found an array g and disk. But couldn''t bear to use them.


    She wasn''t an artifact forger. Without the ability to repair artifacts of such high quality, she''d have nowhere to rece them if damaged.


    Upholding the doctrine that all things could be spell formation tools, anything around Jiang Yuqing could be taken by her to practice using as an array g.


    Sometimes it was pebbles or dirt, other times flowers or trees. There was nothing she couldn''t or wouldn''t use.


    At the start, nine out of ten trials ended in failure. But she persevered, calming herself to carefully analyze where she went wrong each time.


    Slowly her sess rate rose from 10%, to 20%, 50%, 70%, until she could set them up perfectly with her eyes closed. Only then did she finally stop.


    Next she began studying killing formations.


    There were many types of killing spell formations. The one Jiang Yuqing found on that jade slip was called Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches Devil-ying Formation.


    As the name suggested, it gathered the might of the Thirty-six Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches into the formation. When catalyzed by spiritual power, its killing potential was enormous. It was once the exclusive battle formation used by a certain legendary sect.


    Jiang Yuqing wouldn''t miss out on such an incredible formation. Afterprehending its intricacies for a while, she used thirty-six small pebbles as the array gs to test it out. It worked!


    She felt spell formations were somewhat of a talent of hers. Of course, killing formations had to do more than just look pretty. She still needed to verify its final power.


    To test out the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches Devil-ying Formation, Jiang Yuqing specially brought Bai Xiaoshi to a mountain ridge near the Inheritance Hall to trap a group of third-order dehorn Minotaurs with an entrapment formation.


    Equivalent to a mid Foundation Establishment cultivator''s strength, Jiang Yuqing would absolutely stand no chance fighting one alone without formations.


    Her Verdant Overgrowth''s Breath had an attractive force on ordinary animals. It worked the same for these spiritually-aware demonic beasts.


    The only difference was, in ordinary animals'' eyes she was a treasure, the trustworthy Great Mother Earth. But in these demonic beasts'' eyes, she was just weak prey, a delicious supplement.


    After trapping them, Jiang Yuqing immediately turned the trap formation into a killing formation. In order to arouse the ferocity of the cattle herd, he wickedly threw a string of firecrackers into the herd.


    As expected, the ck Rock cattle herd was infuriated. Their fierceness greatly increased, and they randomly charged and gored with their two sharp horn-knives, maddened.


    Seeing the timing was right, Jiang Yuqing quickly made hand seals to inject spiritual power into the eye of the "Heavenly Gang ying Immortal Formation" to activate the formation.


    Next, a bloody scene appeared.


    I suddenly saw gale winds arise within the formation, all kinds of nts, rocks and sand blocking the sun. The cattle herd couldn''t keep their eyes open. Countless invisible des of wind, like lingchi torture, mercilessly reaped the lives of the ck Rock cattle, bursting up groups of bloody mist.


    In just a few breaths, only a field of corpses and shredded meat remained in the formation, thend dyed red with blood. This was ughter!


    After a while, Jiang Yuqing withdrew the formation.


    Although he had seen countless bloody scenes in his previous life, even he couldn''t help but turn pale at this sight.


    This "Heavenly Gang ying Immortal Formation" was truly too terrifying. Jiang Yuqing hoped he would never have to use it again in his life.


    He collected some fresh cattle blood in an empty jade bottle, then used magic to dig arge pit to bury the cattle herd''s corpses and shredded meat, along with the blood-stained soil, bundled in vines.


    After finishing all this, only then did he ride Bai Xiaoshi back to the Legacy Pce with the cattle blood.


    The talismans that ordinary Daoist priests drew used cinnabar and yellow paper as materials, while the talismans drawn in the immortal cultivation world used demon beast blood as paint and paper made from demon beast hides + certain special spirit grasses + certain special minerals.


    She had not found any legacy rted to refining talisman paper, and thought she could try experimenting bybining demon beast blood with ordinary yellow talisman paper from the mortal world, and see if it would work.


    She didn''t have any yellow talisman paper either, and nned that after ending her secluded cultivation, she would go to the book store to look for some. If that really didn''t work out, she could only go to a Daoist temple with flourishing incense offerings and take a look there.


    After leaving the Legacy Pce, Jiang Yuqing dug up quite a few top grade medicinal materials from the medicine fields. She prepared to give some to Master and a few senior apprentice brothers.


    The ces she had dug up were resown with seeds, watered with spiritual spring water, and before long the medicinal materials would grow back again.


    The rice in the fields had already ripened its sixth or eighth season this year? She couldn''t remember clearly, but once it ripened it was time for the harvest.


    The grains she had harvested were already piled up in mounds. Fortunately the storehouses had unlimited capacity, otherwise there would be nowhere to store them all.


    Originally there had only been fruit treesmon in southern regions in the fruit orchard. After arriving in the capital, Jiang Yuqing had eaten offerings from all over the country in the pce. She had nted all the fruit seeds in her spirit space.


    Such as the extremely sweet giant loquats, tropical region''s dragon eyes, lychees, mangoes, grapes from the Western Regions, etc. They had now each grown into their own sizable fruit orchards.


    Other than eating these fruits herself at home, she hadn''t even sent any to the pce.


    If there were more than they could finish eating, Bai Xiaoshi would make them into dried fruit or fruit jerky, or press them into fruit juice to store up, since they wouldn''t spoil anyway.


    As for those grapes, Jiang Yuqing had dried grapes a few times before. Now she felt she could try making grape wine or something.


    When she returned to her hometown of Qingzhou this year, she would get a few more saplings to nt in her yard at home. If the grapes turned out well, she could consider buying a mountain slope somewhere to cultivate them.


    Next to the fruit orchard was the watermelon field, covered in round, plump watermelons.


    Feeling lonely without Bai Xiaojiu, Bai Xiaoshi had caught a first rank little white furred demon beast from the mountain range by the Legacy Pce to keep as a pet.


    The little demon beast wasn''t very intelligent, but it loved making trouble here the most. It even directly treated the watermelons as toys, rolling and ying with them until they broke - destroying who knows how many as a result. Naturally it was beaten by Bai Xiaoshi countless times.


    But this thing was incorrigible, and Bai Xiaoshi couldn''t stand it anymore. He chased it to the mountain range east of the medicine fields.


    That mountain range was filled with ordinary animals. Not long after this little demon beast arrived, it trampled all the other animals and became the mountain king there.


    It really left oneughing and crying.

 Chapter 77: I don’t like You.

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    After leaving the Spirit Realm, Jiang Yuqing immediately thought of setting up a protective formation for her mansion.


    She walked along the perimeter wall and chose somerge trees and rocks as the nodes for the formation gs. It took her nearly an hour to set it up, and when she activated the formation core, she realized... Hmm, no response?


    What''s going on?


    She thought she had made a mistake somewhere, so she carefully checked it twice, but everything seemed fine. What could be the problem?


    In the end, it was Bai Xiaoshi who couldn''t stand it anymore and reminded her, "You fool, you didn''t even ce any spiritual stones to activate it."


    That''s right, she forgot.


    Protective formations are long-term energy-consuming techniques. For example, the ancient sect''s mountain-defense formation relies on the spiritual veins of the sect to sustain its operation because it requires a tremendous amount of energy. Such formations are usually only activated when absolutely necessary.


    When she arranged the formation in the Spirit Realm, the sess rate was one hundred percent because there was abundant spiritual energy to support its operation.


    However, in the outside world, although there was spiritual energy, it was insignificantpared to the Spirit Realm and couldn''t provide enough support to activate the formation.


    Unless she used her own spiritual power as the support and continuously output it for twelve hours a day, she couldn''t ensure the continuous operation of the formation.


    But that was almost impossible!


    Have you ever seen arge-scale protective formation operated by manpower? That would be a joke!


    In order to find spiritual stones, she searched through the inheritance hall inside and out but didn''t find a single one. She did find a lot of misceneous things, though.


    Disappointed, sheined to Bai Xiaoshi, who was leisurely lying on thewn and wagging its tail, "Our ancestor is too poor. There isn''t even a piece of spiritual stone. I can''t even find one to use as the cornerstone for the protective formation."


    Bai Xiaoshi looked at her with disdain and said, "Poor? Haven''t you looked at the foot of the mountain?"


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly lit up. "Are you saying there are treasures at the foot of the mountain? I thought there were only useless things in the hall."


    Bai Xiaoshi sarcastically retorted, "Maybe your ancestor didn''t expect to have such naive andzy descendants like you!"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "...There''s no need for personal attacks."


    When she first saw this creature, it had a divine andpassionate image of a majestic deer, exuding an aura of immortality and sympathy for the world. But it was all an act.


    Its true nature was that of a sarcastic and arrogant tongue. Moreover, its eye-rolling skills were three times better than Empress Huafi''s.


    But now was not the time to argue with it. Finding the treasure was the priority. For this purpose, she specifically went to the administrative department''s warehouse and carried a legendary multi-functional entrenching tool.


    This thing was twice her height and looked like a rocketuncher when she carried it on her shoulder. It was quite imposing.


    Bai Xiaoshi nced at the entrenching tool and surprisingly praised, "This thing is not bad."


    Together, Jiang Yuqing and Bai Xiaoshi descended to the foot of the mountain, taking several twists and turns until they reached an extremely hidden giant cave.


    "Go in! This is the ce."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing enthusiastically rushed into the cave with the entrenching tool in her hands.


    As soon as she entered the cave, Jiang Yuqing was stunned.


    In the dim and deep cave, the walls were embedded with shimmering gemstones of various colors, dazzling and magnificent.


    The radiant gemstone lights extended into the endless darkness of the cave, like the Milky Way in the vast universe, both awe-inspiring and mysterious, a sight of unparalleled beauty.


    Bai Xiaoshi reminded her, "Your tears are flowing down from the corners of your mouth."


    Jiang Yuqing instinctively raised her hand to wipe them away and realized she had been tricked. She gave it a disdainful look and asked, "Are these spirit stones?"


    Bai Xiaoshi replied, "No, these are spirit crystals. They make ordinary spirit stones look like trash. This is an entire vein of spirit crystals. It''s enough for your cultivation for ten thousand years. Do you still think your ancestral master is poor?"


    Jiang Yuqing promptly retracted her previous words. In front of the spirit crystals, things like face were insignificant.


    That''s just how practical she is.


    Infusing her spiritual power into her hands, without hesitation, she picked up a shovel and got to work. After a nging sound, she looked at the three obtained spirit crystals in her hand, and her hands felt numb from the impact. Jiang Yuqing fell silent.


    In reality, it wasn''t that easy to mine these things.


    Having been busy in the mine for the whole morning, she was exhausted and gasping for breath, but at least the gains were quite substantial.


    Throwing the shovel aside, she sat down on the spot and meditated, circting her cultivation technique for three full cycles, finally reviving her energy.


    After confidently leaving the spiritual realm, she buried the acquired spirit crystals under a formation eye and smoothly activated a grand formation.


    Bai Xiaoshi said mockingly, "With this piece of spirit crystal, it''s enough for two hundred years. Maybe even if her family''s house copses, it will still be here."


    Jiang Yuqing now really hoped that this bear deer would shut up!


    She didn''t expect this formation to withstand thousands of troops; it would be enough if it could deter a small thief.


    There were too many people in this world who could fly. It wouldn''t be surprising if one day someone wanted to perch on her roof to admire the moon.


    Privacy and security were of utmost importance.


    After finishing these tasks, Jiang Yuqing pped her hands and went back contentedly.


    After having lunch and taking a nap, she woke up. Yu Zhu took out a letter, which was sent by Wei Lingyun from the General''s Manor.


    September 20th was her fourteenth birthday, and she was invited to the manor to attend a birthday banquet. Calcting the time, it would be the day after tomorrow.


    Considering that there wasn''t anything significant happening that day, she replied to the letter saying she would attend.


    The next day, after breakfast,


    Jiang Yuqing apanied her master and senior brother in a carriage and arrived at He An Hospital.


    Today was the day when Doctor Qiu held consultations. Jiang Yuqing had no sses, so she followed him to learn.


    The first patient was a young woman who was seeking treatment for infertility.


    After Doctor Qiu examined her, he prescribed a prescription and advised her to take the medicine continuously for two months, along with medicinal baths. He said that in about six months, there should be good news.


    The woman took the prescription with joy and profusely thanked Doctor Qiu before leaving.


    Observing this, Jiang Yuqing felt deeply moved.


    Some people im that traditional Chinese medicine is pseudoscience or even derogatorilybel it as witchcraft. Jiang Yuqing would never admit to such ims. Western medicine has its merits, and traditional Chinese medicine has its own intricacies.


    Passed down through countless experiments by our ancestors, it is a cultural treasure umted over thousands of years. It cannot be discredited by the baseless usations of some online trolls.


    Traditional Chinese medicine is like two different-colored flowers. You can say that you prefer one color, but you should never say that the other one is not beautiful.


    After seeing off the woman, Doctor Qiu called the next number...


    Jiang Yuqing, noticing that his master''s teacup was empty, volunteered to fetch more tea. As he walked through the corridor, he happened to catch sight of a familiar figure¡ªa burly man.


    Oh my goodness! Isn''t that the Hun barbarian who stole her chicken that day?


    Shouldn''t he be in the prison of the Five City Military Office right now?


    Why is he here?


    The man was leaning against the wall, one hand on his waist, while impatiently muttering something to the tall man next to him.


    The other person seemed uninterested in engaging with him, crossing his arms and closing his eyes, pretending to doze off. He also had ear piercings, indicating that he too was a Hun.


    They must be together.


    In his hand, the man held a half-piece of ck sandalwood que with the faintly written word "Three" on it.


    Well, well, it turns out he is the third patient to have an appointment with the "Divine Doctor" today.


    What a small world!


    Jiang Yuqing realized what was going on and quickly whispered everything to Doctor Qiu''s ear before making himself scarce.


    Now, let''s talk about Huyan Xuri Gan, who had been waiting in the corridor for quite some time and finally got his turn.


    With hope in his heart, he entered the consultation room. Just as he sat down and before he could say anything, Doctor Qiu nced at him and blurted out, "No cure!"


    Huyan Xuri Gan''s face instantly stiffened. "Why no cure?" he asked.


    Doctor Qiu coldly responded, "I don''t like the look of you."


    Indeed, Huyan Xuri Gan had heard of the "Three No Cures" associated with the famous and capricious Divine Doctor.


    He never expected to find himself categorized as one of the "Three No Cures."


    Huyan Xuri Gan made an effort to rx his expression and said, "I have never met the Divine Doctor before, nor have I ever offended him. Why does he find me displeasing?"


    Huyan Abalu, who had hobbled in alongside him, didn''t care about any of this. He raised hisrge fist and mmed it heavily on Doctor Qiu''s consultation table, causing the items on the table to bounce high.


    With an angry voice, he said, "Old man, I don''t care about your damn rules. Today, you will treat me whether you like it or not. Otherwise, I''ll show you how powerful my fist is."


    Doctor Qiu had seen all sorts of situations, and if it were a woman throwing a tantrum, he might have been at a loss. But someone like this, he had no reason to fear.


    The old man sat there calmly, disdainfully nced at Huyan Abalu, and smiled mockingly at Huyan Xuri Gan, saying, "This is the reason why I won''t treat you. Is that enough?"


    Huyan Xuri Gan, expressionless, looked at his bear-like younger brother.


    Deep down, he resented why he had been born in the same womb as such an idiot.


    He endured and endured, but in the end, he clenched his fist tightly, closed his eyes in despair, and after a while, gritted his teeth, nodded at Doctor Qiu, and said, "Sorry for the disturbance."


    Then, without saying another word, he forcefully dragged Abalu out of the consultation room.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yuqing, after leaving the consultation room, felt that something was amiss. How could this Hun man be released so easily? And why was he openly appearing at He An Hospital?


    No, she needed to find out what was going on.


    So, she summoned a little bird and instructed it to follow them as soon as they left the hospital, to see who they really were.


    Jiang Yuqing was extremely surprised when the little bird returned and told her that those few people had returned to the State Guest Inn in a furious manner.


    Normally, only foreign envoys would stay at the State Guest Inn. The fact that these Hunnic people were able to stay there indicated that their status couldn''t be too low.


    The contradiction lies in the fact that Great Xia and the Huns are archenemies, and there is no possibility of establishing diplomatic rtions between them. Moreover, there haven''t been any reports of Hunnic envoys entering the capital recently.


    Furthermore, judging from the reaction of the leader of the Five City Military Office the other day, they were also unaware of this matter. Therefore, it is highly likely that these people infiltrated the capital of Great Xia quietly.


    The appearance of high-ranking personnel from an enemy nation, disguised and hidden in Great Xia''s capital, is worth pondering.


    And now, they have actually appeared at the State Guest Inn.


    What''s going on?


    Jiang Yuqing had someone check the list of scheduled patients for today at the front desk and found that the person who should have been third on the list was an old woman who came to seek treatment for an eye ailment, not this Hunnic person.


    Jiang Yuqing sent someone to the address left on the appointment list and found the old woman who had originally made the appointment.


    The old woman said that a man came a few days ago and imed that his master was seriously ill and wouldn''tst much longer. He offered a high price of one hundred taels of silver to buy her appointment. Seeing that the man was offering arge sum of money, she didn''t think much of it and agreed.


    Jiang Yuqing had the hospital cklist the old woman right away.


    She wasn''t a saint, and she didn''t tolerate scalpers.


    Connecting the dots, Jiang Yuqing roughly deduced what had happened.


    It seemed that the Hunnic person who came for treatment today indeed had an incurable disease. That''s why they traveled a long distance and secretly infiltrated the capital of Great Xia in search of her master to treat the illness.


    Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and despite changing their clothes, they couldn''t change their innate nature as thieves.


    It seems that shortly after arriving in the capital, theirrade-in-arms, the "Hairy Bear," sumbed to his old habit of "robbing" and was inadvertently taken to the Five City Military Office.


    After that, everything fell into ce. The people at the Five City Military Office checked the Hairy Bear''s identity and also discovered a string of aplices.


    Although these "big rats" were disgusting, their identities had to be taken into consideration to some extent, which is why they were brought back to the State Guest Inn. It was probably called hospitality, but it was actually a form of surveince.


    No wonder the Hairy Bear limped as he walked. It''s likely that the brothers at the Five City Military Office didn''t show him any mercy.


    Regarding this, Jiang Yuqing could only say, "Well done!"


    She had a feeling that this matter wasn''t so easily resolved.


    With that in mind, after returning hometer, she would instruct Manager Zhao to inform any visitors that she wasn''t avable.

 Chapter 78: So Brave

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    Tomorrow was Wei Lingyun''s birthday. On the way home, Jiang Yuqing specially detoured to Silver Tower, wanting to choose a piece of jewelry as a gift.


    She wasn''t very clear about the preferences of fourteen or fifteen-year-old girls in this era, and finally, under the rmendation of the shopkeeper, chose a set of twelve pearl hairpins as a gift.


    The next day, September 20th. Wei Lingyun''s birthday.


    This was the first time Jiang Yuqing hade to the General House of Brave Cavalries. Unlike the graceful refinement of the gardens in the south that were like the Marquis of Qingzhou, it was also different from the extravagance of Princess Ronghua.


    There were no valuable flowers and nts in the garden of the General House of Brave Cavalries, nor were there artificial hills and flowing water, only an extremely spacious martial arts field, and the evergreen pines and cypresses along the edge of the field that were there all four seasons.


    Simple and unadorned, but also broad and bold.


    Wei Lingyun¡¯s father, General Wei Qing, was stationed in the northwest border all year round with his eldest son.


    Therefore, there were only Wei Lingyun¡¯s elderly grandmother, mother, and a pair of young twin brothers and sisters in the General House of Brave Cavalries, with an extremely simple poption.


    The general''s house was usually low-key, and was not conspicuous among the crowds of nobles in the capital.


    This time, for her birthday, Wei Lingyun only invited cousins from her marital family and some girls from the families of fifth and sixth grade military officers who she was familiar with. In addition to this, there was Yuan Wuyang from the Duke of Zhenguo¡¯s residence and Jiang Yuqing.


    After greeting each other, everyone sat together to drink tea and chat.


    When talking happily, Wei Lingyun even ran to the martial arts field on the spur of the moment to perform a set of swordsmanship.


    Yuan Wuyang watched with interest, and also randomly picked a sword from the weapon rack to join in, and the two staged an extremely exciting duel like those that could only be seen in TV dramas before.


    Soon, several girls from military official families joined in, and the field suddenly turned into a melee with sides of three on three.


    Knives, spears, swords, axes, hooks and forks, all kinds of martial arts took turnsing on stage, and it was extremely wonderful.


    Seeing this, the girls cheered and apuded one after another, and Jiang Yuqing was even more excited that she pped her hands red.


    These girls were so handsome and heroic.


    She thought that this was what her imagined female warriors and heroes should be like, full of heroic spirit and heroic grace.


    After the girls finished, they were covered in sweat and went to the room to change into new clothes.


    When they came out and saw Jiang Yuqing looking at them with bright eyes, as if looking at some incredible character, she even personally took the teapot to pour tea for them, which really made the girls feel ttered.


    Due to Wei Lingyun¡¯s rtionship, the girls were not unfamiliar with Yuan Wuyang. But this was still the first time Jiang Yuqing had seen her.


    After a while of chatting, they were surprised to find that this legendary little county magistrate was not as unapproachable as they had imagined.


    On the contrary, she was very lively and lovely, and easy to get along with.


    For example, at mealtimes, she would refuse the service of the maids and finish all the food in her bowl without leaving a single grain of rice. She was also not a picky eater.


    Also, for example, she would say thank you to the maid who was waiting on her with tea. That kind of respect was not a deliberate performance, but a kind of naturalness that was ingrained in her bones, as if it should be so by nature.


    It was said that when she first arrived in the capital, she did not even bring a maid with her, and did everything by herself. The two she had now were still rewarded to her by Empress Dowager seeing that she was helpless.


    Worldly status and position seemed to be nothing but fleeting clouds in her eyes.


    While the girls breathed a sigh of relief, they also felt that befriending such a little county magistrate was a great honor. Regardless of status, just being able to have fun together without reservations as friends was great.


    Jiang Yuqing also liked them very much. Gentle but not pretentious, literate and martial, it was sofortable to get along with them.


    As for those youngdies who looked weak on the outside but schemed viciously behind people''s backs at the slightest provocation, crying and waving their kerchiefs, forget it, no thanks.


    When it was time to leave, Jiang Yuqing made an appointment with the girls that if there was a day when they were free, they would go horse riding in the suburbs together. Everyone agreed.


    When she returned home, Steward Zhao said that three strangely ented people hade to look for her that day, and when they heard that she was not at home, they left.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately guessed that they must be those three Xiongnu people. After finding out that her master favored her, they were preparing to find a breakthrough through her.


    What a joke!


    However, these Xiongnu people were unlikely to give up so easily.


    Sure enough, the next morning, while Jiang Yuqing was teaching medical students in An Medical Academy, an eunuch from the pce came to invite her, saying that His Majesty had summoned her to the pce for an audience.


    Jiang Yuqing recognized this eunuch Lin. He was Li Deshun¡¯s adopted son. Last year, he hade to her house in Qingzhou as an imperial messenger to announce an imperial edict.


    She remembered that she had even rewarded him with a small purse full of copper coins. She had also seen him several times in the pce afterwards and greeted him, so they were still rtively familiar.


    So she asked Eunuch Lin, "Do you know why His Majesty is looking for me?"


    Eunuch Lin looked around and whispered in her ear, "It seems to be rted to the Xiongnu. This ve vaguely heard a few words outside the door, something like treating illnesses."


    Jiang Yuqing immediately understood. It looked like her previous guess was correct.


    Taking advantage of the sleeve''s cover, she slipped a bulging purse, "Thank you, Eunuch. Take this money and have a cup of tea."


    She guessed that after those Xiongnu people were rejected by her master, they had no choice but to find Emperor Xia Jing to use his power to pressure people.


    And Emperor Xia Jing himself was not a weak emperor. Naturally, he would not be biased towards the Xiongnu.


    The reason for this was probably because these Xiongnu people had exchanged some kind of benefit with Emperor Xia Jing, in order to force her master to take action.


    How despicable!


    However, Emperor Xia Jing was also hindered by his previous imperial decree and could not openly look for Doctor Qiu, so he could only look for his apprentices to find out the reason and then prescribe the right medicine.


    Her eldest senior brother on duty should be the first choice. She guessed that he did not get any useful information, so they set their sights on her.


    Jiang Yuqing gritted her teeth.


    She was nning to give these Xiongnu cubs a good lesson.


    Jiang Yuqing followed Eunuch Lin all the way to Ziguang Pavilion instead of Qinzheng Hall. It could be seen that this was indeed an unofficial discussion.


    That is to say, these Xiongnu people were seeking an audience with Emperor Xia Jing in their personal capacity rather than in the name of their country.


    When Jiang Yuqing arrived, the main hall of Ziguang Pavilion was already full of people.


    In addition to Emperor Xia Jing, Crown Prince Jing Yan, Eunuch Li, Qin Jue, Tian Guang and others she was familiar with, she did not recognize anyone else.


    Looking at the colors of their official hats and badges, there were civil servants and military generals.


    In addition, there were those three people.


    At this time, they had changed back into their original Xiongnu clothes. Among the three people, there was also an attendant. The one with the fur hat and the guy who looked a bit like him next to him turned out to be the master. It looked like they were brothers.


    Jiang Yuqing paid her respects.


    Emperor Xia Jing then said to the Huyan brothers, "This is the Magistrate of my Great Xia''s Linghui County, and she is also a closed-door disciple of the divine doctor."


    The two brothers perfunctorily bowed with their right hands on their chests.


    The emperor said to Jiang Yuqing again, "These two are Huyan Xuri Gan, the eldest son of King Huyan of Xiongnu, and Huyan Abalu, the seventh prince."


    Those two people had expected Jiang Yuqing to bow to them, but what they got instead was Jiang Yuqing giving a loud "humph".


    The little girl tilted her head to the side with her chin up and her little arms hugged, a look of disdain on her face.


    Everyone was immediately surprised and looked at her.


    It was said that this little county magistrate was the most talented and understood propriety. How could she seem so...inconsistent with the rumors?


    The emperor also felt strange. What was wrong with the little girl today? So he frowned and said, "Linghui, do not be rude!"


    Jiang Yuqing still turned her head without saying a word.


    The emperor couldn''t quibble with a child, so he softened his tone, "Linghui, these two princes went to look for your master, Doctor Qiu, to treat their illness yesterday, but your master refused them. Do you know the reason?"


    Jiang Yuqing then lowered her arms and said, "I know. I told my teacher not to treat them."


    As soon as she said this, everyone in the hall was stunned. Abalu Xiongnu straightened his eyes and was about to do it when Xuri Gan stopped him.


    The emperor was also surprised. "Why? Did they offend you?"


    Oscar-winning actress Jiang Yuqing instantly came online, her little mouth pouted and her big eyes brimmed with tears flowing down like strings of pearls. Pointing at Abalu, she cried, "It was him. He snatched my roast chicken in the street. I had waited in line at Li''s Roast Chicken Store for so long to buy it.


    When the big brother at the roast chicken shop argued with him, he pulled out his saber and smashed the shop''s door. What a big bully, wah - sob - " The aggrieved dumpling cried and tattled at the same time.


    It was now or never to tattle.


    "..." Everyone was dumbfounded and looked at Abalu together.


    In the room, everyone knew that Huyan Abalu, the seventh prince of the Xiongnu, was caught by the Five City Military Office and beaten with boards a few days ago for robbing on the street. But no one asked in detail what he had robbed.


    It turned out that the victim was the Magistrate of Linghui County.


    This bear-like big guy bullied a three or four-year-old child and robbed something worthless like grilled chicken...


    Is this something a normal person would do?


    Jing Yan immediately walked up and pulled Tuanzi into his arms, gently patting her little back. His gaze towards Abalu was as if he wanted to skin him alive.


    Emperor Xia Jing also knew about Abalu''s robbery. He didn''t know there was such awsuit between him and the little girl. No wonder Linghui''s attitude was wrong today. So this was the root cause!


    Dammit!


    The little girl cried messily and pitifully. Her parents and family were not by her side. Emperor Xia Jing felt extremely distressed seeing this.


    Moreover, it was very likely that this little girl would be his future daughter-inw. She was his own, so of course he had to protect her.


    Thinking of this, Emperor Xia Jing heavily put down the paperweight in his hand on the table. He said expressionlessly to Abalu, "Seventh Prince, shouldn''t you give Us an exnation?"


    Abalu really couldn''t stand it anymore. He yelled at Jiang Yuqing, "Shut up! I clearly gave money." He said that this littlemb seemed to have been seen somewhere before. It turned out to be the little rascal who he had robbed that day.


    Qin Jue sneered, "Just because you gave money, she has to give it to you? ording to Seventh Prince''s reasoning, We the Prince would also like to have your entire Xiongnu''s royal court. Shouldn''t you also hand it over obediently?"


    "This gentleman, please watch your words!" Xuri Ri said gloomily, "Your words have gone too far!"


    Qin Jue crossed his arms. "This official is only speaking from facts! Has this gone too far? You Xiongnu people boast that you are the descendants of the Snow Wolf God and the heroes of the grasnds.


    Hah, heroes who rob three-year-old children of grilled chicken. Today, this official has really witnessed it!" After speaking, he held his fists and bowed slightly to Xuri Ri, indicating that he was willing to admit defeat.


    Xuri Ri''s face turned green. His chest heaved up and down. His head also began to throb with pain. His fists clenched and unclenched as blue veins protruded.


    He hated both Da Xia¡¯s aggressive questioning and his own foolish younger brother who had offended the most treasured disciple of the genius doctor.

 Chapter 79: Must hold back

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    He was also quite a character, able to bend and stretch.


    He immediately made a bow to Jiang Yuqing and said, "Abalu was rash. If he has offended you in any way, Prince Xiao Wang will make him apologize to the County Chief.


    Prince Xiao Wang came to Da Xia this time only to seek medical treatment. I hope the County Chief can see that Prince Xiao Wang has traveled long distances toe here, and ask your master to help just this once. Prince Xiao Wang will be eternally grateful!"


    Jiang Yuqing finally stopped crying. Her misty big eyes looked at Emperor Xia Jing nkly, the meaning very obvious.


    Seeing that Emperor Xia Jing had nodded, Jiang Yuqing then reluctantlypromised and said to Xuri Gan, "Fine! I''ll talk to my master. You''re the older brother so you have to keep an eye on him in the future. If he doesn''t listen, then beat him!


    My grandfather said that naughty children need to be beaten. If beating him once doesn''t work then do it three meals a day. Beat him several times and he''ll be good!"


    "Pfft-" Someone couldn''t helpughing out loud, and the whole hall instantly filled with chuckles. Those with lowerughing points wereughing so hard their shoulders shook.


    Even Emperor Xia Jing had to hold it in again and again. He put his hand to his mouth and coughed twice, narrowly keeping it together!


    This little girl really had the power to infuriate someone to death. Fortunately, she wasn''t angry at his own people.


    Xuri Gan''s face turned dark green, the muscles in his face jumping. He almost gritted his teeth and said, "The County Chief is right. He really deserves a beating. When I go back, Prince Xiao Wang will certainly discipline him well."


    As he spoke, he grabbed the still unwilling Abalu, "Apologize to County Chief Linghui!"


    "I don''t..." Abalu didn''t want to bow his head to a little bipedalmb.


    "Apologize!"


    Under Xuri Gan''s cannibalistic re and pressure, Abalu had to lower his so-called noble head. In a muffled voice, he apologized to Jiang Yuqing, "I''m sorry!"


    Jiang Yuqing looked at him for a while before giving an "hmm" sound. Then she admonished him in a milky voice, "Next time if you want to eat roast chicken, get in line yourself. If you snatch food, people will think your family is so poor you''ve never eaten chicken before."


    The ministers of Da Xia: "..." Must endure, must definitely endure...


    Abalu "... " He was now 100% sure. This little bipedalmb was deliberately provoking him.


    Jiang Yuqing told Xuri Gan toe to the dean''s office at An Hospital tomorrow morning. She and Doctor Qiu would wait for him there.


    With the matter resolved, Xuri Gan bid farewell and left immediately. After losing so much face today in front of the Da Xia people, he couldn''t stand to stay a moment longer.


    It was all because of that idiot Abalu. If it wasn''t for him, he would have already seen the doctor and not beenughed at here for so long, and wouldn''t have promised so many benefits.


    Thinking of those five hundred fine horses, Xuri Gan''s heart bled. He would have to provide all of those from his personal assets.


    That little rascal was right about one thing, Abalu really deserved a beating...


    After the Xiongnu people left, the ministers in the hall really couldn''t hold back anymore. Theyughed until they leaned back and forth, fell all over the ce, and some evenughed until tears came out,pletely undignified.


    Even the usually aloof Jing Yan couldn''t help but smile, and he stroked her cute little nose affectionately, doting on her, "Naughty!"


    Emperor Xia Jing gave her a big thumbs up, "Girl, awesome!"


    Jiang Yuqing had her arms akimbo arrogantly, with her little head held high, extremely proud, "He deserved it!"


    When she returned, the little dumpling immediately apologized to Doctor Qiu. "Master, I''m sorry. I promised His Majesty to ask you to help."


    Dumpling felt very guilty. This went against Doctor Qiu''s three refusal principles.


    Doctor Qiu stroked his little apprentice¡¯s head and said solemnly, "It doesn''t matter. Whether we like it or not, there are always some things in life that we have topromise on. If we didn''t agree, the Xiongnu might not have hesitated to use it as an excuse to invade Da Xia. Then themon people would be the victims.


    The little dumpling nestled her little head in her master''s palm. It was because she knew this principle that she had cooperated with the emperor in that y.


    The next day, only Xuri Gan and his attendant came to the office.


    Abalu was no longer seen! It could be inferred that after returning, Xuri Gan must have disciplined him.


    She had heard that Xuri Gan, for this matter, had promised Emperor His Majesty five hundred fine horses to mediate. His Majesty had agreed to let her choose the two best horses first after Xuri Gan sent the horses.


    ording to Xuri Gan¡¯s description, he first started experiencing headaches and blurred vision this year. After seeing the Xiongnu shamans, not only did it not get better, but it got worse and worse.


    Later, when they had no other way, they went to the Han doctors at the Da Xia borders for help and took a lot of medicine, but there was still no improvement.


    After that, the headaches intensified, and when he looked at people or objects, he would see blocks, and even intermittent blindness.


    Jiang Yuqing roughly knew what was going on.


    After a series of examinations, the result came out. Indeed it was a pituitary adenoma.


    This type of tumor was benign,mon in middle-aged youth, and the cause of onset was still unclear. In the early stages, apart from endocrine problems, there were no other symptoms.


    As the tumor grows, it slowlypresses the surrounding nerves or tissues. At this time, the patient will show symptoms such as headaches, decreased vision, or visual field loss. At this time, surgery is needed to remove it.


    Although Xuri Gan''s symptoms were severe, they were still within controble range. Endonasal surgery could be used to remove it.


    Endonasal surgery had the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery.


    Doctor Qiu exined the cause of the disease, examination results, treatment n to be adopted, and risks involved in surgery to Xuri Gan one by one.


    Xuri Gan agreed on the spot to do it and signed the consent form.


    The reason for being so readily agreeable was entirely because Doctor Qiu was hisst hope.


    If he didn''t get the surgery, he would go blind.


    The Xiongnu King Zheng didn¡¯t need a blind wolf leader or a eagle with broken wings.


    When that time came, he would be skinned and dismantled by his covetous brothers before he could destroy himself, andpletely devoured.


    The operation was scheduled for the morning three dayster.


    Jiang Yuqing intended to be the primary surgeon for this operation herself. Her current aplishments had also improved. After more than half a year of training, she could hold the scalpel steadily.


    The main thing was that such an operation generally required an endoscope, which Doctor Qiu and the others didn''t know how to use, and that was secondary. The most important thing was that there was no electricity outside.


    So Jiang Yuqing intended to use "Divine Consciousness" as the endoscope, and at the same time give his brain some "good medicine" during the operation.


    As the old saying goes, ¡°People of different races will have different hearts¡±.


    It was still better to be wary of this kind of bad thing like the Xiongnu.


    Moreover, she didn''t want to kill him, just in case. As long as he stays peaceful, then it¡¯s fine. If he tries anything...


    Then there would be no need to keep him alive!


    Xuri Gan recovered very quickly after the operation. The first thing after making sure he was fine was to leave the capital under the "affectionate and friendly escort" of Da Xia, straight to the border.


    The day after Xuri Gan was discharged from the hospital, a Han man was sent in. He had been hunting in the mountains and his intestines were gouged by a wild boar''s tusks.


    Because he was sent toote and lost too much blood, the patient had already stopped breathing and his heart had stopped beating when the ox cart arrived at the hospital door.


    "Father Zhu is dead!" someone sorrowfully cried out. The family members who had brought him were instantly heartbroken and cried loudly.


    Jiang Yuqing happened to be out for some air. Seeing this, she hurried forward to check, sensing that the victim still had a trace of extremely weak vitality.


    Her heart tightened. She quickly grabbed his hand to send him a wisp of vitality. Then she shouted loudly into the doorway, ¡°Quick, get a stretcher! There¡¯s still hope!¡±


    As soon as the medical staff heard this, they hurriedly pushed the stretcher trolley to run out rumbling. The family also realized it and quickly helped to lift the wounded onto the stretcher.


    Jiang Yuqing jumped onto the stretcher and injected spiritual energy into her hands. Then she sped her hands together to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the injured, while continually inputting vitality into the victim.


    Soon, the stretcher was pushed into the operating room.


    Under Jiang Yuqing''s tireless efforts, the patient''s heart resumed beating after a short half a quarter hour. Jiang Yuqing also broke out in a sweat, with the little white coat covered all over in fresh blood.


    What followed next was a series of emergency procedures - blood tests, transfusions, surgery, washing and suturing the severed intestines, and then suturing the abdominal cavity...


    Jiang Yuqing was the lead surgeon, with Tian Shanglu and Senior Brother Lu Yi as her assistants, and two surgical nurses passing instruments and wiping away sweat.


    The surgery took a full one and a half hours, and went rtively smoothly.


    As the surgery finished, Jiang Yuqing was carried down from her personal surgical stool by Lu Yi.


    "Little junior sister, you were amazing!" Lu Yi excitedly pecked her little face twice.


    She may be small in stature, but her hands moved steadily and quickly, flowing like water, even admirably so.


    His little junior sister was simply a genius among geniuses, as if heaven itself was hand-feeding her.


    Jiang Yuqing frowned in annoyance as she wiped her face, dissatisfiedly protesting: "Senior Brother, I''ve grown up now, you can''t keep kissing me!"


    This enthusiasm is really too much.


    "Sorry, sorry, I''ll be more careful next time!"


    The senior sibling interactions drew kindheartedughter from the operating room. Having sessfully snatched a life back from the jaws of death, everyone was in high spirits.


    After settling subsequent matters, they pushed the patient out of the operating room doors.


    Upon hearing that the patient was saved, his family members wept with joy. They knelt down one by one to thank the doctors.


    This was the highest sign of respect they could offer. Their smiles also swept away the doctors'' fatigue.


    Among the kneeling crowd was a little girl. Jiang Yuqing recognized her - she was the young miss who picked rice ears for her in her estate''s fields during the autumn harvest.


    She still remembered the girl''s longing voice, saying that if her family nted high-yield crops next year, they''d also get to eat their fill.


    The patient was her father, who had also worked odd jobs in Jiang Yuqing''s estate before.


    She was very d that in saving him, she also saved this family.


    She personally helped the little girl to her feet. The girl also recognized her and happily called out "Nobledy".


    Jiang Yuqing smiled at her with a nod. "Don''t worry, we''ve given your father the best medicine. He''ll be alright."


    "Thank you, thank you nobledy!" The girl cried emotionally.


    The patient had decent constitution and a strong will to live. He woke up the next afternoon,pletely out of critical danger.


    In between, Jiang Yuqing secretly performed a Spring Renewal technique on him once more, speeding up his wound recovery.


    He was the pir supporting thisrge family.


    If the pir copsed, the entire household would suffer catastrophic ruin.


    Two dayster, when Jiang Yuqing did her morning rounds, the little girl shyly handed her a pair of small shoes.


    She looked at Jiang Yuqing sincerely yet anxiously, saying she had spent two evenings making them, as a gift for her.


    Though the shoes had no embroidery, they were made of soft cotton fabric, feeling extremely smooth to the touch. Amazingly, there was even cotton wadding inside. Seeing the patched clothes the girl was wearing, Jiang Yuqing felt her eyes mist over instantly.


    She immediately took off her own shoes adorned with pearls and put on the girl''s shoes instead.


    in and simple, yet veryfortable on the feet, solid and soft. She thought this was probably one of the best gifts she had ever received.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled gently at the girl. "Thank you for your gift, I really like it." The girl instantly bloomed into a smile as radiant and beautiful as a March flower.


    Ten dayster, the girl''s father was discharged from the hospital.


    When her mother went to settle the bill anxiously, she was told that the medical fees were zero. The reason being that the hospital had recently introduced a special major illness assistance fund.


    For certain major illnesses, medical fees may be reduced or waived depending on the situation. Her household head was the first patient under the special fund, so the dean had paid special attention and waived the fees entirely.


    The family wept with joy once more, repeatedly giving thanks.


    Upon seeing this, Little Lady Yuqing, wearingfortable little cotton shoes, trotted off with her little hands behind her back.


    Concealing one''s contributions and fame.

 Chapter 80: Peace Jade Symbol

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    In order to find nk yellow talisman paper, [Jiang Yuqing] hypnotized [Er Yu] and [Nanny Yan]. Over the next few days, she disguised herself as a middle-aged man using illusions and went aroundrge and small bookstores in the capital, but came up empty-handed.


    She was not an ordinary person from the mysterious world of Xuanmen, so naturally she did not have the relevant connections. Left with no other choice, she chose an auspicious yellow calendar day and went to the [Three Purities Temple] in the suburbs of the capital.


    The [Three Purities Temple] was thergest Taoist temple in [Da Xia], dedicated to the [Three Pure Great Emperors]. It had thriving incense offerings.


    Led by a young Taoist apprentice, [Jiang Yuqing] entered the main hall and respectfully paid homage to the [Three Pure Great Emperors], offering incense. She also offered one hundred taels of silver for the incense offerings.


    After leaving, she went to the talisman stand next to the hall and asked the Taoist in charge of distributing talismans, ¡°I have been learning talisman drawing recently and would like to buy some nk yellow talisman paper. Would your temple have any to spare?¡±


    The Taoist had seen many people asking for peace talismans, love talismans, and other kinds of talismans before, but this was the first time someone had asked for nk talisman paper.


    His first reaction was that this patron must be up to no good! But seeing that the man had a righteous aura and auspicious energy, he did not seem like someone with ill intentions. Besides, those with evil ns would conduct them in secret instead of openly asking for supplies. Perhaps this patron really only wanted them for learning, just as he imed. So the Taoist said, ¡°Let me ask my master.¡±


    [Jiang Yuqing] bowed to the Taoist again and said, ¡°Please help ask on my behalf!¡±


    Seeing there were not many visitors offering incense today, the Taoist hesitated briefly before agreeing, ¡°Very well. Please wait here, patron. I will be right back.¡± He cupped his fists and walked around the side corridor behind the main hall.


    [Jiang Yuqing] waited for about fifteen minutes before the Taoist returned. He said that his master was not there, but his Uncle-Master Huayang wanted to see her.


    [Jiang Yuqing] readily went along.


    Led by the Taoist through various twists and turns, up and down the mountainside, and a long, steep flight of stone steps, she finally arrived at an unnamed hall built on a cliff.


    The hall was not big¡ªat best, an exquisite small courtyard. The faded green stone fence overgrown with moss made it look particrly ancient and dignified, even inte autumn¡¯s chill.


    The Taoist pointed at the hall, ¡°My Uncle-Master is inside. Please go right in.¡±


    [Jiang Yuqing] bowed to him in thanks. The Taoist returned the bow before leaving.


    [Jiang Yuqing] knocked on the courtyard gate. A young attendant opened the door, bowed and said, ¡°Master is waiting for you in the side chamber. This way, please.¡±


    Led inside by the attendant, [Jiang Yuqing] saw a middle-aged Taoist with a stern demeanor sitting cross-legged on a mat on the floor¨Dthat must be Huayang.


    Judging only by looks, he seemed around the same age as the Taoist from earlier. Yet his status and seniority were both surprisingly high, likely thanks to his mastery of retaining his youthful looks.


    [Jiang Yuqing] respectfully greeted him and exined her purpose.


    [Huayang Zi] looked her up and down without saying anything, then nodded. He had the young attendant bring over a stack of nk talisman paper, at least two to three hundred sheets judging by the thickness.


    [Jiang Yuqing] took them with both hands and expressed her thanks.


    Only then did [Huayang Zi] speak, ¡°If it¡¯s not enough, pleasee by anytime for more.¡±


    This delighted [Jiang Yuqing]. She had been worrying about how to ask for more. With one offer, the Taoist had resolved her concerns. What a nice person!


    Since [Huayang Zi] did not ask for money, she also felt it would be too crass. After thinking for a bit, she took out a pouch from her package and presented it to him.


    [Huayang Zi] also did not look inside but had the attendant ept it.


    [Jiang Yuqing] sincerely thanked him again. Then she retreated out the main entrance of the chamber before turning to leave.


    Ginseng¨Dher spirit realm was full of it, abundant as daikon radishes. Exchanging gifts helped pave the way for good rtions. It would be easier toe back next time.


    After she left, [Huayang Zi] flipped open the pouch the attendant held. Seeing the contents, his eyes shed with surprise before turning to realization.


    The attendant eximed in shock, ¡°Master, this is...!¡± He stopped himself and said worriedly instead, ¡°Master, if he uses all this talisman paper for evil deeds, what then?¡±


    [Huayang Zi] smiled mysteriously, unfathomable, ¡°How could someone with such abundant merit and golden light ever harm themon people?¡±


    The attendant understood, ¡°So he is someone eminent!¡±


    [Huayang Zi] stroked his bearded chin but just smiled without replying.


    Having obtained the talisman paper, [Jiang Yuqing] promptly began her research.


    The Talisman Scripture jade tablets contained records of many interesting talismans and charms. Peace talismans and protective talismans were basic techniques.


    There were also practical charms like invisibility talismans for ¡°doing bad things,¡± escape charms and earth concealment charms for "getting away after doing bad things," explosion talismans and heavenly thunder talismans for fights in case of pursuit. And that wasn¡¯t even mentioning the other odd prank charms.


    [Jiang Yuqing] decided to start by learning the simplest peace talisman first.


    Following the instructions in the jade tablet, she first practiced drawing peace talismans using an ink brush on ordinary white paper.


    Once proficient, she would then imbue spiritual force into her hand and calmly use the talisman brush dipped in the blood of a Dark Stone Bull to draw on the yellow talisman paper.


    But halfway through her first stroke, the talisman paper suddenly shed and a me roared up, reducing it to ashes in a few breaths, nearly scalding her hand.


    She figured that as a mundane object, the yellow talisman paper likely could not withstand a third-tier demonic beast¡¯s blood. So she caught a first-tier jackrabbit and tried its blood instead.


    That still did not work. She then tried diluting the jackrabbit¡¯s blood with spiritual spring water. Still no good. Finally left without options, she experimented by adding a certain amount of cinnabar...


    After three or four days and much trial and error, she finally seeded in drawing one peace talisman.


    Holding this hard-won paper, [Jiang Yuqing] almost cried from happiness.


    Her efforts had not been wasted after all.


    What came next required diligent practice. A few dayster, [Jiang Yuqing] could finally draw peace talismans proficiently. She then had another brainwave¨Dshe took some spirit jade stones from the inheritance hall¡¯s rear warehouse and carved them into jade peace talisman charms, imbuing them with protective formations too.


    She gave her master and three senior brothers one jade peace charm each. She heard that wearing them would not only ward off evil spirits, even top masters on Jianghu would find it hard to approach. They quickly treasured and kept the charms on their persons.


    [Jiang Yuqing] also took the time to give charms to the Empress, Prince Jingyan, and Li Deshun. She only said these were rare protective treasures passed down in their sect that could save lives in times of need, and had them wear the charms close.


    These people had treated her well so of course she counted them among her own. Naturally she would not forget them when she had something good.


    The days grew colder. The fu residence had also lit its kangs.


    At the end of November, the capital saw the first snowfall of the winter. Correspondingly, the number of people infected with wind-chill illness also increased drastically, leaving the Hope Hospital packed every day.


    [Jiang Yuqing]¡¯s days seemed to return to the time when she was making penicillin. She was extremely busy day to day.


    Busy as she was, the days arrived atte November. [Jiang Yuqing] prepared to ¡°return to Qingzhou.¡±


    After being away for almost a year, it would be strange not to miss home.


    In this age of munications by shouting and transportation by walking,¡± the once-a-month letters were especially sorely missed.


    In fact, she nned to truly return home in Qingzhou around the twenty-seventh or twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month. With White Little Ten flying back in a day, it would be fast.


    The trip from the capital to Qingzhou would optimally take over twenty days. If they met rain or snow and the roads were bad, a month was also possible.


    So leaving now was just right.


    Before ¡°leaving,¡± [Jiang Yuqing] specially went to the pce to bid farewell to the Empress, Prince Jingyan, and Li Deshun. Naturally she received piles of rewards and gifts too.


    By now, all the prefectures nation-wide had reported this year¡¯s grain yields to the Ministry of Revenue. Lingzhou Fu¡¯s yield was over triple the average of other prefects. It was also over fifty percent more than the most prosperous regions around Suzhou and Hangzhou.


    Just Qingzhou county alone brought in more grain than an entire prefecture, delighting the Emperor so much that his whiskers nearly curled up to his eyebrows.


    The ministers had absolutely no doubts. If Lord Jiang was here, His Majesty would probably hug and kiss him out of joy.


    Though that mental image was rather disgusting!


    But there was no denying His Majesty¡¯s true delight.


    After leaving the pce, [Jiang Yuqing] had people first send the rewards back to the estate. She went straight to Hope Hospital herself.


    It so happened that Lu Yi had just carried out a young woman in blue robes with a splint on her leg from the consultation room¨Dthe same beauty who had whipped him at Baoyue Lake.


    With twinkling eyes, Tuanzi¡¯s gossipy soul burned fiercely.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately ran to the changing room, grabbed her little white coat, put it on while walking, and followed them to the inpatient department in an upright manner.


    Lu Yi carried the girl into the only vacant VIP ward left and Tuanzi jogged a few steps to catch up.


    Just as she was about to enter the room, the door suddenly mmed shut with a "bang" right in front of her, barely touching her nose.


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the closed door in disbelief, her heart pounding as she reached out and touched her little nose. Fortunately, it wasn''t ttened and was still straight.


    Not willing to give up, Tuanzi looked around with twinkling eyes and then turned and ran away.


    If the front door doesn''t work, can''t I still climb through the window? Soon, she concealed her presence and went around to the remote window under the eaves where no one was around.


    But with her short legs, she still couldn''t reach the window. Seeing no one around, she simply let Bai Xiaoshi out to use him as a footstool.


    Although Bai Xiaoshi was ashamed of her despicable peeping behavior, as a qualified spiritual tool, he still could not refuse his master''s unreasonable demands and honestly acted as a meat stool.


    With Bai Xiaoshi''s help, Jiang Yuqing was just able to reach the window. She pried it open about three fingers wide and peeked inside. With just one nce, she couldn''t bear to look away.


    The people inside were still unaware that they were being peeped at and continued talking.


    "Why did you help me?" asked the beauty in blue.


    Lu Yi inserted the medical record card into the bedside table while replying, "It''s not to help you, it''s my duty as a doctor."


    "You''re lying!" the beauty in the blue dress was agitated, "Would you hold me like you did today for them too?"


    Lu Yi looked at her as if questioning her sanity, "Of course not!"


    The beauty in blue suddenly smiled, like a peach blossom blooming in early March, vibrant and eye-catching.


    "I know now, you like me!" she said.


    "How is that possible, are you crazy?" Lu Yi reacted as if his tail had been stepped on. He jumped up, "Impossible, absolutely impossible..." But his voice grew smaller and smaller, betraying hisck of confidence and guilt.


    The beauty in the blue dress suddenly burst outughing, her voice clear like silver bells.


    She crooked her finger at Lu Yi.


    Lu Yi looked at her doubtfully, "What''s wrong? Does your leg hurt?" He bent down nervously, ready to check her injured leg.


    Unexpectedly, the beauty in the blue dress grabbed his cor and pulled him down, immediately covering his lips with hers...


    Jiang Yuqing outside the window did not expect to see such an explosive scene. She was so excited that all her blood rushed to the top of her head. Her eyes bulged like copper bells, wishing she could stick her head through the window gap for a close-up view.


    identally taking things too far, her head mmed heavily on the window frame with a thud...


    Tuanzi only felt her vision go ck for a moment, and when she came to her senses she was being held by the scruff of her neck like a little chick.


    Tuanzi looked up and came face to face with a dark, handsome face.


    She was done for!

 Chapter 81: I’m Back

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    "Seen enough?" Lu Yi was so angry he wanted to strangle the little thing. He actually had the audacity to peep.


    Thinking of the earlier situation that had all been seen by this little stinker, Lu Yi was so embarrassed that his toes could w out a He An Hospital.


    Baby Dumpling giggled twice, trying to muddle through.


    "I didn''t see anything, really, I was just, just walking Bai Xiaoshi to eat grass, passing by here, passing by!"


    "Humph!" Lu Yi saw her perform, with one side of his mouth pulled high. Did Bai Xiaoshi need her to lead it?


    Other people might not know how sneaky this little thing was, but didn''t he know?


    Seeing the "do you think I''m stupid" expression on Lu Yi''s face, Jiang Yuqing knew she couldn''t get away with it, so she honestly lowered her head to admit her mistake: "I''m sorry, Third Senior Brother, I was wrong."


    Lu Yi gave a coldugh: ¡°From now on, I don''t want to see you again for at least a day!¡± With that, he slightly moved his hand outwards and waved to throw her out.


    Thrown, out, went.


    Falling from this height wouldn''t kill anyone, but it would still be very ufortable.


    Baby Dumpling climbed up, touched her sore little butt, and didn''t dare go find him to reason things out. She felt guilty.


    What was worse was that Bai Xiaoshi was still gloating in her consciousness, hahahaughing wildly, mocking her for deserving it.


    She was so angry she wanted to kick Bai Xiaoshi into a ball and punt it out like a ball. In the end, she still stuffed it back into the spirit realm out of sight, out of mind.


    Humph, she didn''t want such an ungrateful spirit beast anymore!


    Baby Dumpling ate humble pie and walked out somewhat drooped.


    But when she thought about it, she would soon have a dashing and beautiful third senior sister-inw, and she was happy again in an instant.


    She walked while humming a messy little tune: "Today is a good day, things you think of in your heart cane true... Wemon people, are really happy today..."


    That night, as expected, Lu Yi didn''te back. Jiang Yuqing understood what was up.


    Well, it looked like she could only go back to her hometown in Qing Prefecture alone for the New Year.


    It was asking to be struck by lightning to break up a loving couple.


    The next day at first light, a convoy of carriages marked with the "He An" insignia set off from the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion, passed through the main gate of the capital, and headed south.


    So everyone knew that the young mistress of the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion was being escorted by her second senior brother''s men to go back to her hometown in Qing Prefecture to spend the New Year.


    In fact, Jiang Yuqing was still in the capital.


    That convoy was indeed sent south by her second senior brother, but it deliberately passed by the front gate of the Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion to pick up some things, creating the perfect illusion that Jiang Yuqing had returned to Qing Prefecture.


    If you could get home in a day, who would be willing to jolt around in a carriage for a month unless their brain had holes.


    So during the day when Doctor Qiu went out, she would be closed up cultivating in the spirit realm. She would onlye out at night to chat with her master.


    She had set up an istion formation in the Spring Returning Courtyard, unless she allowed it, no one could hear a peep, let alone break in by force.


    As for her Third Senior Brother Lu Yi?


    How many days has it been since he came back?


    Don''t know!


    It was best not to mention a person without feelings who forgot his master (sister) once he had a wife!


    The little New Year in the north was the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, one day earlier than the south. After the little New Year passed, the Spring Festival drew nearer day by day.


    Jiang Yuqing used illusion arts to disguise herself as a middle-aged woman. She started going out shopping, preparing things to bring back for her family.


    Whether it was clothes, jewelry, or little knick-knacks, as long as she felt it was good and suitable for her family to use, she bought everything¡ªthe baby had plenty of money.


    On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, at first light, Jiang Yuqing bid farewell to Master Qiu and rode Bai Xiaoshi, embarking on the road home.


    She and Bai Xiaoshi both wore high-level invisibility talismans so they wouldn''t frighten passersby. Her current talisman-drawing ability provided twelve hours of effectiveness with one talisman. It was enough for her to fly back to her hometown in Qing Prefecture.


    She also used spiritual power on herself to cast a protective barrier so she could freely enjoy the scenery below without fear of strong winds.


    At noon, the girl and her spirit beast found a secluded mountain top to stop at. They ate some food and replenished their spiritual power at the same time. Afterwards they set off again, straight until night fell when they finally saw the silhouette of Qing Prefecture City indistinctly appearing below them at the front.


    Jiang Yuqing was instantly excited. She was almost home.


    After flying a short while longer, the beautiful vige shrouded in the night appeared below her.


    They had arrived at Xijin Crossing.


    Jiang Yuqing let Bai Xiaoshind right in front of her family''s front gate. She removed the invisibility talisman from herself. Then she took out two huge packages and tied them onto Bai Xiaoshi as saddlebags.


    By then, the sky was already pitch ck.


    It was said that one felt timid approaching their hometown.


    Seeing again this house shrouded in the night, never appearing in her dreams yet never forgotten, so familiar, Jiang Yuqing had mixed feelings of apprehension and joy.


    She also didn''t know if they had eaten dinner or not. At this time, they probably had already eaten.


    She hadn''t told her parents abouting home for New Year. She wanted to surprise them. They should be very surprised, right!


    In the hall, the Jiang family had already finished eating. The servants were clearing the table.


    The men sat around the coal stove drinking tea and discussing ns for the fields next year, while the women discussed what styles of spring outfits they should make for the well-behaved precious girl after New Year.


    The boys either quietly listened to the elders'' conversation or gathered in twos and threes ying little games.


    Bai Xiaojiu, who waszily lying next to its exclusive stove after eating its fill, suddenly stood up. It twitched its nose twice, and its steel whip-like tail swept urgently.


    Then, beams of excitement shot out of the tiger''s eyes. It tilted its head back and gave a long, resonating roar that shook the floorboards and greatly startled everyone in the room.


    Right after, it leaped high up and dashed out in a few bounds, making straight for the front gate.


    Everyone in the room was stunned, then they thought of a certain possibility at the same time. Coming to their senses afterwards, they swarmed towards the front gate like crazy.


    Jiang Yuqing was just about to knock when she heard a flurry of footsteps inside. Then came the sound of the wooden door bolt being slid open. As soon as the door opened, arge figure burst out from inside.


    This silly Bai Xiaojiu pressed its two big paws down firmly on her. It desperately stretched its big head forward, zealously rubbing its face against her. If Jiang Yuqing hadn''t reacted quickly with her hands, her pretty little face might have been washed several times over by it already.


    While nuzzling her, it let out aggrieved awoos: "Master, you''ve finallye back. I thought you didn''t want me anymore."


    Jiang Yuqing was moved and hugged its big head: "How could that be, our Bai Xiaojiu is so cute. No matter how long I''m away from home, I''ll never forget about you."


    "Master, next time you leave, can you bring me with you? Bai Xiaojiu doesn''t want to be apart from you again."


    She agreed decisively to this request: "Okay!"


    Bai Xiaojiu was finally satisfied.


    Jiang Yuqing pushed Bai Xiaojiu away and used its strength to stand up. She saw the doorway was packed full of people.


    In the faintmplight from under the eaves, Jiang Yuqing clearly saw her mother, her father, paternal grandparents, uncles and aunts, as well as brothers.


    Each and every one of them looked at her emotionally.


    Baby Dumpling then put her hands on her plump waist and loudly announced, "I''m home!"


    With this shout, Lu rushed over first and swept her long missed precious daughter into her arms. Tears of excitement and joy rolled down her cheeks as she held her tight.


    Feeling the warmth against her neck, Jiang Yuqing also couldn''t help her eyes reddening. She hugged Lu''s neck tightly and tenderly conveyed her longing: "Mother, baby missed you so much."


    "Mother missed you too!" Lu raised her head and kissed her daughter''s face.


    Jiang Wenyuan suppressed his stirred up emotions and walked over to encircle his wife and daughter: "Let''s go back inside to talk, it''s cold out here!"


    And so, the big group of people once again bustled noisily back to themp-lit great hall.


    After kissing her mother, Baby Dumpling also kissed her father, then paternal grandparents, uncles and aunts, and brothersst.


    Hearing that Baby Dumpling hadn''t eaten yet, Lu asked what she wanted to eat. Jiang Yuqing said she wanted rice noodles.


    Her Second Aunt Zhu happily went to personally make delicious food for her.


    Everyone asked Jiang Yuqing why she was standing alone outside the door. Where were the people who brought her back?


    Jiang Yuqing vaguely said: "It was toote, they were in a hurry to get home. I told them to drop me off at the door and let them go." She decided to talk to her parents privatelyter about what really happened.


    Jiang Wenyuan carefully looked over his precious daughter and saw thatpared to when she left home, she had grown a little taller and was less gangly. Her hair was also thicker and grown to below her shoulders.


    Her skin was even whiter and rosier than as a baby, brimming with vitality.


    From these alone, it was evident that Baby Dumpling had been well taken care of during the six months she spent in the capital.


    Baby Dumpling began telling them about her life in the capital.


    She talked about the beautiful, park-like grounds of the magnificent Qing Prefecture Marquis Mansion, and thergeke within the mansion that was filled with beautiful lotus blossoms in the summer.


    She told them about attending a flower-viewing party at Princess Ronghua''s Residence and seeing the gorgeous peonies there.


    She told them about how nice Jing Yan, the Emperor and Empress, and Li Deshun treated her.


    She told them about how she and her master transformed the He An Clinic into the He An Hospital...and much more.


    Everyone listened with great interest.


    Only Jiang Wenyuan sat in the shadows with red-rimmed eyes, not saying a word.


    He alone knew that behind all these seemingly wonderful and interesting things, his precious daughter had endured and sacrificed so much for him.


    The letters she wrote home always shared the good news but never the grievances, injustices, injuries, or suffering she endured.


    If Qin Jue had not written to inform him, he would not have known his daughter went through so many harrowing experiences in the capital.


    She was at an age where she should have been pampered and doted on in his embrace, yet she had taken on the storms that he should have shielded her from with her tiny shoulders.


    He had failed his daughter.


    His daughter was so adorable and heartbreaking.


    Lu beside him noticed her husband''s distress and looked at him questioningly.


    Jiang Wenyuan lightly shook his head without speaking.


    Just then, Zhu came in carrying arge bowl of delicious steaming rice noodles, immediately drawing Baby Dumpling''s attention.


    The soup with pork bones and yellow beans, the crispy pickled bean sprouts, minced meat, scallions, the fried tasty yellow beans...one mouthful of the smooth rice noodles was incredibly appetizing.


    She had craved this in the capital but couldn''t get it there. Next year when she returned, she would bring more rice noodles and pickled beans so the mansion''s cooks could make it for her whenever she wanted.


    After the meal, Baby Dumpling unpacked the packages and began distributing gifts to her family.


    For Lu, there was a set of emerald headdresses, a set of pomegranate flower headdresses with ruby, a pair of bangle bracelets carved from fine jade, and a set of rouge and powder with two weasel brushes.


    The emerald headdress was won from gaming at Princess Ronghua''s Residence. The pomegranate ruby headdress was bestowed by the Empress before her return. The bangle bracelets were gifts of gratitude from the Marchioness of the Town Patrol General after Baby Dumpling cured Yuan Wuyang.


    For Jiang Wenyuan, there was a white jade hairpiece, a rare antique book, an exquisite Duan inkstone, and a box of pine soot inksticks.


    The white jade hairpiece was bought at the Yin Building. The rare book was obtained at the Fuwei Academic Forum. The top-quality Duan inkstone and pine soot inksticks were gifts from Jing Yan.


    Reportedly, they were originally from the Mu En Marquis Mansion''s collection. Jing Yan had taken a liking to them after seeing them listed in the catalog at the Wen Yuan Pavilion andter bestowed them to Baby Dumpling.


    For Grandpa Jiang, there was arge fox-fur cape, a pair of deerskin boots, and an elegant warming stove. Growing older, Grandpa felt cold easier now. Receiving these gifts from his granddaughter delighted him immensely and he put them on immediately.


    For Old Lady Hu, there was also arge fox-fur cape in a different color, along with a bejeweled golden headdress, and a pair of creamy white jade bangles.


    Old Lady Hu was overjoyed with her gifts, profusely praising her thoughtful granddaughter.


    For her two uncles, there were two differently styled jade hairpins and a set of books on agriculture for each. Baby Dumpling had sourced the books from all the major bookstores in the capital andter found more interesting ones at the Imperial Library Wen Yuan Pavilion. The Emperor had let her take them, seeing how much she liked them.


    For her two aunts, there were exquisite bejeweled golden headdresses, jade bangles, rouge and powder sets, and weasel brushes for each aunt.


    The rouge and powder sets were from the renowned Shu Fang Pavilion in the capital city, while the weasel brushes were gifted by the Empress - precious items with only a few in each box, so Baby Dumpling could only give two brushes to each aunt.


    The gifts for her brothers catered to each of their diverse interests.


    For her eldest brother Jiang Yujiang, who enjoyed reading and had recently be an academy student, Baby Dumpling presented calligraphy brushes and two travelogues she had found interesting during her search of bookstores in the capital,ter discovering more captivating ones at Wen Yuan Pavilion that the Emperor had let her take.


    For Jiang Yuhe, there was a precious sword. The boy was utterly delighted at the gift, immediately unsheathing the de and swinging it around, nearly chopping up the flower rack before his father stepped in to restrain him.


    For her third brother Jiang Yuhu, there was an abacus. For her fourth, fifth and sixth brothers, there were treasures from the capital catering to their individual passions. For Jiang Yuchuan, her closest brother, there were also calligraphy brushes and a set of historical records.


    The clever young schr had an outstanding talent for academics. Their father said he would be taking the academy exam after New Year''s in February.


    Finally, Baby Dumpling had carved jade amulets for peace and protection for each family member, instructing them to be sure to wear them.


    Even the servants received gifts. For the young maids like Lu Chun and Gu Yu, there were fashionable embroidered silk flowers from the capital, one box with six blossoms for each, and two pairs of silver eardrops. The colors varied for each girl.


    The older servants each received a silver hairpin while the manservants and her brothers'' young attendant boys received more practical gifts of two taels of silver each.


    In an instant, the room was filled with sounds of joy and celebrations for the abundant gifts.

 Chapter 82: Drowning First Aid

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    That night, Baby Dumpling was forcibly taken back to her parents'' room by her father and mother.


    At this time, Jiang Wenyuan asked, "Good baby, tell Dad the truth, were you really sent back by Second Senior Brother''s convoy?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and shook her head, "I knew I couldn''t fool Dad. I wasn''t sent back by Second Senior Brother''s convoy, I came back by myself."


    Upon hearing this, Lu was shocked, "Oh my god, you little rascal, how dare you!" Jiang Wenyuan stopped his wife who was about to rage, he knew his daughter must have some unknown abilities: "Tell me!"


    Baby Dumpling smiled and said, "It''s Bai Xiaoshi, it can fly! It carried me back." We set off from the Marquis Mansion in the capital this morning, and it only took us one day to get home."


    Speaking of this, Baby Dumpling pouted dissatisfiedly, "Originally I wanted to go back with Master and Third Senior Brother, but Master couldn''t leave the An Hospital, and Third Senior Brother went after Third Senior Brother''s Wife, so I was the only one who came back."


    Jiang Wenyuanughed softly when he heard this, bowed his head and kissed his daughter''s hair, "So in order to confuse others, you said it was your Second Senior Brother''s men who sent you back?"


    "Yeah, yeah. Isn''t your baby smart?"


    "Smart! There is no smarter kid in the world than my daughter."


    Baby Dumpling was satisfied, snuggled happily in her father''s sturdy arms. Shemented inwardly that children with fathers and mothers were like treasures!


    Jiang Yuqing had flown for a whole day in the sky, and she was really tired. Lu tidy up the bed and put the yawning baby in the middle of the bed.


    Baby Dumpling held her dad with one hand and her mother with the other, looking here and there, eventually unable to resist and fell asleep happily.


    The corners of her mouth curled up, probably sweet like honey in her dreams.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing slept until she woke naturally. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw her mother sitting smilingly by the bedside, and was momentarily confused. She seemed to see her mother - wait!


    She remembered, she hade home!


    The stunned Baby Dumpling finally woke up! She rubbed her eyes and threw herself into Lu''s arms acting coquettishly: "Mother!" Her soft voice made Lu''s heart melt.


    She pinched her daughter''s cute little nose and indulged, "Get up quickly, you littlezy worm, the sun is shining on your butt."


    "Okay!"


    Baby Dumpling looked for clothes to wear as usual, but was stopped by her mother who took over instead.


    To be honest, this feeling was not bad at all.


    After washing up, she went to the front hall to eat.


    Today, the family had to prepare to ughter several pigs. In addition to distributing to the n members and making glutinous rice cakes, the rest would be rubbed with salt and made into cured meat.


    After the meal, Jiang''s other family members went busy with the pig ughtering. Jiang Dad was afraid that the nephews would "monopolize" his sister, so he drove all the boys to the n school to write couplets with Teacher Lao for the vigers.


    Jiang Yuqing held her old father''s hand. Father and daughter first went to the kitchen to fill the water tank with spiritual spring water. Then they went to the warehouse and filled the almost half empty rice vat with spiritual rice. Then they ran to the backyard.


    Due to her absence from home this winter, there were only a handful of cold-resistant vegetables left in the backyard, such as cabbage, radish, bamboo shoots, celery and green onions, garlic and chives.


    Many other ces were empty.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Dad, let''s nt some summer vegetables!"


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard this, his eyes lit up immediately: "Can it work? What if someone sees it?"


    Jiang Yuqing arrogantly said, "Don''t be afraid. I am the apprentice of the god doctor. What good things don''t I have? My master can even save people from the brink of death. Making a magical potion to elerate the growth of vegetables is nothing impossible.


    Besides, our family hasn''t done this before. At worst, we''ll take it easy and let them grow a little every day."


    Jiang Wenyuan felt his daughter was right.


    Father and daughter thought and did immediately. They took out tools and tidied up several plots.


    Then Jiang Yuqing took out seeds of summer vegetables such as snap beans, peppers, cucumbers, etc. from the Spiritual Space, and nted a section of each.


    Then she watered them with spiritual spring water. Jiang Yuqing opened her hands and emitted a little vitality, watching these lovely seeds sprout and pierce the soil. Tomorrow morning, they would grow out of the ground.


    After thinking about it, she also took out several grape vines and sweet loquats from the Spiritual Space and nted them in unobtrusive corners of the vegetable garden, hoping they would bear decent fruits.


    Then she condensed some Spiritual Rain and watered the other vegetable plots.


    Jiang Wenyuan watched with eyes wide open and clicked his tongue in wonder.


    A thought rose in Jiang Yuqing''s mind, and she asked Bai Xiaoshi in the Spiritual Space, "Can my father and the others cultivate?"


    Bai Xiaoshi rolled his eyes at her and said, "Do you think spiritual roots are like cabbages? Not every random person has them. I''ve looked long ago, no one in your family has spiritual roots. Out of all the people you''ve seen, only two have spiritual roots. One is Huayang Zi, the old Daoist priest of the Three Purities Temple, who only has a mixed spiritual root. The other one is Prince Jing Yan."


    Jiang Yuqing was extremely surprised: "You said Jing Yan has spiritual roots?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "Yes, and he has a chaos spiritual root with all five elements, his aptitude is not much worse than yours. Perhaps you can consider letting him cultivate together with you, then you two can keep each otherpany."


    Jiang Yuqing thought about it, and finally shook her head: "Let''s talk about itter!" He was not Doctor Qiu. Doctor Qiu was her master, once a teacher, a father for life. Her master treated her no less well than her father did. Although Jing Yan treated her very well for now, after all, he was the crown prince of a country, things might change in the future. Better take one step at a time for now, and see how things go.


    The familiar extremelyfortable aura in the front yard attracted Bai Xiaojiu, who barked as it ran over, surrounding her and asking for spiritual spring water to drink.


    Jiang Yuqing scooped out a bowl for it, and also threw it a pile of rabbits. Ity down satisfied on one side to enjoy its meal.


    These rabbits were abundant in the grasnds near the medicinal ntation, almost to the point of bing a gue.


    Bai Xiaoshi''s little pet had killed many, Jiang Yuqing collected some and would asionally take out two to feed it extra.


    Her Third Senior Brother Lu Yi''s roasted meat skills were quite good. Rabbits he carefully roasted were crispy on the outside and tender inside. Brushed with bee glue water, the taste was finger-licking good.


    She took out another two, wrapped them in a tattered sack and handed them to her dad to prepare to add dishes to the kitchenter.


    The old yard over there had started ughtering pigs, and the screams could be heard over here. Bai Xiaojiu only pricked up its ears to listen for a moment, then went back to eating.


    It nned to finish this pile, then go catch the next batch. The timing would be just right.


    After being away from home for almost a year, when she came out of the backyard, Jiang Yuqing held her old father''s hand as they walked around the vige.


    Everyone was very happy to see her back, and came up warmly to greet her and ask when she came back, enthusiastically inviting her to their homes to y.


    Jiang Yuqing called them uncles and aunties obediently, answered whatever she was asked, with a constant smile and very polite.


    Lunch was the meat from the ughtered pigs.


    Stir fried pork belly with celery, quick fried pig''s liver, stir fried pig''s stomach with pickled radish, pig''s blood and intestines soup, all served inrge bowls. Although not as delicate as the dishes eaten in the capital, the taste was excellent.


    Rtives, friends and fellow vigers who came to help surrounded the table, picking food with their chopsticks while chatting away happily about all kinds of topics. Lively and joyful.


    This was the most authentic life, the most beautiful worldly affair.


    In the afternoon, Jiang Yuqing followed her mother, grandmother and aunts at home to learn how to make glutinous rice cakes.


    She wasn''t very good at cooking in her previous life, and was just as clumsy in the kitchen this life. Not only was she covered all over with glutinous rice flour, she also ruined quite a bit of good meat.


    Her grandmother really couldn''t stand watching anymore, so she chased her out.


    It was evident that cooking also required some talent. Jiang Yuqing shrugged her shoulders, deciding not to trouble herself anymore. She threw a cleaning spell on herself, and soon waspletely clean again.


    Baby Dumpling then trotted briskly out to find Bai Xiaojiu to y. At that time Bai Xiaojiu was full and resting, lying in its nest sleeping.


    Hearing her footsteps, it raised its huge head to nuzzle her. Jiang Yuqing simply leaned against Bai Xiaojiu and took out her medical notes to read.


    These were precious experience summaries from the lifelong medical practices of predecessors, passed down by a certain disciple who volunteered to donate them. Jiang Yuqing made a copy to keep in her Spiritual Space, taking it out to read when she had time. She learned a lot from them, and even wanted to take out silver needles to let Bai Xiaojiu give her a feel of inserting them.


    However, before she could make a move, an urgent shout suddenly came from outside, "Good baby, good baby, where are you?"


    It was the voice of her second uncle, Jiang Wenxi.


    "Second uncle, I''m here!" Jiang Yuqing ran out of the room, "What''s the matter? Did something happen?"


    Jiang Wenxi ran over out of breath, "Hurry,e with me quickly. The little daughter of your Liuzhi Uncle''s family drowned."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing was also shocked. She immediately pulled Bai Xiaojiu to ride on and ran after Jiang Wenxi.


    Liuzhi Uncle was best friends with her father. Their families had a good rtionship. His little daughter Xi Qiu, Jiang Yuqing had seen a few times before. She was two years older than her, a very shy and timid little girl.


    Jiang Wenxi said her family was also making glutinous rice cakes with meat filling today. Her mother was busy and asked her brother to take her out to y.


    A group of children ran to the old house site on the north side of the vige to y. There was an old well there that was usually covered.


    Beside the well stood an old pomelo tree. The children saw a leftover pomelo on the tree that hadn''t been picked. Xi Qiu''s brother boldly volunteered to pick it.


    Who would have thought the branch broke and he fell from the tree, hitting right on the rotten well cover, smashing a big hole in it. Fortunately his reactions were quick and he managed to grab onto the well curb before falling in.


    The few children were shocked and quickly went to pull him up. Xi Qiu also went to pull her brother. He did get pulled up but somehow when doing so, pulled Xi Qiu down into the well.


    By the time the adults had rushed over after hearing the news and fished Xi Qiu out, she had already stopped breathing.


    Jiang Wenxi was thinking along the lines of desperate times call for desperate measures, and that''s why he thought of getting Jiang Yuqing over to take a look.


    By the time the two arrived at the old house grounds on the back of Bai Xiaojiu, Xi Qiu''s parents were holding their daughter''s "corpse" and crying bitterly. Their miserable wails could be heard from half a mile away.


    Jiang Wenxi pushed through the crowd, "Make way, make way, let my good girl take a quick look! Hurry, Xi Qiu''s mother, stop crying. Quickly let Qingbao take a look, what if she can still be saved!"


    Only then did Zhao Liuzhie to his senses. He pulled his wife away and held out his child pleadingly, "Qingbao, please save her, save Xi Qiu. She''s still so young!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I can''t guarantee anything. Put her on the ground first!"


    Zhao Liuzhi quickly did as she said and put his daughter down.


    Jiang Yuqing checked - the little girl no longer had a pulse or was breathing. Still, she put her fingers to the girl''s carotid artery. There was still a trace of warmth.


    She heaved a sigh of relief that there was still a silver lining of hope.


    She swiftly stimted Xi Qiu''s life force, checked that her airway was not obstructed, then knelt down on one knee and put both hands together, rapidly performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the little girl.


    She did 30 chestpressions and 2 rescue breaths as one cycle, repeating for 5 full cycles. The little girl still showed no reaction, while the onlooking crowd didn''t even dare to breathe loudly.


    Jiang Yuqing did not give up but continued the chestpressions, while also using the rescue breaths to keep stimting her life force. After another short while, when Jiang Yuqing was drenched in sweat from exhaustion, the little girl finally coughed and spat out two mouthfuls of water, regained consciousness and woke up.


    The surrounding crowd immediately cheered, "She''s alive, she came back alive!"


    Zhao Liuzhi and his wife hugged their daughter who they had almost lost. They cried tears of joy. Jiang Yuqing reminded them, "Stop crying first. Quickly take Xi Qiu sister back home to have a hot bath and change her clothes. Then send someone to collect medicine from my house."


    "Alright! Qingbao, thank you for saving our Xi Qiu. Uncle is bowing to thank you." As he spoke he lowered his head to bow. Jiang Yuqing quickly helped prop him back up.


    After Zhao Liuzhi''s family left carrying Xi Qiu, everyone gave Jiang Yuqing a thumbs up, "Truly living up to being Doctor Qiu''s top disciple! Even able to bring the dead back to life. Too amazing!"


    "That''s right, amazing stuff! Not only noble status but also remarkable abilities. Incredible, just incredible!"


    Seeing her embarrassment, her second uncle Jiang Wenxiughed and bid the crowd farewell. He hauled her onto Bai Xiaojiu''s back to sit properly and urged it to take her home to change her somewhat damp clothes. The weather was cold and he was worried she might fall ill.

 Chapter 83: The Face went white.

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    After returning home, Jiang Yuqing was urged to change her clothes as the first order of business. Based on Second Uncle Jiang''s vivid description, the family already knew that Jiang Yuqing had saved someone again.


    Old Man Jiang affectionately patted her on the head, "My granddaughter is so amazing."


    Before long, Zhao Liuzhi came in person and immediately knelt down to knock his head heavily on the floor to Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang''s father was so startled that he quickly helped him up and said, "As an elder, how can you show her such a big courtesy? It may shorten her lifespan."


    Zhao Liuzhi said with tears, "Third Brother, thank you for giving birth to such a good daughter. If it wasn''t for precious Jiang, my Xiuer would have died today."


    Jiang Wenyuan deeply understood this feeling of getting someone back from the brink of death. He patted his brother on the back, "It''s alright now. She''s a doctor and this is part of her duties."


    Jiang Yuqing prescribed medicine to reduce fever and treat colds, detailing the usage and dosage. She also provided medicine to calm the nerves, as well as tonic medicine.


    For a girl who had soaked in ice water for so long in the middle of winter, if she wasn''t properly cared for in a timely manner, not only would she be ufortable every month, but her future ability to bear children may also be affected.


    Zhao Liuzhi paid the medical fees, held the medicine package, thanked her profusely, and left.


    The news that Jiang Yuqing had "brought back a patient from death" quickly spread throughout the vige, and it spread like the wind to surrounding viges...


    On the morning of the 30th day before the Lunar New Year, Jiang Yuqing took Er Bai to visit the Zhao family. Although Zhao Xiuer still had not woken up, her pulse was steady and strong, so she was going to be alright.


    Zhao Liuzhi''s eyes were bloodshot, but he was full of relief when he said that thanks to Jiang''s medicine, the child''s fever hade down twice during the previous night.


    When daylight came, the girl started crying that she was hungry. The couple fed her a small bowl of congee, and she fell asleep after eating.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing specifically urged them to start simmering the recuperative medicine today. Even if tomorrow was the first day of the lunar new year, she still had to take the medicine. They shouldn''t neglect her health because of themon taboo of "not taking medicine on the first day of the new year".


    The Zhao couplepletely agreed with her and promised to follow her instructions.


    New Year''s Eve dinner began amidst the sounds of lively firecrackers.


    Three tables were set up in the Jiang family''s living room side by side, two tables for the masters and one for the servants. The dishes were the same, with no screen separating them.


    Everyone had worked hard over the past year and should sit down to enjoy a nice meal together.


    The men drank Moutai, while the women who couldn''t handle the strong liquor drank grape wine and fruit juice instead. The grape wine was made by Jiang Yuqing from the grapes in her spiritual space, and tasted especially good. The fruit juice was also freshly squeezed from the luscious fruits in her spiritual space.


    New Year''s Eve dinnersted from early evening untilte into the night. After clearing the tables, theyid out fresh fruits and seeds for casual chatting.


    When night fell, the children ran into the yard together to set off firecrackers.


    Amidst the flickering firelight, the brothers''ughter echoed in the night sky. Jiang Yuqing looked back at the brightly lit house, where the elders smiled affectionately at this scene.


    She thought, this was the meaning behind the custom to return home for New Year celebrations every year.


    On the first day of the lunar new year, families in the vige visited each other to exchange new year blessings. When the vigers looked at her, in addition to affection, there was now a sense of respect from the bottom of their hearts, some even directly calling her "Young Divine Doctor."


    The Zhao family all came for a visit. This honest couple made Jiang Yuqing sit in a chair while their daughter Zhao Xiuer solemnly knocked her head heavily on the floor three times to show her gratitude.


    Jiang Yuqing felt both amused and exasperated, but could only ept it. Others said she should ept their gesture of thanks. Indeed Jiang Yuqing didn''t mind, she only exhorted Zhao Xiuer to take her medicine on time without fearing bitterness, and persist for a month. After that, she would have no issues.


    On the second day, Jiang Yuqing followed her parents and brothers to visit her maternal grandfather''s family in Xiu Shui Bay vige. She received a warm wee from her maternal grandfather''s side.


    Her grandmother boasted about her abilities to anyone who would listen. She went to the capital once and managed to bring back a county magistrate.


    In between, Lu Xiuer and her husband Gao Chong came over to pay new year visits and exchange auspicious blessings, staying for a short while before leaving.


    Mrs. Lu wondered, "Why do I feel like she has lost a lot of weightpared tost year, and seems listless? Now when she sees me she doesn''t even dare to lift her head."


    Her mother, Mrs. Guo, sneered. "How could she not lose weight? That Gao is not a good man either. Earlier this year he took Little Yu as his concubine, and has given birth to another son whom he dotes on very much.


    That Little Yu is not a simple girl either. She makes trouble in front of her husband every day. Now Gao Chong just keeps up appearances with his wife."


    Mrs. Lu recalled how arrogant Lu Xiuer used to be in front of her before her husband became sessful. And now she had ended up in such circumstances, it wasmentable indeed.


    Life at home was very joyful every day.


    In the early morning, she would go to the backyard to check on her darling vegetable seedlings and urge them to grow quicker. The family was able to eat fresh and delicious out-of-season vegetables every day, all taken by her from her spiritual space.


    The adults all knew what was going on, while the children either didn''t ask or were told the vegetables were gifts from the hot spring lodge up in the mountains where they grew specially well.


    Thanks to the bumper grain harvests in the Ling Zhou prefecture this year,


    The merit stele in her spiritual space was rapidly umting more merit points. Four drops of spiritual dew had condensed in the jade bowl. A single drop could increase lifespan by ten years.


    Jiang Yuqing took out all four drops at once and secretly mixed them into the grandparents and maternal grandparents'' tea, giving each person one drop to drink.


    After drinking the spiritual dew, their white hair would gradually turn ck again within two months, and their bodies would be more youthful.


    Others would simply think they looked younger and healthier because of good spirits and self-care, and would not associate it with her at all.


    As for her parents and other rtives, she could only temporarily dy that for now.


    On the seventh day of the new year, two unexpected female guests came to visit the Jiang residence.


    The wife of the Vice Prefect of Ling Zhou, Mrs. Yu, and her daughter Yu Yan''er.


    Mrs. Yu''s maiden name was Qu, she was the daughter of the Qu family who were business partners in the Jiang family''s food processing workshop. She was the second wife of Yu Wen. On her trip back to her home town Qing Zhou this time to visit rtives, the Marquis manor in Qing Zhou was a definite stop.


    Although Jiang Wenyuan was currently only a county magistrate, with his outstanding achievements in Qing Zhou over the past years, afterpleting his term in six month''s time and going to the capital to give his report, a promotion would certainly be forting.


    Furthermore, he also had a hereditary title. Naturally, Mrs Yu wanted to cultivate good rtions.


    When they came, Tuan Tuan was in the backyard with a group of brothers picking vegetables. Hearing that female guests who were family members of her father''s superior hade calling, she went out to politely greet them out of propriety.


    As a Second ss county madam, even if the guest was the Vice Prefect''s wife, Jiang Yuqing still had to bow and greet them. After they rose, when Jiang Yuqing saw Miss Yu, she couldn''t help but twitch her lips.


    When Miss Yu saw her, she also seemed startled for a moment, and blurted out, "Have I seen you somewhere before?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled without answering, and sat down beside her mother on her own initiative.


    At first their conversation seemed normal, but soon it became subtly inappropriate. Their words hinted that the discussion involved her elder brother Jiang Yujiang.


    From what Jiang Yuqing understood, this Mrs. Yu actually wanted to marry her daughter Miss Yu to her elder brother Jiang Yujiang!


    Ridiculous!


    Jiang Yuqing immediately tugged her mother Lu''s sleeve.


    Originally Mrs. Lu felt this girl looked quite good, she appeared rather well-behaved and polite, and was well-matched in age with elder cousin.


    Although the children had said they wouldn''t consider marriage before eighteen, if they really met a good match, getting engaged first would not be uneptable.


    She was just thinking of calling sister-inw Lin over to take a look and consider further.


    But when she saw her daughter gently shake her head, Lu instantly understood. She quickly changed the subject.


    After sending off Mrs. Yu and her daughter, Mrs Lu asked her daughter, "Is there some issue with that Miss Yu?"


    Tuan Tuan pursed her lips. "Big issues. When I went to the capital with master previously and passed through Ling Zhou prefecture, we stopped briefly. During that time, we went sightseeing at the Qing Hua Temple nearby our lodging. There''s a long corridor with engraved steles of calligraphy masterpieces in that temple. I was there appreciating the engravings when Miss Yu came over to mock me for not recognizing the words and pretending to appreciate them. I ignored her, but she came over and grabbed my cor. If master hadn''t hurried over in time, she would have evene to blows."


    "So that''s why she said you seemed familiar." Mrs. Lu coldly snorted. "That youngdy acted so properly, who could have thought she was actually this kind of person behind the scenes. Our family chooses a daughter-inw without consideration for background or status, but the most important criteria is good moral character. Such a two-faced person absolutely cannot be allowed into our family. Mother almost got tricked by her."


    Mrs. Lu paced back and force twice. "This won''t do. I have to get someone to investigate what''s really going on with this mother and daughter, to actually set their sights on our family!"


    Jiang Yuqing was inplete agreement on this point.


    Jiang Wenyuan personally sent someone to ask about it. In less than two days, the news came back.


    It turned out that Miss Yu was not Mrs. Yu''s biological daughter at all, but was born to Yu Tongzhi by a young concubine.


    Moreover, this concubine was a cheap concubine born in a brothel who had learned a whole set of fox-like skills to serve men. She coaxed Senior Yu to disregard propriety and forcibly registered Yu Yaner under Mrs. Yu''s name as a legitimate daughter.


    Usually, this young concubine would also provoke discord between Yu Yaner and her legal mother.


    A girl raised in such an environment, how could she turn out well. She may not have learned anything else useful, but she certainly learned how to tter and scheme pretentiously.


    Indeed, Mrs. Yu knew what kind of nature this nominal daughter had. If she dared to bring her along, it must have been at Yu Tongzhi''s behest.


    Jiang Wenyuan sneered. He thought he had treated the Yus with utmost courtesy, but did not expect to whet their appetite.


    Even if his elder brother did not hold a prominent official position, Jiang Yujiang was still the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis Fu.


    For a brothel-born concubine''s illegitimate daughter to have delusions of marrying into the Marquis Fu, it was simply wishful thinking.


    At the same time, Mrs. Yu also sent someone to probe their attitude. Lu politely declined on the pretext that Jiang Yujiang was busy with his studies.


    When Mrs. Yu learned the news, she only said, "I see," and said nothing more, as if she had expected this oue early on.


    Mrs. Yu''s sister-inw, Mrs. Qu, asked her younger sister, "Did you know that the Jiang family would not agree from the very start?"


    Mrs. Yu sneered. "If the Jiangs were really that stupid, they would not have achieved what they did today. Over the past two days, they must have already figured out everything about the back courtyards of the Yu household."


    "That cheap slut naively thought that being registered under my name made her a legitimate daughter. Pah! Little does she know that a prostitute''s offspring will never be able to change her lowly status no matter how much gold you dress her name with. The Yus actually still dreamed of marrying her into the Marquis Fu - pure fantasy."


    Mrs. Qu sighed and patted her hand, "Sister, you''ve suffered over these years..."


    When Yu Yaner returned to the Qu Mansion, she recalled Jiang Yuqing''s appearance and the lotus flower between her brows, feeling an increasing sense of familiarity. She kept feeling that she had seen her somewhere before.


    But she just couldn''t remember where.


    Until one day, when she saw the youngdies of the Qu household copying scriptures and calligraphy, a sh of insight suddenly hit her - she seemed to have embarrassed a young girlst year in the stele garden of the Qinghua Temple in Lingzhou prefecture.


    Yu Yaner''s face instantly turned pale.

 Chapter 84: The Mine

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing had promised her master that she would go to the capital city to apany him for the Lantern Festival. Although her family was reluctant to part with her, they also knew that Doctor Qiu must be very lonely in his marquis manor in the capital.


    Moreover, in another half a year, when Jiang Wenyuan''s three-year term expires, he would go to the capital to give a report. By then, the whole family could reunite again.


    On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, Jiang Yuqing celebrated the Lantern Festival early with her family. At the first light on the fourteenth, carrying severalrge baskets of delicious food and Bai Xiaojiu, she rode Bai Xiaoshi into the air towards the capital under her family''s reluctant gaze.


    Watching his daughter riding a deer and rising into the air, before her figure shed and quickly disappeared into the void, Jiang Wenyuan was filled withplex emotions...


    At noon, Jiang Yuqing stopped to rest by a waterfall at the edge of a mountain range. She also lit a fire to roast some cakes for lunch.


    Just when the cakes were almost roasted, she suddenly heard rustling sounds behind her, as if something was running over.


    She paused and pricked up her ears to listen carefully. There seemed to be human shouts as well.


    It was severely cold at this time of the year. How could there be people deep in these mountains?


    Jiang Yuqing immediately pped a stealth talisman on herself and directed Bai Xiaoshi to fly towards the direction of the sounds. She saw two men in gray chasing after an escaping person. One of them pulled his bow taut and shot an arrow. With a "whoosh", the escaping person fell to the snowy ground with a cry.


    Jiang Yuqing was shocked. Who were these two men who dared to openly kill someone?


    The two men ran over, viciously kicked the fallen person, and bent over to check him. After making sure the arrow had pierced his heart and he was dead, they grinned with relief.


    The burly man cursed, "Damn it! Can''t you just obediently work in the mine? Why did you have to run? Now I have to see blood over New Year and suffer bad luck!"


    The shorter man cupped his hands over his mouth and breathed onto them impatiently. "For goodness sake, stop bbering and hurry up to dig a pit."


    As the burly man dug a pit, he said, "We eat poorly and sleep badly in this awful ce. All we do every day is kill people and bury corpses. If not for the gold, I wouldn''t be suffering like this."


    The short man snorted and sucked up his frozen mucus. "I know, alright? The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go back. Damn it, I''m freezing to death."


    "Mine, gold, the emaciated and tattered escapee, killing people and burying corpses" - from these terms, Jiang Yuqing could tell these two were definitely not good people.


    She patted the little bramble on her wrist, "Tie them up for me."


    The little bramble immediately flew out from her and rapidly expanded in size, growing countless thick vines. In a sh, two vines whipped out and wrapped the two thugs tightly into zongzi rice dumplings, hanging them in midair.


    Thinking they had encountered a monster, the two thugs struggled in fright, screaming for help. But aside from swaying faster on the vines, they werepletely helpless.


    Jiang Yuqing had already set up an istion barrier so no matter how loudly they yelled, no one would hear them.


    She kept her stealth talisman on and altered her voice into a low, hoarse masculine one to scare them. "Who exactly are you people and why did youmit murder here? If you don''t honestly confess, I''ll turn you into fertilizer for this mountain forest!"


    The two had already been scared out of their wits by the sudden appearance of vines. Now, hearing a voice but seeing no one, their couragepletely deserted them. A yellow liquid streamed down from their shoe tips - they had peed themselves from fright!


    Disgusted, the little bramble swung them farther away and shook itself. It extended two branches in front of their faces, swaying them threateningly before suddenly shooting out one-foot-long glistening thorns right at their noses.


    The short man''s entire body shook like a sieve. Stuttering badly, he said, "Great, g-g-great immortal, spare us. W-w-we are the guards of a m-mine. This man was a miner who escaped when we weren''t paying attention. We w-were here to catch him."


    "What mine and where is it located?"


    "J-just in the valley over the next mountain."


    "Can you lead the way there?"


    "We c-can''t, Great Immortal. If the overseer finds out we brought a stranger back, w-we''d be done for."


    Jiang Yuqing coldly snorted. "If you don''t lead the way, I''ll turn you into fertilizer right now."


    "W-We''ll lead the way! Please don''t kill us, Great Immortal!" Apparently the burly man feared death more than the short one.


    Jiang Yuqing had the little bramble release them. After tying up their bows, arrows, and weapons and binding their hands, she herded them to lead the way forward.


    After climbing up and down the mountain for about half a double hour, they finally saw a cave half-hidden among wild bushes at the foot of a cliff in the distance.


    Jiang Yuqing gave the two men a look and casually flung a sleep-inducing drug at them, instantly knocking them out cold. They wouldn''t wake for two days even if they tried.


    She then found an extremely concealed rock crevice to stuff them into. After covering them with a pile of dry grass, she was done with them. She wouldn''t sully her spirit world by throwing in these lowlives. Then, swaying exaggeratedly, she walked towards the cave entrance.


    There weren''t many obvious guards at the mouth of the cave, only five. But concealed in the shadows were dozens more. If not for her spiritual sense detecting them, she might not have noticed at all.


    This meant that the killed miner from before definitely did not escape from here. It was very likely he had dug an emergency escape route and fled through there instead.


    And since the guards were able to discover his absence and catch up to him so quickly, the escape route must be somewhere close by.


    Realizing this, Jiang Yuqing searched the surroundings. However, even with her divine sense, she found nothing. So in the end, she decided to simply enter through the cave mouth.


    She didn''t know the situation inside the mine. Just as she was considering capturing another guard to interrogate, a blue-robed overseer-looking man suddenly walked out from within.


    The guards at the mouth bowed to him. Jiang Yuqing heard the blue-robed man say, "You must guard this ce tightly and not let anyone else escape, or we''ll all be dead."


    The gray-clothed guard acknowledged with a "yes". The overseer went back inside.


    Jiang Yuqing quickly ran over and surreptitiously followed along after him.


    Inside the mine was dark, damp, and full of winding tunnels. There were wall niches carved out every short distance, each holding a lit pine torch.


    And every short distance, there would be a de-wielding gray-clothed thug standing guard.


    Jiang Yuqing followed the blue-clothed overseer through seven or eight turns, walking for about two quarter hours, before arriving at an enormous natural cavern being mined.


    No - it should be called a melt cave instead. This was clearly naturally formed.


    Inside the cave, many emaciated and raggedly-dressed miners were clustered around vats, smelting ore. The toxic fumes released from the burning coal filled the entire space, making people cough incessantly.


    Even Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help but sustain a filtering mask with spiritual energy.


    The raging firelight cast onto the miners'' hollow, numb, skull-like faces gave Jiang Yuqing the feeling that she had entered hell.


    Some gray-clothed men were stacking the molded gold ingots into redcquered boxes. The blue-clothed overseer covered his nose as he walked over. He picked up an ingot and weighed it in his hand, nodding satisfactorily.


    After a box was filled, the gray-clothed men would seal it and carry it away. Jiang Yuqing hurried after them. After changing carriers twice and walking for another short quarter hour, they finally arrived at a small cave chamber.


    The entrance of the chamber had an extremely heavy thousand-gold stone door. The blue-clothed overseer took an iron key from his waist, inserted it into a small hole, and turned it. With a click, a concealedpartment opened up in the nearby wall. Inside was an enshrined deity statue. The overseer reached in and made a turn.


    The heavy stone door rumbled open and the group walked inside.


    Jiang Yuqing took a look - lo and behold, it was filled to the ceiling with these redcquered boxes adorned with seals, likely all containing gold ingots.


    After leaving the treasure cave, Jiang Yuqing continued to follow the blue-clothed overseer to many other ces: the tunnels where the miners were excavating ore, the caverns where they lived, and even the mass graves where the bodies of miners who had been tortured to death were discarded.


    She followed along like this for an entire day.


    It turned out all the miners working here had been brought by various cruel means like deceit, abduction, and capture. Every day, they were required to work over seven double hours. If they slowed down even a little, they would incur a severe beating from the guards.


    However, their daily food allowance was only two measly meals, each consisting of a fist-sized portion of mixed grain and vegetable buns plus a bowl of clear water.


    Many people could not endure and were worked or beaten to death. After they died, their bodies would be directly dragged away and thrown into a deep pit.


    These people had simply obliterated human nature.


    After Jiang Yuqing figured out the entire situation of the mine cave, she drew a detailed map.


    She then sneaked into the residence of the overseer in gray clothes, used her spiritual power to seal his five senses and make him fall into deep sleep, took the key from his body, and started rummaging through the room.


    She searched through the pillows, beddings, under the bed and inside the wardrobe, and found a lot of gold, silver and treasures. Jiang Yuqing did not hesitate at all and put everything into her spiritual space.


    She also found a small box hidden in a very secretive niche in the wall. The box was full of letters.


    Jiang Yuqing quickly nced through them and found that there were letters from two people, one named Bi Jieli and the other signed with a twisted abstract pattern that looked like a Crystal Orchid.


    This is an epiphytic herb that has medicinal uses. It tastes sweet and has a neutral property, can nourish and stop coughing, mainly used to treat lung deficiency and coughing.


    But it also has many other names, like "Flower of the Underworld", "Flower of Death", "Flower of Ghosts", none of which are auspicious. Anyone who uses it as a totem must not be a good person.


    That¡¯s probably why the miners in this cave suffered so badly.


    The letters were probably inquiring about the gold smelting progress and urging for gold. Judging by the dates, Jiang Yuqing guessed that they probably transported gold out every two months.


    Thest gold transport was before the New Year.


    Jiang Yuqing collected all the letters, put a stack of nk papers inside the box, cast an illusion on it, then put it back to its original ce.


    After making sure there was nothing left in the room, Jiang Yuqing took the key and used the same method to make the guards outside the treasure vault fall asleep. She then opened the door with the key and looted all the gold inside, recing them with rocks of equal weight.


    After quickly moving everything from the two treasure vaults, Jiang Yuqing woke the guards up. The guards thought they had just fallen asleep from exhaustion, and did not dare to mention it to their superiors in fear of punishment, so they acted as if nothing had happened.


    After making a huge fortune, Jiang Yuqing returned to the overseer¡¯s residence and hung the key back to its original ce, also removing the seal on his five senses. But this guy was still fast asleep, even snoring. He had really fallen into deep sleep.


    There was no distinction between day and night inside the cave. After Jiang Yuqing exited the mine, she realized the moon was already high up in the sky.


    As for the two men in gray clothes she had put to sleep and stuffed into crevices, since they were extremely vicious and unpardonable, there was no need to keep them alive.


    She brought them to a nearby mountain forest, tore off a piece of clothing, and had the little bramble drag them underground to feed the nts. She then carefully cleaned up the scene.


    When the two guards went missing, the overseers in the cave would definitely send people out to investigate after finding out.


    To avoid stirring up a ho¡¯s nest, she specifically went into her spirit space to pull out Bai Xiaojiu who was sleeping soundly. She made it walk around the nearby mountain forest several times, sessfully shredding the discarded gray clothes, and sprinkling some rabbit blood on them, making it seem as if they were eaten by tigers.


    After taking care of everything, Jiang Yuqing returned to her spirit space to rest. At first light the next day, she flew high up again to draw a detailed map of the surrounding mountains and terrain.


    She discovered that this ce was not far from Daizhou City, only about 50 kilometers northwest of Daizhou City in the Shangling Mountains.


    For them to secretly mine gold so close to Daizhou City, if the mine owner did not have the local officials as backers for protection, Jiang Yuqing refused to believe it. She decided to go to Daizhou to investigate the situation.


    She used an illusion art to disguise herself as a middle-aged merchant and entered Daizhou City. She picked a tea house with very elegant decor. Under the pretense of casually chatting with the waiter while drinking tea, she tried to ask if he knew someone called ¡°Bi Jieli¡±.


    As soon as the waiter heard the name, he immediately stopped her and said, "That''s the name of our magistrate. My dear guest, you must never directly address him by name. If others were to overhear it, you''d be punished with caning if reported to the yamen."


    Jiang Yuqing quickly pushed a silver ingot to him, saying that she did not mean it and asked him to let it slide.

 Chapter 85: Scared the hell out of Her

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    When the investigation reached this point, it was no longer within her control.


    Private mining of gold mines was in itself a crime punishable by execution of nine generations of one''s family, especially since this matter also implicated the imperial official sent by the court. The waters ran too deep, and one could easily drown if one was not careful.


    This kind of matter still had to be handled by professionals.


    After Jiang Yuqing left Daizhou City, she flew straight to the Capital City.


    Taking advantage of the time when the Emperor left to eat dinner, Jiang Yuqing used her spiritual power to briefly seal the five senses of the guards of the hall.


    She quietly and unknowingly ced a piece of gold, a map she had drawn herself, and the letters seized from the blue-clothed steward on the Emperor''s desk.


    When the Emperor returned and discovered the things on his desk, he was greatly surprised. After carefully reading the contents, he was even more furious.


    He immediately summoned the Minister of Justice, the president of the Supreme Court, and several cronies, including the Duke of Zhenguo, who were at home eating tangyuan at night, to discuss matters in the pce.


    The discussionsted untilte at night.


    After the ministers left, the Emperor called out all the guards and questioned them carefully. During the time he went to eat, did anyone enter the imperial study?


    The guards all said no one had entered and there was nothing unusual. These things seemed to have appeared out of thin air.


    Seeing that he couldn''t get any useful information, the Emperor could only wave his hand to let the guards leave. But he felt quite upset in his heart. The onlyfort at the moment was that this "peerless master" did not seem to harbor any malice towards him.


    After Jiang Yuqing left the pce, she did not stay on the crowded streets, but flew directly back to Huichun Yard.


    She had promised toe back to apany her master to celebrate the Lantern Festival, but was dyed for so long because of the gold mine incident. Fortunately, she could still make it in time to eat tangyuan with the old man.


    Huichun Yard.


    Doctor Qiu had just sent away the servant who delivered the tangyuan and closed the yard door when he turned around and saw his precious apprentice and her deer appearing in the yard. He was overjoyed immediately.


    "You little rascal, I thought I had boiled the tangyuan tonight for nothing!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and jumped into the old man''s arms, snuggling up to Doctor Qiu''s neck coquettishly: "I would never do that. I would certainly not go back on my word about apanying you to celebrate the festival."


    Doctor Qiu dissatisfiedly poked her forehead: "Then why did youe back sote?"


    Dumpling said: "I set off early yesterday morning, but something happened on the way which dyed me until now."


    Doctor Qiu did not ask in detail, only said: "You didn''t get hurt, did you? Have you resolved it?"


    Dumpling boasted: "Of course, how could your precious apprentice be so smart yet unable to resolve it?"


    "Well, as long as it''s resolved. Are you hungry?" Doctor Qiu stroked his apprentice''s little head, full of affection.


    "Hungry." Dumpling touched her t stomach. Having rushed out of the mountain in the morning and only eaten two small snacks in Daizhou City at noon, her stomach was now growling with hunger.


    She thought that one day when she had time, she should study alchemy, such as refining a fast pill or something. It would save a lot of trouble during busy times to simply take one pill.


    Doctor Qiu pushed a bowl of tangyuan to her: "Eat while it''s hot!" So Dumpling picked up a spoon and started devouring it with gusto.


    There were two kinds of tangyuan fillings, one with peanut and sesame stuffing, and one with red bean paste stuffing. Both tasted very good.


    While eating, Dumpling asked her master: "Where''s Third Senior Brother?"


    The old man snorted coldly: "He''s apanying his wife to see thentern lights. He''s really forgotten his master after getting a wife. How unfilial!"


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes immediately lit up: "So you mean I''ll have a Third Senior Sister soon?"


    "Far from it!" Doctor Qiu said, "He''s willing, but his stubborn family wouldn''t be willing to let him marry a woman of Jianghu."


    "Why do you say so?"


    Doctor Qiu said, "Your Senior Brother probably hasn''t told you about his background, right?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, her eyes shining brightly, just waiting for you to tell me.


    So Doctor Qiu slowly told the story.


    It turned out that her casual Third Senior Brother Lu Yi was actually born in the prominent Lu family of Yunzhou, and was of the main line. One of the four great academies in Da Xia, the "Yunzhou Academy", was opened by his family. There was an abundance of talented people in his family.


    It was from such a prestigious literary family that an oddball like Lu Yi was born. He did not like to read, but strangely liked medicine and some peculiar things.


    And at the age of eleven, he sessfully sneaked away from home and traveled thousands of miles to worship under Doctor Qiu at Bianque Valley, bing Doctor Qiu¡¯s third apprentice.


    As for his prospective Third Senior Sister, named Gongsun Zishu, she was the young miss of "Wanjian Vi", another prestigious Jianghu family. This was the same Wanjian Vi that Lu Yi had told her to go shake people down with her que if she couldn''t win a fight.


    What Doctor Qiu meant was that Wanjian Vi was also an eminent family. If the Lu family objected due to differences in status, the Gongsun family would not marry their daughter off either. In short, the two still had some grinding to do.


    But Jiang Yuqing felt it might not happen.


    Although her Third Senior Brother looked casual, he was ambitious and had breadth of mind. At the age of eleven, the Lu family was already unable to control him. Now that he had been an adult for many years and had made a resounding name for himself in Jianghu, there was even less reason for the Lu family to restrain him.


    That night, Lu Yi found out that Jiang Yuqing had returned.


    But because of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s special identity, the master and apprentice both subconsciously concealed the news of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s return to the capital. Therefore, although Gongsun Zishu was temporarily staying at the manor¡¯s guest house, she did not know that the manor¡¯s real young mistress had already returned.


    Jiang Yuqing spent the whole day practicing in her spirit space. As her cultivation level increased, she needed more and more spiritual energy. She had now reached the eighthyer of Qi Condensation realm. For her age, this level of cultivation was already considered a genius among geniuses in the cultivation world.


    Therefore, she was in no hurry to improve her cultivation level, but calmed down to start learning Talisman Drawing instead. In between, she even went to Three Purities Temple specially to get a stack of talisman paper from Huayang Zi.


    She could now proficiently draw Light Body Talismans and Teleportation Talismans. After failing several times, she had also sessfully drawn Explosion Talismans.


    Looking at the light piece of paper that caused a huge crater when thrown out and exploded, it worked even better than the grenades she had used in her previous life, and was also environmentally friendly.


    As a result, a certain arrogant dumpling, after preparing piles of talisman paper and altar dishes, recklessly went to Demon Beast Mountain for training due to overconfidence.


    As luck would have it, she bumped right into a group of fourth-grade frenzy wolves in heat.


    The frenzy wolves were originally named gale wolves. They liked to eat a kind of toxic ore.


    Over time, the toxins from the ore would umte in their bodies, damaging their brains and causing them to behave uncontrobly, as if they had rabies.


    Especially during mating season, the already muddled minds of the female wolves would be extremely crazy under the stimtion of hormones in the body. They would eat the male wolves when they were weak after mating.


    If it felt unsatisfied, they would even eat their own underage cubs. Hence they were also called ¡°kin-unrecognizing wolves¡± or ¡°frenzy wolves¡±. Their personalities were extremely sinister, cruel and vicious. Jiang Yuqing¡¯s universally effective Charming Melody had no effect at all against this group of kin-unrecognizing frenzied wolves.


    Moreover, they were extremely fast with great fighting power. They were not afraid of death, were selfish and vindictive. She could only flee for her life when encountering them.


    Therefore, after exchanging blows with them for just a short minute, Jiang Yuqing had used up all her Explosion Talismans, exhausted all her spiritual power. If not for Little Bramble being helpful and Bai Xiaoshi running fast enough, her dozen-odd jin of premium tender meat would have almost been delivered here.


    Still shocked by the narrow escape, Jiang Yuqing sprawled by the edge of the Spirit Spring Pool, panting heavily. Looking between the transparent barrier here and the one connected to Zhengyuan Hall over there, she felt particrly intimate with them. These things were really¡ª¡ªso reassuring!


    She felt that before building her foundation, she''d better not go looking for trouble at the Yaoshou Mountain Range again.


    Damn it, they scared her to death!


    Jiang Yuqing stayed in her spirit space until after the second day of the second lunar month before finally "returning to the capital" again.


    Upon her return, she heard about a big event.


    Daizhou Prefect Bi Jieli was executed by slow slicing along with nine generations of his family members for illegally mining gold in collusion with remnants of the former dynasty in an attempt to rebel. His wife''s natal family, the Fang family of Pingdong Earl''s Mansion, and his senior maternal aunt Concubine Fang, who was also the birth mother of the Third Princess, were implicated.


    The former were demoted tomoners with family property confiscated and exiled. Thetter was demoted to a lower ranked concubine by the Emperor. It was said that the Third Princess cried every day, and the matter of selecting a son-inw that was already prepared was also cancelled.


    It was said that just the gold seized from Bi Jieli''s mansion amounted to over seven hundred thousand taels, not to mention other treasures like jewels, antiques, paintings and calligraphy, etc. Just the double carriage wagons needed to transport them numbered a full thirty eight.


    It was more than the national treasury of Da Xia.


    Not a small amount of gold, silver, pearls and jade were copied from the Fang family, which can be imagined that Bi Jieli did not give less filial piety to the Yue family when he was in Bijie City.


    The bigger melon is yet toe. Mrs. Bi, Mrs. Fang, was not Bi Jieli''s original spouse, but his stepmother.


    Originally, Bi Jieli was born poor and relied on his wife''s dowry to support him all the way to passing the imperial examination.


    He looked down on his wife''s merchant family background. In order to ingratiate himself with the nobles in the capital to pave the way for his own career, he tried every means to attract Miss Fang, the second daughter of Fang House at that time, whoter became Mrs. Bi, Mrs. Fang. He lied to her that he was unmarried.


    In order to make room for Miss Fang, Bi Jieli even went so far as to hire a murderer on the road when his wife and son came to the Capital City, killing his wife and son, creating the illusion that his wife and children died identally.


    This slutty operation can be called the Song Dynasty version of Chen Shimei.


    Later, he married Miss Fang as he wished, and with the support of the Yue family, he rose to great heights.


    It¡¯s a pity that there are no walls in this world that are airtight. The dirty things he did were still known to those with ulterior motives, and they used it to ckmail him into being their umbre for illegally mining gold.


    Bi Jieli had no choice but to agree. At first he was nervous every day, but seeing so much gold being moved into his own house, he gradually lost himself in that piece of bright gold, became willing, and even took the initiative to facilitate convenience for that person.


    Until that day Jiang Yuqing identally caught a glimpse of the mine pit guard chasing and killing the miner, this secret was finally revealed to the world.


    The emperor was furious. Bi Jieli also got what he deserved. After the imperial court took over the gold mine, those miners were also rescued.


    The imperial court took over and uniformly took care of them, giving each person thirty taels of silver aspensation.


    As for those who had already died, if their families could be found out, the imperial court also gave their familiespensation. As for those whose families could not be found, the imperial court could not do anything and they were lost in this world forever.


    The mass grave with 10,000 corpses was permanently sealed off with a stone tablet erected.


    In the future, on every first and fifteenth day of the month, sacrifices will be offered which can also be regarded as an ount of these lives lost tragically. As for the remnants of the previous dynasty who caused this tragic case, I heard they are still under investigation.


    These, then, no longer concern Jiang Yuqing.

 Chapter 86: Can’t you simmer Longer

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    When the young master of the Hou Mansion returned to the capital, Gongsun Zishu naturally came to pay her respects. Jiang Yuqing also liked this bright and generous girl.


    Perhaps because of her background in the Jianghu, she had a kind of casual and carefree air unlike others. It must be said that she and her third martial brother were quite a good match.


    Her martial arts skill was exceptional, especially her swordmanship, which was simply magical. Even Jiang Yuqing, who had not originally intended to learn martial arts, was moved and asked her for some pointers.


    This angered her third martial uncle and he scolded her furiously, "You little rascal, you''re showing favoritism over your martial brother! In the past when I took the initiative to teach you, you didn''t want to learn. Now you''re actually asking her to teach you the sword--isn''t that going too far?!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said gently, "There''s a time and ce for everything, isn''t there? Besides, it''s not my fault your sword skill isn''t as good as Big Sister Gongsun''s."


    "Alright, little stinker, you dare look down on me? See if I don''t tickle you!" Saying so, he grabbed the little dumpling and started tickling her. He tickled her until sheughed loudly and repeatedly begged for mercy. The martial siblings yed for a good while before finally stopping.


    Gongsun Zishu watched the martial siblings ying the whole time with a smile, thinking to herself that the bond between these two was truly close.


    The second day after Jiang Yuqing "returned to the capital," officials from the Ministry of Revenue came looking for her, concerning the sale of grain seeds. After calcting, there were two months left until the next nting season, so it was time to finalize the grain seed arrangements.


    Jiang Yuqing entrusted them with full authority to handle things. With others taking care of things, she was happy to just sit back and collect money.


    Besides, she figured they wouldn''t dare skim too much off the top with the Emperor watching them like a tiger eyeing its prey. Anyone who tried any tricks would face the same fate as the Tang family.


    The days passed by happily, and the little dumpling''s fourth birthday arrived before they knew it.


    Her birthday celebration was simple, with just her family together for a meal. This included Doctor Qiu, her three martial uncles, Tian Shanglu, plus Gongsun Zishu and Jing Yan. Jing Yan came bearing gifts from the Empress and Li Deshun.


    It was an imperial examination year.


    Not long after her fourth birthday, the new top three candidates of this year were freshly announced. On the day the Zhuangyuan (top candidate), Bangyan (second), and Tanhua (third) paraded through the streets, the entire capital was exceptionally lively. Jiang Yuqing went with Doctor Qiu to watch as well.


    The Zhuangyuan and Bangyan were already quite old, while the Tanhua was at least thirty years old. While one could not exactly call them "old," they were still much less handsome than her father in the little dumpling''s eyes.


    Indeed, the filter through which the little dumpling saw her father was truly thick.


    With the new sessful examinees announced, it also meant her father''s three-year term would end in two months. At that time, he would return to the capital with his family--just thinking about it made her incredibly excited.


    As she counted down the days, she realized the grain seeds in her estate''s fields had already been transnted into the paddies.


    April 18th was Doctor Qiu''s 70th birthday.


    To be urate, no one actually knew when his real birthday was. The old man had been picked up from a pile of corpses by his master--the previous head of Bianque Valley--when he was around two months old.


    His master had found him on June 17th. Based on the infant''s approximate age, he counted back two months and set his birthday as April 17th.


    There was a saying in this ancient era that "it is rare for a person to live to 70." His few disciples wanted to hold a lively, celebratory banquet for the old man''s birthday, but he disliked making a fuss and refused.


    He loved beef, but cattle were incredibly important productive resources at this time. ughtering cattle without reason was against thew. Only when cattle died naturally from old age or idents that left them unable to work, and their owners reported it to authorities and obtained permission, could they be ughtered.


    As such, beef was extremely precious.


    In her spirit realm, the mountain range by the medicinal fields did not have ordinary cattle. However, there were wild cattle in the Demon Beast Mountain Range by the Inheritance Hall.


    Not to mention how difficult it would be to capture them, just one bite of the rich spiritual energy contained in demon beast meat would take Doctor Qiu''s life.


    She could only spend money to have the butcher shop and ughterhouse keep an eye out. If they came across any beef, they were to deliver it to her immediately, price be damned.


    Fortunately, three days before Doctor Qiu''s birthday, the butcher shop did deliver 30 jin of beef.


    On the old man''s birthday, the kitchen prepared a table full of beef dishes using all kinds of methods like braised beef, boiled beef, stewed beef in grape wine, etc.


    Jiang Yuqing felt something was missing. If only there were tomatoes or potatoes!


    Braised beef shank with tomatoes or pan-fried beef with potatoes would be amazing. Especially potatoes--no matter if they were pan-fried, deep-fried, stir-fried, they would taste delicious anyway.


    It was a real pity that after turning the kitchen in the residence upside down, she couldn''t even find a single potato. It was disappointing indeed.


    That day, when Jiang Yuqing returned from outside, before even entering He An Hospital, she saw a middle-aged man frantically pulling a donkey in a wooden cart towards them.


    Seeing this, the onlookers couldn''t help butugh, some even heckling him, "Brother, people usually have donkeys pull them. Howe it''s the opposite with you?"


    The man paid them no heed and continued rushing the donkey straight to He An Hospital. Once he reached the gates, he quickly unhitched the cart and started yelling hoarsely, "Doctor, doctor,e quick and save it!"


    A male doctor heard him and assumed there was a patient with an emergency illness. He hurried out and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    The man pointed to the donkey on the cart and said, "It''s ill! Please take a look!"


    Upon seeing that, the doctor red up at once and scolded, "Are you ying a prank on me? This is a hospital for humans, not animals! Why did you bring your donkey here?!"


    The man became anxious and pleaded, "It''s the same to treat people and animals, isn''t it? Just take a look, will you?!"


    A woman there to see the doctor couldn''t stand listening anymore and rebuked him, "You speak without thinking! Based on what you''re saying, you might as well marry livestock since people and animals are the same!"


    Hearing what the woman said, the onlookers immediately burst intoughter.


    The man said urgently, "I''m no good with words, please don''t take offense, sir. I''m begging you, save it! This donkey is my family''s onlyrge beast of burden--our livelihood dependspletely on it for transport and making a living! If something happens to it, my whole family will be doomed!"


    In this day and age, a household having arge beast of burden was not easy at all. One could say that after their house,rge beasts were a household''s most valuable asset.


    Her family had an old ox. This old ox had plowed fields for the Jiang family for over ten years and contributed abundantbor.


    Even after it got old and couldn''t pull the plow anymore, her grandfather Jiang Lao still carefully looked after this old partner, asionally even leading it out himself to graze.


    As such, she deeply empathized with the man''s feelings. She went to take a look and discovered the donkey''s mouth was circled with white foam and its body kept convulsing nonstop. She put on gloves, about to check the donkey''s mouth, when it suddenly gave a great shudder and wentpletely stiff.


    Jiang Yuqing felt for a pulse and found that it had died.


    Seeing the donkey dead, the man plopped down on the ground and started bawling loudly, "My White Flower, you left me just like that! How is my whole family supposed to live now... White Flower...you can''t abandon me and depart just like this..."


    My goodness, listening to his crying, it was truly...nevermind. If one didn''t know the context, hearing him cry like this, they might have assumed it was over a dead wife instead of a donkey.


    This was meant to be a distressing situation, but the man''s crying made the onlookers unable to resist bursting into muffledughter. Jiang Yuqing also found this quite speechless.


    Jiang Yuqing turned her gaze to the circle of white foam around the donkey''s mouth. She felt that rather than sickness, its cause of death seemed more like poisoning.


    So she asked the man, "Was your donkey long ill, or was this an acute sickness that came on suddenly?


    The grieving man had not wanted to pay attention to a little girl like her at first. However, the doctor who had first spoken to him said, "This is my martial uncle''s closed-door disciple, the current head of Bianque Valley."


    Hearing that, the man sniffled briefly before continuing to cry as he answered, "To-today *hic*, I took a job *hic* delivering goods for a seed shop..."


    Seeing him hup incessantly from crying, Jiang Yuqing quickly had someone bring honey water for him to slowly drink, while another person patted his back.


    When he finally calmed down a bit, she asked again, "Did White Flower eat anything strange before falling ill?"


    The man replied, "Just the usual fodder."


    "Is there only fodder?" Jiang Yuqing shook her head and said, "It shouldn''t be. Its condition looks more like it ate something poisonous and died from it. Think again, did it eat anything else?"


    "Anything else..." The man suddenly pped his forehead and said, "I remember now. When I was unloading goods at the seed shop entrance, I saw White Flower eating some kind of oval unknown root blocks.


    That thing has a greenish skin, the big ones are about half a pound, and the small ones are two or three ounces. There are clusters of many two-finger-long white buds growing out of them here and there. White Flower ate more than half a bag.


    I was scared to death at the time, thinking I would have to pay a lot of money. The boss of the seed shop said don''t worry, anyway he didn''t know what that stuff was and no one wanted it.


    Did my White Flower die from eating that stuff?"


    The man''s description was too vague, and Jiang Yuqing didn''t know what he was talking about for a while. So she discussed with him, asking if he could wait for a moment while she figured out the cause of White Flower''s death.


    The man said it was fine. Anyway, things had progressed to this point, and he also wanted to find out the cause of the donkey''s death.


    Jiang Yuqing then collected some blood samples, went back to her office, locked the door, and entered the Spirit Realm. Before long, she had the test results.


    This donkey''s blood contained high levels of snine. It did indeed die of poisoning.


    Recalling the sprouting greenish oval-shaped stem blocks the man described, an answer became apparent.


    Potatoes!


    This donkey died from eating too many potatoes that had begun to sprout.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Yuqing was instantly thrilled. She hurried out of the hospital and said to the man, "The cause of White Flower''s death has been determined. It was from eating the sprouting things you mentioned before that it died of poisoning!"


    Upon hearing this, the man began crying again.


    Jiang Yuqing took out a full ten-ounce silver ingot from her pocket and said to him, "Stop crying. As long as you tell me where the seed shop is where you unloaded goods before, this silver ingot is yours to take to buy another donkey."


    The man never expected such good fortune. His tears instantly turned toughter. "It''s the Bountiful Harvest Seed Shop on Liu Tree Street east of the city. The owner''s surname is Chang."


    Jiang Yuqing stuffed the silver ingot into his hand. "Alright, take White Flower and bury it! Then go buy another donkey!"


    The man scratched his head. "Do I really have to bury it?"


    "What, can''t bear to part with it?"


    The man wiped his tear tracks and grinned. "It''s such a big donkey, at least a hundred and ten catties of meat. Seems a pity to bury it when we could eat it instead."


    "..." So you were just crying crocodile tears earlier for the gods! Jiang Yuqing ground her back teeth, speaking very sternly, "You can eat it, but after lying t as a board it''ll be your turn next."


    "Can''t I stew it for a long time?"


    Tuanzi couldn''t stand it anymore. Hands on her hips, she bellowed, "No, you cannot, it''s not allowed to eat it! Did you hear clearly? Furthermore, you cannot secretly sell the meat to others. If I hear of anyone dying from poison donkey meat, I''ll hold you ountable for their deaths and have His Majesty the Emperor punish your nine generations! Did you hear clearly?!"


    The frightened man stammered, "I h-heard clearly."


    "Since you heard clearly that''s good. Now, immediately, go outside the city and find a ce to dig a deep hole to bury the donkey! I''ll have people watching you!"


    "Yes, yes, going right now, leaving immediately!"


    After the man left, Jiang Yuqing heaved a long sigh, massaging her throbbing temples.


    Things were so difficult for her!


    However, she still had more important things to do. Saying a quick word to Master, she hurriedly rode Little White Ten towards the east city gate.

 Chapter 87: Get It All without Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    When it was almost time, Jiang Yuqing found an empty alley and put Bai Xiaoshi into the Spirit Realm. She cast an illusion technique to disguise herself as a middle-aged man.


    Following the directions from the man, Jiang Yuqing found the seed shop. Sure enough, in the corner by the door there was a sack, inside which were sprouted potatoes that were nearly all gone.


    The owner of the seed shop saw ¡°him¡± staring at that tattered sack for half a day and curiously came out to ask: ¡°What¡¯s the matter, is there some problem with that stuff?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing looked at him profoundly: ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a man driving a donkey who delivered goods to your family this morning?¡±


    Boss Chang was startled for a moment: ¡°Yes, what about it?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said: ¡°His donkey ate this stuff and was poisoned to death.¡±


    Boss Chang was shocked: ¡°You can¡¯t just say things like that!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said: ¡°I¡¯m not making things up. That man took the poisoned donkey to the local clinic, but unfortunately he was toote and the donkey died. I heard it was from eating this stuff that it died, so I was curious and came to take a look.¡±


    Boss Chang said: ¡°This has nothing to do with me, it was that donkey''s own choice to eat it. I won''t paypensation!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said: ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you topensate. The clinic felt pity for him and already gave him money.¡± She paused and said: ¡°Are you selling this stuff?¡±


    Boss Chang said: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say this stuff was poisonous? Why do you want to buy it?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said matter-of-factly: ¡°Naturally it has its uses. Don¡¯t worry, it''s not for anything bad.¡±


    Boss Chang was relieved: ¡°No need, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± He was afraid that if it was thrown out and killed something else, he would have topensate them with his own pants. Now someone wanted it, so of course it was best to give it away as fast as possible.


    Jiang Yuqing went into the shop and took a look. She saw they were all ordinary vegetable seeds. Thinking of the Spirit Realm where there was still a lot of empty space, she bought some of each kind, intending for Bai Xiaoshi to nt them.


    She asked the boss: ¡°Other than these, are there any more special kinds of seeds?¡±


    ¡°Special...¡± Boss Chang thought for a moment: ¡°There really is a small pouch.¡± He said to his shop assistant: ¡°Under the stairs in the backyard there¡¯s a smallpartment, go get that little cloth bag from it.¡±


    The assistant responded and soon dragged out a dusty sack. Boss Chang untied the rope while saying: ¡°This bag of seeds came from the southst year, mixed in with a pile of other seeds. No one knew what kind of thing it was, but the color looks quite nice.¡±


    Upon opening it, the color was a lustrous yellow. Jiang Yuqing was immediately happy, wasn¡¯t this corn! She really obtained it with barely any effort at all.


    She immediately said she wanted all of it. After weighing, there was a total of eighteen catties and seven taels.


    Boss Chang was also happy to sell off these goods that had been stuffed away, and he gave a price so cheap that Jiang Yuqing¡¯s jaw dropped.


    Until she finished the transaction and left, holding the corn and potato seeds in her hands, she felt as if she were dreaming.


    That night when she returned home, Jiang Yuqing personally nted these treasures in the Spirit Realm. She watered them with the spiritual spring water, relying on them to propagate more.


    In this way, two more types of summer high-yield grains would be added. For example, in some ces in the northwest that were unsuitable for growing rice and sweet potatoes, corn and potatoes could grow very well.


    After April, it was May.


    In early May, Gongsun Zishu came to bid farewell to Doctor Qiu and Jiang Yuqing. It was because the young master of Wanjian Vi, Gongsun Zishu¡¯s elder brother, was getting married.


    After careful consideration, Lu Yisi decided to go back with her.


    Although this was not his first time going to Wanjian Vi, it was his first time going there as a fianc¨¦ to meet the girl¡¯s family. Naturally, the betrothal gifts could not be shabby.


    Gongsun Zishu didn¡¯t care, or perhaps even if she did care she was too shy to say it outright. This Lu Yi guy waspletely oblivious. As their master, Doctor Qiu was also clueless.


    In order to prevent this guy from being a lifelong bachelor, his senior brothers Tian Guang and Guo Jie, plus his junior sister Jiang Yuqing were truly racking their brains.


    Right before these two set off, they barely managed to scrape together betrothal gifts that filled up an entire carriage cart that could not be considered shabby at all. This moved Lu Yisi to the point that he gushed nonstop.


    After sending off these two, Jiang Yuqing started counting off the days on her fingers. Her father Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s three year term was up, and it was time for him to go to the capital for his assessment.


    Qingzhou.


    On this day, May 18th, the newly appointed magistrate of Qingzhou arrived. The new magistrate was from this year¡¯s top scoring new jinshi graduates. He was a few years older than Jiang Wenyuan. Having passed the examste in life, he was rather arrogant.


    But he was quite polite to Jiang Wenyuan. Jiang Wenyuan also implored him to be sure to keep themon people of Qingzhou in his heart.


    The new magistrate readily agreed! Whoever caused trouble in his domain that was Qingzhou was seeking death!


    Early morning, May 21st.


    Jiang Wenyuan brought his wife and sons Jiang Yuchuan and little master Jiang, as well as his inws Old Man Hu and Madam Hu, and boarded the carriage heading towards the capital.


    As for his two elder sons Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi, because they held official posts they were unable to leave casually, and thus did not apany the traveling party.


    When the convoy reached the vige entrance, they saw the surroundings crowded with vigers who hade to see them off. Everyone chased after the carriage while some shouted: ¡°Young master, travel slowly, safe journeys!¡±


    Some of the older vigers also shouted: ¡°Third son,e back and visit when you have time!¡± Even more vigers carried baskets to stuff the carriage full of food, boiled eggs, cakes and pastries, steamed cured meats and sausages, and so on.


    In that moment, tears streamed down Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s face as he continuously bowed in gratitude to the vigers.


    When the convoy reached the three-way intersection at Xiushui bend, his father-inw Old Master Lu brought his whole family and all the students from the academy to see them off.


    The Jiang family quickly alighted to greet them one by one.


    Lu¡¯s Mother stroked her daughter¡¯s face, tears brimming as she said: ¡°You are fortunate, you must also live properly after getting to the capital. If you encounter any matters, discuss them carefully with your husband more, and be less temperamental.¡±


    Lu choked back tears as she nodded: ¡°Mm, Mother I will remember.¡±


    After stopping for a while to bid everyone farewell, the carriage set off once more. The students enthusiastically waved towards the carriage: ¡°Senior brothers and sisters, goodbye! Fair winds!¡±


    They had assumed that was it, but it turned out to just be the beginning.


    After the carriage left the vige and got on the main road, all along the route everywhere they passed was crowded with people.


    Themon folk waved in farewell, loudly shouting ¡°Magistrate Jiang, fair winds on your travels!¡± Even more people shouted ¡°Magistrate Jiang, we cannot bear to part with you!¡± Some even shouted ¡°Magistrate Jiang, stay here!¡±


    When they reached the county seat gates, the newly appointed magistrate along with all the prestigious locals hade, as well asmoners from the whole city.


    They hade of their own initiative, holding up a canopy that protected ten thousand.


    Jiang Wenyuan received the ten thousand canopy with both hands, and deeply bowed to everyone: ¡°Wenyuan is undeserving of such affection from elders and vigers. Wenyuan now travels far with winding paths between mountains and rivers ahead. I hope everyone will take care.¡±


    An elderly granny said: ¡°Magistrate Jiang, can you not go? We cannot bear to part with you. You were in Qingzhou for three years, allowing us to eat our fill and stand tall...¡± The granny was unable to finish as she started crying.


    No matter how reluctant themoners were, Jiang Wenyuan still had to leave.


    Themoners followed the convoy all the way, sending them off five li outside the north city gates. Watching the gradually disappearing convoy, themoners knelt in unison: ¡°Long and winding paths between mountains and rivers ahead, we wish you safe travels sir! Take care!¡±


    Inside the carriage, Jiang Wenyuan covered his face with both hands as tears rolled down his chin onto his clothes.


    Choking back tears, Lu held her husband in her embrace, lightly patting his back in wordlessfort.


    He had merely done what a county magistrate ought to do. How was he deserving of such deep affection from themon folk?


    It was only after the convoy had traveled over ten li that Jiang Wenyuan finally regained hisposure, hoarsely and somewhat ashamedly saying: ¡°Letting you all see me like that, how embarrassing.¡±


    Old Master Jiang chuckled: ¡°My son being loved by the people, I am genuinely happy for you deep down. You kept themon folk close to your heart, considering them in everything, thus they will also keep you in their hearts. Us country bumpkins never care who bes Emperor. We only care who can allow us to eat our fill, to not go hungry.¡±


    Truly sincere words.


    Traveling with fair winds day after day, after over twenty days they finally arrived at the southern gates of the capital city in the evening of June 15th. The southern gates of the capital city.


    After receiving the news, Jiang Yuqing had already brought people here to wait for an entire day.


    She now spotted in the distance a convoy of traveling carriages caked with dust heading over. That family¡¯s carriage bore no insignia, yet she recognized the lead carriage driver as being her family¡¯s.


    Baby Dumpling immediately happily jumped up and pulled Doctor Qiu, saying, "Master, it''s our family''s carriage, it''s my daddy and mommy who havee! They havee!"


    Doctor Qiu chuckled and stroked the little disciple''s little head. At such a young age, it was really difficult for her to be separated from her parents.


    When the convoy approached, the coachman saw her from afar and cried out in surprise, "I see our family''s little young miss and Doctor Qiu too."


    Jiang Wenyuan was sitting in the second carriage and also heard the coachman''s shout. He immediately lifted the curtain and looked towards the city gate. Sure enough, in the crowd he saw his precious daughter whom he missed day and night.


    At this time, Baby Dumpling also saw him and waved hard to him, calling out loudly in her little girl''s voice, "Daddy!"


    The carriage rushed over, and before it even stopped, Jiang Wenyuan was the first to jump up and run over to hug up his daughter who was rushing towards him.


    Baby Dumpling hugged her dad''s neck and rubbed her little face against her dad''s face over and over again, extremely happy.


    After a while, her mommy and her big brother got off the carriage too, and Baby Dumpling gave them a good rub one by one as well. Then it was Jiang''s elderly father and old Mrs. Hu.


    Jiang Wenyuan stepped forward and bowed deeply to Doctor Qiu, "The esteemed doctor has had a hard time this past year, taking such good care of this well-behaved treasure."


    Doctor Qiu waved his hand, "Oh, I''m her master, taking care of her is my duty. Not to mention, the good baby is naturally sensible. Having her by this old man''s side, it is I who took advantage of your family."


    On the other side, after Baby Dumpling was affectionate enough with everyone, Jiang''s family also stepped forward to pay their respects to Doctor Qiu.


    Jiang Yuqing also introduced his own family members to Nanny Yan and Er Yu, and the three hurriedly came forward to pay their respects.


    After some small talk, everyone got back into the carriages and headed to the Marquis Estate.


    Jiang Wenyuan and Lu had seen the blueprint of the Qingzhou Marquis Estate in the capital earlier, and knew that the estate covered an extremely vast area with more than twenty courtyards.


    But seeing it on paper was always superficial, and actually seeing it now, they were still shocked. Let alone Jiang''s elderly father and old Mrs. Hu, as well as Jiang Yuchuan.


    These three people were like Granny Liu entering Grand View Garden, with endless exmations all the way. Fortunately, the servants of the Marquis Estate had all been properly trained by people from the Eastern Pce, so no one looked down on them because of this.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his wife lived in the main courtyard, Yin''an Courtyard. Jiang''s elderly father and old Mrs. Hu lived in Jiale Hall behind Yin''an Courtyard. Jiang Yuchuan was arranged to live in Honghu Residence east of Yin''an Courtyard.


    That night, Jiang Yuqing had people prepare a sumptuous banquet to receive his parents and rtives who hade from afar. Everyone chatted while eating, talking about things that had recently happened in the capital.


    Because Jiang Wenyuan was going to the pce to give thanks tomorrow, Baby Dumpling was worried about her dad and gave careful instructions to her dad and brother.


    On her mommy and granny''s side, she specifically asked Nanny Yan toe and briefly teach some etiquette. Even if it was just a crash course, it was still better than doing nothing.


    After learning for a while, Baby Dumpling decisively urged everyone to go wash up and rest. After hurrying on the road for so many days, they must be exhausted. Especially the elderly couple, who started nodding off after eating.

 Chapter 88: Five Steps Up

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    The next day, the Jiang family got up early in the morning. Because today they were going to the pce to give thanks, except for the in-clothed old Jiang Lao, the rest of the people dressed up ording to their ranks.


    Jiang Yuchen was afraid that her mother and grandmother did not know how to dress up, so she specifically sent Er Yu and Yan Nainai there to help.


    After breakfast, when everything was ready, the family members took two carriages and drove towards the imperial pce.


    When they arrived at the pce gate, everyone got off the carriage and found that the eunuchs had been waiting here early.


    Mr. Lin led Jiang father and son to the imperial study, while another eunuch led Jiang¡¯s female family members to the Pepper Room Hall.


    At this time, it was just after the morning court session.


    All along the way, many officials looked up and down at Jiang Wenyuan father and son. Seeing that their clothes and ranks were obviously not low, but their faces were very unfamiliar. They were all guessing where these nobles came from.


    Some smart ones had already guessed that they must be the newly arrived Marquis of Qingzhou and the heir who had just entered the capital yesterday. Sure enough, their guesses were confirmed soon.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his son bumped into Qin Jue, the heir of Pingyang Marquis head-on. This was an old acquaintance. When they met, they inevitably had to bow and greet each other.


    Qin Jue said, "You finally came to the capital. Tomorrow night, Yuan Yun and I have agreed to set up a table for you at Shengping Building to wee you."


    "I will definitelye tomorrow!" While letting Jiang Yuchuan pay his respects to him.


    Because this was not the ce to catch up, the two only chatted briefly before parting ways. Qin Jue left the pce, while the Jiang family father and son continued on their way.


    At this time, the Emperor and the Crown Prince had returned from the morning court to the Imperial Study. After taking the tea handed over by Li Deshun and taking a sip, the Emperor asked, "Has Wen Yuan Jiang arrived yet?"


    Li Deshun said, "He has already entered the pce. It is estimated that he will be here soon."


    Before a cup of tea was finished, they heard the announcement outside, "Marquis Jiang Wenyuan of Qingzhou Prefecture is paying respects to His Majesty with the heir!"


    The emperor''s spirit was immediately aroused: "Pleasee in quickly!"


    The father and son came in to kowtow and salute: ¡°Your humble servants, Jiang Wenyuan (Jiang Yuchuan), pay respect to Your Majesty!¡± Long live the Emperor, long live, long live! Greetings to the Crown Prince, may you live a thousand years, a thousand years! "


    The Emperor and the Crown Prince personally helped the two of them up: "Dear Sir, please get up!" While giving them a seat to sit down and talk. This treatment was not something ordinary people could get.


    The Emperor looked at Jiang Wenyuan in front of him. His handsome and slightly darkplexion showed a kind of simplicity and tenacity that ordinary civil servants did not have.


    It was such a in person who had increased the grain output of a county by more than that of someone else''s prefecture in three years, and tripled the total tax revenue of the county. Three newmercial streets were added in the county town.


    At least every household in the whole county had surplus grain, if not brick-tiled houses. Not only that, the high-yielding grain varieties also benefited themon people all over the world.


    The Emperor thought of the news that came from the south a few days ago: "The abyss has left Qing, themon people took the initiative to see off for ten miles, giving umbres to the people, and the cars were full of fruits."


    Throughout the past dynasties, there were few who did so well as an official. Such a person was the real pir of Da Xia.


    The Emperor was quite emotional: "You''ve worked hard these years. You have governed Qingzhou very well, and you¡¯ve grown so much good grain. I, on behalf of themoners of the world, thank you!"


    Jiang Wenyuan was terrified: "Your humble servant does not know how to speak well. I only know how to deliberate based on my position. Your humble servant has only done what a county magistrate, a parent official, should do."


    "What a great statement ''deliberate based on my position''. The Emperor said emotionally: "If all the officials of Da Xia have your childlike heart, then the world will truly be at peace."


    The emperor chatted with him for a while, then asked Jiang Yuchuan beside him who was sitting upright: "I remember your name is Jiang Yuchuan. How old are you?"


    "Replying to Your Majesty! I am nine years old."


    "Have you studied?"


    "I just passed the Schoolchildren Examination!"


    "Oh!" The emperor was instantly interested: "Don''t tell me you still n to take the imperial examination?"


    Jiang Yuchuan said, "Yes, your humble servant wants to be the top schr!"


    "Oh, this is to surpass your father, right! Good, very ambitious!"


    Jiang Yuchuan scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "Not entirely!"


    "Why?"


    Jiang Yuchuan said, "Because your humble servant¡¯s younger sister is very smart. Everyone in the family said that if she were a boy, she might be able to be the top schr in the future.


    It''s a pity that she is a girl and cannot be the top schr. So your humble servant will work harder to make her the top schr''s sister in the future!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, even Jing Yan, who was usually indifferent, twitched his mouth. This Jiang Yuchuan was still simple and honest as before.


    The Emperorughed out loud: "Good! I like your idea, and I will support you."


    In the previous dynasty, noble children with titles were not allowed to take the imperial examinations, saying that it waspeting for benefits withmon people. As a result, it has bred a group of good-for-nothings who only know how to eat, drink, y and enjoy.


    Da Xia was more open than the previous dynasty, allowing noble children to participate in the imperial examinations, and even encouraged it. As long as you have the ability, feel free toe.


    If you get some achievements, you will definitely be the envy of other noble families, the g and benchmark for educating their children.


    The emperor said with a smile: "Dear Sir, I have discovered that you not only govern well, but also educate your children well. Everyone has great potential."


    "As for your precious daughter Linghui, she is so cunning and charming that I adore her so much. The Empress even hates that she can''t take her into the pce and raise her on her knees."


    "It is my daughter''s blessing!" Jiang Wen RMB appeared humble on the surface, but his heart was beating rapidly, thinking that in the future it would be better to let his precious daughter have less contact with the royal family.


    In case they really find her cute and hold her in the pce, he won¡¯t even have a ce to cry.


    The royal family will not reason with you, just one imperial decree or edict is enough. At that time, you have to present her even if you don¡¯t want to. He has only one precious daughter, and he hates that he can''t carry her with him every day.


    Well, the matter was settled here.


    Because the emperor had to discuss official business with Jiang Wen Yuan, this asion was obviously not suitable for Jiang Yu Chuan to listen in. So the eunuch brought Jiang Yu Chuan to Empress Dowager''s Pepper Room Hall.


    As for the Crown Prince Jing Yan, as the heir apparent, he naturally had to stay by the emperor¡¯s side to listen to state affairs.


    After Jiang Yuchuan left, the emperor said, ¡°Has the dear sir paid attention to Su Prefecture?¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan shook his head and said, ". Your humble servant has never been there and only has some superficial understanding of Su Prefecture. I only know that Su Prefecture is an important ce in the northwest border of our Da Xia. The climate is extremely cold and sparsely popted."


    The Emperor nodded and then asked, "Do you know how much grain Su Prefecture producedst year after the disaster?"


    Jiang Wen Yuan awkwardly said: "Your humble servant is ashamed for not paying attention."


    The Emperor frowned: ¡°Less than one third of Qingzhou County.¡±


    Jiang Wen Yuan: ¡°...¡± The poption of Su Prefecture was almost four times that of Qingzhou County, and the area was more than twenty times that of Qingzhou County. It was thergest prefecture in Da Xia''s territory. However, the grain output was so low. But why did the emperor suddenly mention Su Prefecture?


    He suddenly shuddered. Did His Majesty want to send him there to drink the northwest wind? He cautiously said, "Does Your Majesty mean ..."


    Sure enough, the emperor said: "Su Prefecture is bitterly cold. There are also Xiongnu and Tartars whomit border troubles from time to time, killing and looting. The people there are really suffering too much. I have always hoped to find a capable prefect to go to Su Prefecture. Your ability is obvious to all. Are you willing to go?"


    Jiang Wen yuan: "...Your humble servant is willing to share worries for Your Majesty." When you have said so, how can I, as your servant, have a second choice?


    In short, there is no escape on this matter.


    The emperor gave him a month to hurry to the Ministry of Personnel to hand over the handover matters. After a month, he would set off for Su Prefecture to take over as the prefect of Su Prefecture.


    The monarch and his ministers talked very happily, chatting for a whole morning. The emperor even kept him for lunch and rewarded him with a bunch of good stuff before letting him out of the pce.


    On the side of the Pepper Room Hall, the atmosphere was also quite harmonious because Jiang Yuqing interrupted from time to time.


    Empress Dowager Qin was very fond of Jiang''s women.


    It was probably because they grew up in the countryside. Their temperaments were pure and simple, without the twists and turns of the capital noblewomen. It was veryfortable to talk to them.


    Empress Dowager Qin also kept them for lunch.


    Jiang Yuqing often wandered around in the Pepper Room Hall. At mealtimes, she also ate in big bites. After finishing one bowl, she asked for another bowl to be refilled,pletely unaware of such a thing called etiquette. Empress Dowager Qin let her be, and even personally picked dishes for her.


    Mrs. Lu now finally realized that in this pce, her precious daughter was no different from being at home. Empress Dowager Qin really doted on her.


    After the meal and a short rest, the Jiang family bid farewell to the pce. Before leaving, the Empress Dowager rewarded them with a lot of good stuff.


    After returning home, Old Mrs. Hu arrogantly bragged to Old Jiang: ¡°Oh my! Word will get out that I¡¯ve been to the imperial pce and seen the Empress Dowager herself! She even treated me to a meal. None of the olddies in the vige will have had the good fortune like me.¡±


    Jiang sucked his teeth sourly and said: ¡°Indeed. That¡¯ll give you enough to brag about for the rest of your life!¡±


    Mrs. Hu rolled her eyes at him and mocked in a sarcastic tone: ¡°Tsk, I see that some people are just sour grapes. The men in my family are distinguished, while you are a nobody. You¡¯re just jealous over nothing.¡±


    The old man was so angry that his moustache bristled as he red with wide eyes, yet he was helpless against his wife¡¯s antics.


    Indeed, his jealousy was in vain!


    Later, Jiang Wenyuan came back. He brought news, uncertain whether good or bad:


    "What? You''re saying His Majesty wants to appoint you as prefect of Su Prefecture?" His family was extremely surprised.


    "Mm. Time is tight; I''ll have to set off in a month." He had originally believed that with his outstanding performance appraisals, he might get promoted one or two ranks and remain in the capital or be transferred to an upper county as county magistrate. He never expected the Emperor to appoint him as prefect of Su Prefecture.


    The prefect was a fourth-rank official. He had originally been just a sixth-rank petty county magistrate. To jump from sixth-rank to fourth-rank positive in one go, ascending five levels at once, was as drastic as the homemade firecrackers set off by the guy in the neighboring vige at New Year.


    The bad thing was, Su Prefecture was no nice ce. Despite being Da Xia¡¯srgest prefecture, it was the poorest. The climate was bitterly cold, thend barren. Rumor had it that bandits even ran rampant in parts of its territory.


    One could say Su Prefecture had been a hot potato dynasty after dynasty. Anyone with a bit of sway at court was unwilling to go. His Majesty the Emperor had probably run out of options before dispatching him there, hoping he could develop the ce.


    The elderly couple immediately stated their unwillingness to follow their third son to Su Prefecture. They decided that when their son left the capital, they too would leave for their hometown in Qing Prefecture.


    Firstly, their hometown still had two other sons. Secondly, they felt that at their age, returning to the countryside to farm would be more carefree.


    Old Man Jiang even explicitly said: "I''m not going. I''m old. If I die in Su Prefecture, you''ll have to ship my entire coffin back. It''s so far away, I''ll probably rot on the road."


    Mrs. Hu red at him. "Or should we pack some coarse salt to pickle you up? Tsk, still spouting nonsense without a filter at your age."


    Old Man Jiang then shrank his shoulders and didn''t dare speak further.


    Jiang Yuchuan, the eldest brother, would also follow his grandparents back to Qing Prefecture. As a county student, he had to return to his original locality to take the county exam this August. If he passed, he would be a private school graduate.


    That night, when Imperial Physician Qiu returned from the hospital, Jiang Yuqing told him about it. She said she wanted to follow her father to Su Prefecture.


    Qiu thought for a moment then said: "Okay! You go first. Teacher will settle things here within at most half a year, thene find you. I¡¯m done with this capital too."


    Hearing this, Jiang Yuqing immediately beamed with smile lines by her eyes: ¡°Great!¡±


    The next day at the morning court session, Emperor Xia announced that Jiang Wenyuan would soon take over as prefect of Su Prefecture. The ministers were instantly in an uproar. There was admiration, but no envy.


    That Su Prefecture was no nice ce!


    What¡¯s there to be envious about?

 Chapter 89: Parting is for the next time Together

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    Jiang Wenyuan remained unperturbed by favor or disgrace as he dutifully reported to the Ministry of Personnel, carrying out his responsibilities in an orderly manner.


    In the evening, Qin Jue came to pick him up, and together with the eldest son of the Duke of Zhengguo, Yuan Yun, they went to Ascending Peace Tower to drink and reminisce.


    During the banquet, Yuan Yun said, "Uncle Yi (Jiang Wenyuan), you are too honest. Su Prefecture is not a good ce, and others can barely escape from it. You could have found an excuse to decline. With your achievements, His Majesty would surely grant it as a face-saving measure."


    Jiang Wenyuan shook his head and replied, "Thunder and rain are both bestowed by the monarch. If it wasn''t me, it would have been someone else. Someone had to go."


    Yuan Yun shook his head and sighed, "Well, you''ve be a fool by farming."


    Since they had decided to apany their parents to Qingzhou, Jiang Yuqing had been attending the Medical Academy half-day every day, teaching the students and senior brothers everything he could. In the afternoons, he apanied his family around the capital, exploring and buying delicious food and interesting things, listening to ys in the theater, and going to teahouses to hear people tell stories. He even attended an auction at Baoyue Tower.


    At the auction, the elderly couple saw many people spending a fortune on a calligraphy or painting from the previous dynasty or some other antique, and their hearts were stirred.


    They couldn''t help butin, "For such a worthless thing that can''t be eaten or drunk, spending so much money to buy it is truly a cmity."


    Fortunately, the Jiang family was seated in the private box on the upper floor, otherwise they would have been showered with saliva.


    Due to the scorching summer, the weather was unbearably hot. There were no major events happening in the capital, and the Jiang family enjoyed the tranquility.


    Jiang Yuqing cherished every day spent with his grandparents. Nheless, the day of separation arrived quickly.


    Although he had already given his grandparents a longevity-enhancing elixir, Jiang Yuqing was still worried that they, along with his brother, would struggle with the treacherous weather on the journey. Therefore, two days in advance, after they fell asleep, he used rejuvenating techniques to carefully examine and treat their bodies, eliminating any minor ailments. Then he infused a strand of vitality into each of them.


    With these measures in ce, nothing untoward should happen.


    On the day before their departure to Su Prefecture, Jiang Wenyuan was summoned to the pce by Emperor Xiajing.


    Emperor Xiajing said, "The road to Su Prefecture is not peaceful, and there may be bandits along the way. I will send a detachment of Imperial Guards to escort you. Furthermore, the sword I bestowed upon you earlier is still effective. If you encounter corrupt officials whomit heinous crimes, you can execute them on the spot before reporting. I also grant you the authority to mobilize troops. If you encounter banditry or any unresolved matters, you can gather nearby forces to suppress them."


    Such great authority could be considered as high as a special envoy.


    A true gentleman would sacrifice his life for his friends.


    Jiang Wenyuan was deeply moved and tears welled up in his eyes. He prostrated himself and said, "I will not disappoint Your Majesty''s high expectations!"


    Despite their reluctance, the day of parting arrived.


    On the sixteenth day of the seventh month, news spread that Jiang Yuqing would apany his parents to their new post in the northwest. Everyone she knew or was familiar with came to see her off: her master, the father and son of the eldest disciple, the second disciple, and many students and doctors from the Medical Academy. There were also Yuan Wuyang from the Duke of Zhengguo''s residence and Wei Lingyun from the General''s residence, and even Jing Yan and Li Deshun came.


    As they bid farewell one by one, it was Jing Yan''s turn. He gently touched her little head and said, "Take care of yourself, and when you arrive, remember to write me a letter."


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and replied, "I will! You take care too."


    "Mhmm."


    Sending off a loved one for a thousand miles, eventually, they must part ways.


    After a low-key stay in the capital for a month, the Jiang family, under the escort of a team of Imperial Guards, left the capital in a high-profile manner.


    When the carriage reached the Five-Li Pavilion outside the city, it was yet another crossroad. Here, the Jiang family would split into two groups.


    The elderly couple, apanied by their grandson Jiang Yuchuan, headed south with the escort from the Marquis''s residence, returning to their hometown of Qingzhou.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his wife, on the other hand, took their little daughter and headed northwest, escorted by the Imperial Guards, on their way to Su Prefecture.


    At the moment of parting, Jiang Yuqing hugged her grandparents and older brother, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was reluctant to let go. Others were also wiping away their tears.


    For the first time, the old man felt that his grandchildren were too sessful, which wasn''t necessarily a good thing. Being too sessful meant they were raised for the court.


    It would be better if they were ordinary, like their eldest and second sons, with lower official positions and closer distances, so they coulde back to visit him from time to time.


    As the sun rose higher, the convoy had to set off again. Watching the two teams gradually move away, bing smaller and smaller until they could no longer be seen, Jiang Yuqing cried again.


    Bai Xiaoshi, who was with her in the Spirit Realm,forted her, saying, "Parting is for the next reunion. There''s no need to cry. If you miss them, you can go back and see them. Besides, I can carry you!"


    Jiang Yuqing instantly regained herposure and realized he was right. She had been so focused on being sad that she had forgotten about Bai Xiaoshi.


    And so, she became happy again.


    Seeing their daughter''s smile return, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife finally felt relieved. Children were children, no matter how clever they were, they had short memories. In just a little while, they had already forgotten the sadness of parting.


    Due to the hot weather, Jiang Wenyuan was afraid that some members of the entourage might suffer from heatstroke, so they took a rest at a tea house by the roadside at noon. They treated everyone to bowls of mung bean soup made by the owner.


    They didn''t resume the journey until after noon had passed.


    The night was uneventful.


    The next day, as soon as it was light, the convoy set off again. They aimed to travel more during the time before the sun rose, so they could rest a bit longer when it got hot at noon.


    And so, they continued on the road for seven or eight consecutive days, and the group had already reached Jin Prefecture. That night, after a sh of lightning and thunder, the heavens finally bestowed a heavy rain upon them.


    This heavy rain washed away the recent hot weather, allowing everyone to have a good night''s sleep.


    When they woke up the next day, all signs of fatigue had disappeared, and everyone was in high spirits. After a simple breakfast, the convoy set off once again.


    Another day passed, and by sunset, they were still thirty miles away from a small town up ahead. The scouts from the Imperial Guards returned and reported that there was a small vige nearby where they could stay for the night.


    Jiang Wenyuan then ordered the convoy to head for the small vige to find lodging.


    This small vige, with just over thirty households, had never seen so many outsiders before. The vige chief hurried over upon hearing the news of a strange convoy entering the vige.


    The vige chief was a man in his forties who had never traveled very far, with the farthest ce being the county seat. He had never seen such a big group before.


    He cautiously asked, "May I ask where you all are from and what brings you to our vige?"


    Jiang Wenyuan got off the carriage and bowed to the vige chief, politely saying, "Good sir, wee from Lingzhou Prefecture and are heading to Su Prefecture. We missed our lodging in the previous town, so we thought of seeking shelter for a night in your vige. We kindly ask for your assistance."


    The vige chief''s eyes lit up when he heard Lingzhou mentioned. "Ah, you''re from Lingzhou. That''s truly a good ce, known for its high crop yields."


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled slightly. "Indeed, Lingzhou is a fine ce, and your Jin Prefecture is not bad either. When I entered the vige just now, I noticed that you have also grown a lot of sweet potatoes, and they seem to be thriving. I believe you will have a good harvest this year."


    Upon hearing this, the vige chief rxed a bit. "Haha, I appreciate your kind words." He pointed to the carriage and asked, "Who is inside the carriage?"


    The group consisted of several dozen well-trained and strong men, each armed with weapons. The vige chief felt a bit apprehensive, fearing that they might be troublemakers who would bring disaster to the entire vige.


    Jiang Wenyuan noticed the vige chief''s hesitation and said, "Inside the carriage are my family members."


    Just then, a little head poked out from the second carriage. "Daddy!" The little girl''s voice was sweet and innocent. "Can we stay here for the night?"


    As she spoke, she was carried down from the carriage. She ran over, pitter-pattering, and stood next to her father.


    Jiang Wenyuan affectionately touched his daughter''s soft hair and smiled as he replied, "I cannot make that decision, my dear. We must ask this uncle here."


    The little girl tilted her head and looked at the vige chief with her big grape-like eyes, shining brightly. "Uncle, can we stay here for the night? I promise we are not bad people, and we won''t cause any trouble."


    The vige chief saw this adorable and well-mannered little girl andpletely let go of his worries. Besides, he had never seen such a polite troublemaker before.


    The vige chief chuckled and said, "Of course, you can stay. Follow me!"


    Jiang Wenyuan bowed to him again and said, "Thank you. This is my daughter. I apologize for any inconvenience caused."


    The vige chief replied, "What a well-behaved child. Unlike my own bunch of mischievous monkeys who often make me so angry that I wish I could beat them with cane sticks."


    "Haha, children are like that. They will grow out of it."


    And so, Jiang Wenyuan carried his daughter and followed the vige chief into the small vige.


    There was an empty courtyard in the vige that was reasonably well maintained and looked suitable for living. It had belonged to an elderly widower, and after his passing, the courtyard became the property of the vige.


    The furniture and such were still there, although a bit simple, they were clean.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s family of three stayed in the east wing, while Nanny Yan, Er Yu, Lu Chun, Gu Yu, Li Xia, and Xiao Man, along with a few maids, stayed in the west wing.


    The others made do with sleeping on the floor in the main hall and storage rooms. For the Imperial Guards who had slept in all sorts of ces on their missions, this ce was considered quite good.


    Jiang Wenyuan also gave some silver to the vige chief and asked him to find two women to cook a meal for everyone.


    Vige Chief: "The culinary skills of my wife and daughter-inw are quitemendable in our vige. If you don''t mind, esteemed guests, I can have theme and serve you."


    Jiang Wenyuan: "Certainly. We have brought rice, flour, and dried meat with us. If your family has fresh vegetables, we would be grateful to purchase some as well."


    The Vige Chief beamed with joy and said, "We have them. Please wait a moment, esteemed guests."


    After a short while, the Vige Chief returned, leading his wife and young daughter-inw.


    When these two women arrived, they brought along cooking utensils. It seemed they were aware that there were enough tables and chairs in the house, but no cooking pots.


    While the women of the Vige Chief''s family were busy cooking, a shy young boy of sixteen or seventeen years old arrived outside, carrying several freshly caught rabbits to sell.


    Jiang Wenyuan noticed that the rabbits were very fresh and decided to buy them. Since there were many people in his group and they all had hearty appetites, he suspected that the rabbits alone would not suffice. He asked the young boy if he had any other game.


    The young boy happily replied, "Yes, I also caught a small deer, and it''s still alive. I n to take it to the city to sell tomorrow!"


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Don''t bother taking it to the city. Bring it here with you."


    The young boy ran off, brimming with joy.


    The Vige Chief''s wife was talkative and said, "This child came here with his mother when she was wandering. I heard their hometown is in Qingzhou, in the Lingzhou Prefecture."


    "Qingzhou? Are you saying he is from Qingzhou?"


    The Vige Chief''s daughter-inw said, "It seems so. My olddy is illiterate and doesn''t know a single word, nor does she know where Qingzhou is. She only knows it''s a faraway ce in the south, known for scorching summers and high rice yields."


    Jiang Wenyuan pondered for a moment.


    Soon after, the young boy returned, carrying a not-so-big deer. He was worried that the Vige Chief''s wife and daughter-inw wouldn''t be able to handle it, so he helped them ughter it.


    Jiang Wenyuan had a feeling of familiarity with the young boy but couldn''t recall where he had seen him before. He asked, "What is your name?"


    The young boy wiped off the deer blood sttered on his face and said, "My name is Hu Yangming."


    Jiang Wenyuan grew even more astonished and suspicious. "I heard that your hometown is Qingzhou?"


    The young boy nodded, "Yes, Qingzhou County in Lingzhou Prefecture."


    Jiang Wenyuan''s heart skipped a beat. "Is your biological father named Hu Baozhun? From Nanfengkou in Qingzhou County?"


    The wooden basin in the young boy''s hand fell to the ground with a "tter," and his eyes widened. "How do you know?"


    "I also know your grandfather''s name, and you have an aunt named Hu Yuzhen who married in Xijindu in Qingzhou County. Am I correct?"


    "Yes... all correct. So, are you from my hometown?"


    Jiang Wenyuan let out a sigh of relief, and his eyes became teary. "Strictly speaking, you should call me ''uncle.'' Your grandfather is my maternal uncle, and my mother is your aunt. And your biological father is my cousin!"


    The young boy was stunned, as were the people in the courtyard.


    Jiang Wenyuan asked Hu Yangming to wash up and invited him inside for a conversation. The young boy went in a daze, seemingly still unable to fully grasp the sudden encounter with his rtives.


    Lu Shi and Jiang Yuqing were astonished to hear that the young boy who had just sold rabbits was actually a distant rtive from the Hu family.


    Lu Shi arrivedte, long after Hu Baozhun had passed away, and her uncle was paralyzed and bedridden.


    It was only known that the year after her cousin''s death, her cousin-inw remarried and took the child with her, and they disappeared without a trace. But they never expected to encounter them here.


    Hu Yangming entered the house, and Jiang Wenyuan carefully inquired about his experiences over the years, realizing that the child had truly endured a lot.


    His mother was forced to remarry by her rtives, and she married a cripple in a neighboring state capital.


    Her new husband''s family treated him poorly because they considered him a burden.


    Physical abuse and going hungry weremon urrences. It was a struggle for him to reach the age of ten.


    One time, when his mother was not at home, the cripple secretly sold him off.


    His mother discovered it and chased after them, relentlessly following the horse-drawn carriage of the human trafficker for three days, and with sheer determination, she forcibly snatched him away.


    After escaping danger, his mother realized they couldn''t stay in their old home, so she decided to take him back to Qingzhou Xijin Ferry to seek refuge with her sister-inw.


    Unfortunately, neither the mother nor the son could read, so they had to ask a passing merchant group for directions back to Qingzhou.


    It''s unclear whether his mother didn''t exin clearly or the person giving directions didn''t understand correctly, or perhaps it was a dialect issue.


    Although they clearly intended to return to Qingzhou, the merchant group mistakenly believed they were heading to Jin Prefecture and kindly apanied them all the way there.


    When the mother and son realized the mistake and went to inquire, they discovered they had mistakenly traveled in the opposite direction and ended up in Jin Prefecture.


    Since the merchant group was heading west and couldn''t send them back, they gave the mother and son a small amount of money and instructed them to find their own way home.


    Unexpectedly, due to the long journey and being caught in the rain, his mother fell ill and exhausted, and she died by the roadside before they could leave Jin Prefecture.


    As he wept inconsbly, a vige hunter returning from a hunt discovered him.


    He helped bury his mother and from then on, the boy lived with the old hunter in this small vige for seven years.

 Chapter 90: The Fallen Leaves

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    Such bumpy experiences were trulymentable.


    Jiang Wenyuan asked him what ns he had for the future.


    Hu Yangming shook his head with a embarrassed smile, saying he wanted to hunt more game to save up some money, and move his mother''s and master''s remains back to their hometown in Qingzhou.


    His master was not a local either, but rather had drifted over from Suzhou Prefecture some years ago when fleeing the famine, and was also without family.


    He naturally could not leave his master''s grave untended if he wanted to return to Qingzhou. The best n was to bring everything back with him to Qingzhou, so there would be someone to pay respects during holidays and festivals.


    Jiang Wenyuan patted himfortingly, "You are a filial and responsible child. As your elder rtive, I will certainly not ignore you now that we have met.


    Because I have to go to Su Prefecture on official business, I cannot personally escort you back to Qingzhou. You wait here a couple days, and I will find a reliable escort to reopen and transfer your mother and master''s coffins in high-quality new ones to send you all back to Qingzhou.


    When you reach Qingzhou, there will be people waiting for you, so do not worry. From now on,e live with our family, you will neverck food."


    Hu Yangming immediately kneeled and kowtowed, choking back tears as he said "Thank you uncle! I will never forget your great kindness and virtue!"


    "Stand up now! When your aunt hears of this she will be overjoyed.


    She always regretted you and your mother remarrying. We searched for you before, but never found any traces. Now, you are her only remaining maternal rtive."


    "Only remaining one? You mean grandfather has also passed away?" Tears welled up in the youth''s eyes.


    "Yes. The year after you and your mother left, he too departed this world."


    Jiang Wenyuan patted his shoulder again tofort him, "When he passed, he was not in pain. My brothers and I attended to him in shifts at the end."


    The youth thanked him tearfully, "Thank you uncle!"


    "What''s there to be so polite about between family!"


    Early next morning, Jiang Wenyuan sent word back to Qingzhou about Hu Yangming''s situation, asking the family there to find a suitable burial plot that could amodate Hu Yangming''s mother and master since they were not locals and by custom could not be interred in the Hu ancestral tombs.


    He also borrowed an almanac from the vige head, checking for auspicious yellow calendar dates. As luck would have it, tomorrow happened to be one.


    He promptly dispatched people to the city to find a reliable escort agency and buy two high-quality coffins, as well as asked the vige head to invite a Taoist priest from a nearby temple to oversee the coffin relocation and grave moving ritual.


    He could not afford to waste too much time on the road and had to aplish this quickly!


    The vigers were quite shocked to hear that this esteemed guest who had coincidentally taken lodging in their vige was the cousin of that feral child from the mountain foot.


    Taking in his distinguished bearing andrge retinue, they realized he was no ordinary person. That boy now had great fortune.


    Hearing especially that his uncle would send people to transfer his mother and master''s coffins back to Qingzhou for reburial, everyone rejoiced for him. The elders always said fallen leaves return to their roots.


    It was filial of Hu Yangming to bring his mother and master back to their Qingzhou homnd.


    The purchased coffins arrived, finely crafted from solid wood andcquered ck, very heavy. The Taoist priest came as well, saying the appointed time tomorrow morning was auspicious.


    The next day, Hu Yangming wore white mourning garb with his head bound in white cloth. Under the Taoist''s direction, the two graves were dug up in session and the coffins changed.


    Before reinterment, the new coffins could not touch the ground and were kept on the two carts, ready to depart back to Qingzhou at dawn.


    After coffin relocation wasplete, Jiang Wenyuan hosted avish meal to thank the elders who hade to help, as well as to show his gratitude for their care of the boy this past year.


    That night, Hu Yangming returned to his small hut at the mountain foot to briefly tidy up his belongings. He gave the key and remaining money pouch to the vige head, entreating him to help watch over things for a bit. The vige head naturally agreed.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his wife gave the youth a fifty tael banknote and several ingots for travel expenses. They also carefully instructed him on dealing with various situations that could ur on the journey.


    Lu said gently, "Back home we have seven younger cousins. You will be the eldest brother when you return.


    They are all easy to get along with, no need to worry about being bullied. No one in Qingzhou would dare mistreat someone from our family."


    "Especially when young, you should also go to school and learn some characters. The men of our family cannot be illiterate."


    Hu Yangming tearfully epted their words, engraving them in his heart. Only after arriving back in Qingzhou did he truly understand the deeper meaning behind Auntie''s words that "in Qingzhou, no one dares mistreat our family''s people".


    The next morning at dawn, the escort agents arrived to receive Hu Yangming and the two coffins to depart back to Qingzhou. At their parting, Hu Yangming bowed deeply to the couple, wiping tears as he turned southward.


    After sending off Hu Yangming, Jiang''s entourage also resumed their journey. Twenty some days of bumpy travelter, they finally entered the borders of Su Prefecture.


    The further they went the more dpidated the roads became. The homes along the way increasingly run down. The asional towns they passed through were also small. This ce truly lived up to being the poorest prefecture in Da Xia.


    A former imperial guardsman who had been to Su Prefecture before said this area was still the eastern region of Su and considered better. It got truly terrible going further west.


    At the real frontier edges there was little vegetation, only expanses of Gobi desert as far as the eye could see. When sandstorms came the skies were filled with yellow sand, permeating mouth and ears.


    Hearing this, Jiang Wenyuan fell silent, brows knitted with worry. Jiang Yuqing noticed her father''s distress. Her small hand gently tugged at hisrge one to reassure, "Don''t worry dad, you still have me."


    Jiang Wenyuan turned to look at his daughter, wrapping her tiny hand in his and squeezing it, "Yes, don''t worry."


    At the same time, in the best and biggest restaurant in Su Prefecture''s capital city, a customer in brocade robes said to hispanion over the table, "Did you hear? We''re getting a new prefect. "


    His friend in green replied "Doesn''t matter who they send, it''s all the same. Our Su Prefecture has been poor for so many years yet none of them have managed to improve things."


    The one in brocade said "Oh but you''re mistaken this time! I heard this new prefect the court has sent is no ordinary man. It''s the famed Marquis of Qingzhou!"


    "Who? Say that again?" The man in green felt he must have misheard.


    The brocade robed man repeated "The Marquis of Qingzhou! Former county magistrate of Qingzhou, Jiang Wenyuan. The one who cultivated two new high-yield grain varieties."


    The green robed man said "Oh him! He is a capable official. I have also heard things about him. In just three years of taking office he made Qingzhou the wealthiest county in the empire, producing more grains than some entire prefectures! When his term ended themoners knelt in the streets pleading for him to stay. If it really is him, our people will be blessed."


    Another in gray robes rebutted "That is not necessarily so. While those two grains may have high yield elsewhere, they cannot grow here in our barrennds of Su Prefecture. Others have tried unsessfully before."


    The brocade robed man countered "What does that matter? If the Marquis of Qingzhou could cultivate two new high yielding crops, he might also produce grains well suited for our soils in Su. "


    "You make a point there..."


    At the same time, the escort brought Hu Yangming and the two coffins to the gates of Qingzhou city. Old man Hu and Jiang''s father personally came with family in tow to receive them.


    Upon seeing each other, old Mrs. Hu immediately embraced Hu Yangming tearfully, "Yangming! Auntie thought she would never see you again in this life! Thank heavens your uncle found you!"


    Hu Yangming also wept, for the years of twists and turns and bitterness, but also for finally being back in his homnd with peace of heart.


    Hu Yangming''s mother and master''s coffins were temporarily kept at a charitable hall outside the city. Their burial plots had already been selected and only awaited choosing an auspicious yellow calendar date for interment.


    Only when Hu Yangming passed through the gates of the Jiang family home did he realize that the third uncle he had encountered back in Jinzhou was actually the famed Marquis of Qingzhou himself!


    Now he had been promoted to Prefect on his way to take office in Su Prefecture.


    Time enteredte August. Unlike other ces in Da Xia, Su Prefecture had great differences between day and night temperatures. Blistering hot at noon, it already cooled down significantly by early morning andte evening.


    Jiang''s carriage convoy had progressed another two days when the skies dumped torrential rains for a full two days straight. Scouts reported back that the deluge had washed out a section of the official highway, requiring considerable time to repair.


    Traffic along this route was not low, and upon hearing the road was washed out the innkeepers were anxious and irate.


    Jiang Wenyuan asked and learned this area was under Zengping County''s jurisdiction, so he dispatched people to the county offices to report and urge the magistrate to send people for repairs posthaste.


    The magistrate did send people to repair the road, just a small team of ten or so conscriptedborers. For such a long stretch of road, relying only on those few hoes and carrying poles, it would take them until who knows when toplete the repairs.


    When Jiang Wenyuan went up to ask, one of the shabbily dressed old men just gave a coldugh and said: "Our county has already conscripted corv¨¦ebor three times this year, and they have all been taken to work on the rural estates. That his honor the magistrate could send over even this few men is an act of great benevolence."

 Chapter 91: Not to avoid Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard this, his eyebrows twisted: ¡°What did you say, it has been conscripted three times?¡± ording to the court''s regtions, each county can conscript a certain number of corv¨¦ebor each year based on the actual situation.


    Before he came to Su Prefecture, he had done detailed homework on the situation in Su Prefecture. He clearly remembered that the number of corv¨¦ebor Zengping County reported to be conscripted this year was zero.


    But the old man said that it had actually been conscripted three times, and it seemed that the number was not small.


    "Which vige?" Jiang Wenyuan asked.


    The old man said, "Ha, what else could it be but the vige that the county magistrate built south of the city. A few days ago, several more were pulled out from there, and they were all worked to death. If this continues, we people will have no way to live. We will either starve to death or be worked to death alive."


    Jiang Wenyuan was both shocked and angry. He immediately sent people in two routes to investigate, one route to the vige the old corv¨¦ebor mentioned, and one route to the county government.


    The Imperial Guard who was sent to the county government returned indignantly: "Your subordinate went to urge Zengping County to send more people. That county magistrate didn''t even show his face, only a teacher came to deal with your subordinate. That teacher quite arrogantly said that was all the people he had. If it was not enough, go find people yourself to repair it with your own money."


    After half a day, the other group that went to the vige also came back. They said that the county magistrate Sun He was personally supervising the construction on site. At least over 300 corv¨¦ebors were conscripted for that vige. Moreover, it was less of a vige and more of a luxurious manor gambling house and brothel.


    On one hand, the county magistrate abused his power for personal gain, privately conscriptingmoners to build himself a luxurious manor. On the other hand, he even privately set up gambling houses and brothels. It was simply unforgivable.


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard this, his anger red up in an instant. "Let''s go, let''s go meet this Zengping county magistrate and see if he is human or ghost!"


    Jiang Wenyuan took a team of thirty Imperial Guards and went swaggeringly to the Zengping county government. County Magistrate Sun He was not at the government office, only a teacher was there.


    Seeing so many people bursting aggressively into the county government, especially the one leading them whose aura made him seem no ordinary person, that teacher''s heart thumped. He quickly and carefully came up to them and bowed: "I don''t know why you havee, what business do you have?"


    Jiang Wenyuan expressionlessly said: "Where is Sun He?"


    When the teacher heard this person directly call out the county magistrate''s given name, his heart beat even more violently. He said, "Our county magistrate went to the countryside for inspection, he is not in the county government. May I know who you are...?"


    "Jiang Wenyuan, Prefect of Su Prefecture," he replied.


    Upon hearing this, the teacher quickly kneeled down and kowtowed: "I didn''t recognize Mount Tai, please forgive me!"


    Jiang Wenyuan coldlyughed: "Forgive you, forgive what crimes. Do your crimes need my forgiveness?"


    "Going to the countryside for inspection - did he go inspect his money-making hut?!


    Come, go surround that vige for me immediately. Before the situation is investigated clearly, not a single person is allowed to leave. Bring Sun He back to me!"


    Cold sweat rolled down the teacher as he knelt there, trembling like chaff.


    It''s over!


    When Sun He was caught by the Imperial Guards, he had his arms around a scantily d woman whispering sweet nothings.


    When he was caught, he was still arrogantly throwing his authority around, saying what kind of peasant rebels dared to defy authority.


    The small leader of the Imperial Guards escort shed their insignia. Sun He''s face immediately turned ghastly white.


    No matter how muddled he was, as a jinshi degree holder, he could still recognize the insignia of the Imperial Guards.


    Furthermore, when he heard that the newly arrived Prefect, Marquis Jiang Wenyuan of Qingzhou, was already seated in his Grand Hall, Sun He''s eyes rolled back and he nearly fainted. The people holding him had to shake him forcefully awake.


    The aftermath was simple to handle.


    Jiang Wenyuan gathered manpower and swiftlyunched raids on that manor as well as Sun He¡¯s residence in the county government, all in a blitzkrieg fashion.


    Just in silver alone, over 70,000 taels were seized, along with other jewels, calligraphy, paintings, deeds etc. In addition, aside from the gambling house, over 20 women were being kept in his manor. What these women were used for could be easily guessed.


    In his backyard residence in the county government, aside from his legal wife were 7 concubines and 12 children, all dressedvishly in gold and silver finery, living in luxury.


    The Imperial Guards also found a secret chamber in his bedroom. Inside were several ount books, detailing records of him embezzling and exploiting themoners over the years.


    After looking through them, Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s hands shook from anger as heÖ¸×ÅËïºÍÆÆ¿Ú´óÂî, even cussing as he scolded: "Damn you! Zengping County doesn¡¯t even have thatrge a poption. As a jinshi from a humble background, in just 5 short years you¡¯ve amassed such massive wealth, skinning thend bare by 3 chi.


    Go take a look, take a look at themoners outside, in tattered clothes and starving bellies. Meanwhile you get to live decadently every day, exploiting your neighbors. Did dogs eat your conscience?!"


    Su Prefecture was bitterly poor. Anyone with a bit of connections did not want toe here to be an official. This Sun He also came from an impoverished background and had mediocre abilities.


    After arriving at Su Prefecture, having neither outstanding political achievements nor backers, knowing that he had no hope of being transferred out, he simply colluded with the local rich idlers and rascals.


    Engaging in massive corruption and bribery, forcibly seizingmoners¡¯ daughters andnd, even privately conscripting corv¨¦ebor to build himself a luxurious manor and privately setting up gambling houses and brothels. He was practically a local emperor.


    A rhyme was widely spread among locals: "Yamen¡¯s eight characters open on both sides, no money no justicee inside." This was the true depiction of his corruption.


    It was not until the rains damaged the roads did Jiang Wenyuan overhear by coincidence the corv¨¦eborersining while repairing roads. Feeling something was amiss, he looked into the matter and this incident exploded.


    After investigating clearly, Jiang Wenyuan took out the imperial sword bestowed by the Emperor and beheaded Sun He¡¯s official hat on site. Due to his heinous crimes, he was sentenced to death by dismemberment. His family property was entirely confiscated. His family members were exiled to the southwest border.


    The rest of the people involved were also dealt with ordingly. The ones to be killed were killed, the ones to be exiled were exiled. After handling these matters, Jiang Wenyuan wrote a detailed memorial and urgently rushed it overnight to the capital!


    Hearing that the despotic official Sun He was sentenced to death by dismemberment by the newly arrived Prefect, themoners of Zengping were overjoyed, with many families even setting off firecrackers in the city.


    As Sun He and several chief culprits were escorted out of the city for execution, upon receiving the newsmoners rushed over, pelting the convicts with clods of earth, rocks, rotten vegetable leaves, even cow dung, cursing them as ¡°evil officials¡±, ¡°go die¡±, ¡°you also have today¡±.


    Even the Imperial Guards escorting them got hit several times. They felt this was thought-provoking. In contrast, when Prefect Jiang was leaving Qingzhou, themoners there escorted him 10 li as they knelt and pleaded for him to stay.


    This Sun He provoked the raging grievances of the Zengpingmoners. They hated that he did not die sooner. This showed the people had their own sense of justice in their hearts.


    How could there be such a huge difference between officials? If only there were a few more good officials in the world like Prefect Jiang.


    Beyond the city gates, at the pile of rubble, with the executioner¡¯s sparkling de falling, the despotic Sun He and his ilk finally met their end, concluding their sinful lives.


    No one went to collect their corpses. The Eternal Bliss Welfare Society people came to wrap them in some straw mats and threw them into a mass grave outside the city walls, matter finished.


    A county can¡¯t be without someone in charge. Jiang Wenyuan also couldn¡¯t stay at Zengping long-term. After careful consideration, he appointed a man named ¡°Wu Zuoshan¡± as teacher, temporarily handling the assorted big and small matters of the county government.


    This Wu Zuoshan was originally a teacher at the Zengping county government. Because he could not stand Sun He and his gang¡¯s actions and refused to wallow in the mud with them, they ostracized him at every turn.


    With nowhere to appeal for justice, he angrily resigned these two years and just taught for a living.


    After Jiang Wenyuan had people invite him over, this righteous middle-aged man cried till his tears flowed ceaselessly: ¡°Sir, why did you note two years earlier? Otherwise themoners of Zengping would not have suffered so bitterly.¡±


    Jiang Wenyeun patted his shoulder tofort him: ¡°Your hard work is appreciated. I guarantee that as long as I am in Su Prefecture for one day, this kind of thing will never happen again.¡±


    After beheading Sun He, Jiang Wenyuan took out the registry andpensated the corv¨¦eborers conscripted excessively by Sun He with 50 wen per day, as fast as possible. Those who unfortunately worked themselves to death also received doubled death benefits.


    He was still willing to pay money to invite them to go repair the roads damaged by the rainstorms.


    Holding the silver, the corv¨¦eborers knelt on the ground yelling loudly: ¡°You are truly our living Buddha!¡± Afterwards they happily ran to repair the official roads.


    By now, everyone also knew that this extremely reasonable and polite gentleman was their Su Prefecture¡¯s newly arrived Prefect, the famous nation-wide high yielding grain breeder Marquis Jiang Wenyuan of Qingzhou. Themoners were instantly encouraged and spread word.


    Three dayster when the roads were repaired and passable again, the caravans could continue their journey. At this time there were still over 400 li from the Su Prefecture capital city.


    Another two days passed. After bumping on the road for fifty-one days, Jiang Wenyuan''s group finally arrived at Su Prefecture on the fifth day of September.


    Upon entering the government office, Jiang Yuqing threw herself on the tidy and clean big bed, not wanting to move for quite a while. She hadn''t sat in a carriage for so long in her eight lifetimes. Her heart was too tired.


    On the second day after arriving in Su Prefecture, Jiang Wenyuan started getting busy. All kinds of affairs and endless matters needed to be sorted out one by one.


    Lu was also busy tidying up the back office and buying missing supplies, along with ordering the crude servants around.


    Only Jiang Yuqing was the most free. Every day she wandered around the government office with Bai Xiaoshi, exploring around. As for Bai Xiaojiu, it wasn''t time to let it out yet. An opportunity had to be found.


    More than ten days after Jiang Wenyuan took office.


    The urgent memorial he sent to the capital from Zengping was also ced on the imperial desk.


    After Emperor Xia Jing read it, he was first furious at the actions of Sun He and others, bluntly saying it was good they were killed. Upon reading the next few lines, he couldn''t help but burst into loudughter: "This Jiang Wenyuan is still blunt as always."


    It turned out thest part of the memorial said: "Zengping cannot be without an official. I would like to rmend someone to Your Majesty.


    This person is called Lu Pingzhang. He is the Grain Intendant of Qingzhou. His character is upright and his ability and skills are also not bad. Perhaps he can serve as the Magistrate of Zengping.


    The only downside is he only has the schrly honor. And worst of all, he is my uncle. But rmending talent regardless of kinship, I still want to mention him."


    Emperor Xia Jing remembered that Qin Jue had also been a county magistrate in Qingzhou for a few years, so he called Qin Jue over to ask. When Qin Jue heard that Jiang Wenyuan had rmended Lu Pingzhang to be the magistrate of Zengping, he was delighted.


    He said to Emperor Xia Jing: "Lu Pingzhang is indeed a good man with ability. His father opened a school in the local area and taught and educated people for more than twenty years. His reputation and family virtues are extremely good."


    So Emperor Xia Jing already had a sense. The next day, the Ministry of Personnel issued an appointment order and rushed it to Qingzhou via urgent horse ry.


    Some timeter, when Lu Pingzhang received the appointment order, his head was dizzy.


    Before his brother-inw went to the capital, he had discussed with him in detail. He said that if His Majesty sent him to serve in another ce, would he be willing to follow along. Of course he was willing to go.


    Aside from Jiang Wenyuan being his rtive, Lu Pingzhang was capable andpetent. He had a good temper, did not embezzle or take bribes, and worked with such a person. It would be extremely pleasant and rxing, almost the dream of all subordinates.


    Later, when he heard that his brother-inw had been promoted five ranks and appointed Prefect of Su Prefecture, he was delighted. He also prepared himself to go to Su Prefecture at any time.


    But he didn''t expect that rather than being a subordinate official, he would be a county magistrate. It was like manna from heaven.


    Lu Pingzhang returned home in a daze. He sat down to eat dinner in a daze. He picked up the porridge on the table and took a big mouthful. Unexpectedly, it scalded him badly and he suddenly spit it out. Atst his soul returned to his body.


    Chen wondered: "What''s the matter with you today? Why are you so absent-minded that even drinking porridge can scald you?"


    Lu Pingzhang said: "Wife, I''ve be an official."


    Chen nced at him: "You''re a Intendant. That can barely be considered an official already right?"


    Lu Pingzhang said: "Not a Intendant. A seventh-grade County Magistrate, of Zengping County in Su Prefecture. It was arranged by my brother-inw. I have to leave in a couple days."


    Chen''s eyes widened in surprise and delight: "Really? That''s so great!"


    Lu Pingzhang also smiled: "I was only prepared to go to Su Prefecture to serve as a subordinate for my brother-inw. I didn''t expect he had gotten me an official position as county magistrate. I''m really too surprised."


    Chen said joyfully: "We ought to properly thank him."


    That night, the couple went back to Xiu Shui Bay tell their family the good news.


    After Old Schr Lu rejoiced, he spoke earnestly exhorted his son:"Your brother-inw has a conscience and always thinks of our family when something goodes up. When you go over there, you must uphold the responsibilities of a parent official to themoners. Put the matters of the popce close to your heart. What needs to be done must be done properly; what shouldn''t be taken must absolutely not be taken.


    Father is not asking you to aplish anything impressive. At the very least, live up to His Majesty''s trust. Also, don''t smear your brother-inw''s reputation."


    "Yes father, I will remember that," said Lu Pingzhang.

 Chapter 92: Swift Action

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    October in Su Prefecture was already very cold.


    After taking care of various government affairs and making proper arrangements in the government office, Jiang Wenyuan took only a coachman, a servant boy named A Ping, two followers, and his precious daughter whom he was reluctant to leave behind. He left Su Prefecture in in clothes and light vehicles to go on an inspection tour.


    As an official, one could not just sit in the public hall all the time but needed to frequently visit themon people to take a look at the local customs and practices, see what themon people were eating andcking.


    Su Prefecture administered 17 counties with the prefecture city located in the central area. The southeast ins mainly grew wheat. Apart from a small amount of wheat and cotton, the central part mainly grew buckwheat.


    The northern part was all grasnd with a small number of herders making a living by grazing. Thends near the northwestern border were even more so, all vast expanses of Gobi Desert, barrennds.


    Although the whole Su Prefecture was arid with little rain, there was a big river called the Lian River that ran from west to east through the entire territory. Thus there was nock of water resources.


    The Lian River originated from Lianyuan Mountain. It was the snowmelt water from the Lianyuan Mountains and had abundant water volume. Its countless tributaries nourished and irrigated the numerous living beings on thisnd.


    Jiang Wenyuan decided to head west first for an inspection. The first stop was Deng Yong County.


    Along the way wererge areas of wild grasnds. Only near the viges were some cultivated fields. Jiang Wenyuan stopped the carriage to carefully examine the farnd. Indeed the soil was extremely barren.


    A few miles away, there was a river that appeared to be a tributary of the Lian River. But it was too far away from the farnd, and there were no reliable irrigation measures to channel the water. Relying solely on manpower to carry water, one could see how low the productivity was.


    The terrain here was too t, clearly not suitable for building dams to block the river. If only there was some way to keep pumping the water from the river endlessly up high.


    That''s it, a waterwheel!


    This gadget was the best tool for pumping water to irrigate thend. In the garden at the hospital inpatient department, there was a waterwheel used forndscaping. It was also patients¡¯ favorite ce to visit, and many even took pictures there.


    He would get to work on it after going back tonight.


    At noon, Jiang Wenyuan led his daughter to knock on the door of a farming family. An old granny opened the door. Speaking in a heavy ent, she asked, "Who are you?"


    She heard they were just passing by and came in to ask for a bowl of hot water to drink. The old granny weed them very warmly into the house while calling for her family to bring hot water for the guests.


    The room was filled with women and children, and everyone was holding chopsticks, apparently eating lunch. Seeing this group of strangersing in, they hurriedly stood up and gave up their seats.


    In the middle of the table was a small bowl with very dark pickles. Each person''s bowl contained only a fist-sized steamed bun.


    Seeing Jiang Yuqing staring at the dining table all along, the old granny thought she wanted to eat. However, each person in their family only had one steamed bun and there were no more extra ones.


    The granny wiped her hands awkwardly on her shabby clothes, then broke off the untouched half of her own steamed bun and handed it to Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuqing paused slightly, then took it with both hands and sincerely said thank you.


    Just then, Jiang Wenyuan handed over a package and said, "Granny, we have brought dry rations. May we ask your family to help heat them up for us? We will give you money."


    The granny said it was nothing difficult to just heat up some dry rations, so where was the need for money. Opening the package, she saw it fully packed with white flour steamed buns and could not help but be stunned.


    Her daughter-inw took the initiative to take the package into the kitchen.


    The reheated steamed buns were soft and had the unique fragrance of refined flour. The children were drooling as they stared at them with eyes wide open.


    Jiang Wenyuan took out his own portion while the rest was distributed to the children. The granny felt very embarrassed, insisting they had taken huge advantage of them. She then turned around and went into the kitchen to cut another te of pickles to bring out.


    While nibbling on the steamed bun and eating the pickles, Jiang Wenyuan chatted with the granny, asking what livelihood the children in the family were engaged in and what crops were nted on theirnd and how the harvest was.


    The granny said, "My three sons have all gone to the prefecture city of Su Prefecture to find odd jobs. The weather here is not good. We only nt some buckwheat and cotton every year.


    This year, Heaven has given us some face by sending down a few rains. The buckwheat harvest is still quite good. But the cotton did not turn out well, there were pests and the bolls grown were few and small, not fetching much money when sold.¡±


    The granny then asked, ¡°Young man, I hear from your ent you are not from our Su Prefecture. Which ce are you from?¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan chuckled, ¡°I''m from Lingzhou. I came to Su Prefecture to work.¡± My family back home nts crops too."


    The granny thenughed. ¡°Lingzhou is in the south, right? The south is so nice! The climate there is also good, and you can even grow rice.


    What made you decide toe and work in a ce like ours? Su Prefecture is so poor, and the Xiongnu keeping to raid from time to time. There are no good jobs here! Even officials are reluctant toe!"


    Jiang Wenwen said meaningfully. "Su Prefecture is poor now, but not necessarily so in the future. I like Su Prefecture, it is pretty nice."


    The grannyughed heartily. "Young man, you''re the first outsider who said our Su Prefecture is nice!"


    Jiang Yuqing also choked down that half steamed bun.


    It was made from soaked dried vegetables mixed with a small amount of buckwheat flour. She nearly choked on it. After drinking a full bowl of water, she finally swallowed it down.


    This was the food they could only eat twice a day. At noon they ate dried goods, which was these dried vegetable buckwheat buns. At night it was just half a bowl of buckwheat vegetable mush.


    White flour steamed buns were things that each person could only get one of during New Year. On ordinary days, one didn''t even dare dream about it.


    While the other children were wolfing down the steamed buns, the little girl sitting next to Jiang Yuqing put her steamed bun aside and continued nibbling her bun. Jiang Yuqing asked her, "Sister, why aren''t you eating it?"


    The girl whispered, "I want to save it for Daddy."


    Jiang Yuqing was stunned for a moment, then smiled and broke off the untouched half of her own steamed bun and gave it to the girl, ¡°Sister, I can¡¯t finish this. Help me eat some of it!"


    The bashful girl epted it gratefully and thanked her.


    After the meal, Jiang Wenyuan bid farewell and left. The granny brought along several grandchildren to send them off at the door. When she turned back, she heard her daughter-inw say, "Mom, it looks like that gentleman dropped some money just now."


    The granny saw the small silver ingot in her daughter-inw¡¯s palm and asked, "Where did you pick it up?"


    The daughter-inw said, "It was on the stool where that honorable guest sat."


    The granny took the silver with tears in her eyes, "Girl, that wasn¡¯t dropped by him. He clearly left it behind deliberately after seeing our family¡¯s difficulties. We have met a kind person!"


    That night, they stayed at the town¡¯s only inn.


    When Jiang Wenyuan went to the backyard to wash up, Jiang Yuqing entered the spiritual realm and carefully measured the dimensions of each part of the waterwheel. When she came out, shey on the table drawing blueprints.


    When Jiang Wenyuan came back, she had almost finished the drawing. Her father did not disturb her but just stood behind her quietly watching her draw.


    After finishing, Dumpling handed the blueprint to her father. Seeing how bright his eyes were, she knew her father had understood it.


    "Is this thing used for irrigation?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded vigorously. "You know me well, Daddy. This thing is called a waterwheel. Mount it in a suitable ce in the river, and the impact force of the water flow can be used to endlessly pump water from the river to high ground, saving a lot of manpower. It¡¯s quite suitable to be used in southern regions.


    However, the climate here in Su Prefecture is cold. The river surface will freeze in winter. The wooden windmill boards can easily be damaged during the river freezing and thawing the following year.


    I was thinking if we could modify it to make it more suitable for the climate here in Su Prefecture."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Don''t worry. When we go back, Daddy will find water conservancy and carpentry professionals to think of ways together.


    If that doesn¡¯t work, Daddy will send a carrier pigeon back to the Capital City for the officials of the Ministry of Public Works to review and provide valuable opinions. They must have good ideas.¡±


    Dumpling also touched two more items. Pointing to the oval-shaped fruit, she said, "Daddy, this is called a potato. The yield per mu is 2000-3000 catties. It can be a staple food or vegetable.


    If used as a vegetable, pan-fried, deep-fried, braised or boiled are all delicious. Moreover, it is easy to cultivate, manage and live on, and drought resistant. Fresh potatoes ced in cers can be stored for several months. If sliced and sun-dried, the storage time is even longer, a whole year round of nting.


    However, the most suitable nting time in Su Prefecture¡¯s climate is from mid-April to early May. But it also has drawbacks. It bes toxic after sprouting and cannot be eaten anymore."


    Dumpling then picked up the corn and said, "This is called corn, also known as bract grains. If nted in coastal areas or ind areas, the yield per mu would be even higher. nted properly in Su Prefecture, the yield can still reach around a thousand catties per mu.


    When young, they can be boiled directly to eat, the taste is fresh and sweet. When they get old, dry them, remove the grains, grind into powder, they can be cooked into congee or used to make pancakes, still tasty. It is also a staple food. "


    When Jiang Wenyuan listened to this, he was stunned for a moment. After a long time, he hugged his daughter into his arms, rubbed his forehead against her little forehead, and said, "Dear, you must be a fairy sent by heaven to save the people."


    Tuanzi then chuckled like silver bells.


    Jiang Wenyuan asked her, "Is this also from your Spirit Realm?"


    Tuan shook her head: "No. These two were identally discovered by me when I was in Capital City. Just before you went to Capital City.


    A man''s donkey ate the wrong thing and died of poisoning, so he took the donkey to our An Hospital and asked us to treat it.


    So I asked what the donkey had eaten wrongly. He told me it was some kind of strange root bulbs in front of a seed shop. And he described what those root bulbs looked like.


    At that time, I became suspicious, followed where he pointed, and indeed found thest few potatoes there. I also found a bag of corn seeds in that seed shop.


    The shopkeeper didn''t know the goods, gave them to me at half price. After I brought them back, I nted them in the Spirit Realm and improved them a bit. Now they have grown into arge area.


    Next year we will nt them in Su Prefecture. In the future, the people of Su Prefecture will never have to worry about starving again."


    "Dear, Daddy thanks all the people of Su Prefecture for you!"


    Tuanzi smiled and said "You''re wee!"


    The father and daughter walked westward, looking around and taking notes along the way. When they encountered injustices, they would intervene if necessary.


    If the county parents did not act or vited thew, Jiang Wenyuan did not give them any face at all, saying that he would beat them if he said so, and arrest them if he said so, acting decisively.


    For a time, the various county magistrates, upon hearing the news, were all nervous, and they all examined whether they had done anything excessive.


    If so, they would hurriedly find ways to make amends, otherwise their little lives would be at stake here, and their families would be implicated as well.


    This elder was not someone to be trifled with, he held the Emperor''s Sword, with the power to punish first and reportter. Sun He who lost his head was a warning from history.


    After walking for another six or seven days, the group arrived at Yumen County, the westernmost county in Su Prefecture. Yumen County is the most remote, poorest and least populous ce in the entire Su Prefecture.


    To the west is Yumen Pass.


    In thete years of the previous dynasty, the court was ipetent and unprincipled. The Xiongnu often invaded, killing, looting and doing all kinds of evils, even taking the people of the Central ins as military rations, calling them "sheep on two legs".


    Yumen County was at the forefront, with nine out of ten houses empty, battered beyond recognition.


    It was not until the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty that the court stationed heavy troops here, and the situation improved somewhat. Even so, the Xiongnu would lead troops to invade the border every few years, and asional small-scale battles would ur.


    Therefore, there were not manymon people in Yumen County. Most of those living in the county town or nearby areas were families of high-ranking military officers, and the folk customs were fierce.

 Chapter 93: Jade Gate Pass

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    The sky drizzled lightly, and the northwest wind blew fiercely, cutting through the face like a knife. In full view of everyone, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t use a protective shield and had to tightly wrap herself in a cloak, secretly channeling her spiritual power to feel a bit morefortable.


    Jiang Wenyuan led a group and entered amb restaurant.


    Themb dishes in the northwest were rough and simple, seasoned only with scallions, ginger, and salt. The soup, on the other hand, was simmered to a milky white color.


    All thembs here were free-range on the vast grasnds, resulting in a soup that was vorful but not gamey. When a spoonful of bright red and fragrant chili oil was added, and a bowl was consumed, the whole body felt warm.


    When eating the meat, apanied by the restaurant''s homemade wild chive flower sauce, and taking a few bites of the soft bread soaked in the soup, the taste was heavenly and unmatched.


    The group of people ate until sweat dripped from their foreheads.


    Suddenly, panic erupted from the nearby table. A man clutched his throat, bent over, and showed a look of pain.


    Hispanions stood up one after another, patting his back and applying pressure to his chest, but it was of no avail. The man''s face turned purple.


    It seemed that he had something stuck in his throat.


    Jiang Yuqing tugged at her father''s sleeve and said, "Father, perform the Heimlich maneuver, quickly! I taught you during the New Year."


    Jiang Wenyuan responded, "Oh," and then regained his senses, loudly saying, "Let me try!"


    The man''spanions had no better solution, so they could only try anything in desperation. Perhaps this man actually knew what to do.


    They saw Jiang Wenyuan walk behind the man, embracing him and making a fist with one hand, cing the thumb on the upper abdomen, just above the navel. The other hand held the fist hand and quickly pressed inward and upward, applying pressure to the abdomen.


    After a few attempts, the man quickly coughed up amb bone. After a severe bout of coughing, he finally caught his breath.


    The man who was saved by Jiang Wenyuan sped his hands together and bowed ny degrees, saying, "Many thanks for the rescue, sir! I am Zu Di, a captain of the Vanguard Battalion under General of Brave Cavalries. Your great kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Please leave your name, so that I may repay the favor in the future."


    Jiang Wenyuan waved his hand and said, "No need to be so formal, Captain Zu. It was just a small effort on my part.


    Besides, if it weren''t for you and yourrades shouldering heavy burdens and guarding this frigid border for decades, I wouldn''t be able to leisurely enjoymb soup here today."


    The man next to him in a green robe burst intoughter and said, "This big brother speaks his mind. I like that.


    If you don''t mind, could you join us for a drink? I am Wei Lingjun, also under themand of General of Brave Cavalries."


    Jiang Wenyuan hesitated for a moment and said, "Under normal circumstances, it would be no problem, but today I have my family with me, so it might not be convenient."


    Jiang Yuqing, who was a military doctor in her past life, loved interacting with soldiers the most. They had straightforward and genuine personalities, just like the few individuals in front of her.


    She said, "Father, you should have a drink with them. I can take care of myself!"


    The man in the green robe said, "See, even your daughter agrees." Then he turned to the little girl and asked, "Little miss, would you like to join us?"


    Tuanzi readily replied, "Sure!" Immediately, he held hisrge bowl and slid off the table, running over with a tter. He climbed onto a long stool and sat obediently,pletely at ease.


    This action made everyone aroundugh. Jiang Wenyuan helplessly patted his daughter''s little head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "My daughter is mischievous, sorry for the trouble."


    A few men didn''t mind and said, "I actually think it''s great. She''s not at all reserved, just like the children from our Northwestern region."


    After they all sat down, Jiang Yuqing blinked her big eyes and asked Wei Lingjun, "When I was in the capital, I met a friend named Wei Lingyun. She is the daughter of the Brave Cavalries General. Your name sounds simr to hers, right?" Upon hearing this, Wei Lingjun was astonished, "She''s my sister. You actually recognize her?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded, "Yes, yes. She even invited me to visit your home. You have a huge martial arts training ground there, and Sister Wei''s martial skills are amazing."


    Wei Lingjun was even more surprised. Their family''s official position in the capital might not be prominent, but it wasn''t something that anyone could be invited to their residence by his sister.


    This little girl and her father''s background seemed extraordinary. Wei Lingjun swallowed and asked, "So, who are you, then?"


    Jiang Wenyuan sped his hands and said, "I am Jiang Wenyuan, the Magistrate of Qingzhou, and this is my daughter, Linghui."


    Wei Lingjun''s chopsticks almost dropped, "You... You''re the renowned Marquis of Qingzhou, Lord Jiang. And this is Miss Linghui County?"


    Jiang Wenyuan waved his hand, "Just some empty titles that don''t really count." Even so, when everyone stood up to show their respect, Jiang Wenyuan stopped them.


    Wei Lingjun excitedly said, "My sister mentioned you in her letters, saying that you are small in stature but exceptionally skilled."


    Jiang Yuqing felt a bit embarrassed by the praise and gestured with her small hand, "No, it''s not like that. I''m not really that skilled."


    The adults enjoyed their meal and drinks, while Jiang Yuqing quietly ate and drank her soup. Once she was full, she sat obediently without making a fuss or causing any trouble.


    The soldiers also understood the situation. After drinking a certain amount, they stopped and switched to eating meat and soup. By the time they were satisfied, both sides had gained a certain understanding, which could be considered a good start.


    Before parting ways, Jiang Yuqing asked Wei Lingjun, "Brother Wei, I know military camps are restricted areas, and ordinary people aren''t allowed in. But when I have free time, I still want to visit! I swear I won''t cause any trouble. I heard that your military camp often has wounded, especially during times of war when there''s a shortage of military doctors. I have learned some surgical skills and would like to help."


    Wei Lingjun was pleasantly surprised, "Really? You''re willing to go?"


    "Huh?" Tuanzi was surprised. It seemed different from what she had expected. "Won''t you find me too young?"


    Wei Lingjun cheerfully replied, "How could that be? You''re the esteemed Doctor Qiu''s top disciple. We''ve heard that even dead people can be brought back to life by you. People who want to see you for treatment have to wait for several months in line."


    After returning, I will talk to my father and several other generals. If you have time, please send us a message, and we wille to pick you up."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Okay! Let''s settle it like this."


    After bidding farewell to Wei Lingjun and others, in the carriage, Jiang Wenyuan asked his daughter, "Are you really going to the military camp?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and waved her hand to create a soundproof barrier around them. She firmly said to her father, "I must go when I have the opportunity. My medical skills can be best utilized there."


    She rubbed her head against her father''s and said, "I know you''re worried about me, but you''ve forgotten about your daughter''s abilities. Most people can''t defeat me now. Don''t believe me? Watch this!"


    She touched a small thorn on her wrist, and the thorn, named Xiao Jing, felt her call and immediately woke up from slumber. It raised a leaf and gently tapped the woman''s forehead. Then it nodded to Jiang Wenyuan and greeted him.


    Jiang Wenyuan was instantly shocked speechless.


    Jiang Yuqing exined, "Xiao Jing is my spiritual pet, just like Bai Xiaoshi. They were both left to me by another master. Although Xiao Jing is small now, itsbat strength is formidable. Ordinary martial arts experts would only end up beaten when facing it. So, Father, you don''t need to worry about my safety."


    Jiang Wenyuan touched his daughter''s forehead and sighed, "As long as you understand. You have things you want to do, and if I try to stop you, I''ll only hinder your wings. However, no matter when or where, Father hopes that you prioritize your own safety. I only have one daughter like you, and I want you to have a safe and happy life."


    Jiang Yuqing nodded earnestly, "I will."


    After leaving Yumen County, the father and daughter went to the Gobi Desert. Apart from some por forests and red willows, there were only scattered desert jujube trees and camel thorns, making it deste and unsettling.


    Jiang Yuqing secretly used her spiritual power to nourish the passing nts, giving them a hint of vitality so they could better survive the cold winter.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Father, in the future, we can nt trees here, filling the area with trees. When they grow into a green Great Wall, it can effectively block the blowing sand."


    Jiang Wenyuan touched his daughter''s soft hair and said, "That will be a huge project, and we must be prepared to work like Yu Gong moving mountains."


    Turning north, they saw the boundless grasnd. Unfortunately, it was already early winter, and the grasnd was dry and yellow,cking the magnificent scenery of "the sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, and the wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep."


    Because the herdsmen had already driven their cattle, sheep, and horses to a certain valley in the east to spend the winter, they didn''t see that scene.


    After passing through the grasnd, they arrived at Sha Qing County. Jiang Yuqing discovered many wild ck goji berries here.


    These berries were extremely valuable because they were rich in anthocyanins. In her past life, they were sold at sky-high prices, and even in the present era, they were considered precious.


    She dug up more than ten nts and took them into the spiritual realm, intending to improve the variety. In the future, Sha Qing County could be transformed into a ck goji berry cultivation base.


    Jiang Wenyuan plucked a branch and held it in his hand before heading to the Sha Qing County yamen to discuss the matter with the county magistrate.


    Tears of joy welled up in the eyes of the county magistrate upon hearing the news. If they could truly grow valuable ck goji berries, Sha Qing County would soar to new heights, and the county magistrate would ride the wave of sess.


    If it were someone else, the county magistrate might not have believed it, but considering the person before him was none other than the Marquis of Qingzhou, known for cultivating high-yield crops, he realized it would be foolish not to seize this opportunity.


    Jiang Wenyuan emphasized once again that he had brought some new crop varieties suitable for the region and nned to conduct experimental cultivation in Suzhou next year. He asked the county magistrate to select a suitable location for the trial fields.


    The county magistrate was overwhelmed with happiness, almost fainting from the excitement, and repeatedly assured Jiang Wenyuan that he would definitelyply.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Wenyuan and his daughter went to a market. This time, Jiang Yuqing noticed that merchants from the interior were buying various furs such as wolf and fox pelts.


    However, the sheepskins brought by the shepherds were cheap and had few takers. The fur traders exined that the wealthy in the interior disliked sheepskins due to their strong odor and deemed them not ssy enough.


    Jiang Yuqing, on the contrary, thought that these sheepskins were valuable items. She persuaded her father to buy all the sheepskins, leading to the purchase of more than ten carts full. Under cover of night, they were all transported to the Lingjing Estate.


    She then instructed the shepherds to send any remaining sheepskins or other fur to the county yamen in the capital city, leaving their addresses for future transactions.


    The shepherds were overjoyed and promised toply. With winter approaching, they were eagerly anticipating selling the furs to earn money for winter provisions.


    Jiang Wenyuan allowed his daughter to have her way and asked if she had enough money. If not, he had more.


    Jiang Yuqing replied that it was more than enough. After all, she had looted a substantial amount of gold from the mines in Daizhou and was now a wealthy woman. This sum of money was merely a drizzle to her.

 Chapter 94: Steamed Bun Diplomacy

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    After passing through Sha Qing County, continuing southeast leads to Sha Ping County. South of Sha Ping County is Zeng Ping. By this time, it was already November, and the first snow of the year had started falling in Su Prefecture.


    When Father and Daughter Jiang arrived at the Zeng Cheng County government building in the wind and snow, Lu Pingzhang heard his subordinate''s report and was overjoyed. He hurried out and said, "This official pays respects to Sir!"


    Jiang Wenyuan helped his uncle up and said, "Let''s go inside to talk!"


    "Good!"


    Once in the warm inner study, after dismissing the attendants, their conversation immediately became lively.


    Dumpling smiled and threw herself into Lu Pingzhang''s arms, "Uncle!"


    "Oh, my darling niece, your uncle has missed you so!" Lu Pingzhang bent down and happily held his precious niece in his arms, "It''s so cold out, yet you''re wandering around with your father. You must be frozen stiff!"


    Dumpling shook her head, "It is a bit cold, but I''m fine and dandy, I won''t freeze!"


    As an immortal cultivator, not to mention her body had be as strong as steel and bone, she at least no longer fearedmon illnesses and was as hale and hearty as a young calf.


    Jiang Wenyuan took his daughter and proceeded to take off her shoes and ced her on the heated brick bed.


    He also took off his shoes, sat cross-legged, and drank a cup of hot tea, finally feelingfortable.


    He then took the hot towel handed over by an attendant and wiped his face, "When did you arrive, uncle? Have you been to the government building?"


    Lu Pingzhang said, "I''ve been here for half a month. I went to the government building to report and was told by the staff that you were not there. So I could only go to the rear residence to visit Sister Wen, eat a meal, thene back.


    You''re really ruthless. It''s so cold out, yet you went touring the countryside yourself and even brought your precious daughter. Do not let any harme to her from the cold.


    At that time, not only Sister Wen, even I, her uncle, would be anxious with you."


    Jiang Wenyuan''s aunt, Madam Chen, heard that her brother-inw hade with her niece and hurried over from the rear residence.


    She was delighted to hold Jiang Yuqing. Having not seen her for over half a year, the little girl had grown taller and was bing a youngdy.


    Jiang Yuqing was also very affectionate with her aunt, snuggling closely. Afterwards, Madam Chen took her to the rear residence herself to arrange food, leaving the men in the study at the front residence to chat.


    "I was fully prepared to be your staff originally. Who would have thought you''d give me an official position instead. To tell the truth, I never imagined there woulde a day I could be a county magistrate."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "The original magistrate of Zeng Ping was ipetent, and I happened to discover him, so I took the opportunity to dispose of him. There''s a saying that a new official fires three shots upon taking office. My first shot was fired at him.


    Su Prefecture is bitterly cold. There are few who are truly willing to work here. Most are those with no foundation in the court and had no choice but toe to umte seniority.


    Yet these people are useless, but have inted egos, it''s better to have you, uncle, at least you''re someone who can get things done properly.


    To tell the truth, I only mentioned it casually to His Majesty, yet he actually approved your appointment. As your brother-inw, I''m very happy about this. At least in Su Prefecture, I don''t have to fight alone anymore."


    Upon hearing Jiang Wenyuan''s outrageous rationale, Lu Pingzhang was truly exasperated. Half jokingly, he said, "I thought after you became sessful, you decided to give your uncle a hand. So it turns out you brought me here to be your beast of burden!"


    "Ah, elder uncle, I did not say that! Would not dare, would not dare!"


    The conversation then moved on to next year''s ns to trial new grain crops and build irrigation canals.


    Water infrastructure was the top priority. Without adequate water sources, everything else was just empty talk.


    He urged him to properly settle all these misceneous affairs first so they could go all out next year.


    When Lu Pingzhang heard this, his eyes instantly lit up. He knew that by following his brother-inw, there would be benefits. Indeed, there was already anticipation from the very start.


    Lu Pingzhang''s two sons did note along from their hometown. With fewer people and all family, there was no separation between men and women for meals. The four of them sat at one table, chatting while they ate.


    After the meal, Jiang Wenyuan continued discussing affairs with Lu Pingzhang in the front study while Jiang Yuqing was tenderly held by Madam Chen andfortably napped in the rear residence.


    Father and daughter stayed overnight at the county government building. The next day, they set off again in the wind and snow.


    South of Zeng Ping was Lian Qi County. Due to the heavy wind and snow, the roads were extremely difficult to traverse.


    By the time the entourage reached near nightfall, they still had not seen Lian Qi County City and had no choice but to lodge nearby for the night at a rural estate.


    During dinner, as usual, Jiang Wenyuan engaged the owner in small talk while eating steamed buns, chatting about anything and everything.


    Jiang Yuqing had affectionately coined her father''s behavior as "steamed bun diplomacy".


    In the middle of the night, father and daughter were awakened by mors from outside. Jiang Wenyuan reached out and patted his daughter''s back, tucking in her quilt, "Sleep well, I''ll go take a look."


    "What''s going on?" Jiang Wenyuan pushed open the door to see a soybean oilmp lit in the main hall. The owner''s entire family was in the room, appearing anxious.


    The middle-aged man said, "Sorry for disturbing the honored guests. My youngest son has a fever and our family has no way of dealing with it. The elders are discussing using mud packs to try to reduce the child''s fever."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "My daughter is a doctor. Although still young, her medical skills are decent. If you can trust her, I''ll have her take a look at the child."


    The family was overjoyed. Who cared how old she was at this time, as long as she was a doctor, it was better than their n of using urine soaked mud to wrap the child''s body.


    Jiang Wenyuan promptly returned to the room and shook his daughter awake, "Darling, their child has a fever. Can you take a look?"


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing immediately sat up, shaking off her drowsiness. She rubbed her eyes and readily responded, "Sure!"


    While swiftly getting dressed, she asked her father to retrieve the medicine box from the carriage.


    In fact, all medical equipment and medicines were within her Spirit Realm. That medicine box was just for appearances.


    The child with the fever was the main family''s youngest grandson, the middle-aged man''s son.


    Just over six months old. As the mother''s milk was insufficient, the child was extremely frail and seemed to be just three to four months old.


    After examination, Jiang Yuqing discovered the child merely had a fever due to catching a cold. She took his temperature, 39.3 degrees, quite severely hot.


    She then took out a pre-opened children''s fever patch from the medicine box (actually her Spirit Realm), peeled off the packaging, and stuck it on the child''s forehead.


    Next, she fed the child baby ibuprofen oral solution. At the same time, she instructed the family to use warm water to wipe the child''s armpits, neck, groin, palms and soles to physically reduce the temperature.


    With this three-pronged approach, in less than half a hour, the child broke out in a full sweat and the feverpletely receded. The delighted family loudly acimed her a young genius doctor.


    Jiang Yuqing told them to promptly change the child into clean clothes and carry him to bed.


    As the weather was cold, they had to be vignt in keeping such a young child warm. She also taught them some emergency methods for dealing with child fevers.


    If they felt the fever was not too severe, they could use the physical cooling method she taught, using warm water to wipe blood vessel dense areas.


    If the fever was very high, they could also wipe the body with liquor. Best would be to bring the child to see a doctor. Naturally, the family agreed wholeheartedly to all her suggestions.


    The next morning, the owner carefully brought in half a bowl of egg drop soup.


    This was the most precious gift the family could offer to thank Jiang Yuqing for saving their childst night.


    Jiang Yuqing only symbolically scooped a small spoonful, giving the rest to the family''s other children. Before leaving, she left a silver ingot on the heated brick bed.


    Hopefully this bit of money could bring some small help to this struggling family.


    Outside, the wind and snow had stopped, and the sunshine shone on the long row of icicles hanging from the eaves. It no longer seemed so cold.


    Jiang Yuqing followed her father back on the road. Soon, they entered Lian Qi County City. Due to the heavy snow, the streets of the dpidated county city were very deserted, with barely a few souls about.


    As usual, Jiang Wenyuan paid a surprise inspection visit to the Lian Qi County government building.


    By the time he arrived, it was already past noon. Inside the government building was only a single clerkzily holding the fort. Jiang Wenyuan entered and revealed his identity, scaring the clerk to near pissing himself.


    He asked, "Where is the magistrate?"


    The clerk shuddered and stuttered, "Still...still not awake!"


    Jiang Wenyuan uttered an "Oh", barely hiding his sarcasm as he smiled, "It appears that your superior was extremely busyst night. It''s already thiste yet he still hasn''t gotten out of bed.


    Very well, I shall sit here and wait for him. No need to call for him, keep mepany while we wait!"


    Speaking, he sat down beside himself and took out a book to read. He kept reading until halfway through the afternoon when the county magistrate Qi Yoi finally walked out from the back hall, yawning and stretchingzily.


    Seeing a strange young man sitting steadily in his own public court reading a book on his own, he couldn''t help but be stunned.


    Just as he was about to ask "Who are you?" he saw the pale-faced teacher waving desperately at him.


    Qi Yoi suddenly realized one possibility, and cold sweat immediately came down his forehead. He quickly and carefully walked up to Jiang Wenyuan and bowed in greeting, tentatively asking, "May I ask if you are Mr. Jiang?"


    It was a good while before Jiang Wenyuan closed his book and said, "It''s rare that you actually recognize this official. It seems your subordinates are trained well. At least the skill of reading subtle expressions, you do quite slickly."


    Liu Yoi was so frightened that he immediately knelt on the ground, "Sir is here, I am remiss in not weing you from afar, please forgive me!"


    Jiang Wenyuan gave a cold snort, "Don''t overdo it. I cannot bear such courtesy.


    Mr. Liu works hard governing Lianqi, so hard that he is tired to the point he cannot get up in the morning. If he came to wee me again, wouldn''t I be at fault!"


    Jiang Wenyuan''s words were both mocking and hitting. They scraped Liu Yoi''s face red.


    In recent days, he had been on guard against the new prefecting down for a surprise inspection, and had made preparations early.


    Who would have thought that after many days no shadow of him was seen, plus the wind and snow these two days, he thought he wouldn''te.


    Sost night he had fooled aroundte with his third concubine, and couldn''t get out of bed this morning.


    Who would have expected that by a fluke the prefect would catch him red-handed.


    Who knew that this gentleman braved such heavy wind and snow toe, was he not afraid of the cold?


    Now things werepletely messed up, he would certainly be punished.


    Jiang Wenyuan temporarily held back his anger and carefully examined the yamen''s ounts, documents, decrees, and some case files he had handled. Although not outstanding, there were no major mistakes.


    Themon people''s evaluation of him was neither good nor bad. To put it bluntly, this was just a person muddling along to retirement.


    Jiang Wenyuan severely admonished him, scolding him until he cowered like a quail, and recorded a major demerit against him.


    He clearly stated that next time, he needn''t remain an official and could go home to raise children instead.


    Only then did he start talking business, ordering him to surely make preparations to experiment with new grain varieties after the new year. Liu Yoi obeyed deferentially.

 Chapter 95: Suppression of Bandits in Jingma Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    After leaving Lian Qi, Jiang Wenyuan sessively went to Chesha, Dongchen City, Xichen City, and finally arrived at Jinma County.


    Jinma County was originally named Jingma County, just because there was a Jingma Mountain within its territory. Later, people disliked its unpleasant name, so it was changed to Jinma County.


    When the group entered Jinma County, it was already noon. As usual, they found a household to eat and asked about the situation in Jinma County at the same time.


    Today''s host family was an old hunter. Hearing that they were going to Jinma County Town, he immediately suggested that they take a detour and take a boat from Qingyuan Ferry Crossing.


    Jiang Wenyuan was very puzzled. Instead of taking the good official road, why did he have to take a detour, so he asked the host for the reason.


    The old man sighed deeply and said, "In the past, the official road was indeed good to walk on. Since a group of bandits came to Jingma Mountain a few years ago, except for theing and going troops that they did not dare to rob, none of the merchants and travelers could escape.


    If you know what''s good for you and give up your belongings in time, you can still keep your life. If you are reluctant to give up money and valuables, women are taken directly up the mountain, and men are hacked to death on the spot.


    Over time, except for outsiders who were unaware, basically no one dared to go there anymore. All detoured to the ferry crossing below and took a boat across."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Doesn''t the county magistrate here manage it?"


    The old man said, "He does. Two years ago, he did lead people to suppress bandits once. Those few people he brought were useless. As soon as they met, three of them were hacked by the bandits. I heard that the county magistrate peed on the spot at that time.


    After escaping back, reporting to the superiors, the superiors treated it as if nothing had happened. After that, no one has managed it."


    The old man sighed deeply again: "Life is difficult!"


    Jiang Wenyuan frowned and said, "Does Old Man know what kind of people those gangsters on the mountain are?"


    The old man took a sip of water and said, "How could I not know clearly? That leader is called Wang Dab. He was originally a rogue and rogue in XiaChen City who ate, drank, whored, and gambled.


    His father-inw who had agreed to the engagement saw that he was really useless, afraid that his daughter would suffer after marrying him, so he took the initiative to break off the engagement.


    Who would have thought that this boy was so angry that he took a butcher knife that night and killed all 13 members of his father-inw''s family cleanly, and then set fire to the house after finishing it.


    The government was hunting for him everywhere. He had no way to survive outside, so he gathered a group of desperate men like him and ran to Jingma Mountain to be bandits and did all evil.


    Over the years, no one knows how many innocent lives have been harmed. It''s really sinful."


    "Does Old Man know the situation on Jingma Mountain?"


    The old man said, "How could I not know it clearly? I was born on this mountain and grew up on the mountain. Except for the Jingma Gorge which is impassable, the rest is just like my backyard."


    Jiang Wenyuan roughly had a number in his heart, and tentatively asked, "If the superiors send troops to suppress bandits, is Old Man willing to lead the way?"


    "Willing, why not? My old man dreams of getting rid of these viins to avenge my poor granddaughter."


    It turned out that the old man''s granddaughter was also victimized by bandits a few years ago when she came to see him. She was hot-tempered and refused to be humiliated, so she hit the wall and died on the spot.


    After talking about some other things with the old man, they left and went to the county office of Jinma County by ferry.


    As soon as Jiang Wenyu arrived, he asked about the bandits on Jingma Mountain.


    Jinma county magistrate Wu Yunshan did not dare to conceal it, and told the story of that year in every detail. Jiang Wenyu also asked about the current number of those bandits.


    Wu Yunshan said, "When I led people to suppress bandits two years ago, there were about 130 people on the mountain.


    In the past two years, I''m afraid there are not a few more. It is estimated that it has at least doubled."


    So many bandits, just relying on these yamen runners from the county government was far from enough to serve dishes.


    Jiang Wenyuan didn''t bother to talk nonsense, and immediately wrote a letter on the spot, took the imperial sword bestowed by the emperor, and went to a big camp more than 100 miles away to recruit troops.


    At the same time, someone was sent to the small vige to invite the old hunter.


    When the old hunter learned that the young man who had sat cross-legged on his kang and ate pickles and steamed buns with him a few days ago turned out to be the famous Jiangzhou Marquis, he cried. This was the first time he learned that there were really such easy-going and approachable good officials in the world without airs.


    The soldiers came very quickly and arrived in the evening of the third day. The one leading them was Zu Di, the former battalionmander of the Forward Camp whom Jiang Wenyuan had saved in Yumen County.


    Zu Di paid his respects to Jiang Wenyuan and said, "As soon as our general received the letter, he immediately ordered 500 soldiers toe." While presenting the imperial sword bestowed by the emperor, he said, "The gift from the emperor is hereby returned in its original form."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Thank you! Commander Zu, pleasee inside to talk!"


    After entering the room, Jiang Wenyuan gave Zu Di a detailed exnation of the situation rted to Jingma Mountain he had learned over the past few days, and Wu Yunshan and the old hunter made supplements.


    At the end of the meeting, Jiang Wenyuan stood up and bowed deeply to Zu Di, "I know nothing about fighting, so I won''t interfere too much. For this nest of bandits, I will fully rely on Commander to handle it."


    Zu Di held his fists and said, "I will definitely not fail my mission and restore peace for the people of Jinma."


    Afterwards, the army set off overnight. Jiang Wenyuan personally led people to follow the army to do logistical work.


    Jiang Yuqing rode Little White next to him withoutpromise. How could there be no doctor in the war that would inevitably bleed and sacrifice?


    The bandits never dreamed that someone woulde to raid their nests on such a cold day.


    And because they had been invincible in this region for many years, their arrogance had grown, and these bandits didn''t even put out sentries.


    Therefore, under the leadership of the old hunter, the 500 soldiers sessfully sneaked to the stockades built by the bandits.


    For the 500 well-trained regr troops who had experienced countless baptisms of blood and fire, facing a group of mobs was simply crushing defeat.


    The battle ended within an hour, killing 231 bandits, including the bandit leader Wang Dab.


    The old hunter hated him to the bone, used a firewood axe to chop his body into dozens of pieces. If it weren¡¯t for the court still needing his head to hang on the city gate, the old hunter could even smash his head.


    Follow-up work after the war was carried out intensively.


    Jiang Yuqing took two civilian doctors and two military doctors, and nimbly treated the injured soldiers.


    In this battle, 3 soldiers were killed, 11 seriously injured, and 35 lightly injured among the 500 soldiers.


    For those who had already sacrificed, Jiang Yuqing had no way. But she didn¡¯t want to give up on any of the seriously injured.


    She took out a bundle of strips and asked the two doctors and two military doctors to quickly tie them to the wrists of the wounded ording to the severity of their injuries.


    Tie red ones to the seriously injured, orange ones to the severely injured, and green ones to the lightly injured.


    First save the seriously injured who were tied red. After stopping the bleeding at the fastest speed, Jiang Yuqing also transfused a wisp of vitality to each of them to ensure that they could wait for her toe and treat them.


    Then let the two military doctors assist her, racing against time to perform surgery on the critically injured, while performing surgery, she kept inputting vitality to the patients to ensure that they could live long enough to get off the operating table.


    The skilled techniques made the two military doctors stare with wide eyes, almost forgetting their duties.


    After bandaging one, move on to the next one. She was busy all night, and finally pulled back from the gate of hell all eleven severely injured people they originally thought could only wait to die.


    After doing surgery all night without stopping and constantly inputting vitality into the wounded, even Jiang Yuqing couldn¡¯t stand it.


    After bandaging thest wounded, she slumped against the wall, her face pale, without even the strength to move her fingers.


    Although the doctors were also tired, when they saw this, they felt distressed. They hurried to carry her onto a warm big bed and let her rest. Then they went to find some sugar, brewed her hot sugared water to drink.


    Whether it was the military doctors or the two doctors, they all admired this little girl wholeheartedly.


    When they went up the mountain earlier, they were still ndering privately in their hearts that the prefect didn''t distinguish between public and private matters, and even brought his daughter to the mountain to suppress bandits. Was this showing off, or dragging them down?


    I didn''t expect that this little girl was not afraid of cold or freezing. Carrying a small medicine box on her back and riding a small deer, she ran faster than they, these big men.


    That little deer was also amazing. In the pitch dark night, it ran on the mountain road as if walking on t ground, making everyone jealous.


    Hearing from the military doctor that all the severely wounded were saved without any loss, Zu Di was overjoyed, even happier than if he had won a battle: "Not surprisingly from Master Qiu the miracle doctor''s closed disciple, she is really amazing!"


    When the two military doctors heard this, they were very surprised: "Commander Zu, did you say this youngdy is Master Qiu the Divine Doctor''s closed-door disciple?"


    Zu Di said, "How could it be fake!" He looked around and hooked his finger at the two military doctors, signaling them toe closer to speak.


    He said in a low voice: "I heard that this young county master has extraordinary talents. When she was just over one year old, she was taken in as a disciple by Master Qiu the Divine Doctor.


    Don''t look down on her because she''s young. Her medical skills are no worse than her master''s, Master Qiu the Divine Doctor.


    I happened to meet her in Jade Gate a few days ago. She told Guard Captain Wei personally that if she has time, she wille to the military camp to treat the brothers'' illnesses."


    If you two are clever, as long as you can learn a trick or two from following her, you won''t have to worry for the rest of your lives."


    The two military doctors looked at each other and bowed with sped hands to Zu Di in unison: "Thank you, Commander Zu, for your guidance. We will definitely invite you to drink another day."


    "Well said, well said!"


    Of course, he couldn''t possibly mention how embarrassing it was to get amb bone stuck in his throat that day.


    When fighting, Jiang Wenyuan didn''t have time to think about his daughter. He knew that given her abilities, her personal safety wouldn''t be an issue. He became even busier after the fight.


    Taking inventory of the goods and people taken up the mountain by the bandits, and recording the relevant information. The trickiest were the seventeen women.


    They had all been taken up the mountain by the bandits. After hearing that all the bandits were killed, they cried andughed.


    Jiang Wenyuan had originally nned to send them all back home, but none of them were willing to leave.


    One girl cried and said, "With our reputation like this, which family would take us back? It''d be better to just die here on this mountain than go back to that. It would be death all the same." The other women unanimously agreed.


    For this, Jiang Wenyuan was also helpless. The world is always harsh on women.


    On the other side, Jiang Yuqing woke up from her sleep and took the chance while going to the bathroom to enter the spiritual realm and restore her spiritual power.


    When she came out, she heard about this and went to find her father: "Dad, they are all pitiful people. Let''s take them back with us to the prefecture city.


    When we get back, I n to open a medical hall in the city. I can train them all to be doctors and nurses. That way, they''ll have somewhere to go in the future too."


    Jiang Wenyuan stroked his daughter''s little head and said approvingly: "Good!"


    Jiang Wenyuan brought his daughter to meet with the women again.


    When they heard that they could follow the divine doctor''s top disciple to study medicine, they were overjoyed and wept, unanimously expressing their willingness.


    After settling things here, everyone started down the mountain.


    Jiang Yuqing saw the thinyer of ice on the soldiers'' shoes soaked in snow water, and a sh of distress shed through her eyes. Her determination to do what she needed to do grew firmer.


    With this matter settled, the troops naturally had to return to camp immediately.


    Jiang Wenyuan took out his own money pouch and gave Zu Di one hundred and fifty taels of silver to give to the parents and families of the soldiers who sacrificed themselves, as a token of goodwill.


    He also took out another hundred taels of silver, saying it was to provide supplemental nutrition to the injured soldiers.


    When the people of Jinma County heard that the bandits on Mount Jinma had beenpletely wiped out, they were instantly overjoyed and ran around telling each other the good news, even setting off firecrackers to celebrate.


    They thanked the Prefect from the bottom of their hearts for eliminating this major threat to them.


    From then on, they no longer had to worry about bandits and could focus on defending against the Xiongnu and other foreigners outside Jade Gate.


    Two dayster, Jiang Wenyuan finally finished this inspection tour and left Jinma County to return to the prefecture city. By the time he got home, it was alreadyte November.

 Chapter 96: Super Big Order

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    When Jiang Wenyuan returned to the government building, he immediately started writing a memorial. He wrote from morning till night, for a whole day, resulting in a very thick letter that could be bound into a book.


    After finishing writing, he quickly sent it by urgent horse delivery to the capital city.


    After returning to his residence, Jiang Yuqing immediately went out to look for a house that could be used to open a medicine clinic. Not that she insisted on opening it this year, but at least to provide the seventeen pitiful women she brought back a ce to stay for now.


    In addition to looking for a house, Jiang Yuqing also bought them winter clothes, shoes and daily necessities, and sent them to the inn where they were temporarily staying.


    The bandits were all beasts. In order to prevent them from escaping, they didn¡¯t even leave them a cotton-padded jacket. The women were all wearing single clothes, and their shoes were also homemade cloth shoes.


    Because they had long suffered humiliation, many of them had experienced miscarriages. As a result, their spirits had been depressed for a long time. Therefore, more or less, they were all suffering from gynecological or other illnesses, all of which needed treatment and slow recuperation.


    After looking for two days, she finally found arge courtyard with four storefronts and three rows of rooms on Huaying Street, two streets away from the government building.


    There were cattle sheds inside, martial arts fields, wells, and very convenient living facilities. The asking price was two thousand five hundred taels of silver.


    Such ayout of a courtyard was also rare in a ce like Su Prefecture. However, there weren''t many rich people in Su Prefecture, and it was close to the border, so there were often wars. As a result, although the owner had put up a "for sale" sign, no one had bought it for a long time.


    With this price, in a ce like the capital city where every inch ofnd was like gold, one could only buy a small courtyard in a remote ce. For Jiang Yuqing, it was a bargain. She paid the deposit without hesitation.


    Afterwards, both parties took the property deed and went to the Su Prefecture Municipal Bureau to transfer the property and pay off the bnce.


    Jiang Yuqing then took the women over, arranged their amodation, and asked Granny Yan and Er Yu to take turns going there to teach them rules, etiquette, literacy and so on.


    At the same time, a convoy of more than 30 herdsmen also braved the wind and snow and entered Su Prefecture City. They went to the government building to look for Jiang Yuqing.


    The sheepskin Jiang Yuqing ordered had arrived, good stuff, a full twenty or so carts.


    There were some that were newly peeled this year, and even more that were simply tanned and dried in previous years and kept at the bottom of boxes. It looked like they had brought out all the goods they had pressed at the bottom of boxes over the years, which was quite impressive.


    Jiang Yuqing asked her dad to find her a tanning craftsman to take a look and ask if these skins could still be tanned.


    The craftsman said it was possible, but the rich looked down on this stuff and the poor couldn''t afford it. He wondered who she would sell so many skins to.


    Jiang Yuqing just smiled without answering.


    Jiang Yuqing asked the herdsmen to pull the skins into therge courtyard she had bought and unload them to verify the quantity. She then neatly counted out silver coins to pay them. There were a total of 31,000 sheepskins.


    Jiang Yuqing bought them at a t rate of 1.7 taels of silver per sheepskin, spending over 50,000 taels of silver in one go.


    The herdsmen received the shiny silver coins, and bursts of brilliant smiles bloomed on their frost-bitten faces.


    They were simple-minded people. They had never even seen a county magistrate before. asionally when they came out to sell some skins, they would get disdainful looks from others.


    Today, not only did they sessfully sell all their skins, but the highest official in Su Prefecture even treated them to a meal. This was something they hadn''t even dared to dream about before.


    At the beginning, they were all nervous and didn''t know where to put their hands and feet. After Jiang Wenyuan plied them with several cups of liquor, the atmosphere became casual.


    Jiang Wenyuan then told them to raise more sheep, and also raise more merinos. Raise them well, don''t ughter them. Every summer, shear all the wool and send it to the government city. He would buy it.


    This was his precious daughter''s idea. She said after processing, sheep''s wool could be spun into yarn, and the yarn could be woven into woolen sweaters, gloves, hats, scarves and so on, lightweight and warm.


    Although he hadn''t seen them before, since it was his precious daughter''s idea, it must be good.


    Regarding his daughter, this was how much he trusted her.


    The herdsmen were also happy. They could earn more without ughtering sheep. This new prefect really was a great man!


    When they returned home, Jiang Wenyuan asked his daughter, "Dear, where did you get so much silver?"


    Jiang Yuqing set up a sound instion barrier around the two of them and said, "Dad, do you still remember the Prefect of Dai Prefecture who was executed and had his family property confiscated early this year for privately mining gold mines?"


    "I know about it!" Jiang Wenyuan said suspiciously, "What necessary connection does this have with your silver?"


    Jiang Yuqing said proudly, "Of course there is a connection! It was me who reported it to His Majesty!"


    Jiang Wenyuan instantly widened his eyes in surprise. "What did you say?"


    Jiang Yuqing briefly exined how she discovered the treasure cave, and then said, "I have moved all the gold in the treasure cave into my spirit space. Your darling daughter now has plenty of money."


    Jiang Wenyuan was both anxious and angry, and was worried that others might overhear them. He stretched out his hand to cover his daughter''s mouth. Jiang Yuqing dodged and said, "Dad doesn''t have to worry, I have set up a sound instion barrier around us that no one can hear what we are talking about."


    Only then did Jiang Wenyuan feel relieved. He marveled to himself that his daughter''s abilities were bing more and more unfathomable. Still, he carefully exhorted her that she must not use the gold recklessly.


    Jiang Yuqing patted her chest and promised that she would not. She said that these gold had no markings. Her spirit space had magical fire that could easily melt them down into little goldfish or golden melon seed-sized ingots that would be easy to sell without arousing anyone''s suspicion.


    "Anyway, you still have to be careful." His daughter was too smart and capable, which wasn''t good either. It made him, as her father, feel useless.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing had the women in the courtyard pick out the sheepskins with long fur and shear off the long fur. The raw wool sheared off was boiled in hot water to remove grease and impurities, then dried to be finished wool.


    It was thenbed into strips and spun into yarn using spinning machines, then dyed in dye houses, after which it could be woven into clothes.


    As for the remaining sheepskins, she found Changlong Leather Shop, which had a good reputation, to discuss the tanning of this batch of sheepskins. Together with the batch purchased in Sha Qing Countyst time, there was a total of 47,000 sheepskins.


    Old Master Gao Changlong, the owner of Changlong Leather Shop, had never received such a huge order before. Heughed so widely that he almost couldn''t close his mouth, and gave Jiang Yuqing a very favorable price.


    Jiang Yuqing also paid decisively. Her requirement was that while ensuring quality, production should be as fast as possible.


    She wanted to produce as many sheepskin boots as possible before the New Year to send over to the troops at the frontier, which would be a little gesture from her!


    Gao Changlong readily agreed.


    At the same time, Jiang Yuqing also went to thergest clothing store in Su Prefecture City, Dingtaifeng Clothing Store, to tell the boss that she wanted to customize a batch of waterproof sheepskin boots.


    The main sheepskin material would be provided by her, while the clothing store would provide other materials.


    When Dingtaifeng¡¯s boss Xie Yuangjia asked her how many pairs she wanted to order, Jiang Yuqing thought for a while and said, "I have a total of 47,000 sheepskins. Use up all these to make as many as you can. What do you think?"


    Xie Yuangjia thought he had misheard. "How many did you say?"


    Jiang Yuqing repeated: "47,000 sheepskins. Use them all up to make boots. Is that clear enough?"


    Xie Yuangjia stammered: "C-clear enough." After a pause, he asked again: "Young Miss, you''re making so many boots, where are you going to sell them?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Not selling them. The New Year ising soon. I want to give the officers and soldiers at Yumen Pass a little gift from me!"


    Xie Yuangjia was silent for a while, then gave her a big thumbs up. "Young Miss is high-minded. I admire you!"


    Xiao Ren said to you frankly, this one adult sheepskin can at least make two pairs of boots. Your 477,000 sheepskins can make over 90,000 pairs."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Then I will think of ways to buy some more to make up 100,000 pairs!"


    "Ok," Xue Yuanjia said, "But it''s already the end of November now. By the 27th and 28th day of the 12th lunar month, we should stop working too. With so many quantities, I''m afraid there is no way to finish them before the new year!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I know, it doesn''t matter. Finish as many as possible before the New Year, and quickly make the unfinished ones after the New Year. The winter in Suzhou is long, and they can still use them after the new year."


    "Good! When will the leather be delivered?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Probably in two days, the first batch of leather will be delivered."


    The two sides negotiated some details, signed a contract, and paid a deposit. So it was settled.


    Jiang Yuqing calcted that the material andbor cost of a pair of warm sheepskin boots was about one or two silver coins. 100,000 pairs would be 130,000 silver coins.


    No wonder it''s hard to maintain an army.


    Just the consumption of food, weapons, medicine, etc. for the 100,000 troops of the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp in one year is an astronomical figure. The Great Xia has such a vast territory, several 100,000 troops, how much would the total consumption be?


    No wonder the emperor was anxious to make money and food, no wonder Minister Zhang from the Ministry of Revenue cried poor every day.


    It really is difficult!


    Because of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s superrge order of 100,000 pairs of boots, the originally bleak Suzhou city instantly came alive.


    Whether it was Chang Long or Ding Tai Feng, they posted notices and recruited a lot of temporary workers. When people heard the news, they braved the wind and snow to rush to these two ces to apply for a job and earn some money to celebrate the New Year.


    The old people all said that the winter in Suzhou City has never been so lively.


    On November 28, the first batch of tanned sheepskin was delivered to the garment factory, and the garment factory began intensive processing.


    On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, the first batch of 3,000 pairs of boots was rushed out, and 8,000 pairs on the tenth.


    December 12 was a sunny day. Early in the morning, Jiang Yuqing rode on her white pony Xiaoshi, carrying her small medicine box and three carts with a total of 10,000 pairs of sheepskin boots of different sizes, and headed to the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp alone under the worried eyes of her mother.


    Jiang Wenyuan patted his wife''s hand to reassure her, "Don''t worry. You don''t know our daughter''s ability now. Ordinary bandits who encounter her, who robs whom is still unknown!


    Besides, it¡¯s still rtively peaceful outside the pass this year. The Tartars have not invaded the border so far, so there should be no major issues."


    Lu said worriedly, "Although you say so, I still can''t help worrying..."


    On the way, Jiang Yuqing went smoothly for three or four days and arrived outside the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp on the morning of the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    Qin Yijian, themander-in-chief of the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp, was discussing matters with several deputy generals when he was informed by a subordinate that a young girl named Jiang Yuqing hade to seek an audience.


    Qin Yijian felt that the name sounded familiar, but couldn''t remember for a moment. He only said, "Why does this name sound so familiar?"

 Chapter 97: Battlefield Aid

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    Beside him, the general of light cavalry Wei Qing''s eyes lit up and he quickly asked, "Is that little girl only four or five years old?"


    The messenger said, "Yes!"


    Wei Qing then smiled at Qin Yijian, "I probably know who she is. The daughter of the Marquis of Qingzhou, the young mistress of Linghui county, and the closed-door disciple of Doctor Qiu the miracle doctor. I heard that her medical skills are quite remarkable."


    Hearing this, Qin Yijian also remembered, "That''s right. A few days ago when your boy came back from suppressing bandits, he told us about this. In his words, that little girl was as amazing as an immortal."


    "Moreover, those eleven seriously wounded soldiers really did survive. We should ept her kindness. Alright, since she''s here, invite her in! It''s so cold out and the little girl ran over from so far away. Her thoughtfulness alone is precious."


    When they saw the real person, the little girl riding a deer, even Qin Yijian''s old face twitched uncontrobly. He said she was a little girl but she really was a "little" girl. She''s too small!


    As they walked closer, Jiang Yuqing got off the deer and respectfully saluted them. All of them except Qin Yijian avoided receiving a full bow from her.


    Although this little girl was of small stature, her status and rank were higher than all of theirs.


    Seeing the few carriages behind her, Qin Yijian asked, "Girl, what have you brought in those carriages back there?"


    Jiang Yuqing eximed, "Oh!" and smiled, "There are 10,000 pairs of sheepskin boots. I was rushed for time so I could only prepare this many for now. The rest will be sent slowlyter on."


    Upon hearing this, all the generals couldn''t help but swallow their spit. Qin Yijian said, "Judging by what you said, there''s a lot more?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, "Not a lot. Just 100,000 pairs total. Divided evenly, each person can only get one pair without any extras."


    "...Are all young mistresses so extravagant these days or is it just this one that''s a special case?"


    Opening the carriage, they randomly took out a pair. They really were made of sheepskin and went up to the calves.


    The outside was waterproof, while the inside was thick and fluffy white sheep wool. Reaching a hand inside, it was soft andfortable. Such boots must feel amazing to wear on one''s feet.


    Of course, the price would definitely not be cheap, at least a few taels of silver per pair. 100,000 pairs of boots, that''s over 100,000 taels of silver.


    Over 100,000 taels of silver is not a trivial amount. It would be an astronomical figure that could bankrupt even the richest noble households.


    The Marquis of Qingzhou came from humble beginnings. Although they earned some money selling seeds and grain these past few years, being able to take out over 100,000 taels at once just to give the soldiers boots, such sentiment and boldness is truly precious.


    As themander-in-chief, Qin Yijian was extremely moved.


    He bowed deeply to Jiang Yuqing, "I, Qin, on behalf of the 100,000 soldiers of Yumen Pass, thank the young mistress for your great kindness."


    Jiang Yuqing was badly frightened and quickly avoided his bow. To have such an elderly general and hero who fought on battlefields his whole life to protect the country bow to her would surely cut years off her life!


    The 10,000 pairs of boots were quickly taken away. As for how they would be distributed, it was none of her concern.


    Her main purpose foring today was to provide medical treatment.


    Having received the news beforehand, the few generals had all been expecting her arrival. They were very grateful and sent people to escort her to the military hospital tent for the wounded soldiers.


    There, she saw over 20 military doctors. The two military doctors who went with her that day were also there. Seeing her suddenly appear in the hospital tent, they were both shocked and overjoyed.


    The events of that day had been spread amongst all the military doctors in the camp by the two of them. The others hadn''t really believed that such a young child could be that capable no matter how amazing she was rumored to be.


    But the fact that all those seriously wounded soldiers survived without casualty could not be refuted. This was the truth.


    As the saying goes, amateurs watch for fun while professionals watch for the intricacies. Those who were unconvinced took the chance when changing dressings for the wounded soldiers to personally examine the suture work. Afterwards, they had no choice but to admit that she really was amazing and became convinced, only feeling regretful that they couldn''t formally apprentice under her.


    At this moment, seeing the little medical immortal appear in the medical tent, they immediately swarmed over to greet and pay their respects to her, exceptionally enthusiastic. Jiang Yuqing also smiled and returned their greetings.


    After the pleasantries, Jiang Yuqing entered work mode.


    Half a month had passed since the battle with bandits. The lightly wounded soldiers had recovered and returned to their posts. What remained were those who had been seriously injured that day.


    Seeing their lifesaver once more, the soldiers were extremely excited and wanted to get up to bow to Jiang Yuqing. She stopped them.


    A young soldier named Zhuzi said, "If not for the little doctor goddess that day, I would''ve lost my little life there. Death doesn''t scare me, Zhuzi, but dying at the hands of bandits would be too aggrieving!"


    His words elicited kindheartedughter in the tent.


    Jiang Yuqing examined each of them and found their recovery was decent without any inmmation or infection. This could be attributed to the widespread use of penicillin and allicin.


    Although there were two braziers lit inside therge tent, it was like a drop in the bucket and basically useless in such a big space. It was extremely cold inside the tent.


    The ash-covered nkets on the soldiers, although made of cotton, were also badly hardened from having not been changed for many years and were utterlycking in any warmth retention. Many people''s hands and feet were covered in severe chilins, red, swollen, cracked open, and revealing bright red flesh.


    Jiang Yuqing asked if they were in pain.


    They grinned foolishly and said it was fine, they were used to it.


    At that moment, Jiang Yuqing felt a painful tightness in her heart.


    Inside the tent, various personal items were scattered around haphazardly. Unused stretchers were piled randomly here and there. There was also quite a bit of garbage strewn on the ground. The surroundings of the tent also hadrge patches of ck ice.


    This was likely the result of dirty water being sshed around carelessly.


    It was still winter now so things were passable, but who knew what kind of mosquitoes and bugs would breede summertime. For injured soldiers, these frightening little creatures would be nothing short of a disaster.


    Right now there weren''t many people in the military hospital during peacetime, yet it was already so dirty and messy. If war broke out and the hospital filled up with people, the chaos would be unimaginable!


    Jiang Yuqing''s little brows furrowed tightly. Seeing her like this, the military doctors apanying her internally started cheering.


    King, the military doctor who worked with her during the raid on bandits, carefully asked, "Little immortal doctor, is something the matter?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "There are lots of problems!" She pointed out the issues she just noticed one by one, "Look, the ground is covered in trash. Stuff is piled and scattered everywhere. The area outside the tents is full of sewage. And there are still many scattered areas I won''t get into specifics about.


    All of these will breedrge amounts of pathogens, increasing the chances of infections for the wounded and sick."


    Everyone listened nkly. One military doctor couldn''t help but ask, "What are these pathogens?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Pathogens exist everywhere but our naked eyes have trouble seeing them. Let me give a simple analogy. Buddhists say a single drop of water contains 48,000 worms. You can understand these ''worms'' as pathogens."


    Hearing her exnation allowed them to understand.


    Because it was extremely cold outside, the doctors invited Jiang Yuqing into the tent they worked in. Although it was still cold inside, it was much better than the exterior.


    Seeing everyone''s thirst for knowledge, Jiang Yuqing began teaching them some fundamental medical theory and pathogenic principles. She spoke continuously without stopping.


    At lunchtime, a few generals gathered together to eat. Qin Yijian suddenly recalled something, "Oh right, where did that little rascal go?"


    An orderly reported, "The little immortal doctor is giving the military doctors lectures. They''re listening enraptured and extremely attentively."


    Qin Yijian guffawed loudly, "She can subdue that bunch of old fogeys, looks like she really does have skill."


    He instructed the orderly again, "Tell the supply sergeant to prepare some delicious food to send over. The little girl ran over from so far just to bring us stuff and teach us for free. We absolutely can''t be impolite to her."


    The orderly chuckled, "No need for you to order that, General. The brothers over at supplies, even took out the prime pork elbows they hid away to stew."


    Qin Yijian lowered his head to look at the mixed grains and vegetable buns topped with pickled cabbage in his bowl. The best item was a small te of fried pork slivers with dried vegetables. He helplessly shook his chopsticks and self-deprecatingly said, "Turns out I''m not worthy!"


    Laughter once again rang out in the big tent.


    At lunchtime, seeing the white steamed buns and pork elbow the size of her own head before her, Jiang Yuqing''s mouth twitched uncontrobly.


    Then looking again at the mixed grain buns with pickled vegetables that the other military doctors ate, she immediately understood that this was the big guys specially preparing a separate stove for her.


    Jiang Yuqing took a bun, put a piece of pork elbow in it, and divided it among everyone because she couldn''t finish it herself. Seeing the military doctors scrape up even thest drop of oil in the bowl, Jiang Yuqing felt indescribablyplex and sorrowful.


    The soldiers of this era are really suffering too much.


    In the afternoon, Jiang Yuqing took everyone to the field hospital to do a major cleaning. Things that should be cleaned were cleaned, things that should be tidy were tidied, and things that should be disinfected were disinfected. After a whole afternoon, the entire hospital looked refreshed, and the air was much fresher.


    In the evening, Zu Di and Wei Lingjun returned from their missions. Upon hearing that she hade, they both ran over to see her. They even took out the "private goods" they had hidden and couldn''t bear to eat and gave them to her.


    The next day, she personally went to headquarters and applied for them to conduct a battlefield first aid drill because she wanted to see their actual first aid level.


    "Is there any need for drills to save people? If someone is injured, just pull them down!" Although Qin Yijian was somewhat unwilling and felt she was meddling too much, considering the 100,000 pairs of boots, he generously dispatched 300 men to her and even had several generals personally sit in to observe.


    Of those, 100 people acted as wounded soldiers, and 200 were responsible for carrying stretchers. After the drill started, the "wounded" soldiersy on stretchers shouting and screaming, while the soldiers responsible for carrying stretchers ran extremely fast.


    It was precisely because of the excessive speed that the "wounded soldiers" were jostled near death. Some even fell off the stretchers. Those behind failed to dodge in time and crashed into each other. Instantly men and horses tumbled together.


    The military doctors and medical apprentices were also chaotic here. One moment shouting there, the next calling over here, busy like headless flies. The carried stretchers were ced every which way, hampering passage. identally stepping on people happened constantly.


    The scene was full of situations - simply a mess. It provoked waves ofughter from the soldiers who came to watch.


    By this time, the generals finally realized Jiang Yuqing''s intention.


    Although the field hospital had been like this at the start of previous great battles, at this moment all their faces looked rather ugly!


    Especially themander-in-chief Qin Yijian, with an ashen face, he loudly rebuked: "Do you think this is some kind of joke, very amusing?"


    The crowd instantly did not dare make a peep.


    Qin Yijian scolded again: "It really should beughed at, because this is exactly how you''ve done things before! Think of those brothers of yours who have died, can you stillugh?"


    Qin Yijian passed the ball to Jiang Yuqing: "Girl youe, feel free to train them, train these little bastards well for me."


    Jiang Yuqing nodded slightly, used a little spiritual energy to amplify her voice to carry farther, and shouted: "Don''t think this is funny, this is a battlefield, you are saving your injured brothers-in-arms andrades. Those two soldiers--"


    Jiang Yuqing pointed at the two who had run too fast earlier, jostling the wounded off the stretchers, and angrily questioned them: "Yes, I''m talking about you two.


    The ones on your stretchers were your gravely wounded brothers, not dead pigs. They were already seriously injured, and with you jostling them like that, how could they still survive? Tell me?"


    The two didn''t even dare let out a breath!


    "Among various issues, I won''t borate on them one by one. I''ll just say one thing. Battlefield rescue work isn''t just the doctors'' business, it''s also every one of you here.


    As long as you learn even a little basic first aid knowledge, on the battlefield, you or your brother beside you will have a bit more chance to survive, a bit more grasp on defeating the enemy."

 Chapter 98: Give, Must Give

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    Next, Jiang Yuqing pointed out everyone''s shorings one by one and corrected them bit by bit.


    From how to transport the wounded, how to emergency hemostasis, how to grade and tie colored bands for the wounded, how the military doctors and medical apprentices can cooperate to maximize their effectiveness, and how to manage the wards, she taught them hands-on.


    It took three days to teach.


    She forcibly turned the messy wounded camp into a well-regted and well-trained one.


    During this period, the generals also arranged for the soldiers to receive some superficial emergency first aid training on the battlefield during their normal training.


    As the little county chief said, the more skills they learn, the greater the chance to survive on the battlefield in the future.


    Who wants to die if they can live!


    It was Jiang Yuqing''s first training and she achieved initial results. Because there were other things to do, she had to leave.


    Before leaving, she told the military doctors that she would open a medical clinic in Su Prefecture after the New Year. The generals had already agreed to let them go to her ce to learn celestial medicine in batches next year.


    The military doctors were instantly overjoyed.


    When Jiang Yuqing left the big camp, not only the few generals, but all the soldiers who were free came to the main entrance to see her off.


    Jiang Yuqing rode on the white pony with her small medicine box on her back. She waved vigorously at them, "Come back quickly, everyone. I wille to see you often in the future."


    Then she turned the deer¡¯s head, and left with the few generals sent by Qin Yijian to escort her. If she didn¡¯t leave, they would have kept standing at the camp gate without going back.


    The weather had been nice these past few days. Without the burden of the carriage, the group rushed with fast horses and arrived back at the government office after just two days.


    The husband and wife hugged their daughter affectionately for a while, then checked her from head to toe. Seeing that their daughter was safe and sound, they finally felt relieved.


    The few generals who escorted Jiang Yuqing went back to camp at the first light of dawn the next day.


    Then, Jiang Yuqing went to Changlong Leather Goods Store and Dingtaifeng Clothing Store again to urge them to hurry up. After returning home, she also asked her father for some people and sent them to the grasnd to buy sheep. The New Year was approaching soon and she wanted to add a dish to the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner for the big camp.


    Jiang Wenyuan only asked one thing before readily giving the people. Not only that, he also took money out of his own pocket and gave her more silver, as a token of his feelings. Jiang Yuqing dly epted it!


    In the capital city, after the Emperor received the urgent memorial presented by Jiang Wenyuan, he was really shocked. Good stuff, was this a memorial? It was said that people believed in this novel, this was too thick.


    Although heined inwardly,


    The emperor still opened it and read it carefully. He was more and more frightened as he read it, and his expression changed again and again. Finally, he simply pped the table in surprise.


    After closing the memorial, he let out a long sigh, and said lightly, "Go, summon the Minister of Revenue Zhang Xiu, the Minister of Public Works Wen Wuji, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jin Yaolin to enter the pce."


    The little eunuch took the order and left quickly.


    Not long after, several superiors who entered the pce coincidentally met halfway.


    Jin Yaolin bowed with sped hands to Zhang Xiu and Wen Wuji and said, "Do Their Excellencies know why His Majesty has summoned us to enter the pce?"


    Zhang Xiu said, "I heard that another letter has arrived from Su Prefecture."


    Everyone suddenly understood.


    The previous incident in Zengping County, Su Prefecture caused the Emperor to be furious. He dragged out the former prefect of Su Prefecture and scolded him until his face was covered with blood, saying that he was derelict in his supervision and did not know that such a big thing happened under his rule, and so on.


    The gentleman had already been demoted to the same obscure ce as the vice-prefect because his political achievement evaluation was "very poor".


    Now that¡¯s done, he couldn¡¯t even be the vice-prefect anymore and was directly demoted to a seventh-grade county magistrate. I heard that he left in tears.


    It was almost evening now, and His Majesty had summoned them again. It must not be a trivial matter.


    A few people entered the Imperial Study. After saluting, the Emperor ced the very thick memorial that looked like a book in front of several people, "Take a look and give me your thoughts!"


    A few people gathered around and had just read halfway whenmps were lit in the Imperial Study. Not until their feet were almost numb from standing did they finish reading it. Then they looked at each other with admiring expressions.


    The memorial recorded what he saw during his secret visits and inspections of subordinate counties after arriving in Su Prefecture, as well as the climate, geography, and people''s livelihood along the way.


    It detailed the terrain, climate, soil quality, water resources, and products of each county, as well as their deficiencies.


    And ording to the climate, terrain and soil characteristics of each county, detailed ns were made for the next three years, called the "Three-Year n".


    It mentioned that two new drought- and barren-resistant grain varieties would be tested across Su Prefecture next year, and water conservancy would be developed throughout the prefecture.


    Developing water conservancy requires a lot of silver. Jiang Wenyuan also considered this. For now, he would attract investment from across the country with the new grain varieties and their deep processing technology as coteral.


    They vaguely knew about this ¡°attracting investment¡±. It was simr to when the Marquis of Qing Prefecture attracted other major merchants to invest and establish food processing nts by using fruit deep processing technology during the fruit sales slump in Qing Prefecture. It was almost the same idea.


    It had to be said that this was indeed a good method.


    In the end, it concluded by requesting "The people of Su Prefecture have suffered for a long time. Your subject kneels to beg Your Majesty to send several talented people proficient in water conservancy and carpentry to Su Prefecture to help the people of Su Prefecture with all their strength."


    The whole text was nearly 20,000 words without a single waste of words.


    "What do you think, ministers?"


    Zhang Xiu immediately said, "Give it to him, you must give it to him!" As long as he wasn''t asking him for money, everything was fine to say. Moreover, his ns were quite promising, this guy had real talent.


    Wen Wuji agreed. Water conservancy was originally under his ministry anyway.


    As for Jin Yaolin, he raised both hands in approval even more. How could the Ministry of Agriculture do without new crop varieties?


    The next day, the Emperor also announced the matter at the morning court and obtained the unanimous approval of the civil and military officials.


    So the Emperor ordered the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture to select 20 talents each and set off for Su Prefecture immediately after the New Year.


    Su Prefecture.


    After the sheep purchase was properly arranged, Jiang Yuqing immediately took out a bunch of medicinal materials from the Spiritual Realm, pretending they were bought outside, and used horse carts to take them back to therge courtyard.


    The soldiers were severely frostbitten and ointment for chilins had to be prepared.


    In theing days, Jiang Yuqing taught the youngdies hands-on how to slice and crush the medicinal materials, and then decoct them into jars of chilin ointment.


    Just in time, the people who went to buy sheep also drove back over 200 sheep.


    Jiang Yuqing sent these chilin ointments together with the newly made 20,000 pairs of boots to Yumen Pass by her father before the New Year.


    When the veteran general Qin Yijian received the report from his subordinates that the youngdy of Linghui County had sent another 200 sheep and a batch of medicine and supplies to treat frostbite, his eyes instantly turned red. He felt this youngdy really cared!


    The one responsible for delivering the items was an aide of Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s. He said, "My county chief said that during her stay at the big camp, various generals and soldiers took good care of her.


    She has no way to repay them, so she bought some sheep hoping to add a dish to the soldiers'' New Year''s Eve dinner. She asked me to convey her early New Year blessings in advance and wish everyone a peaceful and healthy new year!"


    Qin Yijian said, "Also convey my regards to your county chief and Marquis, and thank them! From now on, wherever there is a ce that needs Qin Yijian, this old man will go even if it means certain death!"


    The aide bowed with his hands cupped and said, "Alright, I will definitely convey it! It¡¯s cold, General Qin and soldiers should go back!" After speaking, he turned around, rode off and left!


    If he didn''t leave now, he was afraid he wouldn''t be able to hold back his tears.


    In the wind and snow, Su Prefecture weed another New Year¡¯s Eve.


    On the eve of this new year, shopkeepers of several grain shops and rice shops were surprised to find that the white flour in their shops hadpletely sold out. This had never happened before.


    Moreover, the vast majority who came to buy were ordinarymoners. Although it was only two or three catties, three or five catties each time, it was still enough to make a meal of white flour buns or a meal of vegetarian dumplings.


    It looked like the New Year was getting better and they could probably stock more goods next year!


    Simrly, other businesses all felt that this year¡¯s business before the New Year was much better. This was really a good sign!


    During the New Year, Jiang Yuqing only stayed at home for three days from the 30th of the lunar month to the 2nd. On the 3rd, she took Granny Yan and Er Yu to therge courtyard.


    Her yarn had been dyed and it was time to start making woolen clothes.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s embroidery skills were very average. Strictly speaking, she only knew the most basic stitches. She had never even knitted a sweater before, only two pairs of gloves.


    Even for that, it was arranged by the welfare institute as an external activity.


    She took the specially ordered carved wool needles and began teaching the girls how to cast on, increase and decrease stitches, and some of the most basic knitting techniques, before allowing them to freely create on their own.


    When it came to women''s handiwork, ancient women''s talents were simply ceiling-level.


    In just a few days, not only did they learn how to knit sweaters, they even invented several knitting techniques, with exceptionally beautiful patterns woven out.


    Then, it became unstoppable. All kinds of sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, hats and more starteding out.


    Among them was a girl named Luo Zhi. She really lived up to her name, weaving quickly, excellently and beautifully.


    She said ever since she was little, she liked these things much more than recognizing characters and identifying medicinal materials.


    Jiang Yuqing felt a stir in her heart, thinking that in the future, she could open a wool shop, and have this girl go there as the master to teach people how to knit sweaters, which would definitely work.


    If others had different talents, they wouldn''t necessarily have to be restricted to studying medicine. Her original intention was only to give them all a ce to settle down.


    She told Luo Zhi her idea at the time. Luo Zhi was very happy and said that if she did open a wool shop, she would be willing to go as the master teaching people how to knit. The girls were all very envious of Luo Zhi¡¯s skill.


    Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°Don¡¯t be envious of her. In the future, if you also have other interests or special skills, you can also tell me. I will try my best to arrange suitable positions for all of you.¡± The girls happily agreed.


    The wool procuredst time was not a lot. If opening the store now, it would definitely not be enough. But there was enough wool to make clothes for their own rtives and friends.


    So Jiang Yuqing asked the girls to make sets of woolen sweaters and pants for her own parents, master and senior martial brother in the capital city, the emperor and crown prince, and rtives back in her hometown Qingzhou, plus scarves, gloves, socks and other essories for a full set.


    Jiang Wenyuan knitted his first. After trying it on, he eximed how light and warm it was, and that it really was an amazing thing.


    Hearing that these were woven from those sheep¡¯s wool, Jiang Wenyuan valued next year¡¯s sheep raising business on the grasnds even more.


    Such a novel yet practical thing, not only did Concubine Yan and Madam Er Yu like them, even the four maids beside his mother, including his mother Lu, took a strong interest.


    Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to specially invite Luo Zhi to the manor to teach them how to knit wool.


    As time went by, more and more woven pieces piled up. Jiang Yuqing neatly packed up the sets, affixed names, and separately sent them to the capital city and her hometown Qingzhou.


    She thought that by the time the things arrived, it would be cold in the capital city and they could wear them for a month. Her hometown was warmer, and they might only be able to try them on for a bit before having to store them at the bottom of chests until winter came aroundter in the year.

 Chapter 99: Investment Promotion

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    Changlong Leather Shop and Dingtai Clothing reopened for business on the sixth day of the lunar new year.


    At the same time, 60 top experts in water conservancy, agriculture, and carpentry dispatched from Beijing were also rushing to Suzhou under escort.


    Jiang Yuqing had also taken out some corn and potatoes harvested from Lingjing these days. Not much, 100 jin of each grain for every county.


    There was an excuse that they were grown with the mystic medicine water from Bianque Valley to speed up the growth. Any more would be hard to exin.


    On the eighth day, the government offices opened for business. Jiang Wenyuan received a carrier pigeon message from Beijing saying that the water conservancy and carpentry experts had set off from Beijing. He was relieved.


    To be honest, the ns he made were too ambitious that even he felt a little apprehensive. Fortunately, His Majesty hadplete trust in him, which gave him more confidence in the grand vision he set.


    Thus notices were issued to the county governments with two main points:


    1. Take stock of farndscking convenient water sources in the counties and get viges to coordinate manpower in preparation for digging canals and building aqueducts.


    2. Select pilot bases and get ready to receive the new grain varieties.


    3. The water conservancy, agriculture and carpentry experts dispatched by the imperial court are on the way to Suzhou. Local officials must make proper arrangements to receive them.


    The fourth point was to vigorously develop the featured cash crops based on each county''s conditions.


    For example, counties around the prefectural city could grow cotton, pastoral areas raise more sheep, Shaqing county focus on cultivating ck goji berries, and the desert areas in Yumen county can grow meaty stonecrop.


    No matter what is grown or raised, the court will handle the sales.


    When the news came out, the whole Suzhou prefecture was astonished. Common folks spread the word and rejoiced that they would have new grain.


    Although there were only small batches for trial nting, people were still very happy because it meant mass cultivation would happen soon, just like in Qing Prefecture.


    Sharp-eyed big merchants immediately went to Jiang Wenyuan, hoping to partner with him on promoting the new grains in other prefectures in the future.


    There is a saying, to be rich, build roads first. If transportation is inconvenient, farm produces, however good, cannot be shipped out and would be wasted.


    Despite this, Jiang Wenyuan still issued notices nationwide calling for investments. This triggered big merchants all over to swarm in.


    Since people came with good faith to discuss cooperation, Jiang Wenyuan also demonstrated utmost sincerity. For this purpose, he set up an ad hoc ¡°Investment Promotion¡± group.


    He brought out the detailed ns his precious daughter had prepared earlier and made many copies to be distributed to every merchanting to sign up.


    The nsid out over 10 construction and technology cooperation projects that would be open for bidding and investment, and included detailed descriptions and requirements for each.


    For example, the project to expand and repair the official road from Suzhou to Beijing would be open for bidding.


    As the ancient saying goes, to be rich, build roads first. If roads are difficult to traverse, even the best products cannot be shipped out and would be wasted.


    The other projects called for investments and partnerships. Such as the national or regional distribution rights for corn, potatoes and wool products. Samples were even attached for thetter three.


    When most of the people had arrived, Jiang Wenyuan chose an auspicious date and booked the most luxurious restaurant in Suzhou prefectural city to host an investment promotion conference.


    After intensepetition, 11 big merchant families came out top.


    The Shen family business alone won 7 projects, including 3-year distribution rights for potatoes, corn and wool yarns in the 11 prefectures in the north.


    Well, they were the richest in Great Xia, their capabilities were just superior.


    The distribution rights in the 17 prefectures in the south were jointly obtained by another 4 merchant families.


    Some other projects were also taken by other businessmen.


    As for the official road from Suzhou to Beijing, it was won by the Mo family, a long line of artisan builders native to Suzhou. The Mo family used to exclusively build imperial mausoleums in previous dynasties.


    However, historically, few fared well after building mausoleums for the imperial family. The Mo family was nearly wiped out.


    Learning from painful experience after the founding of this dynasty, the Mo family swore off any projects building tombs, and only built above-ground structures.


    Also, with superb skills and an excellent reputation amongmoners.


    In the past, corv¨¦ebor was used to repair and maintain official roads across dynasties.


    The people of Suzhou had suffered enough. Jiang Wenyuan refused to add to their misery, and simply opened it up for bidding and outsourced it for merchant money to fund the project.


    He said directly, "The construction will not be owed any payment. Just two requirements -plete the project on time meeting quality and quantity specifications. Secondly, when recruiting workers, Suzhou locals must be prioritized, who will be paid daily."


    The Mo family head came to bid with a try-and-see attitude initially. After reading the project description, he sighed deeply.


    He said to his son, "The dark clouds over our Suzhou for so many years is finally clearing." They bid aggressively and won the contract decisively.


    Even if profits were thin, he was willing to do it, not for anything else, but to repay a debt of gratitude to the elders of Suzhou.


    Jiang Yuqing represented Bianque Valley to win the distribution rights for meaty stonecrop and ck goji berries.


    The investment promotion conference concluded sessfully, with total partnership funds of 417,000 taels of silver obtained.


    Jiang Wenyuan tabted the funds and disyed the ledger in the government office, stating clearly that all subsequent expenditures would be made public for supervision by themon folks. This move truly shocked everyone.


    At end of February, after nearly 2 months of arduous journey, the experts dispatched by the imperial court arrived. Jiang Wenyuan happily arranged their amodations and let these precious talents rest well for two days. After their rest he would arrange their work.


    At the same time, the wool sweaters and pants sent by Jiang Yuqing to Beijing and his hometown Qing Prefecture were received.


    In Beijing...


    After receiving the goods, Emperor Xia Jing immediately changed into them. Indeed, other than the need to pull them over the head which was slightly inconvenient, the clothes were light, soft and warm, extremelyfortable to wear.


    The gloves were also very practical. With separated fingers, not only convenient for working, even going out, the hands need not be tucked in sleeves all the time. One could do as one pleased, especially when riding.


    Emperor Xia Jing loved them very much. He thought, so this is the wool yarn Prefect Jiang spoke of in the memorial, it is truly versatile.


    Empress Qin also really liked this set of wool clothes. After receiving them, she insisted on putting on the full set except the hat, and even excitedly took a walk around the imperial garden.


    As for Jing Yan, this guy who usually disliked wasting any time, even circled his father and mother''s pces repeatedly in a fluster.


    Initially Emperor Xia Jing did not really understand, butter seeing glimpses of his son''s wool sweater sleeves and conspicuous gloves asionally, he became speechless.


    Ungrateful child, what are you showing off? Putting on airs like you''re the only one who has them!


    Thus he deliberately shook the gloves on his hands at his son, sessfully provoking him to leave in anger.


    Qing Prefecture, Marquis Qiu''s Mansion. When Doctor Qiu received the wool clothes sent by his precious apprentice across thousands of miles, he was so moved that tears flowed.


    People grow useless when old. He missed his little apprentice.


    The old man wiped his tears, put on the clothes his precious little apprentice sent, wore the gloves and muffler properly, and decided to quickly settle his unfinished business. He wanted to go to the Northwest to find his little cotton-padded jacket.


    In Qing Prefecture, everyone in Jiang Yuqing''s family were overjoyed to receive the wool clothes he sent back from the distant Northwest.


    What a pity the weather had turned quite warm now. These clothes were too well-insted that they started sweating profusely shortly after putting them on. They could only put them away to wear next winter when the weather turns cold.


    Jiang Yuchuan passed the county-level imperial examination in Augustst year, cing first. He was also the youngest "xiucai" schr in Qing Prefecture on record.


    His maternal grandfather told him "read ten thousand books, walk ten thousand miles". He suggested Jiang Yuchuan consolidate for a few years before attempting the provincial exam. Moreover, his father''s letters also said the same, even directly asking him to train in Suzhou for two years.


    Jiang Yuchuan felt going to Suzhou to train for two years sounded good. Thus he went to invite his two "xiucai" cousins forpany, since their fathers were also in Suzhou.


    But eldest cousin Lu Huaidao said his grandparents were getting on in years. With his father not around, one of the brothers had to remain to attend to the elders. So he hoped his younger brother Lu Jin would go.


    Lu Jin declined as well, saying that fulfilling filial duty was also incumbent on the elder brother, hence if elder brother was not going, neither was he.


    Jiang Yuchuan was rendered helpless. He could only set off for Suzhou alone. His family then hired an escort from his aunt''s husband''s securitypany to travel with him to Suzhou.


    At this time, Jiang Wenyuan in Suzhou still did not know that his son had alreadye to Suzhou to find them.


    At the moment, he was holding the drawings of the waterwheel, exining his requirements to the craftsmen again.


    It had to be said that those who were able to get into the Ministry of Public Works and be on the state payroll were all top masters in the industry.


    They only added a gear simr to the windmill on the central shaft of the waterwheel, which perfectly solved the problem that had troubled the father and daughter for a long time.


    In this way, when the river water was about to freeze, clipping the gear slot could make the water wheel stationary and avoid damage to the des. Wait until the river waterpletely thaws next year before opening it.


    The subsequent matters would be the turn of the experts in water conservancy to take the stage. Jiang Wenyuan didn''t understand this, so he didn''t make gestures.


    As for the agricultural officials, because they had never seen corn and potatoes, in order to give them a more intuitive impression and experience,


    Jiang Yuqing found more than ten flower pots and nted corn and potatoes respectively, forcing them to grow into different growth stages. Let Jiang Wenyuan take them to exin and train the agricultural officials.


    Fortunately, the agricultural officials also had rich nting experience. They almost understood it immediately. Jiang Wenyuan was a little more at ease.


    After everyone had determined their future work direction clearly, Jiang Wenyuan assigned people to the county governments.


    The time came to March. Even in the cold north, the ice and snow had melted.


    The spring girl dragged her skirt slowly, and the green trees and grass made everything fresh and new, red flowers blooming by the roadside.


    Inside and outside the vige, by the riverbank, on the ground, the whole Suzhou was bustling with noises, with all kinds of tools on their backs. Under themand of water conservancy officials, some were erecting waterwheels to build dams, digging ditches and canals, while others were repairing bridges and roads, reiming wastnd.


    Maybe they were in rags and skinny.


    But the smiles on their faces were the brightest ever. The light in their eyes was brighter than the sun, it was the yearning for a better life in the future.


    Soon, the waterwheels were erected, the dams were built, and the ditches were unblocked.


    The icy snow water from Lianyuan Mountain was continuously drawn from the river, flowing through ditches and canals, flowing into the ground, seeping into the soil, and moisturizing this parchednd.


    The joyful cheers of themon people were carried by the wind very very far.


    In April, under the guidance of agricultural officials, the spring ploughing in various parts of Suzhou started in full swing.


    Themon people nted crops like millet, wheat, and cotton with all their might. Now that there was water, they were no longer afraid of droughts, and did not have the capacity to irrigate thend.


    Enough fertilizer was also applied to thend, farm manure, rotten leaves, grass and wood ash, and even the fertile river silt scooped from the river.


    No matter what, everything went into the soil.


    In mid-April, the distributed corn and potato seeds were also nted in the experimental fields amidst the eager anticipation of themon people.


    From the day the seeds were nted, the magistrates of each county had sent special personnel to guard them for twelve hours a day, so that these precious beans would not have any idents.


    When Jiang Wenyuan was busy running around, Jiang Yuqing was also busy with things at her clinic.


    After the first month, she had people renovate the yard. After more than two months of construction, it was basically renovated.


    Afterying out medicine and recruiting a chief physician to sit in the hall, the clinic would be able to officially open.


    As for the name of the clinic, it would be called He''an Hospital.


    It was like helping her second senior brother pioneer newnd.

 Chapter 100: Never to Be apart Again

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    After the situation in Su Prefecture was reported again, the civil and military officials of the entire court were shocked and praised it extensively. It had to be admitted that this guy was a genius in governing the country.


    Emperor Xia Jing walked with floating steps, thinking to himself that it would be great if all the officials of Great Xia were as capable as Lord Jiang.


    On the one hand, he felt regretful that this guy did not participate in the imperial civil service examinations earlier!


    In the midst of being busy, Jiang Yuqing passed her 5th birthday. The little dumpling had be a big dumpling.


    The 100,000 pairs of boots from Changlong Leather Goods Store and Dingtaifeng Ready-to-Wear had beenpleted and delivered to the military camp.


    Jiang Yuqing promptly settled the payment with them.


    On herst trip delivering goods to the barracks, she brought back a tiger on her return trip. People along the way were quite frightened upon seeing it. If not for the cor around the tiger''s neck and someone riding it, they would have fled already.


    To avoid scaring others, Jiang Yuqing gave up riding White Number Ten and rode White Number Nine all the way home instead.


    Poor White Number Nine had been kept in the Spirit Realm for over a year without a suitable chance to let it out.


    Fortunately, it did not mind at all, on the contrary, it enjoyed life in the Spirit Realm quite a bit.


    The abundant spiritual energy increased its intelligence by a lot. Now, it could use actions and facial expressions to convey someplex emotions very intuitively.


    For example, it learned how to roll its eyes.


    No need to think too hard, this was definitely learned from White Number Ten. Among all tigers, it had the strongest eye-rolling skills.


    Upon White Number Nine''s arrival, both Jiang Wenyuan and Lu were badly startled, and rubbed its enormous head, "We haven''t seen you for over a year, how did you grow so big? It seems that ce really nourishes people."


    White Number Nine also nudged them with its big head, using concrete actions to express its delight.


    Externally, the family unanimously imed that it was a tiger raised in their old home in Qingzhou that traveled a long way to find them.


    In Su Prefecture, there were many stories circting about wolf packs repaying kindness and traversing thousands of miles to find their benefactor.


    Therefore, after the initial fright, people were amazed to discover that this big fellow was unbelievably clever.


    Not only could it hunt for itself, it even knew how to open and close doors by itself. After closing the door, it would grab the door bolt in its mouth to lock it back up.


    It could even pick up pens that the staff identally dropped with its mouth and return them.


    If you praised it for being smart and majestic, you would see a very delighted expression on its furry tiger face. This was practically a demon that had gained awareness!


    As time went by, everyone knew that the big white tiger raised in the prefectural magistrate''s residence not only didn''t eat people, it was also very humane.


    Thus, Jiang Yuqing removed its cor.


    By the time it went out to the streets again, people were not only unafraid of it, the bolder ones would even go up to touch it.


    It was also very good-tempered in letting people touch it. However, after they finished touching, it would grab their clothes in its mouth and pull them to the meat stall, pushing them forwards.


    The meaning was, you''ve looked and touched, if you don''t buy some tasty food, how can you just leave unashamedly?


    When the incident spread, people were not only not repulsed by this behavior. Many who had spare money specially ran over to meet it, touching it and then deliberately standing there, waiting for it to pull them to the meat stalls to buy meat.


    Because of White Number Nine, several streets near the government office had increased business at their meat stalls. Thus, the stall owners all treated White Number Nine as their wealth god, wishing that it woulde out to the streets every day.


    As for White Number Nine''s almost shameless begging behavior, Jiang Yuqing did not have any good solutions either. After all, it earned that money fair and square, it would be unreasonable not to feed it.


    When April was nearing its end, a steady and handsome young teen traveled on dusty roads and entered Su Prefecture''s government office.


    The people in the office did not recognize him and asked, "Who are you and what business brings you here?"


    The youth answered, "I''vee to find my parents and younger sister, I''m from Qingzhou." The people in the office were immediately surprised, "Oh! So the young master has arrived. Please wait a moment, I will notify the magistrate right away."


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard his son hade, he was shocked. Toe so silently without sending any advance notice. Luckily the journey seemed safe overall.


    Sizing up his son again, he was taller than when they were in the capital city, and his facial features were more resolute too.


    Hence, he nodded with great satisfaction. He gently asked about his son''s journey before personally bringing his son and the escorts from his wife''s family to the rear office.


    Jiang Yuqing was at the medical hall and not home. White Number Nine happened to be home after just returning from eating its fill in the streets. It waszily sprawled under the eaves basking in the sunlight.


    At this time, it picked up a familiar scent again and immediately crawled up, running in the direction of the scent''s origin.


    Seeing that the person was unexpectedly the young master¡¯s elder brother, White Number Nine was thrilled. It bounded over to smother him in chaotic snuggling and nudging.


    Its steel whip-like tail swept around furiously like a fire wheel, afterimages could be seen.


    From the looks of it, this "excellent" skill learned from the vige dogs will stay an incurable habit for life, a hopeless case for tiger refinement.


    Jiang Yuchuan also didn''t expect to see White Number Nine here. Ever since they parted waysst year after the new year, there had been no trace of White Number Nine. His family said it went with his sister to the capital city.


    Yet when he arrived in the capital city himself, he did not see it either. His sister said White Number Nine couldn''t stand the crowded capital city and ran off to the mountains and forests outside the city walls.


    For it to now show up in Su Prefecture as well, it really lived up to being an outstanding tiger.


    Jiang Yuchuan hugged its enormous tiger head for a good while, ying and frolicking. After that, Lu also received news of her son¡¯s arrival.


    As she approached middle age with only a son and daughter, it pained this mother deeply whenever one of them was not by her side. Lu held her son closely for a period, carefully looking him over to confirm he was perfectly safe and healthy before finally letting down her guard.


    Then she busied herself with arranging rooms for her son and the escorts to stay in, and urged the kitchen to prepare food and drink. Meanwhile, she dispatched someone to the medical hall to inform her daughter that her elder brother had arrived from their old home in Qingzhou.


    Before the dispatched person had walked out the door, Jiang Yuqing had already ridden White Number Ten back.


    Upon hearing her elder brother hade, the little dumpling was overjoyed. She jumped off of White Number Ten''s back and dashed straight towards the inner hall, yelling "Brother" repeatedly as she ran.


    From inside, Jiang Yuchuan heard his sister''s approaching cries of "Brother". He promptly put down the half-finished tea in hand and ran out the door, perfectly intercepting the iing "cannonball" in his embrace.


    The siblings had not seen each other for over half a year and cherished this reunion immensely.


    Due to the son¡¯s arrival, dinner was prepared especially sumptuously. Jiang Yuqing even brought out homemade grape wine, fruit juices, and more. As Lu raised her cup, looking between her husband and children, tears suddenly fell from her eyes.


    Jiang Wenyuan put his arm around his wife''s shoulders, gently patting her back, "From now on, our family will never be separated again."


    Jiang Yuqing also grew somewhat choked up. She thought of how difficult it truly was for her parents. With only two children, either this one or that one was never by their side.


    Yet they endured that gnawing longing and let their children venture out to strive and make their own way.


    How pitiful parental love is in this world!


    The Lin family escorts only stayed in Su Prefecture for two days before embarking back. When they left, Jiang Yuqing entrusted them to bring back to her family arge box of health tonics and medicines like ginseng invigorating pills, plus several crates of assorted leather and some dried meat.


    In the bitterly cold Su Prefecture, there was nothing else avable this season except leather and a little dried meat.


    After resting for a few days, Jiang Yuchuan was sent by his father to enroll in the local government school of Su Prefecture. There, his status was undoubtedly the most noble.


    The heir of Marquis Hou¡¯s estate, son of the prefect of Su Prefecture, no one dared bully him. Other than a few students ustomed to currying favor, most feared his status and didn¡¯t dare befriend him.


    Only after some time did people slowly discover that this heaven-favored prodigy had an extremely amiable personality.


    Not only academically ster, but he never put on airs either. He would not look down on others because of status and background, sincerely treating even the mostmon janitorial staff of the academy with goodwill.


    Only then did everyone rx and befriend him. asionally during festivals or breaks, they would also ept his invitations to visit the government residence as guests.


    Every time they went, as long as he was not especially busy, Prefect Jiang would keep thempany at meals.


    He encouraged them to study diligently, taught them principles and experiences about being a person and handling affairs, and would even guide their schoolwork, lending them the notes and materials he wrote himself back then.


    Jiang Yuchuan adapted extremely well in Su Prefecture.


    Jiang Yuqing''s medical clinic was also fully stocked with medicine. She recruited two sitting physicians and selected the auspicious date of the eighth day of the fifth lunar month to open for business.


    On the opening day, not only did Jiang Wenyuane in person, but General Wei Qing from the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp also sent someone to congratte in person on behalf of Qin Yijian.


    Thus, all themon people in the city came to know that this He An Hospital was opened by the daughter of the Prefect of Su Prefecture and the wife of the Magistrate of Linghui County.


    Moreover, the Magistrate of Linghui County was the closed-door disciple of Master Bian Que, the inheritor of the Bian Que Valley Master and Bian Que Divine Medical Skills.


    For a time, all the difficult andplicated cases in Su Prefecture flocked to Jiang Yuqing''s He An Hospital, and the hospital was filled to capacity every day. Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to implement a ticket numbering system like the one at the He An Hospital in the capital.


    After three months of Jiang Yuqing''s hands-on devil-style training, the seventeen girls had all be qualified nurses.


    They uniformly wore pink nurse outfits with nurse caps on their heads. They were enthusiastic, patient and polite.


    Just standing there made them look very professional. Any visiting patients, even the most arrogant old schr, did not dare to look down on them.


    The attending physicians all wore white coats uniformly. At first, everyone felt that white was inauspicious, but after getting used to it, they felt that white looked quite good and gave a sense of cleanliness.


    In addition to the two sitting physicians, Jiang Yuqing also brought military doctors from the garrison. They came in batches of five for month-long rotations.


    Having seen too many bloody and gory scenes, these military doctors were not afraid at all to assist Jiang Yuqing in the operating room. On the contrary, they were very excited.


    Jiang Yuqing also held nothing back in imparting knowledge to the military doctors. The more they could learn, the more soldiers¡¯ lives could be safeguarded.


    Just when Jiang Yuqing was dizzy from being overloaded with work, Doctor Qiu arrived with his three apprentices including Lu Yi.


    When Jiang Yuqing saw her master and three senior apprentice brothers suddenly appear at the He An Hospital, the little dumpling froze in shock.


    When she came to her senses, she was overjoyed, and shot into her master¡¯s arms like a cannonball, ramming Doctor Qiu and making him stumble.


    The little dumpling clung to her master¡¯s neck, rubbing intensely whileining about missing him: ¡°Master, why did you onlye to find me now? You said you woulde in at most half a year. Fromst September until now, it¡¯s already been more than half a year. You didn¡¯t keep your word.¡±


    As the little dumpling spoke, her eyes grew moist and her voice slightly choked up.


    Doctor Qiu quickly patted his precious apprentice¡¯s little back, apologizing repeatedly: ¡°Alright alright, it was Master¡¯s mistake. There there, my darling, don¡¯t be upset anymore okay? From now on, wherever you are, Master will be there too, how about that?¡±


    Only then did the little dumpling stop crying and smiled: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll support you in your old age.¡±


    Seeing the clinginess between master and apprentice, Lu Yi really could not stand it anymore. He coughed heavily, and only then did the little dumpling notice her third senior apprentice brother hade too.


    She quickly let go of Doctor Qiu and sat on her third senior brother¡¯s thigh, calling out sweetly, ¡°Third senior brother! I missed you too!¡±


    Lu Yi was very satisfied with the little thing¡¯s tactfulness. He squatted down to see eye-to-eye with her, sizing her up for quite a while before speaking: ¡°Hmm, not bad. Your hair has grown longer and you¡¯re taller too!¡±


    Just as the little dumpling was enjoying his praise, he mischievously extended a forefinger and poked her little belly: ¡°It¡¯s just that your tummy is still a bit protruding. You still need to lose some weight!¡±


    The little dumpling¡¯s smile instantly froze on her face.


    Things like fraternal love between fellow apprentices did not exist. She took back what she said earlier about missing him.


    No, she did not miss him one bit!


    The little dumpling strove to suck in her still somewhat chubby little tummy, bowing her head sorrowfully and thinking that maybe she really should lose some weight.

 Chapter 101: Miracles

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Baby Dumpling had unterally decided that she must cut ties with such a ruinous senior brother Lu Yi. She determined that the estrangement mustst two hours.


    Thus, no matter how Lu Yi teased her or apologized to her before dinner, Baby Dumpling did not say a single word to him.


    Left with no choice, Lu Yi could only seek help from Doctor Qiu, hoping he could put in a good word. Yet Doctor Qiu not only ignored him, but even poured salt on his wounds by gleefully mocking that he deserved this.


    Lu Yi said, this is really going too far, there''s not even a shred of master-disciple love anymore. Fortunately, when they returned home for dinner, his junior sister finally took the initiative to reconcile with him¡ªthank goodness for that.


    He had also learned a lesson from this incident: he must never call his junior sister ¡°fat¡± in the future. The little thing seemed to be very sensitive about this matter!


    That night, Jiang Wenyuan and his wife hosted a sumptuous home banquet to entertain Doctor Qiu and his disciples who had travelled a long way here. They also arranged a separate courtyard in the rear hall of the government building for Doctor Qiu and his disciples to live in.


    The former owner of the Su Prefectural Government building was an indigenous chief of the previous dynasty. After Da Xia was established, they had simply made some simple modifications to the building for it to serve as the government office, in line with their principle of frugality wherever possible.


    As for the original Su Prefectural government building, it had already been razed to the ground without a trace during the peasant uprisings in thete years of the previous dynasty.


    Thus, in terms of area, the Su Prefectural Government was thergest government building across the whole of Da Xia, with seven courtyards, and this was not even counting those that had copsed over the past hundred years due to various reasons.


    There were no precious flowers or nts grown in the government building. Especially after this spring, when Lu Yi had overseen the reorganization of the vacantnd within the government building, everywhere that could be dug up was turned into vegetable and fruit gardens by her and her team.


    With Jiang Yuqing¡¯s wood-elemental powers reinforcing the nts, the vegetables grew extraordinarily quickly and healthily. With more than they could finish themselves, Lu Yi shared the excess produce with others.


    None of the government clerks got fewer of these homegrown vegetables gifted by the Prefect''s family. Even the garrison camp had received deliveries ferried over in boots twice.


    While these vegetables may be worthless in ind regions, they were a rare delicacy in a deste frontier region like Su Prefecture, and even more valuable than the bestmb.


    The news of Doctor Qiu¡¯s arrival to Su Prefecture soon spread. The number of patientsing to Su Prefecture to seek medical treatment increased, leading to the An Hospital being even more crowded than before.


    In order to get a queue number, people had to start queuing up to take numbers a few days in advance. This indirectly stimted business around the vicinity.


    The restaurants, taverns, and inns near the hospital were filled to bursting every day. The small food vendors setting up roadside stalls near the hospital entrance also increased day after day.


    To maintain order, the Supervisory Bureau even sent people to patrol this street daily.


    As the news spread further and wider, it somehow even reached the other garrison camps, seemingly by supernatural means.


    The generals of the other camps were immediately disgruntled. Why should only the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp get to send their military doctors to An Hospital for training every month? Were they born of different parents? Weren¡¯t they all stationed on the borders too? If the Yumen Pass camp gets this privilege, they should get it too!


    And so while carrier pigeons were dispatched back to the capital with letters reporting this, the generals also directly sent people to An Hospital in Su Prefecture, demanding that they send military doctors for training.


    What could Jiang Yuqing do except acquiesce?


    And so, within a short month, dozens more medical students joined the ranks of An Medical Academy in Su Prefecture, this batch fullyprising military doctors.


    Aside from those in the south who were too far away toe, the northwest and northern regions, including the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp, sent a total of forty-five people over from five camps¡ªmore than even the medical school in the capital!


    Other than the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp which still sent groups of five for month-long rotations, the other four camps, owing to their greater distances, sent groups of ten for three-month long rotations.


    To house these forty-five students, Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to pay out of her own pocket to purchase a residence nearby which she then renovated into a dormitory for the military doctors.


    With greater numbers, meals became another issue. Jiang Yuqing directly put out a public tender to set up a small canteen to perfectly resolve meal issues. asionally, surplus vegetables from home that couldn¡¯t be finished were also delivered over.


    As for the meager military stipends that apanied each military doctor from their respective camps, Jiang Yuqing did not take a single penny, instead depositing the full amounts into meal cards for the military doctors here to learn.


    Having lived in the camps herself before, she knew how difficult things were for them already. If she could help a bit, why not? Without the soldiers zing trails ahead, how could she enjoy peaceful days?


    Jiang Yuqing was terribly busy.


    In the mornings, she was busy teaching students and performing surgeries on patients; at night, she still had to enter the Spirit Realm to cultivate.


    In order to nourish the three thousand acres of ck goji berries she had tagged, she still frequently brought Little Bai out on midnight flights, just to channel some life spirit force into them, spurring them to grow even better.


    Along the way, she would also radiate some energy to the crops below in passing. It was considered benefiting themon folk of Su Prefecture too. After all, whether shedding one sheep or a herd, it was still herding.


    The boldest thing she did was to spend a full three consecutive nights channelling energy along the Gobi Desert and desert borders of Yumen County, stimting a protective forest belt stretching one hundred and forty kilometers long and one kilometer wide.


    To prevent these trees from dying of thirst, she then spent seven entire nights using explosion talismans paired with sound instion talisman arrays, forcibly excavating a hundred-kilometer long aqueduct to channel Lian River water for irrigation.


    Afterpleting these feats, owing to overconsumption of spiritual power and mental strength, shey bedridden for a good few days following that. Even when eating her meals she could fall asleep.


    This had scared her family witless. Yet upon Doctor Qiu''s diagnosis, he determined that aside from fatigue from overexertion, she had no other issues at all. Thinking that she had worn herself out from being too busy these days, she was ordered by unanimous consensus to rest at home.


    As for the seemingly overnight appearance of this protective forest belt and aqueduct, it gave everyone a huge shock too. Even General Qin Yijian of the Yumen Garrison Camp personally travelled to inspect the locations, but simrly obtained no results.


    In the end, everything could only be attributed to "divine miracles".


    If not miracles, then who else could grow so many huge trees overnight, and excavate a channel almost two hundred kilometers long?


    When the news reached the Su Prefectural Government, Jiang Wenyuan fell silent for a long while upon hearing it, before finally proiming: ¡°Perhaps they really were divine miracles.¡±


    Returning to the inner hall and seeing his daughter still unconscious in bed, Jiang Wenyuan''s hand trembled as he reached out to gently stroke her pale cheeks, his tears suddenly falling.


    His daughter was too outstanding.


    He murmured: ¡°Dear one, promise your father to never do something like this again! Your father would prefer to nt trees here in Su Prefecture for ten years than see you hurt from the bacsh again.¡±


    Bedridden for many days, Jiang Yuqing then went into closed-door cultivation in the Spirit Realm for two days more before finally recovering.


    Every cloud had a silver lining, as she directly broke through from the eighthyer of Qi Cultivation to the ninth! Her abilities to stimte nt growth had also improved tremendously.


    What pleasantly surprised her even more was that this protective forest belt she created would greatly curb wind erosion and sandstorms, thus drastically reducing the chances of people of Su Prefecture and neighboring prefectures from suffering sandstorm attacks in future.


    Thus, the meter on her Merits Stele rose by a small notch again, and four more drops of spirit dew condensed within the jade bowl atop it.


    A single drop of it could increase one''s lifespan by a decade, but one could only consume it once in their life, rendering subsequent consumption ineffective, with best effects for the elderly.


    And so Jiang Yuqing only took a single drop, dissolving it in tea for Doctor Qiu to consume, leaving the remaining three drops within the jade bowl for future needs.


    Unlike most people. Doctor Qiu had tasted hundreds of herbs since young, leaving his tongue extremely sensitive. Upon the first sip, he could immediately sense something different.


    Seeing no one else around, he quickly asked: ¡°Dear one, what other nice things have you fed your teacher again?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing then softly whispered something to him.


    Upon hearing that, Doctor Qiu froze in shock, losing all color in his face as he eximed: ¡°Dear one, something so precious¡ªhow could you have wasted it on me? I¡¯m halfway into my grave already at my age, such a waste.¡±


    Baby Dumpling reassured him with a smile: ¡°It¡¯s not wasted. I want Teacher to live long and healthy, apanying me as I grow up.¡±


    Doctor Qiu was nearly moved to tears by that.


    With summer approaching, it was time for the wool of the cashmere goats to be shed. The wool processing workshop Jiang Wenyuan established along the Lian River banks outside the city was also nearingpletion.


    Jiang Yuqing followed Jiang Wenyuan to take a look once, the ce was big enough. Since it was decided to develop wool spinning into one of the characteristic industries of Su Prefecture, the design and construction of the workshop could not be sloppy.


    Divided into several production workshops of different sizes ording to the production process of wool yarn, there was also sufficient capacity for raw material warehouses, semi-finished product warehouses and finished product warehouses.


    Supporting living facilities such as employee dormitories, canteens, bathhouses, etc. are also readily avable. There is even a Cuju field and a calligraphy hall built. Employees are encouraged to exercise and learn when they are not working.


    In the midst of busyness, Su Prefecture weed the hot summer. The July sun ruthlessly scorched the earth, and the half-mu of watermelons nted by Jiang Yuqing in the back garden of the government office had also ripened.


    She took the opportunity to take out the watermelons from her spiritual space, and her family openly ate them, without leaving out even the servants.


    Jiang Wenyuan even asked someone to bring a few to his uncle Zeng Ping.


    As for those picked from the fields, they were given away to maintain rtionships. A carriage was sent to the generals of the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp, two baskets were sent to the teachers and ssmates of Jiang Yuchuan''s government school, and Jiang Yuqing also brought two baskets to the medical staff and military doctors of the Anda Hospital.


    The rest were distributed among the staff and clerks of the government office, making them very happy.


    That afternoon, when Jiang Yuqing returned home early from the hospital, she saw someone pulling a handcart full of watermelons selling by the roadside.


    These watermelons were not big, they were round, and the color of the rind was darker, seeming to be different from the watermelons at her home.


    Out of curiosity, she went down to ask the price. It turned out to be only one copper coin per catty. It was almost unbelievably cheap.


    The man selling watermelons scratched the back of his head awkwardly and said, "I have to admit, my watermelons are not quite the same as real watermelons. The flesh inside is all white, not sweet at all, and full of seeds. If you want it, I can make it even cheaper for you!"


    Jiang Yuqing cut one open with the man''s knife and saw that it was indeed full of white flesh and ck seeds. Her eyes immediately lit up as she asked, "How many more such melons do you have at home?"


    The melon seller said with a sad face, "There are still eleven mu left. At the beginning of the year, when thend was irrigated, I was thinking that I should nt more valuable stuff.


    When I went to the city market, I saw some foreign merchants selling watermelon seeds, so I bought some, thinking that as long as they grew, I could make a lot of money.


    Who would have thought that although the melons grew, not only were they small, but they also turned out like this. No one wanted them at all. That damn foreign merchant really cheated me badly."


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head and said, "Not necessarily. Your melon is a good melon, it''s just that they don''t appreciate it. Let me tell you the truth, your melon is called Ximi melon, also known as Daying melon. Anyway, that''s what it''s called, and it''s the seeds that are eaten.


    Listen to me, when you get back, pick all the ripe melons, wash out the ck melon seeds, dry them, and send them all to the government office. I will pay you fifteen copper coins per catty for them. How about it?"


    The melon seller''s mouth was wide open, as if he was stunned by the pie that fell from the sky. He stammered, "Are you...really telling the truth!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Of course, although I''m petite, I never lie. My surname is Jiang, and my dad is the Prefect of Su Prefecture. I won''t cheat you."


    The man was extremely excited and said repeatedly, "I believe you, I believe you. So you are the youngdy of Prefect Jiang.


    Your father is a good official. We all believe in him. Since he came, he has built official roads and canals for us people of Su Prefecture. He is a good person, a really good person. I will go back now and tell my family to pick the melons."


    As the man spoke, he packed up his things, pulled his cart, and was about to leave. Jiang Yuqing quickly called him to stop and stuffed a small gold ingot worth five taels into his hand, "This is the deposit, you must take it well."


    With tears in his eyes, the man thanked her profusely and left pulling his cart.

 Chapter 102: Half the Quartermaster

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    On the other side of the grasnd, this year''s cotton wool was also sent. [Jiang Wenyuan] didn''t know the skills, and was really unable to spare any time.


    [Jiang Yuqing] had no choice but to temporarily entrust the affairs of the hospital to her master and senior martial brother, and concentrate on managing the affairs of the wool workshop.


    The wool workshop was named by [Jiang Yuqing]. The name is simple and straightforward " [Su Prefecture] Warm [Wool Spinning Workshop]". Although there is no cultural heritage, it is better to be appropriate and easy to remember.


    Then I started recruiting workers. It is nned to recruit 100 workers first, aged 15-40, regardless of gender. Requirements are healthy body and dexterous mind. Those who are handy are preferred.


    The sry is forty texts per day.


    There are also some misceneous duties, mainly responsible for logistics and some misceneous activities.


    As soon as the news came out, the [Su Prefecture] people who had been staring here swarmed in and blocked the door of the workshop.


    [Jiang Yuqing] only used one day to fill the number of people, and there were still many who were unavoidably sad and disappointed because they did not apply. [Jiang Yuqing]forted them and told them not to be sad. The business of the workshop will be better in the future, and there will definitely be more recruitment.


    So everyone''s eyes were filled with more hope.


    [Jiang Yuqing] understood them too well.


    They are poor not because they arezy, but because this society simply does not have so many job opportunities to make money.


    Two dayster, the workshop started trial production. Because the 17 skilled workers previously trained by [Jiang Yuqing] have now all be qualified nurses at [He An Hospital].


    [Jiang Yuqing] had no choice but to dig her own corner and temporarily transfer half of them from the hospital to temporarily serve as masters, which was also inevitable.


    As for the master of printing and dyeing, it was also pulled over by [Jiang Wenyuan] at a high price from the neighboring state with a favor.


    After half a month of hand-in-hand teaching, the workshop finally got on the right track. [Jiang Yuqing] only left [Luo Zhi], the "technical consultant". The rest were returned to [He An Hospital].


    After all, female workers are easy to find and train. Nursing and other types of work requiring certain technical content are not something that anyone can use. At the very least, you have to be literate!


    [Jiang Yuqing] found a housekeeper who her father trusted and had some management experience to manage the workshop on her behalf.


    Her father brought her a person the next day.


    This person is called [Ju Fan]. He was originally a big businessman in [Jin Prefecture]. In the early years, he identally offended the prefect of [Jin Prefecture] at that time, and his family was ruined. He had no choice but to leave his hometown and run to [Su Prefecture] to rely on a distant cousin who was a small official here.


    Later, the prefect of [Jin Prefecture] was punished, and his grievance was finally revealed, but what was lost could not be recovered. He was also unwilling to return to that sad ce, so he stayed in [Su Prefecture] all the time.


    [Jiang Yuqing] secretly observed him for two days, and felt that this person has a steady personality, decisive action and principle, and is indeed a good material for management.


    So she officially appointed him as the head of the workshop.


    After finishing the wool workshop, [Jiang Yuqing] lost a full circle. Looking at her belly that finally disappeared, she nodded in satisfaction. In this way, no one would attack her for being fat anymore.


    Although the dumpling was satisfied, her parents were heartbroken. Her mother changed her methods every day to make delicious food for her, trying to feed her daughter back.


    [Jiang Yuqing] ate what she should eat, but gaining back her original fleshy body was absolutely impossible.


    The grasnd area in [Su Prefecture] is notrge, and the wool sent is only enough for three months of production, of course it is not enough. You have to think of a way.


    She mentioned this to her father. [Jiang Wenyuan] said, "This is easy to handle. In addition to the Xiongnu, there are many tribes outside the Guan Grasnd. Every two months, they will drive sheep or horses into Guan to exchange some necessities of life in [Su Prefecture].


    As long as we spread the news and collect cotton wool, there will definitely be many people willing to send it."


    Only then did [Jiang Yuqing] feel relieved.


    Strictly speaking, thend five hundred li west of [Yumen Pass] originally belonged to the Central ins dynasty. It''s just that the previous dynasty lost these territories in vain.


    After the Great Xia dynasty was established, it became difficult to recover them. Thinking of the vast grasnds, tears flowed from the corners of [Jiang Yuqing]''s mouth.


    If those grasnds could return to the embrace of Great Xia, then you can raise as many sheep as you want.


    Of course, now I can only think about it.


    The Han who sold melon seeds also sent all the dried seeds, a total of 1,343 catties.


    [Jiang Yuqing]¡¯s purchase price was 15 texts per catty, 1,343 catties, that is, 20 taels and 145 texts. After deducting the five taels deposit given to him earlier, [Jiang Yuqing] gave him another 15 taels and 145 texts.


    The melon seeds that were thought to be unwanted were all sold, and they were sold at a good price. The Han was so excited that his hands were shaking.


    With this silver, my mother has money for medicine, the big son''s bride price is avable, and two more rooms can be built.


    The Han asked, will you want it next year if I nt it? [Jiang Yuqing] told him to nt boldly. No matter how much he nts, she wants it all. Even if it can''t be sold for so much silver in the future, the price won''t be much lower.


    The Han happily agreed and said, "I have kept enough seeds. I will lead everyone to grow melons well next year."


    Golden autumn August. The corn in each county matured.


    The two-palm-long corn cobs were broken off from the corn stalks taller than people. Tear open the skin wrapped around it to reveal the golden-yellow corn kernels inside, some tinged with red, neatly and plump.


    After stripping off the outer skin and drying, rubbing off the grains, sifting out dust and dregs, and weighing over the scale, the average yield per mu was nearly 1,000 catties.


    Among the 17 counties, the lowest average yield per mu was still 920 catties, and the highest was 1,011 catties.


    The news spread, and all the people in [Su Prefecture] boiled over. They rushed to the streets and even to the county government to kowtow, just to express their heartfelt thanks.


    In September, after finishing the wheat, they started digging potatoes.


    The average yield per mu in the whole [Su Prefecture] is around 2,650 catties. As soon as the news came out, the people cheered with joy again. [Su Prefecture] was saved, and after this year, they would never starve again next year.


    [Jiang Wenyuan] ordered the counties to strictly guard these seeds until they were distributed to the people next year. But if something goes wrong, bring your head to see me!


    The county magistrates dare not be negligent, if something really happened, this superior would dare to kill.


    After the potatoes were finished, the cotton from each county also ushered in the biggest harvest in history.


    This year, with enough water for irrigation, the people of each county worked hard to grow cotton while ensuring that their families would not starve to death.


    [Jiang Wenyuan] sold all the cotton collected to the merchant who originally won the bid. In this way, the people not only earned money, but the winning merchant could also obtain more profits from these cotton than before, making everyone happy.


    When the two parties exchanged, [Jiang Wenyuan] asked the big cotton merchant if he could subscribe 10 million 6-jin new cotton quilts from him.


    The big cotton merchant was shocked: "Yes, but sir, why do you need so many cotton quilts?"


    [Jiang Wenyuan] worriedly said: "Winter ising soon. The soldiers in the [Yumen Pass] camp still don''t have new quilts. Their quilts are all from a few years ago and have long been hardened and not warm anymore. As a member of Great Xia¡¯s people, I also want to do my part for them."


    The big cotton merchant said, "That''s the case. Why doesn''t the young master deduct the cotton from a county?"


    [Jiang Wenyuan] shook his head and said, "How can I change the agreed acreage temporarily? It should be. If I privately deduct it, it would be a breach of faith. A person has no credit and cannot stand, as a prefect, I cannot destroy the Great Wall and do things that break faith."


    The big cotton merchant was deeply impressed by his integrity. In the end, the 6-jin new cotton quilts, which had a market value of more than two taels of silver each, were sold to him at the ultra-low price of 1.8 taels.


    10 million, even 1.8 taels of silver each, would have to be a full 180,000 taels. The two parties signed a sale and purchase contract. [Jiang Wenyuan] first gave a deposit of 50,000 taels. It was agreed that the remaining 130,000 taels would be paid in full before the New Year.


    In fact, just him alone, even if he was plucked clean, he couldn¡¯te up with 10,000 taels. These were all asked by his precious daughter to buy.


    In addition to the tax revenue from her fiefdoms and fiefs, the 30% dividend from the [National Medicine Bureau] in the [Capital City] given by Qiu the Divine Doctor was 20%. This year alone, the dividend was nearly 100,000 taels of silver.


    Because of her teachings of the Heavenly Medicine skill, her senior martial brother insisted on giving her 20% of the profits from the Capital City and He An Hospital, which was another huge sum. In addition, there was the "Warm Wool Spinning Mill" outside Su Prefecture City. Without even counting those ingots of gold, she was a bona fide little rich woman.


    Now she and her family did not worry about food and clothing, and her brothers also had promising prospects. She still had the Spirit Realm as her greatest assurance.


    Rather than letting these coins grow moldy in her hands, she might as well take them out to do some more meaningful things. She nned to donate something to a military camp every year starting this year.


    After the cotton had entered the warehouses, this year''s autumn harvest was officially dered over. After Jiang Wenyuan had finishedpiling all the data on the various crops, he hurried to the capital with the information.


    At the end of September, Warm Wool Spinning Mill receivedrge batches of sheep¡¯s wool and all kinds of pelts pouring in from the ounds. At the same time, the mill¡¯s various wool yarns and wool products were also sold with the caravans to destinations all over the country.


    Also spread out at the same time was this new fashion of knitting wool, which became all the rage, popr throughout thends south and north of the Great River.


    For the youngdies of moneyed families, this activity not only helped pass the time, but the clothes and gloves woven were light and warm, both practical and able to please the elders in the family, truly the best choice.


    Girls from poor families could choose to knit sweaters at the embroidery workshops or clothing stores in exchange for wages. Unlike delicate embroidery work, this only required slightly nimble hands and feet to do, so they had an additional source of ie.


    In mid-October, the first snowfall of the winter came to Su Prefecture.


    When Jiang Yuqing braved the heavy goose feather-like snow and brought the convoy of cotton-padded quilts, consisting of various pack animals that stretched for miles, and appeared outside the Yumen Pass camp, everyone was shocked speechless.


    The few generals who had rushed over after receiving the news also widened their eyes in surprise, stuttering while pointing at the endless caravan, ¡°Lass... what are you doing?¡±


    Tuan Zi said, "Winter is here, so my father and I have brought everyone some quilts."


    Qin Yijian could not help twitching at the corner of his mouth. ¡°How many quilts is this? It couldn¡¯t possibly need this many carts for just a few. Tell me, how many exactly?"


    "One for each person!"


    One per person. His camp had 100,000 troops. That was 100,000 quilts. 100,000 quilts - how much money was that?


    Good heavens! The Jiang family of Qingzhou does not seem to want to live any longer! They must have emptied their family vaults!


    Fromst year until today, look at how much stuff the Jiangs had sent over already. Boots, livestock, vegetables, grain, fruit, and now 100,000 quilts too. They had practically be half the quartermasters for their camp!


    Qin Yijian had lived to this age, but this was the first time he had seen an official who did not earn a single cent, yet still paid money in.


    To have such a minister was His Majesty¡¯s blessing, Great Xia¡¯s blessing, and their blessing as well.


    Qin Yijian was inclined to decline the gifts, but when he thought of the troops¡¯ stiff bedding quilts that resembled bricks and provided no warmth at all, he could not bring himself to refuse after all.


    In the end, red-eyed, he knelt before Jiang Yuqing to offer his thanks. "Qin pays deepest thanks to Marquis Jiang and the young miss for their great kindness!"


    This shocked Jiang Yuqing into quickly helping him to his feet. Ye gods! Kneeling like this would shorten his lifespan. It really would!


    The 100,000 quilts were delivered into the camp and distributed immediately that very day. The camp was as joyful as if it were New Year¡¯s. As the troops touched the new soft quilts, they thought to themselves that this young miss of the county was truly a kind person. There could not be a cuter girl in this world.


    In addition, Jiang Yuqing had also brought a batch of ointment for chilins and some prepared medicines for treating colds from wind-chill, as these would be in high demand during winter..


    She had dismantled packagingte into the night for three consecutive evenings in the Spirit Realm to prepare these medicines. After unpacking them, she rewrapped every single one in xuan paper, tiring her to death.


    Jiang Yuqing stayed at the camp for three days. Aside from teaching the military doctors, she also went through battlefield first aid drills again, lest everyone forgot after too long a time.


    When she left the camp to return home, Qin Yijian directly assigned Wei Lingjun to lead a squad to escort her back, despite her attempts to politely decline.


    Because this was the highest tribute they could offer!

 Chapter 103: Where’s Home Without a Country

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    At the end of October, the memorial from Su Prefecture finally arrived in the capital city.


    When the Emperor saw the yield of the new grain crops in the memorial from Su Prefecture, as well as the other outputs from Su Prefecture this year, he said "good" three times in a row. Looking up to the sky, he sighed: "If everyone were like Prefect Jiang, how could my Great Xia not prosper?"


    In just one short year, Prefect Jiang had broadened and repaired the official road from Su Prefecture to the capital city, making travel between Su Prefecture and the innernd much more convenient.


    He had undertaken water conservancy projects, ensuring timely irrigation for every piece of farnd in Su Prefecture.


    He had cultivated corn that could yield 1,000 catties per mu even in Su Prefecture''s harsh cold climate, and potatoes that could yield over 2,000 catties per mu. The output of existing grains had also grown, especially cotton, which had tripled.


    He had also ntedrge amounts of precious medicinal materials like meaty sophora root and ck goji berries on barrennds. ording to memorials from the Minister of Agriculture, they were growing well and could be harvested next year.


    For such a capable and talented man, the Emperor felt bad not rewarding him properly. After some thought, he bestowed arge amount of precious medicinal materials on Prefect Jiang.


    Prefect Jiang worries day and night for the people of Su Prefecture, working diligently and conscientiously. He must take good care of his health in order to serve them better... Ahem, to seek welfare for the people of Su Prefecture. Thus, health supplements and medicinal materials are a must.


    He was also granted a steed that could travel thousands of li a day. Having heard that Prefect Jiang often went down to the countryside to inspect, a robust horse would also be more convenient. Therefore, a fine steed was indispensable.


    As for gold, silver and treasures, he did not seem to care much for them. Not that he did not care for money, after all, no one dislikes money.


    It was just that there had been an earthquake in the southwest, and Prefect Jiang had just allocated arge sum of money for disaster relief. He had also supplemented food and winter supplies for garrisons along the border. Currently, the national treasury was so empty that even rats did not want to visit it. Thus, this item had to be, ahem, skipped for the moment.


    A beauty? Better not.


    It was said that Prefect Jiang and his wife were deeply in love. Bringing two beauties over would surely lead to domestic battles. Not every woman was as open-minded as the Empress. Causing fires in the inner pces would be counterproductive.


    Land, nownd he could use!


    This man was most skilled in cultivatingnd. Su Prefecture had endless tracts of ownerless wastnd. Bestowing 10,000 mu on him to cultivate as he pleased could contribute greatly to Su Prefecture¡¯s grain production: killing two birds with one stone.


    Having made up his mind, the Emperor ordered a decree to be drafted, stamped with the great seal, and sent to Su Prefecture.


    Su Prefecture.


    The snow this winter fell exceptionally heavily, with an average of one snowstorm every few days. While far from a snow cmity, the umted depth of snow was enough to make one¡¯s hair stand on ends.


    The military doctors were all discussing this matter, saying that if the snow was too thick, many cattle and sheep on the Xiongnu grasnds would freeze to death. With less food and drink, the Tartars wouldunch a major invasion. When that happened, it would be another bloody battle.


    Jiang Yuqing had only read about such events in history books in her previous life. Witnessing it firsthand now was naturally shocking beyond words.


    Wars in the cold weapon era were far crueler than those in the age of hot weapons. The two armies contests relied entirely on flesh and blood. The battlefield was also a meat grinder.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that she could not sit idly by as things developed without doing anything. She was a Da Xia person, and had to do something for Da Xia¡¯s soldiers and for thisnd she loved deeply.


    What decided the oue of a war was not only the quality of the soldiers, but even more importantly, the logistics - weapons, food, and medicine. For any one of these critical factors, she had to provide as much support as she could.


    Her capabilities were limited, so she could not offer much help with the first two. But for thest, medicine, she had as much as needed.


    When necessary, she could even turn He''an Clinic into a field hospital at any time.


    Preparing for a rainy day, she immediately told Doctor Qiu and Senior Brother Lu about the possibility of a Tartar invasion, and her own ns.


    After thinking for a moment, Doctor Qiu and Lu Yi both agreed with her approach.


    Doctor Qiu said, ¡°Without a country, how can one have a home? If the Xiongnu Tartars invade, none of us will have good days. Bianque Valley is willing to lend a hand.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing had only meant to discuss her thoughts with her master and senior brother. She did not expect to receive such a promise from Master Qiu.


    One must know that Master Qiu was the Valley Master of Bianque Valley, the leader of a major power. With his words, it meant that all the best doctors in the world would stand behind the border troops.


    Tuanzi moved to tears and hugged her master: ¡°I thank you on behalf of all the border troops, Master. You are so kind!¡±


    Master Qiu stroked her little head, ¡°Silly child, what is there to thank? Don¡¯t forget, your teacher is also from Da Xia. It is only right to do something for one¡¯s country and people.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡± Tuanzi nodded with tears in her eyes as she broke into smiles.


    After returning home, Jiang Yuqing told Jiang Wenyuan what she had heard from the military doctors, as well as her and her master/senior brothers¡¯ ns.


    With a grave expression, Jiang Wenyuan said, "Better safe than sorry, darling. You¡¯ve made the right decision."


    Jiang Yuqing then asked, ¡°Daddy, are those carpenter uncles from the Ministry of Works still here?¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan replied, "They''re still here. Now that the autumn harvest is over, they don''t have much to do. What do you intend, darling?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Yes, I want to make some portable foldable camp beds, as well as some simple coffins." She uttered thest few words very softly and heavily.


    Jiang Wenyuan squatted down and pulled his daughter into his arms, patting her head gently as he sighed softly, ¡°Darling, sometimes Daddy wonders if it would be better if you were an ordinary child. That way, you wouldn''t have to shoulder so much, only needing to grow up happily by Daddy and Mommy''s side...¡±


    Getting the carpenters to make camp beds was no problem, but making coffins was somewhat offending.


    In the eyes of the world, only the most unsessful carpenters made coffins. Those who could get on the government''s payroll all had superb skills.


    To avoid any misunderstanding by the craftsmen, Jiang Wenyuan went personally to the yard where the craftsmen lived and talked privately with them for a full hour.


    When he emerged, the craftsmen''s eyes were red as they said, "Just send over the materials, sir and mydy, leave the rest to us.


    We don''t have many skills, but we can handle making small items.


    As for buying timber, Jiang Yuqing paid out of her own pocket again. The huge amount of gold mined from the cavern would not keep for long if not put to use now.


    As to why Jiang Yuqing wanted to make such ominous items like coffins¡ª


    It was because she had learned from the military doctors that due to the long distances, limited military funding, the remains of soldiers killed in action were often unable to be shipped home for burial.


    Also to guard against epidemics after major battles, the deceased were usually buried on site.


    A white cloth, a grass mat, a shovel of lime, just like that, the final page was turned on their lives. As a former soldier herself, Jiang Yuqing could not ept such an oue.


    A thin coffin cost only a few coins, but it could at least allow the fallen soldiers a minimally dignified send-off, theirst honor.


    The next day, Jiang Wenyuan also convened his staff for a meeting. Though it was not openly stated, the message conveyed was very clear: prepare actively for war.


    Thus, security was secretly tightened across Su Prefecture City, outwardly rxed but inwardly vignt.


    During the day, Jiang Yuqing continued working at He¡¯an clinic, not only treating patients, but also conducting first aid training for battlefield emergencies for all the medical staff there in batches. At night, upon returning home, she would enter the spiritual realm to produce medicine.


    Hemostatic, anti-inmmatory, alcohol swabs, she moved as many as she could. Unpack, repack, she unpacked until her hands trembled. She figured this would not do.


    She gave it some thought, then focused her mental power to form a beam, shaping it into a pair of hands.


    Initially when the pair of hands took shape, they dispersed immediately. But Jiang Yuqing was not discouraged. Dispersing then shaping again it was.


    Shaping then dispersing, dispersing then shaping, after failing countless times, the Pneuma-formed hands could finally remain as long she willed them to.


    She then began practicing controlling these hands to perform actions, starting from the simplest movements, again and again.


    After more than a thousand times, the Pneuma hands she formed finally seeded in removing the outer packaging from a box of medicine, wlessly.


    Bolstered by this sess, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s confidence grew greatly. She attempted to form a second pair of hands, then a third, a fourth...until she had ten pairs and her Spirit Sea started to strain under the effort.


    Jiang Yuqing''s hands kept moving, while her consciousness simultaneously controlled another ten pairs of hands working together. Some were responsible for unpacking, some for repacking, some for attaching exnatory notes, aplishing many things at once.


    She felt like the thousand-armed Guanyin from myth and legend, single-handedly supporting a whole production line of medicine repackaging. She was simply awesome.


    At the same time, Doctor Qiu also issued a summons to assemble at Bianque Valley, gathering disciples who were free and idle from all over the world to rush to the northwest border.


    He also sent a letter by carrier pigeon to his second disciple in the capital: "There''s going to be a war, send me more medicine."


    What could Guo Jieneng do? He had to dote on his master. Not only did he send supplies, but he sent a lot. If it wasn''t enough, the old guy might give him a hard time.


    At the same time, there was news of unrest among the Xiongnu, which was also reported to the capital by carrier pigeon. Just when things had started looking up in Su Prefecture, the Xiongnu Tartars pulled this stunt, clearly unwilling to let Da Xia thrive.


    Emperor Xia Jing''s face was solemn as he immediately convened key ministers in the court to discuss countermeasures at night.


    He was already in a bad mood, and the next day as soon as he held court, an official came forward to memorialize. And who was he memorializing?


    He was memorializing Jiang Wenyuan, the prefect of Su Prefecture, saying thatst year he had sent 100,000 pairs ofmbskin boots to the barracks at Yumen Pass, and this year he sent another 100,000 cotton-padded mattresses, tantly buying the loyalty of the troops with ulterior motives.


    Moreover, these items together were worth several hundred thousand taels of silver. Where did he get so much money? His Majesty was urged to thoroughly investigate.


    The words of his memorial were so vehement, his passion so ardent, it was as if he would smash his head to death on the floor of the great hall if His Majesty did not issue an edict to punish Jiang Wenyuan for his crimes.


    Hepletely ignored that both His Majesty Xia Jing and the Crown Prince had ck faces.


    Before he could even finish, the generals couldn''t stand it any longer.


    Yuan Yun, Heir Apparent of Prince of Zhongguo, Acting General of Huaihua, immediately went up and viciously kicked him to the ground. He cursed loudly: "Keep your fucking bullshit to yourself. What qualifications do you have as a rice bag lunch box to talk about him?


    When Prefect Jiang sends something to the brothers on the border, it''s harboring sinister intentions, and I saw you whispering with the barbarians just yesterday. Should I memorialize you for the crime of colluding with foreign enemies and betraying your country?!"


    The imperial secretary was kicked half to death, fuming with exasperation: "You, you''re making wild unfounded usations."


    Yuan Yun said: "I''m making wild usations while you''re spewing shit from your mouth." He turned his head and knelt on one knee, memorializing: "Your Majesty, as far as I know, Jiang Wenyuan has never had any dealings with the generals on the border.


    Every time things were sent to the barracks, it was the county magistrate who handled it, or people were sent to deliver them. Besides, Prefect Jiang''s family sent so many things to the soldiers, spending money that could empty his family fortune, yet he never asked for anything in return. Just on this point, I deeply admire him.


    As for what the imperial secretary said about the unclear origins of Prefect Jiang''s huge assets, I dare not agree at all.


    The origin and use of the huge amount of silver earned from the previous merchant recruitment drive are clearly ounted for, with detailed records posted outside the government office for all themoners of Su Prefecture to know. I don''t know where he got the means to be corrupt! I urge Your Majesty not to listen to the honeyed words of petty men."


    The imperial secretary was left thumping in indignation from his rebuttal. He said: "Your Majesty, I did not say Prefect Jiang was corrupt, only that the origins of his massive assets need to be thoroughly investigated."

 Chapter 104: Give me a death Flag.

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    Qin Jue stepped out from the ranks of civil servants, bowed to the Emperor on the dragon throne and the Crown Prince, then turned to say: "Why don''t you let me answer Magistrate Hong''s question."


    As everyone knows, I have a deep connection with the Jiang Family. I probably know more about their affairs than anyone else present.


    It is true that Lord Jianges from humble origins and is neither corrupt nor greedy. Even if you strip him bare, peel his skin and dismantle his bones, he would not fetch much money. He has no silver, but his daughter, the Magistrate of Linghui County, has silver!


    Not only does the Magistrate of Linghui County have her fief and food towns, she also has several doting masters and senior brothers.


    As far as I know, her master gave her twenty percent of the profits from the National Medicine Bureau''s Bianque Valley, which brings her over one hundred thousand taels of silver each year.


    In addition, her second senior brother, Guo Jie, also gave her twenty percent of the profits from the He An Hospital in the capital. Everyone here should know how profitable the He An Hospital is.


    Moreover, after she went to Suzhou, she also founded a He An Hospital and a wool spinning workshop there. The woolen sweaters and yarns you ministers are wearing now alle from her workshop.


    So do you still think the source of Lord Jiang''s wealth is unclear?"


    There was dead silence in the great hall.


    The ministers were shocked to realize: Heavens, this little county magistrate is so wealthy? Whoever marries her in the future would be bringing a moving mountain of gold into the family.


    What a pity she is still quite young. Otherwise...hmm, they could arrange a childhood betrothal or something like two lovebirds. That wouldn''t be impossible.


    Qin Jue walked over to stand in front of the Imperial Clerk Hong, circling around him once: "As for the allegation that Jiang Wenyuan is heavily bribing the military in preparation for rebellion..."


    He paused for effect before continuing painfully: "He is but a civil official, with neither money nor military power. What could he possibly rebel with? Besides, the currentmander of the Yumen Pass garrison is none other than the country''s son-inw and His Highness the Crown Prince''s own maternal grandfather.


    To plot against one''s own with the help of outsiders, has the general grown old or has a donkey kicked your brains out?"


    Imperial Clerk Hong was left speechless, his face turning dark red. Laughter erupted among the crowd. Even His Majesty the Emperor at the head of the hall could not hold back an amused smile.


    He coughed and said: "Alright, let''s not bring this up again. Clerk Hong, you look unwell, go back and rest for two months beforeing back! Oh right, no need to collect your sry for these two months. I will donate it on your behalf to the soldiers guarding our borders, as a gesture of goodwill."


    With one sentence, the Emperor had sentenced him.


    Imperial Clerk Hong had not expected that by making a false usation, he would end up being confined for two whole months. He truly regretted his actions!


    Suzhou.


    In early November, military doctors from all camps received orders to cut short their training and return to their garrisons as soon as possible. Scouts brought back news that the Xiongnu were gathering troops and preparing to invade.


    Jiang Yuqing packed ten cartloads of various prepared medicines and medical ingredients for each garrison''s military doctors to bring back.


    Before leaving, the military doctors knelt down together: "On behalf of the soldiers, we thank County Magistrate Jiang and Doctor Qiu for their great kindness!"


    As military doctors, they did not fear death or hardship. What they feared most was running out of medicine, being forced to watch helplessly as the wounded died one by one before their eyes - that was the cruelest thing.


    With the Xiongnu invasion looming, the news could not be hidden from Suzhou''smoners.


    In the past, when they heard that the Xiongnu were going to invade, mostmoners would be filled with trepidation, preparing to flee at any time with their belongings. Some wealthy families would even evacuate early, only returning after the fighting ended.


    The mood this year was still tense, yet themoners of Suzhou city found to their surprise that they had no desire to flee this time.


    Thinking it over, it was probably because they saw Prefect Jiang busily working daily in the prefectural office, or his daughter the County Magistrate treating patients daily at the He An Hospital.


    Or perhaps it was because his white tiger would show up on the streets everyday to earn its keep.


    Some anxious wives urged their husbands to first take shelter in another prefecture, but the men scolded: "With such a highly respected family as Prefect Jiang''s not fleeing, what do wemoners have to fear?"


    The women suddenly realized: Ah, there''s no need to flee!


    Unknowingly, Jiang Wenyuan seemed to have be the bast stabilizing the hearts of Suzhou''smoners.


    November 9th.


    The Xiongnu assembled 210,000 men and attacked Suzhou along three routes, in what they called the ¡°Autumn Harvest¡±. Thergest force numbering 140,000 men came towards Yumen Pass.


    This was because the terrain around Yumen Pass was mostly t desert and gobi, with few natural barriers other than a city wall.


    In an instant, the whole of Suzhou was filled with the sounds of wind and cranes, as border troops prepared themselves for battle.


    The north wind howled. A great battle was about to unfold!


    On the same day, the He An Hospital in Suzhou city put up notices to temporarily stop epting patients¡¯ visits.


    November 10th. Jiang Yuqing, Doctor Qiu and Lu Yi each led a medical teamposed of He An Hospital personnel and Bianque Valley disciples rushed towards Yumen Pass, Jinling Pass and Hangu Pass withrge quantities of medicine and surgical instruments.


    These were the three main battlefields for this year¡¯s war.


    Before leaving, Prefect Jiang brought his whole family to see them off. At the city gate, Jiang Yuqing, dressed in smart men¡¯s clothing, gave each of her parents and brothers a hug before nimbly mounting a deer and leading a long convoy away.


    Watching her daughter''s little figure gradually disappearing into the distance, Lady Lu''s eyes finally overflowed with strings of tear droplets.


    Her daughter''s still somewhat childish parting words still rang in her ears: "Mother, I am a doctor, and a doctor''s duty is to save lives and tend to the injured. So no matter how you try to stop me, I will still go! On the battlefield, one more doctor means one more life that can be saved!"


    She could not stop her daughter. All she could do was pray to Heaven to protect her daughter and bring her back safely.


    The scene moved manymoners deeply.


    That was the young daughter of Prefect Jiang right? Heavens, she looks so tiny, yet she dared to lead people to support the border garrisons. That ce is a battlefield where people can die if they are careless!


    Some young men clenched their fists on the spot.


    Damn it all, they would also join the army!


    Even a child as small as the little county magistrate dared to go onto the battlefield. It would be unreasonable for full grown seven-chi men like them to shrink back like cowardly turtles!


    Screw it all! No matter how fierce those barbarians may be, they still bleed like men. They refused to believe they did not fear death either. At worst, they would return as great men after eighteen years!


    After returning home, these young men proposed to their families that they wished to enlist. Some open-minded elders immediately agreed: "Good, you''re real men. Go on, your brothers and I will handle things at home. Stay safe, but remember not to shame the people of Suzhou!"


    "I''ll remember that, father!"


    Some parents objected: "Mother, I wish to enlist!" the young man said to her.


    She put down her winnowing tray and grabbed a stick to beat him over the head: "I''ll beat you dead, you unfilial child! Soldiers endure great hardship, and those barbarians kill without blinking. Going there is seeking death."


    The young man replied her calmly: "Mother, I saw Prefect Jiang at the city gate today. He had gone to send off his daughter the County Magistrate of Linghui."


    He paused briefly before continuing: "Mother, the County Magistrate doesn''t evene up to here--" he indicated a height. "She''s from Suzhou, and still just a young girl, yet she dares to go. Why can''t I?


    As a full grown seven-chi man and native of Suzhou, when the Xiongnu invade, how can I not even protect my hometown? Mother! I don''t want to flee again. I don''t want to shrink back like a turtle!"


    "You!" When the woman saw her usually carefree young son reveal such a firm side for the first time, it was as if he had suddenly grown up overnight.


    The woman eventually did not say anything more, she just cried as she packed her son''s belongings.


    Just as her son said, even a young girl had the courage to go to the border pass to make her contribution to Shu Prefecture, as a native of Shu Prefecture, what face did she have to stop her own son from going to protect his hometown?


    The news of Jiang Yuqing leading people to reinforce the border pass aroused the bloodiness of Shu Prefecture''s men.


    They responded one after another, returned home to pack up their luggage, and prepared to enlist in the army. As a result, simr scenes were also staged in various parts of Shu Prefecture.


    At this time, in a peaceful courtyard on the west side of Shu Prefecture''s city.


    An elderlydy with white hair asked her young son kneeling below, "Fei''er, are you sure you want to enlist?"


    He Yunfei heavily kowtowed to his mother, "Yes, Mother!"


    Mrs. He got up with the help of her elder son, bent down and helped up her young son, "In times of national crisis, every man has a responsibility! Go ahead, don''t fail your father''s prestige!"


    She paused, took out a neatly folded white cotton cloth from her sleeve and put it in her son''s hands, "Take this with you at all times!"


    "Yes, son remembers," He Yunfei held the white cotton cloth and bowed to his mother and elder brother again before turning around and striding away.


    After returning to his room to pack his luggage, he remembered the white cotton cloth his mother had given him. He unfolded it and saw a big ck "death" character embroidered on it in ck thread.


    Next to it were a few small words: ¡°I bestow upon my son a death banner, to wipe blood when injured, and to wrap body when dead. Advance bravely without looking back.¡±


    He Yunfei tightened his fingers, and swallowed back the heat in his eyes. He shouldered his luggage, and headed straight to Yumen Pass without looking back...


    Bianque Valley, and especially the addition of Doctor Qiu and his apprentices, undoubtedly injected a shot of stimnt into each camp. Themanders of the various camps truly wished they could hug and kiss them.


    With them and the precious medicines they brought, if nothing else, at least the number of casualties could be reduced by half.

 Chapter 105: Let him live to see his Mother.

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing''s arrival was weed by all the soldiers at the Yumen Pass garrison. Qin Yijian even specially prepared a small tent for her, and arranged a barracks for the few nurses who came with her.


    Considering her own special status, Jiang Yuqing readily epted such an arrangement.


    In the cold and bleak garrison, their arrival also added a touch of liveliness. The uing battle did not seem so terrifying anymore.


    After settling down, Jiang Yuqing took all the doctors, military doctors and medical apprentices to conduct onest medical relief drill before the battle started.


    After correcting some deficiencies, they got down to preparations before the battle in an urgent manner. For example, in the field hospital, they built as many tents as possible and put up all the simple mobile beds they brought, to ensure the wounded would not lie on the cold ground.


    It''s better to be prepared to not use them than to not have enough when they are needed.


    After setting up enough tents, they also coded the tents and the beds inside to facilitate management.


    They also set up a separate dispensary and a separate women''strine.


    Just as they finished preparing, beacon fires lit up on the Great Wall, one section after another, from afar to near.


    The 140,000 Xiongnu cavalry also charged imposingly to the outside of Yumen Pass.


    At the same time, when Da Xia¡¯s soldiers saw the beacon fires, they also took their positions outside the city and waited in battle formation.


    The sky was gloomy. Howling cold winds mixed with snowkesshed people¡¯s faces like knives. Looking down from the city wall, there were seas of ck heads.


    Apanied by the neighing of warhorses, the air was tense as if gunpowder, ready to explode at any moment.


    The battle could break out at any time!


    In an instant, the heavy beats of war drums ¡°dong, dong, dong¡± rang out, one after another, pounding directly on people¡¯s hearts.


    After a round of arrow rain glinting with cold light was shot out, with anothermand, the shouting and killing shook the heavens instantly.


    The battle had begun!


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the high city wall with a grave expression. Outside was the cruel battlefield. Here, her battlefield was also about to arrive.


    The first battlested two whole shichens. The Xiongnu did not gain any advantage at all, only leaving behind a ground full of corpses, and had to temporarily retreat and regroup.


    Da Xia achieved a small victory!


    The Da Xia medical teams who were waiting inside the city wall rushed out at the first possible moment when the city gates opened widely.


    They swiftly applied simple hemostasis bandaging for the wounded, then tied strips of various colors around their wrists and swiftly carried them into the city gate on stretchers. Even soldiers who sacrificed themselves were all taken back without exception!


    Everything was so well-trained and proceeded in an orderly manner.


    In contrast, when the Xiongnu retreated in defeat, only those who could still move could crawl onto horses by themselves. Those who really could not crawl could only await death.


    The Xiongnu tribes lived nomadic lives following water and grass. Apart from the nobility, most of them did not even have a stable dwelling, let alone doctors.


    At best, somerge tribes might have a witch doctor. When they fell ill on ordinary days, they could only rely on enduring. If they could not endure, they could only wait for death. During battles, although some witch doctors also followed them, they only treated the nobility or chiefs of each tribe.


    Therefore, those soldiers who barely escaped back could at best bandage themselves or ask theirrades to apply some medicine. Whether they survived depended on fortune. If they could not survive, it was fate.


    Moreover, they valued the strong by nature. Falling sick represented weakness, and the weak did not deserve to live in this world.


    On the Da Xia side, as soon as the wounded left the battlefield, the doctors who were waiting in the garrison could immediately tell from the bands tied on their wrists. The red meant critical and treated first, yellow next, and green was least urgent.


    With one military doctor or doctor taking three assistants as a group, surgeries proceeded simultaneously in dozens of operating tents. After a patient was bandaged and taken out, the next would be brought in without stopping. Despite being extremely busy without even lifting their heads, the doctors remainedposed amidst chaos.


    From the beginning untilte night, they finally treated thest patient and sent him to the ward. Only then did everyone plop down onto the ground, unable to climb up.


    For seven whole shichens, the medical teams had been standing and bending their waists to operate. No one drank a sip of water or ate a bite of food. All they could do was to run to relieve themselves during the brief crossovers between two surgeries, if they really could not hold it anymore.


    Even Jiang Yuqing the cultivator felt somewhat overwhelmed. While operating, she also transferred vitality to patients with critical injuries. Hence, her current condition was no better than the other doctors.


    After sitting still for some time, she secretly stimted her dwindling spiritual power to move her numb legs, before pushing herself up with the tent pole.


    Outside, an apprentice found an opportunity to bring meals and hot water. The doctors hastily gobbled down two steamed buns with hot water during the break before getting up to do their rounds again.


    They still had an arduous battle to fight from tonight to tomorrow, and there was no time to sleep. Having justpleted surgeries, many patients had fevers that required timely treatment, whether with medicine or physical cooling. Those with worsening conditions still needed to be rushed back into the operating theater for rescue. It was only at daybreak that the dead beat doctors staggered to nap in their own tents for two shichens.


    Then a new round of battle continued for sessive days.


    The longest record of the doctors was three days without sleep. Some doctors even copsed head first onto the ground while operating, never to wake again.


    Biting back tears, their assistants could only carry them away to continue the surgery where it was left off.


    As the number of surgeries umted, everyone practiced their skills. Many previous assistants could now take the lead as primary surgeon, and bring apprentices on their own.


    This battle had alreadysted many days. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all Da Xia soldiers who fought desperately, the Xiongnu were barely blocked outside Yumen Pass without gaining an inch of advance.


    Unable to capture the pass despite repeated attacks and having suffered tragic casualties, the Xiongnu still could not bear to retreat readily.


    Likewise, Da Xia troops also suffered considerable casualties.


    Jiang Yuqing had not slept for two days and nights. She felt exhausted too. However, whenever she saw those heavily mutted patients carried in, she could only grit her teeth to press on. The longer she endured, the more lives she could save.


    There were also some who suffered such serious injuries that they passed away before even reaching the operating table. Facing them, Jiang Yuqing was also helpless, only able to cover them with a white sheet while choking back tears.


    Most of them were very young, just like the young soldier who was carried in earlier.


    His body had a total of four stab wounds and one arrow wound, barely clinging to one breath. The most fatal was the arrow wound in his chest. The Xiongnu arrows were extremely vicious, with barbed arrowheads, sometimes even coated with bio toxins or feces.


    Without antibiotics like penicillin, Da Xia would have suffered so many more casualties.


    By now, the arrow shaft in this soldier¡¯s chest had already been cut, leaving only an inch outside. Fearing that he might copse, Jiang Yuqing immediately transferred a wisp of vitality to him.


    As soon as she cut open the tattered armor on his chest, a piece of white cloth drenched red with blood dropped out.


    When Jiang Yuqing spread it open, she saw the word ¡°DEATH¡± embroideredrgely in the center, with a line of smaller words on the side: ¡°Gifting my son a death banner, to wipe blood when injured, and wrap body when dead. Charge bravely forward, no thoughts of self.¡±


    Tears streamed immediately down Jiang Yuqing¡¯s face. What great mother would gift her son such a banner.


    Her assistants also saw the words on the banner and one girl broke down sobbing, cursing: ¡°Damn Xiongnu barbarians...¡±


    Jiang Yuqing rolled up the bloodstained ¡°death¡± banner neatly with a clean gauze and ced it gently at his side...


    Another day and night passed. Jiang Yuqing finally dragged her numb legs down from the special stool for her.


    With battle temporarily suspended, the medical teams could finally catch their breaths too.


    As she walked out of the operating room door, Jiang Yuqing removed her face mask and took a deep breath of the fresh, cold air outside. After smelling disinfectant and the bloody stench for three days and three nights, the scent of fresh air was just too good. She could even taste a hint of sweetness.


    It was just that the sun had fallen too quickly. It was still overhead just a blink of an eye ago, and in that brief moment the sky had already gone dark - damn!


    Seeing her petite body silently copse to the ground, the surrounding crowd was instantly thrown into panic.


    "County mistress!" "Little divine doctor!" "Someonee quick, the little divine doctor has fainted!" After a moment of chaos, Jiang Yuqing was carried to her tent.


    Other doctors examined her and determined it was nothing serious, she had merely fainted from exhaustion. Upon hearing that Jiang Yuqing had fainted, the injured soldiers instantly erupted.


    Many wanted to go see her, but were held back by the other medical staff, "There''s no need to go see her. If you all swarm over at once, you''ll disrupt her rest. Focus on recovering from your own injuries - that''s the best way you can repay her!"


    Hearing this, the injured soldiers reluctantly held themselves back, eyes red.


    News that Jiang Yuqing had fainted quickly reached Qin Yijian. Qin Yijian was discussing military affairs with a few vice generals.


    Hearing his subordinate''s report, his expression was ratherplicated, "We owe this child far too much. After this battle ends, I will personally petition His Majesty to reward her for her contributions!"


    The other generals also felt uneasy, "We must do so! If not for her, who knows how many more lives would have been lost.


    The lightly injured soldiers she treated first have now fully recovered and can return to the battlefield. The severely injured are also recovering remarkably well.


    It can be said that aside from those killed directly in battle, less than 20 percent of those carried off the battlefield have died. This figure is one we never dared dream of before!"


    "Yes, she really is Da Xia''s lucky star," Qin Yijian heaved a long sigh, set down the sand table he was using to simte troop movements, and said "Come, let us go see our young hero!"

 Chapter 106: Fire // Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing slept for a very long time before waking up. She seemed to have not slept such a long time for a very long time.


    There was no one in the tent. She put on her clothes and habitually cast a cleaning spell on herself, only to find that it did not work at all.


    Feeling the depleted spiritual power in her body, she couldn''t helpughing bitterly. It looked like she had overdone it again this time.


    Stepping out of the tent, the piercing cold wind carried snowkes that pped her face painfully. The swirling heavy snow once again shrouded thisnd.


    She bent down to scoop up a handful of clean snow and rubbed it on her face twice, then put on the hood of her cloak. Then she took out a hot steamed bun from her spirit world and started gnawing on it while heading towards the camp for the wounded.


    When everyone saw her, they cried out in pleasant surprise, "Little miracle doctor, you are awake. How wonderful!" Jiang Yuqing smiled andforted everyone, "I''m fine now, thank you all for your concern!"


    At the door, she swallowed thest bite of steamed bun, scooped up some snow again and wiped her hands clean, then started on her rounds.


    Hearing that she had woken up, the generals also let out a sigh of relief. If something had happened to this little ancestor in the big camp, let alone what Marquis of Qingzhou would do to them, they themselves would not be able to get past it in their hearts.


    The wounded soldier named He Yunfei had also woken up. Knowing that it was Jiang Yuqing who had saved him, he was very grateful. Struggling to get out of bed to bow to her in thanks, Jiang Yuqing pressed him back down.


    "Focus on recovering well. In the future, win honors in battles and bring good news to your mother!"


    He Yunfei held the things wrapped in white gauze, blushing with a smile.


    Outside, the quartermaster brought over lunch from their camp. Still, it was a coarse grain steamed bun and pickled vegetables for everyone. The slightly better-recovered wounded only had a bit more millet porridge mixed with a little horse meat.


    Wars were deadly activities. How could they have the strength without eating well? The recovery of the wounded also required nutrition. This would not do. She had to think of a way.


    After Jiang Yuqing finished her rounds, she returned to her own tent and hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside, with Bai Xiaoshi guarding the door. Then she entered her spirit world.


    After operating her techniques for thirty-six weeks to restore her spiritual power, Jiang Yuqing started ransacking her spirit world. Rice, flour, vegetables, fruits, etc. She removed all the packaging from the milk in the supermarket and poured it intorge wooden barrels.


    Honey was also a good ingredient. She packed it in ceramic jars.


    She also ransacked the hospital kitchen, but did not find meat, only eggs, which were also extremely good items. She took them away. Cooking oil was also a good item. She poured severalrge tubs of it. And salt, that was indispensable.


    It looked about enough.


    Seeing it waste into the night and everyone was asleep, Jiang Yuqing attached an invisibility talisman on herself and secretly appeared at the door of the granary. She unloaded all her things in one go.


    The loud noise here was soon discovered by the patrolling soldiers. Everyone was shocked to see piles of supplies appearing out of nowhere.


    The matter was quickly reported to Qin Yijian. Hearing the news, Qin Yijian rolled out of bed in surprise - he had even forgotten to bring his cloak!


    In the dim light, they could see from afar piles and piles of massive amounts of supplies at the granary door as tall as a small mountain . Going closer for a look, there wererge baskets of eggs, oils poured into huge vats, and fresh fruits and vegetables that were hard to find this season, no matter how much money you had. Andrge tubs of milky white milk.


    And in several dozenrge pottery jars was sweet honey...


    One subordinate said in aplex tone, "These things seem to have appeared out of thin air! The doctors have looked them over, they are non-toxic and safe to eat."


    Qin Yijian weighed a bright red apple in his hand and said, "Given this eminent person''s ability toe without a trace and leave without a shadow, if he wanted to poison us, he could have just sprinkle toxins into our big cooking pots directly. Why would he go through so much trouble?"


    After that, facing the empty space around them, he held up one fist and said loudly, "Many thanks to the eminent person for their gifts. Qin will thank all the officers and soldiers of Da Xia!"


    The others also folded their hands and gave thanks, "Many thanks to the eminent person!"


    Qin Yijian put the apple back and instructed the quartermaster, "Let the wounded eat first. Give what''s left to everyone." He added, "Also set aside more for the doctors. These days, things have been miserable without them, especially for little miracle doctor''s ce."


    "Yes sir!"


    Jiang Yuqing was unaware of this. With Bai Xiaojiu, she had long flown to other camps. The first one was Jinling Pass where her teacher was stationed.


    Although Jinling Pass had to face fewer Tartarspared to Yumen Pass, its defending troops were also less. So the pressure they faced was simrly immense.


    Jiang Yuqing relied on the same approach - unloadingrge batches of supplies and medicine.


    In her teacher''s tent, she found the old man lying asleep on a simple bed. He looked much thinner and extremely tired on his face. A young junior disciple also fell asleep not far from his desk.


    Jiang Yuqing''s heart ached badly. She didn''t have the heart to wake him, only casting a Rejuvenation spell to relieve his weariness so that he could sleep more peacefully. She tucked the quilt for him too.


    These days must have worn him out badly.


    Jiang Yuqing also ced a few wild ginseng beside his bed and a pack of beef jerky that her teacher loved to eat, then quietly left.


    There was a hugemotion at the granary, which soon woke up everyone in the whole camp, including Doctor Qiu. Waking up to find wild ginseng casually wrapped in cloth, and a big pack of his favorite beef jerky beside his bed, he knew his precious little disciple had just been there.


    On one hand, he regretted, how could he have fallen asleep! If not for that, wouldn''t he have been able to see his little disciple? He heard Yumen Pass had the most Tartars and frequent battles, there must be even more wounded and tiring days. He wondered if his little disciple had not grown too thin and weary.


    Jiang Yuqing''s third stop was Hangu Pass where her third senior brother Lu Yi was stationed. When she went to find him after delivering the supplies, Lu Yi had juste down from the operating table and was sitting sprawled out in his tent ferociously gnawing on a steamed bun.


    Seeing her suddenly appear, he jumped in shock first. Realizing who she was, he howled and pounced over, "Little martial sister! Do you have anything to eat? I''m about to starve to death."


    Jiang Yuqing hurriedly cast a mute spell, isting the sound. Otherwise with this guy''s loud roar, he would no doubt end up letting everyone in the whole camp know.


    It had been half a month, and he had grown a messy beard and looked a little thinner. His hair was held up in a jade hairpin at the crown to make surgery easier.


    Knowing his temperament, Jiang Yuqing gave him a pile of tasty food and drink, and even the leftover roasted duck from before.


    He ate ravenously and spoke blurrily as he ate, "You don''t know how bitter this ce is. Apart from coarse grain buns and porridge every day, even white flour steamed buns are treasures. I nearly starved to death". After finishing, he realized something wasn''t right. His little martial sister and their teacher doubtless also ate such meals. He couldn''t continue speaking.


    It had already grown noisy outside, Jiang Yuqing could not stay longer either. She still had two more ces to go, she had to leave.


    Although the other two camps did not have battles at the moment other than sending troops to support the nearby Jinling and Hangu passes, the rest remained armed to the teeth at all times.


    The wars were ever-changing and unpredictable. No one knew when the Tartars might turn their horses and charge at them.


    They were all armies of Da Xia, all guarding the country and homnd. Naturally Jiang Yuqing could not show bias.


    Self-cultivation alone would not prevent one from being insr and authoritarian. But one could cultivate oneself well and at the same time care for and help others led to broadmindedness and selflessness. She was not some overly great person. She only wished within her own capability to help as many of her own people as she could.


    On her way back, looking below at the densely packed tents of the Xiongnu camp, thinking of those sacrificed soldiers, Jiang Yuqing felt a gnawing hatred.


    She asked Bai Xiaoshi, why couldn''t she go down and use bombs to blow all of them up?


    Bai Xiaoshi was aghast and shouted, "Are you crazy? Have you forgotten your identity as a cultivator? Using a cultivator''s means to directly participate in the wars ofmon people, once any killings weremitted, you would suffer the bacsh of Heaven''s Way. At its lightest, you may go berserk. At its worst your Dao would be destroyed and you yourself may perish. If it reallyes down to it, I beg you to go back and read your introductory jade slip again little ancestor!"


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing purse her lips and said, "Alright alright, I was just making a suggestion!" Otherwise she would have struck ruthlessly long ago.


    Suddenly her eyes lit up, "What about using expl//osives? Those are mundane objects so there should be no bacsh right?"


    Bai Xiaoshi rolled his eyes, "Oh forget I said anything!" And so Jiang Yuqing had an idea ready.


    She roughly knew the original explosive ingredients ratio, 75% potassium nitrate, also known as nitre, 10% sulphur, 15% wood charcoal. She decided to try it when she went back. (My treasures, just take a look, don''t get desperate and try it on yourself. This stuff is not only illegal, if done badly, it can easily cost you your life.)


    When returning to her tent in the barracks at Yumen Pass, Jiang Yuqing still had Bai Xiaoshi guarding the door. She turned around and entered the Spirit Realm.


    These materials were not difficult to find, she easily found them in the storage area behind the Legacy Hall. She then went to theboratory in the hospital to find severalrge precise measuring cups.


    To be honest, the theoretical knowledge was enough, but this was the first time actually doing it. For safety reasons, Jiang Yuqing specifically chose the pill room.


    Array glyphs were carved all over the ce here, even if an idental explosion urred, it could withstand it. Before officially starting production, she added another protective shield to herself, giving herself sufficient safety guarantees.


    She first grinded the raw materials into powder one by one, then measured them precisely with measuring cups, put them in the cauldron, and carefully mixed them together. She then twisted a thin cotton fuse as the ignition cord, lit it and quickly ran to the corner.


    She had just stood still when there was a loud "bang", the entire cauldron was sted into the air, flipped over twice before falling back to the ground with a ¡°ng¡±, rolled over twice and stopped moving. Thick ck smoke filled the entire pill room.


    Damn it, the ratio was right, it was just that the amount seemed to be too much!


    Jiang Yuqing coughed out a mouthful of ck smoke, her ears buzzing for a moment, and for an instant, she almost doubted whether her eardrums had ruptured.


    If she had known earlier she would have added a soundproofing barrier. It seemed that her protective shield was currently only able to defend against physical attacks, but unable to defend against magical attacks.


    Hmmm, fix it when there is timeter.


    Jiang Yuqing opened the window in the Legacy Hall to ventte, then flipped the cauldron over and put it back in its original ce. She washed it clean with spiritual spring water, casted two cleaning spells, and perfectly fixed it.


    After watching the whole process, Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s heart almost stopped beating. He painstakingly criticized her, "Using such an amazing cauldron to test such inferior explosives, the coffin lids of your ancestral masters must be unable to contain them! This is simply wasteful of heavenly objects!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "This cauldron is very powerful?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "Of course it¡¯s powerful. This cauldron is called the Dragon me Cauldron, it is the most amazing cauldron in ancient cultivation world, second to none. It has inbuilt Dragon me strange fire."


    Jiang Yuqing shrugged and said, "You also said it was ancient. In today''s world, spiritual energy is scarce, even the lowest grade spiritual grass can¡¯t be found. Although the Spirit Realm has many precious medicinal materials, there are still too many types of spiritual medicines that arecking. I figured, in the future if I can gather the ingredients for some basic pill recipes and sessfully refine them, that would not be bad."


    After confirming feasibility, Jiang Yuqing quickly wrote down the explosive ratio, and then wrote down detailed precautions, she even drew the appearance of modern hand grenades andndmines, letting them give free rein to their imagination.


    Do not underestimate the wisdom of the ancients, many of the glorious civilizations created by the ancestors with their bare hands could not be achieved byter generations even with advanced machinery.


    Although such primitive gunpowder cannot bepared with modern thermal weapons, if it can be developed, it can also be considered crossing eras. At least it can be used to st rocks when opening mountains.


    Even if it cannot kill many people when used on the battlefield, at least the sound can startle them badly enough, shockingly earth-shaking.


    So when Qin Yijian got up the next morning and found this gunpowder form on his desk, he was extremely delighted. He immediately summoned several generals for a top secret meeting.


    After that, one of his trusted aides took a small group of men, escorted several good weapon craftsmen from the engineering camp, and under the cover of the night they quietly left the barracks, disappearing into the vast Gobi desert north of Yumen county.

 Chapter 107: Sorrow Seems to Return.

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    Due to Jiang Yuqing''s heroic deed the night before, the breakfast at the Wounded Soldiers Camp had a qualitative improvement the next day.


    In addition to a bowl of millet porridge, each injured soldier also had half a bowl of milk and a boiled egg.


    These things, somon inter generations, wereparable to mountain delicacies in their eyes.


    Everyone ate extremely cherishedly, almost piously, which made Jiang Yuqing feel sour.


    After they finished eating, she took several nurses to do rounds. These lovely and straightforward guys actually pushed the eggs they hid into her hands one after another.


    "Little genius doctor, this is for you!"


    "Little genius doctor, eat mine. I''ve been holding it warm..."


    Jiang Yuqing felt sour and extremely moved at the same time. She opened her own small cloth bag, revealing three round eggs inside, and deliberately boasted with a rxed tone: "Look, I have three, more than you guys. So you should eat your own!"


    Only then did the wounded soldiers scratched their heads and grinned to take the eggs back and carefully peel the shells to eat them.


    December 7th, the third day of the short-lived ceasefire.


    Ten miles north of the Yumen Pass Garrison Camp, on the Gobi Desert, thirty thousand soldiers headed by filial piety cloths silently dug pits with picks, hoes and shovels.


    The frozen hard ground was very difficult to dig, but none of themined. They just silently dug the earth, one pick and one shovel, muffled as if chiseled at the heart.


    Not far away, those simple earthen piles were where the fallenrades were now asleep.


    Next to the white tents, on the two-story shelves, rows of naked coffins were parked. A simple wooden que with ck lettering of their fallen brothers¡¯ names and birth and death years was nailed to the outside of each coffin. This was also their tombstone.


    There were a total of seventeen such white barracks, with a total of 13,451 coffins parked, and 13,451 brothers whoy here forever.


    Fortunately, it was freeze-thaw winter, and they were extremely grateful that the prefect of Su Prefecture sent these coffins, otherwise the bodies of their brothers would probably have rotten away or been eaten by wild wolves before they came to dig graves.


    It also seemed that every parting of life and death on this side of the pass always happened in this cold winter.


    The grave pits were dug.


    In the howling cold wind, under the gloomy icy sky, the soldiers put down their picks, walked into the white barracks silently, and carried the coffins four men in a group to put them in the burial pits one by one.


    Watching the ck and gray soil mixed with snow slowly covering the coffins, at this moment, everyone burst into tears.


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly remembered a poem from her previous life, "It is fortunate for a daughter to marry a neighbor, but a son is buried under hundreds of grasses. Have you not seen that, at the head of Qinghai Lake, from ancient times white bones were uncollected. New ghostsin bitterly and old ghosts cry sadly, the gloomy rainy weather making rustling sounds!"


    This silent funeralsted from morning until dark, and Jiang Yuqing felt that her tears seemed to have dried up.


    In her previous life, she had seen offrades-in-arms. Later,rades-in-arms had also seen her off. In this life, it was her turn to see offrades-in-arms again.


    Although she was no longer a soldier in this life, they were all herrades-in-arms in her heart.


    She was in reincarnation, and grief seemed to be in reincarnation as well.


    When thest mound was built, everyone faced the tombstones, knelt on one knee, and let out a thunderous roar full of iron blood and grief: "Brothers, bon voyage! We will surely kill all Xiongnu to avenge you!¡±


    One bowl of turbid wine, saluting heaven and earth, ghosts and gods, as well as these loyal souls.


    At some point, it started snowing again. In the twilight, these endless tombstones seemed to be silently resolute and vivid faces.


    Alive, with their flesh and blood they built the Great Wall, preventing the Xiongnu from taking a step past the pass. Dead, their bodies also turned into war souls, continuing to guard thisnd they deeply loved.


    They were the most tenacious Great Wall in the north.


    After returning that night, none of the military doctors who participated in the funeral had the appetite for dinner. Jiang Yuqing didn''t eat either. After rounds, she just sat in the tent in a daze.


    In the middle of the night, the camp suddenly became noisy. After Jiang Yuqing was awakened and just ran out of the tent, a messenger came: "Tongluo Pass asked for help. Military doctors hurry up and follow."


    Jiang Yuqing was shocked. She quickly made arrangements, then selected ten doctors and twenty medical apprentices plus herself to form a thirty-one-person medical team. They brought some medicine with them symbolically and followed the reinforcements rushing towards Tongluo Pass.


    It turned out that after the Xiongnu attacked Yumen Guan for a long time without sess, suffering heavy casualties, not to mention that the food they carried with them was almost exhausted. Unlike the soldiers of the Han dynasty, they could not get food supplies at any time.


    There was only so much that could be carried on horseback, and after eating it all, they could only drink the northwest wind. Having no alternative, the Xiongnumander had toe up with another idea. After thinking twice, he chose Tongluo Pass in the southwest of Su Prefecture.


    Although the terrain there was the most rugged, the defending troops were also the least on the entire northwest defense line, with only 30,000 soldiers and horses. Out of this 30,000+ troops, 10,000 were transferred days ago to support the nearby Hangu Pass.


    Avoiding the sentry of the Yumen Passmander, the Xiongnu divided 60,000 troops led by the fifth Xiongnu Prince Huyin Ag and Grand General Habater to attack Tongluo Pass.


    Tongluo Pass was in imminent danger. Having no choice, Old General Wang, themanding general, had to ask for reinforcements from other camps.


    Of the five major camps in the northwest, the closest was Hangu Pass. Hangu Pass could barely maintain itself, otherwise there would not have been the previous incident of Tongluo Pass sending troops to support it.


    Further north was Jinchuan Pass. Jinchuan Pass fought fiercely alongside Jinling Pass with the Xiongnu.


    Only the farthest Yumen Pass could send reinforcements, and Yumen Pass was three days away from Tongluo Pass.


    Military situations were like fighting fires, with not a moment''s dy allowed. All the way, except for asionally stopping to pee and short breaks, the troops did not dare to stop for half a moment.


    However, before they reached Tongluo Pass, bad news came.


    Tongluo Pass was broken, Commander Old General Wang died in battle, and none of the defending soldiers survived with all having died heroically. How tragic was this!


    Wei Qing, themander who led the team, instantly turned red-eyed. He used to be a subordinate of Old General Wang and could be said to have Old General Wang as half a mentor.


    The troops moved faster, and when they arrived at Tongluo Pass, the gates were wide open as expected, with severed limbs and messy corpses everywhere, horizontally and vertically lying all over. There were soldiers of both Han dynasty and Xiongnu.


    Jiang Yuqing saw a Han soldier whose body was chopped into two halves, with the exposed intestines trailing long outside the body.


    There were traces of bright red blood everywhere on the snowy ground, which had frozen into blocks of blood ice due to the extreme cold. White snow, red blood.


    The horrific scene on the site was indescribable in words.


    Even the military doctors who were used to seeing blood couldn''t stand it. Two nurses vomited uncontrobly on the spot, crying as they did so.


    The heads of Commander Old General Wang and several deputymanders were chopped off and hung at the gatehouse tower by the Xiongnu.


    Seeing this, the soldiers of the Han dynasty instantly went mad.


    After rescuing the heads of the generals and cing them together with their bodies, everyone let out an angry roar together: "Chase! Kill all Xiongnu to avenge Old General Wang and the tragic deaths of brothers at Tongluo Pass!¡±


    The troops followed the traces left by the Xiongnu in pursuit.


    Not long after, a scout brought the news that the Xiongnu were burning and killing all the way, and had raided past Tongluo County to Xichen Town, showing momentum of heading straight for Su Prefecture city.


    When Jiang Yuqing heard this, she almost went mad. Su Prefecture city, that was where her parents and rtives were, she definitely couldn¡¯t allow it.


    For a moment, she wanted to throw everything and return to Su Prefecture, but eventually reason triumphed over her.


    She believed in Wei Qing, themander, and the soldiers. They must be able to block the Xiongnu.


    At this time in Su Prefecture city, upon receiving the news of Tongluo Pass being attacked, Jiang Wenyuan immediately ordered the surrounding counties and towns to hide in the mountains temporarily. At the same time, he ordered closing the city gates with all citizens making preparations to fight.


    Then he brought his son Jiang Yuchuan and all the family soldiers of the prefecture, while recruiting valiant warriors in the city and inviting disabled veterans to give pointers, and dug horse traps and entanglement ropes along the foot of the city wall.


    On the one hand, they collected all avable oil in the city to heat it and also gathered lime, stones, etc. to move onto the ramparts, with Jiang Wenyuan personallymanding on top of the wall, fully prepared to fight a final battle against the invading Xiongnu at any time.


    Even Lu led all the maids of the prefectural city, silently preparing medicine and tearing silk and cotton cloth into gauze.


    This weak woman had an unprecedented firmness in her eyes. Her daughter was with the army at the frontline, her husband and son stood on the city wall, if they could not survive, she would have no reason to live either, it would be good for the whole family to reunite underground.


    Originally panickedmoners, when they saw their beloved magistrate Wei Qing and young master Jiang Yuqing standing straight on the city wall, their hearts calmed down inexplicably.


    That''s right, Magistrate Jiang is not afraid, what do they have to be afraid of? At worst, death! If they were lucky enough to be reborn, they might even be Wei Qing¡¯s brothers.


    At the same time, the army led by Wei Qing rushed all the way and finally intercepted the remnants of these Xiongnu troops within the borders of Xichen Town a dayter.


    Jiang Yuqing followed all the way. The viges passed along the way were all robbed, burned and killed by the barbarians.


    The old man was hacked to death at the foot of the wall, the child was stabbed on the thorn fence, and Jiang Yuqing even saw a pregnant woman with her belly cut open and her eyes wide open in death.


    And that pitiful little fetus still connected by the umbilical cord was hacked in half and thrown aside, frozen ck and purple.


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly turned blood red, and she bit her lips tightly to keep herself from crying out. She tremblingly sewed the little fetus, cut in half, back together and ced it back in its mother''s belly before sewing it shut.


    She then tidied the woman''s clothes and choked back tears as she said firmly, "Auntie, you and little brother rest in peace. I will avenge you. I swear with my life that none of these beasts will live to return to Xiongnu!"


    After she finished saying this, the pregnant woman''s wide open eyes miraculously closed shut. Perhaps she really had a soul!


    Hatredpletely ignited the soldiers'' anger, and as soon as they engaged the barbarians, the battle immediately became intense.


    When attacking the city, the Xiongnu had already lost more than half of their troops. Now there were only over 20,000 remnants left. When facing 40,000 Han soldiers who werepletely aroused, they quickly fell behind.


    The battlested more than a day. The more the Xiongnu fought, the more afraid they became as their numbers dwindled. They were about to bepletely wiped out.


    The Xiongnu Prince Ag, who led them, had to send out a squad to intercept the Han army at full strength, while he himself led the remaining 5,000 plus people and fled at full speed towards Tongluo Pass.


    The Han soldiers became more courageous as they fought, chasing them from behind, but unfortunately there were not enough horses for the Han side, and they could only watch helplessly as the remnants escaped.


    Wei Qing hated that he smashed his fist heavily on the city wall. It was not that he did not want to pursue, but there were stillrge Xiongnu forces outside the pass, and with so few troops left, going out would be suicide.


    Without absolute certainty, he could not risk the lives of his officers and men.


    He could only resentfully give the order to camp and gather the bodies of soldiers who had died in the battle for Tongluo Pass.


    It was almost midnight when Jiang Yuqing finished the surgery on thest seriously wounded soldier.


    She took off her surgical clothes, took off her cap, and said to her deputy, "I''m going out for a moment, leave things here temporarily to you."


    The deputy thought she was just going to the bathroom or something and didn''t care. He responded okay and went back to work.


    Under the cover of night, Jiang Yuqing stuck an invisibility charm on herself, rode Bai Xiaoshi and rushed straight out of Tongluo Pass.


    Blood debts are paid in blood!

 Chapter 108: That’s the Temperature of Blood

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    It had not snowed these past two days. Under the moonlight, the traces of this retreating and defeated army could not have been clearer.


    Jiang Yuqing led Bai Xiaoshi and chased them for sixty or seventy li before finally discovering them on a leeward slope.


    These dogs that had lost their homes were chased too hard during the day. At this moment, they were all crowded into the few tents still standing, snoring loudly in their sleep.


    Only a few were left to patrol and stand watch.


    Jiang Yuqing had Bai Xiaoshi stop at the highest point of the slope. She smiled and took out the battle gs that she had once cherished too much to use. Lowering her head, she carefully stroked them and said, ¡°My darlings, today¡¯s the day for you to make your entrance!¡±


    When Bai Xiaoshi took one look, she was so frightened that she jumped and eximed anxiously, ¡°What are you trying to do? I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t cause any trouble!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing tilted her head to nce at Bai Xiaoshi. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xiaoshi. Tonight, I¡¯m probably going to go back on my word. I might even get you involved!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there any other way?¡± Bai Xiaoshi anxiously paced around in circles. In her carelessness, one of her hooves happened to step on a weathered rock. With a crashing sound, the rock tumbled noisily down the slope.


    The noise immediately alerted those standing watch. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± they yelled in the Xiongnunguage. Although Jiang Yuqing could not understand them, she could guess their meaning well enough.


    It did not matter now that they had been discovered. In any case, none of these beasts would escape tonight.


    The Xiongnu camp was quickly astir. By the time these barbarians had gotten to their feet, lit torches, and gotten a look, they saw that it was just a young child with a deer. They immediately burst into loudughter. ¡°Hey, little kid! Did youe to bring us a midnight snack?¡± A child so small and tender would definitely taste delicious.


    Laughing boisterously, two of the Xiongnu ran up the hillside, wanting to capture Jiang Yuqing and Bai Xiaoshi and roast them to eat.


    Jiang Yuqing did not even spare a nce at these two pieces of human scum. She only shook her head and continued speaking to Bai Xiaoshi. ¡°These past two days, you¡¯ve also seen how cruel they are. Their actions can hardly even be called human. It is up to the heavens to forgive them. My duty is to send them down to hell.¡±


    ¡°But if you do that, the heavens will retaliate against you. At worst, you could die!¡± Tears were nearly falling from Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s eyes.


    Jiang Yuqing jokingly stroked Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s beautiful antlers tofort her. ¡°I¡¯m the Jade Emperor''s1 dear daughter. How could He bear to let me die so easily? And in this second life I''ve been granted, I''ve already gained so much love from so many people that I''ve earned quite the profit. As the saying goes, we must know contentment and not be too greedy, right?¡±


    As she spoke, her hand flicked, sending all thirty-six battle gs flying urately onto their respective nodes. Next, she forcefully struck two spirit crystals into the central formation eye. Her hands swiftly formed seals, then she fiercely pushed out a palm and loudly shouted, ¡°Formation, arise!¡±


    In that instant, thirty-six transparent blood-colored pirs of light shot toward the heavens, swiftly gathering to form an enormous blood-colored cover of light that enveloped all five thousand-some people.


    The Xiongnu were stunned dumb by this sudden scene. After reacting, they fled this way and that in horror. Many even drew the knives at their waists and hacked away, only to discover that no matter how hard they struggled, they could not break through this bizarre blood-colored cover. It was like a cast by the god of death.


    Unable to escape, the Xiongnu could only kneel pleading for the gods to forgive them.


    The shouts of terror from their tribesmen down the slope frightened the two Xiongnu who had been running up the hillside. When they looked back and saw the scene, they were also scared witless.


    By the time the two of them stiffly turned their heads back around, they saw two snakelike things hurtling straight toward their faces. Before they could react, the things instantly punctured their foreheads, and they died with eyes wide open.


    Jiang Yuqing indifferently tossed down a seed. In an instant, several vines burst out from the soil, dragging the corpses underground to disappear without a trace.


    Jiang Yuqing rode Bai Xiaoshi as she flew down the slope and stopped midair. Using spirit power to project her voice, she coldly said, ¡°Which of you is Huyan Ag2? And who is Habater3?¡±


    The Xiongnu had already been scared out of their wits by the bizarre scene before their eyes. Now, seeing a tiny girl child riding a deer and flying midair, they thought that they must have angered one of the gods. They knelt again pleading for forgiveness.


    Among them were some who understood the Dayanguage4. They immediately pointed out the two with finer clothing in the center, obviously of much higher status than the rest.


    Jiang Yuqing gave a coldugh. With a flip of her wrist, Little Thorn immediately extended two vines that flew into the formation. In an instant, they snatched the heads off of the two bodies.


    Blood sprayed, and the two headless corpses toppled to the ground with a thud, dead beyond dead.


    The most important pieces now in hand, it was time for these beasts whose hands were stained with Daya people¡¯s blood to descend into hell. Jiang Yuqing formed a hand seal with her right hand, linking her middle finger and thumb. With a light flick, a gale instantly kicked up within the formation.


    The one-sided ughter had begun.


    Countless invisible des of wind yed the former executioners. Unfeelingly, they reaped life after life, spurting sprays of blood as if this were purgatory itself.


    Jiang Yuqing watched it all coldly. In the past, themon people of Daya had also wailed and pleaded this very same way. Had they ever shown mercy to those pitiable people?


    The innumerable soldiers who had died at the border¡ªwho had they been sons, fathers, and husbands to? With their deaths, how many innocent families were torn apart?


    And what of the youngdies stripped naked? The children impaled on stakes? The pregnant women whose bellies were slit open and babies snatched out while still alive? What endless pain and humiliation had they suffered before death? Who could tally the ocean''s worth of blood debts still unpaid?


    Blood debts can only be repaid in blood!


    Jiang Yuqing gazed frigidly as these executioners were chopped into mincemeat of flesh and bone. A feeling of avenged fury rose in her heart. Only when not a single living being remained did she finally recall her battle gs.


    The Heavenly Gang ughtering Immortal Formation5¡ªshe had thought it was a cruel formation she would never use again. She had never expected that in the end, she would still go back on her word.


    Afterward, she indifferently scattered several more handfuls of seeds. With a sea-like flood of spirit power infused into them, countless vines burst out of the ground and swept all the flesh, metal weapons, cloth scraps and everything else on the surface into the soil in but a few breaths.


    If not for that remaining patch of dark red bloodstains, the ground was so clean it seemed as if nothing had ever urred there.


    Jiang Yuqing casually wrapped the two heads in some tattered cloth and hung them over her shoulder on a stripped branch. Then she climbed onto Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s back and softly said, ¡°Xiaoshi, let¡¯s go back. It¡¯ll be dawn soon.¡±


    Seeing how unusually calm she was, Bai Xiaoshi called her by name in a rare disy of concern. ¡°Qingbao, are you alright?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing tried hard to swallow back the taste of iron in her mouth and calmly replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s hurry back. They¡¯ll be worried when they get up and can¡¯t find me.¡±


    Bai Xiaoshi sensed her strain and did not dare fly too quickly. As they neared the city gates, it took the initiative to descend and switch from flying to walking.


    At this time, the first light of dawn was peeking over the horizon. Bai Xiaoshi could make out people¡¯s silhouettes moving back and forth atop Tongluo Pass¡¯ towering city walls.


    Jiang Yuqing retched and blood flowed from her nose and mouth.


    Shey slumped atop Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s back and said in an extremely soft voice, ¡°Xiaoshi, I¡¯m a little tired and want to sleep for a while. Inside my clothes...there¡¯s a letter. If I...don¡¯t wake up again...help me give it...to my parents...¡±


    ¡°No! You have to give it to them yourself. I won¡¯t help you!¡± Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s voice carried tones of weeping. ¡°Qingbao, please, don¡¯t sleep! I¡¯ll take you back to find a doctor!¡±


    The little girl on its back did not respond again!


    Bai Xiaoshi felt a liquid flowing onto its neck, still hot¡ªit was the warmth of blood.


    Qingbao had suffered the heavens'' retaliation in the end after all!

 Chapter 109: Letter

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    It is said that after Jiang Yuqing''s assistant finished his work, he found that she had not yet returned. Thinking that she had gone back to the medical tent, he went to her tent. When he found no one in her tent either, he hurried around looking for her, even checking the women''s toilet without finding anyone. The assistant panicked and hurried to report to Wei Qing.


    When Wei Qing heard that the child was missing, this would not do. He immediately ordered the whole camp to search around. However, after turning the entire camp upside down, they still could not find the person.


    His first reaction was that she had been abducted by Xiongnu spies lurking within Guanzhong.


    Just when everyone was extremely anxious, the guards on the city head came to report that a small deer-like animal appeared in the distance outside the pass, presumably the mount of the little doctor goddess.


    Wei Qing immediately rushed up the city head. In the hazy dawn light, he did see a beautiful little deer slowly walking over from the distance.


    When it got closer, on the deer''s back there was still someone riding it, it was their little doctor goddess they had searched everywhere for but could not find. The little doctor goddessy motionless on the deer''s back. He subconsciously felt it was not good. He hurriedly ordered the city gates to be opened to go receive the person.


    The heavy city gates slowly opened, and people rushed out. Seeing the peoplee, the little deer let out a long, sad cry. The soldiers saw that it was crying.


    Lying on its back was the tiny figure, her face pale as gold paper, motionless, with blood around her mouth and nose. Her right hand was clenched tightly around a sharp wooden stick on her shoulder. The protruding end of the wooden stick had two blood-drenched wrapped objects hanging on it.


    A soldier went up and took it down, unwrapped it and looked, and it turned out to be two bloody human heads. They were exactly the two Xiongnu chiefs who had escaped earlier: Xiongnu''s Fifth Prince Huyin Ag and General Habater.


    Wei Qing tremblingly stretched out his hand and tried under Jiang Yuqing''s nose, found that there was still a faint breath. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief, hurriedly snatched away the stick in her hand, lifted her off the deer''s back, and ran rapidly towards Guanzhong.


    "Go quickly, find a doctor!"


    Soon, the doctor came, examined her, and found that her five internal organs were all heavily injured, her pulse was intermittent, fragile as if she could pass away at any moment.


    Not daring to be negligent, Wei Qing immediately sent someone galloping fast horses to Jinling Pass to bring her master Doctor Qiu toe, while sending people to report back to Yumen Pass, and also sending people to Su Prefecture City to report to Jiang Wenyuan.


    When Doctor Qiu heard that his little apprentice was injured, he almost exploded. The old man didn''t care about anything else, grabbed a horse and ran towards Tongluo Pass without stopping to rest on the way.


    Rushing all the way to Tongluo Pass, after taking his little apprentice''s pulse, this was not just injured, damn it, she only had one breath left. If he hade a littleter, I''m afraid he could only collect her corpse.


    What the hell was that Wei Qing kid eating, that with so many people he couldn''t even protect a child well. Although angry, Doctor Qiu also knew that this was not the time to settle ounts with others. Saving his darling little apprentice¡¯s life was most important.


    Doctor Qiu worked hard for most of the night before finally managing to save his darling little apprentice¡¯s life. As he breathed a sigh of relief, he also felt sad enough to cry. His old man''s darling little apprentice, how did she get so badly injured?


    This won''t do, he had to settle ounts with that Wei!


    When Doctor Qiu angrily went to find Wei Qing. Wei Qing was listening to the scout report.


    The scout said, "Your subordinate followed the traces of the Xiongnu''s retreat all the way to a gentle slope sixty miles away, where the traces suddenly disappeared.


    That ce was very strange, with no snow at all, but was dark red in color, as if blood had been poured over it. When you got close you could still smell the bloody odor.


    It was as if there had once been a battlefield there, and after the battle someone had cleaned it very cleanly. Your subordinate felt it was strange, so I took a stick and drew a circle along the edge of this area, and found that it was actually a very regr circle.


    I then used the hoe I carried with me to dig down half a meter, and found that the bottom was full of fragmented fresh bones, flesh, ironware and fabric debris.


    Your subordinate tried digging in several other spots within the circle, and found the same results, while outside the circle there was nothing. "


    Speaking of this, the scout couldn''t help shivering. In all these years of military service, this was the first time he had encountered such a bizarre incident.


    The scout presented a package taken from the pit. Wei Qing looked at it carefully and found that there were human bones and horse bones, broken des that were clearly Xiongnu sabers ording to the style, and fragmented skins and furs that Xiongnu people usually wore.....


    Looking at these, thinking back to the two human heads, Wei Qing dared not think too deeply. He could only instruct the scout, "The general knows, you may leave. Remember, this matter is top secret, you must not divulge the slightest bit to anyone externally!"


    The scout said, "Yes, General!" He saluted and withdrew.


    The scout had just gone out when Doctor Qiu rushed in angrily. Seeing him, Wei Qing immediately stood up and said, "It''s good that the doctor hase. Please sit here, Doctor!" He then repeated what the scout had just said and asked, "Does the doctor know what was the cause?"


    Hearing this, Doctor Qiu''s eyes brimmed with tears and was silent for a long time. After a while, he finally let out a long sigh and said, "She used forbidden arts and suffered the bacsh!"


    Wei Qing was shocked and asked in dismay, "What are forbidden arts? Why does the doctor say so?"


    Doctor Qiu said, "The world only knows that she is this old man''s closed-door disciple, a disciple of my Bianque Valley. But they don''t know that before me, she had another master.


    Her master was a true transcendent, I have never met him. I only know that he could fly and move instantaneously, with unfathomable supernatural abilities. What this transcendent taught my little apprentice were also some strange arts.


    My little apprentice has the heart of an innocent child. Even though she has learned divine arts, she only used them to save people. Using forbidden arts this time was most likely also due to the blood debts incurred by the Tartars within Guanzhong, which provoked her. It''s just that this will really cost her life..."


    As the old man spoke, tears streamed down his face.


    Upon hearing that the Tartars had been driven out of the pass, Jiang Wenyuan had not yet had time to be happy when news came of his daughter being critically injured and dying. He would never have imagined that this would happen. At that moment, his mind went nk. After reacting, he immediately told the attendant to first keep this news hidden and not let his wife know.


    Bearing the pain, he left instructions with his staff and rode with only two guards towards Tongluo Pass. All the way there, his mind was full of various scenarios, both good and bad ones. If the situation really turned out to be the worst, what would he do?


    Upon arriving at Tongluo Pass and seeing his daughter''s small body just lying there motionless on the bed, seemingly fragile as if she would shatter at a touch, his heart felt shattered.


    Bai Xiaoshi squeezed up and shoved a small garment at him. Jiang Wenyuan recognized it as the little male outfit his wife had personally made for their daughter before she set off.


    Bai Xiaoshi pawed at the clothes with his hooves, signaling him to look inside thepel pocket. Jiang Wenyuan understood Bai Xiaoshi''s intention, took out a letter from thepel. The handwriting was very messy, clearly written in a hurry. The contents were as follows:


    "Dear father, mother, elder brother and all my beloved rtives:


    In my past life I must have umted good karma to have the fortune of being born in the Jiang family in this life, enjoying all my elders¡¯ extreme doting, yet unable to always be by your side, I, Qing, feel ashamed. I was also fortunate to have my master wholeheartedly teach me medicine techniques, which I should have used to serve the people.


    However, things are not as one wishes. Our mothend is beautiful and bountiful, yet it also attracts the coveting of tigers, leopards and jackals.


    The jackals trample ournd and homes, ughter our people andpatriots, even sparing no infants or pregnant women. I, Qing, have personally stitched a fetus into its mother¡¯s belly before.


    Countless brothers-in-arms soldiers have died heroically. I also have a friend whose mother gifted him a banner saying to die gloriously. Now, I, Qing, am willing toy down my insignificant body to bury all evil under the wilderness.


    Forbidden arts vite the harmony between Heaven and Earth, and vitors are bound to suffer bacsh. If I, Qing, have the good fortune to survive, I will often attend at your side in the future. If I unfortunately perish, you need not grieve.


    I will transform into a star, shining eternally in the sky.


    I will always love you!


    Your unfilial daughter/apprentice, Qing, kowtows.


    After reading it, Jiang Wenyuan clutched the letter while tears streamed down his cheeks as he wept over his daughter¡¯s bedside. It is said that real men do not shed tears easily, only when extremely grieved.


    Doctor Qiu took the letter and read it, then he also cried nonstop. He passed the letter to Wei Qing. After reading it, Wei Qing sighed deeply, "Such is the heroine."


    Wei Qing ssified Jiang Yuqing¡¯s matter as top secret and wrote a letter to be delivered by special envoy into Qin Yijian¡¯s hands.


    After reading it, Qin Yijian also could not help but sigh deeply, ¡°Heroese from the youth.¡± He then wrote a memorial, sealed it and sent it posthaste to the capital by fast horse.


    Outsiders only knew that Jiang Yuqing had brought back the heads of Huyin Ag and Habater, but was also seriously injured because of it. However, they did not know what method she had used. But this did not prevent the soldiers from admiring her.


    The army is a ce that worships the strong. As long as you have the ability and strength, no matter how old you are or what you have done, you will get the soldiers'' sincere respect from the bottom of their hearts.


    If it was said that before, the soldiers'' positioning of Jiang Yuqing was only "a lovely, rich and generous little divine doctor". After this incident, she also gained a very awesome nickname: "Little Battle God".


    They hung Ag and Habater''s heads on the city gate, allowing the northwest wind to dry them, just as these beasts had done to several generals before.


    Ag and Habater were beheaded at the Tongluo Pass, and the news that the entire army was wiped out greatly boosted the morale of the Da Xia army. At the same time, it also dealt a heavy blow to the Xiongnu army.


    The Xiongnu king was furious, but had no good solutions. Of the 210,000 people he had brought, more than half had already been killed or wounded, and fodder was also scarce.


    The chieftains of the various tribes also lost heart with him,ining endlessly. Because when he fought, he always sent the warriors of other tribes to the battlefield first.


    In other words, cannon fodder!


    At the same time, the news that Jiang Yuqing was injured also spread among the various camps.


    As one of the most important and respected former teachers of the army doctors, Jiang Yuqing''s position among the army doctors can be imagined. The army doctors hated the Tartars even more.


    Now that the teacher is seriously injured and falls down, her students will naturally take over.


    Three dayster, Lu Yi learned that his little junior sister had an ident. He was so angry that he wanted to go to Tongluo Pass to see Jiang Yuqing.


    Just then, Doctor Qiu sent someone to bring him a letter "Good baby, don''t worry about your life, do your job well, don''t let her sacrifice be in vain!" Only then did he restrain his temper and continue with the things at hand.


    The soldiers at Yumen Pass had been with Jiang Yuqing the longest, so they fought the enemy as if their lives depended on it. They wanted to avenge the little medical god.


    Jiang Wenyuan stayed at Tongluo Pass for five days until Doctor Qiu confirmed that Jiang Yuqing was basically out of danger before taking his daughter back to Su Prefecture City.


    On the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, when her carriage left, all the soldiers of Tongluo Pass lined up on both sides to see her off. This is the highest respect the soldiers give to heroes!


    When Jiang Yuqing left Tongluo Pass, Doctor Qiu also returned to Jinling Pass.


    His apprentice''s wish was to drive away the Tartars and save more people. This wish has not been fulfilled yet, but the little one has fallen down. But it doesn''t matter, there is still this old guy who can continue.

 Chapter 110: Wake Up

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    Two dayster, with a huge boom north of Yumen Pass in the Gobi Desert, Da Xia''s gunpowder was sessfully developed.


    Before long,rge numbers of palm-sized ck iron clumps called "Hongtian Thunder" were brought to various battlefields.


    The battle situation quickly reversed from a stalemate to a one-sided victory after rounds of deafening explosions. The Xiongnu Tartars were blown upside down by horses. Da Xia¡¯s soldiers took the opportunity to rush up and hack around, inflicting countless casualties on the Xiongnu Tartars, who discarded their armors.


    The frightened Tartars could only flee westward in panic. Da Xia¡¯s soldiers closely chased them with deep hatred.


    Whenever catching up, there would be crazy bombings, followed by frenzied hacking. They kept killing until the Xiongnu Tartars were so scared that they wailed tragically, wishing their parents had given them two more legs.


    Da Xia¡¯s soldiers chased them seven hundred miles out until the logistics could not keep up, and then they stopped.


    The generals looked around and said, Oh, this ce is familiar! It was thend of the Central ins during the previous dynasty. Now that we have chased them here, it works out perfectly to take it back!


    The Xiongnu marched over domineeringly with 210,000 troops, but less than 30,000 remnants fled back. After this battle, their vitality was greatly injured, and they did not dare to invade the border again for at least ten years.


    Plus the continuous heavy snow in the grasnds killed countless cattle and sheep. To avoid Da Xia¡¯s peopleing back for revenge, the Xiongnu tribes, including the King''s court, had to move west for hundreds of miles against the wind and snow, freezing many more people to death on the way.


    This great battle waster historically known as the "Great Victory at Yumen Pass". It was also Da Xia¡¯s greatest victory in fighting the Xiongnu in the hundred years since its founding, taking back the grasnds seven hundred miles west of Yumen Pass.


    Da Xia was ted across the country.


    After the defense swap, the troops returned triumphantly. The emperor rewarded them for their merits.


    Among the rewarded people, Jiang Yuqing was conferred as Princess Linghui of Su Prefecture for her outstanding contributions, with five counties as her fief.


    Her achievements included leading the medical team to save countless soldiers, beheading the Xiongnu prince and general, and donating money and supplies to the border troops endlessly.


    Her father, Jiang Wenyuan, had never asked the court for a penny since taking office as the prefect of Su Prefecture. Relying solely on himself, he raised arge amount of money to build roads and water conservancy projects and grow high-yielding crops suitable for Su Prefecture.


    During the war, he also actively led the people of Su Prefecture to find ways to coordinate logistics and transport grain and materials for the border troops while greatly supporting them. When the Tartars were about to invade, he even went up the city wall with his children to reassure the people.


    The warsted nearly three months. Except for those killed by the Tartars, none of Su Prefecture''s people fled. This was an outstanding achievement.


    Therefore, he was conferred as Duke Jiang.


    The Jianghu sect Bianque Valley also donated medicine and people during this campaign, using superb medical skills to treat many injured soldiers, making outstanding contributions.


    The emperor conferred it as ¡°Heavenly Doctor Valley¡±, and its master, Doctor Qiu, was honored by the emperor as ¡°Sage Doctor¡± who could see the emperor without kneeling! Such glory was rare!


    However, no matter how generous the emperor''s rewards were, they could not offset the pain in the hearts of Jiang''s family and Doctor Qiu. Jiang Yuqing had been in aa for four months since the great battle a year ago.


    Outside the window, the pink roses have bloomed all over the wall. Lu carefully wiped her daughter''s face and said softly, "Dear, spring hase. Look how beautiful the roses outside are in full bloom. I have asked people to turn over all thend in the house and nt many vegetables you love to eat.


    His Majesty also rewarded our family with 10,000 mu ofnd. You love farming the most, don''t you? Your father said half of the 10,000 mu would be nted with corn and the other half with potatoes. What do you think?"


    Jiang Yuqing on the bed stilly quietly as if asleep.


    Shortly after, Jiang Wenyuan returned from the yamen and asked Lu, "How''s our dear today?"


    Lu squeezed out a reluctant smile, "Good, still so quiet."


    Jiang Wenyuan saw a silver hair in his wife''s temples and felt distressed. He hugged his wife and said, "It''s so nice seeing our daughter like this. Many people have voluntarily lit a long-lifemp for her at home. She will get better!"


    Thisforted his wife and himself as well.


    "Let''s go out and eat! Let our dear sleep well! She is too tired and more sleep will be good for her!" The couple walked out hand in hand. The moment the door closed, no one saw the person on the bed hook her two fingers inward.


    The next day was a rest day. The sunshine was great and the breeze was gentle. The yard was filled with fragrant floral scents and elegance.


    Doctor Qiu said that more sun exposure would benefit little sister''s recovery. The teenager had the recliner moved out and ced in the flower-filled yard, carried his sister out to bask in the sun and smell the floral fragrance all over the yard.


    He took out the travel notes his sister liked and read them to her word for word. Baixiaojiu and Xiaoshiyiy beside her quietly guarding her, as if everything was so beautiful.


    Suddenly rapid footsteps came from outside.


    Jiang Yuquan looked up and saw his father respectfully leading over a teenager about his age.


    Recognizing the boy¡¯s face, Jiang Yuquan was quite surprised. He quickly knelt down and paid his respects, "Jiang Yuquan pays respect to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"


    Jing Yan bent down to help him up, "No need for formalities. I came specifically to see Qingqing."


    Jiang Yuquan said, "Thank you for Your Highness''s care!" Then he moved aside.


    Jing Yan saw the quiet girl lying on the recliner with closed eyes, paleplexion without a tinge of red, and no vitality. Even the usually bright red lotus on her forehead had be dull and lusterless.


    He turned around and asked Jiang Wenyuan, "May I speak with Qingqing alone?"


    Jiang Wenyuan hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, taking his son out.


    Jing Yan pulled over a small stool and sat next to Jiang Yuqing, holding her icy hand, "Qingqing, I''m your brother Jing Yan. I came from the capital to see you. Wake up and take a look at me!


    I heard a lot about you in the capital. Qingqing, you are really amazing.


    General Wei Qing said he knew the gunpowder form was also secretly given by you, because he saw the letter you wrote to your parents, and the handwriting was exactly the same as that on the gunpowder form.


    He said you were the smartest and best youngdy he had ever seen. I''m so proud of you!


    It''s just that you were too silly to trade your life for those Tartars¡¯ lives! Qingqing, it wasn''t worth it..." Jing Yan''s eyes reddened.


    A pink butterfly fluttered over and hovered elegantly on her forehead.


    Jing Yan smiled again and said, "Qingqing, spring in Su Prefecture is truly beautiful. We recovered vast grasnds outside Yumen Pass. If you wake up, I''ll take you to race horses out there.


    I promised to teach you horseback riding before. Here I am, so don''t break your promise, okay? You can also raise many horses, cattle and sheep there."


    He chatted endlessly with her until the scorching sun forced Lu to take Jiang Yuqing back indoors. Only then did he stop talking.


    Since that day, Jing Yan settled down in the prefect¡¯spound as an old acquaintance¡¯s son, with his room next to Jiang Yuquan¡¯s.


    He had wanted to live next to Jiang Yuqing¡¯s, but how could Jiang Wenyuan allow that?


    In fact, he had been guarding against this young man to prevent him from taking his daughter away someday so that he would have nowhere to cry.


    Fortunately, Jing Yan knew his ce well enough, feeling it was good to live next to Jiang Yuquan. After all, he could still see Qingqing every day in this courtyard and talk to her.


    On nice days when Jiang¡¯s family was not home, he could even hug her out to the garden for a walk and smell the floral scents. Sometimes he would also apany Jiang Wenyuan out to the countryside to inspect, just like when he was in Qingzhou apanying his uncle inspecting the countryside.


    He ended up staying for over a month.


    Jiang Wenyuan could no longer tolerate it, nor could the emperor, who wrote repeatedly urging him to return to the capital. Roaring, "You said you were going to see your little daughter-inw, and I allowed it. But you can''t just keep living there and note back!


    Have you forgotten that you are still the Crown Prince, my sessor? What does it mean for you to keep living at your father-inw''s and farm with him? Those who know you''re the Crown Prince wouldn''t understand, and those who don''t would mistake you for a son-inw of the family. Come back quickly and get back to work!"


    Jing Yan had no choice but to pack up and prepare to return to the capital.


    The day before his departure, he held Jiang Yuqing''s hand sorrowfully: ¡°Yuqing, are you still unwilling to wake up? I will depart for the capital tomorrow, I still want to talk to you again, hear you call me brother!"


    As he spoke, he lowered his head, his throat choked up a little.


    With great effort, a hoarse voice softly rang out: ¡°Brother!¡± Jing Yan thought he was just missing her too much and was hearing things. When he raised his head, he collided right into Jiang Yuqing''s weak but smiling eyes.


    ¡°Yuqing, you woke up. You finally woke up! Jing Yan was overjoyed with tears!" Then he shouted loudly: ¡°Yuqing woke up, Yuqing woke up!¡±


    When the Jiang family heard the news, they rushed in like crazy. Lu carefully held her daughter in her arms, tears flowing like rain, crying inconsbly: ¡°Dear, mother¡¯s heart, you finally woke up. If you didn''t wake up for a while longer, mother wouldn''t have wanted to live either.¡±


    With red eyes, Jiang Wenyuan rubbed his daughter''s head and choked back tears: ¡°My dear has returned.¡±


    Because of Jiang Yuqing''s awakening, Su Prefecture yamen was ted. Lu directly ordered that everyone be given an extra month''s sry.


    When Doctor Qiu and Lu Yi at home heard that Jiang Yuqing had woken up, they immediately left behind the hall full of students and ran home.


    After Doctor Qiu returned home and diagnosed her pulse to confirm she waspletely fine, he finally rxed. Then he held Jiang Yuqing and cried.


    As he wiped away tears, the old man scolded: ¡°Wretched girl, you nearly scared me to death. I¡¯m so old already, I can¡¯t take anymore scares from you. Five whole months, you slept five whole months. I was nervous and anxious for half a year, you ungrateful child.....¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, Master, I was wrong, there won''t be a next time."


    The old man said: ¡°What? You still think there''ll be a next time.....¡±


    ¡°No, there won''t be a next time,¡± Jiang Yuqing quickly apologized.


    This time, it was her own fault. Having burdened her master at such an old age with this kind of suffering, Jiang Yuqing felt very ashamed and could only do her best tofort him.


    After the old man calmed down emotionally, Lu Yi briskly opened up his fan and shook it while striking what he thought was a very stylish pose. He hooked the corner of his mouth and said, ¡°Little junior sister, wee back to thend of the living!¡±


    No sooner had he finished speaking than he received a fierce p from Doctor Qiu: ¡°You little brat, do you even know what you¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°......¡±


    That hit the spot!

 Chapter 111: Black Wolfberry

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Bai Xiaoshi had just recovered from a serious illness, and after Jiang Yuqing chatted with everyone for a while, she felt a little weak. Seeing her condition, everyone hurried out of the room to let her rest well.


    After everyone had left, Bai Xiaoshi pounced on her crying loudly, "Qingbao, you scared me to death. I thought you would never wake up again.


    I was even thinking that if you didn''t wake up after another year, I would find another owner. A very nice owner."


    Jiang Yuqing hugged its beautiful head and rubbed her forehead against it, "How could that be? I said that I am the dear daughter of the Jade Emperor, he would not let me die so easily."


    Bai Xiaoshi said angrily, "A dear daughter who still had to endure such a severe bacsh, you almost died! They are clearly bad guys! They should have died!"


    Jiang Yuqing stroked its beautiful antlers and said, "They really deserved to die. Admittedly, as you said, I am a cultivator.


    If I had killed fellow cultivators that day, I would have had hallucinations when advancing, or more severe heavenly tribtions at most because of the heavy karma.


    But cultivators have absolute power over mortals.


    If the rules of the Heavenly Dao did not restrict us, then as long as there were a few more cultivators like me.


    Or if just one of those two or three people was psychologically perverted, then the mortals of this world would suffer an unimaginable disaster.


    Mortals are the foundation of this world and the masters. We cultivators are anomalous existences.


    Perhaps this world would allow the existence of a few anomalies, but it would never allow anomalies to affect the basic harmony of the order of this world. This is the Dao!"


    Bai Xiaoshi thought about it for a long time before gently rubbing her with its head, "Qingbao, maybe you''re right, I was too one-sided. You just woke up and your body is still very weak. Go back to sleep!"


    Bai Xiaojiu also came over to snuggle her. Ever since Jiang Yuqing fell unconscious, Bai Xiaojiu had never gone out again. Every day except for eating, using the toilet, and the rest of the time, it had been guarding her yard.


    It was also an affectionate and righteous tiger.


    Jiang Yuqing closed her eyes to sleep again.


    But her mind was thinking that when she was in aa, her soul was locked in a dark and empty space. An awe-inspiring voice questioned her, "Do you regret it?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head and said firmly, "No regrets!"


    The voice asked, "Why?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Because I am first a "person", and secondly a cultivator.


    I also have family and friends. I also have human emotions of love, hatred, evil and desire. I have things that I want to protect.


    They destroyed what I wanted to protect in such a cruel way, my beliefs, so they deserved to die!


    If I had to choose again, I would still do the same even if it meant my death and destruction of my dao attainments.."


    The voice sighed deeply for a long time before disappearing.


    After that, she was kept in that empty space with no wind, no water, no sunlight, and no sound, only endless nothingness and darkness.


    She thought she would be locked up until she died. Later, she gradually began to hear many familiar voices.


    Her father and mother, elder brother, master, senior martial brothers, servants, and even Jing Yan.


    They kept talking to her and telling her that they missed her very much.


    Her father said that the war was over. The Tartars were chased back to the grasnds far, far away, so far that they wouldn''t daree again for a very, very long time in the future.


    And because of her outstanding achievements, His Majesty conferred on her the title of Princess and gave her one third of Su Prefecture as her fief.


    Her mother said that spring hade, and the rose flowers she brought and nted from her hometown had all bloomed. They covered the whole wall and were pinkish white, beautiful and wonderful. She had also nted many vegetables that she liked to eat in the garden.


    Her elder brother would read to her and tell her what interesting things were happening in the academy. His cuju skills had also improved a lot.


    Her master threatened her that if she didn''t wake up soon, he would expel her from the sect. He would find a cuter and more talented little girl to be hisst disciple. Hmph, as if he could find one!


    Her third senior martial brother said that as long as she woke up, when the Old Man passed away in the future, he would definitely notpete with her for the position of Valley Master. Then came the usual sounds of the master beating up his third disciple.


    This guy was still forgetting the lessons after being beaten. His mouth was so sarcastic that she didn''t know how Gongsun Zishu could stand him.


    She desperately wanted to wake up every moment, but no matter how hard she struggled, it was futile.


    Later, Jing Yan came. He ran all the way from Capital City just to see her once, and she was really touched.


    The little boy was so good to her. He kept talking to her and carrying her for walks even when she couldn''t respond with a single word.


    Until one day, he sadly told her that he had to go back to Capital City. Before leaving, he wanted to talk to her onest time and call her "little elder brother".


    This friend was so precious that she subconsciously didn''t want him to leave with regrets.


    She suddenly mustered unknown strength to struggle desperately, and unexpectedly seeded this time. She finally saw this colorful, beautiful world again and saw this young boy again.


    The news that Jiang Yuqing had awakened spread throughout Su Prefecture City very quickly. Everyone spread the word happily and excitedly.


    When the people of Su Prefecture saw Madam Jiang¡¯s white tiger squatting in front of the meat stall again after half a year, they knew everything was going to be okay.


    Jiang Yuqing had been lying in bed for too long, and her whole body was stiff. In the first two days after waking up, even walking was difficult. After getting used to it for two days, she slowly recovered.


    Because of the bacsh from Heavenly Dao, her previous cultivation level of nineyers in the qi condensing stage directly fell back to zero. Her dantian was empty without a trace of spiritual energy, no different from ordinary people.


    Even Little Jing had fallen into slumber. Fortunately, she could still enter and exit her spiritual space freely.


    Bai Xiaoshi felt sad for her, but she was very open about it. It was already the mercy of Heaven that she still had a life left.


    As long as her spiritual space still existed, everything could be restarted from the beginning, so what was there to be sad about?


    After training in the yard for another two days, Jiang Yuqing was finally able to walk normally. Just in time, the spring plowing was over and Jiang Wenyuan was not so busy after entering summer.


    It was nowte June. The few thousand acres of ck goji berries nted in Sha Qing County were ripe.


    Jiang Wenyuan decided to take a few days off to go take a look, and bring the whole family on an outing while he was at it.


    In addition to ck goji berries, Sha Qing County also had grasnds that were not small in area. After picking the goji berries, they could also go to the grasnds to ride horses and enjoy the scenery.


    The whole family unanimously agreed with this decision. When Doctor Qiu and Lu Yi heard about it, they also joined in. How could they go out to y without bringing them along? It would be too awkward.


    So on June 22nd, Jiang Wenyuan took his family of four, Doctor Qiu and his apprentice Lu Yi, a group of guards and servants, and set off magnificently towards Sha Qing County to the northeast.


    Yes, that guy Jing Yan stayed behind again. As for the letter from his father urging him to return, he just pretended not to see it. He even directly replied, "I¡¯m away on duty and cannotply with your order!"


    Jiang Yuqing always felt that this sentence was not supposed to be used like that.


    It used to take more than two days to travel from Su Prefecture City to Sha Qing County, and now it only took one day.


    This was becausest year after Jiang Wenyuanpleted the official road from Su Prefecture to Capital City, and seeing that there was still a lot of money left in the ounts, he simplymissioned the Mohists to repair the official roads from Su Prefecture to all the counties under its jurisdiction.


    Because the roads were good to travel on, the travel time between Su Prefecture and each county was directly reduced by half.


    It was also because of this that during the great battle to resist the Tartarsst year, materials and supplies from all over the country could be transported to the Su Prefecture battlefield so quickly and smoothly.


    Jiang Wenyuan truly had outstanding contributions to the victory in the great war.


    At night, the Jiang family booked thergest inn in Sha Qing County to stay at.


    This was also the first time since the opening of this inn that they had encountered such a generous customer. The shopkeeper smiled so widely that his mouth almost couldn¡¯t close.


    If it was just their family, they could have managed with simple amodations, but there was also an eminent monk along, so there was no way things could be simple.


    The next day, the Sha Qing County Magistrate arrived early at the inn to await their presence. After getting up and having breakfast, everyone set off for the cultivation base of the ck goji berries.


    ck goji berries were known as "soft gold" inter generations, but they did not look like orderly, neat rows and columns of crops as some people imagined.


    On the contrary, at first nce, this was just a low shrub and weed ground.


    This was because all the wild lycium grew in very barren soil, such as saline-alkalind. Their roots were developed, and they could grow for decades or even nearly a hundred years. The fruiting periodsted twenty to thirty years every year. The harvesting season was fromte June to October.


    They basically belonged to the kind that you nt once and eat for a lifetime. They did not require much care as long as they were not waterlogged. When they were first nted as seedlings, weeding them once was enough, and no further care was needed afterwards.


    This was because the weeds would absorb the saline-alkali content in the soil. When they rotted, they would form humic acid around the lycium roots, which greatly increased the organic content of the soil. As a result, more andrger fruits would form on the shrubs.


    Moreover, because Jiang Yuqing had specifically flown over in the middle of the night to oversee this piece ofnd, the first crop of fruit grew exceptionallyrge, each the size of her little finger.


    At this time, manymoners were already busy working in the lycium field. Among them was someone who had been to the prefectural city and An Hospital for medical treatment before, and recognized Doctor Qiu and Jiang Yuqing.


    "This person looks so familiar!" The woman pped her thigh, "Oh my! Isn''t this Doctor Qiu and the young nobledy!"


    Hearing the woman''s yell, the people working were shocked to find out that Prefect Jiang had brought his family to pick lycium.


    They rushed over to greet them.


    Jiang Wenyuan was amiable, smilingly put on a straw hat crookedly, picked up a small basket, and walked into the field.


    He bent over to pick lycium as he used to, chatting with themoners while working.


    Jing Yan followed beside him, silently observing everything and contemting deeply.


    At noon when everyone stopped to eat, themoners enthusiastically shared the fresh vegetable buns they had brought with Jiang Wenyuan''s family.


    Jiang Wenyuan did not despise them either, but after receiving the buns, he also shared half of therge white steamed buns he had brought.


    Jing Yan, who had not spoken all along, asked Jiang Wenyuan, who was sitting on the ground in coarse clothes and nibbling on a vegetable bun, "Has Your Excellency always been like this?"


    Jiang Wenyuan swallowed the bun in his mouth andughed, "I was born in an impoverished family and came from themoners. Even after I came to Su Prefecture, they are still my elders and fellow vigers. Going among them, listening to their hearts, caring about what they care about, and thinking what they think, this is the foundation of being an official.


    It is the same for being a monarch.


    I once read the following passage in a book by an ancient wise man from time immemorial. He said:


    (The monarch relies on the state, and the state relies on the people. Carving the people to serve the monarch is like cutting meat to satisfy hunger. When the stomach is full, the body perishes; when the monarch is rich, the state perishes. The troubles of the monarch do note from external sources, but often arise from his person.


    When one desires prosperity yet spends extravagantly, extravagant spending leads to heavy taxes and levies. Heavy taxes and levies distress the people, the people''s distress endangers the state, and the endangered state causes the monarch to fall.)


    Myte father also said something extremely outrageous.


    He said that we bare-legged folks do not care who bes the Emperor. We only care which Emperor can make us with full stomachs and peaceful days.


    Young master is going to vie for power in the future. Staying in official circles for too long easily leads to blindness.


    Whenever you have time, go among themon people more to understand their afflictions and hardships. Only then can Da Xia''s foundationst for thousands of years!"


    Upon hearing this, Jing Yan stood up and made a deep bow with sped fists, "Jing Yan thanks Your Excellency for your teaching!"


    Jiang Wenyuan also stood up and reciprocated, "I dare not. As long as the young master does not me me for overstepping, that is good enough!"


    That night, Jing Yan wrote a letter to his father and urged for it to be quickly delivered to the capital by fast horse. The gist was: Father, you can forget about that nonsense dog-fart summer resort.

 Chapter 112: Building Foundations

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    The next day, everyone went to the grasnd to ride horses again for a whole day.


    Although Jiang Yuqing was used to riding deers in the past, Bai Xiaoshimunicated well with her.


    Without needing any directions from her, Bai Xiaoshi could steadily carry her to wherever she wanted to go.


    Although she could alsomunicate with the horses, it was still far worsepared to Bai Xiaoshi.


    If aparison had to be made, it would be like the difference between a high-tech self-driving vehicle and a manual transmission.


    At night, everyone pitched tents on the grasnd and lit a bonfire, whispering to each other or gazing up at the stars. The stars on the grasnd were big and bright, exceptionally beautiful. Staring for too long would make one unconsciously intoxicated. Or perhaps it was the feeling of surviving a disaster that made one especially sentimental.


    Jiang Yuqing leaned against her brother and started singing, "Beautiful grasnd, my home. The wind blows green grass and flowers everywhere..." The song was about a shepherdess singing merrily, with the joyful melody spreading everywhere.


    Her voice was bright and clear, with a touch of milk-like purity. Everyone listened as if spellbound. After she finished one song, everyone pped and cheered loudly.


    Jiang Yuqing was encouraged by the praise to sing another song: "The red sun rises in the east, its road filled with rosy glows. How fortunate I am to be born by your side, inheriting this vein of blood..."


    In the tranquil night, the singing carried very far away. Everyone felt that they had never heard such beautiful singing before.


    Jiang Wenyuan looked at his wife nestled by his side, then at his son and daughter sitting together. Then he raised his head to gaze at the full sky of stars. He suddenly felt extremely blissful and fulfilled.


    Peaceful times like these were pure happiness!


    After returning from Sha Qing County, daily life went back to how it used to be, following routines. The children went to school, Jiang Wenyuan went to work in the court of justice, and Jiang Yuqing returned to He An Hospital.


    After experiencing thest great battle, themanders of all major military camps had seen with their own eyes the capabilities of He An Hospital and Bianque Valley.


    The team led by Bianque Valley set a historic record of having treated thergest number of wounded soldiers, with the lowest number of deaths, less than one fifth of previous rates. It was legendary.


    This was also the main reason why Emperor Xia Jing conferred the title "Heavenly Doctor Valley" to Bianque Valley. These people deserved the name "Heavenly Doctor".


    Therefore, even though the battles had ceased, many camps still sent people over to learn. Thanks to their fame, even camps from thousands of miles away in the southeast coast had sent people.


    Learning these skills could save lives - which major camp wouldn''t be tempted? As a result, He An Hospital became even busier than before.


    But no matter how busy, everyone would still ensure Jiang Yuqing got to rest once her time was up. The child had only just recovered from serious illness, she couldn''t risk being exhausted again.


    No matter how much he dragged his feet, Jing Yan still packed up at the end of July and reluctantly returned to the capital city,


    because his father, Emperor Xia Jing, had given him an ultimatum that if he didn''t return, the throne would immediately pass to Jing Yan instead. With no choice left, he unwillingly went back.


    After Jing Yan''s departure, Jiang Wenyuan felt much more rxed. With that brat no longer hovering around his precious daughter every day, he felt even the air had be much fresher.


    It simply couldn''t get any better! On his way to work, he hummed songs the entire way.


    At the end of July, the man who sold melon seedsst year came again. He had nted 30 mu of melon seeds this year, and brought over vigers to nt a sizeable amount too.


    The harvested seeds totaled nearly 9000 catties. Together with over 1000 catties of seeds harvestedst year, it came to 10000 catties in total.


    Jiang Yuqing matched them with the correct seasonings, spending two days to roast over 20 catties of ck melon seeds and let her family have a taste. Everyone said they were delicious, especially the women.


    With an estimate now, Jiang Yuqing directly passed the recipe and the melon seeds to her father, referring the man who nted the melon seeds to her father too, for him to handle the operations while she just collected money. Her father was shrewd enough that business under him wouldn''t shortchange her.


    Right now she had three main responsibilities - apany her family, teach students, and cultivate. Her current cultivation level was back to zero. Not restoring it would mean any random person would be able to crush her easily, which made her feel unsafe.


    Although there were many people guarding her daily travels, the saying goes: One should rely on one¡¯s own effort. She had to restore her cultivation.


    Luckily she had prior experience, and her state of mind now was much broader and steadier than before. Picking up where she left off went much faster and smoother than before, lightening her mood quite a bit.


    Time waits for no one. Four years flew by in the blink of an eye. Jiang Yuqing was already 10 years old, grown into an elegant little maiden, her once childish features now faintly blossoming into beauty.


    Over the four years, she had cultivated back to Great Perfection of Refining Qi Realm, and directly broke through to Initial Establishment Realm, now in early Establishment Realm.


    After stabilizing her cultivation level, she fished out a few spirit swords from the pile of assorted items behind the Heritage Hall.


    With no clue about their quality, she just randomly picked one she fancied and bound it as a magic treasure with a blood oath.


    No matter her actual sword skills, it would at least look impressive, and flying with the sword must be extremely cool.


    Just as those immortal cultivators in fantasy dramas she watched in her past life. She had craved to try it for very long.


    There''s a saying, The reality can be cruelpared to one¡¯s idealized dreams . Lacking a proper master to guide her, she could only grope her way forward using the pitiful knowledge on the jade slip.


    The first time trying sword flight, she hadn''t stimted the sword core properly and the spirit sword didn''t even take off. After carefully studying the jade slip again and performing the correct sword technique, she tried again.


    This time the spirit sword finally flew up, but only rose one and a half yards high before dropping back down. Failure!


    Luckily the child waspetitive by nature. Failure only made her try again. After numerous practices, the spirit sword was finally able to fly steadily.


    Next she could attempt carrying a passenger for flight.


    Jiang Yuqing cast out the spirit sword to hover half a foot above ground, then carefully stepped onto it and shifted her weight to check its stability. Hmm, felt pretty stable.


    She then carefully input spiritual energy to propel the sword upwards, flying several hundred meters in the air and circling once without issues, very smooth.


    After practicing a few times and feeling capable of it, she started ying aerial stunts - somersaults, Thomas flips, as she flipped around she gloated at Bai Xiaoshi: "Little White, see this? I can fly myself now without needing you to carry me. Isn''t it extremely impressive?"


    Standing atop the cliff, Bai Xiaoshi watched the show-off overhead and rolled his eyes. Who did she think she was, a monkey? Making all those somersaults.


    Just as he finished mentally snarking, he saw the aerial figure scream as she and the out-of-control sword plummeted down at an rming speed, crashing into a spindly ancient pine jutting from the opposite cliff with a loud "dong". The pitiful wail before impact echoed across the whole valley. Even from afar Bai Xiaoshi felt that collision in his teeth. (¡ï^O^¡ï) Serves her right for showing off.


    Jiang Yuqing hugged onto the tree, her head still buzzing minutester when she came to her senses. Touching her forehead, there was a massive protruding lump growing, almost crashing straight into a concussion.


    There was the strong taste of iron in her mouth too. Opening wide, two front teeth that had just grown out fell out.


    Waaaa, her new teeth were knocked out again!


    Indeed, overconfidence invites trouble, just like lyrics from a song: "Retributiones as swift as a tornado." She only had herself to me for not putting on any protective shielding or something, which led to crashing so disastrously.


    She quickly cast Rejuvenation magic to restore herself into a perfect petite goddess.


    She felt relieved that Third Martial Uncle had not witnessed the horrifying sight earlier. That gossip with a glib tongue would surely bestow numerous mortifying nicknames that she resented - things like "Chipped Tooth", "Ancient Methush", or "Baozi Bun" head. Heh heh, she didn''t even need to count off her fingers to imagine several such names.


    Jiang Yuqing turned and looked around for her spirit sword, but couldn''t find where it had fallen to. Just as she was about call for Little White, there was a "crack" from under her bottom that made her quickly leap onto the thicker forked branch beside.


    The moment she lifted her bottom the branch she was just on snapped off entirely with a swoosh, crashing down perfectly onto arge bird''s nest below. The two eggs inside were instantly smashed to smithereens.


    The predatory big bird happened to return just then and, upon seeing this scene, immediately went crazy. It spotted the culprit hanging from the tree trunk along the direction of the falling branches at a nce, pounced over, and was about to start a fight.


    This was a third-order Iron Talon Eagle, whosebat power wasparable to that of someone at the mid Foundation Establishment stage. To make matters worse, it found itself hanging midair, unable to maneuver into a fighting stance.


    In desperation, it pped out Little Thorn to tie the culprit to the tree trunk.


    Bai Xiaoshi hurriedly said, ¡°Big bird, don¡¯t be impulsive first. Let¡¯s talk this through, let¡¯s talk this through! I really didn¡¯t mean to destroy your nest. Besides, those two eggs aren¡¯t even yours!¡±


    The Iron Talon Eagle squawked furiously, ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense! Those eggs are clearly mine!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°They really aren¡¯t yours.


    It¡¯s true that Iron Talon Eagles like yourselves have grayish-white eggs, but the two eggs in your nest have streaked patterns on their grayish-white shells. Those are clearly the eggs of Gray Feather Cuckoos, who love to engage in cuckoo tactics the most.¡±


    The Iron Talon Eagle¡¯s huge eagle eyes froze in shock. ¡°Is everything you said true?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, just fly back and see for yourself. Besides, my spirit sword is also caught in this tree. Hanging here, I can¡¯t escape even if I wanted to.


    If I was lying, you cane settle scores with me anytime.


    If my words were correct, then you¡¯ll be responsible for sending me back to the pce on the other side and helping me retrieve my spirit sword. What do you say?¡±


    The Iron Talon Eagle had its mind muddled and its round eagle eyes circled around: ¡°Deal! If you dare deceive me, I¡¯ll tear you into pieces and swallow you down!¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dare, wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± Jiang Yuqing released the Iron Talon Eagle.


    The Iron Talon Eagle turned around and returned to its nest. Brushing aside the leaves, it finally saw that what had shattered weren¡¯t its eggs at all. Its eggs had long been eaten by the wretched Gray Feather Cuckoos, who then switched its own eggs into the nest.


    The Iron Talon Eagle shrieked furiously, nning to find those Gray Feather Cuckoos for revenge.


    Jiang Yuqing hurriedly shouted, ¡°Big bird, I won¡¯t stop you from seeking revenge, but aren''t you going to finish what you promised me first before leaving?¡±


    Only then did the Iron Talon Eagle fly back, carrying Jiang Yuqing to the cliff top on this side of the pce, before flying back again to retrieve her spirit sword for her.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing didn''t forget to exhort it: ¡°Big bird, be careful when fighting fellow birds. If you get injured,e back and let me treat your wounds.¡±


    The Iron Talon Eagle shrieked as it circled in the air, as if responding. With a p of its wings it shot upward, its giant body disappearing into the sea of clouds without a trace.


    Bai Xiaoshi had watched this interesting drama from start to finish,ughing so hard that it couldn''t stand up.


    Jiang Yuqing ced her hands on her waist and scolded it, ¡°Stillughing! Laugh yourself to death why don¡¯t you! Seeing your master meet misfortune yet not even trying toe save me.¡±


    Bai Xiaoshiughed until it ran out of breath: ¡°There¡¯s no need for that... At worst... At worst, you¡¯d just suffer a little.


    Who told you to show off? Showing off is asking to be struck by lightning. Hahahaha!¡±


    The little girl angrily walked away, determined not to bother with the tactless and shameless mystic artifact.


    Stinking brat, just you wait. Once I¡¯ve learned how to fly on swords, I¡¯ll definitely boot you off, kicking you far, far away.


    I promise, I definitely will!


    Herdyship harbored thoughts of venting without goal as she finally learned the supreme technique of swordsmanship after two days.


    After learning it, she kept flying back and forth in front of the artifact, showing off in various ways.


    Bai Xiaoshi felt extremely gloomy. Just what sin had itmitted in its past life to end up with this idiot of a master? This was really too much to take.

 Chapter 113: Take You to See the Capital

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    Four years is enough to change many things.


    This was Jiang Wenyuan''s sixth year serving as the magistrate of Su Prefecture.


    In fact, his term was up three years ago, but the people of Su Prefecture were reluctant to see him go.


    When his three-year term was nearing its end, they jointly wrote a petition with ten thousand signatures and sent it to the Capital City, forcibly keeping him here.


    Jiang Wenyuan was also reluctant to leave the people here, so he stayed for another term - six years in total now.


    This was already his sixth year. He feared that this time, even if the people of Su Prefecture wrote another petition with ten thousand signatures, it would not be enough to keep him any longer.


    In Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s fourth year in Su Prefecture, Jiang Yuchuan went back to his hometown Qingzhou to take the county exam, and ced first as the Top Schr. He was thirteen that year.


    That same year, he entered the Imperial Academy to study.


    His elder cousin Jiang Yujiang also took the county exam in Lingzhou Prefecture and ced fifth. Jiang Wenyuan rmended both nephews to study at the Imperial Academy under the name ¡°Duke Jiang¡±.


    The two cousins lived together at Duke Jiang''s Residence in the Capital City.


    Second brother Jiang Yuhe barely passed the county exam at the ¡°outstanding talent¡± level, but secretly ran away, leaving a letter that he had gone to join the military.


    Knowing that his third uncle was in Su Prefecture in the northwest, he didn¡¯t dare toe here.


    Instead, he ran to the southeast coast, saying he wanted to fight Japanese pirates. This left his mother so furious that she threatened to sever their mother-son ties.


    Third brother Jiang Yuhu lost interest in studying after passing as an outstanding talent. He did not continue his studies, but chose to go into business instead.


    Jiang Wenyuan simply wrote home to hand over all the family properties to Jiang Yuhu to manage.


    Among the seven brothers, he was the only one who was married.


    Jiang Yuqing knew the girl - she even yed matchmaker for them. It was Chen Yingying whom they met in Jizhou Province back then.


    Back when the master and disciple had lodged overnight at the Chen''s residence, they overheard Lord Chen sigh over the good products from Qingzhou, but had no way to trade.


    When Jiang Yuqing left, she left a note to help them out.


    Later, when Lord Chen went to Qingzhou to trade, Chen Yingying tagged along. Somehow she and Jiang Yuhu took a liking to each other at first sight.


    Jiang Yuhu liked doing business, and Chen Yingying also came from a merchant family. One couldn¡¯t find a more suitable match.


    When they got married, Jiang Yuqing returned to Qingzhou with her mother Lady Lu specially to attend their wedding.


    The Jiang family no longer enforced the rule of marrying by seniority. As long as someone was willing to get married, the elders were fine with it regardless of order.


    Otherwise, if the older brothers used not having met the right person as an excuse not to marry, what could they do? So whoever could find a partner first got to marry!


    In old Mr. Jiang¡¯s words, these rascals were all here to collect debts. Getting them to settle down was such a headache when they were still picky.


    Back in their days, having a woman who could warm your bed was already good fortune. As long as she had all her limbs, who cared if she was a beauty? Blow out the lights and they were all the same. The key was whether she could bear children.


    Old Lady Hu happened to overhear this. The old woman was furious. She immediately chased after the old man with her broom, whacking wildly.


    If the others hadn¡¯t stopped her in time, his bald head would surely have sprouted a few more lumps.


    As for the fourth and sixth brothers, they were still attending Uncle Lu¡¯s school, and would graduate next year at thetest.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s cousin on her uncle¡¯s side, elder cousin Lu Huai, had already passed the provincial exam and was now studying at the prestigious White Deer Academy.


    Younger cousin Lu Jin had passed the county exam with an outstanding talent rating, and was studying at the Qingzhou Prefecture County School. He would also be taking the provincial exam next year.


    Overall, everything was going quite well.


    Three years ago, her second senior brother Guo Jie also married, and weed a sonst year.


    Jiang Yuqing personally carved an enhanced Peace Talisman for the child as a one month celebration gift.


    As for her third senior brother, he and Gongsun Zishu had been in a tangled rtionship for many years before finally tying the knot at the end ofst year.


    On his wedding day, Doctor Qiu was ted, saying he had finally unloaded an item that had been stored away for too long and was about to expire soon. He nearlyughed everyone present to death.


    Autumn winds rose again marking the turn of another year.


    When the leaves in the yard began to fall, Jiang Yuqing knew their return to the Capital City was drawing near. After careful consideration, the day of departure was set for the third day of the eighth lunar month.


    Lady Lu had already begun packing what they would bring back. They would likely settle in the Capital City long term after this trip.


    Wherever Jiang Yuqing¡¯s little apprentice went, Doctor Qiu would follow. As for Lu Yi, he bluntly said he preferred the carefree days here in Su Prefecture and was unwilling to return to the confines of the Capital City.


    Plus, it was near Wanjian Vi here, convenient for when his wife wanted to visit her parents. Jiang Yuqing respected his decision and left him fully in charge of the An He Clinic.


    She also made appropriate arrangements for other matters like the Warm Wool Handicraft Workshop.


    Before departing, Jiang Yuqing circled around the entire Su Prefecture once more. She first visited the ¡°Vast desert, thin wisp of smoke, setting sun rounds the long river¡± to see the great desert.


    Then she flew eastward over the ¡°Vast sky and expansive wilderness, gale sways grass revealing cattle and sheep¡± grasnds.


    Veering southeast, she arrived at the sea buckthorn ntation base in Sha Qing County, renewing the vitality over the crops once more.


    Continuing south, she reached Zengping. Unfortunately Uncle Lu Pingzhang was transferred back to Lingzhou to serve as magistrate after his three-year term here, as it was near home and he could take care of his aging parents.


    Jiang Yuqing then went to Jinma County and headed for Jingma Ridge. Here, she and her father had borrowed troops from the outpost to wipe out the bandits hiding in the mountain. They saved seventeen pitiful girls that day.


    After being tempered through blood and fire, each of those girls could now hold the ground on her own, bing the irondies and signature mascots of the An He Clinic. Some had even found lifelong bliss.


    Leaving Jinma, she returned below XiaChen City. She once promised a mother here to avenge her and her unborn child. And she fulfilled that oath.


    That woman had since passed; new owners now lived on thisnd. The fields outside the vige grew abundant crops.


    These were ethnic minority refugees who slowly migrated here over the past few years from thends beyond Yumen Pass, or victims of flooding in the south who lost their homes.


    Now resettled here, they multiplied and lived in peace and contentment.


    Perhaps this was the significance of the soldiers sacrificing their lives to defend this ce - so everything could develop for the better.


    Sixty li from Tongluo Pass, Jiang Yuqing arrived at the gentle slope. Perhaps nourished by the fertilizer of over five thousand corpses, the bushes and weeds here grew exceptionally lush.


    Jiang Yuqing even spotted marmots scurrying about. At their burrow openings, traces of rust speckled sabers could vaguely be seen.


    The Gobi Desert was indeed the best cemetery, burying all sins.


    At the very end, she returned to the tombs beyond Yumen Pass, cing fresh flowers and wine before each grave like she used to, apanying them for a long, long time.


    She left the deepest, most unforgettable feelings and memories of blood and fire from both lifetimes here.


    When departing from the cemetry, she took out arge wooden case lined with white fur, collecting a bit of soil from each grave into it with magic until filled to the brim.


    She gently caressed the box and murmured, ¡°Comrades, I¡¯m taking you to see the prosperity of the Capital City!¡±


    The third day of the eighth lunar month was the scheduled day of departure for the Jiang family. To avoid a repeat of the episodes back in Qingzhou, Jiang Wenyuan had no choice but to sneak the family out before dawn.


    Who knew as soon as they opened the gates, they were startled by the torches lining the streets. The people seemed to have expected this. They stood guard outside his residence overnight holding their flickering lights.


    Seeing him emerge, they swiftly knelt down.


    Jiang Wenyuan was shocked and quickly helped each person up, ¡°Rise, rise. The ground is cold. What is the meaning of this? Return home, go get some sleep!¡±


    But they remained kneeling. An elderly man tearfully pleaded, ¡°My lord cannot stay any longer?¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan sadly shook his head, ¡°I¡¯ve already served two consecutive terms of six years. I cannot remain here any longer or it would vite protocol!¡±


    The elder also knew it was a foregone conclusion. He added, ¡°May my lord attain further sess in the Capital City. When free, please return with yourdy and young master and miss to visit Su Prefecture. The people will never forget you!¡±


    ¡°I will certainly return. Su Prefecture is my second home!¡± Jiang Wenyuan choked up, ¡°Go back now. It¡¯s cold out at night, be careful of catching a chill.¡±


    The elder wept, ¡°My lord worked tirelessly for our people these years. Just allow us to send you off!¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s eyes reddened as he gazed upon the mass of people kneeling outside his residence even at thiste hour just to bid him farewell. Their torches flickered in the wind, mirroring the reluctance in their hearts to part.


    Themoners around also chimed in, "Sir, please let us send you off! This is the only thing we can do for you!"


    "Alright!" Jiang Wenyuan held back his tears. He knew that if he didn''t leave, they would not get up. So he decisively ordered to get on the carriage and leave the city.


    The carriage moved. Themoners shouted loudly, "The mountains are high and the roads are long. Please take care, Sir!" The shouts along the way came one after another like waves.


    When the carriage barely arrived at the city gate, the city gate was wide open. The soldiers guarding the city were also kneeling on one knee on both sides, shouting in unison, "Seeing off the Sir, seeing off the nobledy. The mountains are distant and journey is long. Please take care."


    Jiang Wenyuan had tears flowing down his face. After leaving the city gate, he got off the carriage with his whole family, faced all the soldiers andmoners from Su Prefecture seeing them off, and made a deep bow.


    "Take care!" Watching as the convoy gradually went farther and farther until disappearing from sight, only then did themoners of Su Prefecture reluctantly wiped their tears and returned to the city.


    When it dawned, the carriage stopped in a wilderness to rest briefly.


    Jiang Wenyuan was in very low spirits. He truly could not bear to leave thisnd and the lovelymoners here.


    It can be said that rather than him making Su Prefecture, Su Prefecture also made him.


    If possible, he would be willing to stay here as the prefectural administrator for the rest of his life, but he had no choice but to leave. His Majesty the Emperor had urged him to enter the Capital City twice already.


    His wife, Lady Lu, handed her husband a cup of water while pretending to be rxed tofort him, "We will have the opportunity toe back and take a look in the future. To tell the truth, I really can''t bear to leave the backyard gardens either. Over the past few years, the crops and vegetables I nted have been more abundant each year."


    Jiang Wenyuan held his wife''s hand, "Alright, we wille back and take a look if there is a chance in the future."


    As autumn winds brought Pleasant weather, their journey along the road was smooth all the way from Su Prefecture straight towards the Capital City.


    In the Capital City,


    The Emperor looked at the note handed over by the secret service agent: "Wenyuan departed Su at midnight,moners lined the streets with torch lights to send him off. Wenyuan was on his knees with tears to thank them!"


    Emperor Xia Jing sighed deeply. To be an official like Jiang Wenyuan is truly unprecedented in history.


    While in Qingzhou, in three years he made the citizens of the entire county well-fed with surplus food in every household.


    And in the six years at Su Prefecture, he painstakingly transformed a bitterly cold ce shunned by all into "Jiangnan North of the Pass", bing another granary of Great Xia. Since then, the Northern Frontier changed from a deste wastnd into a plentiful storehouse.


    How fortunate is Great Xia, to have such a capable minister.


    Emperor Xia Jing had even begun to envision the bright future after Jiang Wenyuan became a certain Imperial Secretary.

 Chapter 114: The Book of the Ministry of Ministry

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    When court was dismissed, Minister Gao Xuan of the Ministry of Revenue deliberately walked slower, just to wait for Qin Jue.


    Two years ago, former Minister of Personnel Su Xing retired, and Qin Jue seeded Old Master Su to be the head of the Ministry of Personnel.


    Last winter, Minister Zhang Xiu of the Ministry of Revenue slipped and fell when he went to court, breaking his leg. The position of Minister of Revenue has been vacant ever since.


    Gao Xuan thought this minister position was definitely his, and was extremely happy about it. He was just waiting for the emperor to issue an appointment edict at any time. But who would have thought, he would wait fromst year until this year. Seeing that most of this year has passed again, the position still has no candidate, Gao Xuan was anxious.


    He wanted to ask Qin Jue, the current Minister of Personnel and royal uncle, to see if he could get some inside news from him. Seeing Qin Juee out, he quickly fell two steps behind and saluted, "Minister Qin, please wait!"


    Qin Jue also returned a half bow, and said politely, "What can I do for Minister Gao?" He could guess with his toes what this old guy was up to.


    To be honest, Gao Xuan had been working hard in the Ministry of Revenue for many years. Although he didn''t make any great achievements, he also didn''t make any big mistakes. Judging only by his seniority, it was enough.


    But the position of the Minister of the Six Ministries was a big deal. It was equivalent to being a chancellor in previous dynasties. To sit in this position, one must not only be capable, but also skilled. Vision, ability, and grit were all indispensable.


    Especially the Ministry of Revenue. The Ministry of Revenue held the purse strings of Da Xia. The selection of its head was even more prudent. This Gao Xuan was stillcking.


    However, as colleagues in the same court, even if one knows some results in advance, one still has to keep up appearances.


    Gao Xuan asked carefully, "Since Minister Zhang retired, the Ministry of Revenue has been without a head for nearly a year. May I ask if Minister Qin has heard about His Majesty''s ns?"


    Qin Jue said indifferently, "No!"


    Gao Xuan obviously didn''t believe it: "Minister Qin, why are you deceiving me? You are the minister of personnel and the emperor''s uncle. How could you not have any news?"


    Qin Jue said, "Minister Gao, watch your words. Although Qin is the head of the Ministry of Personnel, he would not dare to rashly guess the emperor''s heart. Please don''t make things difficult for Gao Xuan!" With the conversation going to this point, Gao Xuan could no longer pester him. He could only bid farewell and left unhappily.


    The ministers watched from afar, and they all shook their heads. This Gao Xuan was really obtuse.


    His Majesty would rather leave the position of Minister of Revenue vacant for nearly a year, without mentioning anything about a sessor. Anyone with eyes could see who he was keeping the position for. Only this Gao Xuan still couldn''t see it clearly, or rather, couldn''t let go.


    s, what a fool!


    Jiang Wenyuan saw that his daughter had been carrying arge wooden box all the way. No matter getting on or off the carriage, she would carry it with her, and put a share of food in front of the box when eating.


    Although his daughter always had her reasons for doing things, Jiang Wenyuan still couldn''t help asking when they stopped to rest at noon: "Dear, is there a living thing in the box you''re carrying? Do you want me to hold it for you?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, gently stroked the box, and smiled a little sadly, "It''s grave soil. I took it from the tombs of the heroes outside Yumen Pass.


    Most of them never went to the capital in their lifetime. I want to take them to see how prosperous thisnd they guarded has be."


    Jiang Wenyuan was stunned for a moment, then his eyes turned red. He said, "That''s right! When we return to the capital, we will build another martyrs'' shrine next to our ancestral hall in the back garden to enshrine them forever. They should not be forgotten."


    "Thank you, Dad!"


    Jiang Wenyuan stroked his daughter''s head, with a slightly bitter smile.


    His daughter looked so happy every day. He thought she had already forgotten those pains, but it turned out she had been immersed in that pain all the time and never walked out of it.


    Some people and some things were destined to be forever engraved in her memory. She would not deliberately recall them, but would never forget them.


    Jiang Wenyuan knew, and everyone else knew too.


    Afterwards, whenever they ate or rested, everyone would specially reserve a seat for "them", put out a set of bowls and chopsticks, and add dishes. No one felt scared or unlucky.


    After a month and eleven days of bumps, the convoy finally entered the capital on the fourteenth day of the ninth month at dusk. When Jiang Yuqing saw the city gate, she gently patted the box beside her and smiled, "Comrades, we have arrived in the capital!"


    Jiang Yujiang and Jiang Yuchuan had been waiting at the city gate for a whole afternoon. At this time, when they saw the convoying from afar, they couldn''t help getting excited immediately.


    There was no need to check the insignia. Jiang family¡¯s convoy had no insignia. One could recognize it at a nce, because alongside the convoy ran a deer and a tiger.


    These two peculiar animals, along with the legendary experience of their owner''s family, were the talk of the town.


    Jiang Yuqing sat in the second carriage and saw her brothers from afar. Seeing her brothers waving at her, she also stuck her head out of the carriage and waved hard at her brothers.


    When the carriages came closer, the family got off the carriages. The two brothers came up quickly to greet them.


    "Greetings to Father and Mother!" Jiang Yuchuan, now a graceful fifteen-year-old teenager, was slightly taller than his father. Full of youthful spirit and the dignified manner of the heir apparent of a duke.


    Jiang Wenyuan patted his son''s hand approvingly, "Well done! You did very good!"


    "It was Father and Mother who taught me well!" He also rubbed his sister''s little head, "Dear, you''ve grown up and be more beautiful."


    Jiang Yuqing enjoyed rubbing her eldest brother''s hand and ttered unabashedly, "Brother has be more handsome too. And Brother passed the provincial examination. You are the best and most handsome brother in the world."


    Jiang Yujiang beside them protested, "Oh, so only your Seventh Brother is handsome, and Eldest Brother is not handsome?" Jiang Yuqing, the master tterer, went online immediately: "Handsome, of course handsome. My brothers are all handsome, there are no ugly ones in our family!"


    Everyoneughed. It was an eye-opener to see someone praise others while praising herself as well.


    Jiang Wenyuan looked at his eldest nephew, who had be more handsome and steady after six years, and was very happy to pat him on the shoulder, "In a blink of an eye, you have grown up so much. How nice!"


    Lady Lu said proudly, "Which child in our family is not good? It''s just, Jiang Yujiang, shouldn''t you start a family too?"


    Facing the marriage urging from Aunt San as soon as they met, Jiang Yujiang was also very helpless. He had to say vaguely, "If Nephew has someone he fancies, he will definitely tell Aunt!"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t want her big brother to be embarrassed by Mother, so she went forward and pulled Jiang Yujiang''s hand coquettishly, "Big Brother, do you want a hug?"


    Jiang Yujiang chuckled, and dotingly patted her forehead, "No, you''ve already grown up. You can''t hug anymore. But I can still piggyback you!" After saying that, he turned around and squatted down, just like when she was little.


    Jiang Yuqing was overjoyed and ran up to jump on her big brother''s back. The corners of her mouth were raised high. Lady Lu scolded her for being naughty with her mouth, but was delighted in her heart that there was no estrangement between the siblings even after not seeing each other for years. This was great!


    After some small talk at the city gate, everyone rode into the city. There would be time to talk after returning home.


    Compared with six years ago, the capital seemed to have be more prosperous. Although it was dusk, the vendors who were selling goods on the street didn¡¯t have any decreasing.


    Jiang Yujiang said that the capital had lifted the curfew two years ago. Therefore, even at night, the people of the capital were free to move around. After two years of development, a night market of considerable size had now formed.


    The people of the capital were also gradually beginning to enjoy this convenient life.


    The former Marquis Fu of Qingzhou had be the Duke Fu. The que above the gate had also been changed to six vermilion Chinese characters written by the emperor himself: "Imperiallymissioned Jiang Dukedom Residence".


    When the carriages arrived at the gate of the Duke Fu, Zhao the housekeeper was seen leading all the servants to stand on both sides to wee them.


    Seeing Jiang Wenyuan and his wife getting off the carriage, he quickly knelt down to greet them.


    After an absence of six years, living in this magnificent mansion again, looking at everything that was once familiar yet somewhat strange, Jiang Wenyuan couldn''t help feeling emotional.


    This time, they would probably stay for a long time.


    The family had prepared a sumptuous banquet to wee the masters home. Jiang Wenyuan appreciated that his servants had been conscientious in keeping the family for them all these years. Therefore, as soon as he returned, he rewarded them with two months'' sry. The servants were overjoyed.


    At the family banquet table, besides the Jiang family of four, there were also Jiang Yujiang and Dr. Qiu, Jiang Wenyuan asked them to add another chair and set of bowls and chopsticks.


    After people moved chairs over, Jiang Yuqing put the wooden box on the chair, and when he put down bowls, chopsticks, wine cups and other utensils, the two Jiang family boys immediately understood.


    When looking at the simple wooden box again, there was only heartache and respect left in their eyes.


    After the meal, Jiang Wenyuan called Steward Zhao and told him to invite the best craftsman tomorrow to build another martyrs'' shrine next to the ancestral hall in the mansion. Steward Zhao''s respect for this Duke Jiang then went up another level.


    After days of traveling by horse and carriage, everyone was a little tired. After eating, they talked briefly and then went back to their rooms to rest.


    It was an uneventful night.


    The next day, September 15, was one of the five court sessions. The current dynasty implemented a system of court sessions every three days, with full court sessions on the 1st and 15th.


    Jiang Wenyuan got up before dawn, put on the purple court dress worn by dukes, and went to the pce gate early to await the emperor''s summons.


    The court session did not start early. He could hearyers of summons from inside: "Summon Duke Jiang Wenyuan to enter the hall!"


    This was the first time in nine years of serving as an official that Jiang Wenyuan had stepped into the Golden Phoenix Hall, but he did not seem nervous at all. Calm and dignified, vigorous and resolute, he embodied both schrly grace and rugged toughness. He knelt down on one knee and paid his respects: "Your subject, Jiang Wenyuan, paying respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!"


    Emperor Xia Jing personally walked down from his throne, helped him up, and said, "Dear Minister, you must have had a tiring journey. Please rise quickly!"


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    The emperor''s cordiality made all the ministers'' eyes turn hot. But their eyes turning hot was pointless - who among them had Jiang Wenyuan''s capabilities?


    After that, the emperor asked in detail about the events in Su Prefecture, and Jiang Wenyuan answered every question.


    The emperor was very satisfied and asked again, "What are Your Excellency''s ns for the future?"


    Jiang Wenyuan replied, "I await Your Majesty''s orders!"


    The emperor then said, "Ever since Minister Zhang retired from his position in the Ministry of Revenue, the post of Minister of Revenue has remained vacant. As things stand, I shall have you take up this heavy responsibility!" As soon as his voice fell, the ministers all looked as if this was precisely what they had expected.


    Jiang Wenyuan knelt down and touched his forehead to the ground again. "Your subject Jiang Wenyuan thanks Your Majesty for his abundant grace. I will certainly fulfill my duties with utmost diligence and live up to Your Majesty''s expectations!"


    After court, several officials who were usually on good terms just patted Gao Xuan on the shoulder and said, "Take it easy!" before leaving, leaving only Gao Xuan standing there with a bitter taste in his mouth.


    He was not unaware that the emperor favored Jiang Wenyuan. He had just always harbored some unwillingness and wishful thinking about that position never having been filled before.


    Now that things were finally settled, he could also extinguish that delusion. To be honest, if anyone else had taken over as Minister, he would not have been convinced.


    Only with Jiang Wenyuan, even he could not say anything bad. Hadn''t you noticed that arge part of the credit for the current abundant state treasury of Da Xia was Jiang Wenyuan''s direct or indirect contribution?


    Oh well, with such an exceptional talent as the head official of the Ministry of Revenue, his days ahead would be much easier too. After understanding this point, much of the depression in Gao Xuan''s heart also dissipated, and he strode out of the pce.

 Chapter 115: Gossip

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    Today was also the day when Mother Lu and her daughter Jiang Yuqing went to the pce to give thanks.


    After so many years, Empress Qin was still as beautiful as ever.


    When she first saw Jiang Yuqing, she was overjoyed, "You ungrateful child, you went to Suchuan and didn''te back for so many years. Didn''t you know toe back and see me?"


    Then she hugged her and looked her over carefully, "You''ve grown up and grown taller, and have be prettier too."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "I have always been this pretty. And I''ve already grown up while you are still so gorgeous. Could it be that you ate some magical elixir for eternal youth?"


    Empress Qinughed at her joking, "After so many years of not seeing you, your sweet tongue has be even sweeter."


    Then she sighed, "It''s just a pity. Your Big Brother Yan is not here. Otherwise, he would have been so happy to know that you came back."


    Jiang Yuqing said in surprise, "Huh? He''s not in the pce?"


    Empress Qin said, "No, he went to the imperial mausoleum on behalf of His Majestyst month for memorial ceremonies. It will still take a few more days for him toe back."


    The youngdy said in realization, "Big brother has grown up and must be very busy now. Then I''ll go find him to y after hees back!"


    Empress Qin smiled meaningfully, "Good! When the timees, he will naturallye to find you himself."


    Empress Qin kept the mother and daughter to have lunch with her. She also rewarded them with piles of jewelry, clothes and essories before letting them go back home.


    Before they left the pce, Empress Qin did not forget to instruct Jiang Yuqing toe to the pce often whenever she had free time, saying that she had indeed been very bored over the past two years.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing find out that the only two princesses in the pce had both married out in recent years. There were also no new additions in the imperial harem over the years, let alone any new princes or princesses being born.


    In Empress Qin''s own words, it was boring and she couldn''t even get into pce intrigues. Supervising those few unimportant concubines in the harem everyday made her want to fall asleep just sitting there.


    Jiang Wenyuan was appointed as the Minister of Revenue. His whole mansion was filled with joy and celebration. The position of Minister of Revenue was a first grade position in the Great Xia dynasty.


    The prefect position he previously held was a fourth grade position. Going from a fourth grade position to a first grade position was a five rank jump. It could be said that since the founding of Great Xia, Jiang Wenyuan was the only official whose promotions had been like riding a rocket.


    Not only was he promoted so quickly, he was also convinced the civil and military officials of the entire court so that there was nothing they could say. This capability was not something ordinary people could emte.


    Officials and nobles who came to congratte him streamed in continuously. Even his two old friends, Qin Jue and Yuan Yun,ughed and asked him to treat them to drinks. However, Jiang Wenyuan did not seem to be very happy. Instead, he seemed to be more worried.


    Qin Jue joked with him, "With your series of quick promotions these past two years, we are all looking up at your back. Why do you still knit your brows so worriedly?"


    Jiang Wenyuan gave a bitterugh, "Others see me gaining rank, but I see the position as a responsibility. The duties of a Minister are heavier than a mountain. To be honest, I don''t have much confidence that I can do a good job."


    But Yuan Yun did not think so. He said, "Just based on what you just said, no one else but you should have this position. Jiang, I can see that you will do well." Qin Jue deeply agreed.


    Jumping from the fourth grade position of a prefect to the first grade position of a Minister was a promotion of five ranks. If it was anyone else, they probably would have been crazy with joy already.


    But this person was instead thinking not about how high his position was or how much power he held, but about how heavy the responsibility was that needed to be borne with this position. His mindset was simply unbelievable.


    Just because of this mentality, His Majesty had not chosen the wrong person. Handing over the position of Minister to such a person would definitely be a blessing to all themoners of Great Xia.


    The next day, Jiang Wenyuan went straight to the Ministry of Revenue office to formally take over his post.


    At noon, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s senior apprentice brother Tian Guang and his son, as well as her second senior apprentice brother Guo Jie with his family of three, all came to Jiang mansion.


    It was natural for disciples toe visit when their master returned.


    They had wanted toe yesterday but there were too many peopleing and going chaotically at Jiang mansion then. It was not a good time so they waited until today instead.


    Guo Jie''s son was just over one year old. His formal name was Guo Lingfeng while his milk name was Fengfeng.


    The little one had inherited all the best traits from his parents¡¯ side - big eyes, high nose bridge, fair skin. Having drank sufficient breastmilk, his body was chubby and exceptionally cute.


    Jiang Yuqing had zero resistance against such cute creatures, especially Fengfeng''s fat little face.


    Jiang Yuqing really couldn''t stand it and started touching it. As expected, it felt bouncy and smooth, just like jelly. The hand feel was impossibly wonderful that she suddenly understood why so many people enjoyed pinching her face when she herself was little. She thought to herself that babies¡¯ faces were indeed very fun to pinch!


    The child had just learnt how to speak simple words but he was very smart. When Jiang Yuqing took out a big apple and taught him to call her older sister in order to get it, he immediately remembered and shouted ¡°older sister!¡±. The youngdy was extremely happy and promptly stuffed the apple into his hands.


    But shortly after, she realized something was off. Everyone else was trying hard not tough. Jiang Yuqing gave a start, finally reacting to what just happened.


    That¡¯s not right! Fengfeng was her second senior apprentice brother¡¯s child. He should be calling her martial uncle instead of older sister. Getting him to shout older sister meant that she had lowered her own seniority!


    That won¡¯t do. She had to correct him. Snatching the apple back from the child¡¯s hands, she said, ¡°No, that¡¯s wrong. Call me again, this time say martial uncle. Martial - uncle!¡±


    Fengfeng stared nkly back at her, notprehending her intention.


    Jiang Yuqing could only patiently demonstrate again, ¡°Martial - uncle, martial - uncle.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± This time, the little one responded brightly and loudly. As his voice rang out, the entire room burst intoughter. Well, she had directly lowered her status straight into bing a junior now.


    Jiang Yuqing: "..." What sin had shemitted to deal with such difficult children these days?


    In the end, Jiang Yuqing still gave that apple back to him. Because the child was pursing his lips with eyes brimming with tears, looking prepared to cry loudly if she didn¡¯t give in.


    She knew that she was useless at cating little children, so she had to admit defeat when she should.


    After the lively and joyful lunch, everyone gathered together to chat and shared about what had happened over the years.


    However, the incident where Jiang Yuqing fell into aa for half a year due to magical bacsh became a taboo that everyone intentionally avoided. It was simply too distressing.


    When they asked Jiang Yuqing what her ns were for the future, she replied that she intended to rest for a period of time first. She nned to walk around and sightsee at ces in the capital city. Then she would consider going back to the Anhe Medical Center to work depending on the circumstances.


    Everyone voiced their agreement and even encouraged her.


    The little girl had endured too much and lived too wearily over the years. Burdened with far too many things, she had also been exhausted from working too hard. Letting her go experience the life of an ordinary youngdy, making some same-age friends, might not be a bad approach.


    The next day, Li Deshun also specially took leave from the pce to see her. The father and daughter pair chatted for half a day before he finally returned to the pce after lunch.


    Although Jiang Yuqing had lived in the capital for two years previously, she had been little at that time. Furthermore, she was always busy daily with matters at the Anhe Medical Center and the Imperial Pharmacy so most ces in the capital she had never gone to before.


    As for friends, the few that she did make had all gotten married and started their own families with children. It was not convenient for them to go out anymore.


    Thus, she asked Steward Zhao specifically and carefully inquired about which ces in the city had good food and y areas. Taking notes in a small book, she did not bring any escorts. Riding Little White Ten, she went around punching the checklist in her book.


    She first brought her wooden box to the pce gates. Stroking the box, she softly said, ¡°This is the pce already, where the Emperor lives.


    It¡¯s so majestic and grand. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t bring you all inside! Let¡¯s just admire the scenery from out here, alright?¡±


    Looking around, she continued, ¡°See, that¡¯s the Meridian Gate. All the ministers have to dismount from horses or carriages there when entering the pce daily to attend court sessions. Then they would walk in from that gate over there...¡±


    She dropped by the Imperial Academy. Walking around its perimeter, she narrated, ¡°Comrades, look! This is the famous Imperial Academy. All the schrs presented to court by Great Xia have walked out from here. If they pass the pce examinations after, they would be imperial schrs. My father was also one who walked out from here.¡±


    At this, her voice became somewhat softer, ¡°If reincarnation truly exists, I hope that all of you can be reborn into families where you can study books and learn to read and write. That way, the probabilities of you needing to step onto battlefields again would drastically decrease.¡±


    She also participated in an auction at Baoyue Tower. At the end, she grumbled to her box, ¡°It¡¯s just a white fox pelt, yet they still fought so fiercely to bid sky high prices for it. Simply insane.¡±


    Pausing for a bit, she continued, ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s not summer now. When summeres and the lotus blossoms in Baoyue Lake open up, only then would it be truly beautiful.


    But it doesn¡¯t matter. From now on, we will be living long term in the capital city. Our residence also has a huge lotus pond. You can see the flowers blossom every year if you want.¡±


    After going to Shengping Building, which was said to have the best rooms in the capital, she booked a private room and ordered all the signature dishes there.


    After all the dishes were served, she touched the box and said, "These are all signature dishes here, I heard they were very delicious, let''s all try them!"


    Later, she went to the most famous snack street in the capital and visited the night market. She even went to the famous song and dance house to watch performances.


    She said, "I heard the youngdies here are the most beautiful, today let''s open our eyes. After watching, we should go back home, don''t think too much ha..."


    At some point, a rumor had emerged in the capital that the little princess of Jiang Guogong''s mansion was crazy. She often ran around with a shabby wooden box, talking to herself.


    The rumor spread quickly and soon even reached the pce and entered Li Deshun''s ears.


    Li Deshun certainly could not bear to see his precious granddaughter being ndered like this. He immediately went to the Ministry of Revenue to find Jiang Wenyuan and asked him what was going on.


    Jiang Wenyuan was confused. Having just taken over the Ministry of Revenue, he was busy with work everyday and did not even have time to pay attention to marketce rumors.


    Seeing his reaction, Li Deshun realized that he knew nothing about it, so he told him about the rumor.


    Jiang Wenyuan was furious when he heard it. What kind of heartless bastard was spreading rumors about his daughter? Saying that she was crazy? You are the crazy one! Your whole family is crazy!


    He suddenly realized why everyone had been looking at him sympathetically these days. So this was the reason.


    At the same time, Empress Qin also heard about this rumor. She didn''t care to investigate and immediately rushed to the imperial study, yelling at the Emperor, "Your future daughter-inw is being ndered and no one is doing anything! You need to handle this!"


    As soon as the Emperor heard it, he banged on the table, "Go find out who is spreading rumors and eating their fill. Also, call Jiang Wenyuan over and ask him what is going on. His own daughter is being portrayed like that yet he does not care."

 Chapter 116: Heroes Should not Be Forgotten

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    Jiang Wenyuan quickly arrived at the Imperial Study, where Emperor Xia Jing immediately asked, "What''s the truth behind that rumor?


    Don''t you take care of it? And what about that box? What precious treasure does it contain? Why does Linghui keep carrying it everywhere?


    Even the pce guards at the gate have seen it. Linghui has been talking to the box all the time!"


    Jiang Wenyuan knelt down and solemnly replied, "The box does exist. However, it doesn''t contain anything valuable. It''s filled with soil from the graves!"


    "What did you say? Soil from the graves? Why is she messing with that thing?"


    Emperor Xia Jing was startled and thought to himself, "Could this young girl have gone mad? If that''s the case, my son might go mad too! This won''t do!"


    Jiang Wenyuan, with a touch of sadness in his voice, exined, "It''s soil from the graves! Before setting off on her journey back to the capital, Linghui went to Yumen Pass again. She gathered a handful of soil from the graves of each sacrificed soldier and put it in the box.


    Linghui said that most of them had never been to the capital in their lifetime, and she wanted to show them.


    To show them thend they had protected, to see how prosperous and beautiful it is under the feet of the emperor they once admired.


    We have built a shrine for the heroes next to our ancestral hall at home. Linghui said that after she has taken them to visit the entire capital, she will enshrine them permanently in the ancestral hall.


    This way, on the first and fifteenth days of each month and on festive asions, there will be people offering incense to them.


    Without them leading the way and bearing the burden, how could our years be so peaceful? They should not be forgotten." Jiang Wenyuan''s voice choked with tears as he spoke.


    After calming his emotions, he continued, "Linghui has been fulfilling her promise. These days, she has been taking them on tours, but she didn''t expect it to be twisted into such a rumor."


    Emperor Xia Jing listened in silence for a long time and sighed deeply, "Linghui truly has a pure heart. I feel ashamed!"


    After a pause, he said, "In that case, my minister, don''t build the shrine for the heroes at your home.


    If you want to build it, build it in a ce where everyone can see, a ce where all of Da Xia''s people cane to pay their respects. I will provide the funds from my private treasury.


    Linghui is always clever. Go back and ask her if she has any good ideas. If she does, bring them to the court for discussion tomorrow."


    Jiang Wenyuan was overjoyed and said, "I thank Your Majesty on behalf of all the sacrificed heroes."


    Emperor Xia Jing said, "It was Linghui who reminded me. Heroes should not be forgotten. A dynasty that forgets its heroes is destined to go nowhere."


    After the morning court session, Jiang Wenyuan told his daughter about what had happened during the day. Jiang Yuqing never cared about trivial rumors.


    But upon hearing that the emperor had promised to build a memorial facility, she instantly became ecstatic. "Father, did His Majesty really say that?"


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled and replied, "He really did!"


    Jiang Yuqing hugged the box andughed. As sheughed, tears streamed down her face, and she whispered, "Can you hear it? Your blood was not shed in vain."


    She stayed up all night and drew a design, roughly based on the appearance of a hero memorial from a past life.


    The next day, when this matter was presented and exined at the court, it naturally caused a huge stir. There were both supporters and opponents of building the memorial. However, the majority were in favor.


    Only a few conservative and stubborn civil officials vehemently opposed, arguing that it was against propriety. The militarymanders, on the other hand, overwhelmingly supported it.


    They were all human beings who had once sacrificed for this country. Why should it be that after the literati passed away, their tablets could upy prominent positions in temples, revered by future generations, while the generals could only die on the battlefield, their bodies wrapped in horsehide and buried in the yellow sand, without even a proper name to their credit?


    A few of the generals, including Old Duke and Old General Qin, couldn''t tolerate it and even resorted to physical violence.


    They grabbed the most vocal opposing civil officials and mercilessly beat them down, knocking out several of their teeth.


    If it weren''t for the fact that the old generals were afraid of killing someone and deliberately held back their strength, they could have beaten several more of them like that.


    Damn it, what a bunch of hypocrites. They talk about benevolence and righteousness, but in reality, they are the most morally corrupt pseudo-gentlemen!


    In the end, it was the emperor who had the final say, "Build it right at the entrance of the pce, in the most conspicuous position, and the cost will be covered by my private treasury.


    Jiang Wenyuan, you will submit the design drawings of the monument to the Ministry of Works for review and further discussion on the details.


    As for the box of soil brought back by Linghui, let it be ced at the bottom of the monument. They protected our Great Xia with their flesh and blood and should be revered by the people of Great Xia for generations toe."


    "I, Jiang Wenyuan, on behalf of my daughter Linghui, thank Your Majesty! Linghui said that if a monument is built, she is willing to donate one thousand taels of silver."


    These words were like opening the floodgates, and the militarymanders came forward in support, saying, "I will also contribute one thousand taels" and "I will donate five hundred taels!"


    ...


    Jiang Wenyuan immediately had someone record it with pen and paper. In the end, a staggering amount of thirty-one thousand and one hundred taels of silver was raised. Together with the emperor''s private treasury, it was enough to build a monument.


    Experts from the Ministry of Works finalized the manuscript, selected the location, and mobilized manpower and resources. The emperor personally supervised the construction, and the monument began to take shape quickly.


    Since the day construction started, Jiang Yuqing would visit the monument every day.


    The craftsmen working on the monument also came to know that the girl who kepting here every day was the legendary County Princess, Jiang Yuqing, who was also the initiator of the monument.


    They couldn''t help but hold her in awe.


    Not only that, since the news spread, all the malicious rumors vanished overnight.


    Whenever Jiang Yuqing appeared somewhere with the box, everyone would pay their respects to her.


    Many merchants even refused to ept payment, saying, "Princess, let us contribute a little something!"


    There were several asions when Jiang Yuqing encountered militarymanders from the court. Even though they were strangers, they wouldn''t say a word and would directly kneel before her in a gesture of respect.


    Little did she know that in the hearts of these generals, her small figure was another monument.


    The project was proceeding at full speed, and it was now mid-October. The autumn wind carried a significant chill, and the swirling fallen leaves marked thest stubbornness of the autumn.


    In the small kitchen of Duke Jiang''s residence, Jiang Yuqing was coughing, her face covered in dirt, as her mother grabbed her by the back of her cor and chased her out.


    Lu''s face was sour as she said, "At least for today, I don''t want to see you in the kitchen!"


    Lu was exasperated. Her precious daughter was good at everything, except for the things that daughters should be good at.


    Jiang Yuqing was not skilled in ying musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, or painting. She was also not adept at cooking. While her cooking didn''t reach the level of being deadly, it definitely couldn''t be considered delicious.


    Even if she tried to light a fire, she would end up choking people. It was as if her family was burning down the kitchen.


    This was truly distressing. If things continued like this, what would happen in the future? When she became someone''s wife, her husband would surely find her repulsive.


    It was clear that during her daughter''s "grabbing the week" ceremony, she had wrapped up everything. It just showed that this tradition couldn''t be relied upon.


    Jiang Yuqing pursed her lips and looked at her darkened palms. With her head lowered, she casually wiped her face with the back of her hand.


    Then she heard a soft chuckle followed by a warm and clean voice. "If you keep wiping like that, you''ll turn into a little kitten."


    The voice seemed somewhat familiar, and when she raised her head, she saw a young man not far away. Jiang Yuqing stood stunned for a moment, then joyfully rushed towards him. "Big brother!"


    The person was indeed Jing Yan. He had just returned from the imperial tomb and came straight to find Jiang Yuqing.


    ording to the servants in the mansion, she was learning cooking from Lu in the small kitchen, so he came here directly. Unexpectedly, he witnessed the scene where Lu rejected and expelled her.


    Jing Yan bent down, one hand supporting her small face, while the other pulled out a handkerchief. He carefully wiped away the ck ash from her face, smiling as he said, "How did you manage to make yourself look like this?"


    Jiang Yuqing sighed resentfully, "It''s all because of my mother. She insisted on teaching me how to cook. This task is just like ying musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting¡ªit''spletely in the realm of art. How can someone like me, a clumsy person, do it?"


    Jing Yan cleaned her hands, then picked up her little fingers one by one, gently wiping them clean. He consoled her, saying, "Yuqing, it''s fine if you can''t learn it. In the future, there will be servants to do it for you, and you don''t have to do it personally."


    Jiang Yuqing grumbled, "That''s what I thought too, but my mother wouldn''t listen. She said if I couldn''t learn, I would be despised by my future husband."


    She paused for a moment, thenined indignantly, "I''m still so young, and my mother is already thinking about getting me married. What''s so good about getting married? Can''t I live happily on my own?"


    Jing Yan furrowed his brow and said, "Yuqing, your thinking is wrong. You''re a daughter, and daughters are meant to get married. There''s no avoiding it."


    Jiang Yuqing snorted, "There''s nothing wrong with my thinking. Just like Sister Yuan, after getting married, she has to manage the household affairs and take care of her husband''s concubines, as well as look after the illegitimate children. It''s simply too exasperating. Oh well, let''s not talk about this."


    She looked up and carefully assessed him, thenpared their heights with her hand. Sadly, she discovered that she only reached his chest.


    The sorrow of a short person was so great. Even though she was a cultivator, she couldn''t grow taller than an ordinary person. Life was bing unbearable!


    Four years had passed, and the young boy from before had grown into a refined gentleman. He was truly like a precious stone, with a dignified aura and a unique charm that was unparalleled in the world.


    Seeing that she had been staring at him, Jing Yan smiled and asked, "What''s wrong? Don''t recognize me?"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "No, it''s just that you''ve changed so much. You''ve be even more handsome."


    Jing Yan affectionately ruffled her hair, took her hand, and said, "Let''s go for a walk. Where would you like to go? I''ll take you there!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "No need, my family''s garden isrge enough. Let''s just take a walk. It''s almost time for dinner anyway. Today, my mother made spicy stir-fried dried small fish. These dried small fish were sent from our hometown in Qingzhou, and they are delicious. You should eat more during dinner."


    Jing Yan replied, "...Okay!"


    As a result, the two of them didn''t go anywhere. They spent the whole afternoon ying in the Duke''s Residence. Jing Yan even had dinner at the Duke''s Residence and reluctantly left afterwards.


    As soon as he left, Jiang Wenyuan immediately closed the door and asked his wife what the Crown Prince had been doing at their residence.


    Lu replied, "He didn''t do much, just yed with Guai Bao and Xiao Jiu and Xiao Shi in the garden. Why are you acting like we''re being invaded by the enemy?"


    Jiang Wenyuan frowned and said, "Don''t let hime to y with Guai Bao anymore. That boy definitely has ulterior motives."


    Lu looked puzzled and asked, "Are you saying that the Crown Prince has an interest in our Guai Bao?"


    Jiang Wenyuan responded, "We have to be cautious!"


    Lu looked speechless and said, "The Crown Prince is already sixteen and will soon be at the age to select a consort. Guai Bao is still so young. Aren''t you overthinking it? Besides, how can you stop him?"


    Jiang Wenyuan immediately fell silent.


    After nearly two months of round-the-clock construction, the Hero Memorial was finallypleted before the snowfall.


    The full name of the memorial is "Da Xia Hero Memorial," and it was personally inscribed by Emperor Xia Jing.


    The monument is eight zhang and nine chi tall and consists of two tiers of pedestals. The body of the monument is made of a single piece of granite, while the lower pedestal is adorned with eight huge Hanbaiyu reliefs depicting major events that have urred since the founding of Da Xia. Among them is the "Victory at Yumen Pass" that urred a few years ago.


    In front of the monument, there is a concave granite stone tform. Surrounding the monument are steps with Hanbaiyu railings and a circle of pine and cypress trees.


    On the auspicious day of the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory held a ceremony to unveil the monument.


    On the day of the ceremony, the capital was covered in heavy snow, and the entire pce square was filled with spontaneously gatheredmoners who came to participate in the event.


    gs fluttered in the wind, war drums resounded, and long horns echoed in the sky.


    When the auspicious time arrived, all officials and the people prostrated themselves. Emperor Xia Jing, dressed in ceremonial attire, unveiled the monument. Then, Crown Prince Jing Yan received the solemnly re-encased golden nanmu casket from Jiang Yuqing''s hands and, stepping on the glistening white snow, steadily ascended the steps.


    At that moment, Jiang Yuqing, Old General Qin, and the few generals who had participated in the great battle and personally sent the fallen soldiers to their burial sites, tears filled their eyes yet they were also filled with gratification.


    In their lifetime, they finally witnessed this day of affirmation from the country and the emperor they had served so devotedly. The loyal souls of the soldiers finally found their resting ce.


    When Emperor Xia Jing personally ced the casket into the recessed groove in front of the monument and pressed the mechanism to close the stone cover, a golden ray of sunlight pierced through the thick clouds and shone upon the surface of the Hero Memorial. Subsequently, more and more golden light emerged, the clouds rapidly dispersed, and the wind and snow ceased.


    A brilliant sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the earth and casting a warm golden hue over the snowyndscape.


    Such a spectacr sight left everyone astonished. It''s unknown who shouted, "Good fortune! Heaven blesses Da Xia! A sign of great fortune!"


    The crowd erupted into cheers.


    Emperor Xia Jing, witnessing all of this, burst intoughter and felt ted. As he gazed at the majestic and solemn monument, he couldn''t help but marvel. Even the heavens were approving of his actions!


    Indeed, heroes should never be forgotten!

 Chapter 117: Palace Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    In front of the monument, military officers dismounted their horses and civil officials stepped down from their sedan chairs. Even the Emperor''s dragon carriage was no exception. Since itspletion, the giant cauldron in front of the monument had burning incense that never stopped.


    On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, even more people came to offer incense and pay their respects, including the elderly imperial teacher Qian who came with the help of his grandson despite being extremely old.


    The military generals who attended court were all moved to tears when they saw this scene. Even the guards at the pce gates were very emotional.


    If they were to die in battle one day, their souls would also return here to receive the worship of all the people!


    Day after day passed quickly and the year soon came to an end.


    This was the first year that Jiang''s family spent New Year''s Eve in the capital city after being ennobled so many years ago. It was a pity that other family members were far away in Qingzhou and couldn''t join them for the reunion, which was somewhat regrettable.


    On the morning of the 30th day, Emperor Xia Jing presided over the sacrificial ceremonies at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Heroes'' Monument. In the afternoon, there would be the customary pce banquet held in the pce to entertain civil and military officials and their family members.


    Jiang Yuqing wasn''t very interested in these kinds of banquets, but it was Lu''s first time attending such arge pce banquet, so she was inevitably a little nervous.


    The pce banquet was held in the Liangyi Hall of the Taiji Pce. This was also the ce where Da Xia received foreign envoys. The banquet started at two o''clock and the male and female guests were seated separately.


    Jiang''s family arrived around two o''clock. Jiang Wenyuan took his sons and nephews to the side for male guests, while Lu went to the female guests'' side with her daughter.


    As the wife of a first rank Duke, Lu''s status was equal to that of Jiang Yuqing as an Imperial Princess.


    Therefore, their seats were very close to the imperial tform, and they were only a few rows behind several princesses, both seated in the first row.


    Lu had lived in Su Prefecture for a long time. Although she had heard of the wives of honorable families in the capital, apart from Li, wife of Pingyang Marquis Qin Jue, and Qu, wife of Duke of Protector Yuan Yun, she wasn''t familiar with the others.


    These two were famous youngdies from prestigious families. They were very familiar with all the patriarchs'' wives in the capital and had received pointers from their husbands to help support the Duke of Jiang''s wife during the banquet.


    Therefore, before the banquet started, they took Lu to chat very happily with the noblewomen next to them.


    Not only that, when praising Lu, they also didn''t forget to boast about Jiang Yuqing. They sang her praises in various ways, and even Jiang Yuqing, who imed to have thick skinparable to city walls, couldn''t stand it.


    After praising her, they introduced their own daughters to her in order to form connections.


    The youngdies gathered together and talked about nothing other than clothes, jewelry, headwear, prestige and so on. Questions like what kind of jade your bracelet was made of, how much it cost to customize, and which famous craftsman made it.


    What material and gems were used in her hairpiece, what techniques were used to make it. Which brand of rouge are you wearing today, the color looks so good, what kind of incense did you use to scent it.


    Then they would praise her, talking about how good the fabric of her clothes looked, how rare and exquisite her jewelry was, and which famous master made them.


    Throughout the whole thing, Jiang Yuqing remained wooden-faced, indicating that she had nothing to contribute to the conversation at all.


    She either spent her time farming, studying medicine, cultivating, or had no time to research these kinds of things.


    The country bumpkin princess decided to give herself a break and used going to the bathroom as an excuse to slip out of the hall. She would rather randomly find a corner to blow the northwest wind than go back in there as a mirror for Westerners.


    It was too damn ufortable!


    After sitting by the flowers for a while, she saw a group of pce maids and eunuchs walking through the corridor carrying trays and starting to serve food in the hall, so she figured it was time to go back.


    Suddenly, a pce maid walking at the very back stumbled and almost spilled the dishes with a painful cry.


    She endured the pain and walked to the side to put down her tray, clutching her ankle with an agonized expression, apparently having badly sprained it.


    For professional reasons, Jiang Yuqing was about to go up and ask if she needed help, when she saw a little eunuching out from the side. She had thought he was here to help, but instead the little eunuch rushed up to the pce maid and smashed the back of her head heavily, knocking the maid to the ground instantly.


    "...Damn!" What kind of luck was this? She just came out for some air and actually stumbled upon a crime scene.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately stuck an invisibility talisman on herself. She wanted to see what this guy had snuck into the pce to try to do!


    That wasn''t even the worst of it. This little eunuch looked around and actually dragged the pce maid directly to Jiang Yuqing''s front and dumped her there. Probably because he saw it was hidden and secluded enough here.


    Jiang Yuqing''s mouth twitched. If it were her past life, she would have gone to buy a 100 yuan lottery ticket. Now she could only bend over to check the breath of the little pce maid. Fortunately, she had only fainted and was fine.


    Jiang Yuqing put a protective shielding on the pitiful pce maid to protect her from catching a cold on this cold day.


    The little eunuch picked up the tray again and walked towards the Liangyi Hall. Shockingly, he didn''t poison the food during the whole time. It looked like he just wanted to sneak into the banquet.


    But no matter what the reason was, anyone doing this kind of thing now would not be a good person.


    Jiang Yuqing tore off her invisibility talisman, called over an imperial guard, and whispered a few words to him. The guard was first greatly shocked, then walked away calmly.


    She didn''t need to worry about the rest. There were plenty of capable people in the pce that could handle things without her getting involved.


    After taking care of this matter, she pped her hands and went back into the hall. She had just sat down when she heard the eunuch announce the arrival of the emperor, empress, crown prince, second prince... followed by a string of concubines and imperial consorts - all the emperor''s little wives.


    Kneeling on the ground, Jiang Yuqing listened, counted, andined to herself. Good heavens, there were five or six that were named, not to mention those without titles locked away in the cold pce. There were probably enough to make up five mahjong tables!


    Emperors were indeed the biggest stud horses under heaven! And they feared their iron pestles would be ground into needles!


    After everyone was seated, the Emperor gave a routine speech, summarizing the hard work of the past year, the major events that happened, the country''s major developments, who didn''t do a good job and needed to continue working hard, who did very well and needed to be praised, and so on.


    Then he rewarded people for their merits and achievements. After rewarding them, he dangled another carrot in front of the donkeys, telling them to keep working hard next year.


    Simply put, it was no different than apany''s annual meeting inter generations. When she was in the military hospital in her past life, the director did the same thing every time. Same old stuff in a different package!


    Jiang Yuqing was bored to sleepiness listening to the Emperor''s ramblings. She was finally able wait until he finished announcing the start of the banquet before the singing and dancing performances started as well.


    After the Emperor and Empress picked up their chopsticks, Jiang Yuqing also uncovered the dishes in front of her and saw that, damn it, the food was already cold!


    Although it was cold, the presentation and everything was still very delicate and beautiful. Jiang Yuqing didn''t mind and started eating while watching the performances, pping and cheering for the performers when she saw something she liked.


    Afraid that her daughter would get indigestion, Lu told her to eat less. Jiang Yuqing was unconcerned and said, "It''s fine, Mother. When I was at war in the past, I had to gnaw on wild vegetables and steamed buns. This is imperial cuisine - delicious! It would be a waste not to eat it."


    Although her voice wasn''t loud, the mother and daughter were close to the imperial tform. Empress Qin, who had been keeping an eye on her, still heard it.


    She called over a pce matron and said, "Go get two hot dishes for Linghui, deliver them yourself, quickly." The matron epted the order and soon came back carrying a food box. She took out several steaming hot tes and ced them on the table in front of the mother and daughter, as well as a cup of sweet almond milk that had been cooked with honey.


    Jiang Yuqing was stunned for a moment. She looked at the matron, then looked at Empress Qin. Empress Qin nodded to her with a smile and said, "Eat up! Have more if you like it!"


    Jiang Yuqing then revealed a big smile: "Thank you, Noble Concubine!" Then she continued to eat happily. Such special treatment really made many nobledies jealous, but Jiang Yuqing simply ignored them and focused on eating and drinking.


    Although Jing Yan was sitting at quite a distance away, he would nce over here from time to time. Seeing her eat with gusto brought a smile to his lips.


    Handsome as jade and dignified as a gentleman, he naturally attracted attention. And with his noble status, it was no wonder the youngdies in the hall werepletely infatuated.


    After the dancing girls exited, the prepared nobledies all took the stage, ying music, singing, and dancing, exhausting their entire bag of tricks in hopes of making a good impression.


    If they managed to catch the eyes of the Emperor, Empress, or Crown Prince and were granted a suitable title, they would have no worries for the rest of their lives.


    The Emperor and Empress simply smiled without speaking, the others knew without being told. Jing Yan''s expression was nk. Only Jiang Yuqing ate happily without a care in the world.


    In her eyes, their looks, figures, and charm were top-notch even in her previous life. And it was a live, free performance right in front of her¡ªsimply perfect.


    After the banquet ended, Jiang Yuqing, with her filled little stomach, went back home.


    After the family banquet, the Emperor went with his son to the Jiaofang Pce to keep vigil for the new year.


    Father and son yed a few rounds of chess; Emperor Xia Jing yed ck while Jing Yan yed white.


    Halfway through, the Emperor asked his son, "You will turn seventeen after New Year. It''s time to select an imperial concubine. Were there any girls today that caught your interest?"


    Jing Yan said woodenly, "No!"


    The Emperor gritted his teeth and said, "You can''t possibly want to wait for that little girl to grow up! It will take at least six more years before shees of age! I only have two sons. As Crown Prince, you must shoulder the responsibility of continuing the royal lineage. You don''t have to establish the Crown Princess yet, but you can start by taking in some Virtuous Ladies and Maids."


    Jing Yan, fiddling with a white chess piece, didn''t even lift his head to say, "Your imperial harem has so many women, yet I don''t see the pce filled with princes. But the Jiang family men all have only one wife, yet their homes overflow with children and grandchildren. This shows that propagating descendants has little to do with the number of women!"


    As he spoke, the white chess piece in his hand dropped down to take a whole swathe of ck pieces.


    The Emperor: "..." (gritting his teeth furiously) Could he stuff this unfilial son back into his mother''s belly?!

 Chapter 118: The Assassin

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    After the pce banquet was the family banquet.


    Jiang Yuqing ate a lot at the pce banquet, so when she returned home, she ate a little less. After the meal, everyone gathered in the main hall to stay upte for the new year.


    Doctor Qiu asked her what ns she had after the new year. Jiang Yuqing said she would most likely go to work at Andi Hospital again! After all, this was still her old profession.


    On New Year''s Day, the ministers and imperial concubines went to the pce to pay their respects.


    Li Deshun secretly came to see her and said, "Thanks to you reporting the news on the evening of the 30th, we caught three remnants of the former dynasty who were trying to sneak into the pce to assassinate people. Otherwise, a big mess would have broken out.


    These three people had hidden poison in their mouths. Two of them swallowed the poison and died immediately after being caught. Only one was a step slower. Our people dislocated his jaw and interrogated him overnight.


    In the years leading up to therge-scale invasion of our northwestern border by the Tartars, they had bribed Hong, the imperial censor at the time, to impeach your father for corruption. They wanted to bring down Lord Guo.


    His Majesty saw through their scheme to sow discord and sent Hong the imperial censor back at that time to reflect on his actions behind closed doors. Later it was discovered that he was colluding with the remnants of the former dynasty, so he was beheaded directly.


    His Majesty suspected that the sudden invasion of the Tartars back then also had something to do with the remnants of the former dynasty, but no evidence had been found yet!


    With the death of these three people this time, I''m afraid they will be so desperate they will not only target the imperial n, but also the senior officials. Please ask Lord Guo to be more vignt!"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded to indicate she understood and gratefully said, "Master Li, you are too kind!" Smelling the familiar medicinal ointment scent emanating from him, Jiang Yuqing knew his knee disease had rpsed. So she imperceptibly sent over a Return to Spring healing technique.


    On the way back to the Diligent Government Hall, Li Deshun walked more and more smoothly, and felt extremelyfortable in his knees without any pain at all. He thought to himself that the young miss¡¯ medical skills were getting better and better, and the ointment she makes works better and better...


    On the eighth day of the first month, the government offices opened for business. Jiang Wenyuan went to the Ministry of Revenue to start work, and Jiang Yuqing also followed Doctor Qiu back to Andi Clinic in the capital.


    Returning here after so many years still had many familiar faces. They were both surprised and delighted to see her back, and ran up one by one to greet her. Jiang Yuqing also responded warmly to everyone.


    Andi Hospital was already busy to begin with, and became even busier with the return of the master and disciple. It seemed Jiang Yuqing had returned to the days before she left for Sucheng, busy yet peaceful.


    It was only when she woke up in the middle of the night that she realized the blood and fire from the past had not gone far away, but had turned into an eternally vivid and unforgettable nightmare.


    As February began, the atmosphere in the mansion grew more nervous with each passing day, because Jiang Yuqing¡¯s two elder brothers were taking this year¡¯s imperial examination in March.


    Whenever they were home, everyone would tread lightly for fear of disturbing their studies. Lu was even more attentive, cooking delicious food for them every day using different methods.


    Even when Jiang Wenyuan returned from court every day, he would also hide away in the study, instructing his son and nephew in their learning. He would evene up with essay topics based on current events for the two children to write policy proposals on, and then point out the pros and cons based on what they wrote.


    The day before entering the examinationpound, Jiang Yuqing took the opportunity while taking their pulse tob through their bodies with spiritual power and input a strand of vitality into each of them, to prevent any idents from happening to them during the exam.


    On the twelfth day of the third month, apanied by the earnest anticipation of the whole family, Jiang Yujiang and Jiang Yuchuan entered the examinationpound. Here, they would take three rounds of exams, with each roundsting three days.


    On the twentieth day of the third month, the two brothers walked out of the exampound. Although their clothes looked shriveled like salted vegetables, their spirits were still good.


    The first thing after returning home was to take a bath. After bathing and eating something, they fell straight into bed and slept for two days straight, showing just how exhausted the examinationpound had left them. After waking up from the long sleep, they silently recalled their exam papers and handed them to Jiang Wenyuan to review.


    After carefully studying them, Jiang Wenyuan had a rough sense of the results in his mind. He smiled at the two brothers and told them not to fret so much, to rx and meet up with their old ssmates and go out for a walk.


    It was the 24th of March, the day of the Clear and Bright Festival (Qingming Festival).


    She had nted a patch of white lilies in the garden a month ago, stimting their growth a little every day. Today, they had all fully blossomed.


    She snipped the white lilies and inserted them into a pair of specially maderge flower vases, to be carried to the memorialter by servants.


    The Jiang family wore in colored clothes today, paying respects first at the ancestral hall before heading to the Great Xia Heroes Memorial carrying the flower vases.


    There was a saying that graves should be swept clean before and after the Clear and Bright Festival, so these days there was an endless stream ofmonersing to pay respects at the memorial. With it being the actual Clear and Bright today, even more people came.


    Seeing the Jiang family, everyone automatically gave way.


    The Jiang family members thanked them one by one in passing, then presented the flowers, respectfully kowtowed, and lit incense.


    A nobledy who had alsoe to pay respects asked her, ¡°Mydy, is there any special meaning to the white lilies?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the holy flower vases and smiled, ¡°There is. White lilies represent memorial and respect, symbolizing beauty and remembrance.¡±


    The noblewoman looked thoughtful.


    The day after the Clear and Bright Festival, Jing Yan invited Jiang Yuqing to go horse riding and take a spring outing at the imperial hunting ground outside the city on the 26th. Since she had nothing to do, Jiang Yuqing agreed.


    Jing Yan came in casual clothing to pick her up, riding a very beautiful Fergana horse. Jiang Yuqing still rode Little White Ten. Little White Nine also wanted toe along, but Jiang Yuqing pressed him back down.


    Themon people of the capital all knew she kept a white tiger, so they weren¡¯t afraid.


    But animals were terrified. The bloodline suppression of the king of beasts was no joke! If Little White Nine went to the ranch and did nothing, he would still frighten the horses into running around wildly. It could easily escte into an uncontroble mess.


    By the time they arrived, there were already quite a few noble sons and daughters galloping around the field, along with many brightly and beautifully dressed youngdies. They came up one by one to greet them upon seeing the pair arrive.


    Jing Yan had some very beautiful horses brought over for her to choose from first. The horses were extremely fond of the aura of the Wood Spirit on her body. They jostled with each other eagerly to appeal to her first.


    In the end, Jiang Yuqing chose a chestnut mare. Seeing this, the other horses were somewhat disappointed and lowered their heads dejectedly.


    Jiang Yuqing could onlyfort and give each a strand of vitality before they finally cheered up again.


    Jing Yan smiled and said, ¡°It looks like they all like Qingqing very much. Shall we bring them back to the cityter?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head and said, "No need, I¡¯m just an asional rider. Bringing them back would be going overboard."


    Jing Yan said, "Has Qingqing forgotten that many years ago after you cured the brain disease of the Xiongnu prince, he sent a batch of warhorses as payment. Father had people select some of the best ones for you, but unfortunately you had already gone to Sucheng at that time, so those horses have been kept here ever since.¡±


    ¡°Ah...I vaguely recall something like that happening. It was so long ago that I almost forgot if you hadn''t brought it up.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing knew how to ride, but her equestrian skills were nothing remarkable. Most of the time, she and Little White Ten were the perfect match.


    Therefore, when everyone proposed having a race, Jiang Yuqing readily admitted her shorings and said she wouldn¡¯t participate, offering instead to cheer them on from the sidelines.


    Everyone lined up their horses at the starting line, waiting for the signal gs and whistles. At the drop of the gs and st of the whistles, more than ten horses shot forth like arrows leaving bowstrings, scrambling to overtake each other in hot pursuit.


    It was truly a sight of ¡°dashing youths on fierce horses in their prime¡±, brimming with high spirits as they raced with delight.


    Among them, Jing Yan had the best riding skills, steadily leading the pack. After finishing ap, seeing Jiang Yuqing cheering them on at the side of the track, he suddenly crouched forward, hooked his legs, swept out an arm, and pulled Jiang Yuqing onto his horse, holding her in front of his chest. It was a clean and slick maneuver, looking incredibly cool.


    Jiang Yuqing was startled at first upon being suddenly whisked up, but soon grew excited as well, pping the horse and shouting, ¡°Go!¡±


    Feeling the extremelyfortable aura emanating from the person on its back, it was as if the horse had been injected with chicken blood, running even faster and leaving the group of youths far behind.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s thrilled and joyfulughter echoed throughout the riding ground. Although the nobledies chasing them from behind were green with envy, there was little they could do. They could only pray for His Highness the Crown Prince to hurry up and toss aside that annoying creature already.


    After everyone had been running for a while, about half a shichen (2 hour period), they finally stopped, drenched in sweat. Servants brought over water and food as everyone sat together, eating and resting while chatting.


    At that moment, Jiang Yuqing vaguely heard the sound of breaking airing. She subconsciously pushed Jing Yan to the ground.


    With a "swish", an arrow grazed past Jiang Yuqing''s ear, shooting a young boy sitting opposite them straight through. The boy let out a miserable cry and fell over dead.


    More arrows flew towards them. The formerlycent noble youths were now panic-stricken, shouting ¡°Assassins! Catch the assassins! Protect the Crown Prince!¡± while looking everywhere for ces to take cover. The youngdies were even more frightened, hugging their heads while running around screaming and crying loudly.


    The scene descended into total chaos asrge numbers of imperial guards rushed over from all directions to protect their master.


    Jiang Yuqing released her spiritual awareness, covering the entire racetrack within her sight in an instant, like radar. She then leapt onto the deer and shot towards the southwest forest like an arrow, disappearing from sight within a few breaths.


    When she reappeared, she was riding the deer while dragging a string of assassins bundled up tightly in vines. All of their jaws had been dislocated, staring nkly ahead.


    Seeing this, the imperial guards swarmed forward to grab those assassins and tie them up securely. Only then did Jiang Yuqing retract her little bramble whip. Everyone now saw that those vines were actually a long, bizarrely shaped green ¡°whip¡±.


    Jing Yan hurriedly pulled her back and said anxiously, ¡°Are you alright? You were too reckless just now. With so many assassins, such a little thing like you, what if you¡¯d gotten hurt?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine! Don¡¯t you know my skills? If even you don¡¯t know, who would?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also fine. If not for you earlier, I¡¯m afraid I wouldn¡¯t havee out of this alive. Thank you, Yuqing. You¡¯ve saved my life again.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony between us. Go on, you¡¯re busy. I¡¯ll go take a look at the wounded.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Now was indeed not the time for conversation. The wounded needed treatment, the racetrack needed investigation, and the frightened youths and youngdies needed reassuring - there were many chores to handle.

 Chapter 119: Justice

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    The news that the Crown Prince was assassinated at the Royal Horse Ranch shocked the entire court. The ministers were so anxious that they collectively submitted a request, asking for a thorough investigation and unanimously requesting that the Crown Prince not go out recently.


    It was really too dangerous.


    Although the Crown Prince was not the only prince of the current emperor, he was the legitimate heir, and excelled in both civil and military arts. As for the other illegitimate prince, not to mention that he was disabled. If something really happened, the ministers would cry themselves to death.


    To put it bluntly, if the emperor died and the Crown Prince seeded to the throne, the country could smoothly continue without any waves.


    If anything happened to the Crown Prince, and the old emperor could not have any more children, then the ministers could only support that mediocre or disabled illegitimate son to take the throne.


    Just thinking about it gave them a headache!


    The assassins must have thought the same way, so instead of dealing with the emperor, they only assassinated the Crown Prince.


    These assassins were all determined to die. Even though Jiang Yuqing was able to sh their chins in time and they did not seed in dying, they did not reveal much useful information.


    Because they were all single-line contacts. They hadn''t even seen their master''s face.


    They only saw the Crystal Orchid tattoo on their bodies and knew that they were the remnants of the former dynasty making trouble again.


    Jiang Yuqing was puzzled. The former dynasty had been overthrown for more than a hundred years. How could there still be clowns jumping out and making trouble from time to time?


    Was the former dynasty really that good? If it was really good, themon people would not have been forced by the court to rebel.


    Although no one died in this brief assassination attempt, three people were injured. All of them were sent to He An Hospital, and Jiang Yuqing also ended her vacation and returned to work at the hospital.


    She was finally able to go out and have fun, but this happened. Anyone would be in a bad mood. Returning to work, she happened to encounter people making trouble.


    The little nurse who came to report said that the person making trouble was an aristocraticdy who imed to be the wife of a senior official in the capital.


    She identally got bumped by a child and broke her wrist that was wearing a jade bracelet. At this time, she was fiercely demandingpensation, causing great trouble.


    The child who caused the ident had a paleplexion and was extremely thin, obviously ill. At this time, facing the aggressive noblewoman, the child hid behind his father in fear.


    His father was a one-legged middle-aged man leaning on a cane. He protected the child while apologizing to the noblewoman.


    "Madam, I''m really sorry. We''ll pay for the bracelet, but we really can''t afford 1,000 taels. We really can''t take it out!"


    The woman said sarcastically: ¡°I don''t care if you can afford it or not. If you don''t have money, go back and sell your house, or sell your son if ites down to it! Otherwise, even a disabled person like you is worthless! "


    A caregiver couldn''t stand it anymore and spoke righteously: ¡°Madam, you obviously bumped into their child yourself. How can you falsely use them of bumping into you and ask them to sell their child and house to pay for your bracelet? Isn¡¯t that too much?"


    The woman turned her head, her mean lips curled, and said disdainfully: "What''s it got to do with you? Can you manage the affairs of thisdy as a bedpan-carrying little nurse? Since they can''t afford it, you seem so kind-hearted, why don''t you pay for them? "


    The caregiver angrily said: "Is this about whether to pay for it or not? This is about whether you are right or wrong! I''ve never seen such a shameless person!"


    The noblewoman was furious: "You say I''m shameless, say it again?"


    "I''ll say it again, it was you who bumped into the child first, then falsely used others of bumping into you. On top of that, you call yourself an aristocraticdy? Disgusting!" It had to be said that this rebuttal was very sharp.


    The noblewoman was furious with embarrassment and angrily ordered the people around her: ¡°What¡¯s the matter with all of you? Seeing me being bullied but not helping? Go, beat him to death for me, and take out that disabled man and that little bastard too!"


    "Let''s see who dares to do it!" A clear yet oppressive voice rang out. As soon as everyone saw her, they gave way and happily shouted, "Princess Linghui is here, the little genius doctor is here!"


    The noblewoman also seemed to have heard the shouts of the crowd. Her body shook and her voice trembled a little: ¡°Y-You, you are the princess?"


    Jiang Yuqingughed coldly: ¡°Who I am doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is who you are? As far as I know, there was no suchdy as yourself at thest pce banquet I attended! So who exactly are you the wife of among the senior officials! Why don¡¯t you tell everyone to listen?¡±


    The noblewoman didn''t dare look straight into Jiang Yuqing''s eyes and whispered a name.


    Nanny Yan listened andughed: ¡°Princess, if this old servant remembers correctly, Master Qian''s legal wife is surnamed Zhou, the daughter of the prominent Zhou family in Bin Province. However, I have heard that Master Qian has a favored concubine who is his niece from his sister. She often poses as the legal wife... It must be thisdy in front of us!"


    As soon as she said this, the onlookers immediatelyughed. After all that fuss, she turned out to be a pretentious nobody. Che, what a joke!


    Jiang Yuqing put both hands in her white coat pockets and said with a smile: ¡°Even so, send someone to Master Qian''s house to invite Madam Qian over.¡±


    The favored concubine''s face turned pale instantly. If that petty woman found out about this, not even her aunt could protect her.


    The concubine turned to run away but was grabbed by Jiang Yuqing''s people: ¡°Where are you going? Just stay here and wait!¡±


    Nanny Yan picked up a piece of broken jade and spat on it: ¡°It¡¯s just a cheap hundred-tael piece of junk. Asking for 1,000 taels with her mouth, utterly shameless!"


    Another woman next to her chimed in: ¡°If she had any shame, she wouldn''t have be a concubine in the first ce!" It had to be said that this jab was very sharp.


    Jiang Yuqing walked over to the father and son and bent down to coax the child gently: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Sister is a doctor, let me take a look.¡±


    The disabled father stared nkly at her for a long time before he couldn''t help but suddenly shouted: "Little Battle God!"


    Jiang Yuqing was stunned for a moment, then excitedly asked him: "Which division were you from?"


    This nickname, Little Battle God, was given to her by the soldiers of the barracks after she brought back the heads of Ag and Habater. Outsiders rarely knew about it.


    The man said excitedly: "I am Guan Dacheng, formerly of the Xian Feng Camp at Yumen Pass, under Commander Zu. I lost a leg on the battlefield and you saved me with your own hands. Afterwards, when you returned to Yumen Pass, after I recovered from injury I retired and returned home."


    Jiang Yuqing did not expect to meet an old acquaintance here. She quickly took them to her consultation room herself.


    And reassured them: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this matter. I¡¯ll take care of everything.¡±


    Guan Dacheng grinned and said, ¡°I was worried before, but now that I¡¯ve seen you I¡¯m not worried anymore. I know you will get justice for my son and I.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing asked him how his life was now?


    Guan Dacheng smiled bitterly: ¡°At least I still have my life, don''t I?"


    His son Guan Mingmu suddenly said: "Mother didn''t want father because he was disabled, so she ran away with another man, taking all the money from our house.


    She didn''t want me or father anymore. Later, I got sick, so father borrowed money from others.


    Others were unwilling to lend father money, so father sold the house and took me to the capital to see doctors."


    The man''s eyes turned red. He hadn''t wanted his son to know all these things, but his son found out anyway. Jiang Yuqing''s heart ached too, and she asked: "So where are you living now?"


    Guan Dacheng hesitated for a moment before saying: ¡°In the dpidated temple outside the city!"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t say anything more, she just silently checked the child¡¯s illness.


    The child had a tumor in his stomach,monly known as a polyp. Fortunately, it was benign. Because it grew toorge, it caused the child to be constantly nauseous, vomiting, and severe hemorrhage.


    They had consulted many doctors back home but none could cure it. So local He An Hall suggested they try their luck at the famous He An Hospital in the capital.


    Normally this disease requires surgery. But the child was only six years old, and surgery would damage his body too much.


    Jiang Yuqing decided on conservative treatment. This "conservative treatment" was to hypnotize the patient and use the Rejuvenation technique to treat it. Treating it a little every day, it would be cured in three to five days.


    When Guan Dacheng heard that his son¡¯s illness could be cured, he was extremely happy. He repeatedly thanked Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuqing then added: ¡°The child needs treatment. It¡¯s not safe for you two to live in a dpidated temple.


    Come live in my house. I have plenty of spare room. And it''s more convenient for me to treat the child every day."


    There were actually vacant rooms in the hospital dormitory building as well, but they were on the third floor. Going up and down the stairs would be extremely inconvenient for Guan Dacheng. Moreover, Jiang Manor was big enough to amodate them so it was settled.


    When Guan Dacheng heard this, he thanked her even more profusely. Jiang Yuqingughed and said, "We ate from the same pot in the barracks. No need to keep thanking me!"


    The little nurse from outside came to report that Mrs. Qian did note, but Madam Qian, the aunt of that woman outside, came. Madam Qian is the aunt of the woman outside.


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly turned cold, and she called for the little nurse toe and take care of the child. She said to Guan Dacheng father and son, "Let''s go get some justice!"


    Not knowing earlier that Guan Dacheng was an old acquaintance, Jiang Yuqing did not n to let that woman off easy. Now that she knew the one being bullied was her own, Jiang Yuqing would not let her go even more.


    When the two sides met, Madam Qian said, "It is I who did not teach strictly, allowing this stupid woman to offend the nobledy.


    Whatever conditions the nobledy has, please propose them. As long as this old body can do it, I will certainly not decline. I ask the nobledy to please forgive this one!"


    Jiang Yuqing coldlyughed and said, "Indeed! A concubine acting arrogantly outside under the banner of the main wife, the Qian Residence really has good family teachings.


    She bumped into someone else, then ndered the child for bumping into her. For a broken jade bracelet, she immediately asked for one thousand taels of silver. If it could not be paid, she would have people sell their houses and sell themselves!


    Why don''t you, Madam, go home and ask your son if he dares to do the same!"


    Madam Qian was left speechless by her.


    "As for the conditions, easy to say. Have her kowtow three times to the victim, loudly admit that she falsely used him, andpensate the victim with one thousand taels of white silver."


    Madam Qian frowned and said, "One thousand taels, isn''t that a bit too much?"


    Jiang Yuqing put both hands in her pockets and said with a smile that was not a smile, "Too much? Let me calcte for you!


    First, she bumped into the victim. The victim was a child and also a patient. This bump caused his illness to worsen to the point of needing hospitalization and treatment. These medical and hospitalization fees have to be paid. That''s barely three hundred taels.


    Second, the child needs nutrition to recover his health. These nutritional expenses are inevitable too. We''ll call it one hundred taels.


    Third, since the child has to be hospitalized, his father has to stay in the hospital to take care of him and cannot go out to work and earn money. These lost wages must also be ounted for. Another one hundred taels.


    Fourth, and most importantly, shemitted a mistake then falsely used the child.


    She immediately asked for silver. If it could not be paid, she would have others sell their houses and sell themselves. In between there were all kinds of verbal insults.


    Not only was the victim''s reputation damaged, but his mind and body were also severely injured. The fees for damage to reputation and psychological trauma must be eight hundred taels at least.


    After a detailed calction, these one thousand taels are stillcking. This nobledy has indeed been too kind.


    I should learn from this Madam and make a lion''s demand of three to five thousand taels. I could also earn some small wealth this way!"


    There was muffledughter all around. Madam Qian was ridiculed by her until herplexion turned ck green again and again. Clenching her teeth, she said, "Fine, we''ll give it.


    But for the kowtow, can it be exempt? No matter what, she is still one of the main madams of my Qian Residence. She cannot be made to kneel to amoner!"


    Jiang Yuqing picked up the cup she had ced on the consulting table and smashed it with a "pa" sound at Madam Qian''s feet. Fragments scattered everywhere.


    The scene instantly fell silent.


    She erupted in anger, "What qualifications do you have to bargain with this nobledy! This nobledy has already given you face. The soldiers are living and dying on the front lines just to protect the likes of you? Are you worthy?


    Forget about you, even if your son Master Qian came today, she would still have to kowtow to me!


    This nobledy now wants to see who dares stop her! Come, do it! Hold her down and make her kowtow heavily!"


    Jiang Yuqing rarely got angry. Thest time she got angry was four years ago. That time over five thousand Tartars were buried in the desert, their bones never to be found again.


    Following Jiang Yuqing''s order, two brawny guards immediately came over to hold down that concubine. With a kick, she was forced to kneel before Guan Dacheng father and son.


    Nanny Yan came over to press down her head. With a "dong" sound her head knocked the ground and turned red after just one knock. After three loud knocks, that concubine hugged her buzzing head and slumped paralyzed on the ground,cking even the strength to wail.

 Chapter 120: Somebody’s Got to Do It

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Madam Qian was startled by Jiang Yuqing''s ruthless methods, and her finger remained pointed at her for a long time before she could catch her breath.


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes were devoid of any warmth as he addressed Madam Qian, saying, "Don''t even think about using fainting spells to extort money from the Princess of Ling Hui. I guarantee that you''ll be confined to the hospital ward at An Hospital until yourst breath."


    Qian Hongtao, who was working at the time, received news from the household servant that his beloved concubine and her mother had gotten into a conflict with An Hospital and the Princess of Ling Hui. He was immediately filled with anxiety and asked the servant, "Where is Madam?"


    The servant replied, "Madam said... Madam said..."


    "What is it? Just tell me!" Mr. Qian grew impatient.


    The servant said, "Madam said she is an outsider and won''t meddle in the affairs of the Qian n!" As soon as the servant finished speaking, muffledughter erupted from the room.


    "Well, well!" Qian Hongtao understood that his wife, like his aunt and concubine, had taken his cousin''s sidepletely. What a situation this had turned into.


    With the situation pressing, Qian Hongtao didn''t care about being ridiculed anymore. He quickly requested leave from his job and rushed to An Hospital.


    Naturally, this news reached Jiang Wenyuan as well. After hearing it, he simply said, "No need to worry."


    The junior official asked, "Sir, aren''t you worried about the Princess being taken advantage of?"


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled with profound meaning, "There''s nothing to worry about." With his precious daughter''s abilities, dealing with a shrew would be a small matter.


    If someone with the surname Qian is clever enough, it would be eptable. But if they are as confused as his concubine and aunt, they would probably be dealt with together.


    As expected, when Qian Hongtao arrived at An Hospital, his beloved concubine had already bumped her head, and his aunt had almost fainted from anger.


    Qian Hongtao learned about the events and felt both angry and heartbroken, yet helpless. He could only sincerely apologize to Jiang Yuqing and Guan Dacheng, supporting his aunt and concubine as he left An Hospital.


    After sending away the Qian family, Jiang Yuqing brought Guan Muming back to the consultation room and treated their injuries with a revitalization technique. Then, he personally took them to the guest quarters of the Duke''s Mansion.


    He ordered the kitchen to bring food and hot water and instructed the household servants to take good care of them and treat them with respect.


    Before long, the Qian family sentpensation money.


    Jiang Yuqing ced two five hundred-tael silver tickets in Guan Dacheng''s hands and said, "You hold onto this money. After Muming''s health improves, we can carefully n for the future.


    I don''t agree with you returning to your hometown. Your rtives can''t be relied upon, and your health is like this. Even if you go back, I''m afraid you won''t be able to protect this money.


    It would be better to stay near the capital and consider buying somend for rent or even finding a small courtyard in the eastern part of the city to do some small business. With me watching over you, there will always be a way.


    It would be best to send Muming to school. Let''s not worry about whether he can pass the imperial exams for now, but at least he can learn to read and not be blind."


    Guan Dacheng held the money and wept like a child, his big frame trembling. Since losing a leg, these past few years had been too suffocating and difficult.


    He struggled day after day, contemting suicide several times, but when he saw his young son, he couldn''t bring himself to let go.


    Today, unexpectedly, he encountered the Little Goddess of War. She was like a beam of light in the darkness, finally illuminating his gloomy path.


    He endured until the end.


    In the afternoon, after leaving the yamen, Jiang Wenyuan, apanied by Lu, personally came to visit and told the father and son to settle down here and not think too much. Heforted them.


    The Guan family father and son were once again deeply moved. The Jiang family are truly good people!


    After finishing dinner, everyone walked along the stone path to aid digestion.


    In the twilight, Jiang Yuqing asked her father, "Father, do you know who owns the barren mountain next to our family''s vige outside the city?"


    Jiang Wenyuan shook his head and replied, "Father doesn''t know, but I can help you inquire. What''s on your mind, my dear?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I have an idea. If possible, I want to buy that barren mountain and establish arge farm, raising pigs, cows, sheep, or chickens."


    "Raise pigs and sheep?" Jiang Wenyuan was surprised. "Why did you suddenly think of raising pigs?"


    Raising pigs requires a lot of manpower and resources, and it doesn''t earn much money. If unfortunate enough to encounter an epidemic, it could result in a significant loss.


    Even if you nt an orchard, it will take at least two to three years to yield any produce."


    Jiang Yuqing exined, "I know. I just want to employ those disabled and retired soldiers to work. Da Xia has many disabled veterans like Guan Dacheng.


    They have physical disabilities and suffer from various illnesses, unable to do heavybor. They are looked down upon by their families and face discrimination everywhere they go, living in hardship."


    She choked up as she continued, "Father, I can''t understand why they, who are heroes of this country, are treated so unfairly after getting injured."


    After calming her emotions, she continued, "So, I want to establish a farm or some other kind of workshop and build many of them.


    As long as they are willing, they cane and work for me at any time. This way, at least they will have work to do, food to eat, and live with dignity!"


    Looking into his daughter''s earnest eyes, Jiang Wenyuan suddenly felt that his daughter was the purest treasure in the world.


    After a long silence, he gently touched her soft hair and said with difficulty, "But, my dear, this path is too difficult."


    Jiang Yuqing firmly replied, "I know it''s difficult. But someone has to do it!


    Father, they have shed enough blood for the people of this country. I don''t want to see them shed tears after shedding blood.


    I will start little by little, and I will do more and more. No matter how difficult it may be, it won''t be as difficult as what they''ve been through."


    Jiang Wenyuan looked up, trying to dispel the mist in his eyes, and then lowered his head to his daughter. "Alright, Father will help you!"


    "Young sister, we will help you too!" At some point, Jiang Yujiang and Jiang Yuchuan stood behind her.


    Jiang Yuqing instantly smiled, brighter than the most beautiful flower in the garden.


    The next day, just as the yamen opened, the drums of injustice sounded in front of the Ministry of Justice.


    Upon hearing the news, it turned out to be Zhou, the legal wife of Qian Hongtao, who had filed awsuit against him at the Ministry of Justice.


    The usations against Qian Hongtao were truly shocking, including mistreating his wife, favoring his concubine over hiswful wife, and turning a blind eye to his mother and concubine''s schemes to seize the dowry intended for hiswful wife.


    Furthermore, it was requested that the Ministry of Justice grant a divorce and return the dowry in full!"


    The people of the capital eagerly anticipated the oue, as if they were sitting outside the Qian family''s door with a stool, waiting to crack open melon seeds and witness the result.


    At the same time, the memorial from Qian Hongtao''s subordinate, Qian Hongtao himself, flew to the Emperor''s desk like snowkes.


    Emperor Xia Jing frowned upon seeing these memorials: "What is Qian Hongtao up to? He can''t even manage his own household affairs properly.


    Allowing a concubine to trample upon hiswful wife, has he lost his mind? No wonder his wife wants a divorce. Very well!


    Inform the Ministry of Justice to handle the case as they see fit, without considering anyone''s face!"


    The discerning individuals were delighted to see that the Emperor was siding with Madame Zhou. It was evident that even the Emperor detested the confusion betweenwful wives and concubines.


    Empress Qin also heard about the matter and joyfully eximed to her trusted aides, "Madame Zhou has finallye to her senses. Not a single member of the Qian family is decent.


    A wife is a wife, what is a concubine? Just a ything. The Qian family and that old hag of the Qian family are blind and clueless. They deserve their misfortune and humiliation.


    Go, issue my imperial decree and teach that old hag of the Qian family a lesson on how to conduct herself properly! Such absurdity, Lady Qian should not hold any official title!"


    If it weren''t for Qian Hongtao possessing some abilities, given the mess that erupted in his household, the Emperor would have chastised him countless times already."


    Upon hearing that Madame Zhou had lodged aint against her son and herself with the Ministry of Justice, demanding divorce from her son, Qian Old Madam was so enraged that her vision turned ck. She cursed Madame Zhou as a shrew and immediately sent her servants to bring back Madame Zhou by force.


    Before the servants could even leave, an imperial decree from the Empress arrived, condemning the Old Madam with a string of harsh words.


    She was berated until her face turned red, and she dared not even breathe. In the end, her official title was revoked directly.


    Upon hearing the news, she lost consciousness and fainted on the spot, causing chaos all around...


    In just a few days, Qian Hongtao was reprimanded and had his sry reduced by the Emperor, divorced by hiswful wife, and had to return the dowry. Qian Old Madam also had her official title revoked, bing aughingstock in the entire capital. It was as if she had aged ten years in an instant.


    Looking at his once beloved and charming cousin, Qian Hongtao now found her to be extremely annoying and burdensome.


    Seeing his home, which was now mostly empty, regret washed over Qian Hongtao in waves.


    If only he had treated Madame Zhou better from the beginning, not favored his cousin so much, and not listened to his mother''s instigations, perhaps he wouldn''t have ended up in such a situation today.


    Unfortunately, there is no regret medicine in this world.


    The concubine cousin who caused all these idents naturally did not meet a good end either.


    This incident also served as a warning to the noble gentlemen in the capital.


    Concubines are the source of chaos in a family. If they continue to mistreat their wives and favor concubines, their future will likely be even more miserable than Qian Hongtao''s.


    Jiang Wenyuan also learned about the ownership of that deste mountain, which belonged to Princess Ronghua. It was not too far from Princess Ronghua''s estate.


    Princess Ronghua was not short of money, so it was unlikely that she would easily give it up.


    Jiang Yuqing, however, wanted to give it a try. It wasn''t her style to give up on something before even attempting it just because it was difficult. What if she agreed?


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing sent her invitation card to Princess Ronghua''s residence, the Grand Princess Mansion.


    Upon seeing Jiang Yuqing''s name, Princess Ronghua smiled and said, "So, it''s this young guest. How rare!"


    She jokingly added, "Send a reply and tell her that I will be eagerly awaiting her arrival tomorrow."


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t expect to receive a response from Princess Ronghua''s mansion so quickly. She was delighted and said, "Please inform Her Highness, the Grand Princess, that I will definitely be there on time tomorrow."


    Princess Ronghua was a very particr person, and out of politeness and respect for her host, Jiang Yuqing had specifically asked Er Yu to help her dress up.


    After having breakfast and calcting the time, Jiang Yuqing arrived at the Grand Princess Mansion.


    As soon as Princess Ronghua saw her, she smiled and said, "If I remember correctly, this is your second time stepping into the Grand Princess Mansion. The first time was seven years ago."


    While bowing in respect, Jiang Yuqing replied with a smile, "Your Highness has a great memory. Indeed, it is the second time. Thest time was when I came to admire the peonies in your residence!"


    Princess Ronghua said, "Indeed. In a little over twenty days, the peonies in my garden will bloom again. I guarantee they will be even more beautiful than before. If you like, I will send an invitation to you on the day the flowers bloom."


    Jiang Yuqing was overjoyed and said, "In that case, I am grateful to Your Highness."


    The two of them chatted for a while, and then Jiang Yuqing finally said, "There''s a saying that goes, ''One doesn''t go to the Three Treasures Hall for nothing.'' Today, Linghui came here with a request."

 Chapter 121: The Champion and the Champion

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    Princess Ronghua was not surprised at all, and said: ¡°Tell me, if I can help, I will help!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said: ¡°As you may know, my family has a farm on the outskirts, and next to the farm is a stretch of barren mountains.


    I would like to buy that piece of barren mountain to build a farmstead to raise livestock like pigs, chickens, and nt pastures, orchards, and so on.


    I asked my father to inquire, and I know you are the owner of that barren mountain, so I brazenly came to ask Your Highness for a favor.


    I know asking this is very unreasonable and abrupt. If Your Highness has other ns for thatnd, just pretend I never said anything.¡±


    Princess Ronghua could not believe it and said: ¡°You are a noble youngdy, farming is understandable, but you even want to raise pigs? Those livestock are dirty and smelly, wouldn¡¯t that bother you?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head with a wry smile and said: ¡°It¡¯s not that I like to raise pigs. I just want to find a way for those former soldiers.


    She briefly told Princess Ronghua about Gong Dacheng¡¯s story.


    Then she said: ¡°I was thinking that raising pigs, sheep, or other livestock requires people to take care of them.


    This way, I can provide jobs for some down-and-out veterans, so they can have a living, ie, food to eat, and will not be looked down upon!¡±


    After listening, Princess Ronghua was silent for a long time. Just when Jiang Yuqing thought the deal would not go through and was quite disappointed,


    Princess Ronghua suddenly said to the old maid next to her: ¡°Go get the deed to that mountain and 20,000 taels of silver.¡±


    Soon the items were brought over. Princess Ronghua took the deed and held it out to Jiang Yuqing: ¡°I¡¯ve sold this mountain, what about the money?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nkly reached into her little purse in her hand. Princess Ronghua picked out some loose change from the purse, then put the deed in her hand and said: ¡°The deal is done, it¡¯s yours now!¡±


    Aftering to her senses, Jiang Yuqingughed and said: ¡°Princess, we didn''t make a deal like that.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a good deal!¡± Princess Ronghua smiled and said: ¡°Linghui, you are the kindest child I have ever seen.


    Compared to your great deeds for Da Xia, I, the princess, seems to have done nothing for the country. I am ashamed! Consider these as my thoughts!¡±


    Then she also put the 20,000 taels of silver notes into Jiang Yuqing¡¯s hands.


    Jiang Yuqing held the items, feeling like she was holding a thousand catties. She solemnly paid respects to the princess and said: ¡°Linghui, on behalf of all the imprisoned heroes, I thank Your Highness.¡±


    Princess Ronghua herself helped her up and said, ¡°No need to thank me. Compared to what you have done for Da Xia, what I gave is really nothing.¡±


    ¡°Goodwill is goodwill, regardless of size. I will remember Your Highness¡¯ grace. When the farm is built and bears fruit, I will send you some baskets!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I look forward to your fruit baskets.¡±


    Princess Ronghua kept Jiang Yuqing for lunch before letting her go, and even personally escorted her to the second gate.


    Watching the young girl gradually disappear from sight, Princess Ronghua was extremely moved: ¡°A young girl, but with the mind and magnanimity that is no less than a hero. No wonder the emperor and empress dote on her so much. Linghui truly deserves it.¡±


    With the barren mountain issue settled, Jiang Yuqing immediately sent people to the livestock shops in the city to look forrge quantities of piglets, breeding sows, cattle, sheep and other livestock.


    At the same time, she found professional construction teams to go to the barren mountain to build fences and houses, etc.


    She also did not neglect treating Gong Muming¡¯s illness, giving him treatment morning and evening. After 5-6 days, the boy finally recovered.


    Gong Dacheng also told her about their future ns. They were not going back to their hometown. Gong Dacheng was a peddler before joining the army. He nned to buy a small courtyard in the capital and rent a shop for a small business.


    Jiang Yuqing thought it was a good idea, so she asked Steward Zhao to help find a ce. In less than two days, Zhao reported back that there were several suitable locations.


    Jiang Yuqing asked Steward Zhao to take the two around to see all the ces, and they finally bought a shop with a backyard on Sanshi Street in the East City.


    Jiang Yuqing also visited it once. At the front was a decent sized storefront, in the back courtyard were three wing rooms, a kitchen, and a storeroom, there was even a well.


    The father and son had plenty of space to live. This ce was close to the residential area with high traffic flow, a grocery store should do well.


    On the day they bought the house, father and son immediately moved in, saying they didn¡¯t want to trouble her again.


    Jiang Yuqing also knew they were notfortable staying as guests, so she let them be, only instructing Steward Zhao to help them find reliable supply channels.


    As neers and with a disability, Gong Dacheng might be taken advantage of by crafty businessmen.


    Busy with these things, the days reached April 15th, the day the exam results were posted. In the early morning, Jiang Yuqing rushed to the results posting area on Bai Xiaoshi like her tail was on fire.


    Her brothers and father were very calm, sitting at home waiting for the news. But she couldn''t wait. She wanted to know the result at the first moment!


    The first moment!


    When she was still far from the posting area, carriages couldn¡¯t get through anymore. But nimbly Jiang Yuqing went ahead on Bai Xiaoshi.


    Those who recognized her would smile when they saw her happy appearance. Those who didn¡¯t recognize her would also marvel that the girl looked so good, and the deer as well.


    At the posting area, there was already a sea of people, everyone anxiously waiting. Some who were clearly schrs were especially nervous, because this concerned their future destiny.


    Jiang Yuqing let Bai Xiaoshi go find a ce on its own. She wasn¡¯t worried about its safety at all. No one capable of stealing it was even born yet. She herself squeezed into the crowd.


    At Chen time, with a loud gong ringing, a team of officers wearing red flowers carried out a red list and posted it on the notice board.


    ¡°It¡¯s announced! It¡¯s announced!¡± The crowd suddenly went crazy pushing forward.


    Jiang Yuqing was among them, and relying on her agile figure and strength, she forcibly killed out a bloody path to the very front.


    With just one nce, she saw her seventh brother¡¯s name at the top: First ce: Lingzhou Prefecture, Qingzhou County, Jiang Yuchuan.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately jumped up in joy, raised both hands happily shouting loudly: ¡°Ah! My seventh brother is the top ranked Huiyuan (sessful candidate), number one!¡±


    The crowd immediately looked at her with great envy. This young girl, her brother must still be very young to achieve such amazing results. What kind of family is able to nurture such an outstanding son!


    After celebrating for a bit, Jiang Yuqing suppressed her excitement to keep looking down. At number 27 she found Jiang Yujiang¡¯s name. It read: 27th ce: Lingzhou Prefecture, Qingzhou County, Jiang Yujiang.


    Jiang Yuqing was so excited her face turned red: ¡°Ah! My big brother also made it! 27th ce, 27th ce!¡±


    A man couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°Little girl, how many brothers did you have taking the exam?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing excitedly and proudly held up two fingers and arrogantly said: ¡°Two! Seventh brother is first ce Huiyuan. Big brother is 27th ce. Both have their names on the list!¡±


    The crowd was immediately green with envy. What kind of family is able to nurture two such outstanding sons at the same time!


    Jiang Yuqing got the results she wanted. She swiftly squeezed out of the crowd, rode Bai Xiaoshi, and rushed home like the wind to report the good news to everyone.


    She was faster than the little servant their family sent to watch the posting.


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing entered the door, she happily shouted loudly: ¡°They¡¯re in! Both my brothers made it!


    Big brother is 27th ce. Seventh brother is 1st ce Huiyuan! My brothers are so awesome!¡±


    When everyone heard, they all cheered. Jiang Wenyuan hugged his son in one arm and his nephew in the other, continuously patting their shoulders with tears of joy in his eyes: ¡°Good boys!¡±


    Lu was so agitated she didn¡¯t know what to do with her hands and feet. Nanny Yan reminded her: ¡°Madam, people wille to congratte soon, hurry and get ready!¡±


    Only then did Lue to her senses: ¡°Right, quickly, prepare tea, fruits, desserts, also take out the firecrackers, and the red envelopes.¡± They barely had it ready when people started arriving to celebrate.


    Two sessful candidates from the Jiang Duke manor at once, one even the top Huiyuan,


    The various manor lords who received the news all came to congratte. Jiang Wenyuan and Madam Lu smiled so widely their mouths couldn¡¯t close.


    Even Jiang Yuchuan''s two senior brothers personally came to offer congrattions with their families. On this day, the Duke Jiang''s mansion was full of ceremonial canopies for the first time.


    Three dayster was the pce examination. Jiang Yujiang topped the golden list in the 17th ce as Advanced Schr.


    16-year-old Jiang Yuchuan came first in all three categories, was appointed as the Top Schr, awarded the Advanced Schr title, and became the youngest and most handsome Top Schr in the history of Great Xia Dynasty.


    The entire Duke Jiang''s mansion was boiling with excitement.


    On the day of the parade on horseback along the imperial avenue, the Jiang family including Doctor Qiu came in full attendance. They had long reserved the best street-front box seats along the imperial avenue, waiting to see their family¡¯s Top Schr parade on horseback.


    Wearing crimson official robes, Jiang Yuchuan sat straight-backed on a snowy white fine steed. The handsome youth had a square face like a princely jade, smiling eyes and brows, eliciting screams from groups of youngdies along the way.


    Along his path, flowers, handkerchiefs and sachets rained down upon his head and body like raindrops. There is a poem that goes: ¡°Worthless in the past, now unrestrained in indulgence. Triumphant in spring winds on an impatient steed, viewing all Chang¡¯an''s flowers in a day.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing stretched her neck far out of the window early on, waving at her brother and shouting loudly: ¡°Brother, you are the best Top Schr, so handsome!¡±


    Her voice was so distinctive and prating that amidst the deafening cheers, Jiang Yuchuan instantly spotted his beloved sister.


    The little girl was half hanging out of the window in excitement, her flushed happy face visible. Jiang Yuchuan also smiled and waved back at his sister.


    He had once sworn to make her the sister of the best Top Schr. And he did it!


    As the parade went closer, Jiang Yuqing was surprised to see the top three schrs were all very good-looking. Especially the second ce, who wasparable to her brother.


    Father said earlier that His Majesty had initially wanted to appoint Jiang Yuchuan as the second ce judging by his looks.


    It happened that Grand Tutor Yan was present then. He advised: ¡°Your Majesty, you cannot appoint someone the second ce just because he is good-looking, at the expense of his rightful spot as the Top Schr!¡±


    Emperor Xia Jing agreed after pondering, hence another candidate surnamed Lu was designated as the second ce instead.


    This Lu hailed from Yunzhou Academy and was apparently a cousin of her third senior brother Lu Yi, as mentioned by her father Doctor Qiu. What a small world indeed!


    That night, a banquet was held in the pce and both of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s brothers attended. Amidst the banquet, people asked Jiang Wenyuan several times about his children¡¯s marriage arrangements, but he managed to tactfully evade their prying.


    Those asking were men with groups of wives and concubines, engaged in fierce infighting at home supposedly. Their daughters could hardly turn out well.


    The Jiang family upholds fine traditions and would definitely not allow such dubious people into their family - one bad apple spoils the barrel after all.

 Chapter 122: Jiang Yujiang’s Engagement

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    The day after the Qionglin Banquet, the Jiang Family held a banquet to express thanks. This was also the first time in so many years that the Jiang Family had held a banquet in the capital.


    Among the guests who came were not only the wives of various mansions, but also more than a dozen unmarried youngdies over the age of thirteen.


    Each and every one of them was exquisitely and extraordinarily dressed, with tinkling ornaments, and everyone understood their intentions very well.


    The Jiang Family was from the mansion of a first-rank Duke. Duke Jiang Wenyuan still held real power as the minister of the Ministry of Revenue. His family also had a princess with her own fief, and could be said to be of high status and power.


    However, this family, which was usually brilliant and splendid, had an unusually upright family tradition that forbade taking concubines.


    As a result, families in the capital who had daughters had kept an eye on Duke Jiang''s Residence for many years.


    It was said that this generation of the Jiang Family had seven sons in total, each outstanding. Except for the eldest son and seventh son, the other five sons had never been seen before.


    Currently, among these seven sons, apart from the one who was already married, the other six were still unmarried.


    Especially the seventh son, Jiang Yuchuan. He was the heir apparent of Duke Jiang''s Residence to begin with. His status was noble, and he had even ced first in the imperial examinations three times in a row, truly a talented youth.


    On the day he went out riding on horseback, he had already captured the hearts of many youngdies.


    Therefore, although the Jiang Family held the banquet today, all the families who were eying that spot came as long as they were able.


    As each family weighed the two sons of the Jiang Family, Madam Lu was also quietly appraising the nobledies who came to attend the banquet. She discovered that there were indeed a few outstanding ones among them.


    It was just that for her to approve, her children would also need to approve, after all the bride brought back would be spending her whole life with the children, not with Madam Lu.


    However, on the second day after the banquet, Jiang Yujiang came to Madam Lu, slightly awkwardly asking for her help. He said that he had taken a liking to the granddaughter of the Imperial Tutor Yan, the young daughter of Ritual Master Yan of the Imperial Academy, Yan Deyin.


    Madam Lu was both shocked and delighted as she asked when he had set his eyes on her.


    Jiang Yujiang said that he had identally met her when he first arrived in the capital city, and it was love at first sight.


    But as thedy''s family was prestigious, he was ashamed to confess as he did not have anything worthwhile of his own. He could only suppress his feelings back then.


    Now that he had some achievements to his name, he plucked up his courage to ask Auntie Lu to help propose the marriage.


    Madam Lu knew her daughter had been to the Yan Family before so she asked Jiang Yuqing if she knew Miss Deyin.


    Although Jiang Yuqing had been to the Yan Residence with her master several years ago to perform surgery on Ritual Master Yan, she did not have much impression of Miss Yan.


    As for Dr. Qiu, even though he stayed there longer, being an outsider man, he naturally would not inquire about such matters.


    As Madam Lu had been in the capital for only a short period of time and knew few people, she knew even less about the girls from prestigious households. She then went to Duke of Protector''s Mansion to inquire with Madam Qu.


    When Madam Qu heard the name Yan Deyin sheughed. "Your eldest young master surely has a good eye. Deyin is truly a good girl, so outstanding in every way.


    There''s only one thing, she broke off a previous engagement. Otherwise such an exemry youngdy would not still be unmarried at eighteen."


    Before Madam Lu could ask, Madam Qu quickly continued, "The family that Deyin was previously engaged to was unworthy. The marriage still had not beenpleted when Deyin discovered that man already had a number of illegitimate children. Of course the Yan Family would not tolerate being humiliated like that, so they directly called off the engagement.


    But it still did damage the girl''s reputation. So Deyin wasn''t able to marry until she turned eighteen. The Yan Family did say at one point that if she could not find a husband who truly and wholeheartedly treasured her, then they would keep her single for her entire life."


    When Madam Lu heard this she was indignant. "It was the fault of the man''s family, what does it have to do with the girl? No matter what, I will have this Yan girl as my Jiang Family''s daughter-inw. I wonder if Madam Qu would be willing to help me probe their position on this? My Jiang Family would be eternally grateful."


    Madam Quughed loudly. "To have a part in such a wonderful match, how could I possibly refuse? It''s just that your family''s eldest young master''s parents are not present. Do you have the authority?"


    Madam Lu smiled. "I do! My elder brother and sister-inw nearly worried themselves white-headed over his marriage.


    Whenever they brought it up with him, he would always find some excuse to evade it. At one point my sister-inw even believed that he would spend his whole life a lonely bachelor.


    After my husband and I returned to the capital, my brother and sister-inw entrusted the duty of arranging his marriage entirely to us.


    His mother even joked that as long as he was willing to marry, they didn''t care about background or status, just any girl would do!"


    Madam Quughed until tears came out. "Your esteemed residence''sdy really is a formidable woman!"


    Madam Lu continued, "That she is! The elders in our household are all easy to get along with. Any bride who marries into our family will be well taken care of.


    There''s only one thing, our Duke Jiang''s Residencees from humble origins. We do not have avish lifestyle to offer, only simple and ordinary days."


    Madam Qu eximed, "Please stop, if you boast anymore I might actually believe you!


    Who wouldn''t envy the days in your family! It''s unfortunate I don''t have a daughter, otherwise I would definitely seek a connection with you!"


    Madam Qu only had threewful sons and no daughters. She did have two illegitimate daughters but since all the boys in Duke Jiang''s Residence werewful children, using an illegitimate daughter to form ties was absolutely out of the question.


    The next day, Madam Qu of Duke of Protector''s Mansion went to the Yan Family''s residence. When the Yan Family heard that she hade to probe for Duke Jiang Residence''s eldest young master, they were overjoyed on the spot.


    The two young masters of the Jiang Family were both students of the Imperial Academy, so of course no one could fault their character, talent and family tradition. The great young master Jiang Yujiang''s talent might be slightly inferior to the heir apparent Jiang Yuchuan''s, but he was still extremely outstanding. Their ages were also suitable.


    In the past, he actually looked upon Jiang Yujiang favorably for his daughter. But after much deliberation he didn''t dare make a move. He never expected that they would take the initiative to propose marriage, and Ritual Master Yan was ted and immediately gave his approval.


    When Madam Qu brought this wonderful news back to Duke Jiang''s Residence, the Jiang Family was utterly delighted.


    Madam Lu promptly asked for a matchmaker and invited Qu as the go-between. She prepared all the betrothal gifts and went with Jiang Yujiang on the auspicious date of April 26 to formally propose the marriage to the Yan Family.


    The Jiang Family was sincere in proposing marriage and the Yan Family had no objections either. They quickly agreed to the marriage.


    Because official appointments would soon be awarded by the imperial court, Jiang Yujiang would definitely be assigned to a ce outside the capital. Before that, the Jiang Family wanted toplete his marriage, so that the newlywed couple could set off together for his post.


    Secondly, the children were already of age, and at that point ordinary men would already have a couple children.


    Regarding the Jiang Family''s arrangement, the Yan Family also expressed their understanding. Actually it was better to wed early, especially since their daughter had previously broke off an engagement, and they were also worried that moreplications could arise the longer they dyed.


    Therefore after discussion, the two families set the wedding date for just one monthter on May 28. The schedule could be said to be rather rushed.


    During dinner, Madam Lu worriedly said to her husband, "It has already been over a month since Mother and Eldest Brother and Sister-inw set off. Logically they should''ve arrived long ago. Why is there still no news until now?"


    Duke Jiang Wenyuan also frowned, but he was slightly more even-tempered than Madam Lu. "Perhaps something happened on the road that dyed them. Let''s wait another two days. If they still haven''t arrived, I''ll send someone to search for them."


    Madam Lu sighed. "There''s no other option."


    Duke Jiang Wenyuan added, "Yujiang''s wedding date is drawing near and it will still becking etiquette on the bride''s side in the end.


    Since the youngdy from the Yan Family will be marrying in as an elder daughter-inw, even more weight should be ced on the six etiquettes. Do not worry about spending money on this. We also need to arrange their residence in a timely manner."


    He paused then continued, "This is the first time our residence will host a wedding banquet in the capital so weck experience on many courtesies and proprieties. You should ask Madam Yuan Yun or the Madam of Pingyang Marquis to serve as advisers in regard to details."


    Madam Lu nodded. "I understand, don''t worry about it!"


    That night, neither of them slept well.


    The next morning while Madam Lu was listing details for the engagement gifts, a servant came to report that people from their old hometown in Qingzhou had arrived and their carriages were nearing the city gates. They had sent someone ahead to notify them first.


    Madam Lu was overjoyed. She sent people to inform Jiang Yuqing at He An Hospital while she led her nephew and son to meet them at the city gates.


    They had just arrived at the city gates when the carriages from their hometown appeared as well. At first everyone was busy congratting the two newest top examination graduates. Then they looked everywhere for Jiang Yuqing. "Where''s my darling?"


    Madam Lu said, "She went up to He An Hospital early in the morning. Someone has already gone to find her."


    Right as she finished speaking, a beautiful baby deer suddenly burst out of the tunnel below the city gates. Atop the deer sat a captivatingly lovely and dazzling young maiden, none other than Jiang Yuqing. From a distance away she had already jumped off the deer''s back and threw herself towards them joyfully and hugged Elder Jiang and Old Madam Hu, rubbing her head against them again and again ecstatically.


    Jiang Yuqing''s deferential manner melted the hearts of the two elderly people, who hugged their precious granddaughter and refused to let go. After kissing the baby for a good while, Jiang Yuqing finally stepped forward to pay his respects to his uncle and aunt, but did not see anyone else.


    Lin was delighted with her little niece and said to Lu, "The children are busy with their studies, so their father was afraid thating here would interfere with their schoolwork and didn''t allow them toe.


    As for Second Brother and Sister-In-Law''s family, they had originally intended toe together. But before leaving, they discovered Little Sister-In-Law was with child, so the couple were worried about leaving the young pair on their own and stayed at home."


    Upon hearing that there would be a fourth generation in the family, Lu happily eximed, "Why, that is wonderful news! The first three months are most critical, they mustn''t be jostled about. Once the child is born, they cane to the capital just the same!"


    "That''s what Second Brother and his wife thought too!"


    The city gates were no ce for conversation, so everyone boarded the carriages again and headed home.


    This was Jiang Wenkang and Lin''s first visit to the capital city, and everything they saw out the window was fresh and exciting.


    Gazing at the bustling crowds and tall buildings lining both sides of the street, Lin marveled, "This capital really is the emperor''s seat! And so very prosperous!"


    Lu said, "Then Eldest Sister-In-Law should stay in the capital for a good long visit this time. I''ll take you out to tour all overter."


    Lin readily agreed, "That would be wonderful! I must tell you, I''ve been looking forward to this for ages."


    Especially upon hearing that her eldest son, whom she''d assumed would remain a lifelong bachelor, was not only engaged to be married but the wedding was imminent, Lin had been so overjoyed she nearly smashed the carriage wall with a p.


    Afterwards, she asked about the other party - who was she and what family? Upon learning it was the Imperial Physician''s granddaughter, she began worrying that with such a distinguished background, what if the girl looked down on her, an uncouth mother-inw from the countryside!


    Lu resentfully admonished her, "While Lady Yan may be of noble status, aren''t you the prestigious mistress of the Duke''s estate? Besides, you''re the elder generation and she''s the junior; it''s only proper for her to show deference to you!"


    When Lin heard this perspective, she realized Lu was right and her fears instantly vanished. She began eagerly asking about Lady Yan''s circumstances, and Lu started telling her all about Yan Deyin.


    The two sisters-inw, close despite having not seen each other for years, chatted merrily all the way without the slightest reserve between them.

 Chapter 123: The Farmstead

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    After entering the Duke''s Mansion, seeing this mansion that was like a maze with winding corridors and scenic bridges, rockeries and flowing water, pavilions and towers that seemed to have everything, it was just like they had entered thend where immortals lived.


    Old Man Jiang and Madam Hu still lived in Jiale Hall.


    Jiang Yujiang lived in Qiuming Courtyard, while Jiang Wenkang and his wife were arranged to live in Qingfeng Hall to the west of Yin''an Courtyard in front of Qiuming Courtyard.


    After days of rushing on the road, everyone casually ate something and then went to rest. At night, Lu arranged a sumptuous banquet to wee Jiang''s parents and sister-inw.


    The Jiang family was not particr about "no talking while eating," so everyone chatted while eating.


    Lu and Jiang Wenyuan told them about things in the capital for them, while Lin and Jiang Wenkang talked about things at home.


    The two old men got drunk and started exchanging banter and talking nonsense.


    Old Man Jiang slurred, "You old fe, my good girl was so young when you took her away. I miss her and can¡¯t even see her!"


    Doctor Qiu was not to be outdone. "What? She was clearly my apprentice. My most outstanding apprentice! In the future, when I die, I still want to pass on the position of Valley Master to her! What do you have? You''re just a nobody!"


    Old Man Jiang was angry. He staggered up, grabbed a roast chicken by the tail, plucked off the tip, and stuffed it into Doctor Qiu''s mouth. "I have chicken butt. I''ll choke you to death!"


    Doctor Qiu chewed and swallowed the tail tip, poured wine for him, and mumbled, "That¡¯s all you¡¯re capable of. This old man won''t lower himself to your level topete."


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid they would start fighting, so she quickly called her brothers over to help escort each back to their own courtyards to rest.


    It is often said that the elderly be like children again. Once these old fes go crazy, they are even harder to deal with than three-year-old kids.


    Jiang Wenyuan asked how they were dyed for such a long time on the road this trip.


    Jiang Wenkang said with frustration, "Don''t even mention it! It was extremely unlucky this time going out. Just after getting to Jizhou, the Jizhou Bridge copsed. We waited outside Jizhou city for three or four days until it was repaired.


    We had no choice but to take a detour via Huzhou. Who would have thought we ran into a mountain copse that blocked the road, dying us for another half month! Otherwise, we would have arrived long ago!"


    Jiang Wenyuan frowned. "You mean the Jizhou Bridge copsed?"


    "Yes, the Jizhou Bridge. Thatrge arch bridge with twelve arches, the middle three copsed. Even though the waters weren''t high, how could it have copsed?"


    Jiang Wenyuan gave a coldugh, "How else could it copse? It must have been man-made disaster!


    The Ministry of Revenue had specially allocated fundsst November for repairs. For it to copse this year before the flood season even arrived, I fear that bridge repair money must have gone into certain people¡¯s pockets again."


    Furthermore, Jizhou is not far from the capital. For the news to be kept from reaching us for so long, it was mostly covered up by the local Jizhou officials.


    They really have some guts and skill. It looks like that Jizhou area needs to be shaken up again.


    As for big brother''s wedding, the elders can handle that.


    Jiang Yuqing''s days proceeded normally. During this time, she also attended a flower viewing at Princess Ronghua''s residence upon invitation.


    Unlikest time when she was challenged and provoked everywhere, this time all the noblewomen of the capital were vying to fawn over her, the popr and highly sought after figure.


    And not only because of her current status and position, but also because she had a uniquely outstanding and multi talented elder brother.


    It was quite inexplicable.


    On the first day of the fifth month, Guan Dacheng opened his grocery store for business. Jiang Yuqing personally prepared gifts and went to congratte him in a grand manner, precisely in order to deter the local ruffians around, making it clear that this family had backing so they better not cross the line.


    The fence around the wastnd had been built with the water supply also channeled in. The buildings and furniture were alsopleted, just finishing up some misceneous matters. It was ready to recruit people.


    But Jiang Yuqing really had no manpower she could use, so she reluctantly went to find Jing Yan.


    After hearing her out, Jing Yan brought her directly to see Old General Qin.


    Upon hearing that Jiang Yuqing built this farm solely to earn food for retired disabled soldiers, Old General Qin immediately knelt down before her.


    Jiang Yuqing was also so rmed that she hurriedly knelt down too.


    For such a battle-worn veteran hero to kneel before her, wasn''t he just shortening her life!


    After Jing Yan helped these two up, Old General Qin said, "Over the years, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prince of Pingyang''s Estate have also allocated a portion of silver each year to support them. However, there were too many injured veterans that needed support. Our little bit of money was just a drop in the bucket, unable to solve any real problems. If your farm can really take them in and allow them to earn enough to eat properly and live with dignity, then I thank you on their behalf."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "General Qin, there''s no need to stand on ceremony. Frankly, we''re no strangers. Haven''t we drawn food from the same big pot? There''s some truth in that."


    Old General Qin burst outughing, "That remark is spot on. We have indeed drawn food from the same pot." Tell me, how many people do you need this time?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "My farm that I''ve set up upies quite arge area. I also need many hands to work. In the initial period, there isnd remation, nting pasture, fruit trees, vegetables and the like.


    After the pasture grows up, I also n to build a pig farm, cattle farm, sheep pen, and chicken coops. Managing so many chores also requires additional manpower.


    I figure I''ll need 50 people first, best if two are literate who can help me manage the daily affairs.


    As things developter on, I¡¯ll see if there are any other businesses worth pursuing. I¡¯lle back to ask you for more people then. Let¡¯s take it step by step."


    Old General Qin said, "No need to say more. I have injured soldiers aplenty here. You go back first. I guarantee finding 50 people for you within 3 days!"


    "Then, I have to thank the general!"


    After parting ways with Jing Yan, thinking of the empty farm, Jiang Yuqing raced back to Guan Dacheng''s shop to buy up a storm.


    Pots, bowls, basins, tes, firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, tea - anything that could be used in daily life - she took them all in bulk sized portions for 50 people.


    Guan Dacheng''s shop did not have that much inventory. He needed to order and said it might take two days. Jiang Yuqing said that was fine.


    When it came time to check out, upon hearing this was to prepare supplies forrades like him who were also disabled veterans, he absolutely refused payment no matter what.


    But Jiang Yuqing insisted on paying the original listed prices. She smiled and said, "If buying from other shops, I still have to pay. I specifically came to your ce because I don''t want profits to flow into a stranger''s pocket.


    Furthermore, you just started up and aren''t well off yet either. In the future when you''ve made your fortune, I definitely won''t stand on ceremony. If I fancy something, I''ll just take it directly. You better not cry then!"


    Guan Dacheng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, but could only ept the payment. After she left, he instructed his son that for all injured &amp; retired soldiers who came to their shop to buy things, only the cost price was to be collected.


    Guan Muming nodded, indicating he would remember.


    After leaving Guan Dacheng''s shop, Jiang Yuqing went to the Silk Shop next and ordered 100 sets each of bedsheets and quilt covers, plus 50 sets of thick cotton quilts and mattresses for winter use. They agreed the order would be ready for pickup in two days.


    Those in military service ced extreme importance on efficiency. In less than 3 days, Old General Qin sent word that he had found 50 people gathered and waiting at the Qin family''s estate.


    Jiang Yuqing apanied Old General Qin to his estate and saw the 50 veterans.


    They had all retired and withdrawn from the Yumen Pass Main Camp in recent years. Quite a few were survivors of that major battle. These men recognized her!


    Seeing Jiang Yuqing, they were extremely excited to greet her - "Little medic", "Little Battle Goddess", and simr names echoed continuously.


    Jiang Yuqing was also very moved and greeted them one by one. She then talked about the current state of the farm and future ns and ideas.


    Prices in the capital were high. She informed them that their wages would only be 400 wen per month for now, which covered room and board.


    In the future once the farm started yielding produce, regardless of type, 10% of profits would be distributed as bonuses for everyone.


    If anyone was ill, just go to a Wan''an Clinic for medical treatment. All diagnostic fees were waived for retired veterans, and only 20% of medication fees would be charged.


    This policy applied consistently at all Wan''an clinics throughout Daxia. If anyone felt the wages were too low, or had other ns, there was no coercion for them to stay.


    How would those soldiers disagree? Many were even moved to tears.


    In the eyes of people, they were already cripples that no one looked up to. They struggled painfully just to survive and thought they would eke out a meager existence for the rest of their lives. They never imagined there would still be opportunities to work and be productive.


    Moreover, the wages provided were so generous. Medical care was also avable when ill.


    Even able-bodied people would have trouble finding such good treatment. How could they have any objections?


    The steward that Old General Qin found for them was originally a centurion under hismand whose integrity was absolutely trustworthy.


    Before enlisting in the army, he had studied under old tutor Laotong''s father for two years. Later his family declined, and he had no choice but to enlist.


    Among the veterans, he was one of those rare talents with both literacy and prestige.


    He lost his left arm in a battle. Along with therge scar on his face, he looked extremely fierce, enough to make children cry.


    But this did not prevent Jiang Yuqing from admiring him. Heroes deserve respect!


    Seeing that everyone was willing to go, Jiang Yuqing was also relieved. She asked them to wait here for one more day while she went to retrieve the things she had previously ordered to take to the farmstead to settle them in.


    After returning to the city, Jiang Yuqing immediately hired a team of carriages and first went back to the residence to haul two carriages of rice, then went to the granary to buy some coarse grains and flour.


    She then went to the shops in Guan Dacheng to load up on supplies for daily living, and finally went to the Silk Shop to retrieve the customized beddings she ordered.


    Thinking of those veterans in tattered clothes, Jiang Yuqing felt that she had bought enough and additionally purchased two sets of new garments for each person. She also bought scissors and ten sewing kits.


    The clothes would definitely not fit everyone, so providing sewing kits would allow them to alter the clothes themselves. They could also use the kits to mend any tears in the future.


    This was not a joke. Jiang Yuqing had personally witnessed many injured soldiers sewing and patching up their own clothes very decently while recovering in the barracks.


    It was understandable. Da Xia''s generals governed the military strictly. There were no women, let alone prostitutes, in the camps.


    Whether it was daily training or battles, clothes were inevitably damaged.


    Due to limited military funding, each soldier was provided only two sets of clothes per season. If torn, they could only mend them themselves. Wanting new recements was wishful thinking.


    Over time, they had all mastered decent sewing skills, certainly better than her.


    After buying these items, Jiang Yuqing happened to pass by the vegetable market and stopped to buy half a b of pork and piles of fruits, vegetables, and melons.


    Seeing glutinous rice dumplings for sale, she suddenly remembered that tomorrow would be the Dragon Boat Festival, so she also bought a basket of them.


    Jiang Yuqing led her long line of carriages and transported all the items to the farmstead.


    After unloading, she made an appointment with the drivers toe to the general''s manor early tomorrow morning to bring people here, before giving each some money as tips and sending them away.


    Looking at the warehouse full of supplies, Jiang Yuqing heaved a huge sigh of relief.


    Because of the warm weather, she was worried the meat would spoil. She poured it into arge vat, added ice cubes to freeze it, covered it, and ced it in the shallow mountain stream she had diverted to the door. This would slow down the melting of the ice.


    The vegetables, fruits and melons could keep for two to three days without any special handling.


    That night after returning home, Jiang Yuqing told her family that she would not be able to join them in watching the dragon boat race tomorrow afternoon.


    When asked about the reason, Jiang Wenyuan only then found out that in just over a month, his daughter had already aplished this much, and he felt both heartache and pride.


    He patted his daughter on the head and said, "Go on, take a few more people to help you. If there''s anything you can''t handle,e back home and ask Dad. Dad will figure something out for you!"


    "Thank you, Dad!" Jiang Yuqing buried her head in her father''s arms and nuzzled it, sighing that having family support really felt great.


    The next day, when Jing Yan came to pick up Jiang Yuqing to watch the dragon boat race, he was unsurprised to find her missing.


    Upon asking, he learned that the girl had gone to her maternal grandfather''s farmstead at the break of dawn to receive people.


    He pondered silently for a moment before instructing his guards, "Let''s go to her farmstead!"

 Chapter 124: Tai ’an Farm

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    When Jing Yan arrived, Jiang Yuqing was handing out things to everyone with Yang Changyu, the former centurion who now managed the farm.


    Seeing him appear, she said in surprise, "Why are you here? Today''s the Dragon Boat Festival, don''t you need to go watch the dragon boats?"


    "With Father here, it''s fine!" He looked at the booklet in her hand and asked, "Do you need help?" Jiang Yuqing looked at the things that were only halfway distributed and didn''t refuse: "Sure."


    She stuffed the small book into his hands, "This is the personnel list. There are also things that need to be distributed. Put a check next to the name after giving it to someone."


    "Today''s a holiday. I''ll take everyone to the kitchen to make a good meal."


    "Sounds good!"


    Jiang Yuqing wasn''t good at cooking, but helping out with washing, cutting and other tasks was fine.


    Lunch was very sumptuous, with big pieces of braised pork, ribs with potatoes, stir fried rabbit, a big pot of egg drop soup, and two vegetable dishes. There was plenty of white rice.


    The rabbit and eggs were things she had secretly taken from the Spirit Realm when no one was paying attention. Since there were many things to hand out today, no one noticed anything amiss.


    The veterans ate ravenously, wolfing down their food. As they ate, they began crying, with tears falling into their bowls. They couldn''t remember thest time they had eaten such a meal.


    In the military camps, they could barely get enough to eat every day. After getting injured and retiring to their hometowns, even getting enough to eat was difficult, let alone meat.


    Jiang Yuqing felt distressed seeing this. The food was stuck in her throat and she couldn''t swallow it down. Jing Yan also felt awful.


    After the meal, Jing Yan sat alone by the creek, lost in thought about something. Jiang Yuqing walked over and said, "Give the farm a name! It doesn''t have one yet!"


    Jing Yan thought for a moment and said, "Let''s call it Tai''an Farm!"


    "Tai''an? May the country be peaceful and the people safe. What a good name! Without war, there would be no more tragedies like this!"


    He said, "When I get back, I''ll have a signboard made with the name and send it over!"


    "Thanks! You can sit here for now. I need to go back and check on everyone." She patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave.


    The May breeze blew up her hair ribbon and clothes, a blue as vast as the sky. The gentle sunlight shone on her head, creating a halo around her, as if she were a celestial maiden descended to earth.


    In the afternoon, Jiang Yuqing examined the veterans. Perhaps due to old injuries or long-term malnutrition, they all had some health issues, more or less.


    For minor issues, Jiang Yuqing used the opportunity while checking their pulses and acupuncture points to secretly cure them with her Rejuvenation Technique. For issues needing long-term recuperation, she wrote them prescriptions and would have the medicine deliveredter.


    When she was almost done, Yang Changyu ran over to say that the farm had everything except farming tools. Without tools, they couldn''t work.


    Jiang Yuqing was taken aback, having forgotten about such an important matter. She said that when she returned, she would have the tools delivered.


    She told them not to worry for now. Let everyone rest and recuperate for a period first before working. The goal for this year was to clear and n out this barren mountain, and nt grass, fruit trees and the like.


    Livestock wouldn''t be raised inrge quantities until next year. Otherwise, what would they feed them?


    As iron wares were controlled by the imperial court, buying them in bulk required registration papers, but with Jing Yan''s presence, that wasn''t an issue.


    The next day, Jing Yan sent people over with a signboard for "Tai''an Farm", along with a batch of iron farming tools - hoes, rakes, pickaxes, ploughs, and more. Jiang Yuqing didn''t stand on ceremony and epted everything listed.


    In addition to tools, opening up wastnd requiredrge livestock. Jiang Yuqing went to the livestock market and bought several adult oxen and mules to send over, along with tworge carts.


    Not only could these pull ploughs to till thend, they could also pull carts. Having a mule cart for the veterans to travel with in the future would be convenient. Wheelbarrows, winnowing baskets, and other items were also prepared. How could they open up wastnd without these things?


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing left them some silver for living expenses. After a rough calction when she got home, her purse had shrunk considerably again. But this money couldn''t be saved - what had to be spent still had to be spent.


    Over the years, she would donaterge quantities of supplies to the northern border camps every year. Hence most of the money earned from her properties had been used to subsidize them.


    This included most of the gold she had obtained from the mine. As her business grew bigger, she would need to find ways to make more money.


    Jiang Yuqing knocked her head to think of fast ways to make big money. She remembered that there seemed to be something called Beauty Pill in the pill recipes that could maintain one''s looks for ten years after eating one.


    With Teacher''s small box of Frost Jade cream selling for thousands of taels of silver, if she could produce Beauty Pills, they would surely sell for at least ten thousand taels each!


    There was no denying this was an excellent idea.


    Driven by profit, thezy Spirit Realm Master finally thought of dabbling in pills.


    Jiang Yuqing excitedly ran to the Legacy Hall and flipped through the pill recipes. She discovered this thing was actually a second grade pill!


    This was like a bolt from the blue for the Spirit Realm Master who hadn''t even refined the entry-level fasting pills before.


    But the tallest tower is built from ground up. No matter how unwilling, Jiang Yuqing could only start properly from the fasting pills.


    The fasting pills didn''t require many types of spiritual medicines, which the Spirit Realm had in abundance. Jiang Yuqing harvested a hundred portions in one go and headed to the pill refining room to start learning.


    After carefully reading through the recipe, Jiang Yuqing rinsed the pill furnace with water and began attempting to refine it.


    The Dragon tripod came with an abnormal Dragon me. As soon as Jiang Yuqing opened it, an exceptionally scorching heat burst out, nearly scalding her. She hurriedly cast a protective shield over herself.


    Previously, following the steps in the recipe, she added the spiritual medicines one by one into the tripod. Upon adding the seventh ingredient, she heard a "puff" sound from inside, and a burnt smell emanated.


    The first attempt had failed.


    She emptied out the charred remnants and tried a second time, again failing upon adding the seventh ingredient. Jiang Yuqing checked the steps in the recipe and confirmed there were no issues, so she guessed the me temperature was the problem.


    On the third attempt, when she added the seventh ingredient, she turned down the me and sessfully refined the pills this time.


    Although the sess rate for the first furnace was low and the quality was only barely eptable, she wasn''t discouraged at all. On the contrary, she arrogantly felt she had good natural talent in refining pills.


    Since there were plenty more spiritual nts, she could simply practice with more furnaces.


    Next, Jiang Yuqing started a storm of pill refining, doing furnace after furnace until she had refined thest portion of spiritual nts before stopping.


    The quantity of fasting pills stacked into a small mountain added up to at least two to three thousand pills. Her record was ten consecutive sessful furnaces, all premium quality output.


    By now, several days had already passed in the Spirit Realm. She also hadn''t washed for several days and nearly smelled awful. She hurriedly cast a cleaning spell on herself before finally feelingfortable again.


    She then started sorting out the fasting pills she had refined. There weren''t many low quality ones, just around a hundred from her initial attempts. These couldst a day after eating one pill.


    There were around six to seven hundred mid quality ones. One pill was equal to three days of food. The top quality ones numbered close to one thousand eight hundred pills. One pill could rece eight days of meals. There were also over fifty supreme quality ones where one pillsted half a month.


    These were even better thanpressed biscuits. Cultivators could casually eat them with no issues. Ordinary people could asionally eat one or two pills and be fine, but eating too many wouldn''t do.


    It wasn''t an issue of potential pill toxicity, but rather that ordinary people needed nourishment for their stomachs. Going without food for prolonged periods would cause atrophy of the stomach even if there was no sensation of hunger, which was undesirable.


    Putting so many pills into jade bottles would be too troublesome. Aside from the supreme quality pills, everything else was put into jade boxes for convenience. Such was the mightziness) of the Spirit Realm Master.


    Seeding in refining the fasting pills also marked her official transformation into a clueless fledgling pill master. There was still some ways from second grade pill master.


    Baixiao was extremely gratified by this rare achievement and praised her, "Keep it up. Pill refining isn''t easy yet, so you still have much effort ahead of you!"


    However, bing skilled in pill refining wouldn''t happen overnight, just like making money required step-by-step effort. After all, there wouldn''t be another gold mine in the world for her to loot.


    After consecutively refining pills for several days, she was rather tired. Jiang Yuqing nned to properly rest for a while before going to tinker with the fruit tree saplings.


    Branches cut from old fruit trees and nted in the ground would quickly sprout into small saplings with some vitality infused. It was no hassle at all.


    On the other side of the barren mountain was a veryrge area. Jiang Yuqing nned to first clear out a few hundred acres and nt a peach orchard, then nt some pear and grape trees, and build an ecological farm that integrated picking, sightseeing and leisure for the people of the entire Beijing to visit.


    This way, people could appreciate peach blossoms in spring and pick fruit in summer.


    She would also build some t, paved trails through the woods and get some sturdy littlembs to pull cute little carts...


    By then she could invite some celebrities to help promote it - though that wouldn''t even be necessary. She was a living advertisement herself. If that didn''t work, she could always drag her brother over to attract people. The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. It was a great idea!


    She didn''t bother with the seedlings anymore and immediately ran back into the house, grabbed some paper and a brush and started scribbling away.


    A few days passed in the Spirit Realm, while only one night had gone by outside.


    The next evening after leaving court, Jiang Wenyuan was presented by Jiang Yuqing with her ns for Tai''an Farm to her father, mother, mentor and brother - her whole family, in other words.


    After looking it over, they all thought it was a good n and even offered some very good opinions and suggestions, all of which Jiang Yuqing adopted.


    That night, Jiang Yuqing entered the Spirit Realm again. After almost finishing nting the trees, she went to the Legacy Hall to concoct pills.


    This time she was making Clear Heart Pills. This was also a first-grade pill that cultivators could take when their mind and spirit were unsettled, to avoid going berserk while cultivating.


    For ordinary people, it had an excellent effect of calming the mind. Secr medicine also had prescriptions for calming shock and settling fright, so a pill like this wouldn''t sell for much.


    But she could use it for practice. Once she mastered concocting it, she could move on to trying second-grade Beauty Preserving Pills.


    Little coins waved to her from not too far away, cheering her on. Add oil!


    When Jiang Yuqing went to deliver things to Tai''an Farm again and check up on everyone, she found that the area near the house had already been cleared and nted with green vegetable seedlings.


    Jiang Yuqing said in surprise, "Aren''t you guys working too hard? I told you to recuperate first before doing anybor!"


    Yang Changyu scratched the back of his head and smiled bashfully. "We brothers all cherish this opportunity, and we''re used to working hard. Just eating and resting well everyday made us restless.


    So we cleared this plot to nt some vegetables, to reduce what we need to buy. You work hard to earn money to support us all. Anything we can save helps."


    Jiang Yuqing was deeply moved by them once again. Look how lovely they all were!


    But she still had to admonish them, "Tell everyone to work within their limits and rest properly. Don''t overwork yourselves til you copse.


    You must have meat with every meal, don''t skimp on buying it to save money. Your health is the capital for your work. Once your health improves, everything else will too!"


    She gave Yang Changyu a copy of the ns she had duplicated, telling him they could start by clearing the area marked for the peach orchard and dig pits there. Once that was done, they could send someone to tell her and she''d find a way to get fruit tree saplings.


    "Same as before - don''t overexert yourselves when working, no need to rush!" she reminded them.

 Chapter 125: The Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    Amidst busy times, the wedding of her elder brother arrived.


    Years ago, she and her master travelled all the way from their hometown Qingzhou to the Capital City, only to save the life of Ritual Master Yan.


    Now, his daughter has be her sister-inw. One has to admit, the workings of fate are truly wondrous.


    The night before the wedding, Jiang Yujiang came knocking on her door, saying he was too nervous to fall asleep, afraid it would affect his condition the next day, and asked if she had any remedies to help him rx.


    Jiang Yuqing gleefully gave him a Serenity Pellet. After taking it, he immediately said he was going back to sleep.


    She was reminded of her tribesman back home in Qingzhou, Hua Zi.


    On his wedding eve, his snores shook the skies as he slept extremely soundly. Compared to him, her dearest elder brother was simply too adorable.


    The next day, the main gate of Duke Jiang¡¯s Residence opened wide to wee guests. The eldest son of Duke Jiang took the daughter of the Imperial Tutor''s family as his wife. A match made in heaven with a talented gentleman and beautifuldy.


    The wedding ceremony was held at dusk. After paying respects at the altar, the bride was brought into the bridal chamber.


    Jiang Yujiang still needed to go outside to make toasts.


    Taking the chance while no one was looking, Jiang Yuqing slipped him a Sobering Pellet. Jiang Yujiang gave her a grateful fist salute.


    Jiang Yuqing waved him off, keeping her merit a secret.


    Afraid her sister-inw might be hungry, Jiang Yuqing secretly snuck into the kitchen, hoping to prepare some food for her. There she bumped into her paternal aunt carrying a tray of shredded chicken noodles.


    Upon hearing she was here to get food for the new bride, her aunt immediatelyughed and handed the tray to her, "Bring this to your sister-inw and tell her to fill her stomach first."


    "Will deliver it for sure!" Jiang Yuqing jested as she happily carried the tray towards the bridal chamber.


    Inside, the bride was sitting quietly with her attendants under a red canopy embroidered with mandarin ducks ying in the water, awaiting that sweet moment.


    Suddenly, the chamber doors knocked. The attendants exchanged nces. "Who is it?"


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s clear voice rang out, "Sister-inw, it''s me, your younger sister-inw Jiang Yuqing. I''ve brought you some food!" Hearing this, all thedies in the room rejoiced.


    The attendants hurriedly opened the door. Indeed, an extremely beautiful youngdy was standing there with a tray.


    The two attendants quickly curtsied, "Mydy!"


    She smiled gently, "No need to stand on ceremony." As she handed over the tray, "My paternal aunt was worried my sister-inw might be starving so she personally prepared these shredded chicken noodles. I volunteered to deliver it for her so you can fill your stomach first.


    I''m also here to inform my sister-inw that elder brother is currently toasting outside, I''m afraid it might be awhile more before he returns."


    Upon hearing this, the bride immediately stood and gave her gratitude, "Thank you little sister, please ry my thanks to Auntie as well!"


    Still smiling, Jiang Yuqing replied, "We¡¯re all one family, no need to stand on ceremony! Sister-inw please go ahead, I shan¡¯t disturb you further." With that, she curtsied and left the bridal chamber.


    Half an hourter, the drunken groom was supported back to the bridal chamber. The matchmaker followed them in and carried out the lifting of the veil ceremony and ceremony of the newlyweds drinking from the same cup.


    After that, a lock of hair was snipped from each of them and bound together with red thread, then ced under the newlyweds¡¯ pillow.


    As the saying goes: tyeing their hair marks their married life; affectionate with no doubts.


    The others wanted to y wedding pranks but were thwarted by Jiang Yuchuan¡¯s honeyed words and sent away.


    Jiang Yuqing secretly gave her dear elder brother a thumbs up. As expected of a top schr, his smooth talking was formidable.


    When the bridal chamber contained only the newlyweds, Jiang Yujiang immediately sobered up and attentively served his wife food, bathing, changing.


    Holding his bride in his arms, Jiang Yujiang scrutinised every inch of her exquisite beauty, murmuring intoxicatedly "You¡¯re so beautiful! Deyin, I''ve finally made you my wife."


    Yan Deyin shyly leaned into her husband''s embrace, softly calling him "husband".


    Unable to resist any further, Jiang Yujiang nted a kiss on her forehead, ¡°It¡¯ste, shall we retire...¡±


    In the candle-lit chamber filled with flowers of love, the silken canopy swayed as tender moans drifted.


    They paid formal respects to the elders after the wedding.


    The new sister-inw prepared gifts for everyone, nothing too extravagant yet each showed her thoughtfulness.


    Jiang Yuqing received an exquisitely embroidered pouch with kittens ying with butterflies.


    She had clearly done her research and knew of her habit of running around outside with a little sling pouch.


    Even for Doctor Qiu she prepared a gift.


    To Yan Deyin, he was not merely her husband¡¯s little aunt¡¯s teacher, but her own father¡¯s life saviour. Naturally she could not neglect him.


    The new bride was graceful and refined, bright and magnanimous. In modern terms, she had a ¡°peace and prosperity face¡±, very much adored by the elders.


    She also got along swimmingly with little sister-inw Jiang Yuqing.


    On the third day after the ceremony, when Yan¡¯s mother saw her glowing daughter with smiles filling her face, and the affectionate and doting way her son-inw gazed at her daughter, she knew her daughter was very happy with her inws.


    During their private conversation, she asked her daughter about her new marriage. Her daughter glowed as she told her how her husband doted on her, the elders appreciated her, even the prestigious little sister-inw Jiang Yuqing cared for her.


    Yan¡¯s overjoyed mother eximed, ¡°The Jiang Family are honourable people. My daughter, you¡¯ve struck gold!


    Come to think of it, we really must thank that concubine and illegitimate eldest son, otherwise how could you have met such an outstanding husband.¡±


    Laughing, she continued, ¡°There¡¯s a saying isn¡¯t there: Fortunate people don¡¯t enter unfortunate families! That family didn¡¯t deserve my daughter!¡±


    Yan Deyinpletely agreed.


    Three days after returning from the inws, Jiang Yujiang and wife set off towards the south.


    He was posted to Fuzhou county magistrate. As his start date was soon, they had to hurry there.


    His parents and Jiang Wenkang¡¯s family also travelled with them towards Qingzhou forpany.


    Jiang Wenkang had official agriculture duties he could not neglect for too long.


    The old folks were also unused to city life in the capital.


    Old Jiang said he couldn¡¯t bear to leave hisnd and old ox that apanied him for decades.


    Old Lady Hu said, ¡°Those madams here talk in riddles I can¡¯t figure out even if I twist myself eighteen times over. I¡¯m just an old country woman unable to handle them.


    Might as well return home and find my old hag friends.


    We chatter however we like, spit flying won¡¯t bother us one bit. If we get annoyed, a round in the mud won¡¯t have anyone scowling!¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan had no choice but to fully prepare supplies for their journey home.


    As usual, Jiang Yuqing packed all types of medication to give them, in case of anything.


    After they left, the formerly bustling Duke Jiang¡¯s Residence quietened down again.


    With Jiang Yujiang posted away and Jiang Yuchuan assigned to the Imperial Academy as editor, only Jiang Wenyuan and his two youngest children remained.


    Having an influential Cab Minister father, Jiang Yuchuan was guaranteed a smooth career path if he kept his nose clean.


    With a champion schr for a son and top schr for a grandson, it was the talk of Da Xia¡¯s court.


    In mid June, Yang Changyu ryed that the peach tree holes have all been dug ording to her requirements.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately rented a temporary storeroom near the city gates and moved all the peach tree saplings she had grown in her spirit space the past two days out. She then hired carriages to transport them to Tai An Farm.


    As the weather was hot, the veterans were afraid the saplings would be scorched. So they submerged the sapling roots fully into the stream to keep them alive. After that, they put their backs into nting the trees.


    Jiang Yuqing told them to pace themselves but they ignored her.


    Afraid they might suffer heat stroke, she ordered people to buy bags of green beans and bs of brown sugar for them to simmer soup to drink every day.


    In just three days, all the peach tree saplings were nted.


    To ensure survival rate, Jiang Yuqing pasted on invisibility talismans at night and secretly returned to the farm.


    She watered all the fruit trees with spiritual spring water and fed them some wood aura to ascertain all of them had taken root and would survive before leaving.


    After that, the veterans toiled bitterly for over two months to nt 500 acres of pear trees and 800 acres of grape vines before September.


    As they were short on manpower midway, Jiang Yuqing borrowed 30 more veterans from Old General Qin, utterly delighting him.


    With the fruit trees nted, the next phase was to nt alfalfa. After the crop fully grew, they could start mass rearing cows and sheep.


    On the eighth day of the ninth lunar month was Double Ninth Festival, also known as the emperor¡¯s fiftieth birthday. A grand celebration! Many neighbouring countries came to offer their congrattions.


    From the first day of the ninth month, envoys started trickling into the state guesthouse.


    The eastern countries of Liju and Wo, northern Xian, northwest Xiongnu, west Tubo, southwest East Woman tribes and southern bordends tribes etc.


    The attire of each country is unique, some simple and crude, others colorful and morous, each with its own characteristics.

 Chapter 126: Rotten Peach Blossoms

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    Themon people were talking enthusiastically about which country''s clothing was the best looking. If Jiang Yuqing happened to see them on the street, he would also stop to watch for a moment or two, and that was it.


    With so many foreign envoys entering the capital at the same time, the Ministry of Rites was really busy to death. Especially its subordinate department, the Ministry of Reception, where everyone was so busy they wished they had eight hands to get everything done. They were truly desperate for help.


    Minister Qing Zheng was anxious to pull people in to help. His idea even reached as far as the Imperial Academy. He spotted the newly entered Jiang Yuchuan at first nce.


    This young man was outstanding. Not only was he handsome, but he was also a top schr who had ced first in the imperial exam three times. It was natural for someone so talented to also be good-looking. He would be perfect to present an impressive image.


    Jiang Yuchuan''s superiors were reluctant to let him go, but Minister Qing Zheng begged and persuaded until he finally borrowed him, along with this year''s third-ranked schr, Lu.


    Minister Qing Zheng assigned Jiang Yuchuan to the team receiving the Xiongnu envoys. But Jiang Yuchuan adamantly refused.


    He said, "Those barbarians made my younger sister bedridden for half a year. She almost didn''t make it.


    If you make me receive them, I''m afraid I won''t be able to stop myself from poisoning them."


    Seeing that he was truly unwilling, Minister Qing Zheng could only re-assign him to the team receiving the East Woman Country envoys.


    There was a blood feud between the Xiongnu and Da Xia. Minister Qing Zheng also looked down on those barbarians.


    But there was no other option. The Xiongnu had formally submitted a diplomatic letter saying they wanted friendly rtions!


    There is a saying, "Don''t hit a smiling face with your hand outstretched." As the country of etiquette, Da Xia could not openly mistreat them. Moreover, the two countries should avoid fighting if possible. Wars exhaust the people and drain the treasury. Even the richest country could be impoverished by constant fighting.


    When Lu found out, he teased Jiang Yuchuan, "The East Woman Country''s envoys are all women. With your handsome looks, be careful not to get carried off to be a son-inw."


    Jiang Yuchuan gave his friend a sideways nce. "The Jiang family''s men do not be sons-inw!" Having said that, he turned and calmly walked away with his hands behind his back.


    Jiang Wenyuan was also busy. Because of the bridge copse incident, the Emperor had ordered a thorough investigation. Earthquakes were happening across Jizhou''s officialdom, implicating a series of big figures.


    These prominent figures not only had many concubines, but the family assets seized were even more substantial.


    At this time, he was busy cataloging these treasures for storage. He had no time to worry about his son.


    When he heard that his son had been borrowed by Minister Qing Zheng, he merely nodded to indicate that he knew.


    Young people getting more experience was always a good thing.


    However, just three days after Jiang Yuchuan went to the guest residence, Princess Erma Wuzhen of the East Woman Country brought her retinue to the Duke Jiang residence to propose a marriage alliance.


    When Lady Lu heard that this princess had taken a liking to her son and wanted to take him as her husband, she was so shocked she almost fainted!


    It happened that Jiang Yuqing had just returned home. Lady Lu immediately said, "The princess holds an esteemed status, my older brother cannot marry so far above his station. Please go back, Princess!"


    Princess Erma Wuzhen naturally refused to give up so easily. In stilted Da Xianguage, she said, "He can reach it. Also, I don''t need him to be a consort, I want him as my principal husband!"


    Jiang Yuqing looked to the heavens and took a deep breath through gritted teeth. "Princess, we have a saying in Da Xia about self-awareness. As a princess, how can you not even understand the most basic words!"


    Princess Erma looked puzzled. "I want to marry your older brother, what does that have to do with me not understanding Da Xianguage!"


    "It matters because my older brother will not be a son-inw. Princess, stop fantasizing!" Jiang Yuqing really could not stand this idiot.


    What the hell, how did such a fool be a princess!


    Jiang Yuqing spitefully guessed that maybe this Erma person was the only child left to the Queen of the East Woman Country, or she was just a scapegoat who had been pushed up.


    "Why?"


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes were spouting fire. She yelled, "Let me tell you why. My older brother is the heir to a first-rank Duke of Da Xia and a three-time top schr.


    If he abandoned the honorable status of heir to be whatever principal husband you''re offering, a second-ss citizen in your country, it would be like his brain was full of water!


    You think your East Woman Country is the greatest thing, some backwater barely worth mentioning. Who cares about it!"


    Princess Erma was left speechless by Jiang Yuqing''s verbal beatdown. She pointed at Jiang Yuqing with a shaking finger, her chest heaving heavily, but no words came out for a long time.


    Although the female officials of the East Woman Country apanying the princess also looked down on Erma''s foolish behavior, they still represented the East Woman Country. One of them rebuked with a ck face, "Princess, mind your words!"


    Jiang Yuqing was furious. "I can''t control my words! From your fluent Da Xianguage, it seems you have studied our culture.


    Then you should know that men are superior here. Unless forced to, Da Xia men will not easily be sons-inw to another family since it leads to disgrace.


    My older brother is the sole heir to a first-rank Duke''s household with an esteemed status.


    If you had any brains, you wouldn''t dare suggest that my brother be a principal husband to your so-called princess.


    It would be humiliating to both my brother and the Duke Jiang household. Be grateful I haven''t chased you out with a broom for evening here with this insulting proposal!"


    The female official''s face twisted in anger. "Is this how you treat guests in Da Xia?"


    Jiang Yuqing snorted disdainfully, "Don''t twist things out of proportion with me.


    Real guests who were invited should be treated well, but people like you who show up uninvited are called unsolicited guests. Naturally, we don''t need to be polite.


    If you''re dissatisfied, goin to His Majesty the Emperor. I''ll ept any punishment due!"


    Things had already reached this point. If the East Woman Country envoys didn''t leave now, they''d truly have no face left.


    The delegation had arrived full of arrogance, but they left crestfallen and ashen-faced. It was quite augh for onlookers.


    When Jiang Yuchuan heard the servant report that the Princess of the East Woman Country had openlye to propose, he was so angry his face turned red.


    His friend''s joking prediction hade true that day.


    That princess was only 18 or 19 years old, but already had several consorts.


    As soon as Jiang Yuchuan arrived, that loose woman took a liking to him and demanded he be her consort. Later, finding out his status, she changed her mind and wanted to take him as her principal husband instead.


    Thesest two days he had fled everywhere, yet never expected she''d actually go to his family! It was utterly disgraceful.


    By the time he hurried back home anxiously, he found out his valiant younger sister had already driven away that so-called princess back to the guest residence.


    Lady Lu was furious and hurriedly asked her son what had happened. Jiang Yuchuan helplessly exined the bizarre incidents of the past two days.


    Lady Lu said, "That princess is up to no good. You can''t keep doing this job. If nothing else works, have your father speak to the ministers of the Ministry of Reception to get you reassigned. This is too vexing!"


    Jiang Yuqing also felt her mother made sense.


    Jiang Yuchuan agreed that he couldn''t keep hiding like this. That princess was like a burning fuse ready to explode at any moment. After returning, he went straight to Minister Qing Zheng.


    Minister Qing Zheng was also badly shocked. What the hell was going on here!


    It was just a job, how could it stir up such a rottenwsuit. It seems that sometimes being too good-looking wasn''t a blessing at all, it easily attracted rotten peach blossoms.


    To think that a princess who should behave appropriately was actually a female pervert. This was dangerous!


    Afraid there might be more trouble he couldn''t exinter, Minister Qing Zheng quickly moved Jiang Yuchuan to another residence.


    Furthermore, whichever reception officials were the most handsome in the East Woman Country''s delegation were also promptly reced.


    So the next day when Princess Erma discovered the reception officials had all been switched to middle-aged uncles in their 40s and 50s, even old men, her face turned green.


    What Princess Erma caused at the Duke Jiang residence quickly spread across the capital city. Emperor Xia Jing''s face didn''t look very happy when he heard about it.


    The East Woman Country''s princess was truly too inappropriate.


    It was one thing for her delegation to bring consorts on their mission to Da Xia, but she actually dared covet outstanding Da Xia youths. When rejected, she went straight to their household!


    She treated Da Xia like what, this was simply preposterous!


    Emperor Xia Jing was furious and immediately ordered the Ministry of Reception to lower the reception standards for the East Woman Country envoys by two grades.


    Now it wasn''t just the envoys switching from handsome youths to old men. The number of reception officials also dropped from the original ten people to the present measly three.


    The food and supplies provided also decreased to Da Xia''s lowest level for receiving foreign missions. It was extremely embarrassing for the other countries'' envoys to witness.


    Even if the East Woman envoys were angry, it was still their own people who had caused the offense in the first ce. There was nothing they could do about it.


    Go back and tell Her Majesty the Queen that it would be better to rece Crown Princess Erma Wuzhen. She really is just a pile of useless mud that cannot support anything.


    On the seventh day of the ninth month, the Double Ninth Festival.


    The Jiang family, like other prestigious families, dressed up grandly and went together to the pce to celebrate the Emperor''s birthday. Even though it was a celebration, the ministers could hardly avoid having to present celebratory gifts.


    In order to curry favor with the big boss, the ministers had also racked their brains.


    Rare antiques from previous previous dynasties, genuine works by great masters from before before, lone editions of certain certain certain.


    Rare pearls and jades, gold Buddha statues, jade Guanyin statues, night pearls, everything imaginable was there.


    It really made Jiang Yuqing open his eyes to the spectacle, like a grand exhibit of treasures.


    When it was the Jiang family''s turn, Jiang Wenyuan also presented arge box.


    When Li Deshun opened the cover and looked inside, it turned out to be a pot of flowers, or rather, a pot of vibrant green rice seedlings in excellent condition. He was stunned for a moment.


    But he was an experienced man, and after reacting for a bit, he nced meaningfully at Jiang Wenyuan, who was standing by with a smile, and understood.


    So this must be another incredible invention. He announced, "Minister of Revenue, Jiang Wenyuan, one pot of green rice seedlings!"


    Everyone in the great hall was a bit confused when they heard the announcement. What on earth? One pot of green rice seedlings?


    Could it be that the Jiang family has gone crazy from poverty, to actually present something like this?


    Only a few intelligent ones immediately realized that rice crops should have already been stored away this season, so how could there be green rice seedlings.


    Moreover, looking at these seedlings, they were clearly just watered and fertilized, and were at peak condition right now.


    Emperor Xia Jing also thought of this question. He got up from his seat and walked down the steps.


    After carefully observing the green shoots, he asked Jiang Wenyuan, "These seedlings seem to be perfectly grown? Does Your Honor have any new discoveries? Please speak frankly, We truly cannot guess."


    Jiang Wenyuan smiled and revealed the secret: "This was sent by my hometown in Qingzhou. It is the second season rice we tried nting this year. The growth is currently very good, estimated to be harvested in mid October."


    Hearing this, Emperor Xia Jing was surprised, then extremely delighted. He burst outughing loudly: "Wonderful, Elder Brother Shi! How much did your family nt?"


    Jiang Wenyuan said: "We nted two acres on trial. The first season was nted in early April and harvested at the end of June. This season was nted in early July, so calcting the time, there is still over a month before harvest. If sessful, next year we could promote second season rice cultivation extensively across southern regions."


    Emperor Xia Jing was so excited that his voice even quivered slightly. He pped Jiang Wenyuan on the shoulder and said: "Excellent, truly excellent! Your family''s people are all outstanding folk! This is the best gift We have received this year!"


    The ministers in the hall also broke into astonished mor. Rice crops already had high yield as it is, now if the provinces in the south also implement a second season rice cultivation, the food production of Da Xia could double again.


    My goodness, could it be that the Jiang family is possessed by the spirit of Shennong! They are too amazing!


    Da Xia''s ministers were astonished, and the envoys from other countries were even more shocked.


    They had long heard about Da Xia''s high yield grain crop, but never imagined the thing called rice could even be cultivated a second season.


    The envoys from Southern Bordends were excited.


    Coming to Da Xia to celebrate the Emperor''s birthday this time, one of their greatest aims was to bring Da Xia''s high yield grain crops back to their country. They never imagined that on this Double Ninth festival, they would be able to hear news even better than the high yield varieties.


    This further reinforced their determination, that no matter what the cost, they had to buy back Da Xia''s high yield rice and methods for cultivating second season rice.

 Chapter 127: Thousand Autumn Festival

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    In addition to the Xiongnu, the other countries were basically aiming for high-yielding grain varieties.


    Nowadays in Da Xia, there is so much grain that it can be casually used to make wine. While most of their people are still starving.


    Rob? They would also need to have that ability to do so.


    Haven''t you seen how powerful the Xiongnu were, they almost beat Da Xia half dead a few years ago?


    I heard that the Royal Court had to move several hundred miles west. It almost entered the desert to eat sand.


    Now there are only the little dwarves of Wo Country to the east who still jump around from time to time.


    These dwarf-legged Wo ves are just relying on themselves floating on the sea. If Da Xia is really annoyed, builds treasure ships and throws them over at any time, it can blow them up.


    The two people the Xiongnu sent today were still old acquaintances. The Crown Prince, no, it should be called Regent Khan Huyan Xuri Gan, and the Seventh Prince Abalu.


    The envoys of other countries present were aiming for high-yielding grains, except them.


    The Xiongnu live on horseback and have been nomadic for generations withoutnd to nt, nor will they ntnd.


    The reason foring this time was not because they really wanted to get along well, but because Da Xia was beaten and scaredst time, they wanted to bow down temporarily and take a chance to catch their breath.


    Nowadays, Da Xia has a strong military and an abundance of grain, and there is also that extremely powerful Thunder of Heaven.


    It is said that the little thing, just throwing it casually, can kill arge area.


    The few who lucky enough to escape were scared out of their wits, and were even more tight-lipped about this.


    If Da Xia wanted to avenge the past blood feud and send troops to attack the grasnds, they would only have to wait to die.


    Emperor Xia Jing is an enlightened and wise emperor. There are many capable ministers and generals under him. Take the current Ministry of Revenue Shangshu as an example, he is a typical example.


    He was born in a humble background, and in just ten years he went from a county magistrate to the Ministry of Revenue Shangshu. He has yielded high-yielding grain varieties that people all over the world covet, causing Da Xia¡¯s grain yield to double year after year over the past few years.


    Even in a poor ce like Su Zhou, he only took six years to turn it into another granary in Da Xia,parable to Jiangnan.


    On the eve of the great war four years ago, they had colluded with a third party to bribe an official surnamed Hong to try to provoke this emperor and minister, and disturb Su Zhou, in order to create conditions for their major offensive against Da Xia.


    Unfortunately, it failed. This emperor trusted his ministers very much.


    This Jiang Daren is also an unyielding tough guy. Under his leadership, not only did the people of Su Zhou not flee, but young people flocked to the army to resist.


    It can be said that Jiang Wenyuan yed an extremely important role in Xiongnu¡¯s defeat.


    He turned his eyes again to the little girl standing next to him.


    Jiang Wenyuan''s daughter, Linghui Princess, is also one of the most legendary figures in Da Xia.


    Her life experience is as colorful as her father¡¯s.


    She was taken in as a closed-door disciple by Doctor Qiu when she was one year old. At the age of three, she dared to wield a scalpel to perform craniotomy surgery on him. Her talent is terrifying.


    Legend has it that in addition to Doctor Qiu as her master, this little princess has another unfathomable master from the outside world, from whom she has learned supernatural powers.


    There is news that the more than 5,000 remnants who escaped from Tongluo Guan with Ag and Habater were buried under some kind of her powerful spells.


    It was even her who cut off the heads of Ag and Habater.


    How old was she at that time, five years old! If the rumors are true, then she is simply a monster!


    Since they can''t get rid of such a monster, they can only try to use her. If that really doesn''t work, they have to alienate the father and daughter.


    Jiang Yuqing always felt that there was a pair of eyes staring at her back. She subconsciously looked back and looked straight into a pair of eagle-like eyes.


    A trace of an evil smile shed across Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly. Oh yeah, it''s still an old acquaintance!


    Huyan Xuri Gan was not at all embarrassed about being caught, but raised his ss to her instead. Jiang Yuqing returned a meaningful smile.


    After offering their gifts, Emperor Xia Jing rewarded Jiang Wenyuan with a bunch of nice stuff. After the Jiang family thanked for the grace, they went back to their seats, appreciating the gifts from others while waiting for the start of the feast.


    With the Jiang family¡¯s gems and jade in front, no matter how expensive the gifts from theterers were, Emperor Xia Jing didn''t show a trace of interest. He just gave a perfunctory "um" before letting people take them away.


    Only the pot of rice seedlings was kept at his feet, carefully protected.


    After the minister of Da Xia offered their gifts, it was the turn of the envoys from various countries to offer their gifts.


    Li Ju offered a 500-year-old wild ginseng, which looked good at first nce, but was far inferiorpared to the ones Jiang Yuqing gave out. There were also better ones than this in the emperor¡¯s treasury.


    Apart from these, there was nothing else.


    Wo Country offered a blood coral with a height of more than one foot. It looked quite valuable, but its actual value was limited.


    Their ronins had been burning, killing and looting along the southeast coast of Da Xia for a long time.


    How on earth did these people have the nerve to run over and pretend nothing had happened, wanting to "develop good neighborly rtions" with Da Xia?


    Xian Country offered some specialty medicinal materials from their country. Although most of them were nomads, there were also farmers near the southeast of Da Xia. Their purpose ining this time, in addition to grain varieties, was to negotiate border trade with Da Xia.


    The south is hot and humid with a lot of poisonous insects, snakes and ants, but also produces beautiful jade. What they offered was a two-foot square piece of imperial green jade, which was valuable.


    East Woman Country offered a two-foot high golden tripod. Tubo offered their holy object, a nine-eyed pearl, and a bone relic of the Buddha.


    Da Xia respects Buddhism and Taoism, so this Buddhist relic is also considered a rare treasure. Emperor Xia Jing was quite satisfied. He asked again how the Tubo princess who married into their tribe was doing, and the envoy replied: ¡°The princess is well!¡±


    Finally it was the Xiongnu¡¯s turn.


    The Xiongnu offered a curved knife iid with yellow gold and gemstones, said to be made of meteoric iron from outer space that could cut hair upon blowing.


    In Jiang Yuqing¡¯s eyes, this thing just made a lot of noise, but in reality it might not even be as good as the kitchen knife in her Spirit Realm. Moreover, after being beaten so badly by Da Xiast time, how dare theye!


    After everyone offered their gifts, Emperor Xia Jing said some more hypocritical words, and then the banquet began.


    Pce maidens came out holding all kinds of delicacies and ced them on the guests'' tables.


    After the emperor picked up his chopsticks and raised his ss, everyone began to drink freely. The sound of strings and pipes also came, and there were beautiful sounds all over the hall.


    After drinking for three rounds, Erma Wuzhen suddenly stood up and pointed at Jiang Yuchuan and shouted: ¡°Your Majesty, I have taken a liking to your heir apparent Prince Jiang Yuchuan. Please give him to me as my formal husband.¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, the faces of the Jiang family darkened instantly, and the surroundings also quieted down.


    The emperor was not happy either.


    He knew that this East Woman Country princess was a fool, but he didn''t expect her to still cling on shamelessly after being rejected by others.


    He said, "I can¡¯t decide this for you! When ites to marriage, it requires the order of the parents, the words of the matchmaker, and mutual affection between the two to be a good match between families. You want me to marry you off to him, why not ask the gentleman himself, or his parents. If they agree, I naturally have no objection!"


    As soon as Emperor Xia Jing''s voice fell, Jiang Yuchuan immediately stood up and said categorically: "I don''t want to! I ask the princess to stop pestering me!"


    Erma Wuzhen was a little bit hurt: "Why? If you mind that I have other husbands, I can dismiss them and only want you!"


    Her words caused the whole hall to chuckle. The youngdies present hated her itchingly.


    Where did this crazy womane from, not only being so promiscuous, she even dared to covet the pure and noble Prince Yuchuan, she was truly shameless.


    Jiang Yuchuan said angrily, "Because I don''t like you, I despise you, I don''t care about you! Are these reasons enough?"


    The peopleughed even harder. The girls were secretly happy. The prince was direct enough and firmly rejected her, that was how it should be.


    "Do you dislike me that much?" Erma Wuzhen almost cried. How could anyone not feel hurt after being ruthlessly rejected by a man in public?


    "Yes! Princess, no more words. Sit down and lift up the wine ss. Not a word more!"


    Erma Wuzhen wanted to say something more, but was pulled back by a female attendant next to her.


    The female official hated that she could not beat this fool to death. Wasn''t she embarrassed enough before? Why did she have to run back to the main hall and let others humiliate her again?


    Empress how can you give birth to such a fool?


    Compared to her, the Second Princess is much more capable.


    Seeing things had developed this way, Erma Wuzhen finally sat back dejectedly, only looking towards Jiang Yuchuan''s direction with an extremely resentful gaze.


    She thought the matter had passed.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as Erma Wuzhen sat down, the Xiongnu Regent Khan Huyan Xuri Gan stood up again. Pressing his right hand to his left chest, he bowed deeply to Xia Jing Emperor.


    He said: "The Xiongnu Regent Khan, Huyan Xuri Gan, is willing to offer two thousand war horses and five hundred miles of grasnd in the east as a betrothal gift, and ask for your country¡¯s Ling Hui Princess as the principal wife for my son Zhuolige Tu, so as to build friendly ties between our nations!"


    Immediately there was a ¡°bang¡± as the table was pped by two people simultaneously shouting ¡°Father Emperor (Your Majesty) you must not agree!" It was none other than Crown Prince Jingyan and Jiang Wenyuan!


    Jiang Wenyuan hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, my daughter Linghui is not yet twelve. How can she marry?"


    Jingyan also said: "Father Emperor, the Xiongnu harbor malicious intentions. You must never agree!"


    Now he hated that he could not skin and chop up these northern barbarians into ten thousand pieces. The treasure he had carefully protected in his heart for so many years, how could they covet her?


    With his eyes he silently warned his father that if he dared to agree, the Crown Prince guaranteed either he would be reced or the Emperor would be reced. His father had better think carefully!


    Seeing the obvious threat in his unfilial son''s eyes, the Emperor red fiercely at him. Clearing his throat, he said: "Indeed, the Regent Khan''s conditions are extremely favorable. However, as I said before - marriage requires the consent of her parents. Since her father is unwilling, Regent Khan please do not force them."


    Unexpectedly, Huyan Xuri Gan did not back down. Instead he turned and asked Jiang Yuqing: "Khan wants to hear the opinion of the Linghui Princess."


    Jiang Yuqing put down the melon seeds in his hand and stood up, a wicked smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Why not? The conditions are quite good. If you want me to marry into the Xiongnu it''s simple enough. What if Khan adds another condition?" Hearing this, the people in the hall lost theirposure, especially Jingyan whose face had turned white. "Qingqing, you must not agree!"


    Jiang Yuqing gave him a reassuring look.


    Huyan Xuri Gan seemed extremely interested: "What condition? Princess, please tell me!"


    Jiang Yuqing pointed in the direction of the pce gate, "Surely when the Regent Khan entered the pce he saw the Heroes Memorial Monument at the gate?"


    Xuri Gan nodded: "I saw it. What does it have to do with your condition?"


    Jiang Yuqing gave a coldugh: "As long as Khan goes in front of the monument and kneels to knock his head on the ground three times. And says loudly: ¡®The Xiongnu were wrong, we should not have invaded Da Xia. I havee to apologize.¡¯ Then I will marry you. What do you think?" As his voice faded, there was another wave of muffledughter in the hall. Even Jingyan smiled rarely.


    As soon as Xuri Gan heard this, his face turned ck instantly. He had wondered why the girl was so amodating. Turns out she was just waiting to ambush him here.


    A matter concerning the Xiongnu¡¯s national prestige, how could he agree? Naturally he could not!


    If he really did that, he was afraid that before Jiang Yuqing even married into the Xiongnu, he would be torn apart by the Xiongnu warriors.


    And so, the sparks of war vanished without a trace!

 Chapter 128: Bereaved Dog

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    Except for the two stubborn heads, others at the banquet were quite obedient.


    On the second day of Qianqiu Festival, countries started discussing cooperation, and the real confrontations began.


    The Southern Bordends wanted to purchase batches of grain seeds, such as rice. They even wanted to purchase technology for double cropping rice cultivation.


    Seeds could be sold. High-yielding grain types were almost poprized across the country. Even if the Da Xia Imperial Court didn''t sell, they could still get from folk, though more difficult. Rather than that, generously selling could gain good impression.


    As for double cropping rice cultivation techniques, Jiang Wenyuan directly rejected with the reason still in trial and immature technology.


    Whether the Southern Bordends people could figure out themselves after returning depended on their own capabilities.


    Apart from seeds, the Southern Bordends produced abundant jade and medicinal herbs. Da Xia also had salt and other goods that they urgently needed. The two sides were mutually beneficial.


    The Xian Country wanted to open border trade between the two sides. The Da Xia emperor and his ministers had discussed. The Xian Country had beenpliant in the north over the years. It could be opened.


    This was good for both. Silk, porcin, tea and other Da Xia goods could be imported into Xian Country. Cattle, sheep and rted products of Xian Country like leather and wool, especially warhorses could be imported into Da Xia.


    Da Xia had few grasnds and quality horses within its boundaries.


    In most of the wars with Xiongnu before ck powder appeared, Da Xia had often been in the disadvantaged position of being passive defenders, more defeats than victories.


    After all, infantry, regardless of how powerful, could not ovee cavalry with superior speed.


    As for the East Woman Country, the rtionship with Da Xia had been alright before. Giving them some grain types should not have been a big deal. Unfortunately, their princess did not recognize her behavior, offending people she should not have, and a few words made the emperor change his mind.


    They wanted grain types? Alright, pay to buy them, and the price would be twice that of other countries.


    The East Woman Country female officials heard the news and their faces turned ck yet they could do nothing. Whose fault was it that she offended others?


    Tubo was located on the teau, with climate even worse than Su Prefecture in Da Xia. Domestic livelihood was mostly nomadic, also some cultivation of qingke millet. The people''s temperament was fierce.


    The two generations of Zhambu had intentions of friendship with Da Xia. Many years ago, they specially sent envoys to Da Xia to ask for marriage ties, wanting permanent friendship between the two states.


    After much consideration, Emperor Xia Jing then married the princess to the current king of Tubo. Therefore, Emperor Xia Jing was the Tubo king''s father-inw.


    So the two states were rted by marriage, and hence the emperor gifted them corn and potato seeds. Whether they could survive depended on themselves, nothing the emperor concerned.


    Emperor Xia Jing, thinking of his daughter not seen for many years, felt somewhat remorseful, and separately gave more gifts for them to bring back to the princess. It was some of his sentiment as her father emperor.


    As for Liju in the northeast...


    They had been waiting for the rewards of the Da Xia emperor, but waited left and waited right yet got nothing.


    After more than ten days, unable to endure anymore, they sideways asked the officials of the Ministry of Rituals. Meaning, other countries had gotten rewards and left, but why we till now have received nothing?


    Those officials looked at them with expressions as if something was wrong with them, and meaningfully said "Who did you say? The Southern Bordends and East Woman Country bought grain seeds with their own money.


    Tubo were marriage rtives of Da Xia. It''s not excessive for father-inw to gift son-inw and daughter." And more righteously, he said "Who told you thating here means you must get rewards?


    Da Xia is in financial constraints now and needs money everywhere, belts must be tightened. Where is spare money to assist others!"


    These words were like a p across the face of the Liju envoys, fiercely painful. They immediately left in anger.


    In fact, this was Jiang Wenyuan reminded his father. He said, "Dad, today on the street I saw Liju envoys entering the city. Apart from some boxes of notrge size on the lead wagon, the long line of carriages werepletely empty. Were theying to shop?"


    These words indeed frightened Jiang Wenyuan. He hurriedly checked the records. Unknown before, fearful after checking. In the past hundred years after Da Xia''s founding, Liju had overall thirty-seven records of tributary visits.


    Each visit, they brought some worthless small ginseng, or a few small pearls. Most valuable was once a half foot coral.


    Each departure, they brought many carriages of rewards. Countless gold, silver, jewels and Da Xia specialties.


    My god, that was tribute envoys? This was more like country cousinsing to the city to beg!


    Thinking of the empty carriages seen by his daughter, Jiang Wenyuan was so anxious he immediately carried these records and took them into the imperial pce.


    Worrying the emperor''s mind would loosen and vast rewards would flow out.


    The current national treasury was only rtively more abundant. The vast nation needed money everywhere. Even funding requests by the Ministry of War to build treasure ships at Fuzhou against Japanese pirates had not fallen into ce.


    Rather than spending money to feed these wolves, using it to build two more treasure ships was the proper thing to do!


    Seeing the records, the emperor also felt hurt all over, especially losing face.


    These little rapists really treated Da Xia like a fool.


    Reward? Reward your *! Get lost where you came from!


    So Liju envoys unprecedentedly left, dragging the long line of empty carriages, all the way murmuring resentfully.


    Huyan Xuri Gan never dared worship at the memorial. Instead, whenever Xiongnu envoys passed, he would hastily lower his head to avoid it.


    That memorial emitted too strong a pressure, giving them an inexplicable difort.


    On the 15th day, when they left the pce, they were seen by Jiang Yuqing who happened to be going there to worship. She coldlyughed and blocked their path, saying "Do you know what lies under this memorial?


    The Xiongnu envoys were silent.


    Her voice squeezed out between teeth. "Grave soil. I personally took back from the graves of those who died at Yumen Pass, 118,861 in total. And that was only part of them!


    Every drop of blood debt, the Da Xia people will remember forever and never forgive. So don''t bother with any more useless effort! Da Xia will not sell a single grain to you!"


    She paused and stared at the two Xiongnu brothers with the ice cold gaze of looking at the dead. "You should feel fortunate for not being at that battlefield.


    Otherwise, your heads would be dried under Da Xia''s city wall like Ag Habateer''s!"


    "So you did kill them and the other five thousand warriors?" Xuri Gan''s face paled somewhat.


    Jiang Yuqing did not directly reply, but her attitude exined everything.


    "So leave Da Xia''snd quickly! And far away! No more fantasy of using schemes and plots."


    She suddenly wickedly stared at Xuri Gan, using her hand to point to his head. "Otherwise, I''ll have you die even more miserably than Ag!"


    Xuri Gan shuddered, thinking of something with cold sweat dripping. Shivering, he asked "What did you do to my head?"


    Jiang Yuqing shrugged with hands out. "Nothing much, just nted a little seed where you cannot see! Not even known by my master! You know, I have some unknown abilities."


    As she spoke, she lightly waved her right hand, and Xuri Gan immediately felt something drilling in his head.


    The difort made his stomach churn, instantly vomiting on the spot. His followers panicked.


    "Seed!" Xuri Gan''s face was deathly pale, gnashing his teeth in hatred. "You sinister!"


    Jiang Yuqing looked up at the memorial, her heart filled with endless hatred. "When you lifted des to ughter our Da Xia people, treating them like sheep, did you ever consider mercy?"


    Xuri Gan felt his head would explode, as if something wanted to drill out. It hurt so much his body was trembling.


    Seeing his elder brother hurt like this, Abalu was enraged and swung at Jiang Yuqing''s head. But she directly kicked him back several feet.


    The Xiongnu envoys were all shocked. Such a small person yet able to kick the 300-pound Abalu back. How big was her strength?


    Xuri enduring the violent headache, relying on his subordinate''s arm to stand up, asked Jiang Yuqing in cold sweat: "What exactly do you want?"


    Jiang Yuqing sneered: "2000 war horses, 500 miles of grasnd, to buy your life!"


    "Impossible!" Xuri angrily refused.


    "Whatever you want!" Jiang Yuqing looked indifferent "Ag is dead, and there is still Lakeshen. His mother is the concubine.


    If you die, do you think it will be up to that pus bag Abalu and your son whose beard has not even fully grown to fight against him?"


    By then the entire grasnd will be his. Who knows, maybe to thank me for eliminating you as his opponent, he might directly give me these things as gifts. One can never know for sure."


    This undoubtedly touched Xuri''s fatal weakness.


    One of his confidants advised him: "Regent Khan, agree to it.


    What she said makes sense. If something unfortunate were to happen to you, Lakeshen would definitely not let us off easy. By then everything we have would be reduced to nothing.


    There is a saying in China, as long as the green hillsst, there will always be wood to burn."


    Xuri also clearly understood the stakes involved. After weighing the pros and cons, he eventuallypromised: "Fine! I agree to your conditions! When will you remove what''s in my head?"


    Jiang Yuqing said; "Only I can activate this thing. As long as you behave yourself, you will naturally remain safe and sound. But if..."


    She drew a few circles in the air with her hand, looking sinister as if she came out of hell itself: "Even if we were thousands of miles apart.


    As long as I move my thoughts ever so slightly, it will instantly prate your skull, drain all the blood and flesh from your body, and turn you into a dried corpse not even worthy of a soul.


    So do not even think of trying anything sneaky again. You cannot beat me."


    At this point even Xuri''s soul was shivering in fear. Weakly he said "Since I have agreed to your conditions, you must fulfill your side as well!"


    "Of course!" Saying so, Jiang Yuqing immediately crooked her finger, withdrawing the Wood Spirit''s Breath.


    The intense pain that wracked Xuri''s body immediately dissipated without a trace. If not for his clothes that were still soaked in cold sweat, he would have thought nothing had happened at all.


    And for this reason he feared her even more now, as he truly believed her capable of doing what she imed.


    Having regained his freedom, Xuri fled in embarrassment with his men.


    Watching the pathetic escape of the Xiongnu people, Jiang Yuqing walked up the steps and gently ced the bouquet of white chrysanthemums in front of the tombstone.


    Gently caressing the surface of the tombstone, she softly said: "Comrades, don''t you think they look like dogs that have lost their homes?"

 Chapter 129: Huitong Bank

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    The pce square was crowded with peopleing and going. The confrontation between Jiang Yuqing and the Xiongnu envoy was soon heard by Emperor Xia Jing.


    Emperor Xia Jing sighed, "A mere girl has such toughness and shames so many grown men!" He patted his son on the shoulder, "You lucky boy!"


    Jing Yan felt honored and rarely arrogant, "Of course I''m luckier than you!"


    Emperor Xia Jing: "..." Can''t handle this son.


    The next day, Huyan Xuri Gan submitted a national letter.


    Thus, Da Xia obtained 2,000 war horses without losing a single soldier, and its territory expanded westward by 500 li.


    That afternoon, Huyan Xuri Gan left the capital of Da Xia with his men as fast as if something was chasing them.


    He now just wanted to get away from Da Xia, thisnd that was once so coveted but now so terrifying, and from that devil, as far as possible...


    He had no time to think about anything else...


    The next morning at the early court session, Emperor Xia Jing''s loudughter spread throughout the hall. Expanding the territory was a major event that deserved an announcement to the world for the emperor and his ministers to celebrate together.


    He didn''t care how Jiang Yuqing did it. A good cat is one that catches mice, no matter if it''s ck or white.


    The Emperor also highly praised Jiang Wenyuan for teaching his daughter well. He issued an imperial decree on the spot, conferring Jiang Yuqing the title of Princess Protector of the Country, an ultra-first-rank title.


    Among women, her status was second only to the Empress and on par with the princesses. The words "Protector of the Country" were not to be easily granted.


    When the news spread, the capital was shocked again. The creed "raise daughters to be like Jiang Yuqing" once again gained poprity.


    People crowded Jiang''s residence again to congratte him, forcing Jiang Wenyuan to close his doors to visitors before it finally died down.


    After the Xiongnu left, the Wo Country also left empty-handed with anger.


    How dare you send people to rob and kill in my house, then turn around with a smile wanting me to give you treasures as a friendly neighbor. Go to hell! Jerks!


    Not only did they receive no rewards or crops, Da Xia even sent a squad of Feathered Forest Guards to "escort" them all the way to the seaside and watched them board the ships!


    Thispletely cut off their idea of getting food supplies midway!


    After seeing off these troublesome guys, the air in the capital seemed much fresher.


    The officials of the Ministry of Justice could finally sleep well too.


    Jiang Wenyuan also heaved a sigh of relief. Every day they just wanted to get money out of him! Disgusting!


    The fruit trees at Tai''an Farm had all been nted, blessed by Jiang Yuqing¡¯s wood aura, all survived and grew well.


    Therge area of alfalfa grass had also grown to about an inch high.


    The veterans were delighted, thinking it was due to Jiang Yuqing¡¯s ¡°potion¡±. They asked her to make more when she had time to water the trees. It worked wonders. Jiang Yuqing was amused by this.


    The veterans were now building cattle pens, sheep pens and chicken coops at the predetermined locations.


    The pigpen was built close to the 3,000-mu farm near Jiang''s residence.


    Sewer pipes andposting pools were also dug.


    The manure swept out from the pigpen every day could be piped into this big pool for fermentation and then directly spread into the fields as natural organic fertilizer.


    It¡¯s also far enough from the orchards and houses, so even on windy days, the smell wouldn¡¯t reach people.


    She had notified the government''s livestock department to deliver the first batch of 50 piglets.


    Jiang Yuqing had the experienced veterans select 10 sows and 2 boars for breeding, and ughtered the rest.


    Seeing Jiang Yuqing lift up the piglets one-handed and castrate them with one stroke of the knife, the veterans couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill between their legs. Their awe of her deepened!


    She really deserved to be called the little Warrior God. That was just too ruthless.


    So they privately gave her another nickname of "Ghost Hand and Divine de".


    When Jiang Yuqing found out, she was not offended at all, but rather smug about it.


    She decided that when she sets out into the Jianghu world one day, she would use this nickname!


    At dinner that night, seeing her father Jiang Wenyuan frowning, she asked what was wrong.


    Jiang Wenyuan frowned and said, "Pirates are rampant along the southeast coast. His Majesty intends to pacify them butcks treasured ships."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Is it because our technology is not good enough to build them?"


    "No, it isck of money! Treasured ships are extremely costly. To establish a strong enough navy, we need a sufficient number of them.


    Although Da Xia''s national treasury has improved in recent years, there are many ces in need of money and it¡¯s hard to squeeze out money for this.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing asked, "How much silver does a treasured ship require?"


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Small ones cost 20,000 to 30,000, medium ones 50,000 to 60,000. Forbat ships that can carry hundreds or thousands into sea battles, at least 100,000 silver!"


    Jiang Yuqing was shocked. That''s an astronomical figure. But establishing a navy was the right idea.


    Only with a sufficiently powerful navy could they resist invading enemies, protect their homnd, and even explore the unknown overseas worlds for expansion.


    If only they had money...


    Jiang Yuqing wanted to help her father too but she was also poor. She couldn''t think of any good solutions for a while.


    It wasn¡¯t until she was on her way home from Anding Hospital today and bought a baked sweet potato. Seeing a money house, she suddenly had an idea.


    That¡¯s it! Building money houses, state-owned money houses!


    She immediately stuffed the sweet potato into her mouth and raced home on White Xiaoshi. After closing the door, she started drafting ns.


    In her previous life, she didn''t study finance so her financial knowledge was quite limited.


    Butpared to this world''s money houses that could only hold money and exchange currencies, it was a huge leap forward.


    When Jiang Wenyuan returned from work, she had just finished writing. She immediately took it to show her father.


    Jiang Wenyu¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw it, extremely excited. "Good girl, you¡¯ve helped your father tremendously!"


    He immediately went to the pce without even eating dinner, holding her ns.


    The emperor and prince had just picked up their bowls when they heard Jiang Wenyuan had an urgent matter to discuss. They quickly summoned him in.


    Jiang Wenyuan presented what his daughter had written and exined it carefully. The Emperor was also amazed, full of praises.


    He eximed, "Brother Yi, just how did your daughter''s brain grow? This is too brilliant! If she was a boy, I reckon you couldn''tpare with her!"


    Jiang Wenyuan grumbled, "Aren''t I not as good as her? If we really rank our status, I still have to bow to her!"


    Hearing this, the Emperor burst outughing, "Oh yes, that''s how it is! As the father you are the first rank, but your daughter is an ultra first rank. Do you feel wronged?"


    Jiang Wenyuan chose not to answer such a childish question, even if he was the Emperor.


    Emperor Xia Jing said, "Let''s discuss this n tomorrow at the grand meeting. If there''re no issues, let¡¯s go with it!"


    "Alright!"


    "Oh yes. Have you eaten? Let''s have a meal together!"


    "Then this subject will humbly obey and not dare to decline the decree..."


    The next day at the grand meeting, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s proposal for establishing money houses were presented and approved by ny percent of the officials after some debate.


    After half a month¡¯s deliberation, a state-owned money house called ¡°Da Xia Remittance and Exchange House¡± was established on the most prosperous Imperial Avenue in the capital city, under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue.


    Instead of charging safekeeping fees, this money house would even pay interest for term deposits.


    For clients in temporary need of money, they could mortgage assets like houses andnd for flexible loans and repay after their funds returned.


    Although interest would be charged, it was extremely lowpared to the blood-sucking pawn shops. What''s more, this was a state-run money house, credibility guaranteed. In other words, the silver deposited would not disappear as long as Da Xia stood.


    On opening day, people lining up to deposit money stretched over a li.


    Jiang Yuqing lined up first. She must show some support for national affairs.


    The staff recognized her and immediately got up to bow. Jiang Yuqing smiled and asked them to carry up a few boxes of silver ingots.


    "Princess, how much would you like to deposit?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled, "A total of 8,888 taels. 5,000 taels for 3-year term deposit. The rest 3,888 taels for active deposit. Please help me with the procedures for deposit certificates."


    The staff burst intoughter when they heard this amount. The princess must be trying to give them an auspicious bonus! "Sure, Your Highness, please wait a moment!" The staff carefully checked the quality and weight of the silver before processing the paperwork for Jiang Yuqing and issuing her a receipt and promissory note.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing offered her own blessing: "Wishing you booming business and expanding wealth!"


    On the first day alone, Huitong Money House on Imperial Street received 273,000+ taels of savings deposits, including 120,000 taels in fixed-term deposits.


    This was just the savings received by the first branch on the first day.


    If Huitong Money Houses were opened throughout Da Xia, pooling all the amassed wealth together to offer loans or investments, setting it into cirction for money to beget money, the final numbers would be as vast as the sea.


    Then would there still be any worry that Da Xiacked money to build treasure ships?


    The Ministry of Revenue officials were utterly delighted, and Emperor Xia Jing was ted. He highly praised Jiang Yuqing once more as an outright genius.


    Ever since Huitong Money House opened for business, Jiang Wenyuan''s mood improved day after day, his once deeply furrowed brows rxing as he went about his days gracious and smiling, dining on delicious food.


    At the same time, Jiang Yuqing tallied up an ount at month''s end.


    Before winter set in, she had just donated another 150,000 sets of new cotton uniforms to the Northwestern Garrison. Basically all of Su Province''s Warm Wool Workshop''s profits this year went towards that.


    For Anyi Hospital, she hadn''t taken a single percentage of their 20% profits this year, leaving it all to the hospital to subsidize medication costs for the veterans seeking treatment.


    Fortunately the State Pharmacy Bureau side of things was still profitable. Coupled with several medicinal forms she had provided over the years, business remained respectable.


    She donated a portion of the money to the Mercy Academy, invested some into Tai¡¯an Farm, then had various other expenses here and there, leaving not much left over.


    After New Year¡¯s, she still needed to purchaserge batches of breeding sheep and cattle and other livestock, which would be another major expenditure.


    Moreover, Da Xia had just signed an agreement with Xian Country. Going forward, cattle, sheep, raw sheepskin and wool would be imported from Xian Country into Da Xia inrge quantities. Jiang Yuqing also nned to dispatch people to the border after New Year¡¯s to construct anotherrge-scale workshop there¡ªyet another enormous capital investment.


    The bit of silver she had on hand truly wouldn¡¯t cut it. It was time toe up with some profitable ventures.

 Chapter 130: Jiang. Fried Oven. Yu Qing.

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    During this period, she had refined all the first-grade elixirs that she could refine. All kinds of elixirs were piled up into a small mountain, and even Bai Xiaoshi would go take a few pills from time to time when he had nothing to do.


    She could be considered a skilled first-grade alchemist. Now she wanted to advance to refining the second-grade Beauty Elixir. Still using one hundred parts of medicinal materials.


    The spiritual herbs and flowers needed for the Beauty Elixir consisted of more than thirty kinds, almost twice as much as the first-grade elixirs.


    After carefully memorizing the pill form, she started working.


    The medicinal materials were added in one by one, everything was added, it seemed to go smoothly.


    But when it came to the melting step, there was a gurgling sound of big bubblesing from the furnace, and it was particrly loud.


    She thought that maybe the fire was too big, and she had just wanted to turn the fire down a bit, when suddenly the furnace started spewing smoke rapidly, Jiang Yuqing was startled, and subconsciously ran out.


    Just as she turned around, there was a huge boom behind her, deafening. The whole elixir tripod instantly flew into the sky, Jiang Yuqing was shocked and threw herself on the ground.


    Unexpectedly, after flipping twice in the air, the tripod made a loud ng as it fell down, and happened to trap her inside!


    "......" Jiang Yuqing''s mind buzzed, her ears were full of echoes. Physical attacks could be blocked, but magic damage was truly unavoidable. She was really going to lose her life this time.


    By the time Jiang Yuqing staggered out with stars in her eyes, covered in all kinds of debris and murky green waste liquid, pushing open the elixir tripod with difficulty, Bai Xiaoshi was alreadyughing wildly on the ground.


    All four hooves were spread out characteristically, unable to stand up at all, his tail swung wildly, fur flying everywhere.


    His mouth made a strangeugh, "hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw haw haw", a perfectly fine deerughed like a donkey.


    "Others are refining pills, you, hee-haw hee-haw, do you want to refine yourself?" Even whenughing like this he still didn''t forget to mock her.


    Jiang Yuqing ground her back mrs, determined to teach this disrespectful little spirit beast a lesson.


    So she pounced on it directly, hugging its handsome deer head and rubbing it violently, smearing it all over with smelly debris and sticky liquid.


    The fastidious spirit beast let out a pig-ughtering scream, suddenly feeling like the whole deer was not clean.


    After the Lord let out her anger, her whole body felt rxed. Forking her waist, she hahahaughed loudly: "Let youugh at me! If you dare tough at me again, I will let you know what it means to share hardships!"


    This threat worked well, Bai Xiaoshi was actually...not that honest.


    He didn''t dare tough in front of you, but could this treasure still not hide andugh?


    Listen, the constant "bang bang bang" sound, if you knew she was refining pills you wouldn''t know she was sting the mountain.


    The sound was so loud that even the house was shaking! She might as well be called Jiang.st.Furnace.Yuqing. Or call her "st Furnace Alchemist", hee-haw hee-haw.


    With this talent, it would be thanks to the good quality of the Dragon me Cauldron, if it was another cauldron it would have been sted into scraps long ago.


    Speaking of which, she can really stand the explosions, her hair was sted into a lion''s mane.


    Oh\(¨R?¨Q)O¡ª¡ªit''s even smoking, usually only ancestral graves spew green smoke, she can make herself spew smoke, that''s really amazing. Lu Shu can''tpare, just can''tpare...


    Jiang Yuqing sted furnaces busily, while Bai Xiaoshi mocked busily.


    After 13 consecutive failures, ruining 7 sets of clothes, Jiang Yuqing finally refined the first Beauty Elixir pill, although it was only low-grade, it was still enough to make Jiang Yuqing bloom with joy.


    This damn second-grade elixir, the difficulty was at least 10 times that of first-grade.


    It was just an elixir form, without any precautions or experience tips, forcing her to explore over and over again, she almost developed psychological shadows from the explosions.


    Fortunately, hard work pays off, she finally managed to refine it sessfully.


    After seeding the first pill and finding the knack, subsequent pills became much easier. Although there would still be asional explosions of one or two furnaces, the sess rate was still much higher. After refining 100 parts of medicinal materials, there were a total of 41 pills.


    Among them, 11 lower-grade, 11 medium-grade, and 19 top-grade. The lower-grade elixirs could maintain appearance for 3 years without change, medium-grade could maintain for 6 years without change, and top-grade could maintain for 10 years without change.


    Jiang Yuqing decided to give one top-grade pill to her mother and two aunts each, and one pill each to her 7 sisters-inw (including future ones).


    She would also give one pill each to her grandmother and aunt, one to the Empress, one to Second Master''s wife, and one to Third Master''s wife.


    It was a pity that Eldest Master''s wife passed away early, otherwise she could have kept one pill for her too.


    That added up to 16 pills, with 3 surplus pills left. Jiang Yuqing decided to first auction off the 3 surplus pills, one low-grade, medium-grade and top-grade each. Rarity determined value!


    She would slowly release moreter depending on the situation!


    After organizing the elixirs, Jiang Yuqing returned to the medicine garden, plucked a string of loquats and sat by the spiritual spring to peel and eat them. She inadvertently looked up and found that the scale on the merit stele had risen by anotherrge section.


    She immediately got up to check the jade bowl on top of the stele. She discovered that there was actually a shallowyer of spiritual milk that had condensed inside, at least twenty or so drops.


    Each drop of this spiritual milk could increase a mortal''s lifespan by ten years. Cultivators could directly take it to directly improve their cultivation level, and it could also be used to refine life-extending pills. It was an absolute heavenly treasure.


    Jiang Yuqing was extremely excited and asked Bai Xiaoshi what had happened.


    Bai Xiaoshi said: "You took out several kinds of high-yield grains, saving countlessmoners. You also donate so many supplies to the military camp every year, helped build the memorial monument, funded orphanages, built farms to settle disabled soldiers, and so on. These virtuous deeds have umted into great merit.


    The more faith power you have, the thicker your merit will be, so naturally, the more spiritual milk the spiritual spring will condense."


    Jiang Yuqing hugged Bai Xiaoshi tightly and kissed him hard, "That''s so great. Xiaoshi, thank you!"


    Bai Xiaoshi was uncharacteristically a little embarrassed, and said arrogantly: "Cough, it''s pretty good I guess!"


    Jiang Yuqing took ten drops from the middle, drank them in one go, and sat down to meditate by the spiritual spring.


    Three dayster, the surrounding spiritual energy suddenly rushed madly into her body. She gathered this spiritual energy into a sharp spear, and fiercely stabbed at an invisible barrier. With a "pop", the barrier shattered with a cry.


    Then the spiritual energy rushing in from outside also formed a whirlpool, quickly pouring into her body. She concentrated her mind,pressed this spiritual energy into spiritual fluid, and guided it into her dantian.


    After running the exercises for thirty-six weeks, the spiritual fluid finally stabilized in the dantian. She had actually directly broken through to the fourthyer of Foundation Building in one go.


    In the path of cultivation, the more advanced one bes, the more spiritual energy is needed, and the harder it is to advance.


    She had only just advanced to the secondyer of Foundation Buildingst year. To jump two small realms in such a short time and advance to the mid Foundation Building stage, the potency of the spiritual milk really came as a pleasant surprise.


    This spiritual milk really was a great treasure.


    Jiang Yuqing decided that in order to obtain spiritual milk in the future, she must do more good deeds from now on.


    Early next morning, Jiang Yuqing stuffed an American ginseng Beauty Elixir pill into her mother''s mouth.


    Over the next two days, Lu''s skin visibly became smooth and fair, and the fine lines on her facepletely disappeared. Her condition looked even better than when she first got married.


    When Lu turned her rippling eyes, she even made Jiang Wenyuan fall deep into them, holding his wife''s charming face, he looked at her tenderly and said: ¡°Wanniang, why do I feel that you look much younger than before recently, as if when we first married."


    Lu happily said: ¡°You noticed it too? It was given to me by my good daughter. She gave me the Beauty Elixir she refined with spiritual herbs and flowers from the Immortal World. She said one pill can maintain appearance for ten years without change."


    Jiang Wenyuan said: "No wonder!" He thought for a moment and touched his own face: "You look so young and beautiful now, won''t I look very old when standing next to you?"


    Lu red at him, then looked at her husband infatuatedly again: ¡°No, in my eyes, you will always be the most handsome!"


    Jiang Wenyuan was sessfully soothed by his wife. Feeling wonderful, he tidied up and went to the government office.


    That day after breakfast, Jiang Yuqing took Lu with her into the pce. As soon as Empress Qin saw Lu¡¯s condition, she was immediately shocked.


    Although Lu¡¯s appearance had always been beautiful, she had only looked slightly younger than her peers.


    Yet in such a short time, it was as if she had be a different person, suddenly looking ten years younger, her face smooth and tight like a seventeen or eighteen year old girl.


    Loving beauty was a woman¡¯s nature, even for an empress it was the same. Empress Qin immediately asked what kind of miraculous elixir she had taken.


    Jiang Yuqing took out an embroidered box. As soon as she opened the lid, a very pleasant aroma wafted out that was different from any other expensive fragrance she had used before. It was wonderfully beautiful andfortable beyond words.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "This is Beauty Pill! My mother ate this."


    "Beauty Pill?"


    "Yes!" Jiang Yuqing exined, "The medicinal materials are extremely rare, all heavenly treasures. I collected them for years, in addition to my master''s collection, putting my heart and soul into finally refining this pill. At present, there are only a few pills total.


    Even among these few pills, they are of different grades - top grade, middle grade, and low grade. Although they can all nourish skin and beauty, the duration of efficacy is different.


    The low grade can maintain appearance for three years unchanged, the middle grade for six years, and the top grade for ten years. My mother ate the top grade. The pill in this box is also top grade! Generally speaking, you can see obvious effects three days after taking it."


    Empress Qin did not hesitate and popped the pill into her mouth. The pill was the size of a fingertip yet dissolved as soon as it entered her mouth, leaving only the full scent of flowers. It slid down her throat, permeating her internal organs.


    This feeling was indescribably wonderful andfortable.


    Jiang Yuqing was startled at first, then eximed in surprise, "Is Her Majesty not afraid that this pill might be poisonous?"


    Empress Qinughed, "With your abilities, if you wanted to harm me it would be easy, so how could you be so tant as to leave yourself vulnerable!"


    There were some things outsiders did not know about, but she knew a little. For example, she had another true master with extraordinary abilities.


    Jiang Yuqing alsoughed, "Thank you for Her Majesty''s trust. I surely won''t disappoint you.


    Frankly, I still have a few more of these pills on hand. I was nning in a few days to take them to Baoyue Auction House, but I was afraid they wouldn''t believe me, so I used Your Majesty to make a big fuss about them!"


    Hearing the music, one knows the elegant meaning.


    Empress Qin was in a very good mood. She waved her hand grandly, "This Empress approves! After a couple days of seeing the effects, I will invite some madams into the pce for tea."


    Jiang Yuqing was overjoyed, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    The next day when Empress Qin got up to wash, her personal maid was shocked to find her mistress¡¯s skin had improved a lot overnight.


    Although the Empress maintained herself well, after all she was getting on in years, and one could still faintly see some fine lines on her skin.


    Yet after a night, those fine lines were gone. That pill really was powerful. Empress Qin stroked her face, clearly tighter, but just smiled silently.


    Two dayster, Empress Qin was better by the day. Not only was all her skin tight and delicate, her face was fair beyond words, still flushed with a faint natural glow, fully like a young girl in her prime.


    Standing together with her son Jingyan, they didn¡¯t look like mother and son but more like sister and younger brother. This made Emperor Xia Jing¡¯s eyes pop out! He spent several nights in Jiaofang Pce in a row!


    Empress Qin was very satisfied. As promised, she picked a sunny and warm day and held a small tea gathering in Jiaofang Pce, inviting many noblewomen into the pce for tea.


    The noblewomen who attended were shocked and envious to see the astounding transformations of Madam Jiang and Empress Qin, and they hurried to ask what beauty secrets they had.


    Then Empress Qin happily let slip that she had eaten Beauty Pill, which she obtained from Princess Jiang.


    Under the noblewomen¡¯s repeated questioning, Lu had ¡°no choice¡± but to ¡°reluctantly¡± reveal that her daughter hade upon only a few pills serendipitously.


    She herself ate one, Empress Qin ate one, and the remaining three were sent to the auction house. They would possibly be auctioned off at this year¡¯s final auction on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    Disappointed, the noblewomen secretly swore they must obtain those remaining pills.


    So when they returned home from the pce, they began taking stock of their own assets while having their servants keep a close eye on Baoyue Auction House for any updates to immediately report back.


    In just two days, the noblewomen indeed saw news of the Beauty Pills in the auction catalog Baoyue Pavilion had sent out.


    At the same time, word of the Beauty Pills quickly spread throughout the capital. Not only the aristocracy knew, but madams of rich merchant families also received the news.


    For a time, the women were rubbing their palms, each wanting to collect such a treasure.

 Chapter 131: Crazy Elixir

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.


    Today is the final auction of the year at Baoyue Building. Unlike previous events, there is a majority of women among the attendees.


    The moment Jiang Yuqing and Lu stepped into Baoyue Building, they immediately caught everyone''s attention. The nobledies couldn''t help but envy and admire Lu''s youthful and beautiful appearance.


    Their anticipation and determination grew stronger for the uing auction of the Beauty Enhancing Pill.


    Baoyue Building is experienced in the auction business and knows well when to showcase items to garner the most attention and maximize profits.


    The auction began with several ordinary treasures, such as a famous painting by a master from a previous era, Hetian jade from the distant Western Regions, and even a jade pillow soaked in blood.


    Those knowledgeable could tell it was unearthed from a tomb. Surprisingly, there were still many bidders, and it fetched a decent price.


    Jiang Yuqing''s Beauty Enhancing Pill was scheduled for the fourth round and was of the lowest grade.


    When the auctioneer presented the box, a morous female auctioneer enthusiastically introduced it, "Ladies and gentlemen, the fourth item up for auction is the Beauty Enhancing Pill.


    I believe thedies present have already heard of it and seen its miraculous effects.


    The Beauty Enhancing Pill is crafted by the renowned Princess Protector, using rare and extraordinary flowers and herbs, taking several years to refine. There are a total of five pills.


    Two of them have already been taken by the Lady of Duke Jiang and the Queen. The remaining three, one top-grade, one middle-grade, and one low-grade, are entrusted to our building for auction.


    The current auction is for the low-grade Beauty Enhancing Pill. Its effects include rejuvenating and beautifying the skin. Women aged between 30 and 50 who consume it will have their youthful radiance restored within three days and maintain it for three years."


    As soon as the auctioneer finished speaking, the venue erupted in astonished exmations.


    The women knew about its excellent cosmetic effects, allowing them to quickly be beautiful within a few days. However, they had no idea it could also preserve their youthful appearance for three years.


    They became even more excited, wishing they could directly rush forward and snatch it.


    The auctioneer, satisfied with the response, smiled and said, "Alright, I believe everyone has an understanding now. The auction for the low-grade Beauty Enhancing Pill begins at a starting price of three thousand silver taels!"


    As soon as the auctioneer''s voice fell, thedies in the audience began raising their bidding signs. Three thousand taels, five thousand taels, seven thousand taels, ten thousand... It quickly soared to thirty-one thousand taels.


    The women in the general seating area also had some wealth, but when the price rose to this level, they could only sigh at the unattainable item.


    Then, thedies in the private boxes on various floors started bidding.


    After several rounds of bidding, the low-grade Beauty Enhancing Pill was sold to a wealthy merchant''s wife for the high price of sixty-eight thousand taels.


    As the auctioneer''s gavel fell, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help but be amazed. She silently marveled at the wealth of the women in the capital and deeply reflected on underestimating their pursuit and obsession with beauty.


    After a few more rounds, the second pill, a middle-grade Beauty Enhancing Pill, was put up for auction. Starting at five thousand taels, it was ultimately sold to the Third Princess for the staggering price of ny-eight thousand taels.


    The finale came with the appearance of the top-grade beauty pill. When the emcee proimed, "It can preserve your youthful appearance for ten years," the women in attendance went crazy, and thepetition reached a fever pitch.


    With an initial bid of ten thousand taels of silver, the pill went through round after round of bidding until it was ultimately acquired by the Crown Prince''s Consort of Duke Anguo for an exorbitant price of 158,000 taels of silver.


    The Crown Prince''s Consort of Duke Anguo, hailing from the wealthy Shen family, was considered the family''s prized gem.


    Rumor has it that her dowry alone filled three streets, showcasing the family''s immense wealth. Spending over a hundred thousand taels of silver on a single pill, even Jiang Yuqing, who had lived for two lifetimes, couldn''t help but exim, "Wow!"


    There''s a saying from a previous life, "Poverty truly limits my imagination!"


    As soon as the women got their hands on the pill, they couldn''t wait to swallow it, fearing any dy might lead to changes.


    The biggest winner of this auction was Jiang Yuqing.


    The three pills were sold for a total of 324,000 taels of silver, and as a result, Baoyue Building designated her as their top-level VIP, offering her the greatest discounts, which amounted to 300,000 taels of silver after deducting themission.


    When Lu left Baoyue Building, she felt like she was floating on air.


    Just think about what she had done!


    She actually ingested something worth over a hundred thousand taels of silver, equivalent to the price of two medium-sized treasure ships.


    Oh my goodness! I wonder if it''s still possible to retrieve it now?


    Lu returned home in a daze and took a while to regain her senses before asking Jiang Yuqing, "Darling, do you still have those beauty pills?"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "Yes, Mother. Do you want to give them to someone?"


    Lu shook her head and said, "No, Mother just wants to tell you not to give them away anymore. This valuable stuff, if given away again, would truly break my heart.


    Back when we were still struggling in our hometown, we couldn''t even afford to split a copper coin in half. Your father would work for others, copying books for half a month, and he would only earn a little over one tael of silver.


    Whenever I think that I''ve swallowed over a hundred thousand taels of silver in one gulp, it makes my heart ache. It''s truly a tragedy!"


    Jiang Yuqing chuckled, "The purpose of making these things is to consume them. Not only do you have them, but I also prepared them for Grandmother, Aunts, and Sisters-inw. Grandma and Aunt also have them.


    When my older brothers marry, we can present them as a marriage gift, won''t that give us great face?"


    Lu''s mouth widened in surprise, "So many? Darling, how many did you actually produce?"


    Jiang Yuqing proudly smiled, then whispered in her mother''s ear, "As many as we wanted to produce. So, Mother, please don''t worry.


    Besides, we only release two or three of these things each year; any more than that, and they won''t be valuable."


    Lu instantly beamed with joy, "My clever baby daughter! Now I can rest assured."


    Jiang Yuqing earned three hundred thousand taels of silver from selling three pills. Not only did the prominent families in the capital envy him, even the Emperor felt envious.


    After all, he still remembered that this youngdy would be his future daughter-inw, and she hadn''t done anything embarrassing like robbing the rich.


    His eldest son reminded him, "Don''t forget how many things Qingqing has sent to the Northwest Army in these past years."


    Without her unwavering support, your days wouldn''t be sofortable! At the very least, it would be difficult for you to even think about adding a new court dress!"


    "..." Emperor Xiajing fumed, searching for something to hit this unfilial son.


    Finally, he found a paperweight, but upon seeing that it was a famous kiln piece, he couldn''t bring himself to throw it away.


    If it got damaged, the inner pce would have to spend money to rece it, which wouldn''t be cost-effective! He sighed and decided to endure it.


    Jiang Wenyuan was remarkably calm about his daughter suddenly earning three hundred thousand taels of silver.


    Their family didn''tck money, and there was no need for their daughter to earn a living now. The money she earned belonged to her alone, and she could do whatever she wanted with it.


    However, Doctor Qiu wasted no time in approaching her once he returned to the residence. "My dear, do you still have any of those beauty pills? Perhaps you want to give them away?" He grinned mischievously. "Could it be that you''ve finallye to your senses and want to find a wife for us?"


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes instantly lit up. "Really? You want them? What for?" She teased him. "But those pills don''t have much effect even if you take them."


    Doctor Qiu red at her and said, "Who said I want them to consume? I just want to take a look, do some research."


    "Of course you can!" Jiang Yuqing replied, taking out a small jade bottle and handing it to him. "Here''s a bottle of low-grade beauty pills for you."


    Doctor Qiu asked, "Do you have the raw materials used in their production? I''d like to take a look."


    Without much thought, Jiang Yuqing gave him a bundle of spirit herbs. "These are spirit herbs and flowers from the Spirit Realm. They contain spiritual energy and are different from ordinary medicinal nts. Take a look, but they might not grow outside."


    "Alright, alright!" Doctor Qiu waved off her concerns. While muttering, he took the spirit herbs and beauty pills and quickly left.


    Meanwhile, Bai Xiaojiu, who was ying nearby, caught a whiff of a familiar and delightful smell. It nudged her and Jiang Yuqing tossed it a deer leg. The big creature happily ran off with its prize.


    Life in the capital wasn''t as enjoyable as before.


    There were no meat stalls on the nearby streets, and there were plenty of suspicious individuals who wanted to lure it back home.


    Did they really think they could win over Bai Xiaojiu with a few pieces of meat? What a joke!


    Their pitiful and desperate appearances annoyed Jiang Yuqing. If it weren''t for the fear of causing trouble for her master, she would have pped them.


    So, it was better to stay at home. When hungry, there was food to eat, and when full, it could wander around. After all, the family''s courtyard wasrge enough to satisfy its need to run.


    Since the day Jiang Yuqing gave Doctor Qiu the beauty pills, he hadn''t gone to the hospital for several days. Instead, he secluded himself in his own courtyard, conducting research.


    Jiang Yuqing knew his temperament and didn''t disturb him. She went to work at the An Hospital, standing in for the old man.


    Ever since she gave her second sister-inw a beauty pill, this lovely woman visited her every day while she was at the hospital. She brought various nourishing and delicious soups, showing exceptional attentiveness.


    Being in the same ce as her husband, who had nothing to offer, made her second brother-inw jealous. Every time he looked at her, his eyes were filled with resentment.


    On this day, her second sister-inw came to bring her food again. At least this time she didn''t forget about her own husband and let her second brother-inw join in for a meal.


    After finishing the meal, the second sister-inw took the food container and left.


    Guo Jie remembered something and suddenly asked her, "Little sister apprentice, what has our master been doing at home these days? Why does he need so much inkstone?" Inkstone refers to coal.


    People in this world discovered long ago that this thing can burn, but it was not easy to mine, andbined with underdeveloped transportation, it remained expensive and not widely used.


    Themon people still relied on readily avable firewood for cooking and heating.


    Only cksmiths and other trades that required smelting metal would use it. Because it burns for a long time and at a high temperature.


    Jiang Yuqing was momentarily stunned and asked in surprise, "Are you saying that our master asked you for a lot of inkstone?"


    Guo Jie replied, "It''s not a lot, around three hundred catties. Why, don''t you know?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I really don''t know. These days there''s been a ''Do Not Disturb'' sign hanging outside our master''s yard, so I couldn''t go in.


    But a few days ago, he asked me for a Beauty Pill and some herbs for refining the Beauty Pill, saying that he wanted to do some research."


    As she said this, something suddenly shed in her mind, and she pped her hands in rm, eximing, "Oh no!"


    "What''s wrong?" Guo Jie didn''t understand.


    Realizing a possible situation, Jiang Yuqing broke out in a cold sweat and said, "I think I know what our master is doing. He must be alchemy.


    Oh my goodness, something big might happen! Hurry, we need to go back and stop him."


    Saying that, she turned around and ran. Guo Jie hurriedly followed.


    Just as their carriage turned into Rongning Street, they heard a loud boom, followed by a plume of ck smoke rising over Duke Jiang''s Residence.

 Chapter 132: The Explosion

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    The horses pulling the carriage were also frightened by a whinny, and almost lost control.


    Jiang Yuqing''s face instantly turned pale, and immediately patted a talisman of supernatural power on his body, jumped off the carriage, and ran home like crazy.


    At this time, the house was already in chaos, and everyone rushed to Doctor Qiu''s yard.


    Jiang Yuqing blew over like a gust of wind, kicked open the door of the Return to Spring Yard, and saw the deep pit that had just been sted out in the yard.


    Master Qiu was half buried in the mud, and Bai Xiaojiu was covered in blood lying to the side.


    Jiang Yuqing tremblingly shoveled Doctor Qiu out of the mud, gently patted his ck face, and his voice was trembling: ¡°Master, Master, wake up!¡±


    After patting twice, the old man suddenly spewed out a mouthful of ck smoke, coughing twice: ¡°Good baby, Master is fine, go and save White Tiger!¡±


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing confirm that the old man was really okay, so he hurriedly got up to see Bai Xiaojiu.


    At this time, others had also arrived at the yard. Seeing this situation, they were also frightened enough. After making sure that Doctor Qiu was fine, they all breathed a sigh of relief.


    It''s just that White Tiger''s situation doesn''t seem to be very good!


    Bai Xiaojiu was seriously injured, his belly was split open with a big mouth, and his intestines were exposed.


    Jiang Yuqing had him carried into Master''s operating room, first used spiritual energy to anesthetize him.


    He also gave him a strand of vitality, then used the Return to Spring technique to slowly repair his abdominal wound until it waspletely healed.


    The whole processsted about half an hour. After that, Jiang Yuqing took some clean gauze, dipped it in some of its fur blood, and symbolically wrapped it around, just to keep up appearances.


    After opening the door, I saw the hall was full of people sitting. Her parents and brother were there. Doctor Qiu looked at her apologetically.


    Jiang Yuqing reported to everyone that it was safe: ¡°Xiaojiu is fine now. I have given him the best medicine. Keep him here for a few days to recuperate!¡± Only then did everyone feel relieved.


    For the Jiang family, Bai Xiaojiu is not a pet, but a family member.


    ording to Doctor Qiu, at the moment of the explosion, it was Bai Xiao Jiu who pushed him away in time, which is why he was so seriously injured.


    The Jiang Guogong Mansion had been engraved with protective formations by Jiang Yuqing in previous years, so the house was fine. It''s just that a big pit was sted in the middle of the yard.


    And Doctor Qiu had the peace jade talisman that he had given him, which could also withstand the impact of this explosion, but Bai Xiaojiu didn''t know.


    It just instinctively didn''t want the family to get hurt, so it rushed over to block most of the shock wave for Doctor Qiu, but it was severely injured itself.


    Bai Xiaojiu is really good. Jiang Yuqing decided that when it wakes up, she will personally go to the mountain range on the side of the medicine field to hit the fattest cow for it to eat!


    After making sure that Doctor Qiu and Bai Xiaojiu were fine, everyone left. Especially Jiang Wenyuan, who still had to go out to deal with a bunch of troubles outside.


    After everyone left, Doctor Qiu stumbled over and carefully apologized to Jiang Yuqing: ¡°Good baby, Master was negligent today. Since I worshipped you as my master, I have to dote on you no matter what.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing patted the old man''s arm andforted him: ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re fine. I have alsopletely cured Xiaojiu''s injury. I will move him to the Spirit Realm to recuperate for a few days. We will just im to the outside that he is recovering from his injuries here with you.


    Actually I am also at fault in this matter. If I had reminded you more, it would have been fine.¡±


    These are all spiritual medicines with extremely explosive properties. They need to be refined ording to special pill forms using special mes, with spiritual power. They need to be handled very carefully during the process. When I was refining pills, I was also exploded many times and almost injured.


    You used the ck stone to melt them, no wonder something would happen.


    Fortunately, you only put two or three nts. If you put a few more, even if our house has protective formations, it would still explode to the sky."


    "I see, dear baby. I won''t mess around anymore!"


    This incident today really frightened the old man. Although he loves to research some strange things, he also cherishes his life very much.


    If it weren''t for the peace talisman given by his dear baby and Bai Xiaojiu sacrificing himself to save him, he might really have lost his old life.


    Jiang Yuqing personally took people to fill the big pit in the yard and cleaned it up.


    She also dug up some well-aged good medicines from the Spirit Realm tofort the old man before leaving.


    The sudden explosion at the Jiang Guogong Mansion naturally also shocked the entire capital.


    Even His Majesty the Emperor sent someone to investigate.


    Upon learning that it was just Doctor Qiu identally adding the wrong ingredients when refining medicine and causing the stove to explode.


    Doctor Qiu was fine, it was just that the white tiger raised by the Jiang family was injured to save Doctor Qiu''s life.


    Thinking back to the pills sold by Princess Protector a few days ago, at that time, I was only envious that others could make money easily. Now when I think about it, these pills are probably not so easy to handle.


    A slight mistake can be fatal, as even Doctor Qiu almost stumbled.


    Therefore, public opinion about this matter basically fell after Doctor Qiu appeared at the He An Hospital to see patients the next day.


    Jiang Yuqing brought Bai Xiaojin into the Spirit Realm, and indeed fulfilled her promise to personally go to the mountains to hit the fattest spirit beast ox for Bai Xiaojiu to add food.


    Bai Xiaojiu was overjoyed and thought that just being injured could get a whole ox as a reward. It said it wouldn''t mind being blown up twice more.


    Sensing Bai Xiaojiu''s dangerous thoughts, Jiang Yuqing decisively gave it a warning: ¡°If I hadn''te back quickly this time, you would have died. You want to be blown up a few more times! Do you think you are a bronze-skinned iron tiger, immune to des and guns? Fool!¡±


    Bai Xiaoshi fell down the well to throw stones and sarcastically said: ¡°It¡¯s fine, blow up again, at most blow up into meat crumbs. Qingqing you can make it into tiger meat hot pot or tiger meat buns, if not make it into dumplings. The taste must be good! After eating it, we will raise another tiger!¡±


    Bai Xiaojiu was immediately angry: ¡°You are the one to blow up into crumbs, you are the one to make buns, the master would never do that. You are just jealous that I am more favored by our master, and want to squeeze me out to monopolize her. You sly deer!"


    Bai Xiaoshi gnashed his teeth ?(??????¨F?) and shook his head speechlessly at Jiang Yuqing: ¡°This guy is hopeless...¡±


    Amidst the swirling snowkes, the end of the year arrived again.


    At the pce banquet on the 30th of the year, Jiang Yuqing insisted on bringing her master along.


    Although Doctor Qiu was neither an official nor in office, he was the valley master of Heavenly Doctor Valley, and was highly respected.


    And because of his deep rtionship with the Jiang family, the Ministry of Rites specially arranged him with the Jiang family when arranging seats, so that there would be acquaintances and the old immortal could be more at ease.


    Jiang Yuqing and her mother had just sat down for a while when the wife of Duke Zhenguo, Qu, came to talk to Lu.


    In a voice that only two people could hear, she said: ¡°I heard a few days ago that the Wei family of Hou Anxi intends to marry your family. Do you know about this?¡±


    Lu was surprised: ¡°No. How so, has his family''s daughter taken a fancy to my Chuan''er?¡±


    Qu said resentfully: ¡°I can tell at a nce that you haven''t done your homework.


    The two daughters of the Marquess of Anxi have long been married, and their children are running around everywhere now. What I mean is that the Wei family has taken a fancy to your princess.¡±


    Lu was shocked: ¡°What, they fancy my Qingqing. How can this be, she is so young?¡±


    Qu said: ¡°Your little princess will be twelve or thirteen after entering her thirteenth year next month.


    Ordinary families can also start looking for marriage partners at this age.


    For a good girl like your Qingqing, every family in the capital with a son is drooling over her. To be honest, even I am moved.


    It''s just that I know my ce, knowing that my son is not worthy of your daughter.¡±


    Qu''s three sons, the eldest son is eighteen years old, and is already engaged to be married after the new year.


    The second son is sixteen years old, although he is about the same age as Jiang Yuqing.


    But he is the second son, with neither a title to inherit, nor exceptional personal talents. He will most likely just be a rich idler in the future.


    It would be too thick-skinned for Qu to try to marry off such a son to someone like Jiang Yuqing.


    As for her youngest son, who just turned five or six, let''s not even mention him.


    "So what are the Wei family¡¯s intentions?¡±


    Qu said: ¡°The current wife of the Marquis of Anxi is a sessor, and she has a fifteen year old son.


    The original wife also has a married heir.


    For some reason, the Wei family has not established a sessor until now.


    I reckon that the Marquess and his mother have taken a fancy to your little princess, and it¡¯s not impossible that they have ns to take advantage of the situation to move up in status."


    Lu snorted coldly: ¡°She must be dreaming!¡±


    Qu said: ¡°That¡¯s what I think too! But still, I have to remind you to be on your guard!¡±


    Qu patted her hand: "Miss Qu, I have epted this favor from you. Many thanks!"


    Qu red at her: "Come on, who stands on ceremony with whom!"


    Seeing they had finished whispering, Jiang Yuqing asked Qu: "Madam, how is your Wu Yang sister nowadays?"


    Qu then restrained her smile somewhat: "She''s getting by! In herst letter she also asked about you.


    She is now far away in the south, so we can''t help her.


    Next year, when her husband gets transferred back to the capital, with our support her days should get somewhat better."


    Jiang Yuqing then said: "That''s good to know. Next time I write, please send my regards!"


    Qu said: "Certainly, I will definitely pass along the message. Thank you for thinking of the young miss."


    Recalling Qu''s words, Lv paid special attention to the Anxi Marquis''s family during the evening banquet.


    She discovered that the Anxi Marchioness would nce in their direction from time to time.


    When their eyes met, not only was it not awkward, but she even raised her ss towards Lv with a smiling face.


    The Anxi Marquis''s younger son also took the opportunity to run over to Lv''s husband and son to fawn over them several times whenever he could.


    This made Lv''s face look rather unpleasant.


    The abnormal behavior of the Anxi Marquis''s second son also attracted Jing Yan''s attention.


    He knitted his brows slightly, and beckoned with his hand to the inner attendant behind him: "Go keep an eye on him, and see what exactly the Wei brat is trying to do."


    Deng Sanshui acknowledged the order and left.


    After the pce banquet ended, their group returned home and ate a family banquet, after which they began keeping vigil for the new year.


    Jiang Yuchuan set off fireworks with his sister in the courtyard. The fireworks were beautiful, but felt a little bleak.


    She suddenly missed the times when she was little, setting off firecrackers and ying pitching pots in the courtyard of their ancestral home in Qingzhou with her brothers.


    "Big brother, I miss our old home in Qingzhou!" she said.


    Jiang Yuchuan rubbed his little sister''s soft hair: "I miss it too.


    But now that we''ve all grown up, some things just won''t stay the same!"


    "You''re right. Just like my brothers all have their own families now and things they want to do!"


    Jiang Yuqing sighed. But she only felt nostalgic for a moment, after all her brothers were all bing better and better, so there was nothing to feel regretful about.


    The only regret was probably just the passage of time.


    She then said to Jiang Yuchuan again: "Big brother, let''s build snowmen! Let''s make one for each member of the family!"


    "That''s a great idea!" Jiang Yuchuan readily agreed. He had people bring shovels and other tools, and the siblings started digging snow in the yard.


    After finishing one snowman, they would put a knitted hat on its head, wrap a red muffler around its neck, use hazelnuts as eyes, a red radish as its nose, a piece of broken twine as its mouth, and stick two tree branches in as its hands.


    A lovely looking snowman would thus bepleted.


    When everyone else saw how fun this was, servants and masters alike all joined in.


    Even Doctor Qiu brought a bucket to dig snow. The whole garden was soon filled withughter and chatter.

 Chapter 133: Best Joke

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    Lu looked at the lively scene in the garden and thought of what the Madam of Protector Duke said to her today.


    She said to her husband with some worry: "At the imperial banquet today, Sister Qu said that it seems like the Marquis of Anxi''s Residence has intentions for our lovely treasure!"


    Jiang Wenyuan hugged his wife''s shoulders and said unconcernedly: "Don''t worry. If theye openly, our family can directly reject them. I reckon they wouldn''t dare make trouble either. If they dare to secretly y dirty tricks, there''s no need for us to make a move. Our lovely treasure can deal with it herself. They can''t cause big waves!"


    As soon as Lu heard this, she realized it made sense and that she was worrying excessively.


    A group of people had made quite a few snowmen, lining them up on both sides of the path. They were fat and extremely cute. There was also a snow tiger and a snow deer.


    On the first day of the new year, she went to the pce to pay respects. Jiang Yuqing was pulled to sit beside the Empress by her. The few princesses sat to the side instead. This was enough to see her noble status! After all, the two words "Protecting the Nation" were earned through her own capabilities. Ordinary people really couldn''t envy that.


    On the third day, Jing Yan came to the Jiang Duke''s Residence in in clothes to "pay new year respects".


    Seeing the cute fat snowmen arranged in Jiang''s garden, and even the images of Jiang Yuqing''s two pets, he couldn''t help but feel sour. He said, "Qingqing, you''ve made so many snowmen, and even gave each a name. Why isn''t there one of me?"


    Jiang Yuqing said in surprise: "Oh, you like them too! No problem, since you like them, I''ll make one for you now. It snowed yesterday, it won''t be difficult to make another one!"


    Jing Yan immediately smiled, like the sudden warm sunlight: "Good, make it stand together with your snowman!"


    "Alright!" It was just a snowman after all, he could arrange it wherever he wanted!


    The two of them then spent over half a hour beside Jiang Yuqing''s snowman, making another one that was slightly taller than hers.


    After finishing it, they followed what the others did and left his name on the snowman''s belly.


    When Jiang Wenyuan came back from his visit and saw the two snowmen side by side, with the rather ring "Yan" character on the bigger one''s belly, the sourness in the old father''s heart was like an overturned vat of vinegar.


    At this moment, he truly confirmed that this brat had no good intentions.


    No, he had to think of a way to separate his precious daughter from him.


    He should first send his precious daughter to Su or back to her maternal home in Qing to avoid this for the time being.


    After the Crown Prince takes a Crown Princess, this matter would be forgotten.


    As soon as this thought came up, he dismissed it... Thinking that he wouldn''t get to see his precious daughter for a long time, he couldn''t ept it.


    He had to change methods, change to what, he had to think carefully...


    On the seventh day, Jiang Yuqing personally sent a carriage full of supplies, all food, to Tai''an Farm. She also took this chance to pay new year respects to the veterans and give them red packet bonuses.


    She gave out eighty red packets, and at the same time received eighty red packets as well. Although each red packet she received only contained a few coins, they represented the veterans'' blessings for her and were precious.


    On the eighth day, government offices opened for a new year. The imperial court held its new year''s audience.


    There wasn''t much government business during the new year. Some ministers memorialized that the Crown Prince was already eighteen and it was time for him to marry.


    When Jiang Wenyuan heard this, he was extremely delighted in his heart and almost wanted to give 108 likes to the minister who made that proposal!


    He immediately voiced his agreement, a minister makes a reasonable point, this subject concurs!


    The other ministers also stepped out in turn to express their agreement.


    Seeing Jiang Wenyuan step out at that moment, Jing Yan refused in his heart. He immediately stated at court that he had not yete of age and proposed to postpone the marriage until two yearster.


    The ministers persuaded him that it couldn''t be postponed two years. As heir apparent, he bore the important duty of continuing the imperial bloodline.


    Jing Yan expressionlessly replied, "This prince''s stance is decided, ministers need not persuade further!"


    Emperor Xia Jing was happy to watch his son be embarrassed. He sat silently on the throne with a smile.


    Seeing that his son was firmly against the opposing opinions at court and suppressed the matter, he finally changed the topic and raised other issues.


    Jiang Wenyuan saw that his wish wasn''t fulfilled and felt rather disappointed.


    The other ministers with marriageable daughters felt even more disappointed. After all, the position as national maternal parent of the next heir was highly coveted by everyone.


    The eighth day was also the day He An Hospital resumed normal operations.


    Jiang Yuqing had let Bai Xiaojiu out these two days. Doctor Qiu''s gratitude and favor towards the "lifesaving tiger" rose to new heights.


    He personally fed Bai Xiaojiu,bed its fur, and diligently waited upon it. Bai Xiaojiu also thoroughly enjoyed this luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, feeling that he had reached peak life as a tiger.


    The bright, sunny weather today, Doctor Qiu took it out to "gather herbs" early in the morning.


    Gathering herbs on such a cold winter day was just an excuse to legitimately and openly take the tiger out for a stroll.


    With Doctor Qiu not going to He An Hospital, Jiang Yuqing had to show up for a while.


    She originally intended to just drop by briefly but there were unexpectedly high numbers of patients today. Jiang Yuqing had to work until the afternoon before riding Bai Xiaojiu back.


    When passing through Lanling Main Street, several carriages unexpectedly crashed into each other for reasons like the slippery road. Theypletely blocked the street.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that trying to squeeze through that excited crowd would be rather difficult, so she took a detour through a smaller side street instead.


    This side street was extremely remote. Even on normal days there weren''t many passersby. Furthermore in this wintry weather, there should be even fewer people logically.


    Yet Jiang Yuqing was unexpectedly intercepted and ambushed for robbery by a bunch of gangster-looking people. This was truly preposterous!


    There were five people, wielding knives, clubs, with unkind expressions on theirughing faces.


    The one in front, One-eyed Man, snorted loudly. Hefting his shiny huge cleaver, he blocked Jiang Yuqing and said, "Little miss, we brothers just passed new year and our pockets are empty, lend us some money to spend eh!"


    Before she could even reply, Bai Xiaojiu was crazilyughing in her mind: "This bunch not only didn''t run away when they saw you, they even dared try to rob you. They must have eaten leopard galldder guts!


    Gangsters robbing the female archdemon, hahahaha, this is the funniest joke I''ve heard all year... It cracks me up..."


    "Shut your mouth!" While she originally meant to silence Bai Xiaojiu, the bandits heard it as ordering them to shut up.


    One-eyed Man barked, "yo!" Spitting on the floor, he took down the huge cleaver from his shoulders and weighed it in his hand.


    "Little miss has got guts! You even dare talk back! Let me say it again, hand over everything valuable, otherwise I''ll let you see something you won''t like!"


    Jiang Yuqing uncultivatedly rolled her eyes. She inwardly thought, aren''t the lines for all bandits under the heavens about the same?


    She waszy to waste words with this bunch. She patted the little thorn vine coiled around her waist disguised as a green belt, and was about to start beating people up.


    Suddenly, a voice shouted out from the side: "Stop! So many bullying a little girl, what kind of skill is that!"


    It turned out to be a fifteen or sixteen year old teenager wearing a golden crown and holding a folding fan. He also had two towering bodyguard attendants behind him.


    After shouting for the gangsters to stop, that teenager immediately stood on Jiang Yuqing''s side. He reassured her, "Miss, don''t be afraid, I''m here!"


    The corner of Jiang Yuqing''s mouth twitched as she thought inwardly, which eye of yours saw me being afraid?


    That golden crowned youth said, then charged forward with his two bodyguards to start a huge fight against the five bandits.


    His movements seemed rather impressive, at least quite magnificent. Shortly after, the five gangsters were dealt with.


    The youth then straightened his clothes, snapped open his fan with a flick. His face wasn''t flushed nor panting as he walked over to Jiang Yuqing and said: "Miss, I''ve settled them.


    This alley isn''t safe. Where do you live, let me escort you back!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled as she cupped fists in salute at him, "Thanks for helping me, Young Master!" Then she pointed at the bandits on the ground and asked, "What about them? How will they be handled?"


    The movement of the golden crowned youth''s fan faltered. He smiled rather awkwardly, "On such a cold day, being able toe out andmit robbery means their family situation must be dire and they had no choice. Why don''t we let them go just this once! Have them no longer rob people in the future!"


    Jiang Yuqing oh-ed and approved, "Young master is truly generous and kind. Young miss admires it." However her next words immediately froze the smile on the golden crowned youth''s face.


    She said, "I have a bit of a bad temper, tend to bear grudges and be petty. So for people who have offended me before, I normally wouldn''t let them off easily. Also, these people are bandits. If they dare rob me today, they''d rob others tomorrow too. After all, not everyone is as lucky as me to be able to receive Young Master''s timely rescue, right? So we should still send them to authorities for a permanent solution."


    After saying that, Jiang Yuqing took out a bundle of thin hemp ropes from her own bag, jumped off the deer''s back, and quickly tied the five bandits into a string. If anyone dared resist, she would directly kick them and they would instantly be obedient.


    The golden-crowned youth and two family guards watched with their eyes wide open as Jiang Yuqing tied the string of bandits to the deer''s butt and left, even remembering to tie up their weapons and take them away together. Their faces were all green.


    Those few bandits were staggered as they were dragged away, and they kept looking back at the few people frequently. Their intention was: Don''t just stand there stunned, hurry up and find someone toe rescue us!


    One of the golden-crowned youth''s subordinates said in disbelief: "Do youngdies nowadays like to carry ropes with them everywhere?"


    Another said: "No wonder she didn''t shout for help. This young noblewoman is too strong. Forget about the five of them, even if you add the three of us we still might not be her match."


    The golden-crowned youth opened his mouth, and finally knocked a fan in frustration on the wall, yelling at them: "What are you still dazing around for, hurry up and send people to the government office to rescue them!"


    "Ah, yes, yes we''ll go right away..."


    The things that happened on the eighth day of the lunar new year were not even worth a bubble in Jiang Yuqing''s eyes, and she had already thrown it far away beyond the clouds.


    However, in less than two days, she saw Wei Caile again in a teahouse near the hospital.


    This time he had on a jade crown, still the bright crimson satin robe and folding fan. "Miss, we meet again, what a coincidence!" Jiang Yuqing smiled and said: "Indeed quite a coincidence!"


    "A fated seam brings people together, may I invite you for tea?"


    Jiang Yuqing immediately called to the waiter: "Bring this gentleman your best Bi Luo Chun tea, and calcte the bill for me!"


    Then she said to the youth: "I still have matters to attend to, I must take my leave. Consider this pot of tea as thanks for you saving me the other day!


    Also, a word of advice: it''s not good to fan yourself in the winter. Either people will think you''re sick, or you''ll really make yourself sick." After speaking, she saluted to him with folded hands and strode off towards the counter to settle the bill.


    The youth: "......"


    The third time Jiang Yuqing saw him was in her own consultation room.


    The youth seemed very surprised to see her again, his surprise somewhat exaggerated.


    "I didn''t expect that the young miss is the famous prodigy doctor, the Princess Protector of the State. I have been discourteous."


    "I am Wei Caile of the Anxi Marquis''s Western Manor. The Marquis of Anxi is my father."


    Jiang Yuqing indifferently hmm-ed, looking him up and down: "You''vee to see a doctor today?"


    Wei Caile said: "Yes, I''ve been feeling a bit ufortable!"


    "Where are you ufortable?" Jiang Yuqing ced her fingers on his wrist. His pulse was powerful and robust, strong enough to kill an ox.


    She took back her hand: "Very good, no major issues!"


    Then she swiftly wrote down a long string of medicine names on paper, and when she was done, ced it in front of him: "Go get these medicines to treat the excessive e on your face. Too dense, bad for your image."


    "......" Wei Caile''s face that was already not very eye-catching instantly turned bright red. Clutching the prescription, he ran out as if his life depended on it.

 Chapter 134: Lantern Festival

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    When returning home, Lady Anxi Marquise asked Wei Caile: ¡°Le''er, did the princess agree to go see thentern festival with you?¡±


    Wei Caile said annoyedly: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. No matter how much I hinted, she didn''t react at all. I suspect she hasn''t awakened yet.¡±


    Lady Anxi Marquise was surprised. Considering Jiang Yuqing''s age, it made sense that she hadn''t awakened yet.


    She thenforted her son: ¡°She¡¯s almost thirteen. Girls that age are the most likely to start awakening romantically.


    If it doesn''t work out this time, there will be a next time. As long as you appear by her side more and express yourself more, there will be a day when she is moved by you.


    As long as you marry her, the heir apparent position of this marquisate is yours.


    Moreover, with the help of the princess and Duke Jiang¡¯s residence, your future prospects don¡¯t need to be said. What does a mere Wei Caile amount to!¡±


    "Alright, son remembers," he said.


    Jiang Yuqing waspletely unaware of what had happened here. The next day was the Lantern Festival, and Jing Yan sent someone to tell her that he wanted to go to thentern fair with her family.


    Jiang Yuqing was naturally happy to watchnterns with multiple friends. When Jiang Yuqing told this matter to her father Jiang Wenyuan, he felt sour all over his teeth.


    He wanted to hide away, how could this guye knocking again? It really was misfortune!


    The next evening, twelve guards in green robes escorted a in green gauze carriage and stopped outside Duke Jiang¡¯s residence.


    When Jiang Wenyuan saw Li Deshun dressed inconspicuously in front of the carriage, his heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly went out to greet them.


    Sure enough, not only Crown Prince Jing Yan came out of the carriage, but also Emperor Xia Jing and Empress Qin. The family of three had alle. The Jiangs quickly knelt down to salute.


    ¡°Your subject, Jiang Wenyuan, greets Emperor, Empress!¡±


    Emperor Xia Jing helped Jiang Wenyuan up and said, ¡°Get up, everyone. Today I¡¯m traveling incognito, just call me Master Jing!¡±


    Jiang Wenyuan said, ¡°Yes, Master Jing, Mrs. Jing, pleasee inside, young master!¡±


    It was the first time the emperor and empress came to Duke Jiang¡¯s residence. Compared to the majesty and solemnity of the pce and the rules and regtions of other nobles'' mansions, Duke Jiang''s residence had more of an ordinary people''s casual and warm family home feel.


    For example, the strings of little rednterns hanging from the trees, snowmen that had not yet melted everywhere on the roadside.


    The white tigernguidly wagging its tail on the lobby floor, and the proud and beautiful deer, as well as the colorful wool cushions personally knitted by Lu. Everything made people feel extremelyfortable and rxed.


    Dinner was prepared by Lu and the servants, basically all home cooked dishes. After eating, the lights outside had juste on.


    Everyone rested for a while, drank a cup of tea, then went out to see thenterns.


    In recent years, Da Xia had good weather for crops and grain production had increased for years. The lives of themon people had indeed improved a lot. Therefore, thentern fairs in the past two years were exceptionally lively.


    At this time, just after nightfall,nterns were already lit everywhere in the city, especially on both sides of the Imperial Avenue, which had be a sea ofnterns.


    The streets were crowded with people, most of whom had brought their whole family. Young men and women of Da Xia could freely travel in fine clothes and vigorous horses without wearing gauze hats.


    In order to attract customers, every shop door was hung full of all kinds of beautifulnterns.


    Some even specially invited schrs toposemp riddles and couplets, and offered rich rewards to passersby who could guess them.


    It was both an interesting game and a way to promote their shops, making full use of their wits.


    Jiang Yuqing walked excitedly among thentern stalls, appreciating this folk custom with a history of thousands of years.


    Watchingnterns, watching people, guessingntern riddles.


    She was not very proficient in this area. For simple ones, she would try to guess and have fun.


    But she was stumped by slightly more difficult ones. However, she had two super helpers.


    One was her cow-spirited top schr elder brother, and the other was the aplished in both civil and military affairs, Jing Yan.


    Jiang Yuqing saw a beautiful walking maidenntern that she really liked.


    Buying it alone would cost four taels and eight pennies of silver, which she was reluctant to part with.


    But below thentern was also posted a riddle: Eating with the yellow scrolls, pillowing half of the books - it referred to a curtain box. Guessing an official position!


    ??? What on earth is this! The semi-illiterate host was full of question marks.


    She quickly turned to look for her helpers.


    Unfortunately, her top schr brother was busy at a stall next door, having a lively timepeting couplets with others, and seemed to have no time to care for her.


    She could only cast her sights on Jing Yan beside her.


    Jing Yan gently stroked her hair and gently said, "Does Qingqing want that walking maidenntern?"


    "Mm-hmm!" Jiang Yuqing nodded vigorously. "I want it, I really want it!"


    "Okay, wait for me, I''ll win it back for you!" he said, then took paper and a brush from the nearby table and wrote down the answer.


    Jiang Yuqing read it out loud one word at a time "Secretary of the Chancellery."


    "Correct." He exined with a smile: ¡°A curtain box is a type of riddle. The answer is three characters or more. It must be read backwards to match the front of the riddle, like a curtain being rolled up and then lowered again, hence the name ¡®curtain box riddle¡¯.¡±


    "Wow, that¡¯s so amazing!" It has to be said, the cultural literacy of these ancients was truly extraordinary, ying such high-level word games.


    For her, a semi-literate person who had only ever guessed brain teasers and riddle puzzles in her previous life, it was simply crushing.


    The shopkeeper took Jing Yan¡¯s answer andplimented the young master''s great talent. Then he happily took down the maidenntern and handed it over with both hands.


    After Jing Yan took it, he gave it to Jiang Yuqing. Jiang Yuqing held thentern with a smile that made her eyes curve, swaying thentern yfully with one hand.


    In order not to let the crowded people jostle her, Jing Yan even stretched out his arm to shield her under his wings.


    Watching the pair of children ahead, Emperor Xia Jing happily nudged Jiang Wenyuan with his elbow: ¡°Brother Yi, what do you think about our two families bing inws?"


    Hearing this, Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s entire body went cold. But he couldn¡¯t offend the emperor either, so he just said, "Master Jing, my daughter is still young!"


    Emperor Xia Jing red at him and said, "Don''t give me that. I know what you''re thinking. You''re afraid that when your daughter marries into my family in the future, she''ll suffer grievances!"


    Jiang Wenyuan sneered to himself, thinking, I know you know, so why ask!


    Emperor Xia Jing also said, ¡°Admittedly, your daughter is very good, but my son is also very outstanding, isn''t he!


    Other ministers¡¯ families would be eager to marry their daughters into my family, only you are unwilling.


    Humph, if it wasn''t for my son insisting on your daughter, I might have be a grandfather this year!"


    He patted Jiang Wenyuan''s shoulder as if they were close brothers and said, "I know you dearly love your daughter.


    Look, how about this, I won''t force you either, and you don''t interfere with the two children getting along.


    If Qingqing is also willing to be with my son Yan, I¡¯ll issue an edict to grant them marriage. What do you think?"


    "That''s fine!" With Your Majesty speaking to this point, what use is my objection? Either way, you have the final say.


    Jiang Wenyuan felt extremely frustrated inwardly, no need to borate.


    Having obtained Jiang Wenyuan''s promise, Emperor Xia Jing looked at Jing Yan ahead, with a raised corner of his mouth, pleased.


    He thought inwardly, my son, you got quite a difficult father-inw. I can only help you this much. The rest depends on you.


    Having settled this big matter, Emperor Xia Jing felt relieved. He devoted himself to strolling thentern fair with Empress Qin. He couldn¡¯t remember how many years it had been since hest visited amon folks¡¯ntern fair.


    Whenever they saw something interesting, they would guess. They even won severalnterns. Empress Qin picked onentern with a national peace and prosperity pattern for herself, and gave the rest to the Empress.


    Not to be outdone, whenever Madam Lu liked one, Jiang Wenyuan would decisively buy it for her.


    Afraid that Empress Lu would be jostled by the crowd, he held her hand all the way, shielding her with his body. It made Emperor Xia Jing¡¯s eyes hurt to watch.


    Huff, putting on airs as if he was the only one with a wife.


    When a man''spetitive spirit came up, he also took Empress Qin''s hand.


    It even made Empress Qin break out in goosebumps. She secretly thought, has the old fogey taken the wrong medicine today?


    On the way, they also encountered other ministers.


    Seeing the imperial family of three walking together inconspicuously with the Jiang family, they also knew that they did not want to reveal their identities. So they saluted from afar and then avoided them, very tactfully.


    They were secretly shocked by the Jiang family¡¯s position in the emperor¡¯s heart, to be able to apany the emperor even when visitingntern fairs. They were indeed formidable.


    When it was almost time to disperse, they finally parted contentedly, everyone reaping a full harvest.


    Before saying goodbye, Jiang Yuqing took thenterns she had won and gave one to each person, even Li Deshun got one.


    Li Deshun had been sincerely treated well by De for many years, like a granddaughter. Whenever there was something good, she would never forget to give Li Deshun a share.


    Li Deshun also treated De as another elder of her own, so for any good thing, she would never miss him either. As the saying goes, true heart is exchanged for true heart.


    On the way back to the pce, Emperor Xia Jing said to his son, "Today I mentioned to Jiang Wenyuan that I intend to make a marriage alliance with him.


    He did not immediately agree, but he will not stop you from interacting with Qingbao in the future.


    Qingbao is still young. You have a long way to go if you want to get a beautiful woman. Good luck!"


    Jing Yan''s face flushed slightly, but he still sincerely thanked his father.


    Emperor Xia Jing''s mouth curled up. He rested his head on Empress Qin''s shoulder and closed his eyes to rest.


    Walking all night today, he was really tired. Years show no mercy!


    At night, Jiang Wenyuan tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. Lu, also disturbed by him, murmured hazily, "What''s wrong? What are you so worried about?"


    Jiang Wenyuan put his hands behind his head and looked at the pitch-ck canopy, "His Majesty wants to marry our darling daughter to the Crown Prince!"


    Hearing this, Lu waspletely awakened, "Did His Majesty really say that?"


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Um! But I didn''t agree!" He told Lu what Emperor Xia Jing had said.


    Lu was silent for a while before saying, "The Crown Prince is a good man, gentle and courteous, outstanding in both civil and military skills, and will be a wise ruler in the future as well.


    But being a prince also gets to his head. In the future, there will definitely be other women in the harem.


    Our darling daughter looks gentle and easy to talk to, but in fact, she can''t stand a grain of sand in her eyes.


    She grew up in our harmonious family and may not be able to ept a husband with three wives and four concubines. When that happens, who knows what kind of trouble she would cause!"


    Jiang Wenyuan was startled for a moment. He sat straight up in bed and said, "That''s great! I''ll tell our darling daughter tomorrow.


    Before formally settling it down, I''ll exin things clearly with that boy first.


    No matter if he is the Crown Prince or not, he must marry with no concubines, otherwise, the marriage is called off!"


    After saying that, he threw the quilt off andy back down, "Sleep!"


    Lu: "......." So that''s fine, she doesn''t need tofort him.

 Chapter 135: Confession of Love

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    When the next day came, Jiang Wenyuan hesitantly told Jiang Yuqing about this matter, and she waspletely stunned!


    After a while, she mechanically turned her head and asked her father with pleading eyes, "Father, don''t you love me anymore?"


    Jiang Wenyuan widened his eyes and eximed, "Nonsense! How could that be? You are my beloved daughter!"


    Jiang Yuqing had an incredulous expression on her face and said, "If that''s the case, why would you bring up such a scary question to me? I''m still two months away from turning twelve!"


    Jiang Wenyuan looked indignant and said, "Do you think I wanted this? It was forced upon us by the royal family. If it were up to me, I would want you to stay unmarried and stay at home forever!"


    Lu couldn''t bear to listen anymore and pped her husband hard, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about? Do you want our precious child to live a lonely life?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, made a "stop" gesture with her hands, and said, "Alright, I understand. Let''s not talk about this anymore. I will think about it carefully!" With that, she almost floated as she walked out.


    Jiang Yuqing sat by the side of Qingbo Pool, and even the January northwest wind couldn''t dispel the restlessness in her heart.


    Just the thought that her father mentioned something like that, and that Jing Yan had such thoughts about her, made her feel uneasy.


    It gave her a strange feeling of "I treat you as apanion, but you want to be my husband." What a terrifying situation.


    She felt like she wouldn''t be able to face him directly anymore. What should she do?


    The certain realm master who had never encountered such a problem in her two lifetimes felt depressed.


    She asked Bai Xiaoshi, "What should I do?"


    Bai Xiaoshi looked at her with an expression that said, "Are you an idiot?" and retorted, "I am Lu Shu, Lu Shu. How can a human like you ask a dumb question like this? Did your brain short-circuit?"


    Jiang Yuqing was surprised by the response and asked, "Oh, so you''ve never looked for apanion before?"


    Bai Xiaoshi replied, "I am an artifact spirit. Where would I go to find apanion? Don''t ask me such dumb questions anymore!"


    Jiang Yuqing immediately burst intoughter and said, "Bai Xiaoshi, so you''ve been single for tens of thousands of years? Hahaha, I''ve actually met the legendary ten-thousand-year single dog, no, the single deer!"


    Bai Xiaoshi roared, "You''re the single dog! You, a two-lifetime single dog, have the audacity to mock me!"


    While angrily jumping up to confront her, Jiang Yuqingughed and dodged, but unexpectedly, she stepped on empty space and fell into theke.


    Luckily, the weather was cold, and there was a thinyer of ice on the surface of theke, so she didn''t fall into the water. After climbing out, both of them didn''t dare to fool around anymore and hurriedly sneaked back to Qingbo Pavilion.


    If Lu found out, both of them would be in trouble!


    Since that day, cowardly Jiang Yuqing started avoiding Jing Yan.


    Jing Yan tried to find her several times but couldn''t locate her. Seeing Jiang Wenyuan''s awkward expression, he understood.


    It seemed that her father had said something to her, and this little girl was avoiding him.


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid, but Jing Yan was not. As the future emperor, he excelled in strategy, and he deeply understood the importance of taking the initiative.


    So, he employed a little trick and managed to corner her in Lingbo Pavilion.


    Since the Lantern Festival more than a month ago, Jiang Yuqing''s whole body froze when she saw him again.


    As soon as she realized it, she tried to run away, but Jing Yan, who was prepared, grabbed the back of her cor and said, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Jiang Yuqing forced a smile and stammered, "Hehe, I''m not running away. Who said I was running away!" She felt guilty.


    Jing Yan didn''t intend to waste time talking with her. He was afraid that if he let go, this slippery little thing would disappear again. He got straight to the point and said, "I know why you''re avoiding me! What they said is true. I am genuinely attracted to you!"


    Jiang Yuqing waspletely stunned. This guy was actually confessing his feelings?


    This was only the second time in her life that someone had confessed to her. What was the name of the person who confessed to her in her previous life? Oh, she forgot!


    Jing Yan lifted her up and sat her on the table, then leaned over her shoulder and looked into her eyes, saying, "What I''m about to say next is very important. You must listen carefully and remember it well.


    I am genuinely attracted to you and want to marry you. I also understand that you won''t ept a man who has multiple wives and concubines.


    So, in this lifetime, besides you, there will be no other woman by my side."


    Jiang Yuqing blushed, and stammered, "Don''t... don''t say it so nicely. Besides your mother, your father has a whole harem of concubines!


    And besides, I''ve heard a saying before: if you can trust a man''s words, pigs will fly!"


    Jing Yan''s face instantly turned dark and he said, "He is him, and I am me. Don''tpare me to him! Besides, where did you hear such nonsense?"


    Jiang Yuqing stubbornly replied, "It''s none of your business where I heard it from.


    Anyway, I''ve always considered you a friend.


    And besides, I''m only twelve years old now, Big Brother, please be sensible!"


    Jing Yan stared at her for a while, then suddenly smiled like peach blossoms in March.


    "I''m perfectly sensible. I know what I''m doing! And Qingqing, I have the patience to wait for you to grow up! Don''t think you can escape from me!"


    Jiang Yuqing almost cried, "You''re forcing me!


    Those girls outside are pretty and cute!


    Tell me, what do you see in me? Can''t I change?"


    He touched her head and smiled, saying, "Everything about you is great! So don''t make a fuss! And from now on, you''re not allowed to hide from me!"


    After Jing Yan left, Jiang Yuqing felt hopeless and threw herself onto the bed, burying her face in the soft pillow. She pounded it fiercely. Ah... so annoying!


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "Strictly speaking, he''s not bad.


    Think about it, at least he has spiritual roots, and in the future, he can cultivate with you and be your partner in cultivation.


    Moreover, you two have known each other since childhood and understand each other.


    Most importantly, he''s handsome! Just based on his looks, you won''t lose out if you choose him, right?"


    Jiang Yuqing pulled her face out of the pillow and curiously asked, "Bai Xiaoshi, didn''t you say you''ve never looked for a partner before? Howe you''re acting as a rtionship advisor now?"


    Bai Xiaoshi nced at her, "What''s so rare about it! Haven''t you heard the saying ''Never seen a pig run without eating pork''?


    Besides, I''m just discussing things objectively. Honestly, I suggest you teach him cultivation techniques and practice together."


    Jiang Yuqing turned over andy on the bed, facing upward, saying, "Let''s talk about itter!


    Indeed, as you said, he is an excellent candidate for marriage, but this is too sudden! There should be a process, right?


    Anyway, I''m still young now. If he can truly wait for me for a few years and prove to be a lifelongpanion, then it wouldn''t be toote to introduce him to cultivation techniquester.


    But if he changes his mind halfway and bes interested in other girls, then there''s nothing more to say!"


    Bai Xiaoshi thought for a moment and said, "You make sense!" She was a carefree person, so once she understood, she let it go.


    Although they were both in the capital, they had their own busy schedules, so they didn''t have much time to meet.


    When they were together, it didn''t seem much different from before, which made Jiang Yuqing feel veryfortable.


    After the first lunar month, February arrived, and the ice melted. After the awakening of hibernating animals, the spring breeze brought warmth, and spring returned to the earth.


    The alfalfa Jiang Yuqing ntedst year had gone through several cycles of growth. He harvested a portion of it as pig feed before the snowfall, and the rest was buried by the snow.


    With the arrival of spring, the diligent soldiers plowed the frozen alfalfa into the ground, making it excellent organic fertilizer.


    After preparing thend, the soldiers nted another crop. Jiang Yuqing used the spiritual spring water as "medicine" and had them dilute it to irrigate thend, resulting in fast and healthy growth.


    They not only nted alfalfa but also other vegetables such as bitter lettuce and cow-ear lettuce. These vegetables grew quickly and could be eaten by both humans and animals.


    When these crops had grown substantially, the soldiers urged Jiang Yuqing to quickly bring in other animals such as cows, sheep, and chickens.


    Moreover, they even set up "bamboo fish traps" (a dense fish-catching device woven from thin green bamboo or wooden sticks) in the mountain stream to raise fish fry.


    Regarding the procurement of livestock, they had been relying on the Fang Brothers sincest year. Finally, this year, they managed to gather the quantity Jiang Yuqing needed: ten thousand chicks, over five hundred sheep, and more than seventy cows.


    Cows were the most important production tool and should not be easily ughtered. Jiang Yuqing kept them not only for plowing thend but also for breeding more calves.


    With so many animals and the vegetable garden, they needed quite a few hands to take care of them.


    Fortunately, all the fruit trees ntedst year had survived and were already sprouting and budding, showing good growth.


    Jiang Yuqing believed that it wouldn''t be long before they could bear fruit, so there was no need to allocate more manpower to take care of them.


    Therefore, after the initial chaos, the soldiers quickly adapted and performed excellently.


    Jiang Yuqing calcted the time, drew up some blueprints, and promptly ordered a batch of barbecue grills, bamboo skewers, and charcoal, which were sent to Tai''an Farm.


    He also prepared specialized barbecue seasonings and spent an afternoon teaching a few clever soldiers how to grill meat.


    She provided the theory, and the soldiers were responsible for the practice.


    Selected a group of sturdy rams, which were trained to pull small sheep carts. These carts could be rented or driven by hired drivers.


    In early March, apanied by a refreshing spring rain, Jiang Yuqing''s five hundred mu of peach blossoms bloomed overnight, exuding a vibrant and enchanting beauty.


    Soon after, seven hundred mu of pear blossoms also burst into bloom, creating a breathtaking sea of flowers that stretched across the mountains. It was as if someone had aptly described it in a poem, "Pear blossoms flutter like snow on the spring mountains, mistaken for cold plum blossoms adorned with dewy jade faces."


    Jiang Yuqing widely distributed invitations, inviting acquaintances from the capital and nobledies from other mansions toe and enjoy the flowers.


    At the same time, Jiang Yuchuan sent invitations to his former ssmates from the Imperial Academy, inviting them toe and appreciate the flowers and enjoy the spring.


    The most prominent pair of siblings in the capital sent out invitations, and no one dared to refuse, and receiving an invitation became an honor for everyone.


    On the day the garden opened, all the households that received invitations came in full force.


    Even from a distance, the scent of fragrant flowers wafted through the air. As soon as they turned a corner, a sight of a pink, red, and white floral sea appeared before their eyes. Everyone couldn''t help but exim, "Wow, how beautiful!"


    The horse carriages stopped at the entrance of the farm, and people entered on foot. When they saw the que hanging at the entrance with the handwritten words "Tai''an Farm," they couldn''t help but show reverence.


    At the entrance, someone collected an admission fee of twenty wen per person.


    Although the price was not expensive, some people still grumbled about having to pay an entrance fee for a garden.


    But as soon as they saw the person collecting the fee, who had both legs amputated, they immediately showed respect and couldn''t think of anything else, paying the money respectfully.


    Inside the garden, there were pathways paved with green stones that led deep into the floral sea.


    Graceful and lively youngdies walked through the pink sea of flowers, some stopping to admire the view, while others approached and closed their eyes to savor the fragrance of the flowers. It was truly a scene where beautiful faces and peach blossoms matched.


    Many talented nobledies were inspired on the spot. They would pick up a brush or paper and write poems or create paintings.


    If they got tired from walking, they could go to the management office and rent a finely crafted double sheep cart. Driving the cart through the floral sea provided another kind of enjoyment.


    After ying for a while and feeling a bit tired, a different fragrance reached their noses, making their mouths water.


    Following the scent, they found someone who set up a small food stall, grilling skewers of meat over charcoal fire. The aroma was tantalizing.


    When asked, the price for freshly ughteredmb skewers was eight wen, while pork belly skewers and vegetarian dishes were even cheaper.


    They ordered two skewers to give it a try, and once they started, they couldn''t stop.


    The skewers were grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Taking a bite satisfied their entire being. Just as Jiang Yuqing had anticipated, no one could resist the allure of barbecue.


    Everyone who came here to y was wealthy, and word spread like wildfire. Several barbecue stalls were packed with people, and the barbecue chefs couldn''t keep up.


    Even the master chefs in the kitchen sold out their steamed vegetable and meat dumplings.


    The masters might not fancy such food, but the servants still needed to eat.


    On the opening day alone, they sold two pigs and ughtered five sheep. When they counted the money in the evening, the old soldiers were delighted to see the boxes filled with copper coins and silver pieces. They all praised that the young county princess knew how to do business.

 Chapter 136: The Tiger Will finally get over the Cabbage

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    Tai''an Farm rose to fame overnight.


    The news spread throughout Beijing, where not only could you find beautiful flower fields, but also rent small sheep carts or indulge in delicious barbecues when you got tired of ying.


    If you wish, you can even rent a barbecue grill and do it yourself.


    Therefore, whether you go alone or take your family, it is a great choice.


    For the next month and a half, tourists flocked to Tai''an Farm without cease.


    Among them were the privileged andmon people, students from prestigious academies, as well as aspiring writers and literati who came for its reputation.


    Princess Ronghua even brought her entire family to visit.


    When she saw this once barren hill covered in only wild grass and rocks, transformed into such a beautiful sea of flowers in such a short time, she couldn''t help but be amazed.


    While being impressed, she couldn''t help but admire Jiang Yuqing''s capability.


    She said to her son, "The Jiang family truly lives up to their agricultural origins. When ites to farming and tree nting, no one canpare to them."


    Even Empress Qin in the pce heard about it and personally summoned Jiang Yuqing, saying, "Qingbao, I heard that your farm is doing exceptionally well. Can I alsoe and visit?"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "Of course, as long as Your Majesty agrees!"


    Empress Qin scoffed and rolled her eyes without much grace, saying, "If I want to go, I''ll go. Why do I need his permission?"


    Nevertheless, she still sent someone to inform Emperor Xia Jing.


    Emperor Xia Jing was upset when he heard that his wife wanted to go to Tai''an Farm without him. "Why should you go without me? No, I''m going too."


    With the Emperor, Empress, and their son Jing Yan all going, it was a family outing.


    When Emperor Xia Jing saw this vast expanse of flower fields, he was astonished and remarked, "With so many fruit trees, you''ll surely have a bountiful harvest in the autumn!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and nodded, "If there are no unexpected disasters, we should indeed have a good harvest."


    As they approached the entrance, Emperor Xia Jing noticed that the other visitors were paying an entrance fee. He asked Jiang Yuqing, "This idea is good. Such a fine garden should not be free for everyone to see. How much is the admission fee per person?"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "It''s 20 wen per person. All the proceeds from the farm, including the ie from the garden, after deducting the costs, one-tenth of the profits will be shared with the veterans."


    Emperor Xia Jing said, "This farm is sorge, the initial investment must have been substantial. With your approach, when will you be able to recover the costs?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "I''m not relying on this farm to make a lot of money. At the very least, I want to provide everyone with a way out."


    Emperor Xia Jing saw the feeble veterans without legs and sighed, "You are a good person."


    Saying that, he personally asked Li Deshun for a bag of silver coins and bought entrance tickets for his family.


    Once inside the garden, they first admired the sea of flowers, then visited the cow and sheep farms, followed by the chicken coop and pigsty.


    When Emperor Xia Jing saw the disabled veterans, each with a smile on their face, diligently carrying out their duties, he was deeply gratified and gave Jiang Yuqing a thumbs-up, saying, "Qingbao, well done! You truly deserve the title I bestowed upon you."


    At noon, Jiang Yuqing treated them to a meal of homestyle dishes prepared by the kitchen, including the local specialty barbecue and fresh wild vegetable meat buns.


    The emperor was thoroughly satisfied with the meal, especially the skewers, which received unanimous praise from everyone.


    Jiang Yuqing mentioned that she had already found a shop in the city and was nning to open a barbecue restaurant.


    Emperor Xia Jing thought it was a great idea. That way, whenever they wanted to eat barbecue, they could easily leave the pce.


    After finishing their meal, the emperor and empress used the excuse of needing rest and sent their two children out of the room. As soon as they stepped outside, Jing Yan took hold of Jiang Yuqing''s hand.


    She tried to pull her hand away, but her face blushed instantly.


    In fact, he had held her hand before, but she hadn''t noticed or maybe she was just oblivious and hadn''t thought about it in that way.


    But now, things were different.


    "Let go of me!" she whispered.


    Jing Yan tightened his grip even more. "No, I won''t let go!" He held her hand and led her back into the flower garden, where they happened to run into several noble youths.


    Upon seeing him, the youths quickly bowed and paid their respects.


    Jing Yan waved his hand, signaling them to leave.


    After the group had walked a distance away, they turned back to nce at the intertwined hands of the two, as if understanding something.


    "Yuqing, your birthday is in a few days. Is there anything you want as a gift?"


    Jiang Yuqing eximed, "Oh, is my birthdaying up?"


    Jing Yan yfully flicked her upturned nose and doted, "How could you be so absent-minded? You even forgot your own birthday."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Well, it''s not a big deal to celebrate my birthday. But you reminded me, I should give my mother a gift on that day!"


    Jing Yan nodded knowingly. "Yuqing is indeed filial."


    "It''s only natural!"


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing didn''t go to the farm but returned to the hospital to work. Around mid-afternoon, they brought in a patient who was on the verge of death due to excessive bleeding.


    The surgeons in the general surgery department couldn''t handle it, so they had to seek Jiang Yuqing''s help.


    The patient arrivedte, barely clinging to life.


    Jiang Yuqing had to use acupuncture to stop the bleeding and gave the patient a thread of vitality to ensure he would survive the surgery.


    While inserting the needle, she caught a glimpse of the crystal orchid pattern tattooed on the patient''s shoulder, and her eyes flickered. She continued her actions as if nothing had happened.


    He had been stabbed twice in the abdomen, with varying degrees of damage to his spleen and intestines.


    Jiang Yuqing skillfully opened his abdominal cavity, repairing what could be repaired and removing the part of the spleen that had been shattered and couldn''t be salvaged.


    Afterward, she sutured and bandaged the wound. Taking the opportunity to check his pulse, she used a reviving technique to perform a minor repair.


    Once finished, she instructed someone to transfer the patient to the intensive care unit and told the nurses that this patient was extremely important and must be closely monitored.


    She then wrote a short letter and had Bai Xiaoshi personally deliver it to Emperor Jing Yan in the pce.


    These individuals posed a threat to social harmony and stability, they were terrorists, and naturally, they needed to be eliminated promptly. As a patriotic young person, how could he let them go?


    The pce guards recognized this little deer that apanied her. They knew it was the mount of Princess Protecting the Nation and were very friendly towards it.


    At this moment, seeing it carrying a sealed letter in its mouth, I knew it was sent by the princess to deliver a letter to one of the masters in the pce, so I didn''t stop it and let it in directly.


    Jing Yan received the letter brought by Bai Xiao, and his face immediately became solemn. He personally went to An Hospital to find Jiang Yuqing.


    "Yuqing, where is he?"


    Jiang Yuqing pointed to the inpatient department, saying, "Intensive care unit, room number two!"


    "Thank you. I''lle to the Duke''s Mansion to find youter."


    "No need to be polite. You go and take care of your business; don''t worry about me."


    Jiang Yuqing watched Jing Yan leave and couldn''t help but p her hands in satisfaction, praising herself, "I am probably the most diligent and righteous noblewoman in Da Xia."


    A few dayster, when this special patient was out of danger and transferred to a regr ward.


    Jiang Yuqing handed Jing Yan a talisman.


    Soon after, he spewed out a bunch of earth-shattering secrets.


    It turns out that this seemingly inconspicuous fellow was actually an important high-ranking member among the remnants of the former dynasty.


    Due to power struggles within the organization, he was stabbed twice by his opponents.


    Although he managed to escape, he copsed in an alley due to excessive blood loss and was discovered by pedestrians who sent him to the hospital.


    Following the clues provided by this injured person, Jing Yan''s men traced the roots and, after more than a month of arduous investigation, uprooted the entire stronghold of the remnants of the former dynasty and wiped out all its members.


    The leader of this organization, who imed to be a legitimate descendant of the former royal family, was also captured and sentenced to a slow and painful death in the capital.


    ording to another high-ranking member within the organization, it was they who delivered the letter before the Xiongnu invaded Yumen Pass.


    Hong Yuli, an official with an unknown source of a huge fortune, was also bribed by them.


    Their aim was to coborate with the Xiongnu, overthrow Da Xia, but unfortunately, they failed to seed.


    In the following years, due to the tight grip of the court and the loss of their main source of wealth, the gold mine, the organization''s development was hindered.


    They had no choice but to go into hiding and disappear.


    It was not until this high-ranking remnant was injured in an internal conflict and unexpectedly recognized by Jiang Yuqing that this massive terrorist organization surfaced and was exposed to the world.


    Thus, Jiang Yuqing could be considered to have taken revenge for her family.


    On Jiang Yuqing''s twelfth birthday, she received a pile of gifts. Some were from her family, while others were rewards from the pce.


    Jing Yan gave her an emperor green jade hairpin and a small seal engraved by his own hands.


    It seemed that he liked giving her seals. Over the years, she had umted at least eight of them, some with names and some without.


    Unfortunately, she couldn''t paint or write, so most of the time, these sealsy in a box gathering dust. Only asionally would she take them out to y with.


    Once her birthday passed, she would officially be a thirteen-year-old girl.


    In fact, since the beginning of the year, she had felt subtle changes in her body, such as certain parts starting to swell and bing painful to touch.


    These signs told her that puberty had begun.


    Lushi keenly noticed her daughter''s physical changes and was extra careful when preparing her intimate clothing.


    As a mother, she was happy to see the little cotton jacket she held in her hands growing into a graceful young girl.


    Her master, Qiu the Divine Physician, had returned to Heavenly Doctor Valley in Minzhou at the end ofst month due to some matters.


    She had been to Heavenly Doctor Valley once before, back when she was still in Suzhou. It was the second year after she woke up from a six-montha.


    Before visiting Heavenly Doctor Valley, she thought it would be a ce with numerous pces, transcending the mundane world and surrounded by an ethereal aura. But when she arrived, she was sorely disappointed.


    All that grandeur, clusters of pces, transcending the mundane, and ethereal aura were just her own imagination.


    Instead, it was a valley with several dozen small wooden buildings. Just an ordinary valley.


    If one had to mention something unique about it, the entire valley was filled with various medicinal herbs, and every household had herbs drying in front of their doors.


    In addition, at the entrance of the valley, there was an advanced Five Elements enchantment protecting it.


    The old man had been gone for nearly a month, so it was about time for him to return.


    White Xiaojiu, that foolish creature, had been running wild somewhere recently. It often disappeared for several days, and when it returned, it would lie on the floor and sleep soundly.


    After waking up, it would ask her for food, eat its fill, and then go out again.


    Jiang Yuqing found it strange. So, when it went out again, she secretly followed behind it with White Xiaoshi.


    After leaving the Duke''s Residence, this fellow ran all the way out of the city and headed west for half a day until they reached Qiuming Mountain.


    They ran through twists and turns until they arrived in front of a very secluded cave. They roared at the cave entrance, and before long, a ck and yellow tiger came running out. The two tigers huddled together, licking each other''s fur affectionately.


    White Xiaoshi barked excitedly, saying it didn''t expect that White Xiaojiu, that idiot, would also have a tiger that liked it.


    Jiang Yuqing gave it a stern look. "Xiaojiu is very clever, you know! Besides, it''s a good thing that it''s finding a mate. Other tigers at its age would have be fathers long ago."


    Then, the old mother''s face beamed with joy. "Our tiger finally has someone to share its life with."

 Chapter 137: The Trick

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    The two stopped disturbing Bai Xiaojiu''s date and quietly retreated. As far as the eye could see were vibrant wildflowers and the air was filled with their sweet fragrance.


    Spring really was an intoxicating season!


    Recently, Jiang Yuqing kept running into this Wei Something fellow at a rather high frequency. Although her senses were quite dull, she wasn''tpletely ignorant.


    After "coincidentally" encountering him several times in a few days, she figured out his intentions. This guy was probably harboring less-than-honorable designs on her.


    When Jiang Yuqing went to buy a sesame seed cake on the street and once again "coincidentally" met him,


    she really couldn''t stand it anymore. Grinding her teeth, she said, "Hey man, you seem to have a lot of free time recently?"


    Wei Caile was taken aback. Seeing Jiang Yuqing''s displeased expression, he said, "No...no!"


    Jiang Yuqing crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him expressionlessly. "No? If you''re not always randomly appearing in front of me, shouldn''t you be spending your time more productively by studying?"


    "If it wasn''t for the fact that I''m used to being alone without any attendants, you would have already been put on the list of suspicious loafers by them!"


    She took a step forward and shoved the cake she just bought into his hands, "Here, this is for you. Don''t follow the Princess anymore. Your flirting skills really are very clumsy."


    Having said that, she turned and left, leaving Wei Caile confused amidst the wind.


    Wasn''t it supposed to be "repaying the life-saving grace with marriage"? What was happening here!


    Bai Xiaojiu cackled loudly. After finishingughing, she sincerely advised her, "Qingbao, you already have the Crown Prince. You absolutely can''t cheat on him.


    Besides, this guy really doesn''t look very good. If we must switch him out, it has to at least be for someone better looking than the Crown Prince!"


    Jiang Yuqing was covered in ck lines, "Keep your mouth shut! It seems like your moral values follow your looks. You''re even more appearances-obsessed than I am!"


    She suddenly remembered the bizarre robbery incident at the beginning of the year and felt something was off.


    So she sent someone to the Jingzhao government office to investigate. After learning the results, she was quite speechless.


    This Wei Something had gone to great lengths to get her attention and climb the socialdder.


    The sea of flowers at the Tai An farm hadsted over 20 days before ending.


    On the farm''s closing day, they took stock of everything. All the admission tickets sold, barbecue skewers, and other odds and ends totaled over 7,000 silver taels. After costs, there was still around 5,000 silver taels of profit.


    This was Tai An farm''s first ie since its founding. Of the 50 piglets boughtst year, over 10 months of raising them, only around 10 were left now after ughtering many. Over 100 sheep had also been ughtered. So Jiang Yuqing replenished the stock with another batch.


    With the uing opening of the barbecue restaurant in the capital city, future consumption was considered. The number of sheep directly increased to 1,000 heads, and pigs to 500 heads.


    But this greatly increased the workload for the veterans.


    After soliciting everyone''s opinions and suggestions, Jiang Yuqing went to Old General Qin to request 50 more people.


    With this, the number of people at the farm increased to 130.


    The farm''s unique barbecue had be well known in the capital city. As such, when the storefront opened under Tai An Barbecue, it drew in crowds of peopleing for barbecue. The scene was exceptionally hot.


    On top of the original barbecue offerings, Tai An Barbecue also introduced grilled fish and some very unique stir-fried vegetable dishes and cold appetizers. There was also a kind of uniquely textured malt liquor made from wheat.


    This malt wine paired perfectly with the barbecue, truly a match made in heaven and a one-of-a-kind find.


    With Tai An''s business booming, there were naturally copycats emerging.


    But they didn''t have Jiang Yuqing''s secret barbecue sauce recipe or Tai An''s uniquely textured malt wine.


    Coupled with preconceived notions, themoners of the capital were convinced that the "Tai An" name represented authenticity. Therefore, even with the copycats, their business was far fromparable.


    Due to the overwhelming poprity, Tai An Barbecue had no choice but to keep expanding. Within a short period of time, they already opened 4 locations in the capital city. Even so, there were still lines out the door for reservations.


    Staffing also kept increasing. This made Old General Qin happy from ear to ear.


    Ever since Tai An Barbecue opened for business, the old general would frequently get together groups of two or three old friends, like Old Duke, to meet up, drink malt wine, and eat barbecue skewers.


    Seeing the busy yet smiling veterans, the old fellows were ted.


    Munching on skewers and drinking wine, when they drank more, they would start singing military chanteys. These were chanteys that only the soldiers of the northwest knew. As they sang, they would cry.


    After crying, they drank some more. By the end, they would be leaning on each other staggering out in a drunken stupor.


    Not only were the old generals willing toe, even Emperor Xia Jing came to eat with Empress Qin twice.


    Jiang Yuqing felt that this business model was promising. She simply had the words "Tai An" designed into a logo and stamped it with her personal seal to serve as a trademark.


    Afterwards, she wrote down the logo, barbecue sauce recipe, barbecue cooking method and other details clearly in a letter sent by carrier pigeon to her third brother Jiang Yuhu back home.


    She specifically instructed that when Tai An is hiring employees, priority must be given to disabled veterans.


    She believed that with her third brother''s capabilities, the Tai An trademark would surely prosper under his leadership.


    In April, the 3,000 mu (494 acre) farm back in Jiang''s hometown also finished transnting rice seedlings. Unfortunately, situated in the north of Great Xia, the capital city only allowed one season of harvest. Whereas back home in Qingzhou, the farnds already fully transitioned into harvesting two seasons of rice.


    With the end of spring plowing, early May soon arrived. After two torrential rains, the water levels of the nearby Yun River rose for the Dumpling Festival dragon boat race. The annual event was about to kick off.


    Busy with Tai An farm mattersst year, she didn''t attend. This year, Jing Yan invited her early on to watch the dragon boats together. They agreed to meet at the viewing terrace by the river bank.


    Per tradition, the Crown Prince needed to preside over a series of sacrificial rites before the start of the dragon boat race.


    To help Jiang Yuqingst year, Jing Yan was absent from the ceremonies. In the end, it was Emperor Xia Jing who stood in instead.


    No matter what this year, the Emperor certainly wouldn''t let his son slip away again.


    Jiang Yuqing''s father and brothers had gotten up early to participate in the sacrificial rituals by the altar.


    Mother and daughter woke up a bitter. After breakfast, they slowly made their way by carriage to the Yun River bank.


    By the time they arrived, the area was already filled with crowds.


    The two got out of the carriage and walked over to the viewing terrace, about to look for their seats. Suddenly, they collided into a mother and son smiling as they walked over.


    "Greetings Lady Jiang! Good day Lady Jiang!"


    Lu returned half a curtsy. Cooly, she said, "Lady Wei."


    The neers were none other than Lady Wei, mother of the Marquis of An Xi, and her second son, the second young master of the Marquis manor, Wei Caile.


    Seeing Jiang Yuqing, Wei Caile''s eyes immediately lit up. He hadn''t seen her for over a month. She seemed to have be even more beautiful. "Princess, we meet again!"


    Jiang Yuqing slightly tugged the corners of her lips. "Indeed!" Ever since tantly rejecting him on the street that day, her surroundings finally quieted down for a period.


    Encountering him now by the river bank really dampened her mood.


    Due to what happened previously, Jiang Yuqing didn''t take it to heart and therefore never mentioned it to her family.


    As such, Lu was unaware. Hearing Wei Caile''s tone, she immediately knitted her brows and asked her daughter, "Qingbao, you''ve met before?"


    Jiang Yuqing helplessly nodded, "I guess you could say that!"


    Lady Wei immediately picked up the conversation, smiling radiantly. "I suppose Lady Jiang still doesn''t know! Earlier this year, my son even saved the Princess!"


    Hearing this, Lu promptly asked Jiang Yuqing, "What''s going on? Why haven''t I heard you mention this!"


    Twirling the embroidered floral fan in her hand, Jiang Yuqing casually let out a skeptical hum. "Well, it did happen! It was right before the Lantern Festival. I was walking home from the hospital and a few carriages had actually blocked off the entire street.


    Little Ten and I couldn''t get past, so we took a small side alley instead. That''s when we ran into a few robbers. And then this gentleman here brought two others to rush out and knock down the thieves."


    Lu immediately recalled Lady Quan''s words from the beginning of the year and seeing her daughter''s attitude, understood exactly what had transpired. So it was this mother and son duo setting up a scheme!


    She smiled stiffly, "Right around New Year''s, with freshly fallen snow on the ground, of course the wide streets suddenly got blocked right when you were heading home.


    And it just so happened that Young Master Wei appeared at precisely the right time and ce!"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement, "That''s what I thought too. Which is why when Young Master Wei suggested letting those five robbers go, I went ahead and tied them up to personally deliver them to the Jingzhao government office."


    The Wei mother and son''s expressions changed upon hearing this.


    Lu said: "What do you two mean by this? My son saved the princess, and not only did you not thank us, you even ndered that it was a plot we orchestrated. Isn''t that going too far?"


    Upon hearing this, Han no longer bothered to give her face and coldly said: "Whether or not it was a plot orchestrated by you, everyone knows well.


    In myrge noble estate, how could I have let here and go freely as a youngdy, didn''t Lady Wei think about what the reason could be?"


    As she said this, Han heavily harrumphed and continued: "Let thisdy tell you bluntly, when she was killing enemies at the border back then, your son was probably still cooing in your arms!"


    Having the veil torn away by Han, Lady Wei''splexion was also quite ugly. "I admit the princess is outstanding, but isn''t Lady''s remark going too far?"


    Han scoffed and mocked: "Going too far? Lady Wei might as well go back and ask your Marquis. Has he heard of the title ''Little Battle God'' before?


    That is what my daughter was called by the soldiers in the Northwest Army after she took the heads of the Fifth Prince of the Xiongnu and Xiongnu''s General.


    So don''t even mention five local thugs, even if ten more came, tied together they would still not be her match!


    Otherwise, how do you think she got the title of ''Defender of the Country'' in her name?"


    Lady Wei''s face was white, her lips moved but no words came out for a long time.


    Jiang Yuqing calmly said to Wei Caile: "I specially went to check in the government officeter and found that the five thugs were taken away by people from the Wei Estate.


    There is an old saying, if you don''t want others to know, don''t do it yourself.


    To be honest, this act of hero saving the beauty orchestrated by yourselves, if it was tried on other youngdies, it might really have seeded."


    As she said this, she grinned wryly: "It''s just a pity you found the wrong target!"


    She paused and continued: "And I also roughly know why you did this.


    Let me give you two a piece of advice. If you want to obtain something, it would be better to study more and rely on your own efforts instead of crooked means. Even if you obtain it through ill-gotten ways, it won''tst long. I''ve said my piece, do what you will!"


    Having said that, she held Lady Lu''s arm. "Mother, let''s go!"


    What happened here was naturally seen by many interested people. A few noble youths who had been to Tai An farm all wore indescribable expressions on seeing this scene.


    They exchanged looks with each other, and one of them dressed in white finery said: "That Wei fellow is really bold! He even dared to plot against the Defender of the Country princess!"


    Another one dressed in green mocked: "Not only bold, simply foolish. Daring topete with the Crown Prince for a woman, I''m afraid he won''t even know how he died!"


    The third said: "In the future, we''d better keep our distance from him. Such foolishness, in case we get implicated."


    "You''re right..."

 Chapter 138: Make an Apology

    <h4>Chapter 138</h4>


    After the worship ceremony was over, Jing Yan sent someone to take Jiang Yuqing away. The two of them stood on the widest viewing tform with the best view.


    Below was the wide river surface, the drums and bells on the boats vying to cross the river first in thepetition. On both banks were crowds of people, cheering and shouting to support their favorite dragon boat teams.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t have a particr favorite team, but that didn''t stop her from cheering for the guys rowing the dragon boats on the river. She pped so hard that her palms turned red.


    Jing Yan stroked her head, "Does Yuqing like it a lot?" Jiang Yuqing didn''t even turn her head and said, "It''s pretty fun!"


    "Then shall wee every year from now on?"


    "Sure... Go, go, faster - wow, first ce, awesome!" Jing Yan looked at her jumping up and down indulgently, thinking that such a spirited Yuqing was especially vibrant.


    After watching the dragon boat race, on the way back, Lu couldn''t stand it anymore and told her husband about Lady Anxi Marquise''s plot to trick Jiang Yuqing.


    As soon as Jiang Wenyuan heard this, he was furious, "The toad wants to eat swan meat! What is that Wei brat? Is my daughter someone he can covet?


    If I don''t ask the Wei family for an exnation, I won''t be surnamed Jiang anymore."


    So the next day after the morning court session, Jiang Wenyuan stopped Wei LingSheng: "Marquis Wei, please stay behind!"


    Wei LingSheng bowed to him, "Lord Marquis!"


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Xu Jie Xiang Tea House has just opened with new teas. Would Marquis Wei be interested in going there with me to try them?"


    Although Wei LingSheng and Jiang Wenyuan were colleagues in the court, they didn''t interact much, only acquaintances who nodded to each other.


    For Jiang Wenyuan to suddenly invite him to drink tea like this was very unusual, and it made Wei strangely nervous for some reason.


    However, Jiang Wenyuan was of high rank and authority, so Wei had no choice but to go along. He could only say, "It is my blessing that Lord Marquis invites me. Please lead the way, Lord Marquis!"


    The two of them went upstairs to the elegant room in Xiang Tea House, ordered tea and snacks.


    After drinking a cup, Wei finally couldn''t resist asking, "I wonder why Lord Marquis asked me toe today, please tell me directly."


    Jiang Wenyuan then put down his teacup and said, "Do you know what your wife is nning? Are you aware?"


    Wei was confused, "Why is Lord Marquis saying this? Why mention my wife all of a sudden?"


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "Judging from your reaction, it looks like you don''t know.


    Earlier this year, your wife and your family''s young master conspired to create an incident to block the road when my daughter was on her way home, forcing the young girl to take a small path home.


    Later they sent someone to pretend to be a bandit and rob my daughter in the alley. Then your family''s young master jumped out at the right time to stage a scene of hero rescuing the beauty.


    After that, your family''s young master stalked my daughter several more times, created opportunities to ''coincidentally'' meet her, and caused her quite a bit of trouble.


    I can understand the affection of young people. But isn''t your family''s young master going too far?"


    Seeing Wei''s face filled with incredulity and disbelief, he said, "Marquis Wei, don''t think I''m exaggerating or making irresponsible remarks.


    Since I''vee looking for you, it means I have absolutely solid evidence. And I would never joke with my daughter''s reputation!


    I heard that the position of heir has not been settled in your family yet. What were your wife and young master trying to achieve by doing this? I think you and I both know very well."


    Wei was ashamed and shocked. He stood up and bowed to Jiang Wenyuan, "I really didn''t know about this. Please give me one day''s time to go back and get to the bottom of it.


    If it''s true that my wife and son have done such a thing, I definitely won''t condone it."


    Jiang Wenyuan also stood up and patted Wei on the shoulder, "Marquis Wei, please listen to my advice. Some things, when you should take action, don''t hesitate, otherwise trouble will follow."


    "Thanks for Lord Marquis''s guidance!"


    Back at the Wei residence, Wei secretly interrogated the servants around his young son. They didn''t withstand threats and quickly confessed everything clearly and in detail, just as Jiang Wenyuan had said.


    Wei was ashamed, rmed, and angry at the same time. He immediately had that servant tied up and thrown in front of his wife and son.


    His face gloomy, he said, "You two, tell me about what happened with the Princess Protector."


    As soon as Han heard this, she knew the truth hade out, and her face instantly turned pale.


    Still, she clung to a thread of hope to defend herself, and hurriedly said, "My Lord, please listen to my exnation, I was just muddled for a moment. Besides, nothing happened to that Jiang girl, right?"


    Seeing that Han still refused to admit her mistake, Wei was furious. He raised his horsehair whisk high and gave Han a resounding p that sent her to the ground.


    Han''s face swelled up instantly, with blood flowing from the corner of her mouth.


    Wei Caile was shocked to see this and quickly went to help his mother up.


    Wei yelled angrily, "Han, you are even bolder than heaven itself, dare to plot against the Princess Protector! What evil things can you not do?


    Do you really think your son is a precious darling? He has no literary or military talents, and besides being able to talk smoothly, what other strengths does he have?


    I''m ashamed for you. His Majesty himself asked the Jiang family for marriage to the Princess, yet Lord Marquis Jiang didn''t agree to it. What makes you think he would look at your son?! Stop dreaming!"


    After scolding Han, he gave his young son another vicious kick, "Do you think highly of yourself? Go take a look in the mirror!


    The Princess Protector''s older brother, Heir Apparent Jiang, ranked first ce in the imperial exam at the age of sixteen. And you, after studying for ten-odd years, haven''t even passed one county exam. Yet you still dare to have designs on the Princess?


    Is she someone you can have designs on?! She can go into battlefields and behead Xiongnu soldiers at the age of five as easy as chopping watermelons. And you were still suckling at your wet nurse when you were eight! I''m anxious to death about you.


    And you so-called hero rescuing the beauty, how preposterous, she thought it was just an act. You lost face for me your father to the extreme, foolish thing!"


    After scolding them thoroughly, Wei looked at the mother and son pair lying frightened on the ground, and only felt vexed.


    "Let me make this clear. If you want to avoid destroying Mu''en''s marquis family and bing destitute refugees, then tomorrow, you both will go to Marquis Jiang''s manor to kowtow and apologize.


    If your attitude shows the slightest insincerity, then don''t bothering back. Go kowtow, thene back to receive family punishment!"


    With that said, he turned around and left. Afraid that her husband would really abandon her, Han endured the pain on her face, crawled up, and chased after him, "My Lord, where are you going?!"


    Wei flung Han to the ground, "Your father''s going to confess guilt to His Majesty!"


    After Wei left, the mother and son pair limply copsed on the ground, onlying to after a long while. Pale-faced, they were helped by the maids back to their rooms.


    Han had never imagined things would be so serious in her dreams. Snatching a royal''s beloved, even just the slightest misstep, could truly cost one''s head.


    But now regret was toote.


    Wei went into the pce and told His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the things his wife and son did.


    Emperor Xia Jing also found it quite ridiculous.


    Jing Yan stared at Wei for a long time, scaring cold sweat out of him, before finally speaking, "Don''t let this happen again!"


    The next day, Wei prepared generous gifts and took Han and his young son to the Jiang residence to kowtow and apologize. The Jiang family wasn''t going to pursue endlessly after already getting an exnation.


    Though Han and Wei Caile were foolish, Wei himself was not. Once out of Marquis Jiang''s gate, the matter was settled on the Jiang side.


    In order to ensure Han and the young son will not make another foolish move, Wei also imposed family disciplinary punishment on them in front of all their household servants.


    He had just finished beating them when the Empress Dowager''s decree came scolding Han severely again as well! Han hadpletely lost face inside and out!


    Two dayster, Wei directly petitioned to establish his eldest son by his first wife as Heir Apparent Anyang Marquis.


    Originally, he still felt that his eldest son was too wooden and dull, while his young son was slick with words, so he hesitated.


    But after this incident, he suddenly felt that being more wooden was good, at least it reduces trouble.


    Han and her son tried all sorts of schemes, but ultimately came up empty.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t have time to deal with the Anxi Marquis manor''swsuits. She was busy packing to go to Minzhou.


    Her shifu Doctor Qiu had already lost contact for over ten days.


    The homing pigeons released had also failed to return. Her intuition told her that the old man might be in trouble, so she was going to find him.


    After telling her parents and brother, she went to pce to say onest goodbye to Jing Yan, and declined Jing Yan''s suggestion to send imperial guards to protect her. Bringing only Bai Xiaoshi, she headed directly to Sizhou.


    That was the ce where Doctor Qiu disappeared.


    Sizhou was located to the southwest of Great Xia, nearly two thousand li from the capital. With tall mountains and dense forests, winding and precipitous roads difficult to travel, it would take over a month by carriage.


    For Bai Xiaoshi carrying her, it wasn''t even a full day before they arrived.


    After arriving at Sizhou, Jiang Yuqing looked for an inn to stay at. She made many copies of Doctor Qiu''s portrait and posted them all over Sizhou City. She searched for several days to no avail.


    Jiang Yuqing even asked the birds if they had seen the old man in the portrait. The birds all said they hadn''t seen him.


    Just as Jiang Yuqing was about to leave, she happened to overhear some guests whispering about something in the lobby of the restaurant. She sensitively caught one key word - "gue!"


    So she waited until that guest had finished eating before stopping him on the road to ask about the gue.


    At first he refused to say, but after Jiang Yuqing offered ample reward, he softly said in broken Mandarin: "It''s in Yuci County. There''s a vige there that has a gue outbreak. The government has quarantined the ce and won''t let the news spread!"


    "How do you know about it then?"


    The man said, "I just came back from Yuci. I definitely know about it. The officials were afraid of the news getting out, so they surrounded the vige. Anyone trying to leave the vige would be shot dead with arrows.


    gue is deadly business. None of the local doctors dared to go in.


    In the end, an old doctor iming to be from Heavenly Doctor Valley voluntarily went into the vige to diagnose and treat the vigers. He still hasn''te out yet, dead or alive, no one knows."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing''s eyes lit up. She immediately took out Doctor Qiu''s portrait and asked if it was the same person.


    The man said he didn''t know - he was just a guard passing through.


    Jiang Yuqing had an intuition that the doctor who went into quarantine must be Doctor Qiu. Her master has always rushed to wherever there were difficult andplicated diseases.


    A ce like this, no other doctors would dare go in. If her master saw this, he would certainly get involved!


    Jiang Yuqing thanked the man, gave him some silver, asked for directions, then immediately headed for Yuci County.


    Upon arriving at Yuci, Jiang Yuqing quickly found the barricaded vige.


    The government had nailed thick wooden fences tightly around it, like an iron barrel.


    Masked government soldiers were stationed all along the perimeter, security was tight.


    The only entrance to the vige was arge gate guarded heavily by troops.


    Seeing a beautiful young girl suddenly appear riding a deer in this ghost town that no one dared approach, the soldiers were immediately on high alert.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t bother with pleasantries. She directly took out the Heavenly Doctor Valley token and said, "I am a disciple of Heavenly Doctor Valley. I heard there is a gue outbreak here and came to take a look."


    The head soldier was overjoyed, "So you are the expert from Heavenly Doctor Valley! Let me tell you, we are badlycking doctors here. Your arrival is truly timely!"


    Jiang Yuqing took a portrait out from her clothes and asked, "Have you seen this old man?"


    Upon seeing it, the guard said, "Seen him! This doctor is inside right now!


    It''s been over ten days already. Other than tossing out paper bundles every day for more medicine, he hasn''te out at all!"


    Hearing this, Jiang Yuqing was delighted to find out that she had located her master.

 Chapter 139: The Whistler

    <h4>Chapter 139</h4>


    When Doctor Qiu saw Jiang Yuqing wearing a full set of protective clothing, he was shocked speechless. Then he scolded her, "Foolish girl, is this a ce you shoulde to?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "If Master cane here, why can''t Ie?"


    Doctor Qiu was both anxious and angry: "This is not an ordinary illness. This is the gue, the gue, do you understand?"


    Jiang Yuqing hugged the old man''s arm through the protective clothing and rubbed it: "I know, that''s why I wore protective clothing toe in!"


    "Humph!"


    The old man''s hair was messy, and his exposed eyes were full of red lines, apparently he had not rested well for many days.


    Jiang Yuqing followed the old man back to where he lived, secretly waved a few cleaning spells, then took out a set of protective clothing for the old man to put on before asking, "Master, what is the situation here?"


    The old man said, "I''ve been here for half a month. On the day I arrived, I immediately separated those who were sick from those who were not and put them in istion. But still, people die every day."


    "The patients have chills, high fevers, severe chest pains, coughing up a lot of pink foam, and even blood."


    "The master has tried many methods and can only keep it under control. There is no radical cure."


    Jiang Yuqing frowned, "The symptoms are so simr to bubonic gue?"


    Doctor Qiu''s eyes lit up, "Does my precious apprentice know about this disease?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I''ve heard of it, but I still need to see the patients in person to confirm."


    Doctor Qiu immediately said, "Come on, I''ll take you there!" Before the master and disciple had taken two steps out the door, several fat rats darted out from under their feet, giving the unprepared Jiang Yuqing a fright.


    Doctor Qiu said, "There are strangely many rats in this vige, and they are not afraid of people. They dare to scurry all over the house in broad daylight.


    They grow very big, the biggest being as big as a cat. The vigers catch them, skin them and stew them as rabbit meat to eat!"


    "What, eat rats?"


    "That''s right! Rats are so filthy, how can people eat them indiscriminately? It''s not like they are so desperate to survive. Really!" Doctor Qiuined while saying, "I heard that in the early days of the onset of the disease, only a few days, five or six people in the vige died in session, and the symptoms were all the same.


    The local medicine man in the vige realized that this might be some kind of gue and immediately reported it up. Then the government sent people to seal off the cepletely.


    Only allowing in, not out! Even the carrier pigeons you sent with letters were shot down by them. It made this old man so angry!"


    Doctor Qiu took Jiang Yuqing to the istion point and happened to see two young men with their noses and mouths covered carrying out the corpse of an old patient.


    The entire ancestral hall was filled with crying and miserable wailing.


    Jiang Yuqing frowned, and immediately cast several cleaning spells.


    After examining the condition of the patients, Jiang Yuqing said solemnly, "It is confirmed to be bubonic gue!


    This is a virulent infectious disease caused by rats. Without effective treatment measures, the mortality rate is extremely high."


    She paused and said to Doctor Qiu, "There arerge numbers of bacteria and viruses on the rats'' bodies. The vigers actually caught them to eat as meat! It would be strange if they didn''t get infected!"


    The master and disciple did not avoid the vigers around them. An infected woman said, "But Miss, we''ve eaten so many before without incident!"


    Jiang Yuqing red at her, "That was because you were lucky. Heaven could forgive you once or twice, but could it forgive you every time?"


    The woman immediately dared not speak. This young girl wore strange clothes and had an even more powerful aura.


    "Does my good apprentice have any good solutions? We can''t just stand by and watch so many people die!"


    Although Doctor Qiu usually looks arrogant, he has an extremely kind and soft heart, at least towards the poormon people, he harbors apassionate heart.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "There is. Use streptomycin,bined with other drug treatments." Doctor Qiu knew about this drug, a kind of antibiotic simr to penicillin.


    Having found the source of the disease and having an effective medicine, the master and disciple immediately formted a series of treatment ns.


    One, prohibit eating rats, and organize the still healthy vigers to make every effort to exterminate the rats. The killed rats must all be incinerated and then sprayed with lime for deep burial.


    Two, disinfect the whole vige, especially clothes and items that patients have touched, must be boiled in hot water and then dried in the sun.


    Three, the corpses of the deceased vigers must be cremated without exception and the ashes deeply buried. The vigers could easilyply with the first two points, but strongly resisted the third point.


    "No, we can''t burn them!"


    "That''s right, isn''t that destroying their bodies?"


    "If we really burn them, how will they reincarnate in the next life?" The vigers mored in confusion.


    In their traditional thinking, when people die they should beid to rest in the ground. Cremation was undoubtedly destroying the body, which leads to not resting in peace. This was absolutely uneptable.


    No matter how well Jiang Yuqing persuaded them, they refused to listen. Having exhausted her patience, she had no choice but to jump onto a table and shout loudly with spiritual power, "Please get your brains working, alright?


    What does this have anything to do with us? My master and I canpletely ignore this! And who are we doing this for?


    This is a virulent infectious disease. As long as there is the slightest bit of virus left alive, there is possibility of recurrence. Then all our efforts would be wasted. Your whole vige will be wiped out!


    You all worry about reincarnation in your next life, but can''t even get through this life. I beg you to let go of that ignorance, and think of this for the sake of your descendants."


    After a collective silence of a few seconds, the vigers finallypromised with tears.


    Even the corpses that were previously buried in the open field on the edge of the vige were also dug up and cremated for deep burial, then sprayed thoroughly with whitewash lime for disinfection.


    There were cries throughout the whole process. It was heartbreaking.


    Jiang Yuqing looked up to hold back her tears. Her heart felt terribly blocked up. But this was unavoidable. She had to do this.


    Otherwise, either all the vigers here would perish, or the vigers would break out of the fence in despair. Then the entire Yuci, or even the entire Sizhou would suffer cmity.


    After that, the master and disciple tirelessly made medicine and treated the vigers every day, only resting for short periods of time in rotation.


    In this way, after seven days, the death toll in the istion zone finally dropped to zero.


    The vigers were overjoyed and cried. Doctor Qiu and his apprentice also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Jiang Yuqing passed on the news from inside through the fence. The guarding officers outside, while relieved, were also happy for the people inside.


    Everyone had parents and rtives. No one wanted to see such a tragedy happen.


    This news was quickly reported to the Yuci county magistrate. Upon hearing this good news, the Yuci County magistrate secretly breathed a sigh of relief as well.


    To be honest, listening to orders from above to surround these few hundred vigers and leave them to live or perish, his heart had been frying the whole time.


    Therefore, for any requests from the people inside, he tried his best to promise them, at least medicines and the like were nevercking.


    Now, hearing this good news, his heart finally felt a little better.


    After another ten days, when Jiang Yuqing announced that thest patient had also recovered, cheers erupted throughout the vige instantly.


    After cheering, immense grief welled up in their hearts again. Out of the 576 people in the vige, less than half were still alive now. Several families had beenpletely wiped out.


    Jiang Yuqing stood on a table again and exined to them the importance of the food chain with the most direct words. "Through so many days of understanding, I have also roughly deduced the origin of your vige¡¯s disaster.


    Your vige used to like to eat snakes and ate all the snakes around. But you forgot that snakes are the natural predators of rats.


    Without the restraint of their natural enemy, the rats bred rapidly.


    They gnawed on crops, ate up grain. With nothing to eat, you ate them. This is the root cause of the disaster!


    I hope everyone can learn from this lesson and never do self-destructive things again!"


    A man said, "Little divine healer, we will remember."


    "That''s right, we will never do it again!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Go home, everyone, do what you should. In a while, I will tell the officers outside to remove the fence, then you can go out."


    "Thank you, little divine healer!"


    Upon hearing that the vigers had recovered and the blockade could be lifted, the officers guarding the vige immediately cheered. The anxiety they held for days could finally beid down.


    However, they did not have the authority to release people on their own, and only said, "We little ones do not have the authority. We need to report what is happening here to the Yuci County Magistrate. Please ask the miracle doctor to patiently wait a little longer!"


    Jiang Yuqing then passed a small golden seal to them through the cracks under the door: "Take this to the Yuci County Magistrate first, and he will understand when he sees it."


    The small head was shocked when he received the gold seal and did not dare to neglect his duty. He personally went to the county government.


    Although he did not know many words, he also knew that a gold seal was not something ordinary people could own.


    Let''s talk about when the Yuci County Magistrate received the small seal and took a look, he was so scared that he sat on the chair for a long time and could not get up.


    Later, he hurriedly called for a carriage and horse, and rushed to the sealed vige in a panic.


    When he arrived, he immediately ordered the fence opened, and personally led the way in.


    At that time, Jiang Yuqing was sorting out the remaining medicinal materials with Doctor Qiu.


    As soon as the county magistrate saw her, he immediately knelt down: "The subordinate official pays respect to the Princess Protector, and also Doctor Qiu!"


    Jiang Yuqing did not speak, she just looked at him. The county magistrate felt uneasy, cold sweat kept flowing, and his clothes were soon wet. Only then did Jiang Yuqing say, "Do you know your mistake?"


    The Yuci County Magistrate said, "This subordinate official deserves death!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "You really deserve death. For the sake of your future, you colluded with your superiors. For such a big matter, you dared to conceal it and did not report it.


    If it were not for my master happening to pass by here, I''m afraid the hundreds of vigers would have died out.


    Even more serious, if any of them who was infected escaped, the entire Yuci and even the entire Sizhou would be a human hell.


    By that time, executing your whole n would not be enough to pay for it.


    Luckily, you still have some conscience left, and have notpletely erased your humanity. I shall not evaluate your merits and demerits, just go to the court yourself to confess your crimes!"


    "There!" The county magistrate went down with a livid face.


    Only then did the vigers realize that their benefactors were the famous miracle doctor Doctor Qiu and Princess Protector.


    So they knelt down and kowtowed. Jiang Yuqing quickly helped everyone up and said, "Everyone, stop kneeling. Let''s go dismantle the fence together." Opening up the fence was a new life for the whole vige.


    After everything settled down, the vigers built tombstones at the burial ces for the ashes of their deceased rtives. And they built a separate tombstone for the county magistrate who first reported the disease and died of it.


    Doctor Qiu and his apprentice also offered incense sticks at the tombstone of this whistleblower. ording to Doctor Qiu, until the moment he died, he was still thinking about saving the vigers.


    He was a hero, and lived up to the title of doctor!


    After this, Doctor Qiu and his apprentice were going to set off on their journey back to the capital. Jiang Yuqing did not choose to fly. She apanied Doctor Qiu and walked back slowly, enjoying the mountains and rivers along the way.

 Chapter 140: Seriously Wounded

    <h4>Chapter 140</h4>


    It would take passing through four prefectures from Sizhou to reach the capital city. North of Sizhou was Huzhou Prefecture.


    When they passed through a small town, Jiang Yuqing keenly noticed that there seemed to be many entric people carrying swords, sabers, or various makeshift weapons around here.


    Doctor Qiu said, these are all Jianghu drifters who havee to Tianzhu Mountain to attend the grand Martial Arts Conference held once every five years.


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing immediately became interested and pulled Doctor Qiu along, wanting to go see the bustle.


    Doctor Qiu told her to restrain her impatience for the time being. The Martial Arts Conference would convene in another two days. Thus, the master and disciple found the best inn in town to stay and wait quietly for the opening of the Martial Arts Conference in two days.


    After the two put down their luggage and went downstairs to eat, they suddenly heard someone shouting loudly, "Boss, get us a room upstairs!" The voice was so unforgettable that master and disciple looked towards it at the same time. Sure enough, they saw two extremely familiar figures.


    Jiang Yuqing called out in pleasant surprise, "Third martial brother, sister-inw!" The two people were none other than the Land couple whom they hadn''t seen in a long time.


    Lu Yi also saw her and Doctor Qiu. Heughed with joy on the spot and pulled his wife over to their table. "Old man, little martial sister, what are you two doing here?"


    Jiang Yuqing promptly stood up to greet them while asking the waiter to serve more wine and dishes.


    "It''s a long story. What about you two? Why did youe here too?"


    Lu Yi said, "My wife and I got bored of staying in Su Prefecture, so we wanted to get out and travel around. Little martial sister, you''ve grown into a youngdy in the two years since Ist saw you, heh."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Of course, if you don''te see me for a few more years, I''m afraid you won''t even recognize me."


    Lu Yi gave an awkward cough and said, "That won''t happen!"


    After the waiter served wine and dishes, the two sides conversed while eating. Jiang Yuqing exined that she hade from the capital to look for Doctor Qiu.


    Lu Yi gleefully ridiculed Doctor Qiu, "Old man, you still won''t settle down at your age. Meddling in other people''s business all the time. If not for little martial sister this time, I''m afraid that I wouldn''t even know where to collect your corpse." His nagging as always naturally invited another violent beating from Doctor Qiu.


    Although Gongsun Zishu felt distressed for her husband, she didn''t dare try to stop it one bit this time.


    Jiang Yuqingughed loudly on the side, even fanning the mes for her master to hit harder.


    Thus, the meal ended in such a lively, delightful atmosphere.


    Whether it was Doctor Qiu or Lu Yi, both were quite famous in Jianghu. Therefore, many martial artists present recognized them and took the chance to walk up and greet them.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t know them and wasn''t interested in socializing outside her own circle. So she took Gongsun Zishu upstairs to chat.


    Only then did she discover in astonishment that Gongsun Zishu was actually pregnant.


    Jiang Yuqing red up at once, "Has Third Martial Brother lost his mind? You''re pregnant, and he still took you traveling far to fight!"


    Gongsun Zishu shyly spoke up for her husband, "No, that''s not it. We only discovered it on the way here. He has taken very good care of me throughout the journey."


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing extinguish some of her anger and say, "Even so, he shouldn''t bring you to this kind of asion. You say it''s a Martial Arts Conference, but it''s really just a bunch of people with nothing better to do, having eaten their fill, going to pick fights!"


    As soon as she said this, she felt that she seemed to have spoken wrongly. Her second sister-inw''s family were alsoing this time, it appeared. She awkwardly halted in embarrassment for a moment.


    Seeing her clumsy manner, Gongsun Zishu tittered, "Actually, you''re not wrong either. Isn''t it just a bunch of people with nothing to do, having eaten their fill,ing to fight!"


    Thus, after Doctor Qiu returned and found out his disciple was pregnant with a junior disciple, he grabbed Lu Yi and gave him another fierce beating. The reason was the same as Jiang Yuqing''s.


    Jiang Yuqing was worried Gongsun Zishu would resent Doctor Qiu, "Don''t me Master for always beating him. Actually, among the three martial brothers, Master dotes on and has imparted the most effort into Third Martial Brother."


    Gongsun Zishu said, "Junior martial sister doesn''t need to exin to me, I already know everything. My husband has also told me a lot in the past. What''s more, sometimes he really does deserve a beating."


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly remembered that first meeting with Gongsun Zishu at Baoyue Lake many years ago and couldn''t helpughing.


    Gongsun Zishu also seemed to recall her past embarrassment. Herplexion swiftly took on a somewhat ufortable look.


    The next day, the people from Wanjian Vi had also arrived. Meeting family, the two sides naturally got together to wine and dine for some feeling exchange.


    June 26th.


    The grand quinquennial Martial Arts Conference at the peak of Tianzhu Mountain near the small town kicked off.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing discover that the people attending the conference were not only from Da Xia''s various major sects, but even some people from surrounding smaller countries like sects of the Southern Bordends.


    Although none from Doctor Qiu''s lead Heavenly Doctor Valley group were participating, no one in all of Jianghu dare look down on them. After all, who would be so silly as to offend an entire nest of divine doctors?


    The Martial Arts Conferencested a total of seven days. Jiang Yuqing spectated enthusiastically for seven days of excitement.


    After the conference concluded, Doctor Qiu and Jiang Yuqing nned to continue returning to the capital city while Lu Yi, Gongsun Zishu and the group from Wanjian Vi also prepared to journey back to Su Prefecture. The two sides thus parted.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing gifted two protective jade charms to Gongsun Zishu and her unborn child. Upon seeing these treasures, Lu Yiughed, baring all his teeth.


    He even brazenly pestered Doctor Qiu, "Old man, learn from little martial sister on being more generous instead of stingy and petty. I won''t ask for much either, just give me ten or eight of those thousand-year ginsengs and ten-thousand-year spiritual mushrooms. Consider it a meeting gift for your future junior disciple."


    His voice had barely fallen before a shoe sole whipped towards him. Doctor Qiushed him while cursing, "I''ll beat you unfilial brat to death. You think thousand-year ginsengs and ten-thousand spiritual mushrooms are just cabbages? Ten or eight, my foot. I don''t even have one. If you want to be generous, why don''t you think more about being filial and offering more to me? I''m old with one foot in the grave already, yet I still have to live off you!"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head speechlessly. Her Third Martial Brother''s nagging habits truly seemed incurable for life. He even delighted in provoking their master. Over so many years, it was also thanks to Heavenly Doctor Valley''s guardian deities blessing that Doctor Qiu hadn''t been nagged to death by this childishd.


    On the third day after master and disciple set off again, Jiang Yuqing received an urgent pigeon message from home, "Japanese pirates havended and injured He until heavily wounded and unconscious! Come save him quickly!"


    Upon seeing this, Jiang Yuqing''splexion instantly changed as she said, "Master, Japanese pirates have invaded and piged the southeast coast. My second older brother is heavily injured andatose. I must go save him!"


    Doctor Qiu said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let''s change our route for the southeast right now!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "To travel to Fuzhou overnd is too great a detour. If we take the ordinary route, I''m afraid my second brother can''t hold out until we arrive. Let''s fly over!"


    Only then did Doctor Qiu nod in assent.


    Jiang Yuqing took Doctor Qiu''s horse then pped a protective charm and concealment charm onto him before letting Little White Ten carry him. She also pped a concealment charm onto herself, summoned her spirit sword with a flick upwards, then leapt onto it. She told Doctor Qiu, "Master, let''s hurry and go!"


    Then she rode her sword and took flight into the air. Little White Ten also carried Doctor Qiu up into the sky.


    This was Doctor Qiu''s first time experiencing his young disciple''s abilities so viscerally.


    Controlling a sword to fly through the skies, even immortals probably were no better!


    After initial astonishment, Doctor Qiu started appreciating the scenery below. Jiang Yuqing was also relieved that the old fellow didn''t have acrophobia, otherwise she would have needed to put in some effort to fly him over.


    Thus, two humans astride one artifact spirit flew southeast. Other thannding midway to eat a little and take care of personal business, they finally arrived and halted outside Fuzhou''s subordinate Yashan County Navy Headquarters before sunset.


    Yashan County Navy Headquarters'' Commander Feng Zhan heard subordinates report that outside the camp, there was a master and disciple pair iming to be doctors from the Heavenly Doctor Valley here to meet him.


    Upon hearing the three words "Heavenly Doctor Valley", Feng Zhan''s heart stirred. He then asked, "Do the visitors have any aliases?"


    The subordinates scratched his head and said, "The old man is surnamed Qiu and brought a youngss." Master doctor surnamed Qiu bringing a young female disciple?


    Feng Zhan tapped the table with a fingertip in thought. Strange! Two names suddenly popped into his mind.


    Feng Zhan immediately jumped up excitedly and jogged briskly towards the main gate, yelling for subordinates to follow him in weing these eminent guests that had arrived at their camp.


    Seeing that it really was those two people he wanted to meet upon arriving at the gates, Feng Zhan was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward to salute and pay his respects, "This insignificant officer pays his respects to Doctor Qiu and the Protector of the State Princess!"


    Feng Zhan and his disciples hurriedly helped him up: "General, there''s no need to be overly courteous." Jiang Yuqing said, "I''vee this time regarding the poisoning of my second elder brother, and I''d like to ask the General to do me a favor!"


    In his early years, Feng Zhan had also trained under General Qin. Later, he was transferred to Fuzhou, and is now the fourth-rank General Who Pacifies the South andmander of the Yashan Navy Headquarters.


    Several years ago, Jiang Yuhe came under Feng Zhan¡¯smand. After a few years of tempering, he has be a seventh-rank officer with the title of Fruit Inspector.


    Last year, Jiang Yuhe was sent to Yashan County in Fuzhou to serve as the county magistrate. By a coincidence, the two brothers met each other.


    Only then did Feng Zhan realize that his favorite inspector turned out to be the younger brother of the county magistrate of Yashan, the nephew of the current Minister of Revenue, and the second son of the Jiang noble household.


    No wonder that over the past few years, whenever he requested supplies from above, things went exceptionally smoothly. Not only was there never any holding back, sometimes he would even get extra.


    Previously, he thought that those stingy bastards from the Ministry of Revenue had changed their ways. Turns out the reason lies here!


    Feng Zhan was overjoyed at that time. This was equivalent to having an invisible God of Wealth by his side! From then on, Feng Zhan treated Jiang Yuhe even better than before.


    And now, the ¡°God of Wealth Inspector¡± has brought him the most amazing master and disciple duo in Da Xia. Feng Zhan wished he could rush back and give Jiang Yuhe a couple kisses in gratitude.


    Ten days ago, sevenrge treasure ships carrying over five thousand Japanese piratesnded at Qiucheng south of Yashan. They plundered over ten surrounding townships along their way.


    Feng Zhan led his troops to pursue and intercept them all the way, killing over two thousand Japanese pirates before the rest of the beasts escaped back to sea.


    However, the warships of the Navy Headquarters consisted of only a few medium-sized boats that were no match for the pirate¡¯s treasure ships in either speed or capacity. He could only watch helplessly as they crossed the sea and disappeared into the vast ocean.


    Feng Zhan personally led the master and disciple pair to the infirmary for injured soldiers.


    Jiang Yuhe was arranged in a small separate room. Although they haven¡¯t seen each other for years, Jiang Yuqing recognized him at a nce.


    The former dumb boy had unknowingly grown into a stalwart young man with an iron backbone, fighting and killing enemies on the battlefield to protect his homnd.


    What a pity that he was now deep in aa. If he was awake, he would surely be very happy to see her!


    Jiang Yuqing undid his clothes, and as she had guessed, the spot where he used to wear a peace jade talisman was now empty.


    The cord that used to tie the jade talisman was woven from a tier three demon spider¡¯s silk, impervious to cutting or damage from fire and water.


    Since it has disappeared, her silly second elder brother must have given it to someone else.


    After diagnosing him, Jiang Yuqing discovered that his external injuries werergely healed. The reason why he remained deeply unconscious was due to Japanese pirates smearing a mixture of toxin from blowfish and some unknown nt onto their arrows.


    Jiang Yuqing first drew a tube of his blood to pass to Doctor Qiu. In the area of poison research, she knew she could hardlypare to Doctor Qiu.


    Next, she employed a Return Youth technique to directly probe his body, and guided the toxins out from the small wound on his finger.


    After ensuring there was no more poison within him, another Return Youth technique was pped onto his body, and the scar on his finger instantly disappeared without a trace.


    The entire process took barely a minute.

 Chapter 141: Japanese War

    <h4>Chapter 141</h4>


    Jiang Yuhe who was in aa due to poisoning was not the only one. The other major camps were also full, with nearly 600 people in total.


    Expelling toxins requires a lot of spiritual power. Unlike Jiang Yuhe who had his own separate small room, the other injured soldiers lived inrge tents.


    In order not to reveal her abilities too obviously, Jiang Yuqing could only use acupuncture to apply her healing techniques, which was slower and more draining.


    Therefore, after clearing the toxins from twenty people, she had to return to her spiritual space to restore her spiritual power. In order to speed up the recovery of her spiritual power, she even used spiritual crystals.


    In this way, working all day without eating or drinking, she could clear the toxins from more than thirty injured soldiers at most.


    Fortunately, synthesizing this toxin was not difficult for Doctor Qiu. By the third day he had formted an antidote.


    Otherwise, Jiang Yuqing was really afraid that these injured soldiers would die before she could treat them.


    Jiang Yuhe woke up on the morning of the second day. After waking up and learning that his sister hade, he struggled to get out of bed to find his sister.


    However, he had been in aa for more than ten days and his body was extremely weak. He really didn¡¯t have the strength to get out of bed.


    The guard who was taking care of him went to find Jiang Yuqing. When Jiang Yuqing heard that her brother was awake, she immediately ran to Jiang Yuhe''s tent, and the siblings naturally had endless things to talk about.


    "Little sister, how did youe here?" Jiang Yuhe''s voice was still a little hoarse after his major illness.


    "The family sent me a letter and I came as soon as I got the news." She took out half a jar of honey from her bag and made him a cup of honey water, "Drink it to moisturize your throat!"


    Jiang Yuhe took the cup and gulped down two mouthfuls, angrily said: "The Japanese pirates are despicable, they even put poison on the arrows."


    Jiang Yuqing deeply agreed: "If the Xia Baga weren''t despicable, they wouldn''t be called Japanese pirates."


    Jiang Yuhe suddenly remembered something and pulled her sleeve, "Little sister, many of ourrades have also been poisoned. Can you save them?"


    Jiang Yuqing patted his hand and said, "Don''t worry, my master has already formted an antidote, and they are all fine now. The external injuries just need recuperation!"


    "Thank you, sister!" Jiang Yuhe really couldn''t help touching his sister''s head. After not seeing each other for many years, his sister had grown into a youngdy, how nice.


    Jiang Yuqing then asked him, "Where is the peace talisman I gave you?"


    Jiang Yuhe was taken aback, and his dark red face instantly blushed. If Jiang Yuqing had not been attentive enough, she would not have noticed.


    He mumbled, "I gave it away!"


    "Gave it to whom? A man or a woman?"


    "A w-woman!" Jiang Yuhe''s big hand, like a feather fan, scratched the back of his head, smiling brightly.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately understood, and gave a meaningful "oh". Then she didn¡¯t ask further.


    She just took out an upgraded protective talisman from her bag and gave it to him: "Wear this, don''t give it away again. Otherwise if there is a next time, you may not be able to wait for me to save you."


    Jiang Yuhe took it and grinned: "Thank you, sister!"


    The two talked for a while longer before Jiang Yuqing had to leave because she still had things to do. She said she woulde to see him againter.


    Before leaving his room, Jiang Yuqing said, "If you have a girl you like, just tell the family. Don''t be shy.


    The elders said that as long as the other party is of good character, even if her status is a little lower it doesn''t matter.


    Even if she is ady of some status, don''t be intimidated. Our household''s second young master''s status is no worse than others''."


    When Jiang Yuhe heard this, his ears instantly turned red. He hesitated for a while before saying, "Well, brother will remember..."


    Jiang Yuqing had previously trained military doctors for the major camps in the northwest, and the injury camps there were also built ording to her standards.


    The major camps in the southeast were too far away and had never sent anyone to receive training in this area.


    Therefore, the entire injury camp there was aplete mess. All kinds of stuff were ced horizontally and vertically in disorder, sewage flowed around, flies gathered in piles, and the sanitary conditions were really worrying.


    Jiang Yuqing couldn''t stand watching any longer. She went to Feng Zhan and said she wanted to clean up the injury camp properly.


    Feng Zhan was just wondering how to ask the young ancestor to help out. He didn¡¯t expect her to take the initiative to bring it up herself. It really was a dreame true, and he was overjoyed. Not only that, he also assigned a team of soldiers for her tomand at will.


    The military doctors also fully cooperated. They had heard their colleagues talk about the situation in the major northwest camps. They knew how good the conditions were over there.


    It was just that the distance was too far, and the Japanese pirates here often came ashore with frequent battles. They really had no way to go to such a distant ce, they could only admire from afar.


    Now with the legendary young ancestor right in front of them, of course they would do whatever she said.


    In just two short days, shepletely overhauled the entire injury camp. She then spent several more days specifically training military doctors and soldiers from Yashan camp in first aid for naval battles.


    Despite the hot weather, no oneined.


    Because they all knew that learning these skills well could save their lives when necessary.


    Living in the camp these days, Jiang Yuqing also gained a deep understanding of the weaknesses of the Great Xia navy.


    It wasn¡¯t that the generalscked brains, nor that the soldiers were cowards. On the contrary, they fought bravely and were all fearless tough guys. But theycked enoughrge treasure ships.


    Although since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Revenue had allocated funds to start buildingrge treasure ships, shipbuilding takes time. After the ships were built, the sailors still had to undergo a series of training before they could form a certain amount ofbat power.


    Now the pirates along the coast were bing more and more rampant. Without the treasure ships, defense was too passive.


    But for the time being everyone couldn''t think of a good solution.


    The news that she and Doctor Qiu hade to Yashan camp soon spread to several other major camps along the coast.


    They kept sending people to contact Yashan camp, sincerely wanting to invite the master and disciple to their camps to lead the military doctors.


    Jiang Yuqing also intended to go to each major camp, so she agreed to all of them and set a time to go to each camp.


    But before that, she still wanted to go to the Yashan county government to visit her eldest brother and sister-inw.


    Ever since her elder brother Jiang Yujiang knew that she hade to Yashan, he had urged her to visit in letters twice.


    When Jiang Yuqing and Doctor Qiu left Yashan camp, they headed straight for Yashan county seat. Along the way they asked for directions and arrived at the county government gate.


    Looking at the dpidated brown brick building in front of them, if it wasn¡¯t for the pair of stone lions at the gate and the two redcquered doors that had just been repainted, no one would have associated it with the political center of a county.


    It was too shabby!


    Seeing the old and the young standing in front of the gate for a long time, the guard at the door couldn''t help but ask, "Do you have any business here? The county magistrate and masters are inside, just go straight in!" The attitude was very good!


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and asked, "I wonder if your county magistrate is surnamed Jiang?"


    The guard said, "That''s right. Are you here to see our magistrate?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and said, "My surname is also Jiang. Please go in and tell your magistrate that his younger sister is here!"


    Upon hearing this, the guard did not dare to be negligent. He hurried inside to report. Soon there was the sound of hurried footsteps, and the person who came out was Jiang Yujiang.


    When Jiang Yujiang saw the master and disciple, he was both surprised and delighted: "Little sister, Doctor Qiu! Good to finally see you."


    Jiang Yuqing was also very happy: "Eldest brother!"


    Jiang Yujiang reached out and rubbed his sister''s little head: "It''s been a year, little sister seems to have grown a lot taller!"


    Jiang Yuqing raised her head arrogantly: "Of course! I eat well every day, it would be strange if I didn''t grow!"


    "Hey, little girl, don''t get cocky!" He also bowed to Doctor Qiu, "It¡¯s not a ce to talk here outside, let¡¯s go home and talk!"


    "Okay!"


    As soon as they entered the inner courtyard, Jiang Yujiang shouted loudly, "Deyin, Deyin,e and see who''s here!"


    Hearing her husband''s shout, Yan Deyin put down her needlework, walked out holding her belly, and at a nce saw Jiang Yuqing. She stared in surprise and delight: "Little sister!"


    Jiang Yuqing hurriedly ran over and gave her sister-inw a loving hug: "Sister-inw, I missed you!"


    Yan Deyin was almost moved to tears: "I missed you too!" The sisters had a good time catching up.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing notice Yan Deyin¡¯s slightly protruding belly. She carefully reached out and touched her stomach.


    Yan Deyin''s eyes were bright: "I''m going to be an aunt again? When did this happen, howe I don''t know about it!"


    Yan Deyin shyly said, "It''s already been over four months. I just sent a letter back home recently."


    There are formalities in the capital, it''s said that if the fetus is less than three months old it is not appropriate to tell outsiders, for fear of disturbing the fetus god. Sister-inw was probably thinking like this.


    Jiang Yujiang said, "It would be best if auntie coulde for a visit. Without an elder around, it just doesn''t feel secure."


    Yan Deyin said, "That''s what your older brother thinks too."


    Jiang Yuqing asked Doctor Qiu to take her pulse. He said the fetus and mother are very healthy, and told them not to worry.


    At lunch, Yan Deyin prepared a table full of delicious food to wee the master and disciple.


    It is said that one eats what is local to the sea when by the sea. Aside from the usual vegetables on the table, there was even more seafood.


    The seafood was all caught from the sea by fishermen that very day, and the taste was extremely fresh. Jiang Yuqing liked it very much, and master and disciple ate quite a bit.


    Jiang Yujiangughed, "And here I was worried you wouldn''t be used to the food. Now I can rest assured."


    "When my wife and I first came, we were extremely unustomed. In just over a year, we''ve be so used to it."


    Master and disciple stayed at the county office for two days. During this time, Jiang Yujiang and his wife Yan Deyin took them out to tour around.


    In these years, Yashan had truly suffered greatly from the Japanese pirates. There weren''t many pedestrians on the streets, and most of the street vendors were impoverishedmoners selling fish, dressed in tattered clothes.


    Seeing this, Jiang Yuqing felt rather heavy-hearted.


    Jiang Yujiang said, "Yashan has salt fields. After sea goods are dried they can be transported ind, which is also quite a lucrative business.


    As it is now, it''s all been harmed by the Japanese pirates. As long as the Japanese pirates are gone, not only Yashan but the entire coast would be prosperous in just a few years."


    As the prearranged time to meet up at the main camp in Zhongshan up north was approaching, master and disciple had to bid Jiang Yujiang and his wife farewell.


    In order to provide more nutrition for sister-inw, before leaving the county office Jiang Yuqing went to the spiritual realm, dismantled a pile of things like prenatal vitamins, changed the packaging, and left them for sister-inw.


    Things like ginseng and ganoderma were also left, several nts, to be used as needed.


    It takes about three days to get from Yashan to Zhongshan. After master and disciple left the county town of Yashan, they had just flown a distance when they saw the ck clouds surging in from the southeastern sea.


    Considering the current season, they knew they had encountered a typhoon.


    Jiang Yuqing saw what looked like a temple down the mountain path ahead, and quickly took Doctor Qiu over to find shelter.


    But Doctor Qiu suddenly cried out, "Dear child, there is a carriage in danger down below!"


    Jiang Yuqing looked in the direction he was pointing, and sure enough by the mountain path below was a carriage, one wheel already suspended in midair, with the bottomless abyss right below.


    The horse whinnied as it desperately struggled to move forward. Inside the carriage, the people were frightened as they angrily tried to control the horse while loudly crying for help.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t have time to think twice. In a sh he flew under the suspended wheel, forcefully propping it up and lifting.


    The people in the carriage felt it lighten, and when they came to their senses the carriage had already been pulled up.


    Having escaped death, the few people in the carriage broke out in a cold sweat as they jumped down to assess the situation.


    To Jiang Yuqing''s surprise, among them were two people he recognized.

 Chapter 142: Borrow a Treasure Ship

    <h4>Chapter 142</h4>


    However, this was not a good time for meeting. Seeing that their carriage was also heading towards that temple, she only left a strand of spiritual sense behind and flew back up into the sky.


    She said to Doctor Qiu, "Master, let''s go! They''ll catch up with us soon."


    The group of people who had just experienced a huge shock checked the carriage and found that the damage wasn''t too bad. Then they got back in the carriage and hurried towards the temple up ahead.


    A storm wasing soon. She had heard that the coastal typhoons here were extremely fierce, strong enough to blow people up into the sky.


    Jiang Yuqing and Doctor Qiu had arrived at a ce to take shelter from the wind. They discovered that this was an abandoned Dragon King Temple that had probably been deserted for who knew how many years.


    Although dpidated and covered in cobwebs, the roof and doors and windows were still rtively intact.


    Jiang Yuqing looked up at the dark clouds that seemed to press down to their heads and the increasingly fierce wind. She was a little worried whether this building could withstand the damage.


    If they took shelter from the rain halfway and then the roof blew away, that would be disastrous.


    So before the others arrived, she quickly flew up to the roof to set up a protective barrier over the Dragon King Temple, only then feeling reassured.


    Doctor Qiu saw her flying around on the roof, making strange gestures. He shouted loudly, "Dear girl, with such strong winds, what are you doing?!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I''m putting up a protective barrier on this temple, so the big winds don''t blow it away."


    Not long after she had finished setting it up, the carriage from before appeared, heading straight for the Dragon King Temple.


    The carriage had just driven into the yard when torrential rain suddenly poured down.


    The few people inside grabbed their bundles and rushed into the building in an undignified manner, using their sleeves to roughly wipe their faces. When they lifted their eyes, they saw Jiang Yuqing leaning against a pir, smiling as she watched them.


    Jiang Yuhai from the fourth branch was startled, thinking something had frightened him out of his wits. He stammered to Jiang Yuming, "Little Five, am I seeing things? I actually saw Little Sister!"


    Jiang Yuming also said with trembling lips, "I see her too!"


    The two brothers moved forward together hesitantly, waving their hands in front of her, and asked tentatively, "You... are you our sister¡ªalive?"


    Jiang Yuqingughed. "Dear brothers, congrattions on sessfully taking shelter from the storm!"


    When she said this, the two brothers almost cried from happiness. "Little sister, it really is you. Brothers were almost about to never see you again just now!"


    Jiang Yuqing patted her two brothers who had narrowly escaped death and were still badly shaken. "It''s alright now. Come over here!"


    Doctor Qiu shouted loudly from the side, "You few, you can catch upter. Help me prop the door up first and clean up a ce to sit!"


    Only then did the few people wake up as if from a dream and hurriedly put down their bundles to help.


    There were five people in their group in total. They were all schrs from Lingzhou Prefecture. After passing the county-level imperial exam and bing schrs, they had agreed to travel and study together to broaden their horizons. They had already been out for half a year since leaving after the new year.


    Over ten days ago, they entered Fuzhou Prefecture from Yue Prefecture up north. They nned to head south all the way and visit Jiang Yujiang, the eldest brother, in Yashan County along the way.


    They didn''t expect that not long after they had passed this Dragon King Temple, the weather at sea changed abruptly. The few people had no choice but to turn the carriage around to take shelter from the rain here.


    Because they were anxious, they used a bit too much force in whipping the horse. The horse jerked forward sharply in pain, and the carriage swerved violently. The right wheel was instantly suspended in midair.


    If it weren''t for Jiang Yuqing''s timely rescue and arge rock happening to catch the carriage just in time, they were afraid the carriage would have been destroyed and lives lost already.


    The siblings hadn''t seen each other for four or five years and had endless things to say to each other.


    The mischievous rascals from the past had now grown into graceful youths. This made Jiang Yuqing feel somewhat like a proud mother.


    The typhoon raged fiercely for a full two days before it gradually settled down. The few waist-thick mixed trees in front of the temple had been uprooted.


    Jiang Yuqing was d she had had the foresight to put up a protective barrier over the Dragon King Temple. Otherwise, who knew where even the roof would have gone by now.


    The few students didn''t know why, and highly praised how sturdily built the temple was.


    When the winds died down and the rain cleared, the clouds dispersed. The two groups of people also had to head in different directions.


    When they were parting, Jiang Yuqing repeatedly urged her two brothers, "Piracy is rampant near Fuzhou''s coasts. They coulde ashore to raid at any unknown time.


    You must avoid the coasts at all costs and leave Fuzhou as soon as possible.


    Also, you must keep the protective charms close to you at all times and not give them to anyone!" The two brothers nodded obediently.


    To put it bluntly, regarding the earlier carriage ident¡ªif Jiang Yuqing hadn''te to their rescue in time when the carriage crashed down the cliff, her two brothers wouldn''t have been harmed, but the same couldn''t have been said for certainty about the three people traveling with them.


    Jiang Yuqing also asked her brothers about their travel funds, afraid they wouldn''t have enough. She stuffed each of them with another hundred taels worth of silver notes.


    The siblings reluctantly bid farewell to each other. Jiang Yuqing and Doctor Qiu continued towards Zhong Mountain Camp, while Jiang Yuhai, Jiang Yuming and the others continued southwards towards Yashan County.


    After they could no longer see the carriage, the master and disciple flew up into the sky again. In just a little over a minute, they arrived outside Zhong Mountain Camp.


    They found an deserted area tond then headed straight for the camp.


    The overall situation at Zhong Mountain Camp wasn''t much different from Yashan Camp. It was slightly better, with two treasure ships.


    But when facing Japanese pirates and pirates, it was just a drop in the bucket.


    After staying there for over half a month, the master and disciple set off again, heading further north towards Jian Mountain Camp.


    When they passed through Fuzhou Prefecture along the way, the master and disciple stopped to replenish some food.


    Jiang Yuqing saw a string of fiverge treasure ships docked at the pier. The anchor chains tying them to the dock already had deep markings, which meant these ships must have been docked here for quite a long time.


    Jiang Yuqing tugged Doctor Qiu and said, "Master, look at those treasure ships. Aren''t they particrly amazing?"


    Doctor Qiu nced at his little disciple. "What is it? Don''t tell me you want to get some ideas. Let me remind you, those are all privately owned."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "I know. The government ships wouldn''t dock here! I won''t do anything else either. Can''t we ask around about them?"


    As she spoke, she pulled Doctor Qiu to a roadside food stand and ordered two bowls of fish noodle soup.


    She struck up a conversation with the stand owner in passing, "Uncle, who do those ships belong to? They''re so big and majestic!"


    The stand owner continued working with both hands while responding in stiff Mandarin, "Those treasure ships belong to the Shen Family. You know the Shens? They''re the richest family in our Da Xia.


    Those ships used to sail to Nanyang.


    It''s just that there have been too many Japanese pirates and pirates in recent years, so they can''t put to sea.


    That''s why they''ve been docked here for over two years now. It''s a pity."


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard this, her eyes instantly lit up brightly and even her toes were bouncing around happily.


    When the fish noodles came up, Jiang Yuqing slurped them noisily into her mouth. Afraid that she would choke, Doctor Qiu hurriedly said, "Dear girl, slower, or you''ll get it up your nose!"


    As Jiang Yuqing shoveled it into her mouth, she mumbled unclearly, "Master, hurry and eat. When we''re done eating, can we go borrow a ship?"


    "Borrow a ship? Borrow what ship?"


    Jiang Yuqing pointed in the direction of those big fellows, "Borrow those! The Shen Family''s head family is in Fuzhou!"


    After eating, paying, and settling the bill, Jiang Yuqing immediately dragged Doctor Qiu straight to the Shen manor.


    When he heard the Nation-Protecting Princess and Doctor Qiu hade to visit, the Shen Family leader was frightened into a jump. He hurriedly tidied his clothes and led his whole family out to usher them in with the gates flung wide open.


    "Shen Yunian leads the whole Shen Family in respectfully weing Her Highness the Nation-Protecting Princess and Doctor Qiu!"


    Jiang Yuqing held out both hands to help him up. "Please rise, everyone! This princess and my master came to visit without notice. Please pardon us, Master Shen."


    Shen Yunian said, "Princess must be joking. For you two esteemed guests toe here, it is the greatest glory for my Shen Family!"


    He respectfully gestured for them to enter. "Princess, Doctor Qiu, pleasee inside!"


    "Thank you!"


    As expected of Da Xia''s richest family. This manor was so spacious, it was probably not much smaller than the Jiang Ducal Manor.


    Compared to the Jiang Ducal Manor''s fresh elegance, the Shen manor was even more luxurious and majestic. Even the teacups were made of white jade.


    Furthermore, thinking of the daughter the Shens had married off to the An Prince Manor¡ªfor a single Beauty Elixir pill, she had readily put up over a hundred thousand taels of silver without even batting an eye. From this, one could see a glimpse of exactly how wealthy the Shen Family was.


    After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, Jiang Yuqing finally spoke seriously. "There is a saying that one does not go to the Three Jewels Pce without a reason. My purpose ining today is to borrow something from the master of the Shen Family mansion?"


    Shen Yunian let out an "oh" and said impassively, "I don''t know what it is that the Princess wishes the borrow, but whatever my Shen Family is capable of lending, we will not be miserly with it."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Treasure ships! The fiverge treasure ships you have docked at the pier."


    "Borrowed for what use?"


    "Fighting Japanese pirates!"


    Shen Yunian frowned and said, "If the Princess wanted to borrow other things, I, Shen Yunian, would definitely not be petty. As everyone knows, my Shen Family got rich from the shipping business, so these treasured ships are like the lifeline of the Shen Family. I''m afraid I cannot help the Princess with this matter!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Master Shen need not refuse hastily, please hear me out.


    Nowadays, the Japanese pirates and bandits are rampant at sea, and the coastal areas of Da Xia are often raided, resulting in casualties and huge losses of property among themon people.


    Whether it is themon folks going out fishing, or the merchants going overseas to do business, it is extremely unsafe.


    Otherwise, these treasured ships of your family would not be docked at the pier, allowing the sea winds to erode them.


    However, the officers and soldiers of the naval garrison along the Da Xia coast areckingrge treasured ships. In their repeated battles with the Japanese pirates, the pirates managed to escape back to the sea each time.


    The court has ordered the construction of treasured ships since the beginning of this year, but it ultimately takes time.


    Therefore, when I happened to pass by this ce and saw the idle treasured ships in your residence, I had the thought to plead with Master Shen on behalf of the officers of the naval garrison to borrow your treasured ships for use.


    I swear in the name of Imperial Protector Princess that once the court''s treasured ships arrive at the garrison, I will definitely return them in original condition. If they are identally damaged, I willpensate you with a new ship of the same model.


    What''s more, this is not a bad thing for you. After all, eliminating the Japanese pirates and bandits at sea sooner will allow your family¡¯s ocean trade business to resume sooner, right?"


    Shen Yunian seemed to be moved, but after thinking it over again, he still shook his head and said, "Although what the Princess said makes sense, I''m afraid I cannot agree to this matter of such importance."


    Jiang Yuqing did not say anything more. She just took out an object from her bag and put it in front of him, "I wonder if Master Shen recognizes this object!"


    When Shen Yunian picked up the token and took a look, it turned out to be his Shen Family¡¯s token. He eximed in surprise, "How do you have my Shen Family¡¯s token?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Lu Yi is my third senior brother!"


    Shen Yunian suddenly realized, "No wonder!" He once owed Lu Yi a huge favor. Now that the other party has this token, he has to agree to lend the ships.


    Jiang Yuqing took out an exquisite jade bottle and put it on the table, "I won''t let Master Shen suffer any losses. This treasure will serve aspensation for lending the ships this time!"


    Doctor Qiu, who had been sitting there without saying a word, suddenly jumped up when he saw the bottle, "Dear, no!"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head at Doctor Qiu, "Master, the treasured ships are more important!"

 Chapter 143: Feed the Shark

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    When Master Shen saw Doctor Qiu''s extreme reaction, he immediately realized that the contents of the bottle must be something good. He then asked, "What is this?"


    Jiang Yuqing solemnly said, "It is a drop of spiritual milk that can extend one''s life by ten years!"


    Upon hearing this, Shen Yunian''s mouth widened in disbelief.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "This treasure was identally refined by me. There are a total of eight drops. My four elders at home and my master have each taken one drop, and two drops were offered to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress. This remaining drop is here!"


    "If you lend the treasure ships, it will be yours!"


    Doctor Qiu jumped up and down trying to snatch it back, but Shen Yunian was quicker. He grabbed it and stuffed it into his bosom.


    Doctor Qiu immediately stamped his feet anxiously, "Dear treasure cannot be given away. If you give it away, you will have none left for yourself!"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "It matters not. After all, I am still young and have a few decades left to live!"


    Shen Yunian clutched the bottle, trembling with excitement.


    He had already passed his allotted years and his health had deteriorated over thest two years. Every year he had to spendrge sums of money on all kinds of expensive health tonics to maintain himself.


    Now that he had obtained this life-extending treasure that could prolong his life by ten years, let alone lending a few ships, even if he had to take out half of his family possessions to buy it, he would be willing.


    He had not enjoyed the riches and honor of this world enough yet!


    "Lend, lend, lend. In addition to these five ships, I have two new ships under construction in the shipyard that have not been moved back yet. I will lend them all to you."


    Jiang Yuqing was overjoyed and immediately bowed to Shen Yunian, "Jiang Yuqing, on behalf of the warriors of the Navy Camps, thank you Master Shen for your great kindness!"


    To avoid long nights and wild dreams, Shen Yunian immediately called his son over to draw up a ship lending contract, which both parties signed and stamped their seals on, rejoicing greatly.


    Afterwards, Shen Yunian also held a luncheon to entertain the master and disciple, and asked them to stay in his residence.


    That night, Shen Yunian swallowed the spiritual milk into his stomach. The next morning when he got up, the little servant who was waiting on him cried out in surprise, "Master, your hair has turned ck!"


    Shen Yunian hurriedly asked someone to bring a mirror. He saw that his originally white hair had actually turned half ck overnight. He immediately burst outughing heartily.


    Last night when he ate it, he still wondered whether this stuff worked. He did not expect that after just one night, it would bring him such a huge surprise.


    He quickly took out the jade bottle that contained the spiritual milk, added some clear water, and drank it all down in one gulp after sipping it slowly.


    Then he happily ran out of the yard to find Doctor Qiu.


    Because of this matter, Master Shen was thoroughly convinced of the master and disciple.


    He also returned the que to Jiang Yuqing and instructed his son, "From now on, no matter what the Princess or Doctor Qiu wants to borrow in the future, do not be stingy."


    Afterprehensively considering the situations of the various Navy Camps, Jiang Yuqing allocated the seven treasure ships as follows:


    Jian Mountain Camp originally had threerge treasure ships, so Jiang Yuqing gave them one more. Zhong Mountain Camp was given two ships. The remaining four ships were all given to Yashan Camp.


    This was because Yashan Camp was established thetest and was also the poorest, without a singlerge treasure ship.


    When the various camps received Jiang Yuqing¡¯s carrier pigeon messages asking them to go to the city to collect the ships, they were all overjoyed.


    Especially the main general of Yashan Camp, Feng Zhan, could hardly believe his eyes when he received the news.


    It just so happened that his deputy came to discuss matters with him. Seeing Feng Zhan¡¯s silly appearance, the deputy thought he was possessed.


    Yet Feng Zhan even said to the deputy, "Madman Liu, p me and see if I''m dreaming."


    This deputy surnamed Liu was also a forthright man. He immediately swung his gigantic palm and gave a resounding p. The crisp sound could be heard as Feng Zhan''s face was pped crooked.


    He angrily roared, "Madman Liu, you bastard! I told you to give me a p, not p me so hard. You¡¯ve made me loosen a tooth!"


    Deputy Liu was shocked and stammered, "I thought you were possessed!"


    Feng Zhan spat out a mouthful of blood and said, "You''re the one possessed! I¡¯m just too damn happy. Four treasure ships! Hahaha!"


    Deputy Liu said, "What four treasure ships, don''t justugh by yourself. Exin it clearly to me."


    Feng Zhan guffawed loudly: "It was the Princess. She borrowed sevenrge treasure ships from the Shen family in the city and gave Yashan Camp four ships. The message says for us to go to the city dock to collect them!"


    Deputy Liu¡¯s eyes immediately bulged wide like bronze bells: "Are you speaking the truth?"


    Feng Zhan stuffed the note to him: "How can it be fake? Here, see for yourself!¡±


    After reading it, Deputy Liu alsoughed wildly, "General, I am willing to lead people to fetch the treasure ships!"


    Feng Zhan chuckled, "Go on then. Be quick to set off and quick to return, it¡¯s a bargain for you."


    When the message spread, the whole camp burst into cheers.


    After leaving the Shen residence, the master and disciple went to Jian Mountain Camp, where they naturally received a warm wee from all the garrison troops again. Let¡¯s not talk about the master and disciple¡¯s own extraordinary abilities for now. Just the fact that they had managed to borrow sevenrge treasure ships for theirrades in the Navy even before arriving was another impressive feat. Soldiers admire capable people.


    The master and disciple stayed in Jian Mountain Camp for over half a month. Just as they were about to leave Fuzhou, they received another carrier pigeon message from Jiang Yuqing''s big brother Jiang Yujiang. Jiang Yuqing missed her uncle''s wife so she returned to the Yashan county government with Doctor Qiu.


    Not having seen her for a year, Madam Lin predictably hugged Jiang Yuqing tightly for a lingering hug and kiss the moment they met.


    Then on the night the master and disciple returned to Yashan county government, Jiang Yuqing was suddenly awoken by the ring sound of gongs: "Bad news, the Japanese pirates havended. Japanese pirates havended again!"


    Jiang Yuqing was shocked. She jumped down from bed, put on her shoes and rushed out.


    As she opened her room door, she bumped right into Doctor Qiu who had alsoe to find her.


    Thanks to the tacit understanding built up between the master and disciple over many years, no words needed to be exchanged to know what the other wanted to do at this moment.


    Jiang Yuqing asked the servants to exin to Jiang Yujiang, then hurriedly dashed out of the county government gate with Doctor Qiu.


    Under the cover of darkness, they casually found a corner to paste invisibility talismans on themselves, then flew to the Navy Camp in less than ten minutes.


    They arrived just in time to meet the fully armed and outfitted Navy troops. After asking around, they found out that this time, the Japanese pirates hadnded at a remote small fishing vige called Niluo Bay in Yashan County.


    Scouts reported that the Japanese pirates came in seven treasure ships, with 1,000 men on each ship, meaning at least 7,000 - 8,000 pirates were involved in this invasion.


    Afternding, they marched straight into Yashan county in a looting spree, moving very swiftly.


    Feng Zhan decisively split the 30,000 troops into two groups. One group rode on horses to intercept and engage the Japanese pirates ashore, while the other group boarded the treasure ships to lie in ambush to block the pirates'' ships from escaping by sea.


    As Doctor Qiu was not good with water, for safety reasons Jiang Yuqing asked him to follow the horseback unit ashore. She took another group of military medics herself and boarded the ships.


    Niluo Bay is a shallow bay. The seven pirate ships were anchored far away from shore. They dispatched small boats tond and raid the area.


    ording to the scouts¡¯ reports, about 6,000 pirates hadnded, with another 1,000 plus remaining on board the ships as backup and pick up crew. Previously, the troops were miserable forck of treasure ships to stop the pirates from fleeing unrestrainedly.


    Now, with the four borrowed treasure ships plus some medium-sized boats, Feng Zhan was full of confidence. He loudly cursed, "Little Japanese bandits, if I don¡¯t hack off one of your arms or legs today, I¡¯ll swear fealty to you! Sons of turtles, damn Jap pirates!"


    The Japanese pirates staying behind to guard the ships never expected the Yashan Navy to suddenly have so manyrge ships. They paled with fright.


    They had chosen to attack Yashan exactly because the naval forces hereckedrge ships. As long as theynded and finished looting, these Han sailors would only be able to stare helplessly as they sailed off unhindered. But what the hell, where did all these big shipse from?


    Wanting to flee now, but with most of their men alreadynded ashore, if they abandoned them and sailed away, how would those onnd fare? They could only try to resist while sending small boats to notify their grounded crew to quickly retreat to the ships.


    But before they even touched seawater, the boats were riddled with holes by the rapid volleys of heavy repeating crossbows.


    Feng Zhan was not about to give the Japanese pirates a chance to escape after all these years of being hounded by them. He harbored deep anger and resentment, determined to regain this time.


    Therefore, as soon as the ships closed in, a rain of arrows immediately shot out from the Han side. Even heavy repeating crossbows were utilized. Suffering heavy casualties from the first exchange, the Japanese pirates died in swathes.


    Feng Zhan then ordered to throw grappling hooks to reel the Japanese ships closer and forcibly boarded them.


    To maximize their haul, the pirates had left only around 200 men on each ship. Having already lost half of that number to the arrow barrage, how could they withstand the sheer manpower of the Han side?


    Because it did not take long, four of the ships were sessfully boarded by Daxia''s soldiers. The pirates on the ships were alsopletely killed, and their corpses were directly thrown into the sea to feed the sharks.


    The other threerge ships were also in dire straits under the fierce attack of Daxia''s several medium and small ships.


    Seeing that they were no match, and not caring about much else, they immediately unmoored, wanting to escape.


    Could Feng Zhan let the meat that had reached his lips get away? Of course not! He immediately ordered the fleet, including the four captured treasure ships, to chase after them.


    In just over half a double hour, the remaining three ships were also captured, and the defenders on the ships werepletely annihted.


    The generals did not have time to cheer before they lowered the small boats again and rowed to the shore to collect all the small boats the pirates had left on the shore and hide them in a concealed ce.


    They then set up an ambush on the shore, ready to take the enemy by surprise, and be sure to send all these pirates into the sea to feed the fish.


    They waited until the next morning, when a scout ran back panting and said that the remaining pirates onnd had been driven to the seaside by General Liu.


    Upon hearing this, Feng Zhan immediately ordered his men to prepare for battle.


    Half a double hourter, when the remaining three thousand remnants arrived at the seaside, thinking they could escape,


    they were met head-on with a dense rain of arrows, which felled a third of them in just one volley.


    The pirates were shocked and turned pale. Only then did they realize that the ce where the small boats were originally docked waspletely empty, and the sea surface was also empty, with no trace of the seven treasure ships.


    Only then did they understand that they had been trapped.


    The pirates may have been very capable at sea, and still stood a chance against a few unarmed civilians onnd.


    But against the well-trained soldiers of the division, they could only be crushed.


    Daxia''s two contingents joined forces and resolved the battle in just over half a double hour. The blood spilled by the pirates turned half the bay red.


    Thus, Daxia annihted the invading enemy!


    The cheers erupted by the soldiers reverberated throughout the entire bay.


    Hearing the joyful sounds, the vigers of Niluo Bay ran out from their hiding ces one after another. When they learned that the pirates had been annihted, they both cried andughed.


    They cried because their houses were burned down and their belongings were looted. Theyughed because their enemies were dead!


    Jiang Yuqing was in the concealed tent operating on injured soldiers. Hearing this earth-shattering cheer, he also smiled involuntarily.


    Feng Zhan went even further by having the pirates¡¯ corpses beheaded and their skulls piled up on the muddy beach as a ¡°warning¡±.


    Later, he ordered arge ship to collect the remaining pirate corpses and take them out to sea to dump them into the deep sea.


    They were unworthy of burial on Daxia''snd, which would be an insult to thisnd.


    As soon as these corpses entered the sea, the blood attracted arge number of sharks. The bloody scene simply could not be described in words.


    After finishing the treatment, Jiang Yuqing also went to see the ¡°warning¡±. His expression was indifferent throughout, without the slightest pity.


    Compared to what they had done to Daxia¡¯s people, such a death was far too lenient for them.


    This despicable and shameless pygmy tribe did not deserve the forgiveness of the people of the Central ins, neither in this life nor in her previous life.

 Chapter 144: This is a Wasted fight.

    <h4>Chapter 144</h4>


    Da Xia water forces defeated the invading enemies for the first time and captured sevenrge treasure ships, as well as countlessnding boats. This battle is known as the Battle of Ya Sea or the Victory of Ya Sea.


    This undoubtedly injected a stimnt into the dispirited and panic-stricken people of Fuzhou.


    Especially the fishermen along the coast of several counties, they poured onto the streets to celebrate, and the sounds of firecrackers bursting could be heard everywhere on the streets and alleys.


    The people of Fuzhou had suffered from the Japanese pirates for a long time, and they desperately longed for a peaceful life.


    They had also thought about moving to other ces to live, but ultimately couldn''t bear to leave their homnd.


    This great victory gave them hope, the hope ofpletely eradicating the Japanese pirates.


    When the news reached the capital city, Xia Emperor Jing was very happy. He ordered generous rewards for the meritorious soldiers, and at the same time ordered the Ministry of Public Works to speed up the construction of treasure ships.


    In the memorial about the battle, the matter of Jiang Yuqing borrowing ships from the Shen family was emphasized.


    Therefore, while rewarding the meritorious soldiers, the emperor did not forget to praise Jiang Yuqing as well, once again praising Jiang Wenyuan in the court for teaching his daughter well.


    The ministers were so envious, it was another day of envy and jealousy!


    At the same time, Xia Emperor Jing also personally wrote a que of "Home of Benevolence and Righteousness" and bestowed it on the Shen family.


    When this que with a vermilion background and goldencquer arrived in Fuzhou, Master Shen led his whole family to wee it on their knees.


    This also represented the court''s recognition and highest reward of the Shen family as a merchant house.


    Shen Yunian never expected that by reluctantly lending a boat as promised, not only did he obtain a priceless treasure that would prolong his life by ten years, but there was also such an unexpected joy.


    In his great delight, he donated another 200,000 taels of silver to the Fuzhou water forces, which was extremely generous.


    The Japanese pirates suffered such a big loss this time, they certainly would not let it go easily.


    Themanders of each major camp secretly heightened their defense readiness.


    At the same time, the Fu Zhou prefecture issued defense orders to the viges along the coast of each county, requiring them to patrol and keep watch along the seashore without interruption for twelve hours a day.


    In fact, even without the government order, the fishermen would still do the same.


    These were valuable experiences summed up after years of fighting against the Japanese pirates and pirates.


    It was the vigers on patrol duty from the Niluo Bay vige who first noticed something wrong and sounded the rm gong in the Battle of Ya Sea.


    While hiding themselves, the Niluo Bay fishermen also sent people to report to the Ya Mountain water forces camp and surrounding viges that the Japanese pirates hade, urging everyone to protect themselves well.


    Thanks to their bravery, they not only saved themselves but also many of their fellow vigers from the surrounding viges.


    Tomend and encourage them, the magistrate of Yashan County, Jiang Yujiang, specially issued an award order to Niluo Bay, and paid 310 taels from his own pocket as bonus silver to award 10 taels to each household.


    The Jiang siblings believed that resisting the Japanese pirates was not only the water forces¡¯ business, but also the business of every ordinary person in Fuzhou. As the saying goes, ¡°if the skin does not exist, what can the hair adhere to¡±, only when all the ordinary people of Fuzhou unite and fight the enemy together, can the Japanese pirates and pirates bepletely annihted at sea.


    Jiang Yuqing had been in Fuzhou for more than two months. The baby in the belly of her sister-inw Yan Deyin was almost seven months old, only three months away from birth. Plus there was still the huge hidden danger of the Japanese pirates, Jiang Yuqing was very worried about staying here, so she simply stayed in Yashan.


    Doctor Qiu upheld the principle of ¡°wherever my little apprentice goes, I will follow¡±, so he didn¡¯t leave either. After all, practicing medicine and saving people was the same everywhere.


    Hearing that Jiang Yuqing was going to stay in Yashan, the one who was happiest was undoubtedly Jiang Yujiang. This meant he had the most reliable support for his wife giving birth.


    Three days after Mid-Autumn Festival, the Ministry of Public Works delivered the firstrge treasure ship to the Fuzhou water forces.


    This treasure ship was 44 Zhang long, 18 Zhang wide, twice as big as Da Xia¡¯s currentrgest treasure ship. It can be called a behemoth.


    Not only was it equipped with the most advanced sail control system, it was also equipped with improved remotelyunched gunpowder and fire oil. It can be said to be full of ck technologies.


    On the day the ship was handed over, themanders of all major camps went there. When they saw this behemoth, everyone was drooling. This was followed by a battle of seizing it.


    First, themanders of Jian Mountain Camp and Zhong Mountain Camp joined forces to kick out Feng Zhan,mander of the Ya Mountain camp.


    And scolded loudly: "Surname Feng, you already have eleven big ships, yet you stille to fight with us, how hical! You¡¯re already full, without even leaving us the soup!¡±


    Two against one, Feng Zhan was no match for them. After being beaten, he stumbled out.


    Then these two started intimate fights, beating each other to a pulp. Seeing this, the chief official from the Ministry of Public Works was dumbfounded, and kept retreating to stay away from these ruthless men.


    When these two guys had beaten each other with swollen faces and bruises all over, slumping on the ground without the strength to even lift their arms, the Ministry head carefully swallowed his saliva and cautiously said, "Actually, you don''t have to fight like this.


    This is indeed the first treasure ship, there are two more identical onesing in three days. Then each of your three major camps will get one ship!"


    Feng Zhan hugged his belly andughed loudly. Let you squeeze me out, I was the real winner in the end!


    The Zhong Mountain Campmander ¡°...¡± Damn, I fought him for nothing.


    The Jian Mountain Campmander was furious and scolded: "Damn you, why didn''t you say so earlier, wanted tough at me?"


    Struggling to get up, staggering towards him raising his giant fist, wanting to punch him.


    Scared, the old man quickly hid behind Feng Zhan, while trying to defend himself stutteringly,


    "It¡¯s...not the old man''s fault. You didn''t even give the old man a chance to speak at all. You started fighting as soon as you arrived, have you no reason?"


    Of course, generals who could be generals were not fools. If they really resort to violence, even if they were in the right, they would be in the wrong.


    They just wanted to scare the old man, hoping he would exin things clearly next time.


    In the end, this first treasure ship went to the Jian Mountain Camp.


    On board the giant ship, the Jian Mountain Campmander struggled to open his eyes that had swollen to just a slit, and stroked the hull, extremely excited in his heart. He felt closer to it than to his own wife.


    He gave this ship a simple, straightforward yet domineering name: Annihte Wa, which the other two camps agreed was not bad.


    ording to etiquette, such a great joy must be celebrated by treating everyone to a meal.


    After receiving the ship, the three generals who had just fought fiercely were shoulder to shoulder again, looking for a small tavern on the pier to eat and drink away.


    Seeing this, the Ministry of Public Works chief official¡¯s mouth twitched again. These ruthless men... were actually still quite good!


    Three dayster, the other two behemoth treasure ships also joined thebat sequences of the Zhong Mountain Camp and Ya Mountain Camp respectively.


    The new ship of the Zhong Mountain Camp was named "Annihte Bandits" and the new ship of the Ya Mountain Camp was named "Annihte Ghosts".


    In naming the ships, themanders of the three major camps can be said to be of one mind.


    After hearing about it, Jiang Yuqing grinned for half a day. Finally she thought, as long as it¡¯s not something absurd like Obliterating Heaven and Earth, it¡¯s pretty good.


    In September, the weather in Fuzhou was still warm. That day, Jiang Yuqing went to the seaside with Doctor Qiu to catch seafood with the fishermen, and collected half a bucket full of various seafood.


    There were ms, octopuses, razor ms, periwinkles, prawns and her favorite big crabs.


    Crabs were the fattest in this season. She could eat two big half-jin crabs in one go.


    Crabs had cold nature. If not for Doctor Qiu worrying she would get abdominal pain from eating too much at one go and not allowing her to eat more, she felt she could handle four crabs easily with no problem.


    For others, stir fried octopus or making octopus hot te were pretty good options.


    The rest of the seafood could be steamed together in one pot, then dip them into her favorite sauces. That would be so delicious she felt her tongue would fall off.


    When they had almost finished collecting, an old fisherman looking at the horizon where the sky met the sea sighed and said, "There''ll be another storming!"


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard this, she tensed her nerves and asked, "Old man, about when will it be?"


    The old fisherman said, "Soon, in the next two to three days. After the storm, I''m afraid those Japanese pirates wille ashore again!"


    Hearing this, Jiang Yuqing was shocked, but alsopletely believed it.


    The fishermen had lived here for generations and fought against the Japanese pirates for years, umting a lot of valuable experience regarding the climate and weather patterns.


    They said that if there was going to be a storm then there would definitely be a storm, they said the Japanese pirates woulde, and it was hard to say if they really woulde.


    Jiang Yuqing did not dare to take it lightly, and on her way back she directly went around to the Yaoshan camp to tell them about this news.


    Feng Zhan was not afraid, saying: "We beat them painfullyst time, I was worried they wouldn''te back. If theye, it will be just right to try my new treasure ships!"


    Seeing that they were all prepared, Jiang Yuqing was relieved.


    Sure enough, the weather changed in the afternoon the next day. It started raining at night, and then the wind gradually strengthened, the violent rain poured down, and the storm raged all night.


    In the morning of the next day, the wind gradually weakened, and the rain also decreased ordingly, until the morning of the second day, the wind stopped and the rain stopped, and the clouds cleared.


    At this time, the sky was as blue as the sea, and the sea had also shed the turbulent anger of the turbulent waves, and became exceptionally gentle.


    But everyone was clear in their hearts that under the surface of this tranquility, a bloody storm was likely lurking.


    The entire Fuzhou navy was on high alert, and the county government along the coast ordered the subordinate viges to be prepared to evacuate women and children at any time.


    At the same time, young and middle-aged men were organized to patrol the coast without interruption for twelve hours a day. Once the enemy was discovered, the gong would be sounded immediately to warn others, and the nearby navy would be notified in time.


    Jiang Yuqing also mobilized sea birds in the air such as terns and seagulls to help spread the word.


    As soon asrge fleets of ships appear hung with medicated ster gs or skull gs, they would immediately fly over to tell her.


    In order for the birds to urately distinguish between the two gs, she specifically asked Feng Zhan for the medicated ster g and skull g seizedst time for them to look at.


    She could not kill with her own hands, could she not spread the word?


    It was barely considered hitting the edge of the ball, she didn¡¯t get her hands dirty with blood, the Heaven¡¯s Way wouldn¡¯t be so cruel again!


    Soon, on the second day, several seagulls flew back to report that a fleet of fifty-onerge ships, hanging medicated ster gs, was rushing towards Da Xia in a mighty manner.

 Chapter 145: Gathering at Sea

    <h4>Chapter 145</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing analyzed the route along which they were advancing and spected that this group of Japanese pirates was likely heading straight for Fuzhou, with the intention of seeking revenge for their previousplete annihtion.


    Fuzhou was located within Fuzhou Bay, protected by the triangr formation of Ya Mountain, Jian Mountain, and Zhong Mountain. If the target of these pirates was indeed Fuzhou, it would undoubtedly result in a bloody battle.


    Jiang Yuqing did not dare to be negligent. Taking advantage of the cover of night, she discreetly attached several pieces of intelligence to the desks of the three major campmanders using invisibility charms.


    Among the items she left behind were three single-barreled telescopes that she had painstakingly crafted with transparent ss lenses. She provided detailed instructions on their usage and manufacture.


    The message was signed off with the name "Patriot."


    The generals, half skeptical and half hopeful, tried the telescopes for themselves. As the note had stated, they could clearly see objects several miles away, as if the distance had instantly shrunk.


    They immediately treasured this newfound tool and became ecstatic. They now had partial belief in the pirate''s attack route and their potential targets for plunder.


    However, the generals were cautious individuals. They dispatched ships with the telescopes on board to sail in the direction indicated by the information, and indeed, they witnessed the pirate fleet.


    The three major camps received carrier pigeons from the sea, and based on the analysis of the pirate''s route, they confirmed that their objective was indeed Fuzhou.


    As a result, all the major camps mobilized urgently, leaving behind only a skeleton crew to guard their bases. The rest of therge and small vessels set sail overnight, racing towards the open sea outside Fuzhou to intercept the iing enemy.


    The atmosphere in Fuzhou became tense, as a major battle was about to erupt.


    Jiang Yuqing left Doctor Qiu on the shore to receive the wounded, while she joined the Ya Mountain naval forces and headed out to sea.


    With the assistance of her avianpanions, she could receive real-time intelligence.


    After nearly four hours of sailing, the fleet finally arrived at the designated location at daybreak and joined forces with the naval forces of Zhong Mountain and Jian Mountain.


    Thebined three camps consisted of the "Annihtion" gship and three enormous warships, apanied by 19rge treasure ships, 31 medium-sized vessels, and 77 small boats, totaling approximately 50,000 troops.


    Based on the calction that eachrge pirate treasure ship could carry about a thousand people, their force also amounted to around 50,000 to 60,000 troops. It could be said that the forces of both sides were evenly matched.


    At this moment, they were half a day''s journey away from the Da Xia naval forces on the open sea. Bampen Turtle Saburo, the leader of the pirates, stood at the bow of the ship, facing the wind, and asked his subordinate, "How much longer until we reach Fuzhou?"


    The subordinate replied, "General, we are still half a day away. With our full mobilization this time, we will undoubtedly inflict a devastating blow on Fuzhou and avenge my son!"


    "Alright then! Go and inform the warriors to prepare themselves. The time for revenge is approaching!"


    "Hurray!" The subordinate saluted and left.


    The generals spected that the leader of the pirate fleet this time was most likely Bampen Turtle Saburo, the father of Nobusuke Itada Kishi, the pirate leader who was beheaded by the Ya Mountain naval forces in the previous Battle of Ya Sea.


    When Jiang Yuqing arrived, she had probably learned some information about Bampen Turtle Saburo from the generals.


    Bampen Turtle Saburo was the illegitimate child of Shogun Banben Hideki of Wa.


    Over a decade ago, during the power struggle for the position of Shogun between Bampen Hideki and another formidable figure from the northern region of Wo Country, Anbei Forty-five, it seemed that Bampen Hideki was on the verge of failure.


    In order to gain Bampen Hideki''s recognition, or rather, to gain the approval of his family, Bampen Turtle Saburo infiltrated Anbei Forty-five''s residence alone, disguised as a servant. Seizing the opportunity when Anbei Forty-five went to the restroom, Bampen Turtle Saburo assassinated him, helping his father, Bampen Hideki, sessfully ascend to the position of Shogun, with absolute power.


    As a result, Bampen Turtle Saburo received his father''s favor and trust.


    However, being a illegitimate child, no matter what he aplished, he could never surpass his legitimate elder and younger brothers.


    The constant mistreatment and injustice eventually became unbearable for Bampen Turtle Saburo, and in a fit of rage, he led his loyal subordinates in a war to seize power. Unfortunately, they failed.


    After his defeat, Bampen Turtle Saburo fled to thergest ind in the southern part of Wo Country, where he established his dominion and proimed himself as a general. Relying on the fleet he took with him during the retreat and colluding with pirates, he roamed the seas for years, plundering and ravaging any passing merchant ships or fishing boats in this maritime region, particrly causing great suffering to Ryukyu and Da Xia.


    Da Xia, with its vast territory and abundant resources, might have appeared strong and prosperous, but its naval forces were particrly weak.


    The entire Fuzhou Navy consisted of tens of thousands of soldiers, yet they didn''t even possess a few decent ships. This allowed the Wo pirates to act without restraint, frequentlynding ashore to rob and kill.


    And once they finished their plunder, they would swiftly retreat without engaging in prolonged battles.


    Though the soldiers of Da Xia were rarely matched onnd, without swift treasure ships capable of keeping up with the Wo pirates, they could only watch helplessly as the pirates escaped time and time again, experiencing deep frustration and powerlessness.


    Naval battles waged on the open sea often resulted in many casualties. With the ships several meters above the water''s surface, the turbulent waves posed a threat. If someone fell overboard, they could easily be shark food.


    With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Yuqing returned to her cabin and applied an invisibility charm to herself. She flew to a location several li away from the fleet and unleashed her spiritual power, calling forth arge group of dolphins.


    Jiang Yuqingmunicated with them using her spiritual senses, "It''s a pleasure to meet you, adorable creatures. Can I ask for your assistance?"


    Thergest dolphin, the leader of the group, swam closest to her. It said, "Of course, we would be willing. You emit an aura that makes us feel veryfortable, and we''re happy to help you."


    "Thank you!" Jiang Yuqing pointed towards the fleet anchored in the distance. "Can you see that fleet over there, as well as the soldiers in ck armor?"


    "We see them!" responded the dolphin leader. "We just swam over from that direction."


    Jiang Yuqing pulled out a Lingxue fish from the river and tossed it to the dolphin. "These are all mypanions. I''m waiting here to intercept a group of robbers who are plundering our homnd."


    The dolphin leader, having never tasted such a delicious fish in its ten-plus years of existence, felt as though it had transcended into a higher realm. It expressed its deep gratitude, saying, "Are you asking us to help you fight the robbers together?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook his head and said, "No, to them, you are too insignificant.


    I just hope that when our sides start fightingter, if any of myrades get injured and fall into the water, you can help rescue them."


    The dolphins immediately agreed.


    To distinguish between the enemy and us, and to prevent the dolphins from rescuing the wrong people, Jiang Yuqing exined our side''s g and appearance features to them clearly.


    After the dolphins indicated that they remembered, Jiang Yuqing took out the g of the pirates and said, "This g belongs to the bandits, and it''s easy to recognize, right?"


    Little did he know that the dolphins became instantly excited when they saw the pirate g. One of the dolphins said, "I recognize this g.


    These wicked two-legged creatures killed my mother and my tribe, and they also killed many of our kind and whales. They are devils and executioners.


    If it weren''t for my mother hiding me under the reef, I would have died long ago.


    But my mother was killed by them, those despicable two-legged creatures!"


    Alright, no need to teach anymore. These pirates are also enemies of dolphins and whales.


    The people of Wo Country love hunting and killing dolphins and whales, and this hasn''t changed from past lives to the present, even if the time and space have changed.


    Jiang Yuqing caught many spirit fish from the Lingquan River and fed each one of them as a constion. Then, he instructed the little fellows to be careful and ensure their safety before bidding them farewell and returning to the ship.


    As the sun rose higher, themander ordered the soldiers to take turns eating. Only when they were well-fed and refreshed would they have the strength to fight.


    At dawn, a scout climbed up to the tallest main mast of the "Wo-Annihtor" with a telescope.


    After observing for a while, he suddenly drew out a small red g from his waist and waved it three times.


    This was the g signal of the Da Xia Navy: "The enemy is here, prepare to intercept!"


    The soldiers responsible for observation on the high tform below immediately understood and beat the war drums. For a while, the sound of urgent transmissions from the soldiers filled the air: "The enemy is here, allrge ships form defensive formations!


    Archers and crossbowmen, prepare! Medium-sized ships, prepare catapults and Greek fire!


    Small boats, follow behind, ready to assist in rescuing the wounded, support therge ships, and kill the enemies who fall into the water..."


    The rumbling sound of war drums traveled far, and the fleet of the Bampen Turtle Saburo also faintly heard some noises, but they quickly disappeared.


    They thought it was just a storm somewhere on the sea and didn''t pay much attention to it.


    On the sea, sudden storms were not umon, and the pirates were already ustomed to them.


    It wasn''t until they sailed a little further and saw a ck line appearing on the sea surface, gradually thickening and turning into numerous densely packed ck dots.


    Bampen Turtle Saburo suddenly had a bad premonition.


    When the fleet approached, they discovered that these densely packed ck dots were actually the heavily armed Da Xia Navy, which immediately shocked them to the point that their eyes nearly popped out.


    Especially the three leading behemoth ships, one ship was almost the size of two of theirsbined.


    Bampen Turtle Saburo couldn''t contain his anger anymore and pped one of the junior leaders on the face.


    Bampen Turtle Saburo couldn''t help but explode in anger, "What the hell? Didn''t you say Da Xia barely had any ships? Then what is this? Has your brain turned to mush? You idiot!"


    He followed it up by pping him hard across the face several times, berating him, "The news about us heading to Fuzhou was clearly not told to anyone. But now, the Fuzhou naval forces have mobilized in full force and intercepted us here. Tell me, how did the news leak? Didn''t you say it was foolproof? You damn idiot!" After finishing his tirade, he ruthlessly kicked the guy''s head down onto the deck, shouting, "Get lost!"


    Though he cursed and fought, Bampen Turtle Saburo knew that now was not the time to dwell on this issue. He immediately ordered the war drums to sound andunched an attack on the Da Xia army ahead.


    The Da Xia naval forces were not intimidated either. They also beat the war drums simultaneously and, led by three extremely powerful "Destroy" ss treasure ships, charged towards the pirate fleet.


    As they approached, a storm of arrows rained down from therge Da Xia ships onto the enemy treasure ships. The pirates on board were caught off guard and fell dead on the spot.


    After the first round of shooting, the next round quickly followed.


    After the second round of arrow rain, a quarter of the enemy''s forces on the pirate ship''s deck were eliminated.


    ording to the previously discussed tactical n, each "Destroy" ss treasure ship would engage with three pirate ships.


    Regrrge ships fought one-on-one or one-on-two battles. Medium-sized ships engaged in two-on-one battles. The small ships agilely maneuvered around the enemy ships, seizing the opportunity to rescue those who fell overboard while also causing trouble for the pirate ships with their agile attacks.

 Chapter 146: Silent Comrades

    <h4>Chapter 146</h4>


    The Wo Country Piratesunched a surprise attack, but halfway through, they encountered a formidable enemy interception, which dealt a heavy blow to their morale.


    Morale is a fickle thing; it rises with a surge and wanes with decline. In this battle, as one side gains strength, the other side weakens.


    The Wo Country Pirates'' momentum declined, while the Da Xia soldiers became fierce like tigers descending from the mountains and dragons plunging into the sea.


    Once they reached the Wo Country Pirates''rge ships, the pirates were reduced to being pressed down on the ground and rubbed against.


    Many of the naval soldiers were locals from Fuzhou, each with brothers, rtives, and friends. They had witnessed the Wo Country Piratesnding year after year, plundering their homnd, and massacring their wives, children, parents, and siblings. The hatred in their hearts ran deeper than the sea beneath their feet.


    Finally, they had a legitimate opportunity for revenge, to confront the enemy head-on.


    Brandishing their weapons, they threw themselves at the Wo Country Pirates as if they didn''t value their own lives.


    When their swords bent, they seized the pirates'' swords. When those broke, they used their fists, legs, and even teeth, using anything they could get their hands on to smash the enemy.


    They didn''t retreat or dodge even when injured. As long as they could still move, they were determined to take the enemy down with them, even if it meant fighting to the death.


    The vast expanse of the sea echoed with shouts of killing, curses, and the pitiful cries of the Wo Country Pirates.


    People were falling into the sea from the ships at every moment.


    Dolphins that had been waiting in the water immediately swam up. Whenever they spotted someone wearing ck leather armor, whether they were already dead or still alive, they lifted them up and brought them back to the small boats of Da Xia.


    If they encountered individuals wearing various clothes and with ck hairs under their noses, well, sorry, either they pped them to death with their tails or grabbed hold of them and dragged them underwater until they drowned.


    The dolphins'' actions left the Da Xia soldiers on the small boats dumbfounded.


    One soldier stammered, "I never thought that even the sea pigs would fight against the Wo Country Pirates. Could it be that they also have a grudge against them?"


    Another soldier, after stabbing a fallen pirate with a spear, wiped the seawater sshed on his face and said, "Seems like it! The sea pigs are clever! The pirates probably caused them a lot of trouble by not sparing anything!"


    The battle continued, and the soldiers on some medium-sized ships besieged the Wo Country Pirates''rge ships. Despite a prolonged attack, they became desperate and resorted to using a powerful weapon.


    They loaded "fire melons" onto catapults and hurled them towards the pirates'' treasure ships, causing explosions that killed or injured many in an instant.


    Afterward, they went all out, throwing "fire melons," oil barrels, and arrows dipped in oil and set on fire at the pirates'' treasure ship.


    Deafening explosions resounded one after another. Severalrge ships tilted and caught fire. The mes, fueled by the wind, spread rapidly, turning the entire ships into a sea of fire.


    Countless Wo Country Pirates screamed in agony. Even if they weren''t killed by the explosions, they were engulfed in mes.


    To save their lives, they jumped into the sea, attempting to extinguish the mes on their bodies with seawater. However, death awaited them in the water as well.


    The dolphins swarmed in, each one holding onto a pirate and dragging them underwater. Before long, the sea surface was filled with floating corpses.


    The scent of blood attracted a dozen or so sharks, which surrounded the pirates'' bodies, starting a true feast in the sea.


    A general swung his sword, severing a pirate''s head. He looked at the pirate treasure ship engulfed in a sea of fire, wiped the blood sttered on his face, and felt an immense satisfaction.


    After experiencing pleasure, he felt regret and furrowed his brow, cursing loudly, "You bunch of spendthrifts! You''ve burned my precious ship. You really don''t know how to live!"


    The brutal battle continued, and many coastal fishermen heard the news and hurriedly came in their own small boats to help, either salvaging and transporting the wounded or directly participating in the fight against the enemy.


    By dawn, over half of the fifty-one treasure ships had either been captured or destroyed, leaving less than twenty ships under the control of the Wo Country Pirates.


    The most formidable deputy under Bampen Turtle Saburo had his head cut off by a general from Da Xia, and even he himself suffered minor injuries.


    Seeing that they were no match, they had no choice but to order a retreat.


    The soldiers of Da Xia were already bloodthirsty and unwilling to let them escape.


    Seeing that they were about to flee, several generals immediately divided their fleet into three groups.


    One group pursued from the front, while the other two groups nked from both sides, determined to keep these bandits forever on the sea. Since they hade, there was no going back.


    The bloody battle continued from dawn until daybreak, and both sides were exhausted.


    Da Xia also suffered significant losses. The "Miewo" ship on the left side had arge hole caused by a burning treasure ship, forcing it to stop and undergo emergency repairs.


    The Wo Country Pirates were left with only three treasure ships, and even these three ships were heavily damaged, with very few pirates remaining on board.


    In order to save his own life, Bampen Turtle Saburo ordered two of the ships to make a suicidal attack on Da Xia''s "Miewo" ship, hoping to dy the pursuit of the Da Xia navy.


    He himself took the remaining dozen or so surviving pirates and ordered the "General Bampen Ship" to set full sail and escape in the direction of Wo Country.


    However, they hadn''t gotten far when a ck ind suddenly emerged not far from the bow of their ship.


    This "ind" spouted a high column of water, and the pirates on board were frightened. It turned out to be a whale.


    The pursuing Da Xia navy also saw this giant whale, which was thergest blue whale in the ocean.


    This enormous creature was at least thirty feet long and about half the size of the Wo Country pirate ships, towering on the sea like a mountain of flesh.


    Then, a fantastical scene unfolded before their eyes.


    They saw this giant creature leap out of the water, and its massive body crashed heavily into the sea.


    The resulting huge waves directly mmed the already battered "General Bampen Ship" into the sea, capsizing it.


    But that wasn''t the end of it. The big fish then thrashed its tail fiercely, and the entire hull of the "General Bampen Ship" was shattered into pieces.


    The broken pieces of nks and misceneous items like barrels soon filled the entire sea.


    Just as the soldiers of Da Xia remained on high alert, the big fish spouted another towering column of water. Then, it let out a long, mournful cry, a sound that seemed toe from the ancient primeval times.


    It circled around the sinking wreckage of the ship, swam two circles to make sure it wouldn''t resurface, and then dove into the water, swimming towards the distant depths of the sea.


    At this time, the dolphin that had lost its mother to the pirates swam to the side of Jiang Yuqing''s boat and made a series of chirping sounds, saying to her, "This is the Great Blue."


    Her child was also killed by those wicked bipeds, and she had always wanted to seek revenge on them.


    But the wicked bipeds always traveled in groups, and Big Blue couldn''t defeat them, so she had been looking for an opportunity.


    "It was me who informed Big Blue!"


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly realized, and then gave a thumbs up to the dolphin, saying, "You''re amazing, and your n is amazing too.


    Please tell your people toe back here tomorrow night when the moon rises, and I will bring delicious food for everyone!


    Now I still need to continue treating my injuredpanions."


    The dolphin happily wagged its tail and swam away.


    After the dolphin left, Jiang Yuqing looked in the direction where the blue whale had departed, feeling deeply moved.


    All things have spirits, and humans should have a respectful awe for life.


    After the blue whale left, the ships of Da Xia surrounded the area and saw more than ten "drowning dogs" struggling in the water. One by one, they decisively sent them to meet the Great Sun Goddess.


    In addition, unexpectedly, they fished out thergest drowning dog on a floating log: Bampen Turtle Saburo.


    This beast was just injured and passed out from being hit by the water, not dead.


    While Jiang Yuqing bandaged his wounds, he also ced a prohibition in his mind to prevent him frommitting suicide upon waking up and finding himself captured.


    This is a big fish. Bring it back and raise it. It will definitely be useful when formally confronting Wo Country in the future.


    At the scene, there was a moment of silence, and then someone shouted, "We''ve won! The Wo pirates are extinct!"


    As soon as the words fell, the entire sea surface became a jubnt ocean. "We''ve won!"


    The generals were lifted up by their subordinates, thrown high into the air, caught, and thrown up again to be caught.


    Some soldiers threw their helmets into the air, while others hugged and cheered with theirrades.


    Some soldiersughed so much that they cried.


    One of the men, whose shoulder was still bleeding, fell to his knees on the blood-stained deck and cried out.


    "Father, mother, little sister, and the vigers of Huangyu Vige, Luo Yuzai has avenged you! Your spirits in the heavens can finally rest!"


    Arade wiped away his tears and patted his brother''s shoulder to offerfort.


    As fellow wanderers at the end of the earth, he too had joined the military after the Wo pirates killed his wife, children, and elderly mother, all to avenge his loved ones.


    After the soldiers finished cheering, they silently began cleaning up the battlefield. If they came across any surviving Wo pirates, they would strike them down with a single blow and let them feed the sharks.


    After cleaning up the battlefield, when the dolphins saw that there was no longer a need for their assistance, they flicked their tails and collectively leaped out of the water. After a few jumps, they swam into the deep sea.


    Seeing this scene, the soldiers all turned in the direction the dolphins were leaving and saluted.


    Saluting these silentrades.


    In this battle, about 56,000 enemies were annihted, and the Wo pirate leader, Bampen Turtle Saburo, was captured alive. They seized 37rge pirate ships and destroyed or sunk 14 (including the one taken out by the whale). They also seized nearly a hundred small boats.


    The soldiers of the Da Xia Navy sacrificed nearly 8,000 men and had over 14,000 injured.


    Although they were all wearing leather armor and protective gear, the Wo Country Pirates were a group of hardened ouws who had spilled blood on countless asions. Theirbat prowess was not to be underestimated.


    After this battle, the Wo Country Pirates were severely weakened and would not have the strength to raid Da Xia for at least the rest of this year.


    As for the remaining scum in theirir, they would be dealt with once the precious ships of the Da Xia Navy were ready. They wouldunch a direct attack on their home ind,pletely sending them to sleep with the fishes.


    Anyone who dares to offend Da Xia shall be punished, no matter how far away they are!


    The army regrouped and returned to defend the city of Fuzhou. After a brief stay in the city to rest and recuperate, they would each return to their respective camps.


    When the fleet docked, almost all the residents of Fuzhou came to the harbor. The docks were bustling with people, the sound of gongs and drums filled the air, and firecrackers exploded in unison, all to wee the triumphant heroes.


    Li Wanchang, the Governor of Fuzhou, personally went to the harbor to wee them and specially hosted a banquet to entertain the generals, including Jiang Yuqing, who was also invited.


    However, there were still many wounded soldiers on therge ships in need of medical treatment, and she was overwhelmed with tasks and had to politely decline.


    Li Wanchang took the opportunity to have a brief conversation with her and said, "Your father and I were ssmates in the imperial examination. When we went to the capital for the exams, we stayed at the same inn. It has been many years, I wonder how the Duke is doing?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and replied, "My father is doing very well. Thank you for your concern. My elder brother is now serving as a county magistrate under your governance. I hope you will take good care of him."


    Li Wanchang said, "It''s my duty!"

 Chapter 147: Bloodline Suppression

    <h4>Chapter 147</h4>


    The army only stayed in Fuzhou for a short half day.


    The generals divided the spoils of war and sent some damaged ships to the shipyard for repairs, such as the "Destroy Wo Pirates ship" from Jian Mountain Camp.


    The "Destroy Wo Pirates ship" was rammed by a suicidal Wo pirate ship, leaving a hole more than 1 meter in diameter. This pained themander of Jian Mountain so much.


    As a result, all the way back, this gentleman cursed Turtle Saburo''s ancestors for eighteen generations all over again: "Damn you, bastard, I''ll fuck your ancestors..." and so on without repeating himself.


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly remembered an anecdote from his previous life, saying that when Chinese people curse, it is "centered on the mother, with the father as the radius, and the ancestors for eighteen generations around in a circle".


    As the saying goes, if you win then both parents are healthy, if you lose then the whole ancestry ascends to heaven!


    He cursed all the way, and Jiang Yuqing listened all the way, and he actually listened quite happily, probably because he was cursing the enemy.


    Also because of this, Turtle Saburo was forcibly taken to Jian Mountain Camp for temporary detention. After reporting to the imperial court, he would be dealt with ording to the instructions from above.


    Themander of Zhongshan Camp and Feng Zhan were afraid that he would lose his temper and kill people, which would be hard to exin. So they exhorted him again and again to take it easy.


    This guy verbally agreed readily, but with toes one could guess that Turtle Saburo would not have a good time.


    Finally it was Jiang Yuqing who stepped forward and said, "Take good care of this guy. When the timees, we''ll sell his meat by the catty. One catty per ship, and we''ll definitely make a fortune."


    As soon as this gentleman heard it, his eyes lit up instantly likenterns, and he nodded again and again, "Hey, great idea!" After that, he personally took the man away happily.


    This finally fooled him!


    Seeing this, the other twomanders gave Jiang Yuqing a big thumbs up: "Brilliant!"


    Then they looked at each other, and actually thought it was a great idea.


    Alright, that''s what we''ll do from now on!


    At night, the fleet was still on its way back to camp.


    Jiang Yuqing returned to his own cabin and hung up a "Do Not Disturb" sign. He patted an invisibility talisman on himself and flew straight to the sea area where the previous battle took ce.


    In the hazy moonlight, Jiang Yuqing saw that there were not many corpses left on the sea. They must have been mostly eaten by various fish in the sea.


    The remaining garbage and debris would also disappear without a trace soon, carried away by ocean currents within a few days.


    Jiang Yuqing chose a clean ce and put a small boat on the sea surface. Then he tore off the invisibility talisman to reveal his figure.


    The pure and rich breath of the wood spirit spread out on the sea. Soon the dolphins from before found him.


    Jiang Yuqing fulfilled his promise and fished many spiritual fish from the Lingquan River for them to eat, as a reward for their help this time. The lovely little guys were overjoyed.


    Jiang Yuqing yed with them for about an hour and a half untilte at night before saying goodbye and returning to his cabin.


    After returning to Yashan Camp and settling the wounded, Feng Zhan sent people to the nearby mountainside martyrs'' cemetery to dig graves, while also sending people to the county seat to purchase funeral supplies.


    The weather was warm, and the remains of the fallen brothers needed to be buried as soon as possible.


    This time, a total of 2,783 people were killed in Jian Mountain Camp. It was not easy to buy so many coffins.


    Feng Zhan was also unwilling to let the warriors who died in battle be buried hastily. Just as he was at his wit''s end, he suddenly heard the guard report that many locals were pulling carts full of coffins toward Baiying with livestock.


    It turned out that long before the typhoon came, Jiang Yuqing had heard the words of the old fisherman and started preparing.


    He had sent people to the coffin shops in Yashan County and surrounding counties to cerge orders, asking them to work overtime to hurry up and make coffins.


    This sounded a bit ominous. But Jiang Yuqing, who had been baptized by the mes of war in the northwest, knew very clearly that there would always be casualties in war. Making preparations in advance was the best policy.


    When Feng Zhan heard the reason, he immediately knelt down and kowtowed to Jiang Yuqing three times, unable to stop him.


    Ever since this little princess came to Fuzhou, whether it was treating the wounded or teaching military doctors, she had tried her best without anyints.


    And now she had even thought ahead about something like coffins for him. How could he not be moved?


    The Princess Guardian, she deserved the name.


    September 13th, the day the fallen heroes were buried, the scene was filled with white mourning clothes.


    This was also the third time in Jiang Yuqing''s life that she had participated in such arge-scale collective funeral.


    The first time was seven years ago at Yumen Pass, the second time was in the small vige in Cisi Prefecture when the pneumonic gue broke out, and this was the third time.


    In addition to the officers and soldiers of Yashan Camp who came to bury them, there were also ordinary people from Yashan County, even her brother Jiang Yujiang came with his subordinates.


    The Taoist priests from nearby temples also came.


    They spontaneously performed borate and solemn rituals for the deceased heroes, praying to Heaven and Underworld that their souls would have a good reincarnation.


    When the rites were over and the Taoist priests announced that the auspicious time for burial had arrived, the crying people below suddenly wailed loudly. For a time the whole cemetery was filled with weeping and grief to heaven and earth.


    Jiang Yuqing looked up trying to blink away the wetness in her eyes, but no matter how hard she tried, the tears kept flowing.


    Doctor Qiu knew that his young disciple was upset, so he pressed her head into his arms with a long sigh, gently patting her back in silentfort.


    His young disciple had a heart that was too kind. She couldn''t bear the suffering in the human world, yet such things happened again and again.


    The world only knew about the prestigious title "Princess Guardian", but how many people knew how much she had done for the people and this country, and what price she had paid?


    Even now, she would still wake up with a start from nightmares. Only he knew that those old nightmares had never left her!


    After the funeral, Jiang Yuqing declined her elder brother''s invitation and returned to camp with Doctor Qiu again. There were still many severely wounded people in the camp who had just had surgery, and she was very worried about them. It would take several days before she could go back to the county government.


    Jiang Yuqing stayed at Yashan Camp until mid October before returning to the county government. By then the child in her brother¡¯s wife was already over eight months.


    Counting the time, there was about a month left before birth. After her brother¡¯s wife gave birth, maybe she could go back to her hometown of Qingzhou with Master to spend New Year.


    Ever since she returned from camp, her aunt had been nagging her for losing weight, and kept asking the chef to make delicious food for her, while feeding her sister-inw as well.


    Jiang Yuqing was afraid that Yan Deyin would gain too much weight and have difficulties in birth with a too big baby, so she started strictly controlling her diet.


    Fortunately, Yan Deyin was obedient. As long as Jiang Yuqing said she should not or eat less, she would not touch it again no matter how tempted, even if her mouth was watering.


    The days passed one by one. When Yashan''s weather turned cold enough to wear cotton-padded jackets, the child in Yan Deyin''s belly finally ripened.


    On the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, she gave birth to a son smoothly, upgrading to be a mother. Jiang Yuqing also became an aunt again.


    Jiang Yujiang named the child "Jiang Linyuan". "Lin" was the generation''s character, "Yuan" was the given name, meaning to have lofty ambitions.


    As he had been amply nourished in his mother¡¯s belly, the little guy grew very sturdily. His little arms and legs were so strong that when he cried, his loud voice was enough to make people¡¯s heads throb painfully.


    When Jiang Yuhe returned to see his little nephew three days after his birth, the first thing he said was: ¡°Hey, long arms and legs, he must be great military talent when he grows up. Little Yuan, you should also be a general when you grow up, ok?¡±


    His brother then gave him a p there: ¡°Go away, don¡¯t spoil my son. He¡¯s going to be a top schr when he grows up.¡±


    Jiang Yuhe asked puzzledly: ¡°Why do you insist on him being a top schr? Being a general is more majestic!¡± Then he sidled up and grinned at his brother: ¡°Brother, I''ve got promoted again!¡±


    Jiang Yujiang was stunned: ¡°Promoted again?¡±


    Jiang Yuhe nodded: ¡°Yeah, the merits I earned this time were not small. I got promoted to Brevet Captain, 3 levels in a row.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know why, but during this naval battle, the enemies¡¯ swords seemed to go crazy. Several times they went straight for his head.


    He had already prepared himself for death, but the sword actually veered off inexplicably, as if there was some invisible thing helping to fend it off.


    After realizing this, he directly turned into a human-shaped killing machine.


    Jiang Yujiang charged forward, beheading enemies like chopping melons and vegetables. His steel knife was blunt from all the hacking so he had to grab another to keep cutting.


    In the chaos, he identally hacked off the most important deputy of Commander Ban as well.


    When the fighting was over, he looked as if he''d just been fished out of a pool of blood, exhausted and sitting on the ground unable to get up for a good while.


    Hisrade Baoze saw him like this and thought he was gravely injured and dying, so he hurriedly took him to the military doctor to save his life.


    After an examination, the doctor found that he didn''t even have a single hair injured and all the blood on him belonged to the Japanese pirates.


    The reason he couldn''t get up was purely because he was tired out.


    From then on, he gained fame in the camp. People nicknamed him "Iron Head Jiang".


    Jiang Yujiangughed heartily and patted his younger brother''s broad shoulder, "Good job, kid. You''ve got potential!"


    Jiang Yuhe crooked his finger at his brother. Jiang Yujiang came over unsuspectingly, "What''s up?"


    Jiang Yuhe shamelessly said, "Bro, my rank is higher than yours now. Shouldn''t you greet me properly?"


    Jiang Yujiang was the county magistrate of Yashan, a 7th rank civil servant. Jiang Yuhe was previously a Fruits Captain, a 7th rank military officer.


    Now he got promoted three ranks in a row to Major General, a 6th rank position. His rank was two levels higher than Jiang Yujiang''s.


    Jiang Yujiang looked at his idiot brother disdainfully. Annoyed beyond words, he picked up a shuttlecock beside him and whacked him hard over the head.


    As he hit him, he scolded, "Jiang Er, no matter if you''re two or twenty ranks higher than me, I can still beat you if I want to. How dare you ask me to greet you. You must be out of your mind..."


    As Jiang Yuhe dodged, he wailed, "You''re assaulting a superior officer. I can charge you with disrespect of court. Don''t think you can do as you wish just because you''re the eldest brother."


    He had just finished speaking when another flurry of shuttlecocks rained down on him even more furiously.


    "Go on, charge me. I''d love to see whichmander dares interfere in our family business. Let me tell you, it''s only natural for an elder brother to beat his younger brother..."


    Jiang Yuqing and Lin watched the show gleefully, not an ounce of sympathy at all. That''s what you get for gloating. No matter how high your rank, once you get home you''ve got to meekly get beaten if you act arrogantly. This is the bloodline suppression from elder brother to younger brother!


    The day after the baby''s Man, Woman and Child ceremony, which was the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Jiang Yuqing put a protective jade talisman, scaled down in size, around the baby''s neck.


    Then, bidding eldest brother''s family a reluctant farewell under their equally reluctant gazes, he left Yashan with his wife Lin and a carriage full of local specialties, returning home to Qingzhou for New Year.


    Thest time he went home was three years ago for third brother''s wedding. Unbelievably, five years had flown by since then. How time flies!


    He suddenly looked forward to seeing the expressions on his family''s faces when he showed up unexpectedly!

 Chapter 148: Children Don’t Know each Other

    <h4>Chapter 148</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing and his disciple leisurely traveled together, enjoying the scenic mountains and rivers along the way. They arrived at Xijin Ferry a day before the Lunar New Year.


    From a distance, Jiang Yuqing noticed a group of children gathered around a bonfire in a harvested rice field, roasting something.


    Jiang Yuqing spected that they were either burning corn or roasting sweet potatoes.


    Feeling yful, Jiang Yuqing immediately halted the carriage and instructed her master to go ahead while she stayed behind to y with the children for a while before returning home.


    Doctor Qiu had always felt that his young disciple was exceptionally mature. Shecked friends of the same age and was missing the youthful energy and joy that young people should have.


    Rarely did she show such a yful side, so he did not object. He smiled and said, "Go ahead, y for a while and thene back!"


    Meanwhile, the children also noticed her carriage.


    Xijin Ferry was now the wealthiest vige in Qingzhou. It was not umon to see donkey carts or mule carts in every household, but a carriage like this was still a rarity.


    What made it even more peculiar was the presence of a beautiful deer walking beside the carriage.


    As the carriage approached, it suddenly came to a stop, and a very pretty youngdy in a pink dress, with a lotus flower on her forehead, jumped off the carriage.


    Jiang Yuqing and Bai Xiaoshi jumped down from the road embankment and crossed a ditch to reach the bonfire. Jiang Yuqing asked the children, "What are you roasting? Can I join you?"


    One curious child asked, "Who are you? Where did youe from?" Jiang Yuqing was taken aback and felt a sudden uneasiness.


    These children were all very young, around five or six years old. Thest time she visited her hometown was five years ago, and these children were either just born or still very young. Even if they remembered, they would have forgotten by now.


    It seemed to confirm the saying, "Children meeting each other are like strangers. Theyugh and ask where the visitores from."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and took out a handful of sugar candies from her bag and distributed them to the children, saying, "I am also from this vige. But I have been away for a long time and rarelye back, so you don''t recognize me."


    The children were delighted with the candies and quickly epted this beautiful and generous youngdy.


    Jiang Yuqing, being sociable, picked up some straw scattered in the field, ced it under her buttocks, and sat down around the bonfire.


    It was a rare day with a clear sky, no wind, and the smoke rising straight up without bothering anyone.


    The child who had spoken to her earlier dug out a sweet potato from the bonfire, slightly burnt on one side, and wrapped it in a dry banana leaf. He handed it to her and said, "Sister, this is for you. It''s delicious."


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t mind and epted the sweet potato, peeled off the burnt parts, blew on it, and started eating.


    Perhaps the fire was too intense and the potato wasn''t turned over, so one side was charred while the other side remained uncooked. Nevertheless, she finished eating it.


    Seeing that she had finished, the child happily handed her a handful of clean rice kernels.


    Jiang Yuqing thanked him and then asked, "What''s your name, and how old are you?"


    The child replied, "I''m Jiang Linyou, and I''m six years old."


    He turned out to be a child from her own family.


    "Are you from the Lin generation? Then you can''t call me sister, you should call me Auntie. I should be of the same generation as your father."


    The young boy couldn''t quite grasp the concept of generational hierarchy and scratched his head in confusion. He said, "My dad''s name is Hua Zai."


    Upon hearing that, Jiang Yuqing became delighted and said, "So you''re Hua Zai''s brother. I am the granddaughter of your great-grandfather. My name is Jiang Yuqing!"


    The young boys were amazed and their eyes widened. Jiang Linyou jumped up with joy and eximed, "I know, you''re our family''s princess aunt! My grandpa said you''re amazing, you''re the most talented girl in our Great Xia!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Really? You''re all amazing too. Are you studying?"


    The boys replied in unison, "Yes, we are."


    Some said they had already learned many characters, some imed they could read thousands of words, and one even said he wanted to be a top schr like his brother.


    Jiang Yuqing praised each of them and took out some small trinkets she had bought in the capital city from her bag and handed them out as encouragement.


    Afterwards, Jiang Yuqing and the boys roasted some rice grains to eat, and faint shouts could be heard from the direction of the vige entrance.


    Jiang Yuqing knew that the activities for the day hade to an end. She bid farewell to the boys and rode off on her white horse, Bai Xiaoshi, towards home.


    Halfway there, she ran into her grandmother, Old Lady Hu, and her second aunt, Zhu.


    Jiang Yuqing leaped off the deer''s back and happily rushed over to hug them. "Grandma, Auntie Zhu, I''ve missed you so much!"


    Auntie Zhu, tears in her eyes, said, "We missed you too. You naughty girl, you haven''te home to visit for so many years. You''ve grown up into a youngwoman."


    The vige road was bustling with peopleing and going, so it wasn''t a suitable ce for a conversation. After a brief exchange of affection, the three of them turned back and headed home.


    Auntie Zhu noticed Bai Xiaoshi and eximed with joy, "Oh, our Xiaoshi has also returned. He has grown up a bit and is still so beautiful!"


    Bai Xiaoshi let out a soft sound in response.


    On the way, they encountered other elders from the vige, and Jiang Yuqing greeted each of them.


    Word quickly spread that the grandniece of the Jiang family had returned.


    When Jiang Yuqing arrived at the doorstep of her home, she found everyone waiting for her except those who were out. Her grandfather, second uncle, third aunt, her one-year-old nephew, Linye, and all the household servants were there.


    After years of separation, there was naturally a flurry of greetings and catching up.


    When asked about the other family members, Old Lady Hu said that today was her eldest son''s father-inw''s sixtieth birthday celebration, so her eldest son, Jiang Wenkang, had gone to the Lin family to offer congrattions.


    Her third brother, Jiang Yuhu, was out collecting debts, and her fourth brother, Jiang Yuhai, and fifth brother, Jiang Yuming, were away for further studies. They had sent letters saying they wouldn''t being home for the New Year this year.


    Her sixth brother, Jiang Yushan, had a ssmate who was getting married today, so he was invited to be the best man.


    After a while, Jiang Yuqing began distributing gifts to her family. They were all unique and special products she had collected from various ces during her travels throughout the country.


    Especially for little Linye, whom she was meeting for the first time, Jiang Yuqing not only gave him many fascinating toys but also presented him with a jade talisman for protection, which had be a standard item for the Jiang family.


    Jiang Yuqing also shared some stories about her experiences in Fuzhou.


    The novel tells the story of romance in Fuzhou, depicting the joy of mming and the hardships faced by the people of Fuzhou under the menace of Japanese pirates.


    It portrays the clever dolphins and gigantic blue whales that yed a significant role in the defense of Fuzhou.


    When people heard that a few flicks of the blue whale''s tail could crush arge ship, their mouths were left agape in astonishment.


    In the end, Old Jiang jokingly remarked, "If we catch such a huge fish, we could salt it and make dried fish. That would be enough meat for a lifetime, wouldn''t it?"


    Old Lady Hu clicked her tongue and said, "Why bother catching it? Just live inside its belly. Whenever you feel like eating, you can cut a piece of meat to stew. Not only would it be fresh, but you''d also save on the salt for curing meat. How convenient."


    Laughter filled the room.


    Later, they learned that Yan Deyin had given birth to a healthy baby boy, which brought even more joy to everyone.


    Especially Old Lady Hu, who couldn''t stop smiling. With wealth and prosperity at home and children and grandchildren all around, she truly embodied the spirit of an esteemed elder.


    At noon, Second Aunt Zhu personally cooked a table full of delicious dishes to wee the teacher and disciple.


    Having not tasted the authentic vors of their hometown for many years, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help but eat until she was full.


    After taking a short rest, Jiang Yuqing immediately went to the backyard vegetable garden.


    She saw that the garden was filled withmon winter vegetables like radishes and cabbage.


    So she took a hoe and cleared some space, sowed other vegetable seeds, and watered them with the spring water, giving them a little boost.


    By the time Chinese New Year arrived, they would have something to eat.


    The rice at home was all grown in their own fields. Although it was refined white rice, it couldn''tpare to the spirit-produced rice from the Ling Realm.


    The spirit rice that Jiang Yuqing brought backst time had been consumed years ago.


    So she replenished the family granary with a new batch, enough to feed the family for another two or three years.


    She also brought out a batch of homemade grape wine, fruit wine, and other fine wines from the Ling Realm.


    Whether for personal consumption or entertaining guests, they were all indispensable.


    Busy throughout the afternoon, Jiang Yuqing didn''t feel tired at all. Instead, she felt a profound sense of security and contentment welling up from the bottom of her heart.


    In the evening, the elders who had been out returned home and were overjoyed to see their beloved granddaughter (niece/sister) back home.


    Old Jiang cautiously asked, "Dear darling, since you''ve returned now, you must spend the Lunar New Year at home before going out again, right?"


    Jiang Yuqing replied, "Yes, Grandfather. I n to stay at home for a while longer and head to the capital after the first month!"


    Old Jiang immediately beamed and said, "That sounds great!"


    On the following day, the Kitchen God''s Day, the family cleaned the house. Since Jiang Yuqing had nothing to do, she casually informed the elders and took Bai Xiaoshi for a stroll around the vige.


    After fermenting overnight, everyone knew she had returned. Now, seeing her out and about, they eagerly invited her to their homes for tea, snacks, and a chat.


    Especially the vige elders, who seemed particrly interested in certain happenings in the royal family.


    They would ask questions like the Emperor''s age and the number of sons and daughters he had.


    Jiang Yuqing would reply that the current Emperor had two princes and three princesses.


    One of the senior members of the n said, "Why doesn''t the emperor have more sons with such arge family business?"


    Another immediately retorted, "What''s the point of having so many? If a war breaks out for the throne, it''s usmon folks who will suffer."


    Jiang Yuqing quickly interrupted them, fearing they would say something dreadful. "Gentlemen, please stop. Discussing the royal family like this is a grave offense that couldnd us in prison."


    That silenced them. Jiang Yuqing hurriedly changed the subject.


    She had received numerous invitations, but in order to treat everyone equally, she had to sit in one home for a while and have a cup of tea in another. By the end of the morning, she had consumed a bellyful of water. It truly was overwhelming hospitality.


    If she weren''t a cultivator, she would have visited the restroom several times by now.


    In the afternoon, she took Bai Xiaoshi and went around the vige.


    They went to see the Qing River, which had be shallower during the dry season. The riverbank was covered in cobblestones and tall weeping willow trees with fallen leaves, along with several small boats tied under the trees.


    The reeds on the sandbank had turned yellow, but new shoots were sprouting from their roots. It was evident that the banks of the Qing River in winter were not entirely deste; they also held the hope of spring.


    In the empty fields along the river, lush green grass and various wild vegetables such as shepherd''s purse, white-flowered vegetables, and wild amaranth had grown.


    Jiang Yuqing even discovered a bunch of green grass mushrooms, which she brought home to make a bowl of fresh soup.


    In the distance, there were young shepherds on winter break, herding their cattle, sheep, or donkeys while roasting sweet potatoes over a fire.


    asionally, joyfulughter and the sounds of animals could be heard in the wilderness.


    The air was filled with a sense of joy, tranquility, and carefree freedom. This kind of atmosphere was probably the sense of belonging that only a hometown could provide!

 Chapter 149: The Serpent

    <h4>Chapter 149</h4>


    On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, after breakfast, Jiang Yuqing took a coachman and half a carriage of gifts to Xiushui Bay to visit her maternal grandfather and grandmother.


    When Old Schr Lu and Guo heard that their granddaughter hade back, they ran over very quickly. Their two grandsons were afraid that the olddy would fall, so they hurried over to help her.


    When the olddy saw her granddaughter, she gave her a big hug with tears streaming down her face, "You heartless girl! You''ve been gone for years withouting back to see us!"


    Jiang Yuqing hugged the olddy and said, "It''s my fault, darling has missed you too."


    After letting go of the olddy, Jiang Yuqing paid respects to her maternal grandfather and two cousins and their wives.


    After exchanging greetings, they went inside to talk.


    Uncle Lu had just been transferred to a county in Chenzhou Prefecture this year.


    With only the status of a xiucai, he could only stop at being a county magistrate in his official career. Fortunately, he was a contented person who did not harbor any extravagant hopes.


    He devoted all his energy to his job and worked hard and conscientiously. As a result, he was quite popr wherever he went, so even if some people were not happy with him, no one dared try to bring him down.


    Therefore, he sat quite securely in the position of county magistrate.


    His two sons were already married.


    His eldest cousin Lu Huai passed the provincial examinationst year. Now he was teaching students at the family school while continuing his studies. He nned to spend two years studying hard before going to the capital to take the imperial examination.


    He married the daughter of the principal of the county school. Now the couple already had a two-year-old son.


    His second cousin Lu Jin failed the provincial examinationst year. Like his older brother, he also nned to continue taking the test next time. His wife was already pregnant.


    Jiang Yuqing distributed the gifts she had prepared.


    Seeing the many expensive gifts she had brought, Guo couldn''t help but scold her, "It''s enough for Grandma to be happy just having youe see us two elders.


    There''s no need to spend all that money on gifts. You''ll be thirteen or fourteen soon. You should save up a dowry for yourself."


    Jiang Yuqingughed and patted her chest, "Don''t worry, don''t worry. Your granddaughter is notcking money.


    You just take them, Grandma. Don''t worry about me. Given my status, no matter whose family I marry into in the future, they will have to support me!"


    As soon as the olddy heard this, sheughed, "You''re right about that!"


    Jiang Yuqing ate lunch at her maternal grandparents'' house. In the afternoon, she visited the newly renovated academy.


    Because Xiushui Bay was not far from home, she stayed at the Lu family for dinner before going home to spend more time with the elders.


    The next day, on the twenty-fifth, the family made rice cakes and dumplings.


    Jiang Yuqing had not experienced such liveliness for many years. She happily flitted from one area to another, squeezing here and ying there, chatting with the uncles, aunts, brothers-inw and sisters-inw who hade to help.


    In the years she had been away from home, the n had gained quite a few new sisters-inw that she did not recognize.


    But she was easy-going and approachable, so she called them whatever the family told her to call them, without any hesitation.


    This made the sisters-inw, who had been rather intimidated by her at first, feel much more at ease.


    On the twenty-sixth they made candied fruit, and on the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth they ughtered pigs, chickens and ducks.


    On the thirtieth, they held ancestor worship. The ancestral hall was filled with rows and rows of people, and she was the only female descendant. Moreover, she was at the very front.


    When she ced her imperial edict conferring the title "Princess Protector of the State" on the offering table, the me of the candle suddenly red up with a "poof".


    The whole hall gasped! Someone said it must be the old n chief getting happy again.


    The old n chief had gone to paradise two years ago. It was said that he had left with a smile on his face, without illness or pain. His spirit tablet was also enshrined here.


    The old man had devoted his whole life to the prosperity of the n. Jiang Yuqing also wished to bring some posthumous glory to him and all the ancestors within her power.


    During the New Year, apart from staying overnight at her maternal grandparents'' house to pay New Year greetings, Jiang Yuqing did not go anywhere else. She stayed at home to chat with the elders or went for walks around the vige.


    Or she would discuss business with her third brother Jiang Yuhu.


    Not that she knew anything about business herself. It was just that technology and information were so advanced in her previous life that even a tiny suggestion could open up new business opportunities and perspectives for Jiang Yuhu.


    For example,st spring she had sent him recipes and seasonings for grilled skewers by carrier pigeon.


    After he had people try them out, in just over half a year he had opened seventeen Tai An barbecue restaurants, covering almost the entire Lingzhou Prefecture, providing jobs for nearly a hundred disabled and retired soldiers.


    When autumn came Jiang Yuqing was afraid the barbecue business would be affected, so she sent him a hot pot recipe. As a result Tai An Barbecue took the city by storm once again, making money hand over fist.


    By the end ofst year, after deducting all costs and expenses, the seventeen restaurants hadted a profit of one hundred and ny thousand taels of silver.


    Now eating grilled skewers in summer and hot pot in winter had be a popr fashion and new culinary symbol. So they were bound to make even more money in the new year.


    He nned to expand the business to the neighboring prefecture this year, aiming to open outlets of "Tai An" in the seven southern provinces within three years before considering further expansion.


    There was no denying that this third brother of hers was truly ambitious and clever.


    So Jiang Yuqing told him about the business model of modern supermarkets.


    As soon as Jiang Yuhu heard it, his eyes lit up. He kept his sister there discussing it for a whole afternoon, and took a whole afternoon''s worth of notes. If their mother had not intervened with a stick to drive him away, he probably would have continued talking to his sister.


    While exining the concept of supermarkets to Jiang Yuhu, Jiang Yuqing suddenly thought of another good idea - newspapers.


    They may seem cheap, but the sales volume would be huge.


    Although not many people were literate in the whole of Da Xia, there were still quite a lot who could afford to buy them.


    The content could include current events, gossip, serial stories, or get big names to write articles on current affairs.


    There could also be advertisements and missing person notices and so on.


    However, in the context of this era, it would be easy to cause trouble by identally publishing something sensitive.


    After careful consideration, Jiang Yuqing still felt it would be better to give this idea to her father for the court to implement. After all, there was no way the penny pinching Ministry of Revenue would pass up such a lucrative opportunity.


    The next day, on the eighth, after getting up, washing, and eating a bowl of her favorite sour broad bean and pork rice noodles, she went to the vegetable garden at the back and watered the nts with Lingyu, taking the opportunity to pick a basketful of ripe fruits and vegetables.


    Her second aunt had said there would be guests today. Jiang Yuqing didn''t ask who they were. They probably weren''t very important guests.


    In Qingzhou, apart from close rtives, no one was qualified to receive her personal hospitality.


    After leaving the vegetables at the kitchen door, Jiang Yuqing fetched a basket from the house and sat down on a little stool by the kitchen door to pick them instead of hurrying with the chore.


    She hadpletely given up on the high-difficulty artistic field of cooking.


    Rather than disturb others at work in the kitchen, she might as well find something she wanted to do for herself, at least she was pretty good at picking vegetables.


    Little Whiteyzily beside her, wagging his tail. With such nice sunshine it would be a waste not to use it for napping. He was absolutely loving it.


    Just then, a little maid came over from the front yard to say that Doctor Qiu was asking her to go over. So Jiang Yuqing put down the unfinished vegetables and went to the front yard.


    It turned out the old man was just bored and wanted to go up the mountain to collect herbs. He asked Jiang Yuqing if she wanted to go with him.


    Jiang Yuqing thought she didn''t have much to do anyway, so she agreed.


    When Jiang Laotou heard that the old rascal was taking his precious granddaughter up the mountain again, he immediately objected and said he would go with them.


    Old Lady Hu was afraid that the two old fellows were too old to carry the baskets back and would tire out her granddaughter, so she dragged out Jiang Yushan, who was reading in the room, to make him responsible for carrying the baskets as theborer.


    In this way, the number of people going up the mountain changed from two to four.


    When he was still at home before, Jiang Yuqing had often followed Doctor Qiu up the mountain to gather medicine, so the two of them had a good sense of which mountains had more medicinal materials.


    After searching for half a day at the mountains they had gone to before, they couldn''t find many good medicinal materials, and only then did they realize that outsiders had dug up most of the good medicine over these years.


    So the master and disciple decided to shift their position and go to several of the more distant low hills to take a look.


    But Old Man Jiang stopped them, saying, "You can''t go to Teabag Ridge anymore these days!


    A couple of years ago a big snake came, I heard its body was as thick as a water bucket, fifty or sixty feet long.


    Two medicine pickers from neighboring Tongluoping Vige didn''t know about it and went up the mountain, and one was swallowed by the snake, scaring the other one crazy.


    The one who went crazy now gets scared and hides under the bed even when he sees a well rope.


    Over the past two years, that big snake asionallyes down the mountain to eat sheep and other livestock. The viges close to Teabag Ridge are all extremely frightened of it."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuqing frowned and said, "It''s winter, shouldn''t all snakes be hibernating? And besides, hasn''t anyone organized people to fight the snake?"


    Old Man Jiang said, "Of course people have gone. This matter was reported to the county government, and the county magistrate dispatched people to search for it several times, but they never found anything.


    But strangely, every time the snake fighting team came down the mountain, the snake woulde out again to wreak havoc on the viges, and it has truly be a scourge of our Qingzhou."


    When the master and disciple heard this, they no longer insisted.


    Jiang Yuqing nned to find another chance to go check out that mountain area after returning home. It wouldn''t be good to bring along his master, grandfather, and older brother right now.


    Since there wasn''t any good medicine to be found, the master and disciple didn''t keep searching. They just treated it as going for a stroll in the mountains and by the water. Unknowingly, they had walked quite far.


    Seeing that it was almost noon, the few of them found a path down the mountain nearby. Walking home along the vige trails would surely save quite a bit of effort.


    As they were passing by a natural spring well next to a small vige, the four people stopped to drink some water and rest their feet.


    One old man washing his hoe downstream recognized Old Man Jiang and happily called out, "Hey, Old Three!"


    Old Man Jiang looked up and was also delighted. "Old Caichong, how can it be you?" It turned out this old man had once worked with Old Man Jiang putting out fires, and could be considered a life-and-death brother.


    The old man said, "What are you all doing here? Picking medicine up the mountain?"


    Old Man Jiang cheerfully replied, "Just strolling around since we''re free. It''s not good to stay cooped up at home all the time, otherwise you get rusty." The old man said, "Going for walks is good. Are you done with lunch?"


    Old Man Jiang said, "Nope, we were just about to head home!"


    The old man said, "Don''t rush back. Come on up to my ce. My family has already prepared lunch, perfect timing to eat together!"


    Old Man Jiang said, "Forget it, your family makes just enough food. With so many extra people, won''t you be left drinking northwest wind?"


    The old man said, "What northwest wind. It''s not like the old days when we didn''t have enough to eat. Nowadays there''s ample grain at home, and we have meat too. We haven''t seen each other in ages, it''s a perfect chance to share a cup of wine with you older brother."


    Although the old man was advanced in years, he had ample strength. Through earnest coaxing he firmly dragged Old Man Jiang to his home. Jiang Yuqing and the others exchanged looks and could only resign themselves to following along.


    At the old man''s house, it was indeed as he had said. The table was covered in white rice and meat dishes. Seeing that there were guests, his daughter-inw hastily added two more meat dishes.


    Just as things were getting lively and joyful, urgent ringing of a copper gong suddenly sounded from outside, "Hurry, someonee quick to fight the snake! The big snake from Teabag Ridge hase down the mountain again and dragged off Old Sun''s little girl! Quickly, someonee!"

 Chapter 150: Seal of Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 150</h4>


    When everyone heard this, they immediately dropped their bowls and chopsticks, grabbed whatever makeshift weapons by the door such as hoes and rakes, and ran out the door.


    Other vigers from Shishan Bay did the same.


    By the time everyone rushed to Sun''s house, it was already toote.


    The Sun family''s courtyard was in a mess, with overturned wooden frames and winnowing baskets everywhere.


    There were obvious long drag marks on the ground, and the enclosure fences around the courtyard had copsed.


    Mrs. Sun hugged her husband, who had been whipped unconscious by the giant snake, sitting on the ground bawling.


    The other children were so frightened that they couldn''t even cry, huddling together shivering.


    Only then did everyone realize that little daughter Sun was not dragged away by the big snake, but was directly swallowed alive by the beast.


    The women stayed tofort Mrs. Sun and the children, and tidy up the chaotic yard.


    Jiang Yushan also grabbed a wooden stick and followed the vigers to chase in the direction of the trail.


    Doctor Qiu went up to take the pulse of the Sun family man and found that his internal organs were bleeding, but it was not particrly serious.


    He immediately used a gold needle to give him acupuncture to calm his chaotic qi. After taking a few doses of medicine, he would be fine with some rest.


    None of the children were injured, just overly frightened. Doctor Qiu prescribed them a calming form and asked someone to grab medicine from the county seat.


    Mrs. Sun thanked them repeatedly, finallying back to her senses, sobbing as she recounted her terrifying ordeal.


    It turned out that the family was eating in the main hall when their little daughter, having finished eating quickly, ran out to the yard to y with the family dog. They didn''t think much of it.


    Suddenly they heard the dog barking frantically in the house, followed immediately by a loud crashing sound, as if something had copsed.


    The couple was startled and immediately ran out of the hall, only to see the most terrifying sight of their lives.


    A giant snake about the thickness of a small bucket, with their little daughter in its mouth, swallowed her in just three or two bites.


    The couple turned pale with fright. Her husband instinctively grabbed a wooden stick by the door to try to save his daughter but was pped on the back by the snake''s tail and passed out on the spot.


    After eating the girl, the snake wanted to eat the husband too, but was bitten by the family dog.


    The snake, in pain, thrashed around the yard twice, shook off the dog, and ate it too.


    The hugemotion in their yard naturally attracted the neighbors. Everyone who ran over to see was scared out of their minds.


    Regardless of whatever was at hand, any stones, bricks, wooden sticks, hoes, etc., they grabbed whatever was nearby to smash wildly at the big snake.


    Having just eaten a person and a dog, the snake''s belly was bulging and its mobility was significantly restricted.


    Realizing it was no match, the beast spewed out a stream of venom at the vigers, let out a hiss, and fled.


    Wherever its venomnded, the ground turned ck and sizzled, just like being sshed with sulfuric acid. Thankfully it did not hit anyone.


    Jiang Yuqing had thought it was a python earlier. In her impression, only pythons could grow to such arge size, but pythons are non-venomous.


    This snake''s venom wasparable to sulfuric acid. Plus, as the woman said, it had a big red "cockerelb" on its head, so it definitely could not be a python!


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head and helped tidy up the wreckage in the yard. Afterwards, she found a dropped snake scale under the copsed fence.


    The thing felt icy cold without temperature, about half the size of her palm, and was already slightly reddish. Jiang Yuqing looked at the trail left by the giant snake''s escape, lost in thought.


    When the yard was halfway tidied up, the people who went to chase returned.


    Following the trail, they chased it to the entrance of an underground cave at Tea Package Ridge before it disappeared without a trace, most likely having escaped into the cave.


    That cave was unfathomably deep and dark, so no one dared to be reckless. They could only curse angrily for a bit before heading back.


    After this incident, everyone lost their appetite for dinner. The group bid Old Vegetable Worm farewell and went straight home.


    Back home, everyone wolfed down some food. Old Man Jiang talked about the event with his family, and everyone sighed.


    Only Jiang Yuqing pulled Doctor Qiu aside and whispered, ¡°Master, I will look for the beast to surely eliminate it. If my family looks for me, just say that I¡¯m closed off in the medicine room making medicines.¡±


    Doctor Qiu knew his precious young disciple¡¯s abilities and did not stop her, only telling her to be extra careful.


    So Jiang Yuqing went into the small medicine room, applied an invisibility talisman on herself, brought along Bai Xiaoshi, and rushed straight for Tea Package Ridge.


    When she arrived, Jiang Yuqing released her spiritual sense and soon found the cave.


    The cave was located between two piles of boulders. The small entrance could barely fit a person through.


    Jiang Yuqing took out antern and put a piece of spirit crystal the size of a fingernail as fuel, using abustion symbol as a wick.


    She then used a technique to light it, instantly illuminating the entire cave as bright as day.


    Arge area of Qingzhou belonged to karst terrain. This cave was a typical underground dissolution cave.


    The entrance was not big, but the space inside was not small. From the ground to the top of the cave was at least thirty or forty yards high, the size of half a basketball court.


    There were stone teeth, notches, stgmites, etc. everywhere, each with different shapes. In the light, the unknown sedimentary minerals on the walls glittered brightly and were extremely beautiful.


    Jiang Yuqing roughly looked around, then drove the spiritntern to continue searching forward following the traces left by snakes crawling on the ground.


    The cave sloped downward with seven or eight turns. The widest part of the cave was as wide as a gymnasium, and the narrowest required bending over to get through.


    After walking for an unknown length of time with all the winding paths, there was suddenly the sound of gurgling water up ahead.


    When she walked closer to take a look, it turned out to be a flowing underground river with abundant water.


    The trail on the ground disappeared when they arrived here.


    Bai Xiaoshiined, "You should raise a couple of tracking butterflies when you have time! Otherwise, we''ll have to search blindly again when we run into something like this in the future."


    Jiang Yuqing also felt Sprite''s words made a lot of sense and said, "I¡¯ll catch a few to raise when I go back."


    This underground river was at least twenty yards wide. Although the current could not be considered turbulent, it was very deep.


    If it was someone else, they would probably have turned back here, but Jiang Yuqing lightly leapt across.


    Sure enough, she saw two more shed snake scales on the rocks on the opposite bank.


    After walking another hour or so ahead, the air in the cave suddenly became pungent.


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "The snake''sir is here!"


    Jiang Yuqing released her spiritual sense and quickly found the man-eating giant snake in a naturally formed stone nest.


    As the woman had said, it was as thick as a small bucket, with a blood-red cockb on its head, and its pointed tail had also turned dark red, coiled up like a small mountain.


    It had originally been resting in the cave when the strong light suddenly shone on it. Sensing the intrusion of two unfamiliar auras, the giant snake let out a hiss, erected its snake head defensively over three yards high.


    Realizing it was just two little "ants" after "seeing" clearly, it immediately cried excitedly and charged at Jiang Yuqing with its gaping maw.


    From its icy vertical pupils, Jiang Yuqing read the words "meat delivered to the door¡±.


    In that instant, Jiang Yuqing dodged with a sh. A white light shed in her hand as her spirit sword appeared. Her body leapt high into the air and she fiercely shed down at the snake¡¯s weak point.


    The spirit sword cut through the mortal snake like cutting through a melon. With a shriek, the snake head fell to the ground, rolled over twice, and convulsed without moving.


    Only the snake body kept writhing ceaselessly, swept up the stones on the ground with loud rattling noises.


    Jiang Yuqing shed it into snake segments in a few more strikes. After struggling for a while, the beast finally died and could die no more.


    At the same time, in a hidden cave several mountain ranges away, many animals were imprisoned, including leopards, tigers, wolves and other beasts.


    Some of these animals were emaciated, listless in spirit, some were covered in wounds, hovering on the verge of death.


    An evil-looking man was using a saltwater-soaked, barbed whip to fiercelysh a golden snub-nosed monkey chained to the cave wall and unable to move.


    The golden snub-nosed monkey let out bursts of screams. Covered in bloody wounds, after the cruel torture, it soonnguished on the verge of death.


    Only then did the man throw down his whip with a sinister expression on his face. He turned around, took a sharp dagger and was about to stab the terrified golden snub-nosed monkey.


    Suddenly, his heart violently lurched. The sudden tearing pain made his vision go ck, and he vomited a mouthful of blood.


    "Just who is it, who killed my, gold, crown..." Afterwards, it copsed straight to the ground andpletely fainted.


    Jiang Yuqing cut open the section of the snake''s body that was bulging the most. Sure enough, she discovered the corpses of a young girl and a dog inside.


    Whether it was the human or the dog, both had pitch ck bodies, having evidently been injected with the snake''s venom before death.


    The dog had thick fur and was a bit stronger, but the skin of the little girl had already been mostly melted by the stomach acid.


    However, you could still vaguely make out her extremely cute features - what a pity.


    Jiang Yuqing sighed and took out two white cloths and two empty boxes from her spirit realm. She separately packed the little girl and this loyal, master-protecting dog into them before storing them in her spirit realm.


    Just as she was about to collect the snake head as well to bring back, she suddenly discovered a purple, cup rim sized, circr imprint on the snake''s "cockerel crown".


    This imprint was extremely round. Within the circle was a shape resembling some kind of pictogram. It looked very strange, clearly not naturally grown but seemingly branded on instead.


    Bai Xiaoshi also noticed this imprint and blurted out, "A Spirit Contract Seal!"


    "What what seal?" The country bumpkin master blinked nkly, shamelessly asking for an exnation.


    "It''s a Spirit Contract Seal. Spirit Contract Seals were a special contract imprint unique to the ancient cultivation world''s Beast Control Sect. The Beast Control Sect relied on contracted spirit beasts to fight for them.


    They had three or two types of contracts with spirit beasts. One was a lifebound contract where both sides equally shared benefits and injuries - the master prospers, the beast prospers; the master dies, the beast dies. Hence it was also called the Spirit Contract Seal and had a purple color.


    The second was an equal contract - a rtionship between the beast tamer and spirit beast as equal friends.


    The beast tamer cannot force the spirit beast to do what it is unwilling.


    If either side dies, the damage to the other side is small, at most suffering some insignificant bacsh.


    Generally speaking, the spirit beast''s side has greater strength than the beast tamer for this type of contract, but is unable to avoid working for the beast tamer due to some reason.


    Thus, this type of contract imprint is also called the Equality Contract Seal and is blue in color.


    The final one is a ve contract. As the name implies, the master has formidable strength and orders the spirit beast around like a ve.


    For this type of contract, there is little rtion between the master''s gains and losses and the pet. The master can even arbitrarily kill the spirit beast without any consequences.


    This is thus called the ve Contract Seal with a red color."


    After the artifact spirit exined all this, the master immediately understood and sucked up to it for being so knowledgeable.


    "So you''re saying this snake was deliberately raised here by someone who is very likely a cultivator too?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "Most likely. Though, they probably aren''t that impressive since they formed a soul contract with a mutatedmon snake.


    Also, look, the imprint''s circle isn''tplete and has a gap.


    This shows the ritual wasn''t fullypleted, indicating this guy''s low abilities.


    It''s also exactly because of this that the snake raiser possibly only suffered some injuries after you killed the big snake instead of kicking the bucket.


    And since you killed their big snake, that person will definitelye seeking vengeance. You''d best be more careful over theing days!"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded. "What you said makes sense. I''ll pay attention."


    The artifact spirit immediately got cocky. "So you see, you have to treat me better. After all, you still need to rely on me at critical moments!"


    The master immediately shamelessly ttered the artifact spirit. "Yes, yes! Our family''s little Bai Xiaoshi is the best!"

 Chapter 151: Cult Cultivation

    <h4>Chapter 151</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing nimbly cut off that imprint and stored it in a jade box, preparing for whenever it mighte in handy.


    Afterwards, she also put the snake head into her Spirit Realm, and person and treasure returned the same way they hade.


    When they emerged from the cave mouth, the night was already pitch ck. Taking advantage of the darkness, Jiang Yuqing went to Shi Shan Wan, to the home of the little girl who had suffered misfortune.


    The doors of her home were shut up tight, with just the faint glow ofmplight filtering out through the paper windows.


    From inside came the faint sounds of the woman of the house crying, along with the voices of others trying tofort her.


    Jiang Yuqing quietly left the snake head and two wooden crates at the doorway of that household. Then she knocked lightly on their door.


    It was a good while before the door cautiously opened just a crack.


    The one who opened the door was an old woman, possibly the grieving girl''s grandmother or a neighbor.


    As soon as she opened the door, her eyes fell upon therge parcels and two crates left at the doorway.


    First the old woman breathed a sigh of relief, then she called into the house, ¡°You can alle out now, it¡¯s not the big snake! Quick, bring a pine torch, someone¡¯s left boxes at the door!¡±


    Soon, two pine resin torches were lit, and when the people opened the bundles and crates to look, at first they recoiled in fright, but then they began bothughing and crying.


    ¡°It¡¯s the snake¡¯s head! The beast has been killed!¡± they shouted amidst tears of joy. ¡°The child¡¯s and the dog''s corpses were also recovered. Heaven has eyes!¡±


    Crying out, everyone knelt in the courtyard, facing the dark night sky to kowtow. ¡°We thank the hero for eliminating this scourge. Our benefactor!¡±


    Seeing this scene, Jiang Yuqing stroked the soft, fluttering fur of Bai Xiaoshi as she said: ¡°Xiaoshi, let''s go! Our master has probably worried himself sick waiting for us!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Back at home, Doctor Qiu had indeed worried himself ill, and seeing her return he heaved a great sigh of relief. He hurried up to her anxiously asking, ¡°Dear girl, are you alright? Nothing happened, I hope?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing grabbed a teacup and guzzled down a full cup of water, saying: ¡°I''m fine. I ughtered that vile beast and chopped off its head, then took back the little girl''s corpse and left them at her family''s door.¡±


    Doctor Qiu breathed an extended sigh of relief. ¡°That''s good then. Now people can finally rest easy.¡±


    But Jiang Yuqing shook her head gravely. ¡°Not necessarily. The snake has been killed, but whoever was keeping it has not yet been found!¡±


    Doctor Qiu turned deathly pale in fright. ¡°What? This snake belonged to someone? Who could be so malicious as to raise this human-eating scourge?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing gave a cold chuckle. ¡°Anyone who could raise such a freakish creature can hardly be a good person. Leaving them be would likely bring great disaster.¡±


    She paused a moment before continuing: ¡°Which is why I may have to impose on Master to stay here a while longer.¡±


    Doctor Qiuined, ¡°Silly girl, what nonsense you speak! Qingzhou is far morefortable than the capital. To havepanionship while this old man drinks wine, I''d happily live out my remaining years here! Besides, your master said long ago: wherever you are, there will I be also. None of these formalities between us!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing snorted withughter. ¡°Those were your words: ¡®Wherever I am, there you shall be!¡¯ What if someday I marry? Will you tag along as dowry!¡±


    Doctor Qiu red. ¡°And why not? Even as your dowry, I would still be your master. Your husband''s household will have to continue supporting me! Besides, with me there to look after you, surely he wouldn''t dare mistreat you, lest one packet of poison dispatch his whole n to the next life!¡±


    Jiang Yuqingughed even harder hearing this. As sheughed, her eyes grew misty. She held onto the old man''s arm and gently shook it. ¡°Dear Master, you are too good to me!¡±


    Doctor Qiu lovingly patted her on the head. ¡°Silly girl!¡±


    utterly devoted to medicine, the old man had remained unmarried lifelong. Nowte in years, having apprenticed this girl behind closed doors, for over ten years it remained just so - he regarded her as his own daughter.


    And he too had utterly spoiled this child. Thus early on he''d determined: wherever his little apprentice might roam, there too shall he make his home.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing heard the news. Word was that the great serpent which had terrorized Tea Bag Ridge had, just yesterday, run off to Shi Shan Wan and swallowed a small child and a puppy whole.


    But that very afternoon some hero had ughtered the vile brute and delivered its head to Shi Shan Wan, along with the little boy''s recovered corpse. Heaven only knows what immortal had performed this great deed!


    And now, that snake head with jaws big enough to swallow a cow hung from Crooked Neck Tree at the vige border for all to gawk at.


    They said the thing had been enormous in life. Why, just one head weighed over a dozen stone, with eyeballs the size of cattle¡¯s! And protruding fangs more than an inch long each, terrifying as all hell.


    Nowadays many traveled to Shi Shan Wan just to see the spectacle.


    And Jiang Yuqing went along to see the hubbub with her household.


    As the old couple scrutinized the snake head while cursing the vile brute, Jiang Yuqing concealed herself amidst the crowd, closely observing all around.


    She may have killed the snake, but wherever its master still drew breath, he would surely seek revenge once word reached him.


    Rather than a fruitless search far and wide, better to wait in ambush right here for that man to appear himself.


    Yet neither could she linger here indefinitely, and so she secretly called to the birds, dogs and cats and other beasts nearby.


    She asked them to help keep watch on the area around Crooked Neck Tree where the snake head hung. And toe report immediately if they spotted anyone suspicious.


    Jiang Yuqing gave the animals some food and they cheerfully consented.


    For seven or eight straight days she kept her vigil so,sting till the Lantern Festival had passed. By then the snake head had already rotted and stunk and been reduced to ashes.


    Then one day a bird came pping anxiously to her with news: ¡°A strange two-legged beast came to Crooked Neck Tree today!


    That two-leg was bundled up whole in ashen grey robes with even the face covered, showing only the eyes.


    He said some queer things beneath Crooked Neck Tree, stuff like, ¡®Useless thing. Better off dead,¡¯ and, ¡®How dare these foolish mortals kill this noble one''s spirit beast. I swear they shall all pay the price!¡¯


    Also there was something really ufortable about his aura, gave us all bad feelings.¡±


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard this she knew: the man she''d awaited hade atst! So she quickly asked the bird, where was he now?


    The bird replied that after circling the tree a few times the man had left. But some of its kin still followed covertly after him.


    Jiang Yuqing promptly praised it. ¡°Well done! When I''ve caught the viin I''ll bring back tasty treats for you all!¡±


    Then exining hastily to Doctor Qiu she bade him provide cover, before pping an invisibility talisman onto herself and dashing off right after the little bird.


    It was atop Teabag Ridge that Jiang Yuqing finally ran down the ashen-robed man, subsequently tailing him back into that very same cavern.


    Seeing the serpent''s giant corpse chopped apart on the ground below, the ash-d figure unleashed a shriek to rival all the hounds of hell.


    Only after smashing down several stone stgmites did his fit finally subside as he slumped down limply beside the reeking snake carcass.


    Head lowered despondently, seemingly lost in thought, both hands clenched tight into white-knuckled fists with bulging veins.


    Likely plotting his revenge against all mankind. Taking advantage of his unawareness, Jiang Yuqing tore off her invisibility talisman to reveal herself alongside Bai Xiaoshi.


    ¡°Dreaming up ways to avenge your precious spirit beast?¡± Their voices echoed eerily through the vast cavern, giving the ash-d man quite the dreadful shock.


    ncing up he beheld, just ten paces before himself, a young girl of twelve or thirteen years.


    The girl wore a voluminous red fox fur cloak, withplexion like snow and bearing ethereal as a winter sprite. But chiefly those crimson lotuses upon her brow, lurid enough to strike terror.


    For all her smiling air, an uncanny quality pervaded about her that chilled the man to his very bones.


    Immediately his tension redoubled. Every muscle in his body taut as bowstring while his broken croak of a voice roared harshly, ¡°Who are you? How have you tracked me here!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing''s smile turned rather wicked as she produced a jade box from her pouch and tossed it over. ¡°Take a look at this!¡±


    The ash-d man warily eyed her even as he caught the projectile and cracked it open.


    Then his eyes instantly flooded crimson. ¡°Twas you who murdered my Golden Crown? Do you even grasp whatbor it cost me, what devotion to contract it?¡± With a fierce bellow of, ¡°Die, you wretch!¡± he lobbed away the jade box. Molding a ball of me in hands he prepared to hurl it right at Jiang Yuqing.


    But with casual ease she sidestepped the missile, before unleashing the full pressure of her Foundation Establishment cultivation to tten him against the floor in an instant.


    ¡°A mere three-spirit-rooted, fifthyer Qi Condensation worm dares style himself ¡®this noble one¡¯ in my presence?¡± she thundered severely. ¡°I care not what vermin you contract! ughtering that man-eating cur was trivial as can be! And one such as you would challenge me?¡±


    Never had the ash-d man even dreamt that in today''s Dharma Ending Age, cultivators of Foundation Establishment still walked the earth.


    So hurriedly he pleaded for his life. ¡°Elder have mercy! This junior knew not of elder''s eminence, and offended most grievously! I beg elder''s pardon!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing coldlyughed, "Excuse me, let''s see if what you''ve done is worth me letting you off." I ask you, where did this beaste from?"


    The gray-robed man said, "It was just caught in the deep mountains. My inheritance is a technique for taming beasts. This beast doesn''t listen to control very well, so it ran out privately."


    Jiang Yuqing angrily scolded, "You still dare to make excuses! This beast is your life spirit beast,municating with your mind and intentions. How could you not know that it was eating people? Clearly you intentionally let it loose.


    Does the inheritance of the Beast Control Sect teach you to use spirit beasts to harm mortals?


    I''ve already been waiting under the Crooked Neck Tree for many days, and I heard every word you said clearly.


    If it wasn''t for me running into you, I''m afraid you''d already be thinking of how to retaliate against those vigers.


    Your heart is immoral, what you cultivate is clearly an evil path!"


    The gray-robed man was so scared that he trembled like a sieve: "I dare not, I dare not! This inferior one was just trying to take advantage with words!" Even when facing death, he was still making excuses.


    Jiang Yuqing was toozy to waste words with him. She directly pped a Truth Talisman onto him.


    Soon after, this evil cultivator confessed everything about his past and the dirty things he had done clearly and thoroughly, even telling the color of his underwear, it was truly grating to the ears.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing know that this guy was actually a disciple of Huayang Zi from the Three Purities Temple on the outskirts of the capital.


    Later, because his heart was immoral, he secretly practiced evil arts behind everyone''s back. After being discovered by Huayang Zi, his martial arts were abolished and he was expelled from the sect.


    Who would have thought that he still had the fortune for the Dao.


    After leaving the Three Purities Temple, while picking poisonous herbs on a mountain, his foot missed a step and he fell down a cliff. To his surprise, he discovered the cave dwelling of an ancient cultivator.


    This ancient cultivator was actually a Foundation Establishment stage disciple from the Beast Control Sect.


    Due to the passage of many years, the belongings of the Beast Control Sect disciple like storage bags had turned to ashes, only a few basic immortal jade notes were left preserved.


    After picking it up, he went straight down the crooked demonic path with no return, until being caught by Jiang Yuqing.


    If this was in her previous life, this guy would definitely be a protagonist of Jin Yong''s novels. Unfortunately, he had the luck of a protagonist but not the fate, and eventually still fell into her hands.


    What happened next was easy to tell. Jiang Yuqing escorted this guy to his cave dwelling deep in the mountains.


    As a result, she saw a mountain cave full of animals tortured and on the verge of dying.


    She was furious at that moment, and pped apart his dantian.


    The gray-robed man painfully fell to the ground wailing, loudly cursing: "Damn b****, you said that as long as I brought you here, you''d let me keep my life. You are unconscionable, you will not die well!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled profoundly: "I said I would spare your life, but didn''t say I wouldn''t abolish your cultivation."


    Afterwards, she flicked her sleeve, severing all the bindings on the animals, and shouted loudly: "To bear a grudge is to repay it, to owe vengeance is to take it, go!"


    As soon as her words ended, the freed beasts, filled with hatred and towering fury, swarmed them, instantly tearing apart the gray-robed man into pieces before he could even scream out a few times.


    Jiang Yuqing turned her back and walked out of the cave entrance, seeing the countless skeletons of various animals below the cliffs, ayer of ice on her face.


    Good and evil will have karmic retribution in the end. The gray-robes harmed so many animals to eventually became food in the mouths of the beasts.

 Chapter 152: Monkey Wine

    <h4>Chapter 152</h4>


    The animals that could be seen by Gray Robe and tried to be caught were all the best among their species or even the leaders of their groups. Their intelligence would not be too low.


    Therefore, after the animals dealt with Gray Robe, they all squatted down with their front limbs and lowered their heads to the ground to express their gratitude to Jiang Yuqing.


    Seeing these guys covered in scars, Jiang Yuqing was quite moved.


    She simply did a good deed to the end and used Rejuvenation Technique to heal all their injuries at once.


    The animals cried excitedly, circled Jiang Yuqing a few times, and let out a long howl towards the woods.


    This was to announce to this piece of woods that they had regained new life.


    Jiang Yuqing waved to them and said, "Go back, don''t get caught again in the future!"


    The animals understood her words. They knelt down again to express their gratitude to her, then left the cave without looking back.


    After the animals left, Jiang Yuqing searched the entire cave and found the few jade tablets with beast control inheritance that Gray Robe had mentioned. She collected them into her Spiritual Realm.


    In addition, she found some things that looked like Taoist stuff at the first nce, such as scriptures, magic tools,passes, and so on.


    Among them was a very ancient sheepskin scroll with a broken antiquity. Jiang Yuqing opened it and took a look. It was full of all kinds of weird texts and symbols that she couldn''t understand at all, literally iprehensible.


    She found a box and packed everything up to take away. After returning to the capital city, she would go to Three Purities Temple to ask Huayang Zi for some benefits.


    Anyway, she had also helped him clean up the door, so whether more or less, he had to give her somebor costs.


    After searching for all the valuable things in the cave, Jiang Yuqing threw out a spell technique. The entire cave copsed instantly, burying all the evil under the ground. Dust returns to dust, soil returns to soil.


    After settling all this, Jiang Yuqing was about to leave when a Golden Monkey suddenly stopped her. Jiang Yuqing wondered, "Hey, little guy, why haven''t you left yet?"


    The Golden Monkey said, "Benefactor, you saved my life. I wonder if you cane to my tribe as a guest?"


    Jiang Yuqing was taken aback for a moment before saying, "I can, but won''t your people be afraid of us humans?"


    The monkey anxiously said, "No, you are my benefactor, and the aura on you smells especially good. We can feel the kindness in you."


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and said with a smile, "In that case, I ept your invitation."


    The Golden Monkey was overjoyed and jumped onto a tree to lead the way for Jiang Yuqing. It said, "My tribe lives by the river valley two mountain tops away. Please follow me, benefactor!"


    This was a remote deep mountain with rare human traces and primitive jungles. Naturally there was no road.


    The Golden Monkey moved fast, and Jiang Yuqing followed it with great difficulty. Later, she simply summoned her flying sword, pulled the monkey to fly along the treetops, which made things much easier.


    The monkey was overjoyed and said, "Turns out the benefactor is an immortal!"


    Jiang Yuqing just smiled without refuting its words. She simply sped up her flying sword. Soon they arrived at the river valley it had referred to, and indeed heard the cries of the monkey troop.


    Jiang Yuqing carried it down to the ground. The Golden Monkey climbed to the highest tree and shouted loudly around it for several times.


    The valley was quiet for a while, then countless roars rose one after another, echoing each other, seeming to respond to the Golden Monkey¡¯s words.


    Then violent shakes of the treetops came from all directions, and the monkey troop was on the move.


    Jiang Yuqing saw dense monkeys swarming up instantly and waspletely stunned. The number of this monkey troop was a bit too huge.


    With her limited knowledge in her previous life, a normal monkey troop seemed to have only dozens of monkeys at most, and it was very rare for more than 100 of them to appear.


    While there were at least thousands here, whichpletely subverted her cognition.


    But then she thought that even she could have a new life and cultivate immortality now, so it was not too surprising that the monkey troop was just rtivelyrger.


    The Golden Monkey she had saved had an obviouslyrger physique than the other monkeys, and its fur was more gorgeous too. It was clearly the leader of this huge group.


    Jiang Yuqing watched it yelling with the tribes for a while. She could probably guess the general meaning that it had been caught by the bad guys and was saved by the benefactor (her).


    Then, all the monkeys looked towards Jiang Yuqing uniformly. Being stared at by so many monkey eyes, she felt a strange sense of pressure.


    Somehow, when she had watched monkey performances on the streets of the capital before, watching monkeys was just watching monkeys.


    But now in the monkey¡¯s territory, she became the ¡°monkey¡± in the monkeys'' eyes, or some exotic goods.


    Fortunately, it was a friendly monkey troop with a nice leader.


    To thank the benefactor of their group, without waiting for the leader¡¯s order, the monkeys brought Jiang Yuqing all kinds of fruits one after another to express their gratitude.


    In a short while, a mountain of fruits was piled up in the open space.


    Many of them were what Jiang Yuqing had never seen before.


    She randomly picked a few, smiled at the monkeys and said, "There are too many fruits. I can''t finish them. These few are enough. Take the rest back and eat them yourselves, otherwise they will rot and be wasted."


    Animals are not good at human courtesies. Since Jiang Yuqing let them take them back, the monkeys really took them back.


    The Golden Monkey took Jiang Yuqing to a big tree that needed a few people to hug, and pointed to the big hole in the middle of the trunk, indicating that there were good things inside and letting her go up.


    Without any doubt, Jiang Yuqing flew up on her sword to take a look. To her surprise, she saw a ¡°liquid¡± in the tree hole.


    The liquid was clearly transparent to the bottom, but there was a very strong and pleasant wine fragrance.


    Even Jiang Yuqing, who was not interested in wine herself, couldn''t help sniffing it a few more times. Looking closely, there were also many fruits sunk at the bottom of the ¡°liquid¡±.


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly thought of a legendary thing called "monkey wine".


    Legend has it that mountain monkeys collected all kinds of fruits in a hole for winter food storage. If there was nock of food that winter, the monkeys would forget about the stored hundreds of fruits in a hole. Then the fruits would gradually ferment and be monkey wine.


    It was a truly invaluable wild wine that was precious and hard toe by.


    Jiang Yuqing dipped her finger in the wine and tasted it with her tongue. It turned out to be wine indeed, with a wonderful and indescribable vor and aroma.


    Jiang Yuqing asked the Golden Monkey, "This is a great thing. Are you sure you want to give it to me?"


    The Golden Monkey said, "Our tribe is not interested in such rotten fruit water. But I¡¯ve heard from the old monkeys that you humans like it. Some humans even came to our ce specifically looking for this kind of fruit water before. Benefactor, please take them all if you like it!"


    Since the Golden Monkey said so, Jiang Yuqing would certainly not stand on ceremony.


    After thanking the Golden Monkey, she took out a bunch of empty wine jars from her Spiritual Realm, and spent a full hour and a half taking all the monkey wine in the tree hole without leaving a single drop.


    There was nearly a thousand catties in total, packed into fifty to sixty jars, big and small. She was truly overjoyed.


    The males and seniors in her family were all wine lovers. Such a treasure taken home to honor them would surely delight them.


    After filling up the wine, the Golden Monkey took Jiang Yuqing to therge cave where the monkeys lived. As soon as she entered the cave, Jiang Yuqing was stunned.


    Because scattered in the cave, there were severalrge and small natural Gold Nuggets, with thergest one weighing at least twenty to thirty catties, and the smaller ones weighing a few catties.


    Seeing that she was interested in these shiny stones, the Golden Monkey said, "These are all brought back by the little ones in our group to y with. After they get tired of ying, they just throw them here randomly. Benefactor, feel free to take them away if you like them."


    Jiang Yuqing swallowed, and finally couldn''t help collecting all the Gold Nuggets into her Spiritual Realm.


    She asked the Golden Monkey, "Do you know where these shiny stones were picked up? They are very important to us humans!"


    Because where there were natural Gold Nuggets, it represented gold mines. Monkeys could easily pick up so many natural gold blocks, indicating that the gold reserves here must be huge and of high quality.


    The Golden Monkey said, "I know. Go over this mountain, then over another mountain, there are few trees there, only stones. I''ve been there to y before too."


    "Can you take me there? I can take you to fly directly there and then send you back."


    The Golden Monkey said excitingly, "Of course I can." It loved the feeling of flying in the air, which was just great.


    Jiang Yuqing summoned her flying sword again, threw it into the air, pulled the Golden Monkey on it, and flew in the direction it had pointed out.


    After crossing over two big mountains, Jiang Yuqing finally saw arge expanse of weeds and rocky mountains as expected.


    In the distance, two rivers flowed through the gorges between the high mountains and converged here.


    Calcting the approximate orientation, she had already reached the border between Qingzhou County and Baichong County of Fuzhou Prefecture.


    Jiang Yuqing and the monkeynded on the ground. Jiang Yuqing released her spiritual sense, searched the entire rocky mountain, and as expected, found some gold nuggets in the shallow soil again.


    Then she took out a mining shovel from her spiritual space and dug out a few visibly gold-bearing ores.


    Afterwards, she recorded detailed orientation maps and drawings, and also took out a small piece of gold, put them together in a box, preparing to report to the imperial court after returning to the capital.


    Private mining was punishable by execution of nine generations of one''s family, but the current emperor was still eptable. The taxes were not heavy and themon people also lived rather securely. She had no ns to rebel for the time being.


    As for the remaining work, it was none of her business. She knew nothing about mining, professional matters naturally had to be handled by professionals.


    After sending the golden monkey back to its tribe, to thank them for their gift, Jiang Yuqing gave them arge pile of spiritual fruits, enough for the entire tribe to enjoy a good meal.


    She decided that when reporting the gold mine, she would write another note, urging the imperial court that when mining, they must pay close attention to protecting the surrounding environment.


    In particr, be careful not to harm this group of lovely monkeys who live very close to the gold mountain.


    After leaving Monkey Valley, Jiang Yuqing did not return home directly, but went to Teabag Ridge again.


    Seeing the lush tea trees covering the mountains and fields, and the clusters of green little fruits on the branches, Jiang Yuqing suddenlyughed.


    Tea trees, Tea Bag Mountain, so that¡¯s how it is. Unfortunately, she had never been here before, so she had missed the treasure for many years.


    Jiang Yuqing raised her hand and snapped off a branch, preparing to take it back home.


    Bai Xiaoshi, her spiritual pet, jumped out of her spiritual space and mocked her: ¡°What is your standard, looking for such an ugly branch.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing gave her spiritual pet a contemptuous look: ¡°What do you know? This is a treasure. Don¡¯t think you are invincible in the world just because you have lived for tens of thousands of years. You still have a lot to learn!¡±


    ¡°Tsk!¡± The dignified spiritual pet did not need to know.

 Chapter 153: We’re going to buy Mountains Tomorrow.

    <h4>Chapter 153</h4>


    When Lingdao Family''s Yiqi Ling reached home, the sky had already darkened.


    Doctor Qiu asked her why she took so long. Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°I caught that snake charmer, an evil Daoist. He lived deep in the mountains, and it took some effort to find hisir.¡±


    ¡°Did you kill him?¡±


    ¡°He''s dead. I only crippled his Dantian. He had captured many fierce beasts in his caveir, so I set them free, and then the beasts chewed him up skin and bones.¡±


    ¡°Also, I obtained some good stuff that I¡¯ll bring to youter.¡±


    Upon hearing there was good stuff, Doctor Qiu immediately became interested: ¡°What good stuff?¡±


    ¡°Guess?¡± Jiang Yuqing deliberately tantalized him!


    Doctor Qiu shook his head: ¡°This old man can¡¯t guess. Just tell me directly!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and took out a small jar from her spiritual space, gently lifting the lid to reveal a tiny gap. An exotic and wonderful wine aroma instantly burst out.


    With his sensitive nose, Doctor Qiu''s spirit immediately lifted. He quickly grabbed the wine jar and eximed, ¡°What wine is this? Howe it smells so good, it''s making me drool!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°Among the animals I rescued was the leader of a tribe of over a thousand golden snub-nosed monkeys. This wine was identally brewed by those monkeys.¡±


    Upon hearing it was the legendary monkey wine, Doctor Qiu was shocked speechless. He blurted out, ¡°Monkey wine? Good heavens! My dear, you sure struck gold this time!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing boasted, ¡°Of course, I am Heavenly Dao''s dear daughter. Not only did I obtain monkey wine this trip, I also found a gold mine!¡±


    She then recounted how she saw fool''s gold inside the monkey''s cave, and had the big golden snub-nosed monkey lead her to the gold mine. Doctor Qiu was stunned speechless for a long time.


    After a while, he said in aplicated tone, ¡°My dear, regarding the gold mine, just telling your dad is enough. Don''t mention it to others. I''m afraid they can''t handle it.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing agreed, ¡°I was thinking the same. Grandpa and Grandma are getting on in years. Not as unppable as you. I''m afraid if they learn about the gold mine, they may not even be able to sleep.¡±


    Doctor Qiu''s excuse for her was that she went up the mountain to gather herbs.


    Because she returnedte, the family had already eaten dinner. They would have to wait until lunch tomorrow for an opportunity to bring out the monkey wine.


    The kitchen kept dinner warm for Jiang Yuqing. She casually ate two bowls before going to find her brother, Jiang Yuhu.


    Jiang Yuqing knocked on the door, ¡°Third brother, are you asleep yet?¡±


    A voice immediately responded from inside, ¡°Is that my little sister? The door''s unlocked,e in yourself!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing pushed open the door and walked in to see her third brother, Jiang Yuhu, sitting at his desk looking over an ount book, while his wife, Chen Yingying, yed with their son Lin Ye on the couch.


    Seeing her arrive, Chen Yingying quickly got up to greet her and invited her to sit.


    Jiang Yuqing thanked her third sister-inw and went forward to y with her little nephew, "Lin Ye, do you miss Auntie?"


    "Miss!" Although only one year and two months old, the little guy could already speak very clearly, much better than she was at his age.


    Back then, when she was over a year old, her tongue couldn¡¯t make turns well, and it was hard for her to speak.


    When annoyed, she would babble strings of iprehensible baby talk that no one but herself could understand.


    Jiang Yuqing heartily kissed the chubby cheeks of the little guy. Creamy, bouncy, the texture felt awesome.


    After kissing him, she pretended to use her head to nudge him, making the little guy giggle loudly.


    Chen Yingying personally poured her a cup of tea. Jiang Yuqing thanked her and drank it all in one go. She was quite thirsty after just eating dinner.


    Jiang Yuhu said, "Little sister, since you came to see me sote, there must be something.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing put down her cup, went to sit across from him at his desk, and took out a branch she had folded from her bag, handing it over to him, ¡°Third brother, do you recognize this?¡±


    Jiang Yuhu took it and looked it over, ¡°Isn''t this a tea tree branch? That whole Tea Mountain area is covered with these things. The branches are hard and heavy, and they give off a lot of smoke when burned. Even as firewood this stuff is too crappy."


    Jiang Yuqing chuckled, ¡°While these tea trees seem worthless weeds to you, brother, they are treasures in my eyes.¡±


    ¡°Treasures?¡± Jiang Yuhu looked left and right at the ordinary branch in his hand, ¡°Go on, what sort of treasures?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing said, ¡°This tea tree¡¯s urate name should be oil tea tree. The fruits on the trees, the teabags, ripen after the autumn frost each year.


    Peel out the seeds inside the bags, dry them in the sun, grind into powder, steam, press into cakes, extract oil throughpression, you can produce the most fragrant, most pure, highest grade wonderful oil. Nothing better for stir frying dishes!


    Moreover, the oil yield is pretty high, with over three taels of oil produced from one catty of ck seeds.¡±


    In her previous life, this tea-seed camellia oil was also known as ¡°Oriental olive oil.¡± It contained many nutrients essential to the human body.


    Genuine camellia oil was expensive,parable to a luxury in cooking oils.


    Jiang Yuqing paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°The crushed remnants left after oil extraction can be used to kill crop pests and act as excellent fertilizer.¡±


    ¡°The discarded tea shells can also be used to smoke cured meat. The cured meat turns a golden yellow, and has a distinctive tea aroma.¡±


    After finishing her exnation, Jiang Yuqing looked at her third brother.


    Jiang Yuhu painfully swallowed his saliva. After a long while, he deeply inhaled and said, ¡°Tomorrow, let¡¯s go to the county government and buy Tea Mountain!¡±


    Conversations with smart people were so refreshing. With the matter settled, Jiang Yuqing bid them goodnight and left, her merits deeply hidden.


    With her third brother¡¯s capabilities, the family would soon gain another gold goose.


    Early next morning, Jiang Yuhu went to the county government, stating his desire to purchase Tea Mountain and redevelop it for other crops.


    That mountain was deste and unproductivend. Given the immense face the Jiang n had, Jiang Yuhu spent barely any effort to purchase the entire Tea Mountain at market price.


    To celebrate this joyous event, Jiang Yuqing specially took out a jar of monkey wine for lunch. As soon as the jar opened, the wine aroma immediately captivated everyone present.


    Hearing this was the legendary monkey wine, all were astonished.


    Old Man Jiang reacted the quickest. He jumped up, shoved his son aside, grabbed the wine jar, and ran off with it.


    But he was blocked by Doctor Qiu, ¡°What do you think you''re doing? Quickly put that down! This wine is what my esteemed disciple gifted everyone. What makes you think you can grab it all for yourself?¡±


    Old Man Jiang red at him, ¡°I can because I''m her dear grandpa! Furthermore, what¡¯s so special that you all can taste from it? I won¡¯t let good stuff get ruined!¡±


    With one sentence, he offended a whole room of people.


    Old Lady Hu coldly put down her chopsticks with a loud nk, ring at him, ¡°You senile coot, say it again! Who ruined what? If you can''t exin yourself properly today, this olddy will teach you a lesson!¡±


    Seeing Old Lady Hu get angry, Old Man Jiang instantly cowered, stammering, ¡°No...no, I misspoke, it was a slip of tongue.¡±


    Old Lady Hu didn''t care whether he was deliberately taunting or actually slipped up. Still frowning, she ordered, ¡°Put down that jar and return to your original seat!¡±


    Under Old Lady Hu¡¯s enormous pressure, Old Man Jiang reluctantly put down the wine jar, though his eyes kept glued onto it without blinking once.


    He was utterly cowardly and ipetent, making the whole room struggle not tough.


    In the end, it was Jiang Yuqing who stood up and evenly poured everyone a small cup of wine.


    ¡°This monkey wine tastes great, but the afterkick is not weak. Drink in moderation, everyone!¡±


    As such, after drinking one cup and experiencing that wonderful fairnd vor, the women stopped drinking. The remaining half jar of wine went to the men of the family.


    That included her two brothers and two uncles. Restricted by Old Man Jiang¡¯s coercive might, even they didn¡¯t dare drink more than two small cups each.


    Doctor Qiu had no such qualms. For every cup you drink, I must also drink one. Don¡¯t even think about keeping it all to yourself. In the tussle over thest drops, the two almost started fighting.


    In the end, both got drunk. In his intoxicated state, Doctor Qiu muttered, ¡°Don¡¯ think... think ya won... won over me. Lemme... lemme tell ya... I still... still got...whole ¡®nother full jar... all gifted by my... li¡¯l disciple.¡±


    Hearing that made Old Man Jiang jealous, ¡°Yer disciple¡¯s so... so nice. I ain¡¯t... ain¡¯t gonna fight you. Share some... some with me too, ¡®kay?¡±


    Then realizing it wasn¡¯t right, he suddenly yelled loudly, ¡°You wily coot! Yer tryin¡¯a trick me! That disciple... she¡¯s none other... other than my precious... gran¡¯daughter! You ck-hearted ingrate!¡±


    After scolding him, he blearily looked at Jiang Yuqing, ¡°My dear, have you... have you stopped lovin¡¯ Gramps? Now that you... you hav¡¯a Master you forgot... forgot Gramps. So unfilial!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing''s head was pounding. She patted the old man on the shoulder and said, "Who said that? I love both my master and grandfather. I have also prepared a separate jar for you, I just haven''t had a chance to give it to you yet."


    "Really?"


    "Really!" The old man was finally satisfied upon receiving an affirmative answer. He tilted his head and passed out drunk.


    As soon as Doctor Qiu saw Old Man Jiang copse, he followed suit and keeled over as well.


    Jiang Yuqing speechlessly lifted her head, directly meeting a deep, profound gaze. Her uncle Jiang Wenkang said lightly, "Good girl, do you only love your master and grandfather?"


    Jiang Yuqing broke out in a cold sweat, smiled awkwardly and said, "No, I love everyone, really!"


    "Then what about the wine...?"


    "Everyone has their own jar, really! I''ll deliver them to everyone after we finish eating!"


    "Hm, now that''s more like it!"


    Jiang Yuqing called for someone toe and take the two old men back to their rooms separately. Afterwards, she wolfed down her meal in three or two bites, then went to prepare the wine.


    Five jin per jar of monkey wine. One jar per person. Plus the jar from this afternoon and the one she sent to Doctor Qiust night, that was already nine jars gone.


    She had to set some aside for the family members at home. Naturally she couldn''t y favorites with the other close rtives either, so she had to set aside a jar for each of them as well.


    She would also need to pay respects to her maternal grandfather and uncle, so she set aside some jars to bring back to the capital for her parents and elder brother.


    She would also need to send some to the Emperor and Empress, as well as Jing Yan. She couldn''t forget to send some to Li Deshun either.


    She also needed to send a jar to Old General Qin and one to Old Duke each.


    The two old generals had helped her tremendously and had not mistreated her. Especially Old General Qin, with whom she had a special bond from when they ate from the same big pot.


    She heard that when they were building the monument to her heroic deeds, these two had spoken up for her and even personally beat up some critical Confucian schrs.


    She had obtained a total of a thousand jin of monkey wine, which sounded like a lot. But after dividing it up this way, she was afraid there wouldn''t be much left for herself.


    Oh well, if there was none left then so be it. She didn''t care much for drinking anyway, just tasting it was enough. She had obtained the wine for them in the first ce.


    With the big family affairs settled, there were still two urgent matters that demanded her attention.


    One was the newspaper business, the other was the gold mine. Especially thetter - it was a hugely important matter, so she had to handle it cautiously. She didn''t even dare send any letters by carrier pigeon. If someone malicious shot down the pigeon, it would definitely cause tremendous chaos.


    Aside from those two things, there was another big happeninging up in the capital.


    Her father had sent word that envoys from Japan would soon arrive in the capital regarding their captured countryman, Kamezo Kikuchi.


    She had kept Kikuchi alive all this time instead of feeding him to the sharks precisely so that they could demand a ransom from Japan - no, war reparations!


    Now that the fat sheep was on its way, she certainly couldn''t miss out on the spectacle of ughtering it.

 Chapter 154: Mountains Are Where they belong

    <h4>Chapter 154</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing couldn''t stay home with things on her mind. She told her elders at home that she was going to the capital.


    Although the elders were reluctant to part with her, they knew they shouldn''t block the child''s path forward. They silently prepared luggage for her to take to the capital.


    Jiang Yuqing assured the elders that she woulde back to visit them when she had time off in the future.


    After staying at home for another two days and taking care of some odds and ends, she walked out the door on the 20th day of the first month. The elders sent her off for quite a distance before heading back.


    To avoid appearing in the capital too early and arousing suspicion, master and disciple traveled by carriage past two provincial administrations before returning to the capital city by flight.


    When Jiang Wenyuan and his wife saw their precious daughter, they were utterly delighted. They asked how the trip went and if things were peaceful at home.


    Jiang Yuqing said everyone at home was safe, and told them about the tea oil trees, which made the couple very amused.


    There was now another source of ie in their hometown that could directly or indirectly drive quite a bit ofbor. Jiang Wenyuan was very pleased to hear it.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t report any worries, keeping to herself the matter of ying the snake and the evil daoist, so as not to make her family anxious.


    That night, Lu personally cooked a full table of delicious food in the kitchen for the master and disciple to wee them back.


    Jiang Yuqing took out the monkey wine she brought for her father and brother, which made the father and son extremely happy.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "When I went up the mountain to gather herbs, I happened to rescue arge monkey, the leader of a big monkey troop, very intelligent. This monkey wine was gifted to me in gratitude."


    Although Jiang Wenyuan was happy, he did not forget about the family: "Is everyone at home okay?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Yes, Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle all have some too."


    "That''s good then!"


    After the meal, Jiang Yuqing followed her father and brother into the study. Jiang Yuchuan had already entered into government service, so there was no need to keep anything more from him.


    Jiang Yuqing first told Jiang Wenyuan about the newspaper publication ns. As soon as Jiang Wenyuan heard it, his eyes lit up and he eximed it was feasible.


    He immediately had his son write down the key points his daughter described. Moreover, if approved for the newspaper, the task would most likely fall to the Imperial Academy.


    That ce was the talent reserve for Da Xia''s top schrs. There would be no shortage of people who could write well, so it would give them good practice while benefiting the newspaper.


    After discussing that matter, Jiang Yuqing brought up another more important one. She ced the box she was holding on the desk and opened it: "Take a look at this!"


    Neither her father nor brother were fools. Seeing what was inside the box, they immediately broke out in a cold sweat: "Dear, did you discover a gold mine?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded. "Yes. I found nuggets on the ground in the big monkey¡¯sir, so I deduced there must be a gold mine near where they live. I had the big monkey lead me to find it, and sure enough there was.


    It¡¯s in arge rocky mountain where the two rivers converge in our Qingzhou County and the neighboring Baichong County. I''ve drawn the specific location in detail and marked it."


    As I know nothing about mining, I couldn''t judge the reserves or quality. Experts will need to be sent by the court to survey it."


    With Da Xia now buildingrge batches of treasure ships needing money, Jiang Wenyuan was trulyplexly emotional, not knowing what to say to reward his dear daughter who had brought news of yet another visible gold mine.


    After quite a while he finally stood up and solemnly saluted Jiang Yuqing, "Jiang Wenyuan, on behalf of all the people under heaven, thanks the Princess Protector of the State!"


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t know whether tough or cry. "If I had known Father would be so courteous with me, I wouldn''t have said anything!"


    Jiang Wenyuan suddenly thought of something. "Dear, you didn''t tell anyone else about the gold mine, did you?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Only Master knows. It¡¯s a major issue, so I didn''t spread it around. Otherwise I would''ve sent you a carrier pigeon message already."


    "Good then!"


    Having gotten a huge matter off his chest, Jiang Yuqing did not continue cultivating in the spiritual realm. She returned to her own room in the house to have a good night''s sleep.


    The next day, before dawn, Jiang Wenyuan got up and went to the imperial court. After court adjourned, Jiang Wenyuan did not go to manage official business at the Ministry of Revenue per usual. Instead, holding a box, he apanied the Emperor to the Imperial Study.


    As soon as Emperor Xia Jing saw him like this, he knew there was something going on. He had the little eunuch offer Jiang Wenyuan a seat, and said, "I heard Qingbao has returned to the capital?"


    "Yes, she only came back right before the city gates closedst night."


    Emperor Xia Jing said, "When she has time, have here to the pce more often.


    Now that My daughters are all married off, the pce has not even a small child. It feels very empty.


    She''s a lively one. If she came, it would liven things up."


    Jiang Wenyuan politely agreed, but privatelyined:


    Oh I see, now that Your daughter is married out, you''ve set sights on my precious darling!


    I only have this one beloved troublemaker. If she busied herself frequently in the pce, wouldn''t my home be empty? Wishful thinking!


    But he didn''t forget the real matter amidst hisining thoughts.


    The Emperor understood with one nce. He sent out all the pce attendants except Li Deshun.


    Only after everyone had left did Emperor Xia Jing finally say, "Go on, what¡¯s the good news this time?"


    Jiang Wenyuan didn''t beat around the bush. He first talked about the newspaper matter. After hearing it, Emperor Xia Jing also felt it held great promise.


    "Let''s do this - leave that memorial first for the ministers to review. We''ll reconvene in three days to discuss it together. If there are no issues, we''ll proceed!"


    "Yes, Your Majesty!"


    "What about the other matter? It would not warrant My dismissing the attendants!"


    Jiang Wenyuan ced the box he brought onto the imperial desk and opened the lid. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, please take a look!"


    The Emperor realized it was gold ore in one nce, and was greatly shocked. "Where did thise from?!"


    Jiang Wenyuan ryed to him the same story his daughter had told, trimming it down a bit.


    After hearing it, the Emperor was so happy he eximed, "Qingbao really is a blessing star of my Great Xia!"


    He happily paced about the room several times. Facing Li Deshun, he ordered, "Summon the Minister of Public Works!"


    Li Deshun gave an acknowledgment. He promptly sent someone to summon the Minister of Public Works.


    After arranging for the right person, the Emperor continued listening, prepared to hear more from Jiang Wenyuan. But then he addressedmands to Li Deshun again: "Didn''t the Imperial Household Department recently put out new batches of jewelry and ornaments? Go select the finest pieces to send to Qingbao.


    Also, there¡¯s still those two bolts of Shu lingxiao silk, send those too. Come to think of it, that hot spring manor near Qingyu Mountain on the western outskirts is also pretty nice. Give that to her as well!"


    Jiang Wenyuan immediately knelt to decline such heavy rewards on his daughter''s behalf!


    But Emperor Xia Jing happily said, "These are all things Qingbao deserves."


    Soon after, Minister of Public Works Wen Wuji came trembling in. The old gentleman was already over sixty. He had petitioned to resignst year. But as Emperor Xia Jing still hadn''t found good enough recements, the old Minister could only bear continued hardship for a period longer.


    Hearing that gold was discovered again in Qingzhou, the old minister was utterly delighted, needless to say.


    Of course he also understood that before investigations, this matter must not be leaked to outsiders. Therefore, no matter whoter tried to inquire of him, he would pretend utter ignorance.


    Upon returning, he secretly selected the most capable mining experts under him. Bringing Jiang Yuqing''s map and a team, they disguised themselves as merchants heading for Qingzhou.


    Around this time, Jiang Yuqing was everywhere looking for Bai Xiaojiu.


    Her mother said ever since she left the capitalst year, Bai Xiaojiu seldom came home. On its infrequent returns it would only check if she came back. Seeing she hadn''t returned, it would leave again. It must have a new home out in the mountains and wilds.


    Not having seen it for so long, Jiang Yuqing quite missed the big tiger. She decided to go look for it.


    So on the excuse of pill concocting, she returned to her room. After sticking on an invisibility talisman, she flew straight to the cave of that mother tiger she had been tost time.


    There were no tigers inside the cave. Jiang Yuqing called out several times all around, but got no response. It must have gone quite far away.


    She could only spread out the aura of her Wood Spirit bloodline. As soon as Bai Xiaojiu sensed this aura, it would surely know she hade looking for it.


    Sure enough, not long after, the loud roar of a tiger that shook the forest rang out from afar.


    After waiting a bit more, the bushes up ahead intensely shook as something extended lightning-fast toward her.


    Then an enormous white creature burst out the bushes, pouncing to knock her down.


    Bai Xiaojiu pressed down on her, wildly licking for a while, covering Jiang Yuqing''s entire head and face in tiger slobber.


    After it finished licking, its throat emitted low growls, using her: "Why didn''t you take me when you guys left home, did you not want me anymore?"


    If the big tiger Bai Xiaojiu was aggrieved, looking like a three-year-old child, Jiang Yuqing almost thought that she was a scumbag who had abandoned her family.


    "How could that be?" Jiang Yuqing quickly exined to it: "Before Xiaoshi and I set off, we hade here to look for you, but we discovered that you seemed to have found apanion. How could I, as Xiaojiu''s owner, interfere with its budding romance? So Xiaoshi and I left."


    "Really?"


    "Of course it''s true! Why else would I have been able toe directly here as soon as I returned? If you don''t believe me, ask Xiaoshi, it can testify."


    Bai Xiaoshi immediately nodded.


    Although the tiger was a bit silly, it was still very cute. In any case, it was her little brother, so when it neededfort, she still had to pamper it a little.


    Bai Xiaojiu was clearly very satisfied with this exnation. All the irritability on its body instantly disappeared, and it became that happy tiger again.


    Jiang Yuqing pushed away its big paws and climbed up from the ground, waving a cleaning spell over herself, finally restoring herself to a clean state.


    At this moment, the dense forest in front rustled again, and then another big and three small four tigers sprang out.


    As soon as Bai Xiaojiu saw them, it immediately went up and nudged them. Jiang Yuqing immediately understood that these four were Bai Xiaojiu¡¯s family.


    Jiang Yuqing''s wood spirit body was inherently attractive to animals. With Bai Xiaojiu''s mediation, the few tigers became acquainted with Jiang Yuqing in no time.


    Especially the few half-grown tiger cubs, thanks to adequate nutrition, were round and truly adorably cute.


    After ying with them for a while, Jiang Yuqing took some prey from her spirit world and threw them to the tigress and cubs, preparing to go home. She did not intend to take them with her.


    It wasn''t that she couldn''t afford to raise them. It was just that they grew up in this mountain forest and belonged here. She did not intend to interfere too much with them.


    Not interfering was the best protection for them!


    Jiang Yuqing asked Bai Xiaojiu if it wanted to go back home with her, but Bai Xiaojiu thought about it and still refused.


    Rather than staying idle all day in the Duke''s mansion, it would rather stay with its wife and children to protect them.


    This behavior was very manly.


    Jiang Yuqing highly praised its beautiful ethics of loving family, wife and children. She told it that if it missed her, it coulde back to see her at any time, and the door of the Jiang mansion would always be open for it.


    On the way back, Bai Xiaoshi rarelyplimented Bai Xiaojiu: "I didn''t expect it to have such a responsible side. I thought it would abandon the tigress and cubs toe back to the capital with us!"


    Jiang Yuqing proudly said: "Our Xiaojiu has always been great!" She then felt quite emotional. "Although I was reluctant to part with it. But Xiaojiu is a tiger after all, the king of the forest. The mountains and forests are where it ultimately belongs. I should feel happy for it!"


    She paused and then said: "I hope that everyone around me has a good oue."

 Chapter 155: Superior Tea

    <h4>Chapter 155</h4>


    When Bai Xiaojiu chose to stay with his wife and children in the mountains, Divine Doctor Qiu felt regretful but knew it was the best for Bai Xiaojiu. As long as Bai Xiaojiu remembered toe home often, things would be fine.


    Not long after Jiang Yuqing had returned, Li Deshun brought anotherrge batch of rewards.


    The two chatted in the flower hall for a while before Li Deshun reluctantly left.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing took out several jars and whispered to Li Deshun, "This is some wild monkey wine I happened to obtain. The taste is excellent. Please help me give a jar to His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and have one for yourself. Don''t let His Majesty find out about the rest!"


    Li Deshun nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, "As expected, my good boy still cares about this old official. Our family will remember this favor."


    Soon after Li Deshun left, Jing Yan arrived. Seeing the increasingly outstanding young man, Jiang Yuqing felt somewhatplicated.


    Jing Yan looked at her for a while before smiling, "It''s been half a year since Ist saw you, Qingqing seems to have grown a little taller." She was also gradually developing the curves of a young girl.


    Jiang Yuqingpared the distance between them and found she still only reached his chest. Somewhat discouraged, she said, "So what if I grew taller, I still only reach your chest! I just don''t understand, we eat the same food, why do you grow so fast?"


    She carefully measured the boy''s height. Converted to modern units, he was at least 185cm tall with long legs.


    Jing Yan chuckled, "I can''t control how tall I grow. Or does Qingqing have any good ideas? Feel free to share."


    Jiang Yuqing refused to continue the topic and said, "I got some monkey wine. I already asked Uncle Li to bring some back for you since I didn''t know you wereing."


    Jing Yan said, "Either way it''s for us. We can drink it when we get back. We haven''t seen each other in a long time, will you walk with me in the garden, Qingqing?"


    Seeing his expectant gaze, Jiang Yuqing couldn''t bear to refuse and nodded in agreement.


    Jing Yan habitually took her hand and walked towards the garden. Jiang Yuqing tried to pull her hand back but failed, so she let him be.


    He told her about some things that happened in the capital during the half year she was away.


    She also told him about some things that happened in Fuzhou and Qingzhou.


    Without any particr topic, they talked about whatever came to mind, still the same as before.


    She suddenly felt that this didn''t seem too bad.


    After Jiang Wenyuan returned from the ministry, he saw his precious daughter happily chatting andughing with the Jing family''s wolf cub as they strolled through the garden.


    The old father was so sour, like he had eaten a lemon.


    What''s more, this wolf cub''s skin was incredibly thick. Hepletely ignored Jiang Wenyuan''s various hints for him to leave and stubbornly stayed for dinner before finally departing.


    Throughout the meal, he kept picking dishes and pouring water for his precious daughter. Jiang Wenyuan was nearly angered to death.


    After finally seeing off the boy, his precious daughter also returned to her own courtyard.


    Only then did Jiang Wenyuan say, "Look, look! That Jing brat is eagerly trying to snatch our family''s flower pot!"


    Seeing her husband nearly puffed up with anger like a blowfish, Lu couldn''t help but feel somewhat torn betweenughter and tears. "You''ve known for a while now that the Crown Prince is interested in our good girl. What''s more, their rtionship has progressed beyond the maiden and schr stage.


    Our good girl will turn 13 or 14 soon. If we were back in our hometown in Qingzhou, girls her age are mostly allowed to start seeing suitors."


    Things were fine until she said that. Hearing it made Jiang Wenyuan even angrier. "No way, our good girl absolutely cannot get married this early. Even if she has to marry, it must be a few yearster, at least 20 or 18 years old!"


    Lu snorted withughter. She discovered men could be as childish as a 3-year-old. "20 or 18 years old? Don''t forget the Crown Prince is 6 years older than our good girl. If we try our best, we might be able to keep her until she turns 16. That''s already not bad."


    Jiang Wenyuan: "....." This is unbearable!


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing went to the pce to give thanks and also visited the Emperor and Empress. By the time she arrived, there were already several Madams and Misses sitting in the pepper room, including Second Prince''s birth mother, Concubine Liu.


    As soon as the Empress saw her, she med, "You naughty girl, gone for half a year with no word."


    Jiang Yuqing was about to speak when an abrupt voice cut in, "The princess has grown up in the countryside since she was young, and is used to being unrestrained. Such a free-spirited disposition makes this concubine most envious."


    After the girl finished speaking, she suddenly seemed frightened and covered her mouth with a handkerchief.


    She quickly apologized, "This concubine deserves death for her careless words. Please forgive this concubine, Your Majesty and Princess." Her mother also helped apologize.


    Jiang Yuqing understood the implied meaning. So this girl is the so-called advanced tea.


    She was pretending to envy Jiang Yuqing but actually insulting her udylike temperament. It was to undermine Jiang Yuqing in front of the Empress.


    Jiang Yuqing suddenlyughed, "What thisdy said is not wrong. It is true that I grew up in the countryside and indeed dislike constraints. But so what?


    With my own abilities, indulgent parents who dote on me, His Majesty and Your Majesty who are happy to indulge me, I can travel the world without worry. Ordinary people simply don''t have the fortune like me!"


    This youngdy was used to exchanging sarcastic remarks with her sisters at home. It was her first time encountering someone like Jiang Yuqing who didn''t followmon courtesy, leaving her speechless with a flushed face.


    The Empress pulled Jiang Yuqing to sit beside her and tactfully said, "You''re taking advantage of Our favor towards you, not even finding such long travels tiring!"


    She ordered a close pce maid, "Bring an iron Guanyin tea that she likes."


    She didn''t even nce at the youngdy, her attitude made everything clear. Jiang Yuqing had no chance at bing the future Crown Princess Consort, much less even a side concubine to Prince Fu.


    After Jiang Yuqing finished a cup of tea, the Empress said, "My dear, I still have matters to discuss with the Madams. Are you familiar enough with the pce to entertain these youngdies and take them for a walk around the Imperial Garden?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement.


    There were four youngdies who came today.


    When Jiang Yuqing was in the capital, she did not interact much with the capital''s youngdies so she did not know their backgrounds or who their fathers were.


    They were sensible enough not to wait for Jiang Yuqing to ask before introducing themselves and their families, saving her the trouble.


    It was just past mid-February, the spring chill still biting.


    The nts in the garden had just sprouted a little greenery. Even a magnificent garden like the Imperial Garden still held a somewhat deste air.


    They hadn''t walked far when they saw Jing Yan walking towards them with Second Prince.


    The nobledies excitedly knelt to curtsy.


    Jiang Yuqing instantly realized these girls must be here today to meet the prince. She strangely felt a little ufortable inside.


    Jing Yan had just left court and hadn''t had the chance to change out of his court robes yet. The ck court robe embroidered with five-wed golden dragons highlighted his handsome appearance and martial bearing.


    "What is Qingqing doing here? It''s too cold to walk in the garden!"


    Jiang Yuqing tilted her head to gesture at the girls beside her who had specially dressed up and made themselves up. "Her Majesty asked me to take them for a walk around here!"


    Jing Yan expressionlessly nced at them before turning to his brother beside him, "Satisfied with looking?"


    Jing Si shyly blushed, "Satisfied!"


    Jing Yan said, "Then let''s go back!" Then he told Jiang Yuqing, "Hurry and take them back, Qingqing. It''s cold, don''t catch a chill."


    "Oh, alright!"


    And so Jiang Yuqing inexplicably suffered a blow in the pce, then inexplicably led the girls around the garden before inexplicably leaving the pce afterwards.


    She didn''t understand the significance of what she did the entire time. But it seemed she had no control over it either.


    It wasn''t until two dayster when the Second Prince was conferred as "Prince Fu" by His Majesty and granted a marriage that she understood.


    His primary wife was one of the fourdies Jiang Yuqing had guided around the garden that day, the legitimate daughter of the Grand Minister Duke''s estate.


    Two otherdies were granted as his concubines.


    As for the advanced teady, rumor has it she left the pce in tears which swelled her eyes. She became theughingstock of the entire capital.


    This thing was clearly the most hated thing by Empress Qin. She actually bestowed it to a nobledy, which shows that this high-grade tea has really lost the favor of Empress Qin.


    Jiang Yuqing finally understood that the imperial concubine selection that day was not for Jing Yan, but for the Second Prince.


    No wonder Concubine Liu, who usually lived in seclusion, was also there. So that''s how it was.


    The Crown Prince was unwilling to get married in order to wait for Jiang Yuqing to grow up.


    Emperor Xia Jing had no choice but to hurriedly take care of the marriage of his young son first.


    The young son did not need to inherit the grand rule, and he was born with a natural disability. The old father only hoped that he could live a safe, wealthy, and peaceful life until old age in this lifetime, thus the honorary title "Prince Fu" was bestowed.


    The wedding was set for September this year, there was still half a year left.


    News also came from the East China Sea side that ships from the Wa Kingdomnded in Shun Prefecture and came to Da Xia to ask for people.


    Shun Prefecture was less than a thousand miles away from the capital, and the road was easy to travel through the ins all the way. It wouldn¡¯t take more than a few days to reach the capital.


    At the same time, the war prisoners escorted from Fuzhou were also about to arrive in the capital soon.


    The emperor had already sent down the order that when dealing with the envoys of the Wa Kingdom, Jiang Yuqing must be present no matter what.


    The reason was that she was able to bite off a piece of flesh from the Xiongnu people without shedding blood, she could also gain some benefits from the people of the Wa Kingdom.


    "...This was quite speechless."


    A monster with a blood basin-like big mouth suddenly appeared in her mind. It opened its mouth, first gnawing on the Xiongnu people, then gnawing on the Japanese, with blood dripping all over its mouth. She almost had a mental breakdown.


    What were all these terrible images? She suddenly felt that her mind was not clean, so she hurriedly shook her head to get all this garbage out of her brain.


    She decided to go to the Three Purities Temple early tomorrow morning to burn incense and calm her mind. Also, ask Master Huayang for some benefits!


    Shouldn''t she get rewards for her hard work?


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing got up very early. Her maid had just tied her hair up in a high ponytail when Yu Zhu called her for breakfast from the outer room.


    Seeing Yu Zhu''s big belly, Jiang Yuqingined, "Didn''t I ask you to stay at home and nurture the fetus? Why did youe again?"


    While reaching out to check her pulse, she said, "The fetus is very healthy. Moderate exercise and more rest!"


    "Don''te tomorrow. I don''t have much to do here. You have to give the little maids a chance!"


    Yu Zhu smiled and said, "Okay, today is thest day Ie to work. I will nurture the fetus at home tomorrow and enjoy being served."


    Last year, Er Yu and Si Yu both found their ideal husbands and got married.


    When they got married, Jiang Yuqing was in Fuzhou and couldn¡¯t make it back to attend the wedding, so she wrote a letter to Lu asking her to handle it.


    In addition to giving each person a generous dowry, Jiang Yuqing also returned their indentures to them.


    The two of them were now legally married. But because they were grateful to Jiang Yuqing, they still stayed in the mansion and became the matrons in the Qingbo Pavilion.


    At the end ofst year, Yu Zhu was found to be pregnant. Earlier this year, Yu Qing also got pregnant. Because her morning sickness was severe, she had to recuperate at home.


    Seeing that they all had a good ce to go, Jiang Yuqing was also happy for them.


    After breakfast, Jiang Yuqing bid farewell to her family members, then rode Bai Xiaoshi straight to the Three Purities Temple in the suburbs.

 Chapter 156: Don’t Be the Catcher

    <h4>Chapter 156</h4>


    After Jiang Yuqing got acquainted with Huayang Zi, every time she came to the Three Purities Temple, she would go directly to see him after burning incense at the main hall.


    Except for the first time when she disguised herself as a middle-aged person, she would directly go to him in her true form afterwards. This old guy had some dao heritage, he could see through her disguise even if she transformed, so there was no need to bother with pretense.


    "My young friend, long time no see. You seem to have grown taller again!" Huayang Zi teased her as soon as they met. He also liked toment on her height every time.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled, "Thanks for praising me. It''s just that I keep growing taller, why do your hair and beard keep getting shorter?"


    Huayang Zi was silenced for a moment, coughing awkwardly, "ident, ident!" He couldn''t possibly tell an outsider that he burned his hair and beard while concocting alchemy, such an embarrassing thing! Of course not!


    After exchanging a few yful jabs, Jiang Yuqing finally stated the purpose of her visit this time.


    She poured out all the odds and ends she had taken from the Gray Robe Cavest time for Huayang Zi to look at, and asked him, ¡°Daoist, do you recognize these items?¡±


    As soon as Huayang Zi saw them, he was greatly shocked and cried out, "My young friend, where did you get these?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing replied, ¡°When I went back to my hometown Qingzhou for the New Year festival, I encountered a demonic snake that kept devouring people and livestock, causing terror amongst themoners. Its master turned out to be a Gray Robe evil cultivator.


    He had captured many extremely intelligent beasts in his cave that he tortured daily, seemingly wanting to research some evil beast control techniques. To prevent him from further harming the innocent, I disposed of him.


    Before his death, he admitted that he was once your disciple. Therefore, I brought all the remnants I found in his cave here to ask if you recognize these items."


    Huaya Zi said, "These items are indeed from my sect. Many years ago I epted a disciple, this boy was clever, but his mind was twisted. He liked to research evil and deviant techniques, his thinking also tended toward extremism, he did not heed advice and corrections.


    I was worried that he might cause great cmity in the future that would be difficult to resolve, so I abolished his martial arts and expelled him from the sect.


    I didn''t expect that he still refused to give up and ended up walking the path of harming others.


    My young friend, you have helped me clear up my sect this time!"


    Speaking of which, he called for a dao attendant to bring stacks of talisman paper, a talisman pen, and a box of cinnabar, ¡°This is Judge Pen, it is made from lightning struck wood, using it to draw talismans can greatly increase their power for double the effect. It is one of my personal treasures.


    He also pointed to the cinnabar and said, "This is Zisha Crystal, the finest grade of cinnabar, it was passed down by myte master. Today I''ll give them to you as well, consider it a token of goodwill from me!"


    "Very well, very well!" Jiang Yuqing smiled gleefully as she epted them readily, after all, who doesn''t like good stuff?


    After receiving the gifts, Jiang Yuqing chatted with Huayang Zi for a while longer over good tea before leaving leisurely.


    After she left, the dao attendant asked Huayang Zi, "Venerable Master, why did you give her such precious treasures?"


    "The things she brought were distributed to almost every senior disciple in our temple. I feel it''s not equal in value."


    Huayang waved his feather duster, ncing at the little attendant, he said "We cultivators believe in karma.


    No matter what, that man came from our temple, that is the cause. She helped clear up our sect, that is the result as well as the cause."


    Huayang Zi saw that after much thought, this little disciple still remainedpletely puzzled. Unable to endure it further, he gave him a knock and scoffed "It''s a wonder your master always praises how smart you are, his eyes must be covered by dozens of cataracts. Truly a case of master and disciple''s shared stupidity."


    The little attendant''s face flushed red from his scolding. Huayang then waved his duster again and walked into his room.


    Pacing about, he added "There is amon saying in the mundane world - it''s easy to repay a material debt but difficult to repay an emotional debt! You still have much to learn!"


    The little attendant responded softly and lowered his head, not daring to speak again.


    After returning to the city, Jiang Yuqing went directly to He An Hospital. The ce was still filled with patients as usual.


    Seeing her arrive, the medics all came up to greet her "Doctor Jiang is back!" "Princess, you''ve returned!"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled as she responded to each, then told the front desk "Inform them that I''ll be seeing patients today, put me on the patient roster."


    "Yes!" The front desk happily agreed.


    Everything went smoothly in the morning. In the afternoon, a heavily bundled master and servant pair came to her consultation room. They were wrapped up so thoroughly with only their eyes exposed.


    Apparently the master had developed an obstinate affliction in her abdomen and wanted Jiang Yuqing to prescribe medicine to clear out the rotten stuff.


    With just a touch, Jiang Yuqing immediately realized this was no affliction at all, but a pregnancy. They wanted her to prescribe abortion drugs instead.


    Although the pair had wrapped up tightly, they were stillpletely exposed under Jiang Yuqing''s spiritual sense.


    From their attire, they were clearly an unmarried youngdy. Getting pregnant out of wedlock was rather interesting in this feudal era.


    Jiang Yuqing did not expose her though, only saying "I''m unable to diagnose your condition, youngdy. I suggest you seek treatment elsewhere."


    The girl became impatient, "Aren''t you supposed to be a genius doctor? How can you not even diagnose such a minor problem? I knew you were all bluster with no real skills!"


    Jiang Yuqing leaned back in her chair nonchntly, arms crossed, "There''s no need to try to provoke me. You know fully well what you did, are you not even a little ashamed? I''m not exposing you as a way to preserve some dignity for you, don''t continue to shame yourself."


    The girl gritted her teeth, then could only leave in anger with her maid.


    Jiang Yuqing had no intention of getting involved in this trivial matter further. But as that maid left, she gave a kick to the garbage bin outside in the hallway to vent her frustration.


    The garbage scattered all over the floor, giving everyone a big fright.


    Jiang Yuqing''s anger immediately red up. She rushed out and shouted, "By my authority as Princess, stop those two! Make sure they clean up the floor before letting them leave!"


    Themanding aura cultivated over two lifetimes on the battlefield eruptedpletely. Ordinary people simply could not withstand it.


    The master and servant pair were terrified. No longer daring to be rude, they tearfully cleaned up the hallway before slipping away gloomily.


    They secretly felt fortunate to have bundled up so thoroughly today, otherwise they would have lost all face.


    As Jiang Yuqing watched them depart, she called over a small bird and asked, "Sorry to trouble you, but can you follow them and see where they end up?"


    The little bird chirped twice then flew off chasing the pair.


    Not until near the end of her shift did it return to report that after leaving He An Hospital, the two had visited several small clinics in a carriage before obtaining some medication from thest one and returning home.


    They lived in a big house in the western city with a pair of stone lions at the entrance.


    Those residing in the western city were either wealthy or nobility. A house with stone lions at the entrance surely belonged to an official or lord.


    Jiang Yuqing was nearly off work anyway, so she tidied up and had the little bird lead her there.


    She didn''t know why she feltpelled to make this trip, only that a voice in her heart kept telling her she would regret it if she didn''t go.


    Immortals follow their hearts. She trusted her sixth sense.


    Upon arriving, she immediately understood when she saw the que disying "Diwu Residence" on the gate.


    She had assumed the matter would end there.


    Unexpectedly, just two dayster when she returned home to grab something, the ce was extremely lively.


    She asked what was going on and found out it was actually a matchmaker sent to probe about a potential marriage alliance! Since it concerned her elder brother''s lifelong happiness, she inevitably had to pay more attention and asked, "Which family is the girl from?"


    The madam replied, "The Vice Minister''s Residence!"


    "Please rify, which Vice Minister''s Residence exactly?"


    The madam smiled, "The Diwu Vice Minister''s Residence!"


    Jiang Yuqing eximed in realization, then queried further "How many daughters are there in the Diwu Residence?"


    "Only one. The Vice Minister''s wife''s own birth daughter. Exceptionally beautiful, knowledgeable in literature and etiquette, extremely well nurtured."


    "As she has long admired Eldest Brother she sent me specifically to initiate a marriage proposal."


    Jiang Yuqing immediatelyughed meaningfully, "Madam, please return. My brother is but amoner, I''m afraid he would not match the standard of the Diwu Residence''s daughter."


    Everyone was stunned by her words.


    That madam''s expression immediately soured. "Princess, although you hold a lofty status as Princess, Eldest Brother is your elder. This marriage is for the parents to decide. It is somewhat inappropriate for you to interfere like this, don''t you think?"


    Jiang Yuqing ignored her words and only told Lu, "Mother, listen. This marriage is unsuitable!"


    Although Lu did not understand, she knew her daughter would not harm this family.


    She hesitated for a moment before saying to Mrs. Diwu who hade to propose the marriage: "Even so, Madam should go back first. This matter needs to be discussed with my family''s Duke before a reply can be given!"


    Although it was an excuse, Mrs. Diwu knew this was how it was.


    But letting a junior rebut her face was still somewhat unpleasant. Her words carried some barbs: "This concubine wants to know how the young miss saw that my niece is unsuitable for the Prince?"


    Jiang Yuqing gave a cry of understanding: "So you are her aunt! That makes it easier to say. I was going to spare you some face, but now that won''t be necessary.


    Isn''t your niece the precious daughter of the Diwu family? She is already secretly pregnant, over two months along. Were you not aware?"


    "No matter how country bumpkin my Jiang family is, we do not have the propriety to be someone''s backup option. Wouldn''t you agree, Mrs. Diwu?"


    Mrs. Diwu''s face was deathly pale, even her voice trembled: "You, you are talking nonsense! My niece is as pure as ice and jade, how could she be pregnant?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled meaningfully: "Whether it is true or not, Madam can go back and check, after all there is no other Vice Minister Residence surnamed Diwu in the capital.


    But by now, your niece is likely iming illness, because that medicine for ending pregnancy does not taste good!"


    Mrs. Diwu could stand to hear no more. Shivering, she bid her farewells and hurriedly left with her people.


    After she left, Lu immediately asked what had happened.


    Jiang Yuqing recounted what had urred at the hospital that day.


    Lu was so angry her hands shook as she cursed: "What is this mess! Calling herself a precious daughter, she is not even as good as a kiln girl! Despicable!"


    Jiang Yuqing advised her mother: "I know you want to hold a grandchild, but this cannot be rushed. Most important is that my brother likes her."


    She paused then continued: "Mother, you are still young. Why don''t you and Father try harder, and give us a younger sibling!"


    As soon as Lu heard this, her face instantly flushed red with embarrassment: "Wretched girl, even you dare tease your mother!"


    She seemed somewhat regretful yet also relieved: "You think I don''t want to? After having you, I was never able to conceive again.


    But your Father and I, having you and your brother, two such outstanding children, we feel very content for this life! Truly!"


    Jiang Yuqing was moved and immediately embraced her: "Mother, you and Father are so good. Being your daughter in this life, it is the blessing I cultivated over eight lifetimes!"


    Lu stroked her daughter''s nape affectionately: "Silly girl..."


    What Mrs. Diwu did after returning home will not be mentioned.


    But there are no walls that do not leak. News that the young miss of the Diwu family secretly met her lover and conceived before marriage still spread out eventually.


    Having a daughter who so thoroughly ruined their reputation, the Vice Minister was enraged beyond measure. But since she was his only daughter, he could not bear to have her killed.


    He merely sent her to a convent outside the city to atone beneath the cold Buddha for her lifetime.

 Chapter 157: Cao Chong Weighing the Elephant

    <h4>Chapter 157</h4>


    Afterwards, the Fifth Assistant Minister personally came to apologize with avish gift. Although Jiang Wenyuan and his son were angry, they didn''t continue to hold a grudge. Besides, they were both officials of the same court, so it was better to leave some room for reconciliation.


    Regarding the distribution of newspapers, it was unanimously approved during the court meeting. As Jiang Wenyuan had anticipated, the matter was directly assigned to the Hanlin Academy, just as he expected.


    The Hanlin Academy would be in charge, with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Household Affairs assisting. A sample issue would be released first to ensure there were no problems, and then the official publication of the newspaper would begin on the fifth day of the third month, with subsequent issues released every fifth day.


    Amidst the busy preparations, the caravan from Wo Country arrived in the capital. Perhaps due to the beating they received in Fuzhoust time, they were noticeably more low-key this time.


    Upon their arrival in the capital, they were still amodated at the State Guesthouse, with the strict protection of the Imperial Guards of Da Xia ensuring their personal safety.


    Two dayster, the naval escort responsible for transporting the prisoners of war from Fuzhou also arrived.


    The leaders of the escort were all acquaintances of Jiang Yuqing, such as General Shi Jing from Jian Mountain Camp, General Feng Zhan from Yashan Camp, and even her younger brother Jiang Yuhe hade this time.


    As for the leader of Zhong Mountain Camp, he remained in Fuzhou to guard against any surprise attacks by the Wo pirates during the negotiations.


    Jiang Yuqing personally went to greet them at the Ten Li Pavilion outside the city as a friend.


    After exchanging greetings with everyone, Jiang Yuqing caught sight of the prisoners in the prison wagon, and his beautiful grape-like eyes widened like copper bells.


    Goodness gracious, is this even a human being? Even pigs aren''t this fat, right?


    His face was so swollen that his features were barely recognizable. His arms and legs were as thick as barrels, andyers uponyers of flesh piled up on his belly.


    Because he was too bloated, he couldn''t wear clothes and could only be covered with a nket, even the prison wagon had to be modified to an extrarge size.


    If it weren''t for the distinctive little mustache under his mouth, Jiang Yuqing almost wouldn''t dare to recognize him. This was Bampen Turtle Saburo, the muscr leader of the Wo pirates from six months ago.


    She pulled Shi Jing to the side and whispered, pointing to the barely recognizable figure in the prison wagon, "General Shi, what''s going on? How did he end up like this?"


    Shi Jing looked puzzled and said, "Wasn''t it you who said to sell him by weight, one pound of flesh for a treasure ship?"


    Jiang Yuqing: "..." She covered her face with both hands and rubbed it hard, trying to wake herself up and calm down.


    "Wasn''t it because I was afraid that you would kill him and make it difficult for me to exin? It''s only been half a year, how on earth did you manage to turn him into a mountain of flesh?"


    Shi Jing pped his thigh andughed, "Oh my, let me tell you. Just for this guy, I specially hired two people to attend to his eating and drinking, feeding him five times a day.


    We fed him sweet potatoes, potatoes, and vegetable leaves, anything that could make him gain weight."


    He gestured with his hands to indicate the size, saying, "We feed him a basin this big for each meal, and we take great care in serving him."


    Jiang Yuqing twitched at the corner of her mouth and said, "Why does that sound like feeding a pig?"


    Shi Jing happily replied, "Well, you guessed it right. The two attendants I found used to raise pigs before they joined the military, and they were really good at it!"


    Jiang Yuqing: "...Five meals a day, each with a basin. How can he eat all of that without vomiting?"


    Shi Jing replied, "No worries. In order to fatten him up, I even went to your master and got a prescription for weight gain. I mixed in some medicine and added a handful to his bowl during each meal."


    He chuckled and gave her a thumbs up. "Your master''s medicine works wonders. The more he eats, the hungrier he gets, and the more he eats, the fatter he bes. Look at him now, he''s grown so much in just six months."


    With a mischievous grin, he continued, "We entered the capital through an underground passage. Beforeing ashore, we lifted this guy onto a special small boat. We measured the water depth and used stones to weigh him. He weighed over three hundred and thirty pounds."


    He gestured, asking, "So tell me, how many treasure ships can we exchange for him?"


    Jiang Yuqing''s worldview was about to explode. Wow, Cao Chong used a boat to weigh an elephant, and now you''re using a boat to weigh a captive.


    After a long pause, she stammered, "Well, it''s hard to say. You can forget about getting a hundred or ten treasure ships. The shogun in Wo Country has more than one son. If they really valued him, they wouldn''t have let him be suppressed by his other two brothers."


    Just as Jiang Yuqing was about to speak, Feng Zhan approached them, saying, "What are you two whispering about for so long?"


    Shi Jing replied, "We were talking about exchanging Guisan for treasure ships!"


    Feng Zhan said, "Alright, Shi Crazy, forget about exchanging a pound of meat for a treasure ship. Didn''t I tell you about this before? Those little fes aren''t idiots. This guy isn''t worth that much."


    Jiang Yuqing rubbed her chin and said, "ording to reason, Bantian has been detained by us for half a year. If Wo Country wanted him back, they would have taken action long ago. They wouldn''t wait until now to make a big fuss about it. I don''t believe there''s nothing fishy going on behind this."


    Shi and Feng exchanged nces and said, "We''ve also discussed this topic before, but we couldn''t figure anything out."


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Don''t worry. They say three heads are better than one. Let''s carefully analyze the situation! First, let''s talk about Bantian''s identity. He is a pirate, right?"


    "Yes!"


    "Piratesmit acts of killing and looting. Bantian has been independent from the maind for at least ten years. With such arge fleet, they must have plundered countless treasures from Fuzhou alone! And there are also the robberies from other ces or the spoils from pirate infighting."


    "With all these treasuresbined, it must be an astronomical fortune. If it were you, what would you do?"


    After being reminded, both Shi and Feng widened their eyes. "If it were me, I would definitely hide it on some unknown ind!"


    Jiang Yuqing pped her hands. "Exactly! Think about it. Who came from Wo Country this time? It''s Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu. These two are his half-brothers, born to the same father but different mothers. They are his mortal enemies."


    In theory, they would prefer Bampen Turtle Saburo to die quickly. But now he had personallye to demand someone, most likely rted to the hidden treasure.


    Those who could be generals were not fools, and after Jiang Yuqing''s exnation, the two immediately understood the key points.


    Shi Jing said, "I understand. In the great battle off the coast of Fuzhoust year, almost all of Turtle Saburo''s trusted subordinates died. It''s highly possible that he is now the only one who knows about this treasure.


    These two fellows probably realized that Turtle Saburo wouldn''t be able to return, so they took over his oldir, hoping to find the treasure. However, they came up empty-handed.


    Feeling helpless, they decided to redeem him and extract information about the treasure from Turtle Saburo himself."


    Jiang Yuqing gave them a thumbs up and said, "Very clever! Since that''s the case, why don''t we take the initiative and figure out a way to obtain Turtle Saburo''s treasure first, and then deceive the Bampen family? What do you think?"


    The three of them exchanged nces and simultaneously revealed wicked smiles, saying, "Great idea!"


    They reached out and shook hands in agreement.


    Jiang Yuqing continued, "We need to discuss this matter thoroughly. After returning to the city, I will first inform His Majesty about it.


    Later, we can discuss the specific operational methods together. We must keep a close eye on Turtle Saburo. Until we receive thepensation, we must not let those Bampen fellows get close to him."


    "Okay!"


    After their discussion, the convoy resumed its journey toward the capital. Jiang Yuqing, riding on a deer, entered the pce ahead of them and immediately informed the emperor about their spections.


    The emperor''s eyes lit up. "If what you all have spected is true, then the actions of Wo Country can be exined."


    He issued orders to send General Qin to receive Shi Jing, Feng Zhan, and the others. After taking custody of Bampen Turtle Saburo, they would lock him up in the prison and assign heavy guards. No one would be allowed to visit him without the emperor''s permission.


    To be on the safe side, after Bampen was locked up, Jiang Yuqing secretly added an extrayer of enchantment.


    After all, this person was now equivalent to the treasure. No amount of caution was excessive.


    As a result, the little tricks that the Bampen fellows had nned came to naught. How could they proceed?


    Bampen Qiuxin was so angry that he smashed a cup. "Bampen fellows! The people of Da Xia are sly.


    They have imprisoned Turtle Saburo, making it difficult for us to get in! It seems that we can only send ninjas to fight!


    I hope they can bring us good news!"


    That night, Emperor Xia Jing held a small feast in the pce to wee Shi Jing, Feng Zhan, and allow them to rx.


    Also in attendance were Jiang Wenyuan and his daughter, as well as several trusted ministers from the court, such as the Secretaries of the Six Ministries, General Qin, and the father and son of the Duke of Laozhen.


    After the meal, the ns against Wo Country were finalized.


    On the way home, Jiang Wenyuan felt as if he were floating on air. Good news seemed to being one after another recently.


    The sample newspaper had already been printed, and the first issue would be released in two days, promising a profitable venture.


    Apart from the wealth that would soon fill the national treasury, there was now news of the Wo pirates'' treasure.


    Perhaps they could make an additional profit by outsmarting the Wo pirates. Tonight, he felt like he could wake up from a dream with a smile on his face.


    Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help butugh at her father''s foolish behavior. There''s a saying thates to mind, something like "sudden wealth for the poor." It seems to fit her father''s mindset perfectly!


    Well, her father''s position as a high-ranking official is not easy, and it''s not good to hurt someone who has experienced poverty. So she''ll just let him be happy. As his daughter, she''ll have to pamper him a bit more!


    Meanwhile, Emperor Xia Jing was humming a tune as he leaned on his son''s support and arrived at the Pepper Chamber.


    Empress Qin, seeing him so happy, asked, "What good fortune has befallen you this time?"


    Emperor Xia Jing plopped down on Empress Qin''s soft couch and slouched against the backrest, saying, "It''s great news! After some maniption, I''m about to make a huge fortune again.


    You have no idea how clever our daughter, Qingbao, is. She''s truly cunning and shrewd.


    It was truly wise of Daoist Huayangzi to send our son to Qingzhou back then.


    When I meet him someday, I must express my gratitude to him properly." After finishing his words, he burst into heartyughter.


    The way he was showing off made Empress Qin roll her eyes.


    Although sheined, she still had a maid bring hot water and personally wiped her husband''s face clean with a towel.


    But Emperor Xia Jing grabbed her delicate hand and said, "Darling, you''re so beautiful."


    Empress Qin blushed and replied, "Old man, what are you saying? Our son is still here!"


    Turning around, she realized there was no trace of Jing Yan in the hall. Not only that, even the pce attendants had vanished!


    True marital love requires a keen eye.


    Jiang Wenyuan and his daughter returned home and went to their respective rooms to wash up and sleep.


    In the middle of the night, Jiang Yuqing suddenly woke up from a dream, sat up in bed like a startled fish, and grabbed the clothes on the bedside. With a tap of the invisibility talisman, she summoned her spiritual sword and threw it into the air like a lightning bolt, heading straight for the pce dungeon.


    Someone had triggered the enchantment she set up!

 Chapter 158: The Last Value

    <h4>Chapter 158</h4>


    When Jiang Yuqing arrived at the prison, torches had already been lit here.


    A pitch ck from head to toe Wo Country samurai, half bald with a shiny head, was trampled on the ground and could not move at all.


    Jiang Yuqing was relieved immediately. The so-called Wo Country ninjas were nothing more!


    In front of Da Xia¡¯s top masters, they were simply vulnerable.


    In terms of martial arts, our Da Xia was the ancestor of their Wo people!


    The hero waved his hand, and immediately two people came up, dragged the ninja whose martial arts had been abolished, whose tendons and veins had been cut off, and whose tongue had been chopped off, into another prison.


    External grasshoppers who dared to hop around in the site of Da Xia and dared to reach out were directly chopped off.


    Seeing that he had no business here, Jiang Yuqing patted his hands happily and flew back home to sleep.


    Since the person sent out had not returned overnight, Bampen Qiuxin knew that he had failed. He was both afraid and hateful, yet helpless.


    He immediately submitted a letter requesting an audience with His Majesty the Emperor Xia Jing. Emperor Xia Jing didn¡¯t even nce at him and directly ordered people to throw the disabled ninja into the State Guesthouse.


    Since he didn¡¯t appreciate kindness, then don¡¯t keep face anymore. When asking a favor, one should act like they are asking a favor. Daring to y tricks, he indulged in his bad habit!


    This trick of killing chickens to warn monkeys directly scared the Bampen brothers.


    He would never have imagined that the Da Xia Emperor would be so tough that he didn¡¯t leave them any face at all.


    Not only that, Da Xia no longer provided food and drinks. Want to eat and drink? Fine, pay for it yourself. Amodation fees should also be paid by yourself.


    What kind of ce was the State Guesthouse? It¡¯s the best ce to receive foreign guests in Da Xia. All facilities were top-notch, and there were also many guards from the Imperial Guards who took turns guarding twelve hours a day.


    Under these conditions, it had to charge at least a thousand taels of silver per day, and, as announced by Jiang Wenyuan, the charges started from the day they checked in!


    For Da Xia¡¯s operations this time, the Wo Country people dared to get angry but did not dare to speak. Who made them wrong first? They had no choice but to submit another letter to Emperor Xia Jing to request an audience.


    Emperor Xia Jing intended to hang them up for a while, so when he saw the memorial submitted by the Wo Country envoy, he picked it up and stuffed it under the table.


    The table gets uneven after long-term use, and the memorial fits perfectly as a pad!


    After this happened, in order to prevent Wo Country from making any tricks again.


    Emperor Jingxia directly sent people to interrogate Bampen Turtle Saburo.


    However, this guy was also a sly old fox. He roughly knew that he was still useful to Da Xia, so he was fearless and refused to say a word.


    After two days of grinding, everyone was a little impatient. In order to avoid dreaming too much at night, Emperor Jingxia had no choice but toe to Jiang Yuqing and ask if she had any good ideas.


    Jiang Yuqing took out a magic talisman and boldly med Huayang Zi for it.


    "I have a magic talisman here obtained from Taoist Huayang Zi.


    I heard that if you paste it on someone, no matter what secrets you want to know about him, he will involuntarily tell them out. Why don''t we try it!"


    When the emperor heard this, he was overjoyed. Something from Huayang Zi must be a good thing. So he asked people to bring Bampen Turtle Saburo out of the dungeon for him to interrogate personally.


    When Bampen Turtle Saburo, who was carried out on a stretcher by six soldiers, appeared, even Emperor Jingxia, who was used to seeing major events, couldn¡¯t help but suck in a breath: ¡°Is this a demonized wild boar? So fat!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing touched her head, rather embarrassed, "When he was captured, he didn''t look like this.


    Afraid that General Shi would identally kill Turtle Saburo, I lied to him that Turtle Saburo could be exchanged with Wo Country for treasure ships, one jin of meat for one ship.


    I didn''t expect that General Shi really believed it, and identally fattened him like this!"


    Hearing this, everyone in the room looked at Jiang Yuqing and Shi Jing speechlessly, thinking what kind of freaks they were, one really dared to say, the other really dared to believe.


    However, it had to be said that this idea was still quite good!


    Bampen Turtle Saburo was certain that the Da Xia Emperor could do nothing to him. With eyes reduced to a thin slit by fat, he looked arrogantly at everyone.


    Seeing this, the emperor didn''t bother talking. He let Jiang Yuqing take action directly.


    Jiang Yuqing arrogantly pped the magic talisman on his forehead, and his head immediately fainted, just like when the previous generation''s Master Lin had pasted zombies, very stylish.


    Next, the trantion officer from the Department of State Affairs took the stage.


    Following the pre-prepared script, he asked whatever was needed and soon spilled everything Emperor Jingxia wanted to know, it really worked well.


    Emperor Jingxia asked people to record the detailed treasure map. After seeing it, Shi Jing said excitedly, "I know where it is, on a small ind in Ryukyu, the location is quite remote.


    Sailing northeast from Jian Mountain Camp for one day and one night can reach there."


    "That''s the case. No dy, Shi Jing, Yuan Yun, you two will take soldiers back to Fuzhou to go to sea and search for treasures immediately. As for negotiations with the Wo people in a couple of days, your navy will have to leave someone behind to keep the situation under control."


    "Yes!"


    After everyone left, Emperor Jingxia sneaked up and asked Jiang Yuqing: "Qingbao, do you have any more of that magic talisman?"


    Jiang Yuqing, upon hearing this, immediately shook her little head like a rattle drum: "No more, just this one. I used personal connections and pestered it from Taoist Huayang Zi.


    It is said that this talisman was also passed down from his ancestral master and was obtained with great difficulty. If Your Majesty wants it, why don''t I help you ask him again?"


    Emperor Jingxia quickly shook his head: "No need, no need." He knew how precious Huayang Zi¡¯s stuff was.


    Even as the emperor of a country, it was not easy to get something from him.


    Because the old guy''s catchphrase was always "I only give treasures to destined people."


    Damn destined people. If he didn¡¯t want to give it, then he didn¡¯t want to give it. He had to make it sound so pure and unconventional. He would not go up there to annoy him.


    After asking the questions, Emperor Jingxia had people throw the fainted Bampen Turtle Saburo back into the dungeon.


    When it was quiet with no one in the dungeon, Bampen Turtle Saburo gradually woke up from hisa, moved his huge body with difficulty, struggled to get up, and leaned against the wall to sit down.


    His small eyes looked at the only bright little window with sadness.


    He had been a generation of hero dominating the sea for decades and had experienced countless storms.


    Today, defeated and captured, he became a prisoner and was fed like a pig by the Da Xia people every day, having lost all dignity long ago.


    On the other hand, he didn¡¯t have the courage to die. Whenever he wanted to end his life, there would be a voice in his mind telling him to persist, maybe there would still be the day he escaped.


    Whenever he felt sad, he would think of the huge amount of treasures he had umted over the years hidden on a certain ind in the sea.


    If he died like this, no one knew who would take advantage of those treasures. Thinking like this, he was reluctant to die again.


    At the moment, he missed his treasures again, and even thought about what he would do to make aeback if he escaped this time and returned to Wo Country.


    He knew clearly in his heart that the reason why Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu came to Da Xia was to pry the address of the treasures from his mouth.


    Would he say it? Of course not, he would never let those two bastards take advantage even if he died. He would rather take this batch of treasures to the grave!


    His thoughts were quite determined and good. He hadn''t thought at all that when his consciousness was unclear just now, he had spilled everything clean including what color was his underwear.


    He''s now like a pig stripped of its red meat, with only thestyer of oil left, waiting to squeeze out hisst bit of value.


    After Da Xia got the news about the treasure, it was not worried at all. The Wo envoys were deliberately dyed for as long as possible.


    Therefore, various documents submitted by the Bampen brothers were ignored.


    On March 5th, the "Capital Newspaper" was officially published, priced at two cents per copy. Onceunched, it immediately caused a sensation.


    The newspaper had four pages. In addition to publishing court orders, it also includedmentary articles by famous court schrs, gossip from the capital, interesting serial stories, etc.


    There were even advertisements from some famous shops, as well as information on renting houses, selling houses, finding items, finding people, etc.


    Whoever was literate would buy one and read it slowly, and the illiterates would also gather around to listen to literate people read newspapers.


    The capital of Da Xia was very prosperous, and the permanent resident poption alone was nearly 800,000.


    As it was under the feet of the Son of Heaven, the literacy rate was quite high there, and on the day it wasunched, 1.7 million copies were sold just in Beijing alone. More than 700,000 copies were shipped to other parts of the country.


    Although it was only 2 wen per copy without high profit margin, this was going to be a long-term business. As time went by, more and more people got to know about the Beijing Gazette, and more copies would be sold ordingly.


    In addition, with all kinds of advertising revenue, after deducting the fees for the schr-officials'' manuscripts and other costs, the money saved every year would be a veryrge figure.


    What''s more, the cirction of the newspaper would also educate themon people to some extent, allowing more people to have the opportunity to be literate. The implementation of government decrees would also be smoother.


    The great sess of the newspaper made Emperor Xia Jing and Jiang Wenyuan, his minister,ugh with joy. As a result, Emperor Xia Jing was particrly generous in rewarding the members of the Hanlin Academy, which really surprised them.


    On the day the newspaper was first published, Jiang Yuqing also bought a few copies, one for herself to read and a few for her colleagues at the hospital.


    It had to be said that these ancients were extremely clever. She had only given a rough direction at first, but they were able to make a newspaper so detailed and perfect. They were indeed very talented.


    While the emperor and his minister here in Da Xia were happy with each other, the envoys of Wo Country who were detained in the State Guesthouse were in deep distress.


    Because of the ninja incident, they had thoroughly offended Da Xia. Now not only were they unable to leave the State Guesthouse, they even had to pay for their own meals and lodging.


    Eating was still fine, but especially the amodation fee, which was actually 1,000 taels of silver per day, almost the same as robbery. What''s more, they could not refuse. In short, whether they gave the money or not, they had to give it anyway, which was extremely stifling.


    The Emperor had detained them for over 20 days since the ninja incident happened in early March.


    Jiang Yuqing had also passed her 13th birthday and officially entered her 14th year.


    A few more dayster, until the end of March, news finally came from Fuzhou that Shi Jing and Yuan Yun had sessfully arrived in Fuzhou, checked the navy, and were preparing to sail out to sea in search of treasure.


    It was only then that Emperor Xia Jing remembered that there was still a group of fat sheep detained in the State Guesthouse. It was time to take them out for ughter.


    When they heard that Emperor Xia Jing had finally agreed to see them, the Banpen brothers almost cried with joy.


    If they stayed in the State Guesthouse any longer, they would go bankrupt. The people of Da Xia were really ruthless.

 Chapter 159: A Kilo of meat and a Boat

    <h4>Chapter 159</h4>


    March 30th.


    The ministers briskly concluded today''s grand morning session in Qinzheng Hall, then moved as a group to Liangyi Hall.


    Early in the morning, the Bampen brothers had been waiting for an audience with the Da Xia Emperor. After half a day, they were finally summoned.


    A group of Wo Countrymen wearing wooden clogs entered Liangyi Hall, and for a time the whole hall echoed with a "ck ck" sound, enough to give one a headache.


    Neither Bampen Qiuxin nor Bampen Bushoufu understood the Da Xianguage, so when they performed obeisance they spoke Wonguage that was unintelligible gibberish to the others. However, their gestures of obeisance were clear enough.


    First, through the stiff verbal trantion, they ttered Da Xia extravagantly. Then they spoke of the primary purpose for their visit to Da Xia this time.


    The gist was to say that their foolish younger rtives had offended Da Xia, and they felt deeply apologetic.


    Now their father was advanced in years. When he heard that his sons had drifted to Da Xia, he was extremely distressed. He hoped they could bring his sons back home for a family reunion.


    This story was so unbelievable that even ghosts wouldn''t believe it.


    Most importantly, they didn''t mention a word about the years of plundering, arson andst year''srge-scale invasion.


    Such shameless behavior allowed the Da Xia ministers to learn their lesson once again.


    Emperor Xia Jing smiled without mirth, "Oh, so your father is on hisst legs?"


    The Wo Country trantor was stunned, wondering how to trante this. If he ryed it verbatim, wouldn''t he get two ps?


    So his eyes shed as he told the Bampen brothers, "The Da Xia Emperor sends his regards to your father."


    There were officials in the Ministry of Rites who understood Wonguage. Hearing this divinely smooth trantion, they nearly burst outughing and had to clench their bellies to contain themselves.


    Bampen Qiuxin: "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    Ministry Official: *sighs* No more, may I be excused for augh break?


    Due to this godly trantion, even Emperor Xia Jing almost lost hisposure.


    He thought inwardly, were these Wo Countrymen mental? When I cursed his father, he actually thanked me. He must be wishing for his father''s death so he can take over!


    Thinking thus, he suddenly felt his own son was quite filial.


    Emperor Xia Jing didn''t want to waste time chit-chatting further with these two crazy heads. He said directly, "I can allow you to bring your brother back. After all, Da Xia has fed him for so long, we can¡¯t let it be for nothing!"


    Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu exchanged a nce. "Of course!" They had already prepared themselves for Da Xia¡¯s demand ofpensation from them.


    Seeing them agree so readily, Emperor Xia Jing was even more certain that their purpose this time was the huge treasure Bampen Turtle Saburo had secreted away.


    So he smiled, "That''s good. As thend of courtesy and rituals, Da Xia will naturally not make unreasonable demands.


    When your nsman first came to Da Xia, he was 136 jin. Da Xia has fed him for half a year, so his weight gain will be calcted at onerge treasure ship per jin!"


    When Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu heard this, their brains started spinning.


    Though unwilling to admit it, Bampen Turtle Saburo was indeed of the Bampen n. Their Bampen nsmen were not tall, and tended towards difficulty gaining weight.


    At most Turtle Saburo could have gained twenty jin over half a year. Twenty jin meant twenty ships. Though on the high side,pared to that batch of treasures it was negligible.


    Thinking thus, they immediately nodded in agreement without hesitation. "Fine! Before that, may we see Bampen to confirm he is safe and sound!"


    Emperor Xia Jing nodded. "Of course." He ordered someone to bring Turtle Saburo up.


    Seeing the meat mountain carried up by six burly men, Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu¡¯s eyes nearly popped out.


    They immediately erupted in curses, "Damnit! This isn''t Bampen at all, it''s a pig! You used a pig to deceive us, utterly unconscionable!"


    Sitting in an extrarge bamboo pnquin, Bampen Turtle Saburo heard this and flew into a violent rage. "Damnit, Bampen Qiuxin, you bastard pig who stole Father''s woman...[curses]!"


    The two instantly tore ferociously into each other, revealing scandals. The Wo Country trantor was struck dumb, but the Ministry official vigorously provided simultaneous interpretation.


    Moreover, due to Da Xia¡¯s unique tolerance and humor, the Da Xia ministers listened to the gossip with great amusement.


    Stories like the son stealing the father''s young wife, then the father sleeping with the son''s woman, the mutually cuckolded father and son, and so on.


    Fortunately Bampen Bushoufu was at the side urging peace, otherwise things could have progressed to an even worse state.


    After the spat, the Bampen brothers also confirmed one thing: the pig-like creature before them was indeed Bampen Turtle Saburo.


    They finished arguing. Seeing the Da Xia ministers had also watched their fill, Emperor Xia Jing waved a hand and Turtle Saburo was carried away again.


    Jiang Wenyuan came up, abacus beads clicking.


    After calcting, he told Bampen Qiuxin: "General Bampen Turtle now weighs 337 jin. Minus his original weight of 136 jin when he came to Da Xia, the remainder is 201 jin.


    At one jin one ship, that is 201rge treasure ships.


    His Majesty is generous, rounding down somewhat, just 200 ships will do!"


    "Impossible, this is extortion! This despicable bastard Turtle isn''t worth nearly that much."


    Jiang Wenyuan said, "One jin one ship, this was your own agreed price. What, you want to renege on the deal?"


    Bampen Qiuxin''s face was flushed red, "We didn''t know he would get so fat!"


    "Not my problem. 200rge treasure ships, can''t omit a single one."


    Bampen Bushoufu said, "Your Imperial Majesty, we really cannot produce so many. Can you cut us some ck?"


    "How many can you give?"


    "Twenty ships."


    Jiang Wenyuan instantly erupted, "Twenty ships? Do you think this is the marketce to haggle?


    You''ve seen what Bampen Turtle Saburo looks like. The grain he ate in Da Xia alone is worth a ship. No deal if you won''t talk sense!"


    Saying that, he shot his emperor an eye signal. The emperor understood instantly¡ªpretend to walk out in a temper.


    Just then a guard hurriedly ran in. "Reporting to Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report!


    While being carried back just now, Bampen Turtle Saburo kept mumbling about some treasure and inds or something. I suspect they have concealed an enormous fortune."


    The Da Xia ministers were delighted to hear this. Emperor Xia Jing instantly reacted, "Good! Take him to Prison for interrogation!"


    Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu paled in fright, rushing to block Emperor Xia Jing. "Your Majesty, do not believe his words, he is a swindler! We have been fooled by him many times, you must not fall for it!"


    Emperor Xia Jing halted his actions. "Truly?"


    Cold sweat was beading on Bampen Qiuxin. "This subject does not dare lie."


    Yet inwardly he cursed Bampen Turtle Saburo for refusing to disclose the treasure even when telling the Da Xia people, determined to hurry Turtle Saburo back to Wo Country and pry the treasure location out of him. Then Turtle Saburo could die.


    Emperor Xia Jing seemed to believe them and sat back down.


    Bampen Qiuxin quickly said, "Your Majesty, we cannot produce 200 ships worth. Moreover we came with utmost sincerity this time!"


    Emperor Xia Jing said, "Sincerity? Hmph! Don''t bother deceiving Us. Whether Turtle Saburo spoke true about some treasure, we both know clearly.


    Otherwise you also wouldn''t have rushed over mountains and seas to fish him out.


    Just say outright how much you can offer. If the price is suitable, We¡¯ll let you bring Turtle Saburo back. Otherwise We guarantee you will never see him again.


    Da Xia''s vast territories keep Us very busy without time to waste on your petty schemes."


    This was speaking tough straight away.


    When faced with such a hardline Da Xia Emperor, Bampen Qiuxin was helpless. He could only take out his baseline offer: "Thirty ships at most!"


    "Fifty ships. Not one less or no deal. Otherwise we kill him directly. This faraway treasure means little to Da Xia, but perhaps not so for the Bampen n."


    "Your Majesty, this matter is too important. Can you give us one more day to consider?"


    "Granted!"


    After the envoys of Wo Country left the pce, Emperor Xia Jing walked down from the throne and asked Jiang Yuqing, "Qingbao, will they agree?"


    Jiang Yuqing said, "They will! Just as Your Majesty said, our Da Xia is a grand undertaking, even without this treasure it will not have any impact on our Da Xia.


    But for the people of Wo Country, the current power struggle for the position of shogunate general is no less intense than the struggle for the heir apparent in the previous dynasty. They desperately need this batch of treasures to consolidate their power."


    Jiang Wenyuan put away his abacus, "But fiftyrge ships are no small number, it can almost cripple the Bampen n.¡±


    ¡°If the recovered treasures are not even enough to buy these fifty ships, wouldn''t they suffer a huge loss?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded, "As my father said, they are not fools either. Of course, they have also considered such a possibility.


    It''s just that the blood of this ethnicity has an inherent crazy gambler mentality. They tend to think this is a huge treasure.


    After all, a fleet of tens of thousands, more than ten years of plunder, the total must be an astronomical figure.


    Another important reason is that not only Wo Country''s Bampen family knows that Bampen Turtle Saburo is in our hands, but also their opponents.


    If they don''t get Turtle Saburo back and get their hands on this batch of treasures, once their opponents get it first, they will have nowhere to die."


    "What Qingbao said makes sense."


    Just as the saying goes, when you are sleepy, someone will bring you a pillow. The next day another group of Wo people entered Beijing. This group was the arch-rival of the Bampen family.


    The Ministry of Rites officials, in the name of they arepatriots of Wo Country, very "thoughtfully" arranged them next to the Bampen brothers, which pissed these two guys off.


    Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu could no longer sit still, and responded that same day. They were willing to exchange fifty treasure ships for the return of Bampen Turtle Saburo.


    However, the treasure ships they brought with them this time were only twenty-one, far from the number Da Xia requested. They asked Da Xia to give them a little more time to go back andunch the treasure ships.


    Emperor Xia Jing naturally agreed. It''s just that meeting their arch-rival on the same day really irritated Bampen.


    Some officials from the Ministry of Ritesughed and poured wine to apany them drinking.


    When they drank almost enough, one of them poked Bampen Qiuxin in a brotherly manner, "In my opinion, why do you two brothers still need to go back tounch ships, it¡¯s too cumbersome to go back and forth.¡±


    He made a fist with his right hand, extending his thumb to point behind him, "Didn''t the guy next doore with more than thirty treasure ships!"


    He gestured slightly under his own neck, grinning evilly, "As long as you are bold enough, you can always make up the ships.¡±


    Bampen Qiuxin and Bampen Bushoufu looked at each other and grinned ferociously at the Da Xia official, giving him a big thumbs up, "You are very smart!"


    "Well said, well said..."

 Chapter 160: Three birds with One Stone

    <h4>Chapter 160</h4>


    So that night, the sound of weapons fighting and screams came from the state guest house,sting nearly an hour.


    People living near the state guest house all heard the screams. Those who were bolder even got up specially to go and check what was happening.


    They were directly stopped by the Feathered Forest Guards standing guard outside: ¡°When people see their fellow vigers, their eyes brim with tears, intimate with each other, what are you looking at? Go back to sleep!¡±


    Not until the next day, when dozens of dead bodies covered with white cloth were carried out of the state guest house in one go did people realize that the two groups of Japanese people had fought with each other drunk in the state guest house, with heavy casualties.


    Especially the group of Japanese people who had just entered the capital, not a single one survived.


    Strangely, the usually invincible Feathered Forest Guards seemed to have all gone deaf, with no one going to investigate.


    When asked about the reason, it turned out that their leader had a birthday yesterday, and everyone had identally drunk too much, thinking that the Japanese were practicing martial arts inside, so they didn''t manage it.


    This reason is really sufficient (weird).


    Anyway, none of these little devils are good people, the fewer the better.


    The next thing will be easy to handle.


    Ban Motofusa and Ban Toshiju took over the other family''s fleet, plus the ships they brought, totaling 50 ships, and exchanged them for ¡°tycoon¡± Ban Kamezaburo. The two sides exchanged people for ships at the same time.


    After obtaining the transfer of rights of Ban Kamezaburo, the Japanese envoy left the capital overnight and went to the seaside.


    Now there is nothing more important than the treasure.


    On the fifth day after the Japanese envoys left the capital, Xia Jingdi received a letter from Fuzhou. Yuan Yun and Shi Jing and others had sessfully found the treasure hidden by Ban Kamezaburo on an unnamed barren ind. The amount was extremely huge.


    The 3,000 people they took carried it for two days and two nights before loading all these treasures onto the ships.


    Not only that, they also left a lot of empty boxes filled with rocks, and even wrote a lot of taunting words on the box covers and stone walls of the treasure caves, which can be described as extremely rampant.


    Xia Jingdi was extremely happy and ordered to heavily reward the meritorious officials. People like Shi Jing, themander of the Zhongshan camp, and Feng Zhan and others have been rewarded and sealed.


    As for Jiang Yuqing, the smelly cobbler strategist, he quietly went back to the hospital to sit in the hall, deeply hiding his merit and fame.


    It can be imagined that when the Japanese get the specific address of the treasure from Turtle San and go to find it, they find only a pile of rocks left, how desperate they will be.


    Not to mention making a penny, but also lost 50 treasure ships for this.


    What is more deadly is that in order to make up for the treasure ships they killed to Xia, this is an endless vengeance, and death may be the only way for them.


    Da Xia didn''t lose a single soldier, but got 50 treasure ships and a huge amount of treasure, and alienated the two major forces in Japan. It can be said to be a triple win.


    These things were all published on the front page headlines of Beijing, and the entire capital cheered.


    After this, Feng Zhan and Jiang Yuhe would also return to Fuzhou. Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing specially held a farewell banquet for Feng Zhan at the Duke¡¯s Mansion as a friend.


    It was only then that he knew that Jiang Yuhe¡¯s sweetheart was Feng Zhan¡¯s youngest sister. On the eve of going to Beijing, Jiang Yuhe finally got Feng Zhan¡¯s approval and agreed to ask a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Feng family after returning to Fuzhou.


    Hearing that this was the future inws, the Jiang family attached great importance to it and apanied them in person to warmly entertain them. Jiang Yuqing even took out his treasured monkey wine.


    Feng Zhan himself was also happy to see his sister and Jiang Yuhe¡¯s affair. This kid has a good background and a good family style.


    The brothers in the family are harmonious, the women are of one heart, and there is no dirty business like other prominent families. Such a family is really not easy to find.


    The few men drank a little too much and got drunk. Lu arranged for someone to send Feng Zhan to Jiang Yuhe''s yard to settle him.


    The next day, after breakfast, they officially left the capital. Jiang Yuqing took out a box and said to Jiang Yuhe: ¡°There is a Beauty Pill in here, put it in the betrothal gift when proposing the marriage!¡±


    Jiang Yuhe scratched his head and grinned silly: ¡°Okay!¡±


    The wind grew warmer day by day in April, until she happened to see a child chasing falling petals on the street, then she was shocked to realize that she had missed the most beautiful flowering period this year in her busyness.


    This was the first time Jiang Yuqing hade to Taian Farm since returning to Beijing. After a year of development, the orchards had be even denser, and the various livestock raised on the farm were also extremely well bred.


    Seeing here, the veterans were overjoyed and came up one by one to greet her. Jiang Yuqing also responded to them one by one, asking them how they were recently and how the food was.


    And told Yang Changyu that he must not save money on clothing and food, we have money.


    Yang Changyu said that there are more fruits thanst year.


    Although there were many flowers bloomingst year, after all, it was the first year that saplings were nted, and there were not many fruits, just enough for tourists to pick. This year I''m afraid there will be quite a lot left.


    Jiang Yuqing said this is a good thing. If there is more, just pick it and send it to the pce, send it to the barbecue shops in the city, and give them a fruit te at that time if you point more.


    The rest are sent to fresh fruit stores. If it really doesn¡¯t work, just make canned food. Anyway, we have the skills and are not afraid of selling it.


    As for pigs and sheep from Taian Farm, there are always not enough to sell, never unsold.


    The cattle herd has also expanded a lot. He reported to the official government and sold a lot to surrounding viges. Now there are still nearly 300 cows.


    It¡¯s the same with chickens. Because of the high quality of chicken meat, it was directly ordered by the Internal Affairs Department of the pce. Therefore, except for Jiang¡¯s Duke Mansion outside the pce, it is difficult to buy one outside.


    Several veterans also made beekeeping, making more than a dozen boxes, scattered in the alfalfa field. Justst month, more than 170 catties of honey were collected. Yang Changyu sent 20 catties to the Duke¡¯s Mansion, and the rest were sold by him. Jiang Yuqing told him not to sell honey any more, just keep it for everyone to make drinks, and supplement nutrition.


    In the past war days, which one didn''t leave a body full of problems, although they don''t have to go to the battlefield now, there are still no easy days, need more supplements.


    Yang Changyu agreed.


    At noon, Jiang Yuqing stayed with everyone to eat a hot pot rice, it had been a long time and she missed it. The chef''s craft remained the same as always.


    Just about finishing the meal, two veterans brought two young daughters-inw to pay respects to her. Only then did Jiang Yuqing know that some of them even found their partners among them and got married at the end ofst year.


    Among the two daughters-inw, one is pregnant. Jiang Yuqing touched her pulse and told her that the fetus was very healthy. The young daughter-inw happily thanked him, then stood by her husband.


    Jiang Yuqing didn¡¯t have time to attend such a happy event, but the red envelopes still had to be made up for one.


    After the two new couples left, Jiang Yuqing told Yang Changyu that starting from this year, he would take out another 200 taels of silver from her share of profits each year as a marriage and breeding fund for everyone.


    There are subsidies for veterans to get married and have children. Give ten taels for marriage and one or two for giving birth.


    It is not easy for disabled people to have a family, with this subsidy, at least when ites to housing and dowry, it will not be so straitened.


    After returning from Taian Farm to the city, Jiang Yuqing also went around to see Gu Dacheng father and son in the east city.


    The grocery business was still going well, and Gu Mingmu had also entered the academy to start reading with the teacher. From the smiling faces on them, it can be seen that their lives were going very well.


    Jiang Yuqing left them a chicken brought back from the farm, and after wandering the street for a while, she went home.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing unusually got upte. After waking up, she felt something wrong with herself, sticky, and there was a faint bloody smell.


    Her mind was nk for a few seconds at first, then she remembered something. Lifting the quilt, the sheets were full of red.


    She came on her first period.


    She hurriedly climbed up, went to Ling Realm to find a package of sanitary napkins to pad it, then changed her clothes. Then she casted a cleaning spell to restore the dirty sheets and quilts to be clean.


    After thinking about it, she still told Lu about this. After listening, Lu was overjoyed, saying that her daughter had grown into a youngdy.


    Lu asked if she knew how to use sanitary pads. Only then did Jiang Yuqing remember this very important thing for women.


    She found several breathable cotton women''s underwear and a pile of sanitary napkins from the supermarket in Ling Realm, and pushed them to Lu, telling Lu how to use them.


    Lu said gently as she stroked her daughter''s hair: "It''s nothing. Even immortals nod off sometimes. Besides, you''ve given your mother enough things already. Even if you never remember this for the rest of your life, it doesn''t matter."


    Although Jiang Yuqing insisted again and again that she was perfectly healthy without any difort, Lu still asked Doctor Qiu to take her pulse.


    Doctor Qiu said she was as strong as an ox and her body had absolutely no problems at all. But Lu still forced her to rest at home, especially not letting her touch cold water.


    With no other choice, she had to listen to her mother''s words. She had to pamper her own mother.


    She originally thought Lu was exaggerating enough already. But on the fifteenth, when the imperial concubines went to the pce to pay their respects, Empress Qin didn''t see Jiang Yuqing enter the pce, so she asked where she had gone.


    Lu secretly told Empress Qin about her getting her first period. Empress Qin was so happy. She directly rewarded her with arge pile of nourishing items and good medicinal materials, which were delivered by Jing Yan.


    It was simply outrageous.


    "I heard you''re not feeling well? What''s wrong?" Jing Yan sounded worried. The little girl was always healthy, apart from when Tan Laosan had poisoned her as a child and when she suffered bacsh from using forbidden arts in Suzhou. She almost never got sick.


    "I''m fine! Really, don''t listen to their nonsense. And I''m a doctor myself. If I was sick, wouldn''t I know it?"


    "You''re lying!" He suddenly became very serious: "I can clearly smell blood on you. You''re injured!"


    "...," Jiang Yuqing lowered her head in embarrassment, her toes curling inward. Big brother, were you a police dog in your past life? How is your nose so sharp?


    "Why aren''t you talking! Qingqing, look up at me." You never used to hide anything from me!"


    Jing Yan was very angry. His beloved girl was no longer candid with him like she used to be. This made him feel angry, and also quite heartbroken.


    Jiang Yuqing had no way to avoid this. She lookedpletely helpless and said bluntly: "I''m not injured. I just got my period."


    "What is a period?" Jing Yan was confused and determined to get to the bottom of this issue.


    "A period is menstruation, monthly period, red flower, red grass. Do you understand now?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Yuqing watched with wide eyes as the handsome youth''s jade-like face instantly turned red, like a boiled lobster.


    "I unders¡ªunderstand! You rest well. I¡ªI''ll leave first."


    After speaking, Jing Yan quickly turned and scrambled away awkwardly. His retreating figure looked utterly embarrassed.


    Jiang Yuqing was left watching his hurried figure disappear into the distance,ughing loudly.


    Little one, she was the one going through this yet he was the first to feel embarrassed. This guy really was quite innocent.

 Chapter 161: Is it evil

    <h4>Chapter 161</h4>


    As 50 treasure ships joined, the Da Xia navy finally formed some rudimentary scale.


    After subduing Banben n, which was the biggest disaster, the Fuzhou Navy spent only three months topletely eradicate all the pirates along the coast of Southeast China. The few remaining pirates also escaped far away.


    Without the threat of Japanese pirates and pirates, the Da Xia maritime silk trade, which was interrupted several years ago due to the Japanese pirates, started again.


    On the eve of opening navigation, the Fuzhou Navy also practiced what it preached, repaired and returned the sevenrge ships borrowed from the Shen family.


    It can be said that the Fuzhou Navy''s current prestige and achievements were due to the blood and sweat shed by these seven treasure ships.


    Treasure ships are still being built rapidly, and Emperor Xia Jing intends to build the most top-notch fleet.


    In addition to maintaining interests along the coast, he also wanted to conquer the Japanese state.


    He wanted topletely throw these disgusting worms into the sea to feed sharks, and take thend as a prefecture of Da Xia. He even had the name figured out already.


    Just as Jiang Yuqing predicted, when the Banben n finally managed to pry open Bampen Turtle Saburo''s mouth with great effort and got the exact location of the treasure, they were overjoyed and rushed to that ce with their men without stopping.


    When they saw only a few boxes containingrge stone blocks, as well as the covers of the boxes and the walls of the cave with arrogant Xia Huanguage,


    Autumn Messenger Banben was so angry that he went mad: "Damn it, you turtle Saburo, your conscience is so bad. You actually let the Da Xia people take away the treasure!"


    As he spoke, he drew the waist knife and shed at Saburo Turtle''s neck. He shed three times before he was able to cut off his head because Saburo Turtle had too much flesh.


    After cutting it off, he shed at those empty boxes in a frenzy until he was exhausted, then let out a long roar to the sky: "Ah¡ª¡ª!".


    Looking at the empty treasure cave in front of him and thinking of the fifty treasure ships that he had invested in vain, as well as the powerful rival n that was hot on his heels, the Banben family was really going crazy.


    He had never felt so desperate before. Damn Saburo Turtle, damn Da Xia people!


    After calming down, he recalled everything he had experienced in Da Xia. He was afraid that from the beginning they had fallen into the trap set by the Da Xia people. It was a strategy that allowed them to aplish several things at once. The Da Xia people were really frighteningly clever.


    No wonder the Grand General said that Da Xia was the most respectable and frightening opponent. Once provoked, one should be prepared to bepletely annihted. This was true for Bampen Turtle Saburo, and it was true for them as well.


    ............................I am the timeline.......................................................


    More than a year after her thirteenth birthday, Jiang Yuqing grew rapidly to 1.65 meters tall. Her body also developed very quickly with an hourss figure and almost perfect proportions.


    Jiang Yuqing was not used to wearing a bellyband. She always felt empty and insecure without it.


    After her body had developed to a certain extent, she grabbed several sets of modern underwear in suitable sizes for herself from the spiritual space supermarket. Now she finally feltfortable.


    She even gave her mother several sets. Although Lady Lu felt somewhat shy, she still bravely tried them on. After putting them on, her chest curve became more upright and well-shaped. Especially when she took off her clothes and went to bed at night, after her father Jiang Wen yuan saw it, he went crazy on the spot...


    As a result, Lady Lu got upte the next day, and her face was flushed and shiny, with charm in the corners of her eyes and eyebrows.


    Jiang Yuhe, her naughty second brother, finally got married at the end ofst year.


    His wife is the younger sister of Feng Zhan, the girl he gave a peace jade talisman to at the beginning.


    When proposing marriage, because the betrothal gifts he gave to the bride¡¯s family included an extremely rare beauty elixir, the Feng family¡¯s daughter became the envy of all the girls in Fuzhou City for a time.


    At the end of June, peaches and grapes in the Tai¡¯an Farm matured.


    Jiang Yuqing had good ones picked and took away a batch to send several baskets to the pce, Princess Fu¡¯s residence, senior brother, and several friendly families,. She also sent some to An Hospital.


    After that, the farm opened for visitors to enjoy fruit picking.


    Because the fruit here was not onlyrge and beautiful in color, but also exceptionally delicious in taste. There were also other recreational facilities. So as soon as it opened, it attracted countless people toe and y and pick fruit.


    The entrance fee was thirty wen per person, all-you-can-eat if not wasting.


    Fruits could also be picked and taken away, charged by catties. Although it was more expensive than fruit elsewhere, the quality of Tai¡¯an Farm¡¯s fruit determined its market price. Even if it was more expensive, no one had anything bad to say about it.


    At this time two years ago, Jiang Yuqing and Doctor Qiu were still fighting the pneumonic gue in Sichuan and did note back on time.


    At this timest year, having just dealt with the Japanese state, there was a flood in the southwest. She and her master hurried to the southwest for disaster relief and epidemic prevention, so they did not make it back on time again.


    She would definitely not miss it this year no matter what.


    From the day the farm opened, she came almost every day, either to help maintain order among the visitors, or to help pick and transport fruit, or to do some other chores.


    Seeing the mountains and ins full of fruit put her in an especially good mood.


    Her parents and brother also came twice, but unfortunately the farm was still quite a distance from the capital city, the two men in her family still had to go to work every day, so they could note often.


    Doctor Qiu also came back once, took a look, ate some fruit and went back.


    He was not very interested in orchards. Jiang Yuqing swore to the ancestors of Heavenly Doctor Valley that if these hills were turned into rare medicinal gardens, her master could nt himself in the fields.


    Upon hearing that Tai¡¯an Farm was open, Empress Qin also breezily tidied up and came over.


    As soon as Emperor Xia Jing saw that his wife wanted to slip away, he quickly followed. Prince Jing Yan was unwilling to fall behind and came along as well. The whole family of three came neatly and orderly.


    The sudden appearance of the emperor, empress and crown prince in in clothes at Tai¡¯an Farm immediately caused a sensation.


    People rushed over to watch, but because of the empress''s prestige, they only dared to look from afar for a few moments and did not dare to get too close.


    Jiang Yuqing found a few baskets and first took everyone to the peach grove to pick peaches, then to the vineyards to pick grapes.


    Big, red peaches hung all over the branches like smallnterns.


    Although many tourists and fruit pickers came every day, the speed at which fruit was picked could still not keep up with the speed at which fruit ripened.


    Fortunately, the reputation of Tai''an Farm''s fruit was well known, and the fruit picked and transported to the capital also sold very well after.


    The empress, confined to the pce all year round, was served food and clothing, and rarely experienced the joy of picking fruit with her own hands. She had tremendous fun ying around.


    Especially Empress Qin, sometimes shouting ¡°Wow, this one¡¯s so big,¡± sometimes shouting ¡°Hurry up and pick that one, it¡¯s the reddest one, it must be delicious!¡± Though over forty years old, she was as happy as a little girl.


    Or perhaps she was originally an innocent girl, but her nature was forcibly suppressed by the high pce walls.


    Prince Jing Yan keenly noticed Jiang Yuqing''s thoughts and quietly walked to her side and said, "Even if I take over my father''s position in the future, I won''t restrict your freedom. Qingqing just needs to be yourself."


    Jiang Yuqing tilted her head to look at him: ¡°Is this a promise?¡±


    Jing Yan shook his head: ¡°Oaths are the most useless things in the world, so I won''t make any casual promises to you.


    You are like a proud and fearless seabird soaring over the sea. Born free and indomitable.


    I won''t break your wings and your pride, I just want to devote the rest of my life to allow you to soar freely under my protection, without any restraint."


    His eyes shone with sincerity, longing and indulgence, but no trace of deception at all.


    Moreover, thinking about the past decade or so that they had spent apanying and encouraging each other since childhood, such gentleness between sweethearts was the norm.


    She suddenlyughed and held out a hand: ¡°If you live up to me not, I am willing to stay with you free of worry for a hundred years.¡±


    Jing Yan was stunned for a moment, then ecstatic. He grabbed her hand and hugged his beloved girl into his arms. His eyes were filled with starlight: ¡°I hereby pledge my exclusive affection to ady, and am willing to be generous and devoted for the rest of my life. Qingqing, I''ve finally waited for your nod of approval.¡±


    As a result, on the way back, Prince Jing Yan, who had always been expressionless, dignified in his manners, surprisingly had the corners of his mouth constantly hooked upwards, with an asional sillyugh.


    Empress Qin rubbed away goosebumps all over her hands, poked at her husband next to her with her elbow, and whispered in his ear: "Why has our son suddenly be silly?"


    Emperor Xia Jing also felt that something was wrong with his son: "I don''t know, has he been cursed?"


    "Should we ask Daoist Master Hua Yangzi to take a look?"


    Just as the couple was about to return to the pce and hurry to find a doctor or Taoist priest to take a look at their son, Jing Yan suddenly turned his head and said solemnly to the Emperor and Empress: "I''m fine, you don''t need to find any monks or Taoists for me."


    The conspiracy was caught red-handed. Empress Qin awkwardly coughed and put on a smiling face, carefully saying: "My son, what good thing have youe across?"


    Emperor Xia Jing was after all a man of experience. His mind turned slightly and he understood¡ªthis boy had likely gotten lucky. Sure enough, Jing Yan smiled like he was amidst the peach blossoms of March: "Qing Qing has agreed to me."


    Empress Qin was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. "Really, she agreed? This is wonderful. I have been longing for a daughter-inw for so many years and she is finally within reach."


    As she spoke, Empress Qin excitedly pped Jing Yan hard on the shoulder: "My son, well done!"


    But Emperor Xia Jing poured cold water on the overly excited mother and son. "Don''t get too happy too early. There is still Minister Jiang to contend with! With how he dotes on his precious daughter, don''t expect to bring her home as a bride within two years!"


    As soon as Empress Qin heard this, she deted. She patted her son''s arm, "My son, it still depends on your own efforts. Your mother can only help so much here."


    Emperor Xia Jing also sighed and patted his son. "Your future father-inw is an obstinate man who dotes excessively on his daughter. He will be very difficult to handle indeed. Your father is powerless too. You must rely on yourself!"


    Jing Yan pressed his lips together without speaking. He was all too familiar with what kind of temperament his future father-inw had. He had even mentally prepared himself to endure long-term trouble. After all, one could not take away someone else''s precious flower that they had nurtured for over ten years without paying a price.

 Chapter 162: The Gift of Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 162</h4>


    Since their feelings became clear, Jing Yan would often run to Duke Jiang''s residence. If he couldn''te out due to being too busy, he would send a eunuch to deliver a letter to her.


    The letters were not long, but they expressed his deep longing for her.


    However, it seemed that his fianc¨¦e (as he unterally assumed) didn''t have the same profound feelings for him as he imagined, which made him feel a bit anxious.


    For example, two days ago, he wrote to her: "Like stars and moons, you are as bright as ever. The starsst night were beautiful, and it made me miss you again."


    His fianc¨¦e replied: "If love is meant to besting, it doesn''t depend on seeing each other every day. Staying upte at night to watch stars, do you want to have dark circles under your eyes?"


    That was quite speechless.


    And then yesterday, he said: "Green cors, my heart is deeply attached to you. If I don''t go, will you not send any news? The red roses in the imperial garden have bloomed, and I remember how much you liked them. Qingqing, would you like toe with me to admire them?"


    Her reply was: "No, I have two surgeries today and can''t leave. If possible, could you please pick some unopened flower buds for me? I want to make some rose tea."


    His heart felt a bit broken.


    Today, he sent someone to deliver another letter to her: "On the branches under the moon, let''s meet after dusk. Qingqing, there will be a grand song and dance performance tonight at the theater. Shall we go together?"


    After anxiously waiting for half a day, the eunuch who delivered the letter came back trembling, stuttering, "Your Highness, Duke Jiang asked me to deliver a message to you."


    Jing Yan was taken aback, sensing that it wasn''t good news. "What message?"


    "The Duke said, he said, when you go to watch the performance, can you take him along?"


    Jing Yan: "..." It seems that his future father-inw holds quite a strong grudge against him!


    Since the mountain won''te to me, I''ll go to the mountain. Holding onto this belief, Jing Yan arrived at Duke Jiang''s residence right around mealtime.


    Since he had reached the doorstep, even if Duke Jiang was unhappy, he couldn''t just turn him away. So, with a sour face, he weed Jing Yan into his home.


    Then, as he watched a certain annoying brat who kept serving his precious daughter food and peeling shrimp at the dining table, he felt that all the rice he put in his mouth turned sour.


    As someone with experience, he had noticed over these days that his precious daughter seemed to be falling for him.


    Deep in his heart, this young man was indeed outstanding. He had an impressive stature and appearance, and his courage and strategy were equally remarkable. He also showed his affection for his daughter. Only one thing, his status as the crown prince was inappropriate.


    But as a father, even if he was the crown prince, he had to say what needed to be said. So after finishing the meal, he called Jing Yan into the study.


    "I wonder where Your Highness intends to ce my daughter?"


    "I am the heir apparent, and she will be the consort of the heir apparent. If I be emperor, she will be the empress."


    Jiang Wenyuan didn''t express approval or disapproval. "Your Highness should know that our Jiang family has a rule against taking concubines. My daughter has grown up in a sheltered environment, and she may not be able to ept being one of many if you cannot remain faithful to her throughout your life.


    If you cannot promise a lifetime of exclusivity, I kindly ask you to spare my daughter."


    Jing Yan looked directly into Jiang Wenyuan''s eyes and solemnly said, "Even the Taizu Emperor had only one empress in his lifetime.


    I love Qingqing more than my own life, so how could I take another woman and make her sad?"


    "If I, the younger daughter, have no remarkable future or only bear daughters, what will happen?" This question can be considered quite sharp.


    Jing Yan, with an imposing gesture, replied, "If it is destined by the heavens that I have no heir, then the son of Prince Fu can be appointed as the crown prince. If I have a daughter as talented as Qingqing, she can be the next empress, why not?"


    "I hope Your Highness remembers today''s words. I must confess, in my Jiang family for generations, there is only this one daughter, cherished like a precious treasure. If Your Highness breaks your promise in the future and causes any harm to my daughter, I will spare no effort, even risking my life and fortune, to make sure you don''t have it easy!"


    "Rest assured, Duke Jiang. That day will nevere!"


    "Your Highness often visits the youngdy, which is improper and bound to draw criticism. It would be better to be more cautious, so as not to tarnish the youngdy''s reputation."


    It''s best if you don''te anymore. Day after day, showing up at the doorstep and writing love letters¡ªit''s simply shameless! Hmph!


    Jing Yan raised an eyebrow, a hint of delight appearing in his eyes. He made a bow and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Duke Jiang. I understand what I should do now."


    Jiang Wenyuan was somewhat puzzled. He had just told him to visit Qingqing less often, so why was this little rascal so happy?


    Could there be something wrong with his brain? Something doesn''t seem quite right.


    After leaving Jiang''s residence, Jing Yan informed Jiang Yuqing and left the Jiang family in big strides.


    For some reason, Jiang Yuqing felt that his steps today seemed unusually joyous.


    What did he say to her father in the study?


    Now, let''s talk about Jing Yan. After leaving the Jiang family, he went straight to Qinzheng Hall to request a marriage decree from his father.


    Upon hearing this, the emperor''s eyes widened in surprise. "Son, you didn''t mishear, did you? When did that old man be so easy to talk to?"


    "It''s unlikely, Duke Jiang has always been trustworthy."


    The emperor still couldn''t believe it. "Tell me exactly what he said."


    Jing Yan recited Jiang Wenyuan''s words, "Your Highness often visits the youngdy, which is improper and bound to draw criticism." He continued, "The meaning behind Duke Jiang''s words is to imply that the son can go and propose marriage, right?"


    The emperor repeated these words in his mind twice and felt that his son had understood them correctly. But when he thought of that daughter-inw of his, it couldn''t be so simple.


    Forget it, never mind whether it''s true or not. Even if it''s not, the imperial edict has been issued. I don''t believe he would dare to defy it.


    The next day happened to be a day of rest. Jiang Wenyuan and his son were both at home. After having their meal and tidying up to visit friends, there was a sudden report that the imperial edict had arrived.


    Both father and son were surprised. It wasn''t a festive season, and there was no one in the family who had aplished any great deeds ormitted any major crimes deserving of a decree. Why would an imperial edict be issued?


    Although they had doubts in their hearts, they still had to follow the proper procedures. They quickly opened the main gate, set up the incense table, bathed and burned incense, and the entire family knelt down in perfect order.


    The imperial edict messenger unfolded the imperial edict and began to read, "By the grace of the heavens, the emperor summons... It is heard that the daughter of Duke Jiang, Jiang Yuqing, the Guardian of the Nation, is virtuous, graceful, gentle, kind-hearted, and exceptionally beautiful. We, the emperor and empress, are greatly pleased upon hearing this."


    The Crown Prince has reached the age of twenty, the appropriate time for marriage, and it is necessary to choose a virtuousdy to be his consort. The Princess of Huguo, Jiang Yuqing, who is highly regarded in the boudoir, is a perfect match for the Crown Prince. In order to achieve the beauty of an exceptional woman, she is granted the title of Crown Princess.


    All ceremonial matters will be handled jointly by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. After the Crown Princess reaches the age of adulthood, an auspicious day will be chosen for the wedding.


    The promation will be made known to both the internal and external realms.


    Hear this!"


    Upon hearing this sudden decree of a bestowed marriage, the Jiang family was dumbfounded. An imperial messenger held the edict and said to Jiang Yuqing, "Crown Princess, please receive the edict!"


    Jiang Yuqing finally regained her senses and took a deep breath, saying, "I, your humble subject, ept the edict and thank Your Majesty for the great favor. Long live the Emperor!"


    The others also reacted and hurriedly bowed to express their gratitude.


    Jiang Wenyuan gritted his teeth and got up from the ground, turning around to run towards the storeroom. Jiang Yuchuan was startled and quickly grabbed his father, asking, "Where are you going?"


    Jiang Wenyuan raged, "I''m going to find a stick and beat that damned brat surnamed Jing to death!


    I haven''t even seen my flowers grow, and he''s already taken the pot away from me.


    Yesterday, I told him not toe, and today he directly asks for the decree of marriage. This bastard, does he have nothing better to do?"


    This situation truly frightened the imperial messenger.


    At this moment, he suddenly understood why including Li Gonggong, several close courtiers of the princess, were unwilling to deliver this imperial edict.


    It seemed like a good opportunity, but in reality, it was life-threatening. Look, even His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is about to be beaten up. How could this littleckey of his escape unscathed?


    Goodness gracious, run quickly, your life is at stake.


    Fortunately, Lu still had some rity and saw the imperial messenger attempting to flee. She quickly handed him a fifty-tael silver note and asked Zhao Housekeeper to escort him out.


    The crowd managed to stop Jiang Wenyuan and inquired about the situation.


    Jiang Yuchuan looked at his father with a speechless expression and said, "Can you me others for this? Just think about the implications of what you said.


    Not to mention the Crown Prince, who is determined to win over my sister, even I think that you were implying for him toe and propose!"


    Jiang Wenyuan finally realized what he had said and knew he was in the wrong, but he refused to admit it. "Must heplicate things like this?


    I only have this one precious daughter, I wish she could stay at home forever.


    How could she be married off before reaching adulthood? It truly makes me furious. I suspect that father and son did this on purpose."


    Lu stood with her hands on her hips, sighed, and said, "Even if they did it on purpose, what can you do? The imperial edict has been issued, can you defy it?


    I advise you not to be stubborn. We can''t twist the arm of someone more powerful than us. Since our precious daughter is destined to be a member of the royal family, what difference does it make whether it happens sooner orter?


    Moreover, the Crown Prince has reached the age where ministers have been pressuring the Emperor for a marriage. If it weren''t for waiting for our precious daughter, His Majesty and the Crown Prince wouldn''t have to endure such immense pressure.


    Furthermore, His Highness has a special fondness for our precious daughter. Every day he either writes her love letters ores to visit her. If this continues for too long, it will inevitably give rise to gossip.


    It''s better to formalize their status sooner, to prevent those envious people from spreading rumors."


    After being persuaded by his family, Jiang Wenyuan''s mood finally calmed down. Although he knew that what his wife and son said made sense, he couldn''t help but feel stifled inside.


    On that day, Jiang Yuqing went to the pce to find Jing Yan and angrily pulled him aside, saying, "What on earth are you and His Majesty up to? Do you know that the imperial decree for the marriage nearly drove my father crazy?"


    Jing Yan coughed into his fist, looking embarrassed, and replied, "I didn''t expect Duke Guo to be so naive. I thought he was hinting at me to propose."


    Clearly, he also learned about the big misunderstanding from the eunuch who delivered the decree.


    "What are you saying? My father has always been straightforward. At least, I mean, at least when ites to matters rted to me, he doesn''t hold back. Whatever he says, he means it. It''s just that you have too many thoughts," Jiang Yuqing retorted, holding his hand.


    Jing Yan held her hand and patiently reassured her, "Alright, don''t be angry anymore. It''s my fault this time, and there won''t be a next time. Besides, the imperial decree has already been issued, so it''s not appropriate to retract it, right?"


    "Hmph! Hmph!" Jiang Yuqing vented her anger for a while and finally calmed down.


    The rice has already been cooked, and the boat has already sailed. Being angry won''t change the predetermined oue.


    Besides, there will always be a time like this sooner orter, and it doesn''t seem to make much difference whether it happens sooner orter.


    Moreover, the imperial decree also stated that they will proceed with the marriage after shees of age. By then, they can find an excuse to dy it for two or three years if they want. So, what''s the point of being angry?


    Thus, without Jing Yan having to make much effort, heforted himself, having such a lovely, beautiful, and broad-minded fianc¨¦e.


    Due to this frustrating misunderstanding, for a long time, Jiang Wenyuan wore a grim expression whenever he saw Jing Yan.


    Until a distress letter from Tubo shattered the tranquility of the court.

 Chapter 163: Princess of Ming Yang

    <h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    The letter was written by the Eldest Princess, whose title is ¡°Ming Yang¡±.


    A rebellion broke out in Tubo. Ming Yang Princess''s husband, Tubo''s Zanpu, was killed by his younger brother.


    Including Ming Yang Princess''s children, all of Zanpu''s offspring were massacred. Ming Yang Princess was put under house arrest and forced to remarry.


    By doing so, they did not put Da Xia in their eyes at all.


    The Emperor was furious and ordered the ministers to discuss countermeasures. After deliberation, the ministers unanimously decided to issue a letter to Tubo, demanding them to immediately send back Ming Yang Princess and her dowry.


    More than a monthter, the rebel king of Tubo sent a reply saying that they could send the Princess back, but Da Xia must give them 100,000 dan of grain. They were out of food and needed the grain to get through the winter.


    This was simply shameless to the utmost.


    Thispletely angered Da Xia''s monarch and ministers. Everyone unanimously decided to send troops to rescue Ming Yang Princess.


    She was not just a person, but also rted to the dignity of Da Xia''s imperial court.


    At that time, Da Xia was so poor, yet they had brought the arrogant Xiongnu and Tibetans from the northwest to their knees. In the past two years, they had also stirred up quite a mess out of Wa, which had been bouncing around in the east.


    Today''s Da Xia has a strong military. There is no reason to still be afraid of your little Tubo. Let''s end this!


    Therefore, another letter was sent: Send back the Princess and her dowry unconditionally. If the Princess loses a single hair, Da Xia''s army will raze Tubo''s pce to the ground.


    At the same time, an urgent order was issued to mobilize 200,000 troops and garrison the border to put pressure on Tubo. If they dared not obey, Da Xia¡¯s troops would attack Tubo directly.


    Crown Prince Jingyan petitioned in court to go to Tubo in person to bring his eldest sister back, saying that fifteen years ago, he was unable to personally send off his eldest sister when she got married, so now it¡¯s appropriate that he should be the one to wee her back to be taken care of by the nation.


    The Emperor approved the petition. Considering Ming Yang Princess''s physical and mental health, the Emperor also ordered Princess Jiang Yuqing the Protector of the Nation to apany the Crown Prince.


    There was no time to dy. On the third day after the decree was issued, Princess Jiang bid farewell to her family and mentor. Together with Jingyan, and a guard troop, she rushed to the Xia-Tubo border post haste.


    Among the entourage were Duke Yuan Yun of the Zhenguo Commandery and two trantors from the Honglu Temple.


    The group travelled overnight with minimal rest, spending almost all their time on horseback.


    To everyone''s surprise, they found that Jiang Yuqing¡¯s deer was actually stronger than their thoroughbreds.


    After running such a long way, it did not even pant for breath. It was very smart too.


    It barely needed her shouts or whip. It knew where to run by itself and never went in the wrong direction. No wonder it was the only deer to have been on the battlefield. It was truly awesome.


    After days of rushing, the two trantors from the Honglu Temple were somewhat worn out. It was said that the sides of both thighs were chafed.


    Fortunately, with Jiang Yuqing around to check their pulses on the pretext of healing them, she used Rejuvenation Technique on them.


    Together with the top-grade medicine for injuries personally configured by Doctor Qiu, no major problem arose.


    After galloping for more than ten days, they finally arrived at Dingyang Pass on the Xia¨CTubo border. Themander here had received the urgent order from the capital and made preparations early.


    Jingyan decided to rest here for a day and set off for Tubo tomorrow morning with the troops.


    The Dingyang Passmander offered them a small field stove in the big camp. But Jingyan declined, saying that eating from the same big pot was good enough.


    Tonight''s meal was made of red potatoes and rice cooked together. The dish was fried potato chunks with a pair of salted vegetables on the side.


    The taste was mediocre but still much better than eating dry rations. At least it was hot.


    Jiang Yuqing had not been to a military camp for a long time. Instead of eating in a tent, she carried her rice bowl outside, just like she used to when she was in the northwest military camp, and sat on the stone bs under the awning to eat.


    Watching theing and going soldiers with rice bowls in hand, she felt a special sense of intimacy.


    Soon, someone came to sit next to her. Jiang Yuqing nced up and saw who it was. Sheughed and said, "Why did youe out too? Eating rations here, aren''t you afraid of ruining the image of Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"


    Jingyan scooped a spoonful of rice into his mouth, chewed it and swallowed it. He looked at her, eyes deep, and said slowly, "Since my princess consort does not care about her image, why should I care about mine? It is good for couples to follow each other''s lead."


    Jiang Yuqing grinned at his teasing. "I didn''t realize you were so indifferent before."


    "That''s because you hadn''t agreed to be my wife back then."


    Seeing how down-to-earth the two of them were, bolder soldiers came up to them with bowls in hand to greet Jiang Yuqing.


    Though Jiang Yuqing had not been to the border for many years, her nicknames as ¡°Little Warrior Goddess¡± and ¡°Little Divine Doctor¡± were well known throughout the northwest army.


    Over the years, she and the He¡¯an Hospital and Tianyi Valley behind her had trained countless medical workers and saved innumerable lives for Da Xia.


    In addition, they donatedrge quantities of supplies to major camps in the northwest border every year free of charge. After returning to the capital, she had led the building of the ¡°Da Xia Heroes Memorial¡±, started the Tai¡¯an Farm and Tai¡¯an Barbecue and other businesses to support disabled soldiers.


    Especially Tai¡¯an Barbecue, under Jiang Yuqing¡¯s operation, had blossomed all over Da Xia. Within just three years, it had opened more than 100 stores and employed nearly 10,000 disabled veterans, and there was still room for further development.


    With the oral spread amongst militarymanders and military doctors, her story was known far and wide.


    Soldiers were pure-hearted. Perhaps not eloquent, but they remembered kindness.


    As such, unknowingly, Jiang Yuqing had be almost an absolutely top idol-like figure for the entire Da Xia army.


    The legendary figure appearing here made everyone very excited. Addresses like ¡°Little Warrior Goddess¡± and ¡°Little Divine Doctor¡± were endless.


    The little divine doctor of the Ox Vige also chatted with them happily and greeted them toe over and sit.


    In a few moments, the two were surrounded by people sitting or squatting around them.


    Everyone held huge ceramic rice bowls. Regardless of etiquette, they gobbled down food while chatting casually with Jiang Yuqing.


    Jiang Yuqing asked them, "How is the camp¡¯s provisions now?"


    A veteran soldier stopped his chopsticks andughed aloud, "The provisions are pretty good. Every day we have enough of either rice with red potatoes or white rice with potatoes for both meals. We can even have a meal of white rice and barbecued meat every other day. Back six, seven years ago, this was unimaginable."


    A new recruit who had just enlisted couldn¡¯t help asking curiously, "What did you all eat back then?"


    The veteran guffawed loudly, "What did we eat? Let me tell you, there is a catchy phrase for it - (Forage for wild vegetables to fill your stomach, when horses die, use their fat to make emergency rations). You belong to a lucky generation!"


    As the only healthy son of the current emperor, Jingyan had been extremely well protected since childhood.


    Although he had been to Su Prefecture before, he had never stayed in the big camp. He only knew that the living conditions of the frontier soldiers were harsh.


    Now, sitting among them and hearing their unintentional true feelings with his own ears, the feeling was even more direct and profound.


    These low-ranking soldiers were quite adorable and not as bad off as he had imagined.


    After the meal, everyone dispersed gradually. Back in the tent, Jingyan sat at his desk, holding a military book, but couldn¡¯t read half a word into it.


    When Jiang Yuqing came in from outside, she saw him with a solemn expression and asked, "Still brooding over the matter of Ming Yang Princess?"


    Jingyan took her hand and made her sit with him.


    "I was thinking, in the future, will I be able to be a wise emperor to lead Da Xia''s people to create a better life."


    After a little thought, Jiang Yuqing knew that it was after hearing the soldiers'' words that he was moved.


    So she affirmed, "Believe in yourself, you can do it.


    Your father is a wise and benevolent emperor. You are his personally nurtured son.


    The Yangtze River waves behind drive on those before. You will definitely be more outstanding than him. At least you still have me, don''t you?"


    Jingyan drew her into his arms and solemnly nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Therefore, Qingqing, you must never leave me.


    I want to stand with you at the top of this world and see the most beautiful scenery of this world. Led by you and me, together with them, to create the beautiful scenery.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They talked no more that night.


    The next day, Jingyan and Yuan Yun were busy meeting and preparing for their departure the next day.


    Jiang Yuqing had nothing to do, so she asked a soldier to take her to the medical tent.


    Many senior military doctors here were from the He¡¯an Hospital in the northwest.


    Some of them were even personally trained by her, so they naturally recognized Jiang Yuqing.


    Seeing her appear here, the military doctors were simply overjoyed.


    They came up one after another in the manner of disciples: ¡°Greetings Master!¡±


    Jiang Yuqingughed and helped them up, "There''s no need to be overly courteous, rise and let''s talk!"


    Since the imperial edict announcing her title as Princess Consort had already been promulgated throughout thend, everyone was aware of it and came to congratte her.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled as she epted everyone''s blessings. She took out arge package of fruit candies wrapped in rice paper from her bag and distributed some to each of the medical tent''s doctors and nurses.


    Two soldiers who were here getting bandaged up for minor injuries sustained during training also managed to get in on the action and got a few pieces.


    Not willing to eat too many, they just popped one in their mouths and carefully tucked the rest into their clothes, saying they would take them back as family heirlooms.


    The army doctorsughed and said, "You better stop hiding them. Don''t me me if they get snatched from you the moment you step out of the medical tent."


    Upon hearing that, the two soldiers cursed under their breaths. Damn those beasts really might do something like that. Forget hiding them, best to eat them now to be safe.


    Jiang Yuqing spent the entire morning in the medical tent, exchanging academic ideas with the army doctors. If they encountered things they did not understand, she was happy to teach them.


    Around noon, Jing Yan finished up his tasks and came to find his fianc¨¦e, only to discover she was not there. After asking the guard, he found out she had gone to the medical tent again.


    Jing Yan shook his head and headed over to retrieve his girl from the medical tent. His little darling seemed incapable of sitting still for even a moment.


    When Jing Yan arrived, Jiang Yuqing was in the middle of teaching two medical apprentices how to suture tendons.


    Seeing how attentive she was, he decided not to disturb her and stood quietly nearby to wait.


    Some of the other doctors noticed him and were about toe over to pay their respects, but he gestured for them not to.


    It is said that a woman is most beautiful when dedicated wholeheartedly to something. Jing Yan had always felt his precious fianc¨¦e was at her most beautiful when teaching. Any dissenting views would not be tolerated.


    Jiang Yuqing had noticed his arrival early on, but continued with her lecture until she was certain the two apprentices understood. Only then did she set aside what was in her hands.


    She asked, "What brings you here?"


    Jing Yan stroked her head, "It''s noon, time to eat."


    "Alright!"


    As they were leaving, she told the army doctors that if they encountered any difficulties in medicine or their lives, they could write to her. If she was able help, she would.


    The doctors happily agreed.


    After the couple left hand in hand, the medical tent immediately erupted into excited chatter. Someone said, "So that was His Highness the Crown Prince. As expected, he is extraordinarily handsome and brilliant, a perfect match for our teacher!"


    B said, "His Highness the Crown Prince treats Teacher so well. He truly cherishes Teacher in his heart."


    C asked, "How do you know His Highness genuinely cares for Teacher? What if he has ulterior motives?"


    B looked scornfully at him, "That''s obvious if you just look with your eyes. The warmth in His Highness'' gaze towards Teacher could overflow. As a clueless bachelor, you wouldn''t understand even if I exined."


    C: "......" Can we stop going back to this all the time?


    Early the next morning, Dingyang Pass opened its gates wide. Crown Prince Jingyan, Princess Jiang Yuqing the Protector of the Nation, led by Grand Commander Yuan Yun and several Da Xia generals, set out from Dingyang Pass with two hundred thousand troops. An awe-inspiring array stretching as far as the eye could see, charging westward straight for the Tibetan border.


    Continuing onward from here, past the fifty li buffer zone between the two nations, lied the Tibetan border ahead.


    Although this was already the edge of the hignds, since the altitude was not high, vegetation alongside the roads remained lush. It was early autumn presently, and some of the deciduous trees had begun to yellow. Surely they would bepletely bare before much longer.


    The army moved swiftly, traversing fifty li in less than half a day to arrive at the city walls on the Tibetan border.


    Calling this a city wall was a far cry from the majestic, formidable walls of Da Xia. They were at best slightly more sturdy mounds of earth, only rising about ten yards high.


    This was understandable, however. Situated in the hignds, Tibet had barrennds and sparse resources, so its national power was far from prospering.


    Aside from animal husbandry, many items like ironware and grain had to be obtained from trade with Da Xia and neighboring countries.


    Therefore, when Tibet''s border troops saw Da Xia''s intimidating twenty myriad army actually appear beneath their city walls, theirmander was so frightened that he plopped down on his bottom.


    Weren''t they not supposed to attack and just bluff? Motherf*cker,e see for yourself Mu Ru if this looks like a bluff!

 Chapter 164: Surrender

    <h4>Chapter 164</h4>


    Dan Zeng cursed for a while, but the issue that needed to be resolved still had to be resolved, so he braced himself and climbed onto the city wall, yelling in awkward Da Xianguage: ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    Yuan Yun yelled angrily: ¡°What do we want to do? You must have seen our Da Xia''s national letter! Not only did you not send the Da Xia princess back, you even dared to extort money. Who gave you the courage?¡±


    "This general will give you a chance today. If you put down your weapons and surrender now, I can spare your lives. If you resist stubbornly, I will send you to the Western Paradise immediately!"


    Dan Zeng still had some backbone after all. Although afraid, he was not easily frightened by Yuan Yun¡¯s words. His response to the Da Xia army was a rain of arrows.


    The range of arrows was limited. Plus, their city walls were not high enough and the Da Xia troops were somewhat far away.


    Most of these feeble volleysnded on open ground, with only a few arrows left, which were also blocked by the shield formations in front. They didn''t even hurt a single hair on the Da Xia troops.


    Yuan Yun asked Jing Yan, "Your Highness, do we attack?"


    Jing Yan said, "I told you before. I have only read military books and have never fought in battles. The battlefield is ever-changing. General Yuan and the generals are all veteranmanders who have led troops. You should make the decisions."


    "I came this time firstly to bring my elder sister back to the capital, and secondly to learn from the generals. I don''t dare to point fingers rashly. In case I was just an armchair strategist, it would be a minor matter to be aughing stock, but a major disaster if I disrupted the battle."


    Yuan Yun grinned, "Thank you for Your Highness''s trust."


    As he spoke, his expression changed sharply and he waved his right hand domineeringly, "Thunderbolt, blow it up for me. st their damn city gate down!"


    The Princess said that people were more important than weapons or anything else. Try to use gunpowder to solve problems whenever possible instead of manpower, to minimize casualties on our side to the greatest extent possible.


    There were no more thunderbolts that could be produced again, but people were gone forever once dead.


    Just as his voice fell, the front shield formations retreated in unison, and a row of grenadiers threaded their way to the front, with several fist-sized ck thunderbolts hanging on them.


    These were grenadiers who had received professional training. Among them, there were even some who were as good as divine archers, throwing very far and urately, blowing up wherever they wanted.


    The adjutant yelled, "Grenadiers - Prepare - Light fuses - Explode -"


    Countless ck thunderbolts, carrying the crackling mes of fury, flew into the sky instantly, like ck hailstones, cutting across the bright sky, andnded on the Tubo city head, the city gates, and even at the Tubo soldiers'' feet.


    Before they could react, deafening huge explosions sounded everywhere.


    Mushroom clouds of ck smoke rose up all around, and the thick city gates copsed instantly. The stone-built city walls were cut in half in an instant, and even whole sections were blown apart.


    It was as if the whole earth was shaking.


    Countless people were either blown to pieces directly by the explosions, or were blown into the air by the shockwaves.


    The Tubo soldiers who were ignited by gunpowder rolled on the ground in agony, screaming and desperately crying for help. The surroundings instantly became a hellscape.


    Just as Yuan Yun was about to order an attack after the smoke cleared, a white g was surprisingly raised high on the city head, "Stop bombing, we surrender. We are willing to surrender and be Da Xia''s citizens."


    The person raising the white g was a Tubo deputy general. As for Commander Dan Zeng, he had already been sent to the Western Paradise to see Buddha by the thunderbolts in the previous explosions.


    The Da Xia troops were instantly delighted,ughing, "Why didn''t you just do this earlier? You had to make us do it the hard way. Did you learn your lesson this time? What a pointless waste of our brothers'' lives!"


    Even Jing Yan showed a rare smile.


    Yuan Yun waved his big hand, "Brothers, let''s go. Enter the pass and collect the spoils of war!


    Pay attention to military discipline, we are the mighty division of Da Xia, the division of civilization. Don''t let me catch you making Prince Regent and the Princessugh at us."


    The soldiers immediately responded happily, "We can''t do that! Then we would just be rogue soldiers!"


    "Alright, less nonsense, into the city!"


    Jiang Yuqing also went into the city with the army medics.


    There were less than 30,000 surrendering soldiers left. This small number was no match for the 200,000 well-equipped Da Xia wolf soldiers.


    That deputy general was also lucky that he had surrendered quickly. Otherwise, with so few people, they wouldn''t even have been enough to plug the gaps between the teeth of the Da Xia army.


    No one isn''t born from their mothers. Why should they give up their lives and property for the things stirred up by the traitor Mu Ruo?


    What followed further convinced the deputy general that his idea was right. Although the Da Xia army had confiscated their weapons, they immediately sent army medics to treat their wounded with precious medicinal materials that were extremely valuable to them.


    Tubo also had witch doctors, but everyone knew that their witch doctors couldn¡¯t even match the toes of the Da Xia doctors.


    The Da Xia army also didn''t confiscate their food at first, and they didn''t understand why.


    Until dinner time, when they saw the Da Xia soldiers eating fragrant white rice and sweet potatoes, and evenrge pieces of roasted meat, then looked at their own bitter wild vegetables and gritty millet balls, they instantly understood.


    The others weren''t stupid, they just looked down on Tubo food.


    So the rumors were true that every household in Da Xia had enough food and everyone could eat their fill.


    If they could really surrender to Da Xia in the future and be Da Xia''s citizens, wouldn''t they also be able to eat the sweet grain without having to dig up the bitter and hard to swallow wild vegetables?


    Not only did the deputy general think this way, the surrendered Tubo soldiers thought so too.


    After the initial victory, the army decided to rest here for two days and tidy things up at the same time.


    Meanwhile, they sent a message inside Dingyang Pass to ask their families to send officials to take over this ce, as well as a small Tubo border town not far behind them.


    Like many Da Xia border cities, most residents of that town were dependent family members of border guards.


    Now that the heads of households had surrendered, the dependent family members naturally would not resist at all.


    After that, these surrendered troops would be demobilized on the spot and allowed to return to their hometowns to find their mothers.


    The terrain ahead would gradually rise. Although the physical fitness of the Da Xia army was still decent, altitude sickness was not something that could be easily exined away by just saying they had strong bodies.


    Although she had donated arge batch of anti-altitude sickness Chinese medicine pills and medicines to the army in the name of Tianyi Valley before they set off, this was far from enough.


    She still needed to prepare a batch of small oxygen cylinders. It would be hard to exin their sudden appearance.


    She thought about it again and again, and felt it best to be frank with Jing Yan.


    Firstly, the two had a mutual understanding and were already engaged. He was indeed a reliable man.


    Secondly, as Bai Xiaoshi said, Jing Yan was one of the few people in this world who had spiritual roots.


    It now seemed to be time to bring him into the practice.


    She talked about this idea with Bai Xiaoshi, and Bai Xiaoshi also agreed: ¡°Since you have chosen him as yourpanion, then don''t hesitate anymore.


    You will be together for life. With your currentte Foundation Establishment stage cultivation base, living two to three hundred years will be no problem. You can¡¯t possibly watch him age and die before you, right?"


    It was this sentence that dispelled Jiang Yuqing¡¯sst shred of doubt.


    That night when they set up camp to rest, Jiang Yuqing entered Jing Yan''srge tent, and casually set up an isting barrier.


    Jing Yan was reading military books. Seeing here in scantily d, he frowned, "It¡¯s sote, why hasn''t Sister Qing gone to sleep yet?"


    He got up to take a cloak to put on her, "The night is cold. You should wear more when going out!"


    Jiang Yuqing let him pull her along, and said with a smile, "I have something very important to discuss with you."


    "What is it? Sister Qing, tell me! I''m listening."


    Jiang Yuqing pulled over a small cushion to sit opposite him, looking into his eyes very seriously, "What I''m going to say next may subvert your worldview.


    Please don''t be afraid, and definitely don''t see me as a monster."


    Jing Yan looked at her for a long time, then suddenly chuckled softly, "Even if you¡¯re a monster, you would still be the most beautiful and kindest monster in the world."


    She tilted her head and smiled, then went to a corner of the tent and plucked two unknown wild grass seeds from the edge, cing them in her palm.


    She said to Jing Yan, "Watch closely, don''t blink!"


    Then she inputted Wood elemental spiritual power to stimte growth.


    Right in her palm, the two tiny seeds instantly sprouted, grew leaves, blossomed, and grew into two lush green nts identical to the mother nt.


    Jing Yan stared at her palm, unable to speak for a long time.


    After a good while, he finally reached out and touched the nts in her hand, "It really happened."


    Jiang Yuqing asked him, "Are you afraid?"


    He smiled and stroked her head: "Don''t be afraid. I said that even if Qingqing is a demon, she is still my Jing Yan''s demon."


    Jiang Yuqing chuckled: "It''s not that serious. I''m not a demon, just a person with some special abilities.


    There are not only ordinary people in this world, but also a very small number of people with special physiques, which can also be called spiritual roots.


    Those with spiritual roots can absorb the spiritual energy between heaven and earth and eliminate impurities in the body by practicing exercises, cultivating their state of mind, and increasing their cultivation level, thereby achieving the purpose of longevity.


    We might call it cultivating immortality.


    Cultivators of immortality are also called cultivators. The lifespan of cultivators will increase as their cultivation level increases.


    At the same time, his (her) abilities will be greater and greater, to the point where he can fly freely, and even move mountains and seas."


    She paused and then said, "So far, I have only discovered four people with spiritual roots in Da Xia.


    One is Huayang Zi of the Three Purities Temple, one is his former disciple, but thetter is already dead. It''s a pity that these master and disciple did not have the opportunity to truly cultivate immortality.


    The third is me. I already have the cultivation base at thete Foundation Establishment stage.


    What does this mean? I currently have at least 300 years of life. In terms of ability, although I can''t move mountains or fill seas yet, I can still travel thousands of miles in a day.


    That is to say, for me to return from here to the capital city, riding a sword and flying, it would only take half a day."


    ¡°And the fourth person with spiritual roots is you."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Jing Yan immediately pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.


    His voice was shaking as he pleaded, "Qingqing, teach me. I want to gain immortality together with you."


    Jiang Yuqing felt the fear in the depths of this man''s heart. She patted his back tofort him, "Alright, don''t be afraid.


    The reason why I told you this today is because I want to bring you into the path of cultivation.


    Because in the long life ahead, I don''t want to be the only one left in the end."


    Saying this, she gently pushed him away and pulled him to sit on the simple bed.


    Then she took out a basic introductory exercise manual from her bag and gave it to him, "Just like when you usually practice qigong, sit cross-legged, empty your mind, then stick this jade slip on your forehead."


    Jing Yan did as she said, then stuck the jade slip on his forehead.


    Immediately afterwards, arge amount of information flowed into his consciousness from the jade slip. This feeling was truly magical.


    He was excited and was about to open his eyes when he heard his wife say, "Don''t get distracted, carefully read the jade slip.


    Then, recite the spell to guard the original spirit, and concentrate on sensing the existence of spiritual energy and drawing it into your body.


    You have a chaos physique favored by the Heavenly Dao. I believe absorbing spiritual energy into your body will not be difficult for you. Do your best!"


    Since the ambient spiritual energy in the outside world was deficient, Jiang Yuqing was afraid he would not be able to feel the presence of spiritual energy particles as a beginner. She simply arranged a spiritual energy gathering formation around him using arge amount of spiritual crystals.


    Then she stood quietly next to him to protect him with her energy.

 Chapter 165: Five Layers of Gas Refining

    <h4>Chapter 165</h4>


    After such a night passed, at daybreak, a whirlwind of spiritual energy suddenly blew up around him.


    Next, arge amount of spiritual energy poured in from his Baihui acupoint on the top of his head, wandering around his body meridians twice, before stopping in his Dantian, forming a small spiritual whirlpool.


    Had he seeded in guiding Qi into his body?


    That''s not all. His cultivation level kept increasing rapidly. Qi Condensation Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 4, peak of Layer 4, and finally stopped at Qi Condensation Layer 5.


    Jiang Yuqing stared with mouth wide open, immediately jealous with eyes turning red.


    Could it be the Chaos Physique? This is just too awesome!


    She originally thought her Wood Spirit Physique, having reached Qi Condensation Layer 3 by guiding Qi into her body, was already very impressive. She didn''t expect this guy to not only guide Qi into his body overnight, but also directly leaped to Qi Condensation Layer 5. This speed was simply like riding a rocket!


    Luckily, she had ced enough Spirit Crystals. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be enough for him to use.


    Simply a monster!


    Alright, she admitted she was jealous.


    Afterwards, she smelled a not so pleasant odor. Looking over, it turned out to be all the impurities discharged from his body. She almost puked from the stench.


    She quickly cast several Cleaning Techniques to make her nose feel better.


    Soon, Jing Yan also awoke from his meditation.


    Feeling the tremendous changes in his body, he happily spun Jiang Yuqing around in circles for a good few times before putting her down, "Qingqing, I''m a cultivator too now, thank you!"


    After speaking, he kissed her forehead again.


    Jiang Yuqing took out a storage ring and put it on his thumb, "This is an interspatial storage magic treasure. Carry it with you.


    I''ve ced some Spirit Crystals inside, along with a Spirit Sword and some jade talismans.


    I believe you already know how to use these things. Also, you can store your personal belongings in the storage ring to carry with you.


    However, there is one thing I must remind you about. There is also a Heaven''s Will in this world.


    We can cultivate immortality, but we cannot use cultivator techniques to deal with ordinary people, even if they are enemies. Otherwise, it will certainly lead to Heaven''s Will bacsh."


    "So your Su Prefecture incident back then was because you used cultivator techniques, which led to the bacsh."


    Jing Yan was indeed Jing Yan. He immediately thought of that old incident from many years ago.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded, "Yes. At that time, the brutality of the Tartars crossed my bottom line.


    So regardless of anything else, I vited the rules of Heaven and Earth by using Heavenly Gang ughtering Immortal Formation in the desert to strangle over five thousand Tartars at once, thus suffering Heaven''s Will bacsh.


    Back then, my cultivation was only at Qi Condensation Layer 8. Because of this, my cultivation dropped back down to nothing overnight.


    However, I have never regretted it. If I could choose again, I would still do the same!"


    He gently squeezed her cheek, his heart and eyes full of distress, "My wife is so silly."


    Jiang Yuqing was annoyed by the embarrassment. She pped his hand away, "What''s with calling me your wife. The wedding hasn''t happened yet! Stop calling randomly!"


    Jing Yan immediately frowned, "What do you mean? Want to be some other person''s wife? From the high heavens above to the yellow springs below, I won''t let you leave me in this lifetime."


    The two fooled around for a while. Seeing the daylight turningte, Jiang Yuqing spoke solemnly, "Let''s not mess around anymore. Talking seriously, our troops will enter the teau soon.


    As the elevation rises higher and higher, the air will also be thinner and thinner.


    Some soldiers with poorer physique may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, like breathing difficulty, headache, even nausea and vomiting.


    The doctors brought medication to prevent altitude sickness when we set off.


    In a bit, I will order them to distribute the pills to everyone and have them carry some on their body in preparation for any circumstances.


    Also, I''ve prepared some small portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use. I''ll distribute themter too, one for each squad to bring along."


    As she spoke, with a wave of her jade-like hand, twenty thousand ubeled 1000ml medical portable oxygen cylinders suddenly appeared inside Jing Yan''s tent. His bed was even squeezed down by them.


    Tilting her head, she asked him, "Aren''t you going to ask where all these things came from?"


    Jing Yan hugged her from behind, his lips gently caressing her ear, "I won''t ask. You''ll naturally exin when the timees."


    "Oh? So sensible now? I remember around this timest year you were digging to the root."


    Recalling the embarrassing misunderstanding when his wife had just grown up, Jing Yan coughed awkwardly, silently begging to let go of talking about that ck history.


    Indeed, with a legitimate, fair and square shield, Jiang Yuqing''s days became exceptionally carefree.


    After breakfast, Jiang Yuqing "received notice" that the portable cylinders to prevent altitude sickness symptoms that the Crown Prince had purchased overseas at great expense had been secretly transported overst night.


    Each squad could receive one.


    After distributing the items, Jiang Yuqing passed down instructions on using the oxygen cylinders to the doctors, who then rapidly informed the methods to generals below.


    The generals then passed it down to lower-ranking officers, each level teaching the next, until ensuring everyone understood how to use them.


    Hearing that the items could save lives at critical moments, everyone studied very diligently without daring to be negligent.


    By the way, Jiang Yuqing also had the doctors distribute the medication pills to prevent altitude sickness.


    The surrendered Tubo people shook their heads again upon hearing that they even prepared medication and supplies to prevent altitude sickness so thoroughly. No way to win against them!


    At night after Jing Yan finished military affairs, he sat cross-legged to cultivate again, consolidating his Qi Condensation Layer 5 cultivation level. Jiang Yuqing guarded him at the side.


    After awakening from his meditation the next day, his Qi Condensation Layer 5 cultivation was firmly stabilized as expected.


    After getting ready, the troops continued their advance. Passing by the small Tubo town, they saw all the residents kneeling on both sides of the road, not daring to even lift their heads.


    The generals could only have them stand up as the troops passed through without any incidents.


    Only then did the Tubo people let out a long sigh of relief, thinking to themselves that perhaps submitting to Da Xia would indeed be a good thing, like they said. Those aristocrats at the Royal Court only knew to fight for power every day without ever caring for their life and death. It might be better to not have such a king.


    The teau was sparsely popted with an increasing elevation as they went west. The air became thinner and thinner.


    Luckily, the physiques of the Da Xia soldiers were still considered decent. Along with sufficient preparation before entering the teau and medication plus oxygen cylinders for assistance, even those who asionally suffered altitude sickness quickly recovered.


    As time passed, everyone gradually adapted to the teau''s climate with increasingly steady breathing.


    After travelling west for over ten days, the troops finally arrived at Tubo''s secondrgest city.


    Calling it a city was not entirely urate, a settlement would be more precise.


    The residents had already received the news that Da Xia possessed an extremely frightening weapon that could make huge sounds and shes of light like heavenly thunder, capable of annihting a city in an instant.


    The tens of thousands of brave warriors guarding the borders mostly died upon first contact with such a terrifying weapon. The rest surrendered to Da Xia to avoid death. The city gates and walls were also sted apart.


    The defendingmander was a highly pragmatic person. His twenty thousand men could absolutely not withstand Da Xia''s might.


    Not even enough to plug the gaps between their teeth. So he simply opened the gates wide to let the Da Xia troops enter the city and threw down their weapons to surrender, saving themselves from suffering.


    And so, Da Xia''s soldiers required almost no bloodshed to capture this city without losing a single soldier.


    The generals liked such pragmatic people. Therefore, after confiscating their weapons, they did not make things difficult and directly dismissed the surrendered soldiers where they stood.


    This added more workforce for Tubo while lessening Da Xia¡¯s troubles.


    Afterwards, everything in the city was naturally taken over by Da Xia''s army.


    They sent word back home to dispatch officials to take over governance and education of themon people.


    Da Xia Crown Prince personally leading two hundred thousand troops, capturing two Tubo cities in a row, had now struck deep into Tubo territory.


    The traitor king Mou Ru was scared out of his wits.


    He had originally obtained the throne by killing his elder brother. With an unrighteous name, he had angered many nobles loyal to his brother.


    In order to more quickly secure the throne and eliminate any threats, Mou Ru killed his elder brother''s woman and children.


    The only one spared was the Princess of Da Xia, as Mou Ru still wanted to maintain rtions with Da Xia and did not dare harm her. He only put her under soft detention.


    However, word of this matter still reached Da Xia. Mou Ru was surprised that the Emperor of Da Xia reacted so strongly, even sending troops to attack Tubo just to wee back the Princess.


    Mou Ru now regretted not listening to the nobles earlier and returning Mingyang Princess to Da Xia when they first sent the decree. If he had, none of this would have happened.


    Back then, why did he lightly believe the nder of petty men, thinking Da Xia was merely a paper tiger? Not only did he not return the Princess, he even went so far as to demand grain from Da Xia in an extortion letter.


    Now he was in too deep to back out, creating this huge trouble with Da Xia that felt like his legs were about to be smashed.


    He quickly summoned his subordinates for an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures. After much deliberation, there were only two options. One was to organize the army to directly confront the Da Xia troops.


    However, Da Xia''s "Sky Thunder" bombs were extremely destructive and practically invincible as a weapon of mass killing.


    Merelying into contact with one would result in masses of casualties, even leaving no bones or ashes behind. This thing was simply terrifying.


    His people may be battle-hardened but they were still flesh and blood. How could they stand against such a thing?


    The second option was to return Mingyang Princess.


    But the enemy had already invaded. Even returning the Princess now would be toote.


    Rather than return her, they may as well steel themselves to take the Princess hostage and threaten Da Xia to withdraw their troops. At the very least this would make Da Xia hesitate to advance further.


    Of course there were two possible consequences for doing this. One was that the Da Xia Emperor cared deeply for his daughter and would retreat to avoid her getting hurt.


    The second was that this action wouldpletely infuriate the people of Da Xia. And if they disregarded the Princess''s life and death, it would be an apocalyptic disaster for all present.


    In summary, the situation was bleak either way.


    In the end, the gambler''s nature of the court made them choose the second n, deciding to go all in with taking the Princess hostage and demanding Da Xia''s withdrawal.


    At the same time, the solitary Mingyang Princess detained in a small tent wept silently in the dim candlelight.


    At fifteen years old she was married off by her father to Tubo for alliance by marriage, going from the splendor of Da Xia''s imperial pce with silks and jade surroundings to the destion of the teau.


    With neither family nor grasp of thenguage, she had barely adjusted to the harsh life when after just a few months both her husband died and her son was killed.


    Now she was detained alone in this tiny space, hoping even for a glimpse of the sunlight outside. It was as if tragedy stalked her life.


    Sometimes she truly wanted to just end it all.


    But she always felt unwilling to give up, still holding onto the belief that she wanted to return alive to Da Xia, to again see the rivers and mountains of her homnd, the vibrant red flowers and green willows.


    Even in death, she wanted to pass on the soil of her mothend.


    Just then, an expressionless Tubo maidservant came in to serve today''s meal: butter tea, flour-water balls, and a piece of wind-dried yak jerky. Nothing else beyond that.


    She noticed a fine break in the middle of the jerky. After checking that no one else was around, she pried it open and indeed found a small note concealed inside: Da Xia troops march 200,000 to punish Tubo and rescue the Princess; await good news quietly.


    Upon reading this, Mingyang Princess could not help weeping. So her imperial father had not forgotten her. Her homnd had not forgotten her.


    After weeping for a time, she chewed the note to mush then swallowed it with water. Next she mixed the butter tea into the flour balls and stirred forcefully.


    After mixing thoroughly, she pinched off a ball and stuffed it in her mouth to vigorously chew and swallow.


    She wanted to keep living and return alive to her homnd.


    At this time a light shone in her dim eyes, bright as the noonday sun.

 Chapter 166: Sister, I’m here to take you home.

    <h4>Chapter 166</h4>


    One day, Lei Dan opened up the path and the Da Xia army marched forward swiftly and vigorously like a hot knife through butter.


    Moreover, because the Da Xia army was disciplined, they did not kill the surrendered soldiers or disturb themon people along the way.


    As a result,ter on, many city garrisonmanders, clearly knowing they could not win, simply surrendered without putting up meaningless resistance.


    This move directly infuriated the rebel king Mou Ru.


    In mid-November, the weather on the teau was already very cold. The Da Xia army finally arrived at the Tubo royal court with 200,000 troops surrounding the city walls.


    Mou Ru was finally afraid and proposed peace talks with the Da Xia crown prince.


    Jing Yan pretended to ept the peace talks but actually activated a covert team to rescue the Mingyang Princess before formally besieging the city.


    The covert team only knew the general area where the Mingyang Princess was held but did not know the exact location.


    Therefore, they searched the entire area thoroughly but did not find anyone.


    They guessed Mou Ru must have also been afraid of Da Xia''s covert actions and moved the princess to another location.


    Jiang Yuqing had to take action personally.


    She had never seen the Mingyang Princess and was afraid of rescuing the wrong person. So she asked the covert team to paint a portrait of the Mingyang Princess.


    Who would have thought the covert team had terrible painting skills and the final product was barely recognizable as a woman. On top of that, the Mingyang Princess''s birth mother passed away early, and Jiang Yuqing had also never met her, so there was no way to make a facial mold either.


    Left without a choice, after sneaking into the city, she could only slowly spread out her spiritual awareness to search little by little.


    The Tubo royal court was not very big but also not very small. Because she did not want to miss any clues, Jiang Yuqing searched very carefully, consuming a lot of spiritual power.


    After searching meticulously for over two hours, she finally saw a woman locked in a small dungeon underground in the royal pce.


    The woman was extremely skinny, dressed in traditional Tubo women¡¯s clothing.


    But her skin was obviously much whiter than other Tubo women, and her facial features were softer.


    She quietly sat facing the wall with a dignified yet indifferent demeanor on her face. Jiang Yuqing was not sure if this was the Mingyang Princess so she decided to approach for a closer look.


    It took almost no effort for her to enter the dungeon.


    After entering, she immediately set up an isting barrier and wrote a note wrapped around a small rock which she tossed in front of the woman.


    Hearing the sound, the Mingyang Princess was startled, then bent over to pick it up.


    In the dim oilmp light, she opened it to see a small poem written in Da Xia¡¯snguage: ¡°I¡¯m from our hometown, I know of hometown affairs. The spring grass grows green every year, has the princess returned or not?¡±


    The Mingyang Princess was immediately emotional, tears streaming down her face, murmuring: ¡°You¡¯re from our hometown, you should know of hometown affairs. In days toe at the gauze window, the cold plum blossoms.¡±


    Confirmed, this was the Mingyang Princess. Plum trees filled the entire Fragrance Pavilion where the Mingyang Princess lived before getting married.


    Jiang Yuqing felt it would be bad to suddenly reveal herself and it would be hard to exin too much. Now that she confirmed this was the Mingyang Princess, she decisively waved her sleeve, using spiritual power to knock her unconscious and pull her into the spirit dimension.


    To prevent the Tubo people from discovering she had gone missing, Jiang Yuqing was extra kind-hearted and cut out a small paper person, turned it into the likeness of the Mingyang Princess.


    After some thought, she also took off the Mingyang Princess¡¯s outer clothes and put them on the ¡°princess¡±, perfectly disguising things.


    And so, Jiang Yuqing secretly rescued the Mingyang Princess from the underground pce dungeon without anybody knowing.


    When she returned to the Da Xia military camp, Jing Yan was anxiously awaiting news.


    Seeing her return, he was greatly relieved and asked if everything went smoothly. Jiang Yuqing nodded and said she had rescued the person and they should speak inside the room.


    Jiang Yuqing brought out the still unconscious Mingyang Princess from the spirit dimension and ced her on the couch. She asked Jing Yan: ¡°Is this the Mingyang Princess?¡±


    Despite not seeing her for many years, Jing Yan recognized this woman as the Eldest Princess at first nce. He nodded: ¡°It¡¯s her!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing let out a breath in relief: ¡°As long as it¡¯s her, I was worried about rescuing the wrong person. Should we wake her up?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wake her up! I haven¡¯t seen Eldest Sister in so many years and miss her dearly too.¡±


    Her birth mother passed away early so she was raised at my Empress Dowager¡¯s side since young. Although we don¡¯t share the same mother, our rtionship was extremely close.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing waved her sleeve to unseal the Mingyang Princess¡¯s five senses. After not too long, the Mingyang Princess woke up.


    The moment she opened her eyes to see two extra people suddenly in the room, she was badly shocked, immediately hugging the nkets and cowering into the corner like a frightened bird.


    This reflexive reaction made both people in the room distressed.


    Especially Jing Yan who hated that he could not immediately go kill Mou Ru.


    She had just turned thirty but her temples already had white hair. Her entire body was emaciated and worn, devastatingly thin.


    Who could imagine this travel-worn and haggard woman was the famously peerless Mingyang Princess whose beauty was known all over the capital just over ten years ago.


    ¡°Who are you? Why have you captured me here?¡± She spoke in the Tubonguage.


    Jing Yan¡¯s heart ached, this situation made him very ufortable. He stepped forward and grasped her hands: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! Eldest sister, I¡¯m Yan, your younger brother. I¡¯vee to bring you home.¡±


    The Mingyang Princess froze, only now clearly seeing the two people in the room wore Da Xia clothing. She was instantly emotional: ¡°You¡¯re Yan, my younger brother?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Jing Yan nodded.


    The Mingyang Princess¡¯s shriveled hands gently caressed Jing Yan¡¯s face. Rarely, Jing Yan did not push her away.


    Seeing this appearance even more outstanding than her father Emperor''s, she finally believed her younger brother hade to bring her home.


    The Mingyang Princessughed and then cried fromughter: ¡°Yan, eldest sister has finally waited until this day!¡±


    Back then, when she bid farewell to her father Emperor and mother Empress wearing her wedding dress at the pce gates, pearls and gems all over head, in the prime of her beauty.


    Despite her deep reluctance, she still pulled the young him with eyes brimming with hot tears, saying: ¡°Younger brother, after elder sister leaves, you must be filial to father Emperor and mother Empress, study well, and in the future be Da Xia¡¯s most outstanding crown prince.¡±


    The young him nodded gravely, his little face very serious as he told her: ¡°Eldest sister, if you don¡¯t have a good life in Tubo, write me a letter. I wille get you to bring you home!¡±


    At the time, she only felt it was a child¡¯s joke. She didn¡¯t expect he truly remembered it in his heart. Over ten yearster, when she was desperate, he really came to bring her home.


    Jing Yan gently patted the Mingyang Princess¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Eldest Sister, don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s all in the past now.


    The present Da Xia is powerful now. From now on, we will never marry another princess for a political alliance!¡±


    The Mingyang Princess cried hard for a while before recalling there was another person in the room. Somewhat embarrassed, she wiped her tears and asked: ¡°Yan, who is this youngdy?¡±


    Jing Yan gently held Jiang Yuqing¡¯s hand and told the Mingyang Princess: ¡°She is my Crown Princess, Jiang Yuqing. The imperial edict has been issued, we will be married after shees of age.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing quickly stepped forward to pay her respects: ¡°Greetings to Princess.¡±


    The Mingyang Princess held her hand, looking her up and down carefully, eyes full of gratification: ¡°What a nice girl. I¡¯ve long heard of you and know all you¡¯ve done for Da Xia. Your family has also made outstanding contributions to Da Xia. I thank you on Da Xia¡¯s behalf, I thank your family.¡±


    ¡°You tter me, Princess. I¡¯m a Da Xia person so I should contribute what little strength I have for this country.¡±


    The Mingyang Princess smiled: ¡°Good girl, having you by his side is Yan¡¯s blessing.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing looked up at Jing Yan and smiled: ¡°It¡¯s also my blessing.¡±


    After over ten years living on the harsh teau, the Mingyang Princess¡¯s health was already tremendously depleted. And suffering consecutive major blows, her condition now was disastrous.


    After only talking for a short while, she was already exhausted and somewhat unable to carry on. Jiang Yuqing quickly helped her lie down to rest.


    She then used the opportunity of taking her pulse to cast a few Spring Returning techniques to help her body regain vitality internally.


    After the Mingyang Princess fell asleep, the two exited the tent. Jing Yan asked her: ¡°How is eldest sister¡¯s condition?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head: ¡°I used Spring Returning techniques on her. But you should know, physical wounds are easy to heal while psychological ones may never recover in this lifetime.¡±


    Jing Yan held her hand as they walked side by side under the starry sky. He sighed: ¡°The previous dynasty brought such great cmity to thisnd that when Da Xia was founded, it was in utter shambles with wounds all over, possessing nothing.


    Internally, bandits and pirates ran amok everywhere while externally, the Xiongnu and Tibetans eyed us covetously like tigers watching prey, besieged by troubles internally and externally without cease.


    Several generations of our ancestors sacrificed themselves without regard for themselves, working vigorously to govern thisnd until the reign of my father Emperor when Da Xia finally showed some promise.


    Therefore, when Tubo proposed marriage, although Father Emperor was reluctant, for the sake of peace between the two countries, he still married my eldest sister to them, in hopes that Tubo and Da Xia would get along forever.


    But things rarely go as one wishes. Tubo eventually still became a ce of right and wrong, and in the end made my eldest sister suffer.


    Jiang Yuqing patted the back of his hand: "When a country is backward, it will get bullied. This is not your fault." Then,


    she held her head high and said: "Rather than wallowing in self-me and unable to pull yourself out, you might as well start now to govern Da Xia into the strongest country.


    That way, I''d like to see who still dares to talk loudly to us."


    Jing Yan raised his hand and pinched her straight little nose, chuckling softly: "You''re right, my crown princess!"


    Seeing that he finally smiled, Jiang Yuqing finally rxed: "Let''s go tell everyone the good news!"


    "Alright."


    Hearing that the Mingyang Princess had been rescued by the Crown Prince''s "guards", the generals were relieved.


    They were afraid that tomorrow when attacking the city, that scoundrel Mou Ru would take the princess hostage to threaten them.


    If that happened, they would be in an awkward position whether they attacked or not.


    Now that the princess has been rescued and returned, the generals have beenpletely freed from worry.


    At dawn tomorrow, if Mou Ru surrenders obediently then fine, but if not, they will send him straight to heaven with artillery shells.


    Damn him!


    Everyone wanted to pay their respects to the princess, but Jing Yan stopped them: "My eldest sister is extremely exhausted, she is already asleep. Her attendants have been rescued, there is no rush to pay respects tomorrow."


    Hearing this, they agreed it made sense, so they held off for the time being.


    That night, Jiang Yuqing sat on a stool by Mingyang Princess'' couch, meditating the whole night. Surprisingly, she did not wake up either. This would be good for her recovery.


    The next day at dawn, Mingyang Princess finally awoke. There was a moment of nkness after opening her eyes.


    Then suddenly sitting up in bed, touching the new Da Xia clothing she had not worn for a long time, she suddenly covered her face andughed.


    Realizingst night was not a dream after all.

 Chapter 167: Return to Summer

    <h4>Chapter 167</h4>


    When Jiang Yuqing brought in the washbasin, she saw that the Mingyang Princess was smiling. She asked, "Your Highness, what are youughing about?"


    The Mingyang Princess looked out at the bright tent outside and said, "Look how nice the sun is outside!"


    Jiang Yuqing nced up andughed, "Indeed it¡¯s quite nice. Did you sleep wellst night?"


    The Mingyang Princess said, ¡°Extremely well, I haven''t slept this soundly for a long time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Please get up first to wash up, the generals are still waiting to pay their respects to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m troubling you.¡±


    The Mingyang Princess got dressed by herself and washed up skillfully with the items provided. Jiang Yuqing brought over the food and the two ate breakfast together.


    It was just simple white rice porridge and pickled vegetables, but the Mingyang Princess ate with great relish. She said, "I haven''t eaten my homnd''s food for many years. This taste really makes me nostalgic."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled slightly, "Have some more if you like it. There¡¯s more in the kitchen if it¡¯s not enough."


    The Mingyang Princess ate two whole bowls in one go before putting down her bowl and chopsticks and asked, "Howe I don''t see A Yan?"


    While clearing up the bowls and chopsticks, Jiang Yuqing said, "He was discussing affairs with the generals and wille over after the meal."


    Just as she spoke, the tent curtains were lifted, and a tall and sturdy figure walked in against the light. It was Jing Yan, "Elder sister, have you eaten well?"


    The Mingyang Princessughed and said, "Eaten well! Has younger brother finished conferring?"


    "Yes. The generals are waiting outside to pay their respects to you. Does elder sister want to meet them?"


    "Of course, let them in!"


    Jing Yan called out to the people outside. A few burly men immediately walked in, dressed in armor. They were the generals who led the troops this time.


    They paid their respects to the Mingyang Princess with a kneeling salute, shouting in unison, "We pay our respects to the Princess. The Princess has suffered."


    The Mingyang Princess helped them up, "The generals need not stand on ceremony. Please rise quickly."


    After exchanging pleasantries for a while and seeing that it was gettingte, they bid farewell to the Mingyang Princess.


    It was time to settle the score with Mou Ru.


    The war drums rumbled as the army swiftly formed battle formations.


    The city walls of the Tubo Royal Court were much taller and sturdier than other ces.


    It was still alright to st open the gates with the Thunder Bombs, but it would probably be ineffective trying to st over such high walls.


    But that was no trouble for the army. Following General Yuan Yun¡¯s order, they brought over the trebuchets obtained along the way.


    With these devices, just ignite a pile of Thunder Bombs and fling them upwards, it would be like blossoming fireworks. Even if the walls were thirty feet taller, there was nothing to fear.


    With the battle formations in ce, a general rode forward to issue a challenge, ¡°Mou Ru, get your ass out here, you millennium old bastard turtle!


    If you know better, open the damn city gates right now and let me in. I may even leave your corpse intact! Otherwise I will chop you into ten thousand pieces!¡±


    He cursed out a whole string of insults, no idea if they understood any of it, probably not.


    But that didn¡¯t stop them from shooting arrows from the city walls, straight at General Ye¡¯s face.


    Yet he didn¡¯t even flinch, just lightly flicked his heavy crescent de weighing several dozen catties upwards, deflecting the arrow away.


    The general spat curses at the city wall, but they didn¡¯t even respond with half a word. It really pissed him off.


    He asked General Yuan Yun, ¡°General, let¡¯s attack the city directly! It looks like this old Mou Ru has made up his mind to hide like a turtle.¡±


    Just then, someone on the city wall shouted in clumsy Da Xianguage, ¡°Wait! Look who this is! Don''t you people want your princess anymore?¡±


    The generals looked up to see Mou Ru leading several Tubo soldiers, pushing forward a disheveled woman onto the top of the city wall.


    The woman looked confused and quite good-looking, resembling the Mingyang Princess somewhat.


    If they didn¡¯t know the real princess was in their camp, perhaps they might have really been fooled.


    Jiang Yuqing sat behind the battle lines waiting to receive the wounded, but her spiritual senses were locked onto the battle situation at all times. Seeing this, she flicked her wrist lightly and withdrew the strand of spiritual power from the paper effigy.


    Without the spiritual power to sustain it, the illusion instantly copsed.


    So the Tubo soldiers watched wide-eyed as a living princess before them turned into a light paper cutout. Their worldview was utterly shattered.


    They thought they had encountered an evil spirit, scaring them witless as they tumbled and crawled wildly off the city wall, temporarily forgetting they were still on the battlefield.


    Even Mou Ru was stunned speechless by the sudden twist.


    Coming to his senses, he immediately erupted into mad curses, ¡°What the hell is going on here? How can she be a fake! Where has Mingyang Princess gone?¡± But no one could answer him.


    Seeing the dramatic turn of events, the Da Xia generals nearlyughed themselves into stomach cramps.


    The challenging general yelled in his coarse voice, ¡°This is your so-called princess?


    Don''t think you can just take a paper cutout, randomly paint on some eyes and nose, put it in clothes and call it a princess! Our princess was already rescued by His Highness the Prince!¡±


    General Yuan Yun was toozy to bother with more nonsense. He directly ordered, ¡°Brothers, get ready. Give them the most dazzling firework show ever. Attack the city!¡±


    At his third drum beat, the order rang out, ¡°Bombardiers get ready! Trebuchets get ready! Load ammunition! Light fuses! Fire at will!¡±


    At the order, countless Thunder Bombs blossomed like heavenly maidens scattering flowers as they flew at the city walls opposite.


    In just one volley, the pair of heavy-looking gates were sted open with an earth-shattering, deafening explosion.


    A few more rounds of Thunder Bombster, a huge hole was sted into the thick city walls.


    mes and thick smoke shot into the sky everywhere as explosions kept thundering. Mixed in were the wretched cries of Tubo soldiers.


    Next, the war drums rumbled once more. Holding their weapons high, the generals let out a battle cry, ¡°Brave sons of Da Xia, charge! Avenge our princess!¡±


    The 200 thousand strong army was whipped into a frenzy as they surged wildly through the copsed gates and sted wall openings like a tidal wave, the air rent with their roars. In a sh, the battlefield was filled with chaos.


    The Tubo soldiers had already lost their nerve from the bombardment.


    Seeing the Da Xia troops lunging at them now like fierce tigers, their courage deserted them utterly as they fled, abandoning armor and gear. They bitterly regretted their parents didn¡¯t bless them with more than two legs!


    The slower ones were cut down in a single stroke by the Da Xia soldiers. The smarter ones threw their weapons aside as they kneeled and surrendered.


    Hearing General Yuan Yun¡¯s loud order to capture and not kill those who surrendered, they swiftly tossed their weapons aside and knelt down begging for mercy.


    Better alive than dying for no reason! If they can¡¯t win, then surrender! At least they would still keep their lives, better than losing them for that traitor king unknowingly.


    Mou Ru was a savage traitor to begin with, why should they die for him?


    The Da Xia army swept across the battlefield. The so-called 50 thousand strong Tubo Royal Court army didn¡¯tst an hour before beingpletely captured.


    The half-dead Mou Ru with his leg and an eye blown off from the explosions was also captured on the spot, barely clinging onto a thread of life.


    Since he was already useless in such a state, General Yuan Yun decisively ended his life.


    With the traitor king dead, what else was there to fight for?


    The Da Xia army mopped up the remaining enemies. Jing Yan nted Da Xia¡¯s dragon g on the highest point of the Tubo royal pce as he raised both arms and shouted, ¡°From today onwards, Tubo belongs to Da Xia!¡±


    Deafening cheers came from below, ¡°Ah! We''ve won! Da Xia, Da Xia, Da Xia!¡±


    As she dressed the wounds of injured soldiers, Jiang Yuqing heard the cheering loud as thunder and the corners of her lips behind her mask turned up slightly before she lowered her head to continue her task.


    With the dust settled, when the Mingyang Princess once again set foot into the Tubo royal pce under the escort of Da Xia soldiers, a multitude of emotions welled up while taking in the familiar yet foreign sights.


    From fifteen to thirty years old, the most beautiful years of her life were all buried here.


    Over those fifteen years, her attendants, wet nurses, and thedies by her side, and finally her nominal husband and son, left her one by one.


    In the end, only she was left, living a lonely, cold existence on the high teau.


    In her heart there was only endless grievances with no one to air them to, and longing for her homnd.


    Jiang Yuqing walked over and asked, ¡°Princess, A Yan said they found the burial site of yourte husband the regent and little prince. Would you like to go offer sacrifices?¡±


    The Mingyang Princess shook her head coldly: "No need. Zanbu has several concubines, although I am the Grand Princess of Da Xia and my status is respected, he only respects me but does not love me. He even has children, but they are not mine."


    Jiang Yuqing was extremely surprised: "How could that be?"


    The Mingyang Princess let out a coldugh: "My children were killed as soon as they were born, and reced with the children of another concubine.


    The Tubo people do not need a child with Da Xia blood to inherit thisnd.


    They think I don''t know, but I know everything.


    I don''t expose it in order to maintain this superficial peace.


    Also, I need this child to consolidate my position."


    Jiang Yuqing hugged her sympathetically.


    She did not know what words couldfort this pitiful woman, she could only hold her this way, hoping to give her a little warmth.


    She really is too strong and has suffered too much.


    If it were her, after living in such a cruel and oppressive environment for years, she could not guarantee that she would not go crazy.


    Outside, flurries of heavy snow drifted down at some point, and the world was bleak.


    The falling snow covered the ground, concealing all the sins. By next spring when the ice melts and snow thaws, flowers bloom, perhaps everything will be different.


    Conquering Tubo is just the beginning. Topletely recover thisnd, there is still much to be done afterwards.


    Jing Yan has been busy early tote, making arrangements in all aspects. Even the Da Xia new year was spent here.


    Jiang Yuqing also does not understand much about these matters and does not dare to interfere recklessly.


    She only told him what little she knew from her previous life about ethnic integration and assimtion. The specifics still depend on him.


    Another half month passed. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Lantern Festival, in the twenty-seventh year of Xia Jing, Jing Yan finally received a reply from the court.


    Tubo was officially renamed "Tubo Protectorate".


    Thus, Tubo was incorporated into the territory of Da Xia.


    With everything settled, Jing Yan left a general with five thousand soldiers to garrison here, and the main force set off to return to court on the twentieth day of the first month.


    On the day they departed on the return journey, the Mingyang Princess took onest look at the city that had trapped her for fifteen years, and the rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance. She was silent for a long time.


    Jing Yan walked over to stand beside her and took her hand. "Sister, we''re going home!"

 Chapter 168: Hair-pinning Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 168</h4>


    On the return journey, as the army was carrying a lot of baggage and spoils of war, its march was not very fast.


    It took over a month on the road before finally seeing the city gates of Dingyang Pass at the end of February.


    Lifting the curtain of the carriage, and seeing this city, now even more majestic than before, Mingyang Princess could not help but feel tears well up in her eyes, full ofplex emotions.


    Fifteen years ago, she had walked out of this very gate, heading for Tubo.


    When she looked back at this ce, she had thought she would never be able to return to her homnd again. She did not expect that fifteen yearster, she would have a day to return here.


    After resting for a day at Dingyang Pass, Jing Yan led five thousand horses and carts of spoils to enter the capital.


    The rest of the army remained here temporarily, awaiting redeployment by the imperial court.


    After another month, finally, in the blossoming spring, Mingyang Princess returned to the capital she had been separated from for fifteen years. It was now the eighth day of the fourth month.


    The Emperor and Empress led the civil and military officials to wee her outside the city gates, both to greet the triumphant return of the army, and to wee back their daughter who had been separated for fifteen years.


    At the sight of Emperor Xia Jing, Mingyang Princess could no longer hold back, tears streaming down her face as she wailed loudly. The grievances pent up over fifteen years erupted all at once in this moment.


    Emperor Xia Jing hugged his daughter whom he had not seen for years, also unable to stop his eyes from reddening.


    In his lifetime, he only had 5 children, and this eldest daughter was the one he had wronged the most.


    He looked at Mingyang Princess carefully, and saw that the once beautiful and radiant daughter, who was like a flower, now had a careworn face.


    Choking with sobs, he repeatedly apologized, ¡°It was Father who wronged you, it was Father who wronged you!¡±


    Hearing this, the ministers could not help shedding tears as well.


    Mingyang Princess cried for a while in Emperor Xia Jing¡¯s arms, then paid her respects to Empress Qin, ¡°Mother.¡±


    Empress Qin helped her up, holding Mingyang Princess¡¯s gaunt face, unable to stop the tears flowing, murmuring, ¡°As long as you have returned, as long as you have returned. I didn¡¯t expect that we mother and daughter would see each other again while still alive.¡±


    Although Mingyang was not her biological daughter, she had raised her for several years at her knee.


    She was beautiful and had an amiable disposition. She treated Empress Qin with utmost respect and filial piety, like she was her birth mother.


    Among the few princesses, this was the only one she truly cared about from her heart.


    Back then, when Tubo came to propose a marriage alliance, and the Emperor wanted to marry Mingyang to Tubo, she had strongly opposed it at that time.


    But at that time, Mingyang was the only adult princess in the Great Xia dynasty. Even if they wanted to pick a girl from the imperial n to confer the title of princess, no one could be found.


    With no other choice, they could only marry Mingyang Princess off in the end.


    The day before Mingyang''s departure, Empress Qin held her and was extremely reluctant to part, shedding silent tears.


    On the contrary, Mingyangforted her, ¡°I was born as the noble Crown Princess, receiving the worship of all the people under heaven. Since I have enjoyed this glory, now Great Xia needs me, so Mingyang should take on this responsibility and obligation. Mother need not be sad.¡±


    Her past words were still vivid in Empress Qin¡¯s ears. That flower-like maiden now looked even more careworn than herself as the mother. How could she not grieve?


    ¡°Mingyang, let¡¯s not go anywhere anymore in the future, just stay in the capital. With Jing Yan and Father and Mother to support you, no one will dare mistreat you again.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    After the tears, came the joy.


    In this campaign against Tubo, the achievements of the generals could not be overlooked. At the early morning court session the next day, the Emperor rewarded the meritorious ministers of this western expedition, conferring them with high ranks and rewards. Everyone was overjoyed.


    At the same time, in order to make amends for letting down his eldest daughter, Emperor Xia Jing not only rewarded Mingyang Princess with arge amount of money and treasures. He also bestowed upon her a ¡°Mingyang Princess Residence¡±, and even allowed her to reside in the pce and keep himpany.


    That night, there was a celebratory banquet held in the pce, which was also a homing banquet for Mingyang Princess.


    That night, Mingyang Princess drank too much and got heavily drunk. Jiang Yuqing sent her back to the Fragrant Flower Pavilion, and asked the pce maids to bring her medicine to sober her up.


    He thought for a moment, took out a top-grade Beauty Preservation Pill and fed it to her as well. Then she fell asleep with a smile.


    Before leaving her bedroom, Jiang Yuqing took another look at her. Hopefully she can put aside everything from the past and start a new life.


    The Tubo rebel king used the princess to threaten Great Xia for grain but failed. Instead, Great Xia annihted their country.


    From the moment the princess sent her letter for help, to Tubo formally being incorporated into the territory of Great Xia, it was only a short 3 to 4 months.


    This caused the surrounding smaller countries to tremble uncontrobly. They secretly unanimously decided to get along well with Great Xia, and must not provoke the authority of Great Xia.


    Otherwise, the Xiongnu and Tubo would be lessons from history.


    If they did not stir up trouble, Great Xia would naturally be happy to enjoy the peace and quiet.


    No one liked war. War means some families would be destroyed. After a long time, even the wealthiest country would fight until utterly impoverished.


    Great Xia would not engage in impoverishing the people to enrich the military.


    In mid-May, invitation cards were widely distributed by the Duke of Jiang¡¯s residence, announcing that on the 20th day of the fifth month, Jiang Yuqing, the Young Lady of the Dukedom for Protection of the State, would have a bteding-of-age and hairpinning ceremony for her 15th birthday.


    This was one of the most important events in a girl¡¯s life.


    The Jiang family had already started preparing a few months ago, just to hold a granding-of-age ceremony for their daughter.


    Unfortunately, by the time she turned 15, the main guest had not yet returned, so the matter was dyed.


    After she returned to the capital, either Jiang Wenyuan or Jiang Yuqing had so many matters to handle and did not have time for it.


    Now, most of the big matters had been decided, and finally they could take a breather and hold a bteding-of-age ceremony for her.


    Thus, on the 20th day of the fifth month, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s hairpinning ceremony, the main doors of the Jiang Ducal Residence were flung wide open, graced by the Emperor and Empress, with nobility filling the seats.


    Ronghua Crown Princess personally hosted the event as the female lead for Jiang Yuqing, and she also had several daughters of prominent marquesses to assist her and as maids of honor.


    This level of grandeur, apart from princesses, was the first ever held for a girl from a noble family since the founding of Great Xia.


    The borate andplicated hairpinning ceremony required Jiang Yuqing to change several sets of clothes. The three-tiered hairpins were carefully prepared by the Jiang family, and some were prepared by Jing Yan as well.


    For the final tier, Empress Qin personally took off the nine-tailed dangling pearl phoenix hairpin from her own head, and inserted it into Jiang Yuqing¡¯s hair with her own hands, leading to gasps of surprise from those present.


    This nine-tailed dangling pearl phoenix hairpin was personally crafted by the founding emperor of Great Xia for his empress.


    Before the empress consort of Emperor Taizu passed away, she passed this hairpin down to her daughter-inw. By the time it reached Empress Qin, it was the fourth generation.


    Jiang Yuqing was the fifth woman to wear this phoenix hairpin. Although she was already a confirmed Crown Princess Consort, being so highly favored by the Emperor and Empress still made everyone rather envious.


    Watching their daughter kneeling before them and receiving their teachings, Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s couple felt moved, gratified, as well as the reluctance of their daughter having finally grown up, their hearts filled withplex emotions.


    That formerly soft and gentle little daughter had unknowingly grown up now.


    She had grown into an determined, brave, and peerlessly elegant maiden. Not only could she protect herself, but she could also protect her family, nation, and the world. She was worthy of this phoenix hairpin.


    After the ceremony wasplete, the Jiang residence held a banquet to entertain the guests.


    After drinking one cup too many, Jing Yan took the chance when no one was paying attention to pull Jiang Yuqing back to the Clear Wave Pavilion, pressing her against the wall.


    He lowered his head next to her ear and said, ¡°When does Lady Qing n to marry me?¡±


    The slightly intoxicated moist and hot breath blew onto Jiang Yuqing¡¯s ear and neck, making her involuntarily want to shy away.


    She struggled twice without breaking free, so she resigned to letting him have his way.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only just had mying-of-age ceremony today. Let¡¯s wait two more years, shall we! Besides, isn¡¯t this proposal a little too hasty?¡±


    Jing Yan felt a little aggrieved, but also rather helpless. ¡°Can''t it be sooner?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing rolled her eyes. ¡°That depends on your performance. If you perform well, then we might be able to pull it forward. If you don''t perform well, it¡¯ll be postponed indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll show Miss Qing my sincerity.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing immediately recalled something and said, ¡°Oh yes, don¡¯t write any more love letters, okay? Too cheesy. If my father catches them again, how embarrassing!¡±


    Jing Yan was rather troubled, ¡°Then what should be done? I¡¯m busy every day with many things, I can¡¯te find you every day, and you refuse toe into the pce to see me.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing took out some stacks of talisman paper and gave them to him. ¡°These are some unidirectionalmunication talismans I just researched. They canmunicate with me after you inject spiritual power.


    Each piece of talisman paper can onlymunicate once, for up to one hour. Think of me when you want to talk.¡±


    Jing Yan immediately smiled. ¡°Okay.¡± Then he carefully ced the talisman paper in his storage ring. ¡°Who would have expected Lady Qing to have such nice things. I¡¯m fortunate from now on.¡±


    ¡°Humph, as it should be!¡± Jiang Yuqing was extremely proud of herself.


    Jing Yan looked at her for a long time, and finally couldn''t help but pull her into his arms and gently kissed those red lips he had been longing for for a long time.


    This sudden attack stunned Jiang Yuqing. Her grape-like big eyes stared round instantly, looking straight at him with a nk mind.


    What was even more fatal was that, when she reacted, she did not push him away at the first moment. Instead, she stuck out her tongue and licked it.


    It was warm and soft, with a hint of wine vor, and it didn''t seem bad?


    This actionpletely snapped Jing Yan''sst bit of reason. With one arm hugging her and the other hand holding the back of her head, he kissed fiercely...


    In her previous life, Jiang Yuqing was single until the day she died, and Jing Yan was also a virgin. Neither of them had any experience, they just followed their instincts and messed around.


    Fortunately, the kiss did notst long. Looking at the tooth marks on his lips that she identally bit out, to be honest, she still felt a little guilty.


    The two looked at each other with flushed faces, neither said a word, but their hearts felt as sweet as honey.


    Just then, the courtyard door mmed open.


    Jiang Wenyuan, dragging a big stick, stood at the door with a ck face and shouted, "What are you two doing?


    Jing, you bastard, let go of my daughter. Don''t think that I don''t dare to beat you just because you are the prince."


    Jiang Yuqing''s face changed drastically. She immediately pushed Jing Yan away and said anxiously, "You can take the me yourself, I can''t deal with it."


    With that, she hid in the room in three quick steps and mmed the door shut.


    mmed shut?


    Jing Yan looked at the closed door, then looked at the momentum-filled future father-inw. Well, they were both ancestors, he couldn''t afford to offend either. He shook his head helplessly and had to reluctantly jump over the wall to leave.


    A gentleman shouldn''t stay under a dangerous wall, he didn''t want to get beaten.


    Only leaving Jiang Wenyuan jumping with anger in the yard, yelling that he would definitely ask someone to stick the sharpest broken porcin pieces all over the yard walls tomorrow.


    Damn boy, pissed him off.


    Bai Xiaoshi wasughing wildly in the spiritual realm, almost breathless fromughing. Whileughing, he rolled over with his four hooves in the air.


    With his big mouthughing, his teeth were showing. A deerughed with human expression, which was also rare.


    Jiang Yuqing was worried that he wouldugh to death, so she went over "very kindly" and said, "Do you want me to prepare an oxygen tank for you? Rest assured, considering our many years of friendship, I will give you a 99% discount."


    Bai Xiaoshiughed loudly: "Ha ha ha, it''s fine to get caught by dad while dating, ha ha ha ha. Kissing¡ªha ha¡ªdon''t even know how. Others have passionate French kisses, romantic and beautiful. Did you two gnaw each other''s mouths like pig''s trotters? Hahaha..."


    The master of the realm waspletely furious: "Bai Xiaoshi, you''re dead, you actually dared to peep. Do you know what privacy is? You have been single for thousands of years. If I don''t beat you until you need an oxygen tank today, I will take yourst name."


    With that, she pounced on the spirit weapon...


    So in the vast Lingjing of Furong, the cheap cry of a certain spirit weapon could be heard everywhere.

 Chapter 169: Jade Letter

    <h4>Chapter 169</h4>


    Ever since that day when the two of them were caught doing naughty things in the yard, Jiang Wenyuan looked at Jing Yan with a weird expression for several days afterwards.


    He couldn''t bear to me his beloved daughter, so he pushed all the responsibility onto Jing Yan, believing that he had led his beloved daughter astray.


    Even Emperor Xia Jing noticed that something was off. He secretly asked his son, "What have you done that he has such a big opinion of you?"


    Jing Yan looked at him but didn''t say anything. Emperor Xia Jing''s mind suddenly had a sh of inspiration and asked, "Could it be that you did something inappropriate to his daughter and got caught red-handed?"


    It was better when he didn''t ask. When he did ask, even Jing Yan''s ears turned red, and his face was also unusually embarrassed.


    As soon as Emperor Xia Jing saw this, he immediately became gleeful, "Heh, turns out it''s true!"


    At the same time, he couldn''t help but make fun of his son, "Look at you, already over twenty, and you still haven''t married a wife. But then again, your father-inw is indeed quite difficult to deal with. It would be impossible for him to voluntarily marry his daughter to you. You, on the other hand, need to have thicker skin. Go over to your mother-inw more often and curry some favor, polish the apple more. As long as those two agree, no matter how reluctant your father-inw is to marry off his daughter, he would have toply."


    Jing Yan strangely felt that his father''s words made a lot of sense.


    So afterwards, Jing Yan started visiting the Jiang residence even more diligently. Whenever there were any good stuff in the pce, he would send them to Jiang Wuyuan''s desk at the first opportunity.


    When Jing Yan was giving gifts to his beloved little wife, he didn''t forget to bring a share for his mother-inw as well, making Lu delighted and smiling happily. She would often boast about him in front of Jiang Wenyuan. There was a growing feeling that the mother-inw was increasingly satisfied the more she looked at her son-inw.


    Jiang Wenyuan was extremely vexed internally. Fortunately, his beloved daughter was still quite clear-headed. No matter how many gifts this brat gave, she would still do her own things without any dy.


    He didn''t expect that his beloved daughter and the first person on his cklist were not only interacting openly but also having secret trysts. They would use up severalmunication talismans every night.


    Moreover, most of the time, their conversations were about mundane topics like "Have you eaten?", "Where did you go?", "What have you done today?", "Do you miss me?", and so on. These seemed to be meaningless and silly conversations without much substance.


    Of course, sometimes they would also discuss things rted to their studies, work and cultivation.


    Since they were using up the papermunication talismans quickly, although it wasn''t troublesome to draw them, it was still time-consuming. Jiang Yuqing thought about it and decided to just craft amunication jade talisman, simr to a mobile phone from her previous life.


    What she thought of, she aplished. After ruining countless jade talismans, Jiang Yuqing finally seeded in making two directionalmunication jade talismans. Moreover, they had unlimited usage without any restrictions on time or frequency. They could chat for as long as they wanted.


    When Jing Yan received thismunication jade talisman, he was utterly delighted.


    Then he held her tightly and kissed her fiercely before letting go.


    At this time, the two''s dating location was in the East Pce. Not to mention Jiang Wenyuan didn''t know, even if he did, without permission he couldn''t easily enter.


    As for the other people in the East Pce, they definitely wouldn''t be so tactless as to disturb the date between the Crown Prince and the Princess. They wished that the Crown Prince would hurry up and marry the Princess into the pce.


    As time entered June, and the weather grew hotter by the day.


    By the end of June, the grapes and peaches in Tai''an Farm had all ripened.


    Over the past two years, Tai''an Farm had also bought quite a lot of barren hills around it and increased the variety of fruits nted, such as apples and cherries.


    It was a pity that they were newly nted not long ago and still not old enough to bear fruit.


    The scale of sheep breeding had also expanded further since the Tai''an barbecue was doing too good a business. No matter if it was the mutton skewers for summer barbecues or the mutton hot pot for winter, they all relied on sheep.


    As the farm grew bigger, more manpower was naturally needed. Currently, there were already over 300 veterans working at Tai''an Farm alone.


    Because the work was stable and ie was secure, quite a number of them even married and had children.


    This was also what Jiang Yuqing was happy to see. She hoped that every veteran could live a life of "wife and children by a warm stove".


    Moreover, the veterans were extremely diligent. They utilized all the spaces between the cherry trees in the orchard as well as the edges and corners of the farm to nt watermelons.


    And they were nted quite well too, all exceptionallyrge in size. When Jiang Yuqing went to take a look, even the smallest ones were still over ten jin, while thergest exceeded twenty jin.


    A few days before the farm''s opening, invitation cards were sent to all loyal elderly customers of Tai''an Farm. Jiang Yuqing had even personally sent one to Mingyang Princess to invite her to visit Tai''an Farm.


    After recuperating for over a month, aided by Jiang Yuqing''s premium beauty elixir, the current Mingyang Princess lookedpletely like a different personpared to when she was at the teau.


    She had gained weight, her skin was rosy and lustrous, perhaps from having rtives by her side. Her mood seemed brighter and more cheerful as well. Her entire being appeared glowing and radiant.


    On the opening day, not only did Mingyang Princesse, but the Second Princess, Third Princess and Ronghua Princess came too.


    These people rushed straight for the watermelon patch when they arrived, yelling that they came to see the peaches and grapes every year so there was no hurry. They could pick themter. But this was the first time watermelons were nted in the Capital City, so they must cherish the opportunity.


    When they saw the plump, round watermelons nestled among the green vines, they were utterly delighted. Disregarding their image, they screamed and lifted their skirts to rush forward.


    Afraid that they would pick unripe watermelons and waste them, Jiang Yuqing personally served as the melon picking ambassador. Any watermelon they picked, she would go over to knock on it herself to confirm it was ripe before letting them pluck it.


    As a result, these people got hooked on melon picking. Each person picked 20 to 30 before finally stopping. They really made Jiang Yuqing drenched in sweat from exhaustion.


    Jiang Yuqing also picked some watermelons for herself, nning to send some into the pce for the Emperor, Empress, Jing Yan and Li Deshun while keeping the rest for her family to eat.


    No matter who picked the watermelons, Jiang Yuqing had the watermelons sent to the entrance to be weighed and calcted for payment, including those she picked herself.


    After ying enough in the watermelon patch, the princesses then went to the peach and grape yards to pick fruit. The happiest one was Mingyang Princess. She said this was the most fun thing she had ever done.


    Jiang Yuqing felt very distressed thinking about the hardships she had gone through in the past, and sincerely said, "You cane here every day if you like."


    Unexpectedly, Mingyang Princess clicked her tongue at her and yfully scolded, "I won''te here every day. Wouldn''t that just be letting you unjustly profit?"


    "While you struck it rich, my purse would greatly shrink!"


    Everyone burst outughing when they heard this.


    Jiang Yuqing joked, "Do you reallyck that bit of money? I don''t believe that. Who knew that Jing Yan''s sister is actually a top-notch miser!"


    Mingyang Princess eximed, "I admit I''m a miser! What can you do to me?"


    After she finished, everyoneughed even harder while she also couldn''t stopughing herself.


    Jiang Yuqing really liked this kind of Mingyang Princess. Only such a lively life could be considered truly living, no longer stagnant waters.


    There was a letter from her old hometown Qingzhou. Her Fourth and Fifth Brothers were getting married.


    The wedding date was set for August 12, right before Mid-Autumn Festival.


    They were marrying the twin daughters of the current Prefect of Lingzhou, Li Wanchang.


    Jiang Yuqing also knew this Li Wanchang. He was an Advanced Schr from the same year as her father. Two years ago, he was the Prefect of Fuzhou.


    Back then during the naval battle of Fuzhou when they captured Sakuma Shoutarou, he had specially held a banquet to honor the navy generals when they returned triumphantly. Jiang Yuqing had also attended it and chatted with him for a bit.


    It was also then that her two wretched brothers just happened to be studying there and through a coincidence, were offered lodging by Li Wanchang for a night, thereby getting acquainted with him.


    Unexpectedly, a little over a year ago, Li Wanchang was transferred to Lingzhou to be the Prefect. And these two fellows had just passed the county-level Imperial exam to be schrs and met Li Wanchang again during the deer bleat banquet held in the government office.


    Only upon inquiry did Li Wanchang find out that these two were actually the sons of Duke Jiang''s residence, and thus their rtionship was established.


    The Capital City was over 2,000 li away from Qingzhou. Jiang Wenyuan and Jiang Yuquan both had official duties and definitely could not return.


    Since they could not go back, neither could Lu. Otherwise, it would be unreasonable for such arge noble''s estate to not even have ady managing the internal affairs.


    Therefore, it was destined that only Jiang Yuqing would be returning alone this time. Jiang Yuqing also had not been back home in Qingzhou for over a year, so it was good timing for her to take a look.


    When she told Jing Yan about this matter, this guy sighed deeply for a long time, very resentfully said: "There will be a long time again that I cannot see Qingqing." Then he repeatedly urged that she must remember to go early and return early.


    Would the free-spirited Jiang Yuqing listen so obediently? Of course not.


    As long as she left the Capital City, it would be a vast sea where fish could leap freely, and the sky would be wide open for birds to fly freely. She was happy to be free.


    So in mid-July, Jiang Yuqing left the Capital City and returned to her hometown in Qingzhou.


    Doctor Qiu knew her abilities and knew that his precious apprentice was just putting on a show for outsiders. As long as she left the Capital City, who would know where she had gone?


    So he asked her to go to Qianse City on the southwestern border to find one of her masters to get two extremely rare medicines to bring back. Jiang Yuqing readily agreed.


    When she arrived at the address her master had told her in Qianse City, she did not find anyone there.


    There was only a young medicine attendant looking after the house. He said his master had gone to the Southern Bordends to gather medicines and was afraid it would be a few more days before he came back.


    Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to stay at an inn in the city while waiting a few more days.


    Fortunately, although the weather was extremely hot in Qianse, the fruit was exceptionally good, so she was not bored.


    All Jiang Yuqing''s favorites fruits like mangoes, lychees, longans, mangosteen, rambutan, durian etc were avable here, and the prices were extremely cheap.


    After eating them, she nted all the seeds in her Spirit Realm. After a few days, she would have more fruit than she could finish eating.


    Under the inn where she was staying there was a letter stand, manned by an impoverished schr who made a living each day either by writing letters for people or copying books for bookshops.


    The schr¡¯s handwriting was very good. When she was bored, Jiang Yuqing would also lie on the window sill and watch him write.


    At the moment he was carefully transcribing newspaper articles by famous schrs onto the pages of an empty book, meticulously and conscientiously.


    The printing technology in the Great Xia Dynasty had emerged very early, but printing houses were hugely expensive and not every state and prefecture had them. Moreover, the printed characters could only be considered barely legible.


    It was still eptable to print storybooks and the like, but there were very few printed copies of the Four Books and Five ssics and the like.


    Firstly, with the long distances involved, once printed the books were still quite expensive by the time they reached their destinationspared to hand copied versions.


    Secondly, as these were considered ssics by schr-officials, they could not be treated lightly as ssics, so such books were still mainly hand-copied.


    Before the Jiang family became prominent, her father had also copied quite a few books.


    At that moment, a woman with a headscarf and carrying a small bamboo basket walked over to the small stand and softly called out to the schr.


    The schr looked up and immediately smiled gently, ¡°Yunniang, why did youe?¡±


    The woman took the basket off her arm, lifted the cloth cover, and revealed a few cakes inside, saying, ¡°Seeing you still haven¡¯t gone home sote, I guessed you must have forgotten the time again, engrossed in copying books.¡±


    The schr took the things from the woman''s hands and pulled her over to sit next to him, and began to eat while chatting andughing with his wife.


    For some reason, Jiang Yuqing felt that this voice was very familiar. She stared hard at the woman.


    The woman also felt a gaze from somewhere above her head. She looked up in Jiang Yuqing''s direction.


    Their eyes met in that instant, and Jiang Yuqing was dumbfounded!


    "Ling Yun¡ª!"

 Chapter 170: Wei Ling Yun

    <h4>Chapter 170</h4>


    <Wei Lingyun> was so anxious that she jumped down directly from the second floor, giving quite a fright to the couple. She grabbed <Wei Lingyun> and anxiously asked, "Lingyun, is it really you?"


    However, <Wei Lingyun> looked at her nkly, "Who are you? Do I know you? Have you got the wrong person?"


    The schr was also anxious as he came over to pull her away, "Let go of my wife!"


    <Jiang Yuqing> held on to <Wei Lingyun>''s hand and said, "I would not recognize the wrong person. You are my friend <Wei Lingyun>. I recognize the birthmark on your tiger''s mouth."


    <Wei Lingyun> was still confused, but her eyes were fixed on the red lotus between <Jiang Yuqing>''s eyebrows, as she felt it was familiar.


    The schr then realized and said, "Miss, this is not the ce to talk. If you really recognize my wife, shall we find a ce to talk in detail?"


    <Jiang Yuqing> also realized something was wrong with <Wei Lingyun>, so she said "Alright!".


    The schr packed up his stall. Afterwards, the couple followed <Jiang Yuqing> to the outer coat room on the upstairs of the inn where she was staying temporarily, and also asked the waiter to deliver some food.


    The schr then asked, "Did the youngdy just now say she recognizes my wife?"


    <Jiang Yuqing> nodded and smiled bitterly, "Yes. Can you tell me about her situation first? She seems to not recognize me now."


    The schr looked at <Wei Lingyun> and said, "I won''t hide it from the youngdy, I fished my wife out of the river..."


    It turned out that the schr was called <Xiao Ming>. His family lived nearby.


    The family used to have some assets, butter as his parents passed away one after another, the family declined. Now there was only a small courtyard left, and a few acres of thin fields to live on. The days were very difficult.


    In order to make ends meet, he had to set up a stall to write letters for people when he was not studying, to subsidize the family¡¯s expenses.


    <Wei Lingyun> was saved by him from the river 10 years ago when he was on his way back from taking the imperial examination in the capital city.


    After saving her, he found that the girl did not remember anything. The doctor said she had hit her head on a rock when she fell into the water, causing blood stasis in her brain, so she lost her memory.


    It would be very difficult to cure this condition. The only way was to take her to a hospital in the capital city to try.


    Back then the family was in financial difficulties. In order to raise money for his exam fees, his grandmother had sold the only valuable thing in the family. How could they afford to take her to the capital city for treatment? So they could only take her back home.


    Later, the two young people fell in love over time, and the girl married him.


    Because she could not remember her own name, <Xiao Ming> guessed that the character "Yun" embroidered on a handkerchief she carried might be part of her name, so he called her Yun Niang.


    Now 10 years have passed, and the two have had two sons and one daughter.


    After listening to <Xiao Ming>¡¯s words, <Jiang Yuqing> was veryplicated. She didn''t know how to tell them the next part.


    After thinking for a long time, she finally decided to tell the truth: ¡°The General Who Pacifies the West, Grand General <Wei Qing> has a daughter named <Wei Lingyun>.


    Ten years ago, <Wei Lingyun> disappeared on her way to her maternal grandfather''s birthday celebration. She was kidnapped and killed by mountain bandits and has been missing ever since."


    <Xiao Ming> was shocked and panicked: "Are you saying my wife is General Wei''s daughter?"


    <Jiang Yuqing> nodded, "Yes or no, the truth will be revealed after I drive away the blood stasis in your wife''s brain." Then she took out her acupuncture kit.


    Seeing the acupuncture kit, <Xiao Ming> was shocked and nervously shielded <Wei Lingyun> behind him, "Miss, don''t mess around. Many doctors have seen her to no avail. You look so young, don''t hurt her."


    When <Jiang Yuqing> heard this, sheughed to herself that although the schr looked weak, he loved his wife deeply.


    So she reassured him, "Don''t be afraid. She is my old friend, how could I harm her? Besides, I studied under the master physician Gu. I think I''m quite good at medicine."


    Although <Wei Lingyun> was also a little scared, when she saw the warm and sincere eyes of <Jiang Yuqing>, she instinctively chose to trust her and said to <Xiao Ming>, "Husband, why don''t you just let her take a look!"


    Only then did <Xiao Ming> agree.


    <Jiang Yuqing> settled down and took out a pulse cushion, signaling <Wei Lingyun> to put her hand on it.


    Seeing that she even had professional equipment like a pulse cushion, <Xiao Ming> was a little more relieved.


    <Jiang Yuqing> carefully diagnosed her pulse and confirmed that she had no physical problems. Then she expanded her spiritual perception and examined her brain, and found arge blood clot as expected.


    It should be the blood clot pressing on the brain''s functional areas that caused the memory loss.


    <Jiang Yuqing> had her lie down on her own bed, signaled the start of acupuncture and moxibustion. While using the silver needles, she slowly resolved the blood clot with spiritual energy.


    There was some difort in the process, and <Wei Lingyun> was sweating profusely from the pain. <Xiao Ming>''s face was full of distress as he stood by her side, wiping her sweat.


    He wanted to tell <Jiang Yuqing> to stop several times, but he was afraid that interrupting the treatment halfway would cause greater damage to his wife, so he forcibly endured it.


    <Jiang Yuqing> understood what he was thinking, and was very happy for <Wei Lingyun>. Although her experience was regrettable and her life was poor, she met a husband who loved her wholeheartedly.


    In a way, <Jiang Yuqing> felt that she was much happier than Yuan Wuyang.


    The treatmentsted a full hour before it stopped.


    After the treatment, <Wei Lingyun> fell asleep. <Jiang Yuqing> simply let the couple use this room and booked another room for herself.


    Unexpectedly, <Wei Lingyun> slept until nightfall. <Xiao Ming> was worried that there was no one to take care of their three children at home, and did not want to leave his wife here.


    <Jiang Yuqing> had no choice but to hire a carriage to send them home, agreeing toe over again for a follow-up visit tomorrow morning.


    Sure enough, the next morning, <Jiang Yuqing> was woken up by a knock on her door. When she opened it, it was <Wei Lingyun> and <Xiao Ming>.


    <Wei Lingyun> excitedly hugged <Jiang Yuqing> and cried without saying a word, "Are you Little Treasure?"


    <Jiang Yuqing> hugged her tightly too, patting her back and said softly, "It''s me. I''m really happy to see you again!"


    When she returned to the capital from Sucheng years ago and went to Wei''s house to look for <Wei Lingyun>, she was shocked to hear that she had disappeared.


    Later she also asked her master''s escort service to help search the state she disappeared in, but nothing was found.


    <Jiang Yuqing> told her about Wei''s family¡¯s situation: "Your father is now the General Who Pacifies the West, in charge of all troops and horses in <Su Prefecture>.


    Your brother has also be a fourth-rank general.


    Your mother is fine too, she just often misses you. They would be so happy if they knew you were still alive."


    After listening, <Wei Lingyun> cried hard, and talked about what happened that year.


    It turned out that when her mother took her to her maternal grandfather¡¯s house to celebrate his birthday that year, she intended to marry her to a cousin.


    She stayed at her grandfather''s house for some time, and really disliked her weak cousin, so she took the opportunity to sneak away on the way back home. She was going to go to <Su Prefecture> to find her dad.


    Unexpectedly, this youngdy who was skilled in martial arts but had never traveled far alone, went in thepletely wrong direction. She should have gone northwest, but she stubbornly went southwest instead.


    The most deadly thing was that General Wei''s residence had protected her too well that she did not know the dangers of Jianghu.


    On the way she came across someone kidnapping a bride. She foolishly charged over to help fight them off with her whip.


    As a result, she somehow got herself embroiled in a deadly gang fight as it turned out to be two Jianghu sects battling with each other.


    Because when she fell into the water, her head hit a rock at the bottom of the river, she lost all her memory after being saved.


    That¡¯s how she was separated from her family for 10 years.


    For 10 years, her mother had almost cried her eyes out.


    After listening, a herd of 10,000 grass mud horses ran wildly through <Jiang Yuqing>''s heart. What does courting death look like? This is it!


    If you don¡¯t like someone then just say no. If you mom insists on the marriage, just beat up that cousin until he dares not marry you. What''s the point of getting yourself into trouble! Isn''t there anything more silly than this? She was so mad!


    <Jiang Yuqing> endured over and over again, constantly telling herself not to get impulsive, impulsiveness is the devil. Better to let her family teach her a lesson when she gets home!


    She still managed to restrain herself in the end.


    <Jiang Yuqing> asked her, "What do you n to do? Go home by yourself or wait for your family toe get you?"


    She replied in tears, "I want to go find my mother."


    "<Jiang Yuqing> said, "Alright! Bring your husband and kids too. Go home these two days to settle things. I¡¯ll arrange escorts to take you to the capital city."


    "Qingbao, thank you!" She hugged <Jiang Yuqing> again.


    <Jiang Yuqing> hugged her back, "We are friends. With so much said, isn''t it nothing for you to invite me to your home for a meal?"


    "Not too much!"


    On the road, as she talked about her life over the past few years, Jiang Yuqing listened. Her life was a little poor, but her husband really loved and cherished her, and her few children were also filial and sensible, but she was also happy.


    For a person''s happiness, the economic foundation may be very important, but it is not absolute.


    You can see from her sincere smile on her face that Xiao Ming really took good care of her.


    Her home was at the end of a small alley on the west side of the small town, a two-yard green brick courtyard.


    Although it was some years old, the brick carvings on the walls showed that its owner had once been glorious too.


    The yard was very spacious and clean and tidy. A girl about seven or eight years old was ying with two toddlers, who must be her and Xiao Ming''s few children.


    Sure enough, as soon as the couple arrived, the children immediately came up to greet their dad and mom sweetly.


    The little girl stared at her for a while before shyly saying to her mother, "This sister is so beautiful!"


    Wei Lingyun chuckled, "She''s not a sister, she''s her mother''s friend, you have to call her auntie."


    "It''s fine to call me sister or auntie. Anyway I''m the one taking advantage." While taking things out of the big package she brought: "Come on, little cuties,e and see the gifts I brought you..."


    Lunch was made by Xiao Ming himself. It was rare for a schr like him to be able to cook so well, and he did not have the pretentious idea of keeping away from the kitchen.


    After eating, Xiao Ming went to clean up the bowls and chopsticks, and the two sisters sat together to chat. Wei Lingyun said, "Aren''t you in Capital City? How did you get here?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and said, "Where don''t I go? I was originally going back to Qingzhou this time to attend the weddings of my two elder brothers.


    My master saw that I was too free, so he asked me toe here to fetch two rare medicinal materials for him to take back.


    When I came, unfortunately, my uncle had gone out to gather herbs and wouldn''t be back for several days, so I could only find a ce to stay and wait for him toe back before leaving. Who would have thought I would pick up this missing person like you." It must be fate.


    Not having seen her family for ten years, Wei Lingyun was extremely eager to go back. Thinking that after this trip, she might nevere back here again.


    The couple discussed it and simply sold the house and fields to raise travel funds to prepare to go to the capital.


    Jiang Yuqing hired the best local escort to escort their family of five to the capital, and made an appointment to meet in the capital.


    After sending off Wei Lingyun''s family, that uncle also came back from gathering herbs. Jiang Yuqing took the medicinal materials, rode her white horse Xiaoshi, and headed straight to Qingzhou.


    It was smooth sailing all the way, and she arrived at Qingzhou County in less than half a day.

 Chapter 171: Beauty and the Beast

    <h4>Chapter 171</h4>


    Qingzhou of today is a famous prosperous county in Da Xia. Here not only produces plenty of rice, but also has special local products of canned fruits and camellia oil.


    Although the sun is scorching hot, the streets are still bustling with peopleing and going. There are also many pulling carts to sellte-ripened watermelons. Watermelons can no longer be considered a rarity in Qingzhou nowadays.


    Revisiting one''s hometown, the feelings are always different every time. Jiang Yuqing asked Bai Xiaoshi, "What do you think of today''s Qingzhoupared to the past?"


    Bai Xiaoshi said, "It''s a world of difference. The streets of Qingzhou in the past were small and narrow. Needless to say, the streets have expanded a lot now, and small buildings line both sides.


    You can hardly see any beggars on the streets. The clothes of themon people are all clean and tidy, with smiles on their faces, and their mental outlook ispletely different."


    They inadvertently walked to He''an Medicine Hall. The poison-tongued old doctor was no longer there. Now the sitting doctor in this shop has been reced by his disciple''s disciple.


    Although it has been many years since theyst met, he still recognized Jiang Yuqing at a nce. Because of the unique red lotus mark between her eyebrows.


    The sitting doctor was overjoyed and immediately bowed to Jiang Yuqing, addressing her as Martial Uncle.


    Jiang Yuqing returned his courtesy and said, "I''m just passing by to take a look. I''ll be leaving soon, no need to mind me."


    The disciple nodded and went about his business. Jiang Yuqing looked around the shop, flipped through the medicine cab, saw everything was fine, and nodded with satisfaction. After bidding the disciple farewell, she went out.


    Seeing there were still fruit stands selling chilled fruits on the street corners, Jiang Yuqing bought two bowls, one for herself and the other for Bai Xiaoshi''s exclusive bowl.


    The ice was made with saltpeter, the fruits were real fruits cut into small pieces, poured with sugar water. Cool and sweet. After one bite, half of the summer heat in the body could dissipate.


    Business at the small stand was very good. The stand owner was a very young couple. Especially the woman, looking quite familiar.


    The woman looked at her carefully for a moment, recognized her first, and was both surprised and delighted. But still conscious of so many people here, she just came to her table and asked softly, "Are you Jiang Sanye¡¯s daughter Qingbao?"


    Jiang Yuqing was stunned for a moment before she remembered who she was, "You are Granny Yang''s granddaughter, Yang Xiaoyue?"


    Yang Xiaoyue nodded, almostughing with her eyes narrowed, "It''s me." Then she called to her busy husband, "Dear, look who''s back."


    Jiang Yuqing took a closer look. Oh, this was also an acquaintance, Qi Xiaopang from the Qi family. That guy who was fatter than her, yet always mocked her for being ¡°little fat girl¡±.


    At first he always called her ¡°little fat girl¡±, so Jiang Yuqing called him ¡°squinty eyes¡±. The two did not hurt each other less. After the battle was over, they got together after a while to dig cicada pupae. Now that she thought back, it was full of memories.


    She didn¡¯t expect that he had married Yang Xiaoyue. Childhood sweethearts knew everything about each other. Not bad.


    Qi Xiaopang also recognized Jiang Yuqing andughed, "We were just talking the other day, your two brothers got married, you should be back by now.


    Didn''t expect to see you at the stand today. You haven''t been home yet, have you?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, "No, I just got into Qingzhou City. I''ll be heading home in a bit."


    The couple wanted to chat more with Jiang Yuqing, but the customers at the stand kepting, so they really couldn''t spare much time.


    After Jiang Yuqing and Bai Xiaoshi finished eating, they left the stand, not daring to pay, afraid of getting sprayed.


    She said to Bai Xiaoshi, "Every time Ie back to Qingzhou, even if I don''t do anything, just walking on the streets and roads, listening to the familiar local ents, I feel particrly intimate and especially at ease. Why do you think so?"


    Bai Xiaoshi thought for a while and said, "Whether intimate or not, native soil is intimate. This is probably hometown?"


    "You''re right!"


    Jiang Yuqing rode Bai Xiaoshi, trotting all the way home.


    At this time, the paddies on both sides of the vige road had already been transnted with the second season rice seedlings.


    As far as the eye could see, the emerald green seedlings, like a green carpet, stretched between the surrounding mountains. Against the tranquil and harmonious viges in the distance, it was especially beautiful.


    The streams in the ditches by the fields murmured, and asionally, one could still see old farmers carrying hoes on the ridges, their oxen leisurely eating grass beside them.


    Abruptly, the old farmer looked up and their eyes met. The old farmer was instantly excited, "Good girl, you¡¯re back!" It was old Jiang.


    Jiang Yuqing was also surprised and quickly jumped off the deer''s back, "Grandpa, what are you doing here?"


    The ditch was a bit wide. Old Jiang was old and Jiang Yuqing was afraid he would fall into the ditch if he walked too quickly. She hurried over to take his hoe and help him up, "The sun is so hot. Why don''t you go home instead of getting heat stroke here?"


    The old manughed and said, "Don''t worry, I''m healthy. Even a tiger could be beaten to death by me.


    You little girl, what are you wandering around in such a big sun for? Go home quickly. Your grandma is waiting with chilled watermelon. Very sweet."


    Jiang Yuqing shouldered the hoe, led the strong water buffalo, apanied old Jiang, one buffalo and one deer, slowly walking home.


    Along the way, Jiang Yuqing praised his buffalo, ¡°Grandpa, this buffalo is so well raised, so big and strong, shiny and smooth. When did you buy it?¡±


    The old man chuckled, "I bought it in the first half ofst year. Our family¡¯s old yellow buffalo died a few years ago, I had always felt upset about it.


    You know, for us vigers, how can we get by without oxen at home?


    So when I went to the cattle fairst year, I bought this water buffalo. Its name is Dahei. What do you think? Not bad, right!"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it¡¯s indeed not bad. Big enough, looks powerful and sturdy."


    The old man was even more delighted and proudly said, "It¡¯s still my granddaughter who has good eyesight, unlike your grandma, more muddled as she gets older.


    She didn''t want me to raise buffaloes. I, this old man, have always cherished buffaloes all my life."


    On the road, familiar vigers smiled and greeted her, "Yo, Qingbao is back!"


    "This girl looked good since she was little, prettier as she grows up."


    "Qingbao, remember toe to Granny''s house to yter. I have a lot of good food at home!" And so on.


    Here, she was not the future princess high above, nor the unattainable Princess Protector.


    She was only the lovely and adorable Qingbao in the hearts of the elders, the child with a warm smile from Xijin ferry.


    This was hometown, the meaning of returning to one''s roots that wanderers have always upheld.


    Seeing here back, her family was overjoyed.


    Old Lady Hu was especially happy, holding her face and saying, "My good girl is prettier than ever, and more capable. The imperial family will get a great bargain marrying you in the future."


    Jiang Yuqing gleefully agreed with her grandma, "I think so too."


    This time, with two children in the family getting married at the same time, her paternal grandmother Lady Lin also brought her two daughters-inw, youngest son and eldest grandson back.


    Her Big Brother Jiang Yujiang was still in Fuzhou, only transferred to another county. Her Second Brother also took a long vacation to apany his wife and mother back for his younger brothers¡¯ weddings, which was rare.


    This was the first time Jiang Yuqing met his wife, Lady Feng.


    Unlike Feng Zhan¡¯s coarseness, Lady Feng had fair skin, very dignified and beautiful features.


    Also, having grown up in her maternal family¡¯s home in Suzhou since childhood, her bones contained more of the gentleness and grace of Jiangnan women.


    Together with her bear-like dark-skinned Second Brother, they stood out as a live version of the scene of Beauty and the Beast.


    Her paternal grandmother ridiculed her Second Brother, saying that a flower was inserted into cow dung. Her grandma said that a peony flower was chewed by a cow. Not a word of praise at all.


    On the contrary, Jiang Yuqing was quite convinced of this pair.


    One tall and one petite, one dark and one fair, the valiantness paired with gentlenessplemented each other perfectly, just like the Taiji diagram, how harmonious.


    The sour bean meat paste rice noodles made by Sister-inw Zhu Shi, tasted just as awesome as ever. Jiang Yuqing wolfed down half a bowl, when a big cicada pupa suddenly appeared in her bowl.


    The whole body was covered in mud, with a few legs still twitching in a dying struggle.


    Jiang Yuqing nkly picked it up with her chopsticks and looked up to see two little brats with hands covered in mud, smiling at her with drool. "Cicada candy for auntie to eat!"


    Jiang Yuqing: "..." My good nephews, you really filially tortured your aunt to death.


    She felt it was necessary to let these two little brats experience the perilousness of the human world.


    So she put down the bowl, grabbed each of them by the scruff, and took them outside to the yard to dig earthworms for the entire afternoon.


    Not until the two little rascals bawled their eyes out and promised never to put things in other people''s bowls again did she finally stop.


    Unfortunately, the noodles mixed with earthworms that took up half the bowl were still discovered by Zhu.


    Then the two little ones were thrashed by all the elders in the house, each taking turns beating them with thin bamboo sticks.


    From then on, their father became the demon king and their aunt was an even more terrifying existence in the tiny hearts and minds of the two children. They absolutely could not mess with her.


    With one brother after another getting married, the Jiang Family was flourishing with a growing poption.


    The original three-section courtyard was starting to feel crammed.


    Old Jiang took charge and had the houses on one side torn down two years ago for further expansion, adding another two sections.


    Now the new houses of Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother were situated in the new wing.


    Jiang Yuqing went to visit the new houses of her two elder brothers. Though not as exquisite as the dukes¡¯ mansions in the capital, they were still impressive by Qingzhou¡¯s standards.


    Tenth day of the eighth lunar month.


    The bridal sedans carrying the two daughters-inw of the Jiang Family arrived at the grand residence in Qingzhou County.


    On the twelfth, the pair of twins were to depart from this ce to the old family home across the Xijin ferry where the wedding ceremony would take ce after they''ve settled into the house.


    Eleventh day of the eighth month.


    The daughters-inw brought their dowries of sixty-six carts each to the groom¡¯s Jiang Family house in Xijin, much to the admiration and envy of vigers.


    Thest time they witnessed such a spectacr sight was during Jiang Yuhu¡¯s wedding.


    As for the weddings of Eldest Brother Jiang Yujiang at the duke¡¯s mansion in the capital and Second Brother Jiang Yuhe¡¯s nuptials in Fuzhou, no one had seen them with their own eyes. They only heard rumors of opulent celebrations.


    With the marriage of these two brothers, only Sixth Brother Jiang Yuming and Seventh Brother Jiang Yuchuan of the Jiang brothers in this generation remained unwed. They would likely follow soon after.


    Jiang Yuqing firmly believed Sixth Brother¡¯s wedding may take ce at their old family home, but Seventh Brother would definitely not be holding his there.


    Especially not for Jiang Yuqing herself. She had already been promised to the Crown Prince as his imperial consort, the future mother of the nation.


    Two days ago when she ced the imperial bestowal of her title as the Crown Princess Consort on the ancestral shrine¡¯s offering table, the candles already burning burst into sparkles twice in felicity. Clearly the venerable ancestors approved greatly.


    Twelfth day of the auspicious eighth month. Amidst the flung open gates of the Jiang ducal residence in Qingzhou, the distinguished guests and friends filled the manor to the brim to witness the Duke¡¯s sons bring home their brides, the Twin Flowers of the Li Family. Such a fortuitous coupling was extolled far and wide.


    At the wedding banquet, Jiang Yuqing apanied her two aunts and sisters-inw in receiving guests and offering congrattions most attentively and fastidiously.


    The Lis who came to deliver the brides breathed sighs of relief and felt honored to see her attending her own sisters-inw¡¯s nuptials.


    The famous Guardian Princess of the nation, the future Imperial Consort and Mother of the Realm¡ªwhat glory to have her present at their own family¡¯s daughters'' weddings.


    That night, Jiang Yuqing took it upon herself to safeguard the consummation of the two newlywed couples, driving away all the rabble intending to crash the bedchambers and eavesdrop.


    Satisfied, she returned to her own quarters, just about to turn in for bed when the messaging jade token hanging by her waist stirred...

 Chapter 172: The More I Think, the More Beautiful

    <h4>Chapter 172</h4>


    Jing Yan picked up the phone and the slightly tired voice of Jingyan appeared on the other end: ¡°Qingqing, have you finished all your work?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I''m done. What about you? You sound exhausted.¡±


    ¡°I''m fine. Meditating all night will help.¡± He was reluctant to say it, but Jiang Yuqing roughly guessed that something must have happened at court.


    Under her repeated questioning, she finally learned that the Emperor had suddenly copsed a few days ago, which really frightened the ministers.


    Just then, bad news came from the east that Wo Country had actually attacked Liju. Liju sent envoys to Da Xia to ask for help.


    A group of ministers argued about whether to save them or not for a full two days.


    Jiang Yuqing said, "Neither one is a good thing. One less if one dies. When they have fought each other badly, we can just sit back and reap the profits conveniently and effortlessly.


    It saves us from having one or the other jumping around all the time, annoying people."


    Jing Yan chuckled lightly: "Great minds think alike."


    Jiang Yuqing was also puzzled that little vagabond recovered so quickly.


    The two forces on that wretched ind were still fighting fiercelyst year. Has it risen so quickly? She asked Jing Yan who was in charge on the small ind this year.


    Jing Yan said it was someone named Yamada. Jiang Yuqing immediately understood that the House of Ban and its rival fought each other badly but Yamada''s third party took advantage.


    No matter what the name, there are no good people from little vagabond. The blood flowing in their veins has never been peaceful.


    The next day was the tea ceremony where the newlyweds offered tea to their elders. It was Jiang Yuqing¡¯s first time meeting her fourth and fifth sister-inw.


    They did not look as alike as Jiang Yuqing had imagined. The fourth sister-inw had a melon seed face while the fifth had a slightly rounder face. They must have been fraternal twins.


    The twins had long heard of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s fame. Although they already knew from their husbands that their little sister-inw was very nice, their hearts were still a little nervous when meeting her for the first time.


    Jiang Yuqing saw the sisters'' caution and gave them a big smile to show her wee and affection to them joining the big family.


    After more interaction, the sisters found that this little sister-inw, who was extremely prestigious, was indeed as amiable as the rumors said, without any pretentiousness.


    They treated her with great respect, and finally let go of their guardpletely.


    On the political front, the envoy sent by Liju requesting troops had arrived in the capital.


    Emperor Xia Jing was in poor health and needed peace and quiet to recuperate. He ordered Crown Prince Jing Yan to preside over state affairs on his behalf.


    Jing Yan said directly to the Liju envoys, "You are not a vassal state of mine, nor do you pay annual tributes to my court. What right do you have to ask me to send troops to help you? Just because you buttered me up with some nice words? Or because you have a thick skin?"


    The Liju envoy was left speechless.


    However, they did not intend to give up. They ran around in the capital city, agitating some pedantic officials, trying to get them to help persuade Da Xia to send troops to help Liju.


    There were always a few muddle-headed ones who were blinded by foreigners'' sweet words and thought of themselves as the savior with the responsibility to save the civilians from water and fire.


    So they kept sending petitions requesting the court to send troops.


    This hit Jiang Wenyuan¡¯s sore point.


    He endured it for several days before finally losing his patience. He scolded those pedants loudly in the hall.


    "What the hell is wrong with you all? Which country do you belong to? As soon as your upper and lower lips touch, you talk about sending troops. Are your ancestors buried in Liju? Or are you nning to bury yourself in Liju?


    You think sending troops costs no money and fighting wars causes no deaths? You wanna provide the grain and fodder? Or send all your sons onto the battlefield?


    You bastards are just armchair strategists. Han traitors!


    If you dare mor about sending troops again, I¡¯ll go scold you right at your door. Spineless cowards!"


    Wow, this wave of verbal fire shocked those pedants into silence.


    It was widely known that although this Chief Minister came from a schrly background, he was no softie but quite hot-blooded.


    Although he usually smiled amiably at everyone, if you really irritated him, he would teach you a lesson in no time.


    Even Jing Yan at the headughed to himself. This future father-inw of his didn''t bother saving anyone''s face when provoked, let alone these parasites. It would be strange if they were not taught a lesson right in front of his face.


    With the noise gone in the hall, a harmonious atmosphere naturally returned.


    At the same time, Jiang Yuqing was also packing up to return to the capital. The medicine of Doctor Qiu¡¯s patient ran out and he was waiting for the medicine she had to save his life.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing went to Monkey Valley again to visit the lovely monkey troop. The monkeys still recognized her and showed extreme delight at her arrival.


    Monkey King Da Jinsi had grown another circle from thest time she saw him. He looked more mighty and majestic.


    He also bragged to her about getting more monkey queens and having many babies.


    Alright, identified as scumbag monkey.


    Da Jinsi took Jiang Yuqing to the tree cave again where she obtained another batch of monkey liquor.


    Although not as much asst time, it was still an unexpected joy.


    After all, such wild mountain liquor was a rare find.


    She also secretly snuck into the gold mine.


    She saw that although the miners were tired, they had smiles all over their faces. They were eating white rice, sweet potatoes, stir fries and meat.


    While eating, they were calcting how much work they did this month, how much ore they mined, and how much they would earn.


    Everything else looked fine, orderly and standardized. Jiang Yuqing felt relieved.


    The day after she returned from the mountain, she bid farewell to her elders at home and went straight to the capital with Bai Xiaoshi.


    When they were still some distance from the city gate, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s sharp eyes caught sight of arge white animal running at high speed towards the city gate.


    She quickly asked Bai Xiaoshi tond. She shouted, "Xiao Jiu!"


    Hearing this familiar voice, Bai Xiaojiu immediately mmed the brakes.


    Seeing the visitor clearly, the tiger''s eyes were filled with tears. Only then did Jiang Yuqing see that Bai Xiaojiu''s fur was covered in a lot of bloodstains.


    "Xiao Jiu, what''s wrong? How did you get like this?"


    Bai Xiaojiu anxiously said, "Mistress, please save my mate quickly, she is about to die!" Jiang Yuqing was shocked and quickly let Bai Xiaojiu lead the way.


    But it was toote. By the time Jiang Yuqing arrived, the yellow tigress was alreadypletely dead.


    It was shot through the head with a sharp arrow from its left eye, prating the entire head.


    Bai Xiaojiu was utterly devastated. The whole forest echoed with its grievous roars.


    Jiang Yuqing understood its sadness and kept hugging Bai Xiaojiu tofort it while even the usually sharp-tongued Bai Xiaoshi fell silent and stayed by its side.


    After Bai Xiaojiu vented its feelings, with its consent, Jiang Yuqing dug arge pit with a shovel on site and buried the yellow tigress.


    As for its three cubs, Jiang Yuqing did not see any.


    It was not hard to guess that after growing up, tigers would be driven away by their mothers to live alone.


    With the yellow tigress dead, only Bai Xiaojiu was left on the hill.


    Jiang Yuqing asked if it would continue living in this forest or go back with them. She actually hoped more that Bai Xiaojiu would go back with her.


    Bai Xiaojiu thought about it and said it was willing to go back with her.


    Now that its mate was gone, it did not want to stay in the heartbreaking woods any longer.


    Bai Xiaojiu didn¡¯t want to enter the spiritual space. It said it was too lonely inside and it preferred outside more.


    Jiang Yuqing respected its decision.


    The beloved daughter wasing home. It was something worth celebrating.


    But when everyone heard about Bai Xiaojiu¡¯s experience, they felt sad for the poor child again. In the Jiang family¡¯s heart, Bai Xiaojiu was not a pet but one of them.


    When a child feels wronged, the parents would naturally not feel good too.


    Bai Xiaojiu was in low spirits for several days. The family worried along for days too. Especially Doctor Qiu who didn¡¯t even go to his clinic but stayed home with it.


    Fortunately, after a few days, it slowly cheered up again and gradually recovered to the previous lively and cheerful Bai Xiaojiu. Everyone finally felt relieved.


    The arrow that killed the yellow tigress was picked up by Jiang Yuqing and given to Jing Yan on that very day.


    Jing Yan looked it over and said, this was just an ordinary arrow. Hunters living around the capital used arrows like these when hunting.


    It was probably that the yellow tiger ran headfirst into a hunter, and the hunter, in self-defense, had no choice but to injure it with an arrow.


    And because Bai Xiaojiu discovered it toote, by the time Jiang Yuqing followed it to find the tiger, it was already beyond saving.


    Not having seen each other for over two months, the young couple stuck together, naturally wanting to be lovey-dovey for a while.


    Jing Yan asked her where she wanted to go y. He could make time and arrange a few days off.


    For cultivators, traveling from north sea in the morning to Cangwu by night, they could go many ces in just a few days.


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard, she immediately became excited, counting on her fingers: ¡°Yes, I want to go to Su Prefecture. First go to the grasnds to eat whole roastedmb, then go pick goji berries. Then go sightseeing in Su Prefecture City, and then make a trip to Yumen Pass to pay respects to our martyred heroes...¡±


    Jing Yan lovingly pinched her nose: ¡°Anything you want, but I still can¡¯t fly yet. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to trouble the fairy to take me there.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing smiled radiantly and nted a fragrant kiss on his handsome face: ¡°No problem, no problem!¡±


    Since Jing Yan wanted to take Jiang Yuqing out to y, he naturally pawned off the tedious court duties again to Emperor Xia Jing, who had already mostly recovered from his illness.


    At this moment, he was sitting in the imperial study, holding a memo. On it was written ¡°Your servant XXX pays respects to Your Majesty. May you live ten thousand years.¡± This was a greeting memo.


    There was a vermillion ink stamp on it reading ¡°This Emperor is well.¡± He pped it shut and tossed it aside.


    This was much ado about nothing. This Emperor is perfectly fine!


    He picked up another one and opened it. It was an impeachment statement.


    It read ¡°Your servant has matters to bring to Your attention. Someone from someone¡¯s family galloped their horse recklessly in the fields, trampling the crops. Thus and so...¡± This was outrageous! Search! Daring to gallop and trample crops, this Emperor will send you straight to face the northwest wind!


    He picked up another one, requesting money to build some temple to enshrine a certain bodhisattva. What nonsense, relying on worshipping bodhisattvas to gain political achievement?


    You must be wishing you could eat shit!


    He tossed it straight to the household department manager.


    He wouldn¡¯t approve money even if I wanted to build an imperial lodge. As if he would give you money to build a temple! If he actually approves your money, that would mean this Emperor has lost!


    After just one day, Emperor Xia Jing already felt a bit weary of it. Clearly he had spent several decades of his life in this same way before.


    Not only did he have to face the moring ministers packed in the full court during court sessions, there were also endless documents to review after court. The more he thought about it, the more unbnced he felt.


    Why should that little punk get to freely take his wife out to y? Why should he, at his age, still have to keep sitting on this dragon throne, working himself ragged?


    He also wanted to take his wife out to y, to pass peaceful days like before.


    Having to face these ministers every day, who would make a huge fuss over the smallest things, he was nearly annoyed to death.


    He stroked his chin, and began seriously considering the idea of abdicating.


    If he abdicated, he wouldn¡¯t need to be shackled in this imperial pce anymore.


    He could sleep in aste as he wanted, go wherever he pleased, leave whenever he liked.


    He could even go tend the fields at the imperial estates, or go sightseeing in the mountains. That would be nice...


    The more Emperor Xia Jing thought about it, the more wonderful it seemed.


    It was decided then. When his son returned, he would tell him about this idea.

 Chapter 173: Fright in the Manger

    <h4>Chapter 173</h4>


    Jing Yan did not expect that as soon as he left the capital, his father woulde up with the idea of abdicating and bing the retired emperor.


    After the young couple left the capital, they rode Bai Xiaoshi all the way to Su Prefecture, arriving in just over half a day.


    The higher Jiang Yuqing''s cultivation level, the greater Bai Xiaoshi''s abilities, and the faster he could fly.


    There was already some chill in Northwest China in early October. Dressed as ordinary travelers, the two rode a horse on the grasnd to y wildly for half a day. Along the way, they met a herder''s household.


    The herder cordially invited them home to drink milk tea, killed a sheep, and made roasted wholemb to treat them. Jiang Yuqing also took out the fruit cans and other things she brought as gifts and gave them to the herder.


    She was very social, eating while chatting with the herder''s family about their current living conditions. Jing Yan listened attentively beside her.


    The herder said that selling wool, fur, cattle and sheep was easy, and that grain, tea, salt from outside was also readily avable. Life was happy.


    After leaving the grasnd, early the next morning, the two went to Sha Qing County again to pick ck goji berries for half a day.


    Now the ck goji berry nting base in Sha Qing County has expanded from the original 3,000 mu to nearly 40,000 mu, bing a pir industry in Sha Qing County.


    In the afternoon, the two went to Su Prefecture City.


    Nowadays, Su Prefecture City was developing better and better. Not only was it a major grain producing area, the woolen products produced here were also famous throughout the world, and it was now a veritable Gansu Jiangnan.


    Since they were in Su Prefecture City, they inevitably had to go back to Anhe Hospital to take a look.


    She and Jing Yan did not dare to show themselves in public, but they did not have this concern about Master Lu Yi.


    Seeing the young couple suddenly appearing before him, even Lu Yi, who was bold, was frightened by the jump.


    Unfortunately, she came at the wrong time. Her son, her lovely nephew, had gone with her sister-inw to visit her maternal grandparents and was not in Su Prefecture.


    Lu Yi knew that she and Jing Yan came to Su Prefecture purely to y, so he left her alone.


    After saying goodbye to the third brother, Jiang Yuqing secretly went to see Ju Fan of Warm Wool Spinning Workshop.


    This guy''s ability was really extraordinary. Over the years, he had expanded the scale of Warm Wool Spinning Workshop by at least ten times. It had be thergest employer and biggest taxpayer in Su Prefecture City.


    He was absolutely loyal to the Jiang father and daughter who gave him absolute trust and enlightened him.


    At this meeting, Jiang Yuqing saw that he was overworked and had gray sideburns.


    So she directly gave him a life-extending elixir that could prolong his life by five years. This pill was made by her from refined spiritual milk, recently obtained. It was an affirmation of his dedication over the years.


    Ju Fan was moved to tears.


    After leaving the Su Prefecture City and heading west all the way, it was Yumen Pass. Jiang Yuqing did not visit acquaintances, but took Jing Yan directly to the Yumen Pass Martyrs Cemetery.


    Although he was mentally prepared, when Jing Yan saw with his own eyes row upon row of tombstones that stretched as far as the eye could see, the shock in his heart was still indescribable in words.


    Under each of these mounds was a vibrant life. If they were still alive and arranged in battle formations here, how magnificent and joyful would that scene have been?


    Jiang Yuqing took out her treasured monkey wine from the spiritual realm, filled arge bowl, set up fruit snacks, and three sacrificial animals, lit incense and paper money, shouting loudly: "Comrades, I havee to see you!"


    Jing Yan clenched his left fist and swore an oath to the sky with the utmost solemnity: ¡°I, Jing Yan, as the heir to the throne of Da Xia, hereby swear here. As long as Da Xia exists in the world, we will sacrifice to martyrs every year, for thousands of years toe, and will never dare to vite this.¡±


    Then he silently lit a pile of paper money and burned it as an offering.


    The cemetery was well maintained by the soldiers of Yumen Pass, and not a single grave had copsed. After the memorial service, the two walked around the cemetery to make sure nothing was amiss before leaving.


    The two headed south, turned into Jinma County, and stopped at a small restaurant at noon.


    But they heard discussions at the next table, saying that two young brothers of a family were watching the sheep, and the sheep wandered into Jingma Gully by mistake. Fearing to be beaten when they returned home, the elder brother followed the sheep into the gully to find them.


    The younger brother waited outside for a long time without seeing his brothere out and cried out in fear.


    When the father learned about this, he couldn¡¯t bear to lose his son, so he also entered Jingma Gully. It had been three or four days now, yet the father and son had still note out.


    They were most likely doomed already.


    Jiang Yuqing casually set up a sound-proofing shield around them and said to Jing Yan: ¡°Ah Yan, there is a mountain called Jingma Mountain in Jinma County.


    When my father and I first came to Su Prefecture, we had wiped out bandits on Jingma Mountain.


    I heard from the local hunter guide that there is a valley in the mountain called Jingma Gully.


    For hundreds of years, no person or animal that entered has evere out of it. It is extremely dangerous and something that the locals talk about with dread.¡± Today I want to go take a look.¡±


    ¡°I''ll go with you.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head: ¡°No need. We have to leave someone outside for support.


    My cultivation level is high. I believe that even if there are real monsters and ghosts inside, they can''t do anything to me. After I confirm there is no problem inside, I will send a message to notify you.


    If there is something I can''t solve, you going in would just add to the death count.¡±


    ...Dear, we can be more tactful.


    The two left the restaurant and went straight to Jingma Mountain.


    Jiang Yuqing relied on her vague memories to find the entrance of Jingma Gully.


    The vegetation here was messy, and there were many trampled traces, presumably from the family members of the father and son wandering around in anguish.


    To be cautious, Jiang Yuqing swallowed a Qingxin Pill for mental rity and a detox pill to guard against the miasma in the valley.


    At the same time, she summoned her spirit sword and even roused little Jing who had been sleeping for many years.


    Since Jing Yan knew he couldn¡¯t stop her, he had to repeatedly urge her to be careful.


    When all the preparations were ready, Jiang Yuqing carefully rode Bai Xiaoshi into the valley.


    To be safe, she fully spread out her spiritual sense, wanting to ce the entire valley under her vision. But she found that her bacsh-stage spiritual sense was actually unable to prate this valley.


    Something deep inside the valley seemed to be covered by a transparent cover¡ªthat was a spirit shield!


    Realizing this, Jiang Yuqing became tense all over.


    Ancient, towering trees in the valley blocked out the sun, without a hint of sunlight. Miasma lingered and the silence around was terrifying.


    The deeper she went, the denser the miasma became. On the various strangely shaped trees around, there hung pitcher nt-likes woven from vines.


    Under the trees were rotten bones of animals and humans, eerie and stretching into the shadows ahead, giving people the feeling of walking in the underworld of the Yellow Springs.


    Even with Jiang Yuqing¡¯s courage, seeing this situation, she could not help feeling creeped out.


    Suddenly a "meeh" of a sheep cry gave Jiang Yuqing a shock.


    Looking in the direction of the cry, she saw several huge cocoon-like things hanging from a tall, crooked-necked tree about a zhang from the ground (about 3.2 meters high) straight ahead.


    The sheep''s cry came from one of these cocoons.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s heart stirred, and her spirit sword instantly shed out, cutting several huge cocoons from the tree.


    Then with spiritual power, she pulled them over to examine them one by one.


    As it turned out, inside the sixrge cocoons, four sheep and two people were hanging wrapped in disgusting green mucus.


    Whether it was sheep or human, they were all covered with filthy green mucus.


    Jiang Yuqing threw cleaning spells at the two people to finally see their appearance.


    It was a middle-aged man and a boy about ten years old.


    Judging from their clothes, they should be the father and son who unfortunately had to venture in here to find the lost sheep. It just wasn¡¯t known why they were hung up here.


    Their eyes were tightly closed, faces pale. Fortunately, they still retained a thread of life, which was really surprising.


    Jiang Yuqing first infused them with a wisp of vitality to ensure their lives were safe.


    Then she stuffed them with detox pills and carried them onto Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s back, preparing to take them out of the valley.


    Just then, a sudden change urred.


    Countless swishing sounds came from all sides, and Jiang Yuqing instinctively leaned back to narrowly dodge a green shadow that brushed against her cheek.


    After that, several green shadows attacked again, extremely fast, startling Jiang Yuqing into constant dodging.


    In crisis, the shape of little Jing expanded, and she whipped out a dozen vines tosh out at those green shadows. Her blows were deadly,shing them so fiercely that those green shadows didn''t have the slightest chance to fight back.


    Only then did Jiang Yuqing see clearly that these green shadows turned out to be carnivorous rattan vines.


    They did not possess any intelligence, merely clinging by instinct to the surrounding tall trees, surviving by feeding on the blood and flesh of humans or beasts that identally wandered into this ce.


    Naturally, Jiang Yuqing would not allow such a scourge to remain.


    Her spirit sword glided smoothly along their roots, slicing them apart. As soon as she finished chopping, spirit fireballs followed, thrown to burn thempletely.


    To ensure these things were thoroughly incinerated, Jiang Yuqing increased her spiritual power output, only stopping once every branch and leaf was burned away.


    Suddenly, the sound of rushing wind came again from behind. Without hesitation, Jiang Yuqing whirled, sword raised to slice, but was blocked by someone crying, "Yuqing, it''s me!"


    The arrival was Jing Yan.


    Seeing that Jiang Yuqing had not emerged for a long time and did not respond to his transmitted messages, Jing Yan grew worried. Catching sight of the ck smoke rising from the valley, afraid she was in danger, he stuffed two elixir pills in his mouth and charged in to find her without a second thought.


    Pulling her along, he anxiously looked her over, "Are you alright?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, "I''m fine. I burned some harmful things and found the missing father and son."


    She gave Jing Yan a simple summary of what happened. The two decided to first take the rescued out before returning to further investigate this ce.


    By the time they reached the valley entrance, they happened to run into the vigers who saw the ck smoke and rushed over.


    Seeing such a handsome couple emerge unharmed from the notorious Jingma Gully, even managing to rescue the father and son, the vigers assumed they must have met divine immortals.


    Among them were the rtives of the rescued father and son.


    The wife embraced her regained husband and son, wailing loudly in grief, a sigh-inducing scene.


    When she finally finished weeping, the woman dabbed her tears and repeatedly kowtowed in gratitude toward Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan.


    After much effort sending off the vigers, the two entered the valley again, determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.


    Perhaps because Jiang Yuqing had chopped down many parasite-infested trees earlier, the obstructing aura within the valley seemed to have dissipated somewhat, and the fog turned much thinner.


    Stepping over the ashes left from the earlier ze, they continued forward, circling a moss-filled marsnd to discover behind it a faint, shimmering barrier.


    Jiang Yuqing gathered her spiritual energy and forcefully struck the barrier.


    Like an overfilled water balloon, the barrier quivered then remained unmoving,pletely useless against her efforts. Jiang Yuqing could only increase her spiritual output, unleashing several continuous attacks that still failed to prate it.


    Seeing this, Jing Yan also joined in. Despite both attacking with their full might until they panted for breath, the barrier remained impervious.


    Just as they feltpletely discouraged, Bai Xiaoshi came sauntering over, flicking his tail leisurely.


    Lowering his head, the deer thrust his antlers forward and stuck his rear up. His sharp antler tips easily pierced the barrier, eliciting a crisp "pop!" before the barrier shattered.


    Bai Xiaoshi arrogantly lifted his head, throwing Jiang Yuqing a look of utter disdain. With a contemptuous sniff, he then swaggered inside.


    Jiang Yuqing''s fists tightened as she grated out between clenched teeth, "Bai Xiaoshi..."


    She was determined that nothing could stop her from righteous fratricide.


    And so, a certain prince could only watch helplessly as his consort fought violently with his steed, explicitly banned from intervening. His expression was quiteplex.

 Chapter 174: Zen Position

    <h4>Chapter 174</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan fought a battle. Although there was no clear winner, the Realm Lord was able to vent his resentment over being mocked and ridiculed by the Spirit Tool earlier.


    After making the one-sided decision to cut ties with the Realm Lord for at least an hour, the Spirit Tool ran back to the Spirit Realm.


    What was hidden behind the barrier was a not very big mountain cave. Sitting cross-legged inside the cave was a skeleton that had been dead for who knows how many years.


    Hanging at its waist was a storage bag. Jiang Yuqing reached out and took it, wiping away thest trace of spiritual awareness on it.


    Looking inside, apart from a few low-grade spirit stones and some nk jade tablets, there were only some misceneous items, nothing of much value.


    Since there was no identity information rted to the skeleton that could be found, there was no way to know where it came from or its name. It was only known that this was a low-level cultivator, and it was not known for what reason it had meditated here until death.


    Since they hade here, it could also be considered a predestined affinity. The two of them then dug a pit and buried the skeleton, letting it rest in peace in the soil.


    Just as Jing Yan hugged up the skeleton, there was a "crack" from the spot where the skeleton had been sitting. The ground suddenly rose up, pushing out a small box.


    Jiang Yuqing opened it and looked inside. It turned out to be an extremely exquisite high-end spirit gathering array disc.


    Set in the middle of the array disc was a spirit crystal. The familiar spiritual aura remaining on it allowed Jiang Yuqing to determine at a nce that this was the array disc supporting the barrier.


    Apart from this array disc, there was nothing else in the box, but Jiang Yuqing felt that the box didn''t seem that simple.


    Just as she was hesitating, Jiang Yuqing saw Jing Yan bend down to hug the box and turn it to the side. Immediately following was a scalp-numbing "crack crack" sound.


    An enormous stone door that had not been there before started to crack open on the cave wall, revealing the pitch-ck cavity behind.


    Jiang Yuqing set up a protective shield covering herself and Jing Yan, then lit a spiritmp and sent it flying ahead to light up the way.


    This was an ancient tomb of magnificent scale.


    After Jing Yan carefully studied the murals on both sides of the tomb passageway and the inscriptions, he determined that this was the mausoleum from over five hundred years ago of a king from a small country on the bordernds during the previous dynasty.


    At that time, half of the area of Su Prefecture had belonged to this small country.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t understand much about these things. As Jing Yan researched, he also exined to her. She somehow felt like she was visiting a museum in her previous life, and was listening with great interest.


    The two of them continued forward. They easily evaded the various mechanisms and traps they encountered, and before long, they reached the main burial chamber containing the owner''s coffin.


    The main burial chamber contained the tomb owner¡¯s intact coffin and apanying funeral objects, indicating that this ce had been well protected over the past few hundred years and had never been visited by grave robbers.


    The two found the epitaph in the tomb, but unfortunately no one could read the text on it.


    Fortunately, the walls of the burial chamber were also covered with brightly colored murals. The murals not only gave a detailed record of the tomb owner''s life, but also recorded the connection between that cultivator and the tomb owner.


    It turned out that the cultivator had crossed over from another world by a twist of fate. He was rescued by the king after being seriously injured upon arrival.


    Unable to return to his original world, to repay the king¡¯s kindness, the cultivator stayed in this small country and served as the national teacher.


    Later events could be roughly inferred.


    After the king died, he was buried in this mountain valley, andter when the national teacher¡¯s lifespan approached its end, he also chose this ce as his final resting ce before entering meditation unto death.


    Using the high-end spirit gathering array he had brought from the other world, he set up this barrier to ensure that he and this royal tomb would never be disturbed.


    That was how simple it was.


    However, Jiang Yuqing had no intention of giving up such a good array disc.


    Therefore, after leaving the burial chamber, she left some spirit crystals on the ground aspensation, and reset the barrier. This could also be considered allowing them to rest in peace once more.


    Although there were no more dangerous man-eating vines in this mountain valley, after all it was still filled with baleful energy and dangers.


    To prevent anyone else from identally entering and losing their lives, Jiang Yuqing directly set up a barrier at the entrance of the valley gorge,pletely sealing off this ce.


    At the same time, a thousand miles away in the Capital City,


    Emperor Xia Jing asked Li Deshun, "Hasn''t the Crown Prince returned yet?"


    Li Deshun looked up at the Emperor and carefully replied, "Not yet."


    "What day is it already?"


    "Replying to Your Majesty, it''s the fourth day."


    Emperor Xia Jing angrily mmed the memorial on the imperial desk: "It looks like he''s having so much fun he''s forgotten to think of home."


    Li Deshun brewed a cup of tea at just the right temperature and respectfully offered it to Emperor Xia Jing, persuading him, "Your Majesty, there''s no need to get angry. It''s normal for young people to want to have fun. Besides, His Highness is not without self-restraint."


    "Humph. He''d better be so!" Emperor Xia Jing took the tea and sipped it. Seeing the piled up memorials on the imperial desk, his heart was filled with resentment,menting it was another day he wanted to abdicate.


    On the very day Jing Yan returned, Emperor Xia Jing bluntly told his son that he wanted to abdicate and be the retired Emperor.


    Jing Yan responded rather ungraciously, "Jiang Yuqing just gave you a life extending pill. You can live at least another twenty years.


    When the timees, you might be able to directly pass the throne to my son, your grandson. There really is no hurry."


    The Emperor was so angry his hands were shaking. "So ording to you, your dad should be resigned to working like an ox and horse for you for another twenty years? You unfilial thing!"


    Jing Yan actually nodded and said, "Although the facts are so, there''s no need to state them in such an offensive manner."


    How could someone with such shameless audacity be his son? He had clearly been educated using the strictest methods to raise an heir apparent. Where exactly had things gone wrong?


    Emperor Xia Jing felt his lungs were about to explode from rage. He looked everywhere for something to beat this unfilial son to death...


    At the same time, he hardened his heart - since kind words were useless, he would just have to do it by force.


    So early the next morning at court, Emperor Xia Jing issued an edict before all his officials, abdicating the throne to Crown Prince Jing Yan, and retiring himself as the retired Emperor. He ordered the Imperial Astronomy Bureau to select an auspicious date in the near future to hold the new Emperor''s ascension ceremony.


    The ministers had long known of the Emperor''s intention to abdicate in favor of the Crown Prince, so apart from some initial surprise, they soon epted it readily afterwards.


    Moreover, the Crown Prince was proficient in both literary and military skills, clever and benevolent. He was familiar with all court affairs and knew every little detail.


    Although he did not yet have the title of ruler, he had already assisted his father in managing court affairs for many years. His session this time could be said to be a case of formalizing what was already true.


    With the imperial edict, all the ministers in the hall knelt and hailed out long live the Emperor! No matter how unhappy Jing Yan actually was, he could only endure the situation for now, intent on settling ounts with his old father afterwards.


    The Imperial Astronomy Bureau soon gave its calctions - "The ninth day of the eleventh month is an auspicious date of great fortune. The ascension ceremony can be held then."


    And so the court set the ninth day of the eleventh month for the new Emperor''s ascension ceremony.


    Once the news spread, the entire Capital City erupted in jubtion.


    Duke Jiang''s Residence in particr was thriving more than ever.


    Given how much the new Emperor doted on his fianc¨¦e, as soon as Jiang Yuqing entered the pce, she would definitely be the firmly established and unshakable Empress.


    Therefore, all sorts of transcendents, whether familiar or unfamiliar, swarmed Duke Jiang''s Residence like bees to honey.


    Lu found it extremely annoying, so she found an excuse to escape to the family''s hot spring vi, finally gaining some peace and quiet.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t have this concern. She went to the hospital when she needed to go to the hospital, and worked when she needed to work.


    Due to her formidable reputation, even if others coveted her, they wouldn''t dare approach her recklessly. Doing that would be courting death.


    During this period, she went to find Wei Lingyun once.


    It''s been said that after disappearing for many years, this immortaldy finally brought her family with her and returned to the General''s Residence.


    Seeing her long lost daughter, Wei''s mother hugged her and cried so hard she nearly fainted.


    After being shaken awake, she grabbed a cane and gave her a good beating, then hugged her daughter and cried some more.


    Fortunately in the end, it was a joyous reunion.


    The Wei''s were good-natured people. They didn''t show the slightest dissatisfaction towards Xiao Ming the schr son-inw.


    On the contrary, because he had saved their daughter and had always treated her with sincerity over so many years, the Wei family was rather fond of him.


    With the Wei family''s support, the family of five gained a foothold in the capital city.


    Wei''s mother gave Xiao Ying all of the dowry items she had originally prepared for her daughter. Included were several quite profitable shops.


    Worried her daughter wouldn''t know how to manage them, she guided her carefully step-by-step.


    Xiao Ming was well read, but his family had been poverty-stricken for years, dying his progress.


    Now with no need to worry about livelihood, Wei Lingyun handed over one of the book and painting shops for her husband to manage, allowing him to continue self-studying while handling the chores.


    Of course there were still those who said petty things, iming Xiao Ming was just a keptyabout. But he took it in stride - as long as he could be together with his wife and children, what did a few tart words matter.


    When Wei Lingyun found out, she immediately took up her horse whip and went to beat that person once, finally letting out her anger.


    Xiao Ming persuaded her: "The mouth grows on someone else''s body. If he is willing to talk, let him talk. I won''t lose any meat anyway. Moreover, it''s obvious that this kind of person is sour grapes."


    However, in less than two days, Xiao Ming got into a fight with someone.


    The reason was that after the incident of Wei Lingyun holding a whip and whipping people spread, several gossipy people portrayed her as a tigress and a night demon.


    As Xiao Ming happened to hear this, he, who loved his wife as his own life, immediately got into a fight with them.


    So that by the time Wei Lingyun heard the news and hurried over to see her bruised husband, she was amused and angry at the same time.


    And when the Wei family heard about this incident, their fondness for this son-inw increased even more.


    Looking at Wei Lingyun''s current life, and then looking at Yuan Wanyang, who was trapped in the luxurious big house. Jiang Yuqing suddenly remembered a sentence he had read in his previous life.


    In marriage, people are like drinking water, knowing whether it is warm or cold by themselves.


    If you meet someone who treats you with sincerity, even if life is a little more ordinary, those days are still vibrant and warm.


    Mrs. Lu had hidden on the farm for half a month beforeing back. Now that the storm had passed, everyone could finally calm down.


    At the same time, preparations for the new emperor''s ascension ceremony were also underway at full steam. Jiang Wenyuan was still worried when he returned home after being busy all day.


    Mrs. Lu knew what was on her husband''s mind, so she asked, "Did the Retired Emperor talk to you again about the marriage of the two children?"


    Jiang Wenyuan nodded and said, "The new emperor will ascend the throne in a few days. The pce cannot remain without a queen for too long.


    I''m afraid that after the new year, whether we are willing or not, we will have to marry our darling daughter out." My heart feels so bad!"


    Mrs. Lu hugged her husband and gently patted him on the back, "How could I bear to part with them? But both children have grown up. As the saying goes, a boy grows up to marry and a girl grows up to marry into another family.


    Especially A Yan. Now that he has be the emperor, I''m afraid there will be no shortage of families setting their sights on him to form marriage alliances.


    We can''t give up what belongs to our daughter just because we can''t bear to be parted from Wan."


    Jiang Wenyuan''s eyes widened, "Let''s see who dares!"


    Mrs. Lu said, "Everyone under heavenes for profit. The world moves for profit. They would calcte half a day for a tiny bit of profit from a fly''s head, let alone the position of empress.


    Although A Yan has his heart set on our darling Wan, good intentions still cannot withstand the calctions of those with ulterior motives. I''m afraid that after a long time, variables may arise."


    Although Jiang Wenyuan also knew that what his wife said made sense, he just felt upset in his heart. He sat on the couch like a child throwing a tantrum, "But I still feel bad."


    Mrs. Lu, "......" So much talking for nothing.

 Chapter 175: Coronation Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 175</h4>


    On the eve of the coronation ceremony, the entire imperial pce was lit up all night. Jing Yan called Jiang Yuqing in the middle of the night: "Qingqing, are you asleep?"


    Jiang Yuqing poked her head out from the warm quilt and picked up the call groggily: "What''s wrong, are you nervous?"


    Looking at the sky full of stars outside the window, Jing Yan said, "It''s a foregone conclusion, there''s no need to feel nervous. It''s just that I feel the responsibility is as weighty as a mountain, somewhat overwhelming."


    Jiang Yuqingforted him, "All emperors in history have been overjoyed when ascending to the throne. The fact that you first thought of responsibility rather than the imperial throne is enough to prove that you will be a good emperor in the future. Have faith in yourself, you can do it!"


    Jing Yan chuckled lightly on the other end: "Qingqing always has extra confidence in me."


    Jiang Yuqing said proudly: "Of course, you are my fiance. I must! What''s more, you still have me with you, what are you afraid of?"


    Jing Yan instantly cheered up: "That''s right, I still have you. My Empress!"


    "Don''t be silly..."


    After beingforted by his beloved fiancee, Jing Yan''s originally somewhat apprehensive mood strangely calmed down. He went to sleep peacefully and waited for tomorrow toe.


    On the 9th day of the 11th month, an auspicious day. The coronation ceremony of the new emperor.


    The new emperor went in person to worship Heaven, Earth, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the Da Xia Heroes Memorial.


    Then he arrived at the Qinzheng Hall and changed into the five-wed golden dragon robe for the coronation ceremony.


    In the solemn music, the ministers knelt to wee him as Jing Yan stepped onto the high tform along the red carpet.


    The Retired Emperor personally awarded the Jade Seal of State Power to the new emperor, helped him sit on the throne, appearing every bit like a kind father and filial son.


    Below, the ministers submitted memorials, performed three kneelings and nine bows, cheering ten thousand years, congratting the new emperor on his ession to the throne.


    After that, with the golden imperial edict and seal, the new emperor granted Consort Jiang Yuqing the title of Empress, and set the 8th day of the 4th month of next year as the auspicious wedding date.


    The entire ceremony started at dawn and ended in the early afternoon,sting almost a full day. It was joyous and magnificent yet tedious.


    After the ceremony ended, the new emperor held a banquet to entertain the ministers, the whole country rejoiced.


    At the pce banquet, Jing Yan directly got up and led the dressed up Jiang Yuqing to sit beside him.


    Jiang Yuqing was also not pretentious, sitting down generously next to Jing Yan.


    This made all thedies and noblewomen below green with envy. But they could only ept it.


    In terms of looks, she was recognized as the number one beauty in Da Xia. In terms of talent, achievements and capabilities, they were not even qualified topare.


    Not to mention, she and the new emperor were childhood sweethearts, their love was stronger than gold.


    Haven''t you seen over the years, countless youngdies and noblewomen of prestigious families rushed to pursue him but returned in failure after hitting a wall?


    Some particrly unlucky ones even died before aplishing anything, how tragic was that.


    In short, the corners of other families¡¯ walls were made of mud bricks that would copse with a bit of heavy rain. But the foundation of the Empress¡¯ family was made of the shiniest diamonds that would make you stumble badly if you tried to dig at it with a pickaxe.


    While enjoying being hand-fed by Jing Yan, Jiang Yuqing yfully appreciated the eyes of the dancing maids below looking at Jing Yan through the gaps when they twirled.


    Some were brazenly flirtatious, some were lovesick and resentful, some were shy...


    Jiang Yuqing clicked her tongue and joked in his ear, "Look at how affectionate these beauties are looking at you. But when they look at me, they wish they could cut me into eight pieces. Why, just because you are the emperor, when I''m also very handsome!"


    Jing Yan helplessly pinched his darling empress¡¯s face and said, "Isn''t your vinegar a little misced?"


    "There''s nothing wrong with it. No matter what the reason, they like you but not me, the oue is the same anyway."


    Jing Yan was somewhat amused, this was the first time he knew this idiom could be used like this too. Oh well, let her have her way, she''s the darling after all.


    After Jing Yan¡¯s ession, the weather became colder by the day. By mid November, the first snow of the year fell.


    In the Huan Medical Hospital, there was arge increase in patients with fevers due to cold and wind as well as falls due to slippery roads.


    Jiang Yuqing was busy seeing patients with intern doctors, not having the awareness at all that she had be the empress of the country.


    Jiang Yuqing was busy, and her mother Lady Lu was even busier. Now that her daughter''s wedding date was set, and she was going to be the empress of the country, the dowry naturally could not be sloppy in the slightest.


    Although Lady Lu had already started preparing many years ago, when it came down to it, she still felt that many things were missing.


    Such as antiques and famous paintings and calligraphy.


    These kinds of things required a certain amount of heritage and umtion.


    Although the Jiang family was of noble status, after all the time they rose to prominence was too short, this was a very big shoring.


    There were two ways to solve this situation: exchange with others, or buy them expensively.


    The Jiang family was not short of money, but famous calligraphic works of past dynasties that could be brought out for trade were not many on the market.


    Even if there were some, their origins and channels were questionable, so the ones that could be bought were very limited.


    Exchanging item for item was possible though. Jiang Yuqing¡¯s Beauty Elixir, just taking out two bottles, would drive thedies and noblewomen of the capital crazy.


    Therefore, Lady Lu managed to exchange quite a few nice items with the inferior grade Beauty Elixirs her daughter gave her.


    Actually, Jiang Yuqing herself didn''t really care.


    The things she personally possessed, including knowledge, ability and capabilities were invisible assets, far exceeding the worth of those items.


    Therefore, no matter when, her confidence was always full. Even marrying into royalty, she would not be a subordinate.


    But she would not reject her family''s good intentions either.


    At the beginning of the twelfth month, news came from the Liaohai Prefecture in the northeast that the Wo Country upied the entire Liju territory, and the Liju King escaped with his favorite consort and most beloved son to parts unknown.


    Large numbers of Liju refugees crossed the border between Da Xia and Liju and swarmed into Da Xia territory.


    The Governor of Liaohai, Baili Jia urgently petitioned the court, asking whether it would settle these refugees.


    After discussion in court, it was decided to settle them. Nowadays in Da Xia, there was no shortage ofnd and food, only ack of poption.


    The arrival of these Liju refugees happened to be timely. They would be dispersed and settled in Liaohai Prefecture.


    With the unique inclusiveness of the Central ins culture, they would be assimted in just a few years, bing Da Xiamoners through and through.


    As for the Wo Country, hopefully their brains would be clearer. If they didn''t invade, that would be fine for now, they could spend this year temporarily undisturbed. But if they invaded.... heh heh......


    It turned out that the current leader of the Wo Country still had some brains. For one, they knew that the current Da Xia had a strong military that was not to be trifled with.


    Plus, they had just conquered Liju, and the Liju affairs were still unclear, naturally they could not spare any troops to invade Xia.


    If they didn''t invade Xia, would Da Xia spare them?


    As the ancestors said well: how could one sleep soundly with enemies by their side? You were just a small ind country, yet you''ve killed your way onto the maind now and destroyed my neighbor too.


    If I let you develop and grow stronger today, I would be the next one destroyed.


    New year. The new emperor changed the year to Zhenghe, meaning to conquer the barbarians and unify the country.


    On the 18th day of the first month of Zhenghe Year 1, Da Xia decisively dispatched troops into Liju tounch an all out attack on the Wo Country¡¯s forces.


    At the same time, Jiang Yuqing also led a batch of medical personnel who were temporarily transferred from Beijing, Huan Medical Hospital and Tian Medicine Valley to form a temporary medical team to follow along the troops heading east.


    This was to ensure that Da Xia¡¯s officers and soldiers could receive the fastest and best medical treatment after getting injured.


    The brave and adept Da Xia troops, with sufficient logistical support and the Thunderbolt as a powerful weapon,


    Killed over 30,000 of the Wo Country troops after just one skirmish.


    The Wo Country Commander-in-Chief Yamada Hirotake vomited blood in anger.


    He thought that the Da Xia people had mild temperaments, and as long as one didn''t provoke them there wouldn''t be any issues, hence he did not take extra precautions against Da Xia.


    He never expected the Da Xia people to be so ruthless, directly killing him in a blitz attack that caught him unprepared.


    Yamada Hirotake hurriedly organized his troops to resist, but it was toote by then.


    Also because he carried out a ¡°three lights¡± policy (loot all, kill all, burn all) in Liju, the ordinary Liju people hated him to the bone. Hearing that the benevolent Da Xia troops had invaded, many even actively guided the way for them at the front.


    The soldiers pursued in victory, morale was high, and they killed the retreating Wo Country troops like andslide toppling a mountain.


    In just a short month, the remaining few tens of thousands of Wo people were driven into the sea, retreating back home in defeat.


    At this time, the long disappeared King of Liju suddenly popped out, criticizing that the Da Xia troops should not have upied Liju¡¯s territory.


    Saying that Liju belonged to the Liju people, and the Da Xia people should withdraw from Liju¡¯snd and return the country to them.


    For such trash, Da Xia would not even want to give him a nce, let alone suffer the eyesore.


    Jing Yan directly ordered to kill Liju King and all the royal sons without mercy.


    A cowardly weakling who only knows how to run away, a failed ruler of a lost state, what face does he have to talk about conditions with them?


    Or it could be said, the moment he abandoned his Liju people and fled, his ending today has already been doomed.


    After taking care of Liju King and the remaining old and young of Liju, thisnd that once made the Da Xia Emperor choke with frustration, finally in the third month of the first year of Zhenghe, officially merged into the territory of Da Xia.


    From now on, there is no more Liju in this world.


    After some discussion in the court, ording to geographical location, Liju''s entire territory was divided into three prefectures, named Liju East Prefecture, Liju North Prefecture and Liju South Prefecture respectively, while officials were sent out at the same time to take over daily governance and educate themon people.


    Jiang Yuqing did not stay long in Liju.


    After the battles ended, she immediately set off back to the capital city.


    She had to go back, as a certain person''s messenger talismans came three times a day, urging her to the point her head almost exploded.


    Such as "Qingqing, the swallows under the eaves have returned, why have you note back?"


    And "The flowers in the Imperial Garden have bloomed, there are your favorite sweetclocks, it''s the best time to pick them now for tea."


    And also: "The wedding dress is ready, you still have not tried it on."


    In summary, urged to return in all sorts of ways.


    This guy used to be quite aloof and indifferent, why has he be more and more clingy now?


    Or is it that a man''s brain will also be abnormal when in love?


    Bai Xiaoshi for once spoke righteously for him: "It is him who is normal.


    Unlike you, other than being a bit better looking, having a better figure, your temperament does not resemble a woman at all.


    You don''t know how to act coquettishly, have no clue what romance is. You arepletely a steel straight woman, the kind that even a hydraulic press can''t bend.


    Only that blind Jing Yan could take a fancy to you, yet you do not know to cherish it, instead wandering outside all day never going home.


    If one day, he finally can''t stand you anymore, andes to like another beauty, Benlu would not feel it strange..." b .


    Jiang Yuqing''s fists clenched with cracking sounds, her facial features all twisted, gritting her teeth and saying: "Bai Xiaoshi, which country are you from? No one would have taken you for a mute if you didn''t speak.


    The biggest retribution this deity has suffered in her life ising across you, this vicious-tongued bastard artifact spirit..."


    And so, it was another day of mutual affection (beating each other up) between the Domain Master and Artifact Spirit.

 Chapter 176: Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 176</h4>


    The day after Jiang Yuqing returned to the Capital City, the pce sent someone to deliver her wedding dress. Other than needing slight modification around the waist, everything else fit perfectly.


    In addition, female officials from the Ministry of Rites came to teach her about etiquette for the big wedding day.


    At the same time, Jing Yan also sent four senior pce maids that were personally trained by the Empress Dowager.


    A few days before the wedding, all of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s family - the Jiangs and her maternal Lus - arrived in the Capital City from her hometown, bringing massive dowries to marry her off.


    In addition to them, the n chief and three n elders of the Jiang n in Xijin also came from her ancestral home in Qingzhou.


    Lin¡¯s elder brother from her paternal grandmother¡¯s maiden family, Zhu¡¯s cousin from her paternal grandmother¡¯s natal family, and several inws from her sisters-inw¡¯s families also came.


    Jiang Yuqing¡¯s third cousin Lu Yi also brought his wife and children and a lot of gifts all the way from Su Prefecture to attend the wedding.


    On April 5th, all members of Duke Jiang Residence gathered.


    Seeing the hall filled with children and rtives, Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu felt a mix of joy and sorrow.


    They were happy to see their sessful children and precious granddaughter bing a queen.


    Yet they also felt sad that precisely because their offspring were so outstanding, they were always separated and living far apart.


    Now they could finally gather, but it was to marry off their beloved granddaughter into another family.


    Old Jiang drank too much, nearly drunk. He felt upset but didn¡¯t dare cry openly on such an asion.


    After the banquet ended, he staggered into Doctor Qiu''s residence holding a wine jar. He hugged Doctor Qiu and wailed loudly.


    ¡°My precious granddaughter is about to be taken away by that Jing fellow. I haven¡¯t doted on her enough yet. How could she have grown up so fast?¡±


    Doctor Qiu patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Pull yourself together old man! You will never dote on her enough even till your dying day. It¡¯s not like your well-behaved granddaughter can stay single forever, can she?


    Moreover, it doesn¡¯t make a difference to me whether she marries or not. She is staying in the Capital City anyway. It''s not like you won¡¯t get to see her!¡±


    His words were downright provocative. Old Jiang got so angry, ¡°How dare you say that! You already kidnapped my darling granddaughter when she was young.


    As her grandfather I didn''t get to see her more often than an outsider like you. And I haven''t settled this score with you yet. How dare you gloat about this with me! I''ll beat you shameless bastard.¡±


    He looked around but couldn''t find anything suitable. So he simply bent down and took off his shoes, threatening to hit Doctor Qiu with them.


    Doctor Qiu also got angry, "You senile old fool, who are you calling an outsider?


    I''m her teacher, teacher! Once a teacher forever a father!


    You want to see your darling granddaughter every day but refuse to live in the capital city. Who can you me but yourself?


    You still dare hit me? You think you''re the only one with shoes? I have them too!"


    He took off his shoes and held them in his hands, confronting Old Jiang.


    Old Jiang sniffed and immediately cursed loudly, "Qiu, your shoes stink!"


    Doctor Qiu refused to back down, "As if your feet smell so nice! The pot calling the kettle ck."


    Old Jiang gleefully grabbed his verbal mistake, "Haha, you just called yourself a ck pot!"


    "Then you''re the ck kettle!"


    The two old men, with over 100 years between them, each grabbing a smelly shoe, argued tastelessly until they drank themselves to sleep in the middle of the night.


    As for their original reason for arguing... well, it no longer mattered.


    April 6th.


    Jiang Yuqing received her dowry ledger. To be precise, it was a thick stack of bound ledgers.


    The Jiang family prepared 168 dowry chests for Jiang Yuqing. Her maternal Lu family prepared 18 chests. Jiang nsmen from Xijin put together 16 chests.


    Doctor Qiu, in the capacity of Heavenly Doctor Valley, provided 128 chests. Each of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s three martial uncles also gave 8 chests, totaling 24 chests.


    The Jiang''s rtives through marriage added 12 chests. Prominent capital families gifted another 8 chests. Li Deshun gifted 8 chests.


    The Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager each bestowed 10 chests, symbolizing perfection.


    What touched Jiang Yuqing most was that the veterans at Tai¡¯an Farm also pooled together 3 chests. Guan Dacheng and his son from East City also gifted 1 chest. The grand total came to 406 chests.


    Jiang Yuqing flipped through the ledger. It contained all kinds of precious items like red coral trees, gold, silver, jewellery, jadeware, farnd, antiques, famous paintings, all sorts of valuable medicinal ingredients.


    In addition, the wool spinning workshop sheter opened in Lizhou, the wool workshop in Su Prefecture, and Tai¡¯an Farm on the outskirts of the Capital City were all listed in the ledger.


    Holding this thick stack of ledgers, Jiang Yuqing felt like even if she did nothing for the rest of her life, she would still live extravagantly.


    She asked her parents, "You¡¯ve given me all the family assets. What will Brother do in the future when he gets married?"


    Jiang Wenyuan red at her, "He is a grown man fully capable of supporting himself. Why worry about him finding a wife? What''s more, you earned all of this yourself, so it naturally belongs to you."


    Lady Lu gave her husband a look. She exined to Jiang Yuqing, "Don''t worry, your brother¡¯s future will be fine. But you''re different. You¡¯re marrying into the royal family. No matter... what may happen in the future, having money gives you confidence and leverage."


    Jiang Yuqing understood her mother¡¯s unspoken words. Although she felt confident in spending her life with Jing Yan, this was the leverage from her parents that she must firmly grasp onto.


    April 7th.


    Jiang Yuqing''s dowry entered the pce.


    Jing Yan had mobilised 800 Imperial Guards dressed in red silk specially to carry the dowry.


    When the first dowry chest entered the pce warehouses, thest one still hadn¡¯t left the Jiang residence.


    A full ten miles of red dowry trunks.


    Such a spectacr sight naturally attracted countless people in the capital to watch.


    Some enthusiastic onlookers started counting from the first piece - a carved jade ornament - all the way to thest chest. They arrived at the staggering figure of 406 chests.


    Among the spectators were also foreign guests invited to observe the ceremonies in Da Xia. They were deeply shocked.


    These treasuresparable to their entire national treasuries were merely the dowry a family gifted their daughter here.


    Da Xia was clearly far too prosperous and powerful. Besides admiration and envy, they dared not harbor any other thoughts. They could only desperately cling onto Da Xia¡¯s coattails.


    As news of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s dowry spread, the capital¡¯s eligible youngdies were full of envy and jealousy.


    Even for those among them from prominent official families, marrying well with full honours, their dowries would at most amount to 128 chests.


    And that was only for girls doted on by their families and marrying into equal status families.


    For those with many siblingspeting for attention, or marrying into less prestigious households, they couldn¡¯t even dream of such treatment.


    The night before the wedding was Jiang Yuqing''sst night living as an unmarried girl in her parents¡¯ residence.


    During dinner, beneath the celebratory atmosphere permeated an undisguised gloom and reluctance to part.


    Jiang Wenyuan tastelessly toyed with his food for a bit before putting down his chopsticks. He walked outside to the garden and stared wordlessly at the flourishing flowers and trees.


    Sensing her father¡¯s anguish, Jiang Yuqing also set down her chopsticks to apany him.


    Father and daughter quietly sat together on a stone bench amidst the gardens, watching the zing sunset gradually set, obscuring the moon. Their mutual understanding transcended words.


    Finally unable to endure, Jiang Wenyuan sobbed out, ¡°Dear darling, let¡¯s call off this wedding, hmm?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing embraced her father like she had done as a child, resting her head against his shoulder. She gently patted him, ¡°Pa, don¡¯t be sad. Think about it. Even if I get married, I¡¯ll still be in the Capital City, right? If I miss you, I can always visit. If you miss me, you can alwayse into the pce to see me. I¡¯m just changing my living quarters. It will be alright...¡±


    Jiang Yuqing went through great pains to console her father before sending him back to his quarters.


    Right after returning to her own room and finishing her bath, her mother Lady Lu paid a mysterious night visit. As soon as she entered, she dismissed the pce maids.


    Lady Lu shyly took out an item. Lo and behold, it was the legendary pre-marital educational illustrations! Also known as "fire avoidance illustrations".


    Jiang Yuqing excitedly grabbed it from her mother''s hands and began flipping through the images. As she looked on with great interest, shemented and marveled out loud at the various postures depicted.


    ¡°The painter''s skill is quite good! Can this posture really work? Won''t it hurt the waist? Hmm... That fellow''s size looks far too small, like a toothpick. Can it function properly?¡±


    "Wow, thisdy''s assets are so amazing, so full and round, simply top grade. This one''s not bad either, the feel must be first ss..."


    As such, Lu was filled with shyness and embarrassment, all shocked away and shattered by her daughter''s uninhibited words.


    Her face turned pale, and she stammered: "Dear, you and His Majesty haven''t already, haven''t done that have you?"


    Jiang Yuqing gave a little cough, looking at her mother both annoyed and amused. "What are you thinking? I and Yan arepletely innocent!"


    "Then how do you, how do you know..." Lu''s face flushed bright red, those words were too embarrassing, she really could not say them.


    Jiang Yuqing said helplessly: "Mother, I''m a doctor. One of Da Xia''s most experienced doctors.


    Of the patients I''ve treated, no less than nine hundred and ny. So you really needn''t feel embarrassed."


    Hearing this, Lu started uncontrobly worrying for her daughter again: "What if your husband looks down on you for this?"


    "Is that possible?" Jiang Yuqing asked back.


    Lu thought about it, it did seem unlikely. Her daughter had been doing this for no short time.


    She''d spent who knows how long in all-male military camps, if she were looked down on it wouldn''t have waited until today.


    Besides, her son-inw''s feelings for her daughter were in for all to see.


    Lu wanted to stay and chat with her daughter, but Jiang Yuqing sessfully persuaded her to leave.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t need her mother, but that her father needed her mother more.


    As soon as Lu left, Jing Yan''s call came in.


    "Qingqing, are you sleeping yet?"


    "No, you?"


    "I can''t sleep. Thinking that I have to wait until tomorrow to marry you, tonight feels hard to get through."


    Jiang Yuqing gently scolded him: "Silly." You''re happy, but my father is terribly sad. He held me crying for a long time tonight, and asked if I could call off the wedding."


    As soon as Jing Yan heard this, his previouslyzily reclining body immediately stiffened upright, and he said nervously: "Qingqing, you mustn''t listen to your father.


    You''re my empress, how could you not marry me?"


    Jiang Yuqing gave a snort ofughter: "Don''t worry. I won''t stand you up. But tomorrow if my father gives you a hard time, just bear with it a little."


    Only then did Jing Yan feel relieved, saying: "That won''t happen. Tomorrow I''m not the emperor, only the son-inw.


    It''s only natural for the father-inw to make things difficult for the son-inw."


    The two chatted for a little while longer before ending the call.


    The night passed quietly.

 Chapter 177: The Big Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 177</h4>


    The next day, before dawn, Jiang Yuqing was woken up from bed.


    First she was given a milk and flower petal bath, then her hair was wrung dry. Right after, a special female attendant gave her a full body aromatherapy massage using medicinal Chinese herb extracts, absolutely pure.


    After finishing, Jiang Yuqing smelled herself and almost sneezed from the strong fragrance.


    The matchmaker invited by the Jiang family this time was still Princess Ronghua.


    As she was putting makeup on Jiang Yuqing, she marveled, ¡°A beauty worthy of an empress, rarely seen in my life. Skin like jade, natural elegance.


    As radiant as the rising morning sun, as dazzling as hibiscus blossoms emerging from the green waves. The Emperor is so fortunate.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing arrogantly said, ¡°I know right! I think so too. Princess auntie pleasepliment me more.¡±


    Princess Ronghuaughed hard, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a new bride like you, not a hint of the shyness a youngdy should have.


    I take back what I said earlier. The Emperor marrying you will probably give him headaches.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement, ¡°I think so too, but he likes it!¡±


    Princess Ronghua couldn¡¯t stopughing. What did they mean by it takes two to tango? She finally understood today.


    However there was one thing she could confirm. The Emperor marrying such an amusing Empress, he probably won¡¯t ever be bored for the rest of his life.


    During the hair and makeup session, the women from Jiang Yuqing¡¯s family came to apany her. When Lu saw her daughter looking as beautiful as a flower, her eyes suddenly turned red.


    She at least remembered today was her daughter¡¯s big day and shouldn''t cry, otherwise it would be inauspicious.


    She hurriedly walked out of the room to calm her emotions beforeing back in.


    Old Lady Hu held one of Jiang Yuqing''s hands, earnestly instructing her, ¡°My precious girl, now that you¡¯re married, live your days well.


    You have to control your husband yourself, don¡¯t let little vixens take advantage, even if he is the Emperor.


    No taking concubines or anything like that absolutely not allowed!


    And don¡¯t be like those silly women, foolishly acting all virtuous and open-minded, practically giving their dear husband away in pieces.


    In the end it leads to a pile of illegitimate sons and daughters, making the home not feel like a home, truly bringing trouble onto yourself.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nodded like a chick pecking rice, feeling that her grandmother made too much sense and that the women elders of her family had views perfectly aligned with hers.


    As for women not from the Jiang family, their reaction was to gasp in astonishment. This olddy dared to speak so bluntly! That was the imperial family. Could you just get a divorce if you wanted to?


    When brides from other families marry out, the elders teach the new bride that once she enters her husband¡¯s home she should be filial to her parents-inw and wait upon her husband, get along well with everyone in the home.


    Yet the Jiang family¡¯s women elders were the opposite.


    The bride hadn¡¯t even left home yet and the elders from her maternal side had even decided where she would go if she divorced in the future!


    Aside from auspicious or inauspicious, possible or impossible matters, this kind of confidence was not something ordinary new brides could have.


    Although at a loss for words, they deeply admired it.


    Especially Princess Ronghua. She was utterly ¡°shocked¡±.


    Now she finally understood where Jiang Yuqing¡¯s unyielding pride and free spirit came from.


    It was all pampered out by this group of unique Jiang family women.


    Although the Jiang family matriarch¡¯s words were unpleasant to hear, they contained blunt truth. After careful thought, she didn¡¯t know how many elite madams had lost face.


    It was said the elderly became wiser, the olddy was worldly-wise and prating. Even she was not as good as the olddy.


    After finishing hair and makeup, under the female attendants¡¯ service she changed into her wedding dress. The intricate,yered wedding dress¡¯s ck and vibrant red color symbolized the most noble and mysterious color between Heaven and Earth.


    Golden threaded phoenixes were embroidered on it, adorned with auspicious mountains, seas and cloud patterns, extremely luxurious and esteemed.


    Even without wearing the phoenix crown yet, it already exuded an imposing aura of a dignified empress, intensely striking people¡¯s hearts.


    After a while, outside came the sounds of firecrackers followed by drums and music. People rushed in with delighted news that His Majesty was riding the imperial pnquin to personally wee the Empress.


    ording to imperial regtions, the Emperor only needed to sit in the pce and wait for the Empress to enter. For the Emperor to personally wee was an exceptional honor.


    The room of women were all ecstatic for the new Empress. Only Jiang Yuqing was rather calm. She already knew Jing Yan woulde wee her personally.


    Moreover, for such a major life event as marriage, it would be inappropriate for the groom not to personally wee the bride, even if he was the Emperor.


    When the auspicious time arrived, Lu personally ced the exquisite, magnificent phoenix crown on her daughter¡¯s head.


    Seeing her gorgeously dressed, peerlessly beautiful daughter before her eyes, Lu¡¯s eyes turned red again. Her daughter was truly getting married.


    She forcefully held back her reluctance. Together with her sister-inw, she took her daughter¡¯s hands and walked towards the front hall of Duke Jiang¡¯s Residence.


    Holding a jade ruyi scepter, Jiang Yuqing was supported on both sides by her mother and eldest aunt. In front were her grandmother Old Lady Hu and second aunt Zhu.


    Beside her were the madams and sisters-inw of the household, surrounding her as they walked forward together.


    The pce¡¯s female attendants and maids had instead be extraneous guides.


    At this time no one bothered adhering to propriety. The Empress was the ultimate propriety.


    Jiang Yuqing slowly walked into the front hall and saw Jing Yan also dressed in an imperial ck and red wedding robe, domineering and spirited, joyfully beaming. The couple smiled at the sight of each other, affectionately standing across from one another.


    Lu and Old Lady Hu sat together with their respective husbands in the seats of honor. Also sitting alongside was Doctor Qiu.


    The music started again and the master of ceremonies loudly announced the newlyweds were bidding farewell to their parents and elders.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s cries of surprise, Jing Yan and Jiang Yuqing together knelt down. Jing Yan bowed to Lu and Jiang Wenyuan as the bridegroom.


    Jiang Wenyuan and Lu raised up the couple.


    Jiang Wenyuan took his daughter¡¯s hand and solemnly ced it in Jing Yan¡¯s hand, red-eyed pleading, ¡°She is my one and only precious daughter.


    If you no longer love her in the future, please do not hurt her. Tell me, I will bring her home.¡±


    At this moment, Jiang Yuqing burst into tears. What virtue or ability did she have to receive such wholehearted love from her parents and family?


    Jing Yan¡¯s expression was solemn and resolute as he dered, ¡°Qingqing is my lifelong love, more precious than my own life. Father-inw please rx, I definitely won¡¯t have that daye to pass.¡±


    ¡°I hope you can remember today¡¯s vow.¡±


    Jing Yan held Jiang Yuqing¡¯s hand as emperor and empress walked out towards Duke Jiang''s front gate together. The Jiang family followed closely behind, exiting the front gate.


    Imperial guard formations were arranged outside Duke Jiang¡¯s Residence¡¯s gate.


    Crowds of people looking for some entertainment surrounded the area, standing on tiptoes and craning necks to see inside.


    And finally upon catching sight of the Empress, they uniformly knelt down again, not daring to directly look upon Heaven¡¯s countenance.


    After bidding parents farewell again.


    Just as the emperor and empress were about to set off on the imperial pnquin.


    Suddenly sixteen tall men wearing red silk dashes darted out from both sides. These men reced the original pnquin carriers and lifted the imperial pnquin.


    The onlooking crowds immediately cried out in shock, ¡°Heavens! Isn¡¯t that Commander Wei Qing of the Northwest Army? Why is he back? And going to carry the pnquin?¡±


    ¡°Commander Zu Ti is also here! And there¡¯s General Cheng, General Zhao of the Southwest Army!¡±


    ¡°Look, isn¡¯t that General Feng of the Southeast Navy? The third one from the left is General Cao of the Lidong Army.¡±


    Hearing the cries, Jiang Yuqing looked and saw the imperial pnquin carriers were all formerrades-in-arms she had fought alongside.


    Jiang Yuqing eximed in surprise, ¡°Honored generals, why are all of you here?¡±


    Wei Qing cheerfullyughed, ¡°Today we are not His Majesty¡¯s subjects, but the bride¡¯s family. We came specifically to deliver off our little Goddess of War for her wedding.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing pursed her lips, barely stopping her tears from flowing, choking back sobs to say, ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Then said to Jing Yan, ¡°Yan, thank you!¡±


    Jing Yan tightly held her hand, interlocking ten fingers with her. Gentle and warm, he said ¡°Qingqing, you deserve the best in this world.¡±


    The procession set off, led by two white beasts decorated withrge red flowers at front and slowly headed towards the imperial pce.


    The sons and grandsons of the Jiang family all rode horses in full formal attire to escort their little sister¡¯s marriage procession.


    Watching the imperial pnquin slowly disappear from sight, Jiang Wenyuan and Lu finally couldn¡¯t endure, embracing each other in tears.


    Riding on the imperial pnquin, ording to the set route the emperor and empress circled the capital city once then entered the imperial pce via the front gate.


    All along the path the Forbidden Guards cleared the way and Feathered Forest Guards protected alongside, maintaining order on both sides of the streets. Everywhere they passed became a sea of cheers.


    Themon people uniformly knelt on both sides, loudly chanting ¡°Long live His Majesty! Long live Her Majesty!¡± All kinds of celebratory sounds endlessly rang.


    As the ceremonial procession passed by He''an Hospital, the familiar doctors and nurses, after paying their respects, jumped up and shouted to her: ¡°Little genius doctor, you must be happy!¡±


    ¡°In harmony like zither and pipes, white-haired and living together until old age.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing also waved back at them in greeting.


    ncing back at the partner by her side. He may not be eloquent with sweet words, but he had carved his love for her into his bones. Even the route of the ceremonial parade was chosen with such thoughtful and meticulous care for her.


    He really is wonderful!


    The carriage continued moving forward, finally entering the main gate of the Imperial Pce along the Imperial Avenue. They paid respects to Heaven and Earth, the ancestors, the retired Emperor and retired Empress Dowager.


    After this ceremony waspleted, Prince Huayang appeared in his magnificent Daoist robes.


    He personally held out the wedding contract for the new couple¡¯s bonding ceremony: ¡°New couple, pledge your vows!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan looked each other in the eye, both raising their right hands to swear to Heaven.


    ¡°With this marriage contract, we dere to Heaven above and the underworld below, announce to the nine heavens, with the ancestral masters of the three realms bearing witness.


    If I betray my beloved, it would be deceiving Heaven, a sin against Heaven, my body perishing and soul scattering.


    If my beloved betrays me, it would go against the will of Heaven, erased from the three realms, never to reincarnate.¡±


    As soon as their voices fell silent, a loud crack of thunder exploded in the sky, and a pir of white lightnded on both of their heads, representing their vows had been made.


    Soon after, the edge of the sky lit up in magnificent seven-colored clouds.


    From within the colorful clouds, two wisps of clouds swiftly floated over in the direction of the Imperial Pce, transforming into illusory shapes of a golden dragon and phoenix, intertwining with each other in the sky, lingering endlessly.


    Seeing such an astonishing sight, the crowd cried out together: ¡°Auspicious sign! Auspicious sign!¡±


    Prince Huayangughed heartily as well, bowing deeply to Jing Yan and Jiang Yuqing.


    ¡°The dragon and phoenix bringing blessings, the fortunes of the country flourishing! This poor Daoist congrattes Your Majesties on your fortunate marriage, well-matched and equal partners. I wish you abundant children and grandchildren in the years toe, enduring prosperity and brilliance.¡±


    The couple returned with half-bows: ¡°Thank you Daoist master for your blessings.¡±


    At this point, the entire ceremony was finallyplete.


    Jiang Yuqing was sent to the bedchambers, decked out splendidly and joyfully yet warmly, to bathe and change. Apanied by Bai Xiaojiu and Bai Xiaoshi, she waited quietly for night to arrive.

 Chapter 178: The Return Door

    <h4>Chapter 178</h4>


    At the hour of the dog, Jing Yan came back with the smell of alcohol on him.


    The senior ritual female official took the golden scissors and cut off a small tuft of hair from the Emperor and Empress''s heads, carefully tying them up with red silk threads and cing them under therge red dragon and phoenix pillow.


    They were bonded as husband and wife, with mutual affection and no doubts.


    Afterwards, the female official also brought over interlocking wine cups, and the couple looked at each other with a smile and drank with their arms intertwined. This was meant to signify that as a married couple they were of one body, and would never separate. In sickness and in health,e what may, they would face it together.


    Then all the pce women withdrew, leaving space for the newly wedded couple.


    The hall was brightly lit, especially the two thick dragon and phoenix joy candles on the table, shining brightly.


    Jiang Yuqing also put Bai Xiaojiu and Bai Xiaoshi into the spiritual space, and as an afterthought blocked Bai Xiaoshi¡¯s spiritual awareness to prevent her from unconsciously peeping. Otherwise she would be terribly embarrassed.


    Jing Yan came back from washing up and embraced Jiang Yuqing, pressing his forehead against hers, his eyes full of dazzling starlight.


    With great satisfaction he sighed, ¡°Qingqing, I¡¯ve longed for you for many years, and today I¡¯ve finally gotten my wish.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing looked up, her eyes also full of him, ¡°Ah Yan, congrattions on our marriage!¡±


    ¡°Congrattions on our marriage, Qingqing!¡± he said. Then he urately kissed her sweet cherry lips that he had been longing for...


    On that good spring night, the red candles shone brightly. The red canopy fell to the ground, overturned by red waves. Coy moans were melodious, and the room was filled with charm.


    The next day, dawn broke. Jiang Yuqing slowly woke up in Jing Yan¡¯s embrace, and when she opened her eyes she saw his bare, sturdy chest directly.


    She felt their naked bodies beneath theforter, and remembering the previous night¡¯s passion, even with her thick skin she couldn¡¯t help but blush to the tips of her ears. So she buried her head in his embrace again.


    Jing Yan had already woken up earlier, but had rested with his eyes closed so as not to wake up his beloved beauty, feelingpletely happy.


    Seeing his precious little wife reveal her rare feminine shyness, it was also somewhat strange and amusing to him. Heughed lightly.


    Jiang Yuqing punched him lightly in irritation, and scolded him, ¡°And you¡¯re stillughing!¡±


    Jing Yan grabbed her little fist and pressed it to his chest, gently coaxing her, ¡°Alright, I won¡¯tugh anymore.¡± Though he said this, theughter in his tone couldn¡¯t be blocked at all.


    ¡°Does your body feel a bit better?¡± Jing Yan embraced her with one arm, and stroked her bare, jade-like back lightly with the other, lowering his head to kiss her forehead.


    ¡°You still have the nerve to talk about it!¡± Jiang Yuqing irritably hit him again. ¡°How could you be so excessive!¡±


    It was often said that newly intimate men shouldn¡¯t be provoked. Last night, Jiang Yuqing had truly witnessed it.


    Relying on both of them being cultivators, this guy had really let loose, turning her over again and again, doing this and that several times, almost bullying her to tears.


    If it weren¡¯t for her using Rejuvenation Arts to repair herself in time, she wouldn¡¯t even have had the strength to speak now.


    Yet this guy was still oblivious, actually daring to ask this kind of question, it really made one angry.


    But Jing Yan flipped her over to press her beneath him again, smiling rather unrestrainedly. ¡°It seems my wife is still quite satisfied with my performancest night.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing felt something pressing against her below, and her face instantly turned bright red.


    She hurriedly pushed him, ¡°Get up quick, we still have to go pay our respects to the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowagerter! If we dy any longer I won¡¯t have the face to see anyone.¡±


    Jing Yan teased her for a while longer, but didn¡¯t dare go too far after all.


    After getting up, the two of them went to bathe in the pool behind, then he personally helped dress her middle garment.


    Jing Yan knew his Empress had thin skin, so he personally collected the stained bed sheet with red spots himself so as to call in pce maids to attend to her.


    When the pce maids entered and did not see the bed sheet, they looked somewhat awkward. Jing Yan said, ¡°This Emperor has personally taken care of the Empress¡¯s bed sheet, there¡¯s no need to worry.¡±


    Only then did the pce maid make a sound of acknowledgement and left to do her own tasks. Meanwhile she secretly marveled to herself that His Majesty truly doted on Her Ladyship deeply. Even personally taking care of her bed sheet without letting others see.


    After the couple had finished dressing in their formal court attire, they held hands as they walked over to Fu¡¯an Pce where the Empress Dowager Qin lived.


    The couple first went to pay their respects to the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager, apanying them for breakfast. Afterwards they would go to Liangyi Hall to ept congrattions from the civil officials and foreign envoys.


    When they arrived, the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager had already been waiting for a while.


    The Emperor and Empress served tea to their elders, and Jiang Yuqing switched to addressing them as Father Emperor and Mother Empress.


    The Empress Dowager was extremely delighted, personally helping Jiang Yuqing up to size her up carefully.


    Seeing her glowingplexion, snow-white skin and flower-like appearance, with a hint of charm in her clear and beautiful brows and eyes, she knew that she and her son had spent the previous night in great harmony.


    Jiang Yuqing felt somewhat embarrassed by the Empress Dowager''s scrutiny, and softly scolded, "Mother Empress!"


    Only then did the Empress Dowager put away her gossipy look, lightly coughed, and solemnly said, "My dear Qing''er,


    you and Yan''er have been childhood sweethearts for so many years, and today you¡¯ve finally be tied together in marriage. This old heart of mine can finally settle down now.


    In the future, I hope that you two can support each other as husband and wife, and live in harmony and bliss. If you can give birth to some well-behaved grandsons for me, that would make this lifetime free from regret for this old woman.¡±


    The Retired Emperor suddenly stretched out a palm, saying, ¡°At least five.¡±


    The corner of Jiang Yuqing''s mouth twitched. Five, you''re very bold in your imaginings, old man. But she was clever enough not to refute him, since there was someone else to take the fall beside her.


    Jing Yan gave his father a look, and mercilessly doused him with a basin of cold water. "Five is not a small number, I''m just afraid the ancestral tomb fengshui of our old Jing family was positioned wrongly.¡±


    The sore spot was poked in the Retired Emperor and he red fiercely with tiger eyes, ¡°You rascal, how dare you speak like that!¡±


    Jing Yan said, ¡°Did this son say anything wrong? You should know very clearly the kind of state our old Jing family was in too.


    So for the matter of offspring, your son will let nature take its course. Please don''t pressure Qingqing, pestering her is useless anyway."


    When Jiang Yuqing heard this, her eyes shone brightly, secretly giving her man 10086 thumbs up.


    And so, the matter of urging for children was smoothly skipped over. Jiang Yuqing got off scot-free, feelingpletely rxed physically.


    After apanying the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager to finish breakfast,


    The couple then moved to Liangyi Hall, to ept congrattions from the civil officials and foreign envoys there.


    With a nce, Jiang Yuqing spotted her dad kneeling below the imperial stairs, performing a kowtowing greeting to his daughter and son-inw. Her eyes inexplicably felt somewhat sour, inwardly resenting these damned feudal customs and hierarchy.


    Fortunately she remembered that one shouldn''t shed tears at such asions. So she forcibly blinked her tears back, changing to a smiling expression instead.


    When Jiang Wenyuan finished his greeting and got up from the ground, he saw his daughter wearing indigo blue formal Empress robes while beaming radiantly at him from the head seat.


    His precious daughter''splexion was rosy, shining brightly, seems like she hadn''t suffered any grievances at all. The anxiety that had hung over his heart throughout the night could finally settle back down into his stomach now.


    The foreign envoys invited to observe the ceremony this time consisted of Xian Country, the Southern Bordends, East Woman Country and two small tribal ns.


    Even Yuta''s......ahem, the once arrogant and formidable Xiongnu who had now been driven to the fringes of the desert by Da Xia, currently divided and struggling to survive on their own.


    Offending Da Xiast year, it took Tubo less than half a year to have their country annihted.


    Just recently, the Northeastern Liju had also be three prefectures of Da Xia.


    The barbaric, ferocious, deceitful Wo savages on the eastern inds had also been frightened out of their guts.


    It was said they now prayed to their Sun Goddess Amaterasu every day for Da Xia not toe find trouble with them.


    So the small intact countries around consisted of only these few.


    And these few were also filled with trembling fear, terrified that the Da Xia Emperor would wake up one day, nce at the world map and take offence at them for whatever reason before directly sending troops to annihte them.


    Among them, East Woman Country was especially paranoid and afraid.


    Their previous Too-Female ruler had once offended the Da Xia Empress.


    And the Da Xia Emperor doted deeply on his Empress down to his very bones and marrow. So if the Da Xia Empress held any lingering resentment over past events, she just needed to lightly whisper some pillow talk, and East Woman Country would cease to exist.


    Fortunately, the Da Xia Empress only gave them a two eyed nce before ignoring them thereafter, causing them to slightly rx.


    They only hoped that after today ended they could immediately set off to leave Da Xia. Too damn scary here.


    Lunch consisted of an imperial family banquet, which also served as a recognition of kin ceremony. Prince Fu, Princess Ronghua, Princess Mingyang, Second Princess, Third Princess each brought their own families and were all present.


    However they weren¡¯t qualified to receive Jiang Yuqing¡¯s greetings, instead having to be the ones to greet her.


    There would be a three day suspension of court sessions for the imperial wedding, only resuming after the Empress returned to spend time privately.


    The newlywed couple were intimate and indulgent with each other honeymooning delightfully. As Jing Yan had also just be intimate recently, he was somewhat obsessed with the taste and his vigor was especially strong. He held Jiang Yuqing every night, refusing to stop his tender affections, and it was like this continuously for several days.


    Unable to endure it anymore, Jiang Yuqing finally kicked him off the bed one day, stating clearly that if he went too overboard again she would go sleep in the study room.


    Seeing his dear wifey was really angry, Jing Yan finally restrained himself a bit.


    Sleeping in the study? Never happening in this lifetime!


    On the day the Empress returned to spend time privately, the main gates of the Jiang Ducal Manor were thrown wide open.


    Jing Yan apanied Jiang Yuqing back home in in clothes, treating himself as a son-inw of the Jiang family. Jiang Wenyuan was very respectful to him.


    Although Madam Lu had heard from her husband that her daughter was living a good new marriage life, she still felt a little worried without seeing it with her own eyes.


    Now that her daughter came back home, seeing that she looked ruddy and smiled charmingly, Madam Lu knew that she was really living an extremely good life.


    When asked about her life in the pce, knowing that the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager treated her very well, Madam Lu felt even more delighted.


    Jing Yan discussed matters with Jiang Wenyuan in the study room, while Jiang Yuqing chatted and whispered with her mother and other senior female rtives of the family indoors.


    During lunch, Jing Yan was collectively retaliated by the Jiang men and was poured a lot of wine.


    He didn''t even need to use his spiritual power, just used his inner strength to easily force out the effects of alcohol.


    On the contrary, it was the Jiang men who got drunk and copsed.


    Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to feed each of them a hangover pill one by one and asked the women of the family to take them back to their rooms.


    As for those who were not taken care of yet, such as her sixth uncle and elder brother, she had to send them back herself.


    She felt that it was time to urge them to find a couple of sisters-inw toe back.


    Single dogs would always get more hurt at times like this when they got too drunk and there was no one to pick them up.


    On the second day after returning home, Jing Yan went back to the royal court. The Retired Emperor came to look for Jiang Yuqing, wanting to hand over the pce affairs to her. But Jiang Yuqing directly refused.


    Although the Retired Emperor had moved from the Diligent Governance Hall to the Clear and Simple Pce at the back after his abdication, his imperial concubines were still living in the pce. Since ancient times, a daughter-inw had no reason to help her father-inw manage his little wives.


    She only needed to take good care of her own little family and everything would go smoothly. What¡¯s the point of tiring herself to death in the pce when she could spend the extra time on something else?


    Therefore, she only stayed in the pce for a few days before changing into in clothes and going back to work at Anding Hospital. She would see patients when it was time to see patients, and go back to visit her maternal home when it was time to do so, without any dy.


    In between, she personally bid farewell to the n chief and elders of her hometown, as well as her maternal grandfather''s family.


    She also bid farewell to her other brothers. As for Old Master Jiang, Madam Hu and Jiang Yuqing¡¯s two uncles and aunts, they finally decided to settle down in the capital instead of going back.


    Jiang Wenkang and Jiang Wenxi were agricultural officials, in other words, farmers.


    Since they were farmers, it didn¡¯t matter where they farmed. Hence, at the end ofst year, Jing Yan had transferred them to the Ministry of Agriculture in the capital city so that the family could reunite.


    In the end, Jiang Yuqing¡¯s freedom still attracted dissatisfaction from several conservative court officials. They submitted a letter to Jing Yan, saying that the Empress¡¯ behavior was not in line with etiquette and asked the Emperor to restrain her more.

 Chapter 179: The Hypocrite

    <h4>Chapter 179</h4>


    Jing Yan took a look and directly had people throw the memorial into the brazier.


    "My Empress is someone I''m happy to dote on myself. She can do whatever she wants and go wherever she wants, as long as she remembers to return to the pce every day."


    How does it get in your way? Mind your own business.


    Seeing the Emperor''s attitude, the sour Confucian schrs were even more upset and went directly to the Retired Emperor.


    The Retired Emperor directly said, "Whether the Empress'' behavior conforms to etiquette is for you to take up with the Emperor, what are youing to me for?"


    I''ve finally got a few days of peace and quiet, why would I get involved in these trivial matters?


    Don''t bother me with these petty things in the future, it''s annoying.


    Since the Retired Emperor wouldn''t intervene, the sour schrs went toin to the Retired Empress instead.


    The Retired Empress didn''t even lift her eyelids. "What''s it to you? Does it offend your eyes? If you''re not satisfied, swallow it."


    That rendered them speechless.


    The Retired Empress had been confined in the pce for a whole generation and certainly didn''t want her daughter-inw to suffer the same fate.


    What''s more, she actually liked Jiang Yuqing''s lively and upbeat manner. Seeing her happyings and goings every day, it always felt like the regrets of her own youth were being made up for.


    Jiang Yuqing was so nonchnt that even her mother Lu couldn''t stand it, scolding her, "In all dynasties, you''re the only Empress who is not bound by rules and regtions like this.


    It''s only because your husband dotes on you. For any other family, there wouldn''t be such good things. Can''t believe I used to be worried when you first entered the pce and didn''t see you for a long time. Now it looks like I was worried for nothing."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled, "What''s wrong with that?"


    Luughed and scolded her, "Nothing''s wrong with it. Haven''t you seen what it''s done to your father? His back doesn''t hurt anymore, his legs don''t hurt anymore, everything''s fine now. He''s happy as a simpleton every day."


    Although the things that those old sour schrs did were kept secret, Old Jiang and Jiang Yuchuan still found out.


    Old Jiang narrowed his eyes and asked his son, "Your sister has suffered this grievance undeservedly! What should we do about it?"


    Jiang Yuchuan put down the book he was reading and said coldly, "Simple! Treat them in kind!"


    So in less than two days, something happened in the family of one of the officials who had memorialized about the Empress.


    His son got into a fight with the profligate son of another aristocratic household over a courtesan in the brothel. In the struggle, the other person was identally injured and they were both taken to the Five Cities Cavalry and Guards Bureau prison.


    A few dayster, in the family of another official, a woman showed up at their door with a child in tow, iming the official was the father.


    As it turned out, this official had gotten drunk a few years ago and mistakenly taken his son''s chambermaid to bed, and it just so happened that this chambermaid was also his son''s intimate chambermaid. After the truth came out, fearing it would reflect badly, he sent the maid away.


    He never expected she would get pregnant and show up at his door.


    And whether the child should call him grandfather or father, no one could tell.


    It truly became aughing stock among themoners in the capital.


    As for the third official, he was truly celibate and upright, above reproach. His dealings were only with a steward who handled his daily needs.


    But unfortunately, one day a thief came in through the rafters, and saw him wearing women''s clothes, painting his brows and lips red, gazing at himself in the mirror admiringly.


    Legend has it the poor thief thought he saw a female ghost and fell off the rafter in fright...


    After the news spread, there were naturally those who kicked a man when he was down and submitted an impeachment against him.


    The Emperor didn''t leave them an inch to spare. Those who deserved reprimand got reprimand, those who deserved forfeiture of sry got it, and those who deserved demotion or dismissal were demoted or dismissed ordingly.


    It truly vented the anger on behalf of his Empress.


    Of course, the few unlucky fellows could guess who the real perpetrator was behind the scenes.


    However, the other side was just too clever about it, so even if they wanted revenge, they had no evidence.


    Jiang Yuqing also knew that for things to go so smoothly for her father and brother, Jing Yan must have had a hand behind the scenes.


    It''s just hypocrites conducting themselves improperly while pointing fingers and criticizing others.


    On the family side of things, Jiang Wenxi and Jiang Wenkang went to the Ministry of Agriculture to take their seasonal official posts.


    The two aunties and sisters-inw have also adapted well. With nothing to do, they would get together to chat over tea, stroll through the gardens and streets, and were perfectly content.


    Only Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu always felt restless.


    Jiang Yuqing suggested to her grandmother, "Why don''t you go chat with the old madams from other households? Or go listen to operas at the theater, watch singing and dancing at the music houses, drink tea at the teahouses, or listen to storytelling?"


    The olddy curled her lips. "I''m tired of listening to operas. As for chatting with people, forget it.


    Those old biddies are full of malice, talking to them is like walking through a minefield.


    The pits in their words are more numerous than those I dig nting beans and covering grains. So exasperating."


    "Either they talk about the messy affairs in their own families, or they try to persuade me to prepare some concubines for my sons and grandsons, saying more concubines are good for ''extending the branches and leaves'' of the family.


    Bah.


    With four generations gathered under this one roof, and children and grandchildren all sessful, what do I want your twisted melons and cracked dates for?


    Don''t think you can fool me for being from the countryside. They''re just jealous, jealous our family is living well, deliberately provoking discord, malicious creatures."


    "And in two families, their words hinted at inquiring about news of you and my grandson-inw.


    Saying that it must be lonely for Her Highness to be alone in the pce, it''d be better to have a few more sisterlypanions.


    As if I don''t know, they want to insert their daughters to be concubines!"


    "It really disgusts me."


    Jiang Yuqing felt her grandmother deserved a hundred and eight likes. The olddy was truly astute.


    It''s precisely because of her wisdom that such a fine family was cultivated.


    If the present Jiang family were a treasure ship on the vast ocean, then her father was the helmsman, while the old couple were thepass and sails guiding and propelling the great ship forward, leading by example so that their descendants would never lose their way.


    Having nothing to do, the old couple wandered around the garden with hoes in hand, wanting to dig some patches to nt things. But after circling around, seeing the lush flowers and trees filling the garden, they couldn''t bear to make a move.


    Jiang Wenyuan knew of his elderly parents'' hobby, so he simply sent them to the Tai''an farm estate outside the city.


    There were fruit trees andnd there, as well as all kinds of livestock being raised, plus rice paddies stretching 3000 mu right next door, more than enough for the old folks to mess around.


    This made the old couple overjoyed.


    Especially Old Jiang. When he left his hometown for the capital, he brought along his water buffalo.


    It was hard for the buffalo making the long trek over mountains and rivers.


    Arriving in the capital, it was cooped up in the cattle pen every day, eating without moving, its muscles deteriorating. Old Jiang felt terribly distressed.


    Now that they were at the farm estate, it could finally roam freely.


    The two things Old Jiang loved most in his life werend and buffaloes.


    Therefore, the day after settling in, carrying a hoe, he followed the farmhands into the fields to prune fruit tree branches, check on the watermelons, feed the cattle, and visit the rice paddies at the neighboring estate. Busy and happy every day.


    Jiang Yuqing specifically instructed Yang Changyu to let him do as he pleased.


    Somehow when they were in the capital Old Jiang became friends with Old General Qin, and the two would chat quite happily.


    Hearing Old Jiang went to Tai''an farm estate, Old General Qin immediately packed up and went along.


    The old general was over seventy. At the end ofst year he contracted a severe illness and nearly died.


    It was only because Qin Jue saw his father''s condition worsening that he hurried to seek Jiang Yuqing''s help, and his father''s life was saved.


    But after all, he was getting on in years, plus enduring hidden wounds from years of battling on campaign in his youth. Even though his life was saved, he probably didn''t have more than two years left.


    Jiang Yuqing was reluctant to see the veteran go, so she secretly fed him a drop of Spirit Extract to add ten years to his lifespan.


    It was onlyter when Jing Yan noticed the change in his maternal grandfather that he asked Jiang Yuqing about it to find out what happened.


    After Jing Yan knew, Qin Jue also found out.


    He would never have imagined Jiang Yuqing would use such a rare and precious treasure on his own father. He immediately knelt and kowtowed three times to Jiang Yuqing, scaring her badly.


    Fromte April onward, the rain gradually increased. By May it was raining once every three or five days, seemingly more plentiful than usual this year.


    Good rain means good crops growing in the fields, delighting the peasants and umbre sellers alike. But for others, not necessarily friendly.


    The roads in the capital were still quite passable, but once outside the city, it was a slog through mud with every step. Especially on busy stretches, in many ces the traffic had even churned the road into mushy mud ts.


    Jiang Yuqing had walked through those parts several times before too. Bai Xiaoshiined bitterly every time, saying paved roads would be so much better.


    Jiang Yuqing thought this was a great idea indeed.


    She still remembered the approximate material ratios and process flows for making cement, but there would still be considerable difficulties in the actual operation, and it was likely to take a lot of time.


    After returning to the pce, she brought this matter up with Jing Yan. Jing Yan immediately summoned the Minister of Public Works and several people skilled in kiln-firing, and they studied the issue with Jiang Yuqing in the imperial library.


    Though called a joint study session, Jiang Yuqing had merely proposed an approach and given a general direction. The specific technical operations would still depend on the Ministry of Public Works. She didn''t dare make casual changes, for fear of causing problems.


    After the ministry officials left, Jiang Yuqing nestled into Jing Yan''s embrace and wound a lock of his hair around her finger to y with. "I heard that the Japanese want to send a princess for a political marriage?"


    "Mm. She''s already on the way to the capital."


    Jiang Yuqing gave a derisiveugh. "So they want to sue for peace now? Isn''t it a littlete?!" After a brief pause, she continued, "What do you n to do about it?"


    Jing Yan set down the memorial he was reading and pinched his little wife''s nose. "A tiny ind doomed to destruction isn''t worth me expending any effort over."


    Jiang Yuqing was immediately delighted and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. "So domineering!"


    How could Jing Yan bear to let such a willing offer slip away? He grasped her head and refused to stop.


    Just as the two were caught up in passion and unable to part, urgent knocking suddenly sounded from outside the door, followed by the anxious voice of an eunuch.


    "Announcing to Your Majesty and Imperial Concubine, the senior eunuch Li attending His Majesty Emeritus has fallen and lost consciousness. Imperial Physician Tian says it doesn''t look good for senior eunuch Li. His Majesty Emeritus ordered this servant to invite Imperial Concubine over."


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard this, she immediately sobered up and called loudly to outside, "Go tell His Majesty Emeritus I wille right away."


    Jing Yan also rose to his feet and took her hand. "Let''s go, we''ll go over together."


    This former Chief Eunuch had served His Majesty Emeritus for decades, fulfilling his duties day in and day out. He was hardworking and meritorious.


    Moreover, he had also watched the couple grow up. Over so many years, he had helped them inside and out - he truly saw them as his own juniors.


    So no matter what, they had to go see how he was doing.

 Chapter 180: Take You Somewhere

    <h4>Chapter 180</h4>


    When Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan arrived, Li Deshun''s room was already filled with many people.


    The Retired Emperor was also present. Li Deshuny on the bed, his white hair at the back of his head shaved off, revealing a grim wound.


    Upon seeing Jiang Yuqing, the Retired Emperor anxiously said, "Yuqing, quickly take a look at him. This old fellow has served me all his life and hasn''t enjoyed any blessings. We can''t let him leave like this."


    "Father, don''t worry. Let me examine him first." Jiang Yuqing asked Tian Guang, "Senior Brother, what''s the situation with Li Gonggong?"


    Tian Guang replied, "It has been raining these past few days, and moss has grown on the steps. Li Gonggong didn''t see it and slipped, hitting the back of his head on the stone steps. The external injury can be treated, but his condition is getting weaker. It''s likely he has intracranial bleeding."


    Jiang Yuqing took Li Deshun''s pulse and scanned his brain with her divine sense. As Tian Guang had said, there was indeed intracranial bleeding, and the bleeding was substantial.


    Tian Guang asked, "Li Gonggong is old. If we perform a trepanation, he may not be able to endure it on the operating table. Sister, do you have a good solution?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and said, "Yes." She then asked all the pce attendants to leave, leaving only the Retired Emperor, Tian Guang, and Jing Yan in the room.


    Jiang Yuqing said to Jing Yan, "Ay Yan, protect me!"


    "Okay."


    Jiang Yuqing stood in front of Li Deshun''s bed, pinched her fingers in a specific manner, and a radiant green light appeared in her hands.


    This green light carried a vibrant vitality, just like the breath of spring when everything revived.


    Jiang Yuqing controlled the green light to envelop Li Deshun''s head, and the green light slowly rotated around his head.


    As the light rotated, Li Deshun''s wound visibly healed bit by bit.


    Everyone present, except for Jing Yan, the Retired Emperor, and Tian Guang, widened their eyes in astonishment. Especially the Retired Emperor, his mouth hung wide open, speechless.


    He looked at Jiang Yuqing as if she were a precious treasure. It turned out that his daughter-inw''s abilities were truly astonishing, capable of resurrecting the dead.


    Compared to the Retired Emperor, Tian Guang remained rtively calm.


    He knew that his junior sister had some undisclosed abilities. Therefore, after the initial astonishment, he quickly epted it.


    Jiang Yuqing nodded and said, "Hmm, he''s fine now. Let him have a good sleep, and I''lle to check on him tomorrow morning." Tian Guang took Li Deshun''s pulse and confirmed that his condition was stable.


    Apart from looking a bit pale, no one could tell that this person had already stepped into Yanwang Hall just over a quarter of an hour ago.


    Tian Guang quickly took a piece of cotton cloth, wiped the blood from Li Deshun''s hair, and wrapped it with a white bandage. That was it.


    The Retired Emperor was puzzled and asked, "Isn''t the injury already healed? Why do we need to wrap it up?"


    Tian Guang exined, "For appearances. Otherwise, if the pce attendants see that his injury has healed so quickly, we won''t be able to exin it."


    "Oh, I see. It should be wrapped up properly, then."


    Jiang Yuqing looked at the retired emperor, who was somewhat incoherent due to the shock. Jiang Yuqing poured him a cup of tea to calm him down.


    After all, the retired emperor, who had been an emperor for so many years, finally regained hisposure after drinking the tea.


    Jiang Yuqing then poured another cup of tea and discreetly added a drop of elixir from his sleeve. He called a eunuch and watched as the eunuch fed it to Li Deshun. Only then did he rx.


    He instructed the eunuch to take good care of Li Deshun before he left.


    Before leaving, the retired emperor pulled Jing Yan aside and asked in a hushed voice, "Yan''er, did we bring back a fairy to our family?"


    Jing Yan smiled and replied, "You just realized? I thought you already knew when she granted you ten more years of life."


    The retired emperor smacked his lips and said, "So, marrying her is quite an achievement for our family, isn''t it?"


    Jing Yan half-jokingly replied, "If she is willing, the whole world belongs to her. What you saw just now was only the tip of the iceberg. So, don''t think she values the position of empress that much."


    "Can you defeat her in a fight?"


    Jing Yan shook his head and said, "I''m far from being her match!"


    The retired emperor looked at his son with aplex expression, unsure whether to envy him or pity him.


    After a while, he patted his son''s shoulder and said with deep meaning, "My son, you must never quarrel with her in the future. You have to spoil her. And never take in concubines, otherwise, if she beats you up, even your old man won''t be able to help you."


    Jing Yan replied, "...Are you overthinking, Father?"


    Then he chuckled and said, "Tomorrow, when the old eunuch wakes up, I''ll make another trip to the Three Purities Temple."


    "Why?"


    "To thank the matchmaker. Although that stubborn old Daoist Huayang Zi may be annoying, his fortune-telling skills are really good. Better than the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. When you encountered several hardships in the pce in the past, I had no choice but to beg him for help and ask him to calcte your fate. He said your auspicious star was in Qingzhou in the south."


    "I had to endure the pain and had your uncle take you to Qingzhou, and sure enough, you met Qingbao."


    "..." Okay, this person is indeed a matchmaker.


    Their whispered conversation was not loud, and others might not have heard it.


    Jiang Yuqing''s ears were exceptionally keen, and she heard the father and son''s conversation clearly and couldn''t help but chuckle.


    She didn''t interrupt and went straight back to the pce.


    Shortly after, Jing Yan returned and hugged her waist, asking, "Did you hear what I said to Father just now?"


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and nodded, "Quite interesting."


    Jing Yan rubbed his chin against the top of her head and said with a slightly deep and smiling voice, "Our abilities have been recognized by our elders. From now on, you can do whatever you want, and no one will dare to question you."


    Jiang Yuqing pecked his handsome chin and said, "Ah Yan, let me take you to a ce."


    "Where?"


    Jiang Yuqing just smiled without saying a word, took his hand, and in a sh, they entered the Spirit Realm.


    Seeing this world so different from the outside, Jing Yan was first startled, then understood, "Could this be your mysterious spiritual realm?"


    "Yes, wee to my world."


    Jing Yan lowered her head and kissed her passionately, not letting go until she was breathless. "Qingqing, thank you for epting me as your partner wholeheartedly."


    If it weren''t for that, she would never have brought him here.


    Jiang Yuqing led him to explore the vast fields of spiritual herbs, various fruit orchards, rice paddies, and spiritual springs.


    "This pool water can be used to elerate crop growth, significantly reducing the production time of nts. It also has benefits for people when consumed. Although it cannot cure all ailments, it can strengthen the body."


    She walked to the monument of merit and said, "This is the merit scale. The spiritual realm calctes my merit based on acts of kindness."


    Merit umtes into spiritual milk, which is automatically distributed to me.


    A drop of spiritual milk, when consumed by an ordinary person, can extend their lifespan by ten years. However, a person can only consume one drop in their lifetime; a second drop would be useless.


    When cultivators like us consume it, we can directly enhance our cultivation. It can also be used together with other medicinal herbs to refine longevity pills. In short, it has many uses."


    Jing Yan saw that the jade bowl on top of the monument was already filled halfway and was both shocked and delighted. "Qingqing, you''ve done so many good deeds to umte this much."


    Jiang Yuqing proudly said, "Indeed, now you know how lucky you are to marry this fairy."


    Jing Yan touched her nose and chuckled softly, "I admit, I have reached high."


    Afterward, Jiang Yuqing took him to the hospital. He immediately noticed the parked vehicles downstairs and curiously asked, "What are those?"


    "Cars! Come on, I''ll take you for a ride!"


    She picked a military green-painted Hummer and opened the passenger door, gesturing for him to get in.


    After Jing Yan sat down, he looked curiously at everything inside the car. Jiang Yuqing fastened his seatbelt and took the driver''s seat.


    Having not driven a car for more than a decade, he felt a little unfamiliar when he first sat in the car, but quickly got the hang of it. He skillfully started the engine.


    The roar of the engine starting startled Jing Yan, but as he turned his head and saw his wife''s yful smile, he immediately felt at ease.


    Jiang Yuqing gently stepped on the elerator, and the vehicle slowly started, elerating once they passed through the hospital gate.


    The car rushed forward like the wind, speeding along the wide roads amidst the fields of herbs.


    Jiang Yuqing intentionally lowered the car window, and the whooshing sound of the wind brushed past their ears. The exhrating sensation of this extreme freedom stimted their senses, bringing immense joy to their hearts.


    Especially for Jing Yan, although he didn''t show many expressions on his face, the excitement in his eyes couldn''t be concealed.


    After observing the scenery for a while, he began to carefully study Jiang Yuqing''s driving actions.


    Jiang Yuqing also noticed his subtle movements and smiled, asking, "What''s the matter, want to learn?"


    Jing Yan nodded and said, "I want to learn. Qingqing, would you be willing to be my teacher again?"


    "Of course, first, call me ''teacher'' and then we''ll see."


    Jing Yan readily followed the instructions: "Teacher, your student is ready to learn."


    Jiang Yuqing was amused by his yfulness and slowly brought the car to a stop.


    He began teaching Jing Yan how to start the engine, step on the brakes, elerate, turn, and reverse.


    This guy''s intelligence was unbelievably high. He learned everything in one go. Perhaps men are naturally more sensitive in mechanical matterspared to women.


    Unlike her previous life, where she had failed the driving test three times for the third-level license, it was quite embarrassing.


    As for traffic regtions and such, they weren''t necessary for now. In this spiritual realm, she was the traffic regtion herself.


    Jing Yan drove the car in the spiritual realm for severalps. Aside from being a little unfamiliar in the beginning, he ended up driving even more smoothly than Jiang Yuqing, which was truly envy-inducing.


    When they were about to get off the car, Jing Yan seemed somewhat reluctant. It was only when Jiang Yuqing told him that he could drive any car here that he finally felt satisfied.


    Jiang Yuqing then took him to visit various ces in the hospital, including the hospital''s mini supermarket.


    She took two lollipops from the shelf, tore open the packaging, and handed one to him. "Do you still remember the lollipop I gave you when we were kids? I used to get them from here."


    Jing Yan took it and licked it, confirming that it indeed had a familiar taste. "So, you had this spiritual realm even when you were little, Qingqing."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and looked into Jing Yan''s eyes as she asked, "Do you believe in past lives?"

 Chapter 181: Don’t Say What You don’t Mean.

    <h4>Chapter 181</h4>


    Jing Yan nodded: "I believe it." Since he could cultivate immortality, how could he not believe in past lives.


    "I was actually born with memories of my past life, and the Spiritual Realm is my innate treasure, Xiao Shi is my innate spirit beast." Jiang Yuqing stared at him, as if trying to see some fluctuation in his calm eyes: "You don''t seem surprised at all?"


    Jing Yan chewed and swallowed the candy, and honestly said: "I had even thought before that you might be an immortal from heaven who descended into the mortal world to cross the heavenly tribtion."


    Jiang Yuqing scoffed: "You really know how to let your imagination run wild."


    Jing Yan put his arms around her: "No matter who you are or where you came from, now you''re just my wife, my queen. I just want to know, did you get married in your past life?"


    "Isn''t your concern a little off-base?"


    "Don''t try to change the subject. I really want to know!"


    "Well, does it bother you?"


    Jing Yan shook his head: "If you did, I would be jealous of that guy for having you one lifetime earlier than me."


    Jiang Yuqing smiled brightly: "The sweet talk is a little cheesy, but it''s okay, I like to hear it. And you have to listen clearly too, I was only 27 years old when I died in my past life. I didn''t even have a boyfriend, let alone gotten married."


    Jing Yan was shocked and his arm around her tightened involuntarily. Heartbroken, he asked, "How could you have died so young, how could this be?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head, her smile somewhat bitter, "I was saving people and got burned to death by a big fire..." She told him about her past life, about her birth, her work, her final death, and how the old Taoist priest helped her cross over...


    Jing Yan held her tightly, afraid, his whole body trembling. Her past life was so difficult and painful.


    If he had also met her in that world in hisst life, would her ending have been different?


    Whether in the past life or this life, this woman in his arms was kind to the point of heartache. In her heart there was love for her family and also great love andpassion. She cherished all the people and animals she loved and who loved her in her life, regardless of status.


    Marrying her in this life was truly a blessing through three lifetimes.


    Jiang Yuqing went on, "So you really don''t need to feel bad for me. I''m truly grateful for everything in my past life. That suffering made me who I am today. I feel very fortunate to be reborn into this world in my current life, to have the best parents, rtives and friends, and the best you, Ah Yan!"


    Her sudden confession made Jing Yan''s entire world explode with fireworks. He could no longer restrain himself, lowered his head and fiercely kissed her alluring red lips.


    Before things could get out of control, Jiang Yuqing used herst shred of rity to bring Jing Yan out of the Spiritual Realm, and they tumbled onto the wide brocade bed together.


    The night was deep, and the passion in the room continued...


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing got upte again. When she got up, Jing Yan had already gone to court. The pce maid covered her mouth and said, "When His Majesty left, he specifically instructed us not to disturb the Empress, who worked hardst night."


    Jiang Yuqing''s face turned red. She resented that he really had no restraint in what he said to others, causing unnecessary misunderstandings. She hurriedly got out of bed to wash up, get dressed and have breakfast.


    Just after finishing her morning meal, a little eunuch came to report that Li Deshun had woken up. So Jiang Yuqing put down her bowl and chopsticks and quickly went to Li Deshun''s residence.


    When she arrived, Tian Guang and the Retired Emperor had already left. Li Deshun was half-reclining in bed, being served congee by a little eunuch.


    Seeing here in, he was like a lost child who finally saw his parents again, and his eyes immediately turned red.


    Jiang Yuqing dismissed the little eunuch and took Li Deshun''s pulse after ensuring he waspletely fine, before asking him, "Grandpa Li, how are you feeling?"


    When Li Deshun heard this form of address, tears instantly welled up in his eyes. Choking up, he said, "Very good, very good. I''ve heard that you saved my life again, dear girl."


    Jiang Yuqing patted the back of his hand, which was covered in age spots, and said, "Don''t cry, listen to me. You are getting on in years now, and your health cannot withstand more work. It''s time you retired with honor from the pce."


    Li Deshun said sadly, "The Retired Emperor also told me earlier that I should retire from the pce. But I''m a rootless tumbleweed without any family or friends. Where would I go once I leave the pce?"


    Jiang Yuqing looked at his haggard and sorrowful face, lined with wrinkles, and her heart twisted. "When I was little, I told Grandpa Li that when you grew old I would support you and keep youpany until the end. I''ve always remembered that promise in my heart, not daring to forget it.


    Now my grandparents live in Tai''an Farm just outside the city. General Qin is also there. If you are willing, I will send you to Tai''an Farm to keep thempany, what do you think?"


    "Dear girl, are you serious?" Light suddenly shed in the old eunuch''s eyes, and he became very excited. He liked that ce, with its flowers and fruits, cattle and sheep, andpanionable old friends. It seemed to contain the most beautiful mundane life in the mortal world.


    Seeing how happy he was, Jiang Yuqing felt relieved and said, "Of course I''m serious."


    "I''ll go, I''ll go! Living together with your grandfather, wonderful, he''s a good man!"


    Now that the matter was settled, Jiang Yuqing immediately sent someone that day to deliver a letter to Tai''an Farm, telling them to clean up a small courtyard for Li Deshun to live in.


    Li Deshun was also not fussy. He tidied up his money and possessions and packed up the generous rewards from the pce that same day. Early next morning, he bade farewell to the Retired Emperor, and let Jiang Yuqing escort him personally to Tai''an Farm.


    Hearing that Li Deshun wasing, several elders personally went into the kitchen to prepare a table full of dishes and wine to wee him, with Doctor Qiu also bringing good wine.


    At dinner, the old eunuch drank too much. As he drank, he cried hoarsely, "I''ve finally made it to the end of my life after struggling through it all. They all said I was heirless, cursing me for having no sons or grandsons.


    Screw them, I still have my darling girl. My darling girl is like a granddaughter to me. Since she said she would support me in my old age, then she really will!


    And I have you old geezers to keep mepany. I''m going to live here from now on, die here too, and be buried here! No one can make me leave against my will."


    Doctor Qiuforted him, "Then just live here, and don''t go anywhere. In another two years when I can no longer do anything and my timees, I''ll also move here to keep youpany. When we miss our dear girl, we can go into the city together to see her. Who knows, in the future we may even get to see her little ones."


    "Good, seeing the little ones will be wonderful. Let''s do it together!"


    The old eunuch wasforted. He wiped away his tears andughed again.


    Before leaving, Jiang Yuqing looked back once more at the farm. Its original purpose was only to house disabled veterans; she hadn''t expected that one day it would grow into a utopia in the hearts of the elders.


    It was like a tiny seedling sprouting in the wild; perhaps she had only absent-mindedly nted it. Yet without her knowing, it had grown into a towering tree, flowering with fragrance.


    She had thought the matter would end there. But unexpectedly, after the Retired Emperor returned from the Three Purities Temple, perhaps missing Li Deshun''spany, he actually felt bored and restless.


    So he immediately tidied up in preparation to go find Li Deshun, but was stopped by the Retired Empress: "What are you going to do? Hasn''t he served you his whole life, and now he has retired, yet you still want to bother the poor man?"


    The Retired Emperor mumbled, "How can you call it bothering him, I just want apanion."


    The Retired Empress raged, cursing directly, "What damnpanion! He''s faced you for decades, that ve mentality is ingrained in his bones. If you show up, how could he not serve you?"


    The Retired Emperorined, "I''m just bored."


    "Still say you''re bored? Your legs were hobbled just digging up the imperial gardens!"


    Upon hearing this, the Retired Emperor immediately jumped up: "Oh my! How could I have forgotten about this? Hehe, I have to nt well, who knows, maybe when the harvestes I''ll hear the good news from dear girl."


    The Retired Empress was both angry and amused: "If you like children that much, doesn''t Prince Fu''s house just have a newborn girl? Why don''t you go take a look?"


    The Retired Emperor curled his lip disdainfully: "An illegitimate daughter, what''s there to see. Besides, her looks are ordinary."


    The Retired Empress: "..." This old man is hopeless.


    In early June, envoys from the Wa Country escorted two princesses to enter the capital. Jing Yan received the Wa diplomats in the Liangyi Hall.


    Walking in front was the Wa envoy with a bald head, small mustache under his mouth, wearing wooden clogs, clopping "gu dang gu dang".


    Followed behind were two Japanese women wearing long veiled hats, colorful dresses, and carrying pillows on their backs. They walked with mincing steps, staring at their toes. The rapid pattering sound made all the officials'' ears hurt.


    When they reached the pce hall, the Japanese bowed at a ny degree angle and spoke in halting, awkward Chinese: "Yamada Jintaro, meeting with the Emperor Jing Yan of Great Xia. Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."


    Jing Yan''s face was expressionless. "Why have youe?"


    "To restore friendship between our two countries."


    Jing Yan gave a cold snort. "Friendship? I''ve never known there to be any old friendship between your Japan and my Great Xia. There''s nock of blood feuds though. Why don''t we have a good reckoning?" His words were extremely discourteous.


    Yamada Jintaro shuddered and quickly denied it. "I didn''t do those things in the past. I don''t know anything about them. There''s a saying in your Great Xia - ''Resolve grievances, don''t create them.'' We''vee with utmost sincerity this time, hoping to turn swords into jade silks with Great Xia."


    "Your Chinese is quite good. In that case, I''m sure you must have also heard this saying - ''A debt owed by the father will be repaid by the son; a debt owed by the elder brother will be repaid by the younger.'' Don''t say I didn''t warn you ahead of time. So what do you say, Envoy Yamada?"


    Upon hearing this, Yamada broke out in a cold sweat, his clothes soaked through. "Your Imperial Majesty, please show mercy. We truly came with sincerity. We have brought our imperial household''s two most beautiful and noble princesses, hoping to marry them into your noble country."


    As he spoke, he pped his hands. The two Japanese women immediately began mincing forward. Seeing their attitude, all the officials curled their lips in disdain.


    Summoned at will and they appear? Preposterous! Even the old madams from the Great Xia brothels would summon their lowly prostitutes this way. For anyone with slight fame, gifts and pleasantries would still be needed to politely request the madam''s presence.


    Yamada Jintaro pped his hands again. The two Japanese women curtsied, then under the gaze of all, confidently removed their veiled hats and smiled coquettishly at Jing Yan on the throne.


    Immediately the great hall erupted into shocked cries.


    "Damn me, scared me to death! How long were they rotting underground before they dragged them out!"


    "What the hell is this? Scared me ck!"


    "Screw your demon boards, bringing out so many monsters!"


    "Quickly get rid of her!"


    Some even shouted loudly, "Evil spirits! Quickly protect His Majesty!"

 Chapter 182: Pity it’s not cherry Blossom Season

    <h4>Chapter 182</h4>


    Jing Yan, who was always expressionless, couldn''t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.


    What was seen were that these two Wo women had pale faces, ck teeth and red lips, and slender eyes. There were no eyebrows above their sunken eyes.


    There was only a stroke of ck powder on both sides of their foreheads that could barely pass for eyebrows.


    But which normal person has eyebrows that grow to the top of their foreheads? No wonder they scared the dialects out of everyone.


    This was what the Wo people called the "most beautiful and noble princesses." They must have came from the underworld!


    Fortunately, it was daytime. If someone suddenly saw themte at night, wouldn''t they be scared to death on the spot?


    The Wo people were ugly but unaware of it. They thought the whole world shared their hellish aesthetic. They didn''t expect to be pped in the face on site.


    Although Yamada Jintaro didn''t quite understand the dialects the ministers were spewing, seeing everyone with frightened expressions, he also had some intuition.


    They didn''t appreciate his beauties?


    But since he had brought the women over already, it wouldn''t be good to take them back as they were.


    So he still decided to try. He said to Jing Yan, the supreme chief: "Your Majesty, Emperor of Da Xia.


    These are the two most gentle and beautiful princesses of our country. They are willing to offer themselves to Your Majesty, the Emperor of Da Xia, to be your bedside flowers, in order to bond our two countries forever."


    Thanks to Jing Yan''s high level of cultivation, he controlled his facial expressions well and did not break outughing on the spot.


    However, Yuan Yun, who had a fiery temper, couldn''t stand it and immediately started scolding: "Bedside flowers your ass! They look more like she-devils to me.


    Ugly as hell, yet still daring to dirty our Majesty''s eyes. Keep them for yourself to sleep with, maybe you can have a couple more little demons to y with!"


    Yuan Yun''s words made the ministers roar withughter. They highly praised Yuan General for his courage in saying what they didn''t dare say.


    Yamada Jintaro was so angry his face turned blue, but he still swallowed his anger and asked Jing Yan: "I wonder what Your Majesty''s intentions are?"


    Jing Yan looked coldly at Yamada Jintaro: "We have just had a grand wedding and share deep affection with the Empress. I''m afraid we have no fortune to enjoy such beauties. Mr. Yamada should take them back!"


    Yamada Jintaro was unwilling: "We sincerely want to be on good terms with your country. Your Majesty''s actions seem somewhat unjustified?"


    Jing Yan''s voice also turned cold: "What do you want?"


    Yamada Jintaro said: "Marriage alliances are for the friendship between two countries. The choice of partner is not necessarily a certain person.


    Since Your Majesty already has an Empress, we will not force you. But your noble young talents may also be paired up."


    "You mean to select from among my ministers and nobles? That''s also possible. As long as they are willing, We would be happy to see it happen."


    However, as soon as he finished speaking, the ministers who were just joking loudly immediately shrank their necks and fell silent like chickens!


    Truly, they would no longer look down on the yellow-faced women at home. Compared to these female monsters, those women could pass for fairies descended to earth.


    Especially the unmarried young elites like Jiang Yuchuan, who wished they could shrink their heads into their stomachs, afraid of being fancied by these two ¡°female zombies¡±.


    Jing Yan swept his satisfied gaze over the ministers, smiling ambiguously at Yamada Jintaro: "You see, they are also unwilling."


    Seeing that the people of Da Xia were unwilling topromise, Yamada Jintaro''s face waspletely embarrassed. He squinted threateningly: "So you mean Da Xia insists on bing our enemy?"


    Jing Yan sneered: "You have it backwards. It is you who have always been hostile against us. What''s wrong with us being forced to fight back?"


    "You Da Xia im to love peace the most, yet you have sessively conquered the surrounding small countries. How do you exin such actions?"


    "We like peace. Going out on military campaigns is to make the whole world peaceful. When justice goes forth, what does it have to do with you?"


    "You...are simply shameless!" Yamada Jintaro was so angry his face turned ash ck. He had truly never seen such a shameless person.


    Jing Yan mmed the table and stood up shouting: "I give you three days to consider. Either offer up your national seal in surrender, and be our dependency, paying annual tribute and acknowledging vassge every year. Or we will raise the Da Xia g on Pingguo Mountain and trample Ping¡¯an City t when our horses gallop in to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms! It''s up to you! Guards, show them out!"


    After Jiang Yuqing came back and heard about this, she asked Jing Yan what his n was.


    Jing Yan said, "We should avoid armed conflict as much as possible. After all, armed conflicts lead to casualties. But I''m afraid that the Wo people are stubborn mules who need to be beaten up before settling down."


    Jiang Yuqing thought of how in her previous life, after the Wo Country was hit by two nuclear warheads from the US, they became so obsequious towards the US, biting whoever the US asked them to, like an obedient dog. She couldn¡¯t help sneering, "Indeed, they behave after being beaten up."


    Jiang Yuqing then told Jing Yan about the sky-high crimes the Wo Country hadmitted against Da Xia in her previous world.


    After listening, Jing Yan¡¯s knuckles cracked from clenching his fists tightly as he gnashed his teeth: ¡°In that case, we cannot keep them any longer. Eliminating potential threats early is the best way to avoid future generations suffering catastrophes!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing asked if the treasure ships were enough to attack the Wo Country.


    Jing Yan said, ¡°Over the years, Da Xia has been building treasure ships. Combining the ones we built ourselves and the ones we captured, therge treasure ships in our coastal navies now number over four hundred. We can transport 300,000 troops in one trip to wage war overseas.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s fight! This malignant tumor needs to be removed sooner orter. Once we take care of it, our descendants will have an easier time.¡±


    The Wo people were stubborn mules by nature. On the second day after Jing Yan issued his final ultimatum, they left the capital in anger and returned to the Wo Country.


    As soon as they left, Jing Yan immediately ordered the coastal navies to actively prepare for war and get ready to attack the Wo Country¡¯s Kyushu Ind.


    Jiang Yuqing volunteered to go to Fuzhou to organize a medical team to apany the army.


    Although Jing Yan was reluctant to be separated from his new bride, he also knew he couldn¡¯t stop her and could only exhorted her to be careful before seeing her off with great dismay.


    In just half a day after riding Bai Xiaoshi, Jiang Yuqing flew to Fuzhou.


    First she met with several senior generals of the major camps, confirmed their approximate dispatch times, then started busy preparations for the medical team.


    Speed was essential when going to war.


    Taking advantage of the aftermath of another typhoon rain early July, 237 Fuzhou treasure ships of various types formed a huge fleet, carrying 60,000 marines and 40,000nd troops, sailing north straight towards Kyushu Ind in the Wo Country.


    At the same time, in the Liaodong Governorate in northern Da Xia, another equallyrge fleet, consisting of 200rge ships carrying 80,000 people, set off to kill towards Ping¡¯an City, the Wo Country¡¯s capital.


    Logistical support during overseas operations was not as convenient as onnd. The focus was on speed.


    Before evennding, the Da Xia troops used the light trebuchets mounted on ships to madly bombard the Wo people¡¯s temporary coastal defenses with thunderp shells, easily tearing open a huge hole.


    Kyushu Ind had deep water ports that greatly facilitated thending of Da Xia''s fleet.


    Especially Da Xia¡¯snd troops. Although they might not be as adept at naval warfare as the marines, once ashore, they were like fierce tigers descending the mountain, ughtering Wo soldiers like chopping melons and vegetables.


    Most of these Wo soldiers were recruited after the war at Liju. Having never seen bloodshed before and being small and weak from long-term malnutrition, how could theypare with the ferocious Da Xia troops? At first sight, they were hacked into retreating without their armor, crying out for their fathers and mothers.


    The over 30,000 Kyushu defenders were mopped up cleanly by the Da Xia army in just two hours. In contrast, the Da Xia side had very few injured, let alone deaths.


    It was aplete victory.


    The Da Xia troops'' morale was high. They steadily pushed north all the way, soon reaching Shikoku. Byte July they had attacked and entered Ping¡¯an City.


    After staying in Ping¡¯an City for two days to avoid a storm, they continued west to join forces with the Liaodong Army that had entered Ping¡¯an City, the Wo Country¡¯s capital. Continuing north steadily pushing forward together.


    The remnants of tens of thousands of troops did not even leave a trace of armor behind wherever they passed.


    The smarter ones, seeing the situation was not good, unanimously put down their weapons and surrendered.


    The Emperor and Shogun had already fled. Why should they still die for them?


    The Da Xia people were quite benevolent. None of those who surrendered would be killed. As the news spread, more and more surrendered, some Wo troops even surrendered in formations.


    This really angered Yamada¡¯s people to death.


    Back at Liju battlefield, they had already experienced the might of the Da Xia army. They still held on to a ray of hope, thinking that they would note across the vast ocean.


    Who would have thought, not only did the Da Xia peoplee, but also in such great numbers, so quickly!


    Blowing them up at first sight without any chivalry whatsoever.


    All sinister schemes were useless in the face of absolute power.


    Not until the Da Xia army attacked and captured Ping''an City did they really be afraid. The Wo Country once again sent out Yamada Jintaro, hoping to negotiate peace with the Da Xia army.


    The Da Xia army didn''t give a damn.


    Oh, now that even Kyoto has fallen, you want to negotiate peace with Da Xia? Where were you earlier?


    No point negotiating anymore, it''s over.


    Thus, the Da Xia army pushed northward, while the Wo army retreated step by step until they were cornered on thest small ind,pletely surrounded by the Da Xia forces.


    Now, willing or not, they had to surrender, including the Wo Emperor and Shogun, with no one missing.


    Jiang Yuqing saw a line of Wo prisoners brought before her in shackles. Among them was the Emperor, Empress and other imperial family members, as well as the Shogun. The only one missing was Yamada Jintaro.


    She asked around and found out that he hadmitted ritual suicide by disembowelment, showing at least some backbone.


    While Jiang Yuqing looked over the prisoners, they sized her up in turn. This simply dressed yet stunningly beautiful young woman with extraordinary bearing was actually the Empress of Da Xia. Moreover, she was said to be an exceptionally skilled doctor.


    For the sovereign of such a powerful country to join the battlefield in person as an army medic, it was no wonder the Wo Country lost.


    On the third day of the eighth month in the first year of Zhenghe, the Wo Emperor surrendered after being captured, handing over the Imperial Seal of Wo. Henceforth, Wo Country vanished from history.


    On the twelfth day of the eighth month in the first year of Zhenghe, given the elongated shape of thend resembling a worm, the court decreed that Wo Country be split into two and renamed Eastern Ocean North Prefecture and East Ocean South Prefecture, officially incorporated into the territory of Da Xia.


    At the same time, arge number of officials were sent to take over administration, educate themon people, and station garrisons across the two prefectures.


    As the Da Xia army withdrew, Jiang Yuqing made a special trip back to the former Ping¡¯an City, now the prefectural capital of East Ocean South Prefecture also called Ping¡¯an City. She lingered for a long time under the rows of cherry blossom trees in front of the former imperial pce. Then, to the astonishment of generals and soldiers, she grabbed a dark banner embroidered with a five-wed golden dragon and flew to the top of the pce, nting it firmly on the roof.


    Seeing the dragon banner fluttering in the wind, Jiang Yuqing nodded with satisfaction. It was only a pity that it wasn¡¯t cherry blossom season now, which was slightly regrettable!

 Chapter 183: Sweet Potatoes Are Sweet

    <h4>Chapter 183</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing followed the prisoner escort team across the ocean from L¨«d¨­ng Prefecture to Da Xia. It took them over a month to return to the capital.


    Jing Yan led the ministers to wee them at the city gate.


    The couple were somewhat emotional after not seeing each other for three months. But there were many people around, so they had to postpone further conversation.


    The generals offered treasures and presented prisoners. Jing Yan rewarded them for their merits and held a grand banquet for his ministers.


    After the banquet ended and they returned to the pce, the couple finally had a chance to bare their hearts to one another.


    The next day when Jiang Yuqing woke up, it was alreadyte morning. Recalling the passionate wavesst night, she couldn''t help blushing a little. As the saying goes, a short separation is better than a new marriage.


    After getting up and washing, she had breakfast. She first went to pay her respects to the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager.


    But pce maids told her that the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager were digging sweet potatoes in the imperial garden.


    When Jiang Yuqing arrived, they had already dug several baskets full. Sheughed when she saw it: ¡°Oh my, these sweet potatoes grew very well. There are a lot of tubers and they are quite big.¡±


    The Retired Emperor was immediately delighted and boasted: ¡°Of course, just look who nted them. How could they not grow well when I nted them?¡±


    The Empress Dowager couldn''t stand his smugness and immediately rebutted: ¡°Did you really nt them yourself? All you did was make suggestions. It was the gardeners who did the nting, fertilizing, and weeding.¡±


    The Retired Emperor was unhappy: ¡°How could you say I didn''t nt them? At least I came up with the idea and watered them too. And the guide was given by Jingbao''s father. I read it many times.¡±


    The Empress Dowager rolled her eyes, toozy to argue with him further.


    Jiang Yuqing picked two medium-sized sweet potatoes from the basket that looked good to her and asked the pce maid to wash them clean.


    She took out the gleaming surgical knife that she carries with her and peeled them, handing one to the Empress Dowager and eating one herself.


    The red skin and yellow flesh, biting into it gave a crisp, juicy crunch that was very enjoyable.


    The Empress Dowager held it in her hand for a long time without daring to bite it. After a while, she gingerly asked: ¡°Jingbao, your knife hasn''t cut people before, has it?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing was taken aback for a moment before replying: ¡°No, it''s new. It''s only been used to cut fish.¡±


    At this the Empress Dowager felt relieved. The two of them sat side by side on a stone bench at the edge and munched on the sweet potatoes.


    When Jing Yan returned from court, this was the scene he saw.


    His father was wearing a brocade robe with sleeves digging sweet potatoes in the ground. His mother and wife were sitting on the ground eating sweet potatoes. It was quite an idyllic picture.


    Seeing him keep looking at her, Jiang Yuqing asked: ¡°Do you want to eat it?¡± She held out the half-eaten sweet potato in her hand.


    Jing Yan didn''t mind and took it to eat right away.


    This sight startled the Empress Dowager so much that the sweet potato in her hand suddenly became unappetizing.


    So she also stood up and beckoned to the Retired Emperor: ¡°Old fellow,e over. This sweet potato is quite sweet, I''ll share half with you.¡±


    The Retired Emperor nced at her: ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°I told you toe over, soe over!¡± The Retired Emperor had no choice but to put down his tools and walk over.


    Ever since he abdicated, this woman has be less and less afraid of him.


    When he got close, the Empress Dowager said: ¡°Open your mouth!¡±


    The Retired Emperor looked at her warily: ¡°What trick are you ying again?¡±


    ¡°I told you to open your mouth, so open your mouth.¡±


    As soon as the Retired Emperor opened his mouth, half a sweet potato was stuffed in. He instinctively took a bite and chewed with a crunch.


    The Empress Dowager turned her head provocatively to nce at the young couple, her meaning very obvious.


    The couple looked at each other and suddenly burst outughing.


    They bowed to each other and walked away hand in hand.


    Well, some scenes were too beautiful for children to watch up close, so it was still better to keep away.


    Having just annexed the Eastern Ocean, there were still many things to do.


    Because his wife had told him about Wo Country in her previous life, he had originally intended to massacre all the people of Wo Country.


    But after much consideration, he eventually abandoned the idea.


    Firstly, there were nearly 700,000 people in Wo Country. Killing them all would be too detrimental to the world. This would be no different than what happened to the people of Wo Country in his wife''s previous world.


    Also,rge-scale massacre would drive the people of Wo Country to desperation and they would resist desperately. That would be even worse.


    Secondly, if Da Xia implemented a policy of ethnic cleansing, it would surely arouse vignce from other surrounding nations or forces. This would be of no benefit to Da Xia''s future ambitions of conquest.


    Thirdly, and most importantly, Da Xia currently has too vast a territory and a severe shortage of poption. If he killed all the people of Wo Country, he would have to relocate people from the maind to migrate there.


    Now there was morend than people to farm on the continent. Who would be willing to leave their hometown and move to a small ind in the east to make a living? It was not a nice ce, with frequent natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes every year.


    It would be better to let them stay, nt potatoes and build roads when told, and assimte them.


    They did not originally have their own script. In this way, after a hundred years, who would still remember who their ancestors were? They would thoroughly be an ordinary ethnic minority group of Da Xia.


    As for their so-called Emperor of Wo Country, the imperial family, and the shoguns, they should all be executed without exception. These good-for-nothings just wasted food.


    In the afternoon, Jiang Yuqing went back to the Jiang manor.


    When she said she was going back to her maternal home, the Retired Emperor was very generous. He gave her a basket of sweet potatoes and a basket of potatoes he had just dug up, and told her to take them back for her family to taste.


    ...It was indeed rare for ordinary people to get to eat sweet potatoes and potatoes grown by the Retired Emperor himself!


    Not having seen her for three months, her mother looked her over for a long time and said she had be thinner.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t know whether tough or cry. She clearly hadn''t lost a bit of weight! This was probably what ¡°your mother thinks you have lost weight¡± means.


    After chatting with Lu and her aunts for an afternoon and telling them about what she saw and heard in Eastern Ocean and the local customs, they were shocked when they heard that the so-called Eastern Ocean beauties had faces as white as coffin walls, plucked eyebrows, and ckcquered teeth.


    Zhu said: ¡°How can that be called human? Made up like female ghosts!¡±


    Jiang Yuqingughed: ¡°That''s right! When they first brought two Wo women to propose a marriage alliance, the ministers were scared stiff when their veils were lifted.¡±


    Luughed loudly: ¡°I also heard it from your brother. At that time he was so frightened that he shrank behind unable to move, for fear of being seen by those two Wo women and ending up with one as a bride.¡±


    Jiang Yuqingughed uncontrobly: ¡°Don''t worry, whoever they get as a groom, it''s impossible it would be brother.¡± Besides, Jing Yan had no intention of marrying a Wo woman in the first ce.¡±


    ¡°Mother knows. He was just saying that...¡±


    In the evening, Jiang Wenyuan and his eldest son came in with Jing Yan.


    ¡°Why did youe too when you are so busy?¡±


    Jing Yan touched her head: ¡°I came to pick you up. No matter how busy, it doesn¡¯t take that much time.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing turned her head and looked at him happily: ¡°Then stay for dinner before going back to the pce!¡±


    ¡°That was my intention.¡±


    As they spoke, Doctor Qiu also returned.


    Jiang Yuqing rushed forward and clung to her master''s arm, fawning over her for a while.


    For dinner the staple was sweet potato rice, and there were also several dishes cooked with potatoes. One was chicken braised with potatoes, one was stir fried potato shreds, and one was three delicacies of the earth. They were all cooked with the ingredients she brought from the pce.


    Hearing that they were grown by the Retired Emperor himself, the family cherished them very much and ate an extra bowl of ricepared to usual.


    It was a happy family dinner. Jiang Yuqing said she wanted to visit Old Jiang and Old Lady Hu tomorrow.


    Lu said: ¡°The Imperial College has a day off tomorrow. Your fourth, fifth and sixth brothers will also be on holiday. We haven''t gone to see your grandfather in a while either, so let¡¯s all go together tomorrow.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nodded in agreement.


    Her fourth brother Jiang Yuhai, fifth brother Jiang Yuming, and sixth brother Jiang Yushan were all studying at the Imperial College now, and would take the spring exams after the new year.


    They rarely had free time to go out because their studies were intense. It was a good chance to get together tomorrow to visit the elders and liven things up.


    Back at the pce, when she said she was going to visit Old Jiang and the others at Tai¡¯an Farm tomorrow, the Retired Emperor immediately became excited and said he wanted to go too. If he was going, then naturally the Empress Dowager couldn''t be left behind either, so they might as well all go together.


    Jiang Yuqing had no choice but to send word to her family.


    So early next morning, the Jiang family waited at the front gate to wee the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager.


    After that, a convoy of six or seven carriages set out mightily towards Tai¡¯an Farm.


    On the way, I unexpectedly ran into the carriage of Mingyang Princess. When I lifted the curtain and asked, she was also on the way to Tai''an Farm. What a coincidence to go together!


    When we arrived, seeing the rtives and old friends, it was naturally lively.


    This was the first time the Retired Emperor came to Tai''an Farm after Li Deshun left the pce.


    The two old men started chatting as soon as they met. The old eunuch instinctively wanted to serve him, but the Retired Emperor stopped him.


    "Old thing, take a good rest. You''ve served me for a lifetime at your age. Take it easy and enjoy your blessings. There are young eunuchs for other things!"


    Then the Retired Emperor asked if he wasfortable living here and if the food was good.


    The old eunuch said it was too good - good food, good lodging, people serving him. Usually, he could also go to the vegetable garden with his old pals to pull weeds, harvest vegetables, feed cows and herd sheep.


    asionally they would also go fishing in the nearby river, or go hunting hares and mountain chickens on the mountains with General Qin.


    The days passed by very cozily without any boredom.


    This life really made the Retired Emperor envious when he heard it.


    He also went to Li Deshun''s yard to take a look. He found that although the ce was not big, theyout was veryfortable with two servants waiting on him.


    So he asked the old eunuch if there were any vacant houses here. The old eunuch said there was one next door that was empty. He went to take a look.


    The house was originally prepared to receive guests. Everything inside was fully equipped. Although not precious, theyout was warm andfortable.


    The Retired Emperor felt it was pretty good here, so he shamelessly upied the yard, deciding not to leave.


    And he didn''t allow the Empress Dowager to leave either.


    The Empress Dowager had no choice but to apologize to Jiang Yuqing, "My dear, it''s not that I don''t want to help you. I really can''t do anything now. So you have to take care of the matters in the pce yourself!"


    Jiang Yuqing: "..." She shouldn''t havee!


    Yang Changyu got the news of their visit early and made preparations.


    He ughtered a sheep and a pig and asked the main kitchen to cook a table full of delicious food. Although they weremon home-cooked dishes, the taste was extremely good.


    He also had meat skewers and vegetable cakes pickled and paired well, and the fire on the grill was burning vigorously, just waiting for them toe and grill.


    Compared to the elderly, young people prefer to grill barbecue themselves.


    Mingyang Princess grabbed a fewmb skewers and moved next to her. While grilling, she secretly nced at Yang Changyu, then asked Jiang Yuqing, "My dear, what do you think of Yang Changyu?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t understand her meaning at first and casually replied, "He''s responsible and capable in his work, pretty good. What''s wrong?"


    When she turned her head, she saw Mingyang Princess blushing, waving her eyes at her. It took Jiang Yuqing two seconds to stare with wide eyes, "You like... Oh!"

 Chapter 184: Here’s to You Being a man.

    <h4>Chapter 184</h4>


    Mingyang Princess''s face turned red. "Shh, lower your voice! What if someone hears us?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded vigorously, and Mingyang Princess released her hand covering his mouth.


    Jiang Yuqing''s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "When did you start liking him?"


    She blushed and said, "Not long ago, just this summer when I came here to pick fruits.


    It was raining heavily that day, and the road was difficult to traverse. My carriage got stuck in a mud pit. He happened to be returning to Tai''an Farm and helped me out..."


    In the pouring rain, he braved the weather, unloaded his own cart, and hitched the mules to her carriage, pushing it from behind.


    Even though he only had one arm and was drenched and disheveled by the rain, she inexplicably felt that this man was very handsome.


    Perhaps out of gratitude or curiosity, she couldn''t help but pay more attention to him.


    She discovered that he might not be eloquent, but he was kind to everyone.


    Especially to the old soldiers below, or rather, in some ways, he was like the elder of the soldiers, helping them solve all kinds of troubles.


    He also treated the animals on the farm with love. For example, he would groom the littlembs and feed the tenderest grass to the calves. He would also y with the children of the old soldiers who came to the farm.


    She thought that a man like him must have a very tender heart.


    The more she paid attention to him, the harder it became for her to let go. But she still had some insecurities; she wasn''t sure if he could ept everything she had experienced in the past.


    After listening to Mingyang Princess''s ount, Jiang Yuqing patted her shoulder reassuringly and encouraged her, "If you like him, pursue him bravely.


    Regardless of the final oue, a person should live for themselves at least once in their life.


    I''ve known him for several years, and honestly, apart from missing an arm and having a scar on his face, he is notcking in character, ability, or sense of responsibility.


    Once a man like him starts a family, he will definitely be a good husband who loves his family.


    Regardless, I hope you find true happiness in your life, regardless of social status.


    If you can''t find the words to say, I can go and sound him out for you."


    After some thought, Mingyang Princess shook her head and said, "I''ll ask him myself.


    Just as you said, I''ll go all out and live for myself. Even if I get rejected, at least I tried, and I won''t have any regrets in this life."


    "That''s right! That''s the Mingyang Princess I know, bold and unreserved, daring to love and hate.


    If you need any help, just ask. If you two be a couple, I''ll arrange a wedding for you with Ah Yan''s assistance."


    "Thank you! But please don''t tell Father and Mother for now."


    "Understood."


    The dinner table was lively as they chatted and worked together, roasting arge pile of food.


    Neither of them was particrly skilled, and they teased each other about their cooking skills, but in the end, they didn''t waste anything and ate it all, not knowing if they would have an upset stomachter that night.


    After the meal, Mingyang Princess chose a small courtyard to stay in, iming that she would apany her father and mother.


    Jiang Yuqing smiled and didn''t say anything, but before leaving, she gave him a look that said, "Keep up the good work."


    Mingyang Princess also blinked at her, and the two of them understood each other without words.


    That night, Jiang Yuqing told Jing Yan about this.


    Jing Yan had some impression of Yang Changyu as well. Despite his physical disability, he was indeed a good man.


    If his elder sister was willing, he wouldn''t object. He felt a twinge of guilt towards Mingyang Princess in his heart.


    In mid-October, there was good news from the Ministry of Works regarding the cement project.


    Initially, due to poor control of the kiln temperature, two kilns exploded, fortunately without causing injuries.


    Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan went to see it themselves. The Ministry of Works used the newly produced cement to build a wall. After letting it dry for two days, they took arge iron hammer and hit it.


    With one strike of the hammer, a white spot appeared, and after more than ten strikes, a small pit was finally formed.


    Later, they even used explosives to copse a section. The quality was exceptional.


    With cement as such a useful infrastructure tool, whether it was building city walls, houses, or roads, everything was guaranteed to be solid in the future. Its widespread use was just around the corner.


    Once the cement workshops were established in various ces, the rted industries would also rapidly develop, directly or indirectly creating arge number of job opportunities.


    These days, almost every night, Jiang Yuqing would take Jing Yan into the Ling Realm, open theputer in the office, and show him some movies and TV shows she had downloaded from her past life.


    Among them were science fiction blockbusters, military films, and some good documentaries.


    Jing Yan waspletely captivated while watching, and Jiang Yuqing exined to him as they watched.


    That was when he realized how advanced and powerful the world where his wife hade from in her previous life was.


    In that country named "Huaxia," there were prosperous cities and towering skyscrapers. The people lived and worked in peace and were well-fed.


    Children, regardless of gender, could attend school when they reached a certain age, and the state would bear the cost of their education for the first nine years.


    For travel, if the distance was short, they could take public transportation like buses or ride shared bicycles.


    For longer distances, they had high-speed trains and airnes, allowing them to travel thousands of miles in just a few hours.


    Everyone owned amunication device simr to a "transmitting jade token" called a "mobile phone." It was even better than a transmitting jade token, with more powerful functions.


    With a mobile phone, people could purchase anything without carrying cash.


    They could also greet and exchange information with rtives and friends from afar at any time and anywhere, even having face-to-face conversations.


    The country had a powerful military force to protect its vast territory and its people, and so on.


    After watching it all, his entire worldview was reshaped. In the following days, based on the current situation of Da Xia and Jiang Yuqing''s opinions and suggestions, he tailored several five-year ns for Da Xia.


    Moreover, he would lead Da Xia to follow these ns steadily and unwaveringly.


    Snow came a bit early this year, with the first snowfall in early November. The umted snow bent the branches of the trees, and with a slight touch, it fell to the ground with a rustling sound.


    Jiang Yuqing''s childlike innocence surged within him as he gathered pce maidens and eunuchs to build numerous snowmen in the Imperial Garden. It was a pity that the Empress Dowager was not in the pce; otherwise, the atmosphere would have been even livelier.


    Jing Yan''s harem was tranquil, and the consorts were well-behaved, so Jiang Yuqing''s matters were not many.


    Every day, after spending an hour attending to pce affairs, he would leave the pce and go to work at An Hospital. Every few days, he would visit Tai''an Farm to pay respects to his elders and gather information on military affairs.


    However, it seemed that there was no progress. Every time he went, Mingyang Princess would wear a worried expression when Yang Changyu was mentioned.


    The reason was that Yang Changyu felt that as a princess, she held a noble status, while he was amoner and even disabled. He believed that he was not worthy of her and asked Mingyang to choose another husband.


    Jiang Yuqing didn''t have any good ideas for dealing with this stubborn mindset.


    Time passed, and it was only a few days until the Lunar New Year. The elders at Tai''an Farm had all returned to their respective homes, each with their own families.


    As for Li Deshun, he went back to Duke Jiang''s Residence with Old Man Jiang and Madam Hu.


    Jiang Yuqing held Mingyang Princess''s pulse and felt the smooth flow beneath his fingers, indicating a regr and harmonious pulse.


    He immediately widened his eyes, looking at Mingyang Princess in disbelief.


    Well, she was pregnant!


    Jiang Yuqing nced around, lowered his voice, and asked, "Whose child is it?"


    Mingyang Princess smiled immediately, as radiant as flowers in March. She said, "Who else could it be? It''s his."


    "Who? Yang Changyu?"


    "Yes."


    "But, wait a minute, when I came to celebrate your birthdayst month, you said there was no hope. Howe it didn''t take long for you to conceive? Even an urgent message couldn''t be delivered as quickly as this! Quickly, tell me what happened?"


    "It''s not a big deal!" Mingyang Princess pouted and felt somewhat embarrassed. "On your birthday, after you left, I asked him to apany me for a drink..."


    "And then you both got drunk, and what happened afterward?"


    Mingyang Princess blushed and lowered her head, twisting her fingers. She murmured, "Um... I drugged his wine and then slept with him."


    "...," Jiang Yuqing gave her a thumbs-up. "Girl, it takes courage to do what you did. I salute you for being so bold." After pausing for a moment, he asked, "So, what are your ns? Will you have Prince Jing arrange a marriage for you?"


    "Yes. He used to bring up our status and positions, but now that I''m carrying his child, he has no choice but to acknowledge it."


    "What if he hesitates?"


    "If he hesitates, this princess will have his son call someone else ''father''!"


    "... Does he love you?" Jiang Yuqing felt like he had asked a redundant question.


    "Yes, he loves me. I can feel it. Otherwise, he wouldn''t secretly ce various delicious and fun things on my windowsill every night. He thinks I don''t notice."


    "That''s good. Should I send someone to fetch him?"


    "No need. I want to talk to him personally."


    "Alright then. Once it''s settled,e find us, and we''ll arrange the marriage for you."


    "Okay."


    Jiang Yuqing conducted a detailed examination. The fetus in her belly was healthy, and there was no need for any medicinal supplements.


    She was only given a porcin bottle of folic acid tablets, and was instructed to take one every day. He also told her about some precautions to be taken during pregnancy, and she happily left.


    Outside, the snow had just fallen, and the pce servants were still cleaning. Jiang Yuqing saw her walking briskly, which frightened him. He chased after her, shouting, "Please slow down and watch your step!"


    The person waved his hand nonchntly, "I got it, I got it. Just go back quickly!"


    Jiang Yuqing shook his head helplessly. Well, he should go back and prepare a few suitable wedding gifts.

 Chapter 185: Fairy Ointment

    <h4>Chapter 185</h4>


    Two dayster, Princess Mingyang came again. She subconsciously protected her abdomen with both hands, her face rosy and radiant, with a hint of smile at the corners of her eyes and lips.


    Jiang Yuqing set down his teacup and invited her to sit. "Is it good newsing closer?" he asked.


    She nodded and then excitedly began to speak, her gestures animated. "You won''t believe it. When I told that fool that I was pregnant with his child, he waspletely dumbfounded."


    Princess Mingyang gestured with her hands, "He dropped therge bowl he was holding, and it crashed onto his foot. It was so hrious, hahaha."


    "Tell me, what happened next?"


    "Well, then... we, you know." Suddenly, Princess Mingyang blushed. Jiang Yuqing understood instantly and responded with a meaningful "Oh," followed by a teasing smirk.


    "How does it feel to be in love?"


    Princess Mingyang proudly dered, "As the birds wish to be paired in the sky, so do we wish to be united on the earth."


    "Hmm... If my teeth fall out today, it must be because of your sweetness. We should hurry and make it official," Jiang Yuqing suggested, emphasizing the need to get married soon.


    Today is the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, and it''s definitely toote to get married before the new year. They could only choose a date in the first lunar month. Otherwise, it wouldn''t look good when her belly grew bigger after the new year.


    Jiang Yuqing immediately summoned an official from the Imperial Astronomy Bureau to calcte the auspicious wedding date for Princess Mingyang and her husband. The wise astrologer determined that the best day would be the eighteenth day of the first lunar month next year, as their birth charts were also perfectly matched.


    Princess Mingyang agreed, and they settled on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month.


    The following matters were easily handled. After receiving the approval and blessings from the Emperor and Empress Dowager, Jing Yan issued an edict for the grand wedding of Princess Mingyang and Yang Changyu on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month next year.


    People couldn''t help but be curious about Princess Mingyang''s husband. Upon investigation, it was discovered that he was merely a steward at the Tai''an Farm, amoner from a poor background. What''s more, he was disabled, having lost an arm.


    News spread, and discussions were abound. Some said Yang Changyu was climbing the socialdder, while others criticized Princess Mingyang for debasing herself. Opinions varied.


    Regardless of what outsiders said, Princess Mingyang paid them no mind. During her over ten years in Tubo, she had heard all sorts of offensive remarks and endured numerous hardships. Such trivial gossip was nothing to her.


    Thus, she focused on nurturing her unborn child while actively preparing for her wedding.


    The Emperor and Empress Dowager attached great importance to Princess Mingyang''s wedding. They had treated her poorly in the past and now sought to make amends by organizing avish and grand ceremony, which Princess Mingyang declined.


    She desired a simple yet warm wedding, without the need for extravagant disys. Having Jiang Yuqing''s support, she believed that the significance of the day was determined by their personal experiences, not by the opinions of others.


    On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, Princess Mingyang was married.


    Before she stepped into the bridal sedan, Jiang Yuqing held her hands firmly and solemnly said, "Wishing you eternal happiness!"


    With tears in her eyes, Princess Mingyang nodded and replied, "I will achieve it!"


    After bidding farewell to the Emperor and Empress, Jiang Yuqing raised her head proudly and walked out under the radiant sun, descending the lofty white jade steps.


    Once, she had no choice, but now she lived only for herself.


    As she watched the bridal sedan slowly depart, Jing Yan ced his hand on her shoulder and said, "Let''s go too. Let''s wait at the Princess''s residence!"


    "Alright!"


    The Princess''s bridal sedan was carried out from the pce and made a half-circle around the imperial city before entering Mingyang Princess''s residence. It was personally escorted by Prince Fu.


    The former Emperor and Empress Dowager, various imperial concubines, the noble and prosperous Da Chang Princess''s family, Prince Fu''s family, the Second and Third Princess''s families, and all the members of the imperial family were present.


    Many influential figures from the capital also attended, such as the Jiang family and the Pingyang Marquis''s mansion. Additionally, representatives of the old soldiers from Tai An were present.


    Yang Changyu''s family also came.


    Yang''s mother couldn''t believe that her youngest son would one day marry a princess. Tears of joy streamed down her face.


    Yang Changyu''s elder brother was also delighted for him. His brother became disabled while fighting on the battlefield for him, so he always felt guilty. Now that he had finally settled down, marrying a princess no less, he was genuinely happy for him, feeling that his hardships had finally paid off.


    On the night of Mingyang Princess''s wedding, Jiang Yuqing was in high spirits and drank a few extra cups. Upon returning to the pce, she actively sought kisses from Jing Yan.


    As her wife initiated, Jing Yan naturally didn''t let the opportunity slip by, wholeheartedly cooperating with her every move, allowing her to do as she pleased. He even deliberately found the Chart to Avoid Conception, guiding her actions, disying utmost tenderness.


    Because they stayed up toote, neither of them managed to wake up the next morning. Fortunately, they didn''t have to attend court today; otherwise, they would undoubtedly face some criticism from the ministers.


    After getting up, Jing Yan apanied her for breakfast before heading to the study to handle state affairs. Jiang Yuqing finished dealing with pce matters and, with nothing else to do, left the pce with Bai Xiaoshi.


    She didn''t go to He An Hospital but aimlessly strolled the streets instead. It had been a long time since she had gone out for a walk.


    Nowadays, the capital of Da Xia was even more bustling. Even in the freezing cold of the first month, the streets were still crowded with peopleing and going.


    When passing by a small eatery with Northwestern vors, Jiang Yuqing was drawn in by the aroma. She went inside and ordered a bowl ofmb and bread soaked in soup.


    As she broke the bread into small pieces in her hand, the curtain at the entrance lifted again, and two thin men entered. They called out to the waiter and ordered two extrarge bowls ofmb and bread soaked in soup.


    While breaking the bread, one of them shouted, "After we finish eating, let''s go to the Immortal Pavilion and get some Divine Ointment to smoke. After taking that stuff, you feel like you''re ascending to heaven,pletely ethereal."


    The other person said, "Otherwise, why would they call it Divine Ointment? It must be because after smoking it, you can be immortal."


    Jiang Yuqing frowned, having a strong intuition that this Divine Ointment was not something good.


    Jiang Yuqing slowly ate the Pao Mo brought by the waiter. After the two men finished their meal, Jiang Yuqing settled the bill and discreetly patted a invisibility charm on herself, quickly following them.


    She wanted to see what this so-called "Immortal ointment" really was.


    The two men walked through the streets and alleys, taking numerous twists and turns for almost half an hour until they finally arrived at a very hidden small alley.


    They reached a house at the end of the alley and knocked on the door. After a moment, the door opened from the inside, and the two men entered.


    Jiang Yuqing followed them into the courtyard.


    Passing by a screen wall and through a small courtyard, they entered a main hall. On both sides were side rooms withrge beds. Several men were lying on them, puffing on opium pipes and exhaling smoke.


    At first nce, Jiang Yuqing concluded that this so-called "Immortal ointment" was opium,monly known as "da yan" or "big smoke." And this so-called "Immortal Inn" was an opium den.


    The two men were obviously regr visitors here, as theyy down on the bed as soon as they entered.


    The waiter expertly presented the opium pipes, lit the tobo, and the two men sighed with satisfaction, joining the others in puffing on the pipes and enjoying themselves.


    Jiang Yuqing approached and carefully examined the opium. She discovered that the purity of this opium was not high; it was of inferior quality.


    It seemed that the person responsible for producing this poison was still in the early stages, with crude techniques.


    Jiang Yuqing clenched her fists, seething with anger. Who could have brought these harmful substances into Da Xia?


    After looking around inside, Jiang Yuqing left the opium den and immediately contacted Jing Yan, exining the situation to him.


    She also detailed the dangers of opium to the human body and the heavy price paid by ancient China in the Opium Wars.


    An issue that could undermine the foundation of the country was not something Jing Yan dared to neglect. He immediately mobilized the military and closed down this opium den, whileunching aprehensive search throughout the entire capital city.


    The innkeeper, the waiter, and the opium users were all arrested and subjected to rigorous interrogation.


    The investigation revealed a shocking truth: not only were there seven opium dens in the capital city, but also nearly 130 people involved in the trafficking and addiction to the "Immortal ointment". And these were just the ones who were caught or known of.


    This severity was confined to the capital city alone. How many people in all of Da Xia were addicted to the "Immortal ointment"? No one knew.


    The situation was dire. The following day, Jiang Yuqing appeared in the court for the first time in her capacity as the Empress of Da Xia. She educated all the ministers about the dangers of the "Immortal ointment".


    The ministers, drenched in cold sweat after hearing her, changed their initial perception that the Emperor was overreacting. They unanimously decided to ban the "Immortal ointment".


    It must be prohibited!


    Not only banned, but also a thorough investigation into the masterminds behind it. What kind of intentions did those who brought this substance into Da Xia harbor?


    On that same day, Jing Yan issued a nationwide ban on the "Immortal ointment". Anyone involved in cultivating, manufacturing, transporting, or selling the "Immortal ointment" would be executed along with their nine generations.


    As for the users, they would receive fiftyshes and three years of penal servitude. If they were government officials or had achieved fame and status, all their titles and positions would be stripped, and they would be permanently disqualified from public office.


    The imperial decree was swiftly disseminated throughout the country at the urgent speed of 800 miles, allowing anonymous reports from the popce. Those whose reports were verified would receive hefty rewards.


    Apanying the decree was a colored portrait of opium nts meticulously copied by pce painters under Jiang Yuqing''s orders.


    The following day, the headline of the front page of the Capital News featured this decree, upying an entire section. It also published an article authored by Empress Jiang Yuqing.


    In in and understandablenguage, the article provided a detailed exnation of the dangers of consuming the Divine Elixir to individuals, families, and the nation. Illustrations were included to enhance understanding.


    Consequently, everyone learned that His Majesty had banned this Divine Elixir, originally known as opium, also referred to as poppy or lotus.


    It was an addictive substance that, once consumed, was difficult to quit. It could cause harm to oneself and, at worst, lead to the destruction of families and the nation¡ªa genuinely cmitous drug.


    It was derived from the fruit of a nt called the poppy.


    Meanwhile, major academies, crowded taverns and restaurants, and theaters dispatched dedicated personnel to spread awareness about the hazards of the Divine Elixir.


    Even He An Hospital disyed prominent billboards at its entrance, promoting anti-drug knowledge about the Divine Elixir. They even assigned specialized medical staff to exin the matter to the citizens seeking medical treatment.


    The people gathered around the bulletin board, listening and cursing, "These heartless scoundrels! Just as our lives were improving slightly, they bring such things to gue us in Da Xia.


    His Majesty and Her Majesty have done well; they should banish and exterminate these miscreants and their entire families."


    Jing Yan acted with great determination, employing various measures simultaneously.


    One monthter, reports from all over the country indicated that a total of 49 Divine Elixir dens had been sealed, with over ten thousand kilograms of finished product seized, and a total of 2,375 individuals involved in drug production and trafficking apprehended.


    The main concentration was in the economically developed prefectural cities along the coast, while the central and western regions had yet to witness the emergence of the Divine Elixir.


    For all those involved in drug-rted activities, those deserving of execution were executed, and those deserving of punishment were punished. There would be no tolerance.


    At the same time, the origin of this substance was also uncovered. It was brought in by an unscrupulous merchant named Lao from Taizhou Prefecture along the coastal region.


    In addition to distributing the refined Divine Elixir, he even introduced the nt itself to Da Xia. He went as far as purchasing a vast estate of over ten thousand acres for cultivating poppies.


    For a person like him, only by eradicating him and his entire family could the people''s anger be appeased. Jing Yan issued a direct order to confiscate their property and exterminate their entire n.

 Chapter 186: Slippery Vein

    <h4>Chapter 186</h4>


    Things had settled down for the moment, and Jiang Yuqing was able to breathe a slight sigh of relief.


    Fortunately, it had been discovered early, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    She decided that from now on, whether she was busy or free, she would go among themon people more often. Just as her father had said, if you stay aloft in the temples of power for too long, it bes easy to have blinkered vision.


    This incident had also given her a wake-up call that Da Xia urgently needed to establish a customs service.


    With the southeastern Japanese pirates having been eliminated a couple of years ago, Da Xia had reopened the Maritime Silk Road. In the past couple of years, the number of merchant ships going out to sea had grown exponentially.


    Establishing a customs service would, first of all, allow tariffs to be levied on iing goods, giving Da Xia more fiscal revenue.


    Secondly, it would also enable testing and quarantine of iing goods, effectively preventing the invasion of harmful foreign species, especially the likes of opium.


    Jiang Yuqing discussed this with Jing Yan, who on the same day summoned several key ministers into the pce, including Jiang Wenyuan.


    After discussing, they all felt this was feasible. Jiang Wenyuan in particr had long had his eye on that group of wealthy shipowners along the coast.


    They were clearly rich as Croesus, yet when the country was in trouble they hadn¡¯t contributed a single copper coin. Just for the sake of profit they had even brought harmful substances like Divine Salve into Da Xia - they truly deserved to die.


    Now there was finally a chance to tax them, so naturally he was all in favor. With so many ships and goods every year, the taxes collected would pay for quite a few things.


    The next day at the imperial court session, Jing Yan also brought up this matter before the court. After some debate, it was eventually settled.


    The Ministry of Revenue would take the lead in establishing a ¡°Maritime Trade Office¡±, specifically to manage foreign trade by sea, to be based in Fuzhou.


    As for its specific organizational structure and personnel appointments, Jiang Yuqing didn¡¯t get involved.


    She was only responsible forpiling a detailed list of animal and nt species as well as some toxic minerals that were absolutely prohibited from entering Da Xia, to be handed to those below her.


    February hade to an end, and early March was arriving.


    There was a saying, ¡°Of all the splendors in the human world, nothing surpasses a March day, when spring flowers burst into glorious bloom.¡±


    The imperial gardens, which should have been filled with riotous profusions of purple and red at this time of year, were instead bald in patches here and there, looking as if they were suffering from some skin disease.


    As for the culprit responsible - the Retired Emperor - he had moved to Tai¡¯an Farm back in mid-February, together with the Empress Dowager.


    He had trulye to love that ce, free of paperwork and machinations, mutual scheming and suspicion.


    Rising with the sun each day, resting at sunset, spring nting, summer growing, autumn harvest storing for winter. He said there were no more blissful days than these.


    Perhaps only someone like him, who had experienced the pinnacle of power over life and death and been tempered by it, could better appreciate the preciousness of peaceful days.


    As for the bare earth, Jiang Yuqing also didn¡¯t have anyone rent flowers and nts there, only getting the gardeners to tidy up the soil. In their spare time, they nted the entire area with vegetables instead.


    Bok choy, carrots, peppers, eggnts, cucumbers, string beans, silk squash, pumpkins, winter melons, bottle gourds - Jiang Yuqing had nted all the seeds she could find, even reserving two plots for watermelons. In short, every seed Jiang Yuqing could get her hands on was nted.


    After nting, she watered them with ¡°specially configured precious medicine liquid¡±. In just one day, new shoots had already emerged.


    She then used a tiny bit of spiritual power to stimte some growth, and after just a few days the nts had already grownrge leaves, while the beans and vines had even begun climbing.


    She felt like something was wrong with her.


    She had only used such a tiny bit of spiritual power, yet she felt inexplicably exhausted. She had to go into her Spirit Realm and drain two Spirit Crystals before finally recovering.


    And it wasn¡¯t just today - she had felt like this for quite some time recently. She also got hungry exceptionally easily, and her appetite had increased, eating very full in the mornings yet feeling hungry again before noon.


    She reached out a hand and pressed her pulse point; it was smooth, rounded, and flowed smoothly like balls rolling along. Was this a slippery pulse?


    Looking down with her spiritual sense to inspect her own body, she did see a fetus-sized chorionic vesicle nestled in her womb. Counting carefully, she realized her monthly cycle had already been absent for two months.


    As a cultivator, her periods were sometimes there and sometimes not, so she hadn¡¯t paid it any attention.


    Besides, it was more difficult for cultivators to get pregnant, so she had never considered this possibility.


    She really hadn¡¯t expected to win the lottery so quickly. It seemed like she and Jing Yan had gotten married less than a year ago?


    It was rather sudden.


    But that feeling of irrepressible emotion and joy welling up from the depths of her heart - what was that about?


    She was actually nurturing a child connected by blood to her in her belly!


    She was going to be a mother; she rather felt like crying, what to do?


    Sniffling, she stabilized her emotions and headed towards the imperial study, intending to tell Jing Yan and share this good news with him. But halfway there, she suddenly halted in her tracks.


    She had just recalled that this was an examination year, and today was the day of the pce examinations for the tribute students [prospective high officials]. Her three brothers were also in the Hall of Supreme Harmony at this time.


    Maybe she should just go to work at the hospital instead; she could tell Jing Yan after he returned to the pce at night.


    Having made up her mind, she tidied up and rode Little White Ten out of the pce towards An Medical Center.


    Taking advantage of her master¡¯s break, she brewed a pot of good tea to bring in to him. She also pushed up her sleeves and ced her right wrist onto his pulse pillow.


    Doctor Qiu gave her a look, pressed down on her wrist with crooked fingers, and after quite a while said, ¡°The fetus is very healthy. Take good care and eat more¡ªdon¡¯t starve my little disciple grandchild.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing curiously asked Doctor Qiu, ¡°Master, when your disciple gets pregnant, how can you not be surprised at all?¡±


    Doctor Qiu red at her. ¡°What¡¯s there to be surprised about? If you young and vigorous folks don¡¯t get pregnant, that¡¯s what would surprise me! Either there¡¯s something wrong with you or he has erectile dysfunction.¡±


    ¡°...Master, you really didn¡¯t need to say thatst bit.¡±


    ¡°All right, don¡¯t pester me. You should know how to nourish a fetus without me teaching you, right?¡±


    ¡°I do!¡±


    ¡°Good, good. Hurry off now, don¡¯t dy me from working.¡± He shouted at her departing back, ¡°And walk slowly!¡±


    Jiang Yuqing gave Doctor Qiu an aggrieved look. Was she still his most beloved little disciple or not? In the end, she didn¡¯t stay long in his consultation room.


    Just as she exited, she heard singing burst out from inside which could only be described as demonic.


    Jiang Yuqing halted in her tracks and immediately turned back to carefully push open the not-totally-closed door a crack and glue her face there to watch. What she saw utterly delighted her.


    She saw Doctor Qiu actually holding arge rag, dancing and gyrating his waist and hips as he merrily jumped and stomped in a Northeast daqingge dance.


    As he danced he also sang, ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a disciple grandchild, have a grandchild! Family safe and prosperous, fortune and blessings surround us, children and grandchildren ying around my knees...¡±


    That old duck voice hitting bizarre notes¡ªwhen other people sang it was the kind where the lingering melody didn¡¯t fade for three days. His singing, on the other hand, was the kind that drilled straight into your brain and made you want to die on the spot. No wonder he had hurried her away; he was afraid she¡¯d get scared by his singing.


    Jiang Yuqingughed for a bit before silently closing the door and returning to her own consultation room.


    At dusk when she returned to the pce after work, Jing Yan was still discussing state affairs with his ministers in the imperial study and hadn¡¯t yete back.


    Little White Ten pranced around her in circles, staring at her belly the entire time. ¡°You¡¯re really pregnant?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing rubbed her still-t stomach. ¡°Mm-hmm. So watch that poisonous tongue of yours in the future, don¡¯t teach my son/daughter any bad habits.¡±


    Little White Ten stamped his hooves and swished his tail. ¡°That was wrongly phrased; I merely use the most directnguage to dissect the true essence of things. How can that be called malicious?¡±


    ¡°What true essence, you¡¯re clearly spewing facies.¡±


    ¡°Cheh, seeing as it¡¯s for the little one¡¯s sake, I won¡¯t argue with you this time.¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m much obliged.¡±


    As they conversed, Jing Yan returned. Little White Ten nodded at him,shed his tail, and slipped into the Spirit Realm, also cutting off his connections to the outside world. Too much dog food would choke you to death.


    Jing Yan had the pce servants serve dinner. While waiting for it to beid out, he sat with her on the couch and asked, ¡°Did you go to An Medical Center again today?¡±


    Jiang Yuqing nodded. ¡°Mm-hmm, also asked Master to take my pulse.¡±


    ¡°Take your pulse, are you ufortable somewhere?¡± Jing Yan immediately grew anxious and started examining her all over.


    Jiang Yuqing quickly stopped him and brought his hand to rest on her lower abdomen. ¡°I¡¯m fine, everything¡¯s good, there¡¯s just a little baby here now.¡±


    Then she whispered by his ear, ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯re going to be a father!¡±


    Jing Yan froze for a long while before trembling as he hugged her tightly to himself. ¡°Qingqing, thank you!¡± His voice even held a hint of choking up.


    Jiang Yuqing gently patted his back. ¡°Two months along, the baby¡¯s very healthy. After another eight months he/she wille into this world to meet us.¡±


    "Wow, great! I''m going to be a father!" It was already more difficult for cultivators to get pregnant than ordinary people, and the higher the cultivation level, the less likely it was to have children. In this life, he had even prepared himself to be childless.


    He never expected that his little wife would give him such a big surprise after only one year of marriage.


    The empress was pregnant, and the emperor was overjoyed. He rewarded all the pcedies with three months of sry.


    The next morning at the early court session, Jing Yan publicly announced this good news in the hall, and the entire court was instantly filled with joy. After the court session, Jiang Wenyuan and his son went to visit Jiang Yuqing together with the Lu family who had been waiting for the same status as marquis for a long time.


    After learning that her daughter was eating and sleeping well without the slightest difort that a pregnant woman should have, Mrs. Lu didn''t know what to say.


    In terms of knowledge, her daughter was a genius doctor who knew even more than her. She could only urge her to rest more and go out of the pce less.


    Jiang Yuqing verbally agreed readily, but whether she would really listen was another matter.


    Upon receiving the news of Jiang Yuqing¡¯s pregnancy, the Retired Emperor and Retired Empress hurried back to the pce from Tai¡¯an Farm on the same day and praised Jiang Yuqing for quite a while.


    Especially the Retired Emperor, whose mind waspletely focused on his little grandson.


    Jiang Yuqing knew that the Retired Emperor was looking forward to having a grandson, but she still had to make some things clear in advance to avoid future disappointment.


    "Father, we don''t know if the child will be a boy or a girl. You¡¯re always thinking about your little grandson, what if it¡¯s a girl?"


    The Retired Emperor was rendered speechless for a moment before his expression became serious, "How could that be? Even if it''s a little princess, I will still like her."


    Jiang Yuqing secretly rolled her eyes in her heart, thinking, pull the other one!


    When the little girl of Prince Fu''s house was born, you only took a look at her on the day she was one month old.


    After that, you never saw her again, yet you have the nerve to say that you like baby girls? This is a typical case of valuing sons over daughters!


    Of course, she onlyined inwardly. After all, there was really a need for an heir to the throne in her family!


    Ever since she got pregnant, everyone had been treating her like a fragile ss doll, with the exceptions of Doctor Qiu and herself. Doctor Qiu was exceptionally rational due to her expertise.


    In addition to this basis, Jiang Yuqing was still a cultivator. Even when pregnant, her constitution was still far superior to that of ordinary people.


    She ate, drank and slept well. Apart from the things she had to pay attention to, she had absolutely no sense of being a pregnant woman at other times.


    What surprised her most was that the child in her belly seemed to have spiritual roots as well.

 Chapter 187: Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 187</h4>


    Because her spiritual power was flowing away inrge quantities, the direction of disappearance of spiritual power was her womb.


    Therefore, she had to spend a lot of time and energy practicing in the spirit world every day, consuming spirit crystals without hesitation. In order to provide enough spiritual power for the child in her belly.


    On the third day after the pce examination, the results of this imperial examination came out. Jiang Yuhai''s three elder brothers were all on the list.


    The fourth elder brother Jiang Yuhai ranked 26th in the second ss, the fifth elder brother Jiang Yuming ranked 17th in the second ss, and the sixth elder brother Jiang Yushan''s ranking was slightly worse, 89th in the second ss.


    So far, the Jiang Guogong Mansion has produced six jinshi in one family, which can be called unprecedented in history. For a while, it became a good story in the court.


    On such a great joyous asion, if it were other mansions, they would definitely hold banquets and celebrate extravagantly. But the Jiang Guogong Mansion was very low-key, and only celebrated with a few tables of wine among their own family members.


    The Jiang Guogong Mansion was already magnificent, and there was no need to add fuel to the fire. The greater the pride, the greater the fall. It is always harmless to be more low-key, to avoid others taking this opportunity to make trouble and attack the Jiang Guogong Mansion and the Empress.


    The Jiang family''s behavior was seen by the Retired Emperor. He said, "This Jiang Wenyuan is too cautious." Although he said so, he was still quite appreciative in his heart.


    Such a person is not confused by wealth and rank, and knows his ce. He is reliable for the royal family to use, and themon people also feel at ease with such an official.


    In May, the court dispatched officials.


    Jiang Yuhai was dispatched to the Eastern Ocean North Prefecture, Jiang Yuming was dispatched to the Tubo Prefecture, and Jiang Yushan was dispatched to the Lidong Prefecture. They were sent far and wide.


    These ces had all newly incorporated into the territory of Great Xia. Although they were somewhat backward andplicated, as long as one was willing to work hard, they were also the easiest ces to aplish things.


    With Jiang Wenyuan and Jiang Yuqing, the two pirs in the Jiang family, no one could take away their achievements.


    It was just that Jiang Yushan, the sixth son, was not married yet, and the family had to worry about it a little. But he himself was not in a hurry to get married, so the family¡¯s urgency was futile. They had to let him go with the flow.


    After sending off the elder brothers and sisters-inw, the Jiang Guogong Mansion suddenly became much emptier, and the elders were somewhat reluctant. But for officials to serve the court, this was a good thing, and of course the elders could not dy the future of the children.


    Moreover, the young eagles had to learn to fly on their own after growing up.


    Jiang Yuqing was pregnant for over four months, her belly was already obviously bulging, round like an overturned small pot.


    She waspletely unaware of being pregnant. Every day she would roam around the capital with her big belly. Jing Yan still had no way to deal with her.


    He didn¡¯t need to worry about safety issues. With his wife¡¯s current ability, someone who could hurt her probably hadn¡¯t been born yet.


    Pregnant cultivators had an advantage. Most other pregnant women were tortured by pregnancy reactions. Except for the daily increasing consumption of spiritual power, she ate wonderfully and slept until daylight without any difort at all.


    Such a physique made Mingyang Princess very envious.


    When she first became pregnant, she would throw up at anything she ate. At its worst, she even threw up bile. She felt dizzy all day long and just wanted to sleep when she had no energy. She was really tortured.


    When she felt unwell, her son-inw was also anxious and attentive to her needs. After the fetus in her belly reached three months and she was finally able to eat something, her son-inw had actually lost a circle.


    Even so, she only dared to walk around in her own princess residence. She asionally went to the pce to visit Jiang Yuqing. She hadn¡¯t been to Tai¡¯an Farm at all.


    On the other hand, Jiang Yuqing went to the hospital every day she should go to the hospital. After returning to the pce, she would still wave her hoe in the Imperial Garden to dig everywhere and nt things.


    It was said that the vegetables and fruits in the pce had now bepletely self-sufficient and no longer needed to purchase from outside. Jiang Yuqing had sent some to her, and they tasted wonderful.


    Such an emperor who loved farming was truly unprecedented.


    Originally, the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager also wanted to return to the pce to take care of her.


    As a result, their daughter-inw was as strong as an ox. She could go up the mountain to fight tigers. She didn¡¯t need them to worry at all. If they stayed, they would have to eat the dog food of their son and daughter-inw from time to time. They were really somewhat redundant.


    Therefore, the two elders packed up again and moved back to Tai¡¯an Farm.


    As time entered June, the weather was getting hotter day by day. As the months went by, Jiang Yuqing became more and morezy, and her nap time became longer and longer.


    On this afternoon, she was sleeping soundly in the pavilion. Suddenly she felt someone shaking her, "Qingqing, wake up, wake up quickly."


    Jiang Yuqing opened her eyes in a daze, her voice still carrying the coquettishness and hoarseness of just waking up, "What''s the matter, what happened? Why the urgency."


    Jing Yan said, "The heir of Duke of Protector had an ident during training in the barracks today. One of his arms was twisted off.


    The Yuan family sent him to He An Hospital. Doctor Qiu said that his arm waspletely severed. If he reconnects it, even if it''s reattached, I''m afraid the arm won''t be restored to its original state."


    "So the Duke of Protector came to beg me. He wants you to take action.


    The Yuan family has been loyal and hardworking for generations with great merits. I can''t refuse them, so I had to promise to let you take a look. But you are pregnant now. Just try to save him if you can. Don''t force yourself if you really can''t, your health is most important."


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard this, she was immediately fully awake and asked, "Where is the patient? Take me to see him quickly."


    "He''s at He An Hospital. The Yuan family didn''t dare move him randomly, so they kept him there under Doctor Qiu''s care."


    "Okay, let someone go back to them saying that I will be there immediately."


    Since his wife was going to save someone, she would most likely use Rebirth Technique, which consumed a lot of spiritual power. Jing Yan was worried, so he also changed his clothes and followed her out of the pce.


    As soon as the Yuan family saw that the emperor and empress appeared at the same time, they were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes. The two generations of Duke of Protector wanted to kneel down to Jiang Yuqing immediately. She stopped them. Now was not the time to pay attention to such formalities.


    The medical staff responsible for the rescue came up. Jiang Yuqing put on a white coat while asking her, "Did you bring the severed arm? What time was it severed?"


    "We brought it. It was severed around noon."


    Jiang Yuqing quickly calcted the time, "Reconnecting it now is still in time!"


    The sooner the severed limb was repaired, the greater the viability would be, that was, the better it would be. Even if it was reattached through surgery, and persistent rehabilitation was insisted afterwards, it still couldn''t be fully restored to its original state.


    If this happened, the military career of the heir of Duke of Protector would have ended. He was in his prime youth. Such a blow would have been extremely cruel.


    Jiang Yuqing would not let such a tragedy and regret happen again. So she decided to use Rebirth Technique, although the process might be very difficult.


    But before she got pregnant, even if the entire arm was gone, it wouldn¡¯t matter. She could also use Rebirth Technique to slowly regenerate his severed arm, although it would consume a lot.


    Now that she was pregnant, the one in her belly was like a bottomless pit when absorbing spiritual power. The little bit of spiritual energy she painstakingly cultivated every day and absorbed from spirit crystals was all fed to him (her). With the original limb there, it could save a lot of effort.


    At this time, the severed arm of the injured had been plugged with silver needles to stop the bleeding. The wound had also been cleaned up. After Jiang Yuqing took a look, she only kept Doctor Qiu, his nephew Tian Shanglu and Jing Yan, the other personnel were all sent out of the operating room.


    Doctor Qiu had already given him an anesthetic potion, so the anesthesia had taken effect and needle pricks would not hurt.


    Jiang Yuqing directly made him unconscious with spiritual power, then ced the severed arm back in its original position against the cut, and asked Doctor Qiu and Tian Shanglu to hold it steady, not moving a bit.


    Jing Yan was on the side to protect her, ready to provide spiritual support at any time if necessary.


    Jiang Yuqing started chanting. Green glow wrapped around the wound, slowly repairing it bit by bit.


    Tian Shanglu had long known that although his uncle master was very powerful, he still didn¡¯t expect it would be to such an extent. He was so shocked that he opened his big mouth wide enough to hold an egg, and almost wiped the mask on his face below his nose.


    Fortunately, he still remembered that this was an operating room. No matter how shocked he was, the hand holding the severed arm did not shake at all. Overall, his psychological endurance was pretty good.


    Jiang Yuqing gave him an appreciative look, so the boy straightened his chest proudly.


    Repairing the broken arm required arge amount of spiritual power, and the rapid loss of spiritual power caused the fetus in her belly to be restless. In just over a quarter hour, her abdomen began to ache and convulse, with cold sweat streaming down her forehead.


    Jing Yan noticed the situation was not good and quickly came over to hold her hand, sending her spiritual power and signaling her to stop.


    Jiang Yuqing also felt overexerted and had to pause the repairs, withdrawing her hands.


    Jing Yan immediately carried her over to a nearby chair and had her sit down with her legs crossed. He stuffed two spirit crystals into each of her hands for her to urgently absorb.


    Only when both spirit crystals were fully absorbed did she recover somewhat.


    She gently patted the fetus in her belly, "Baby, you have to be good. Mama needs to save someone." Then she continued with the task at hand.


    She worked in such starts and stops, continuing for a total of an hour and a half. Finally, the victim''s arm was restored as if it had never beenpletely severed.


    By now, Jiang Yuqing had reached her limit of endurance. Her whole body seemed as if she had just been fished out of the water, with a ghastly paleplexion. Doctor Qiu said she needed to return and rest immediately, leaving the follow-up matters to him.


    Jing Yan nodded to Doctor Qiu, then stuffed two more spirit crystals into Jiang Yuqing''s hands. After she absorbed them, he carried her directly back to the pce.


    As soon as they returned to the pce, Jing Yan ordered the imperial guards to surround the bedchamber. No one was allowed to trespass before he came out again, not even the Retired Emperor himself.


    After that, the couple entered the spirit realm and remained inside for a full day before finally recovering.


    She was now over five months pregnant, and the fetus'' movements were increasingly frequent. Jing Yan had not yet built his foundation, so his spiritual sense could not prate her belly to see the fetus.


    Therefore, much of the time he would press his ear against her abdomen to listen for sounds from within and talk to him/her.


    Or if the baby was active, he would also ce his hand on her belly to y with the little one inside. It''s fair to say he was extremely tender.


    Jiang Yuqing had been wanting to know the gender of the baby, but the little one seemed intentionally guarding the secret like it didn''t want the gender pried into.


    Even when Doctor Qiu took her pulse, he could not make out if it was male or female.


    Jiang Yuqing had also tried using her spiritual sense for internal viewing, but s, the baby was wrapped in a thick cocoon of spiritual energy thatpletely prevented seeing inside.


    Dissatisfied by this, Jiang Yuqingined, "If you don''t let me see then I won''t look, but when you''re born you''ll be naked anyway and Mama will still know if you''re a boy or girl. Hmph!"


    In response, the little one delivered a forceful kick against her belly!


    Hey, what a bad little temper!

 Chapter 188: Woman

    <h4>Chapter 188</h4>


    The day after the crown prince of the Duke of Protector had his arm reattached, he returned home.


    Although Doctor Qiu repeatedly exhorted that this matter must not be told to outsiders, it did not affect the Yuan Family''s boundless veneration for Jiang Yuqing, and their five-bodied prostration of admiration for her skills.


    Although they did not know what supernatural methods she had used to seamlessly restore their son''s severed arm in such a short amount of time.


    But when she left in the emperor''s embrace, her pallidplexion was clearly not feigned, it seemed she had paid a considerable price for this feat.


    This made the Yuan Family even more devoted to the emperor and empress.


    Due to Doctor Qiu''s exhortation, it was another half month before the Duke of Protector brought his son, whose "arm was still wrapped up", into the pce to give thanks.


    The crown prince was most profoundly affected by this event. Having been saved by Lady Jiang in his childhood, and saved again by the empress this year, it would not be an exaggeration to call the Jiang father and daughter his life''s benefactors.


    Especially regarding this matter of his severed arm, he had thought he would be crippled for life, but unexpectedly the empress had reconnected it with her great supernatural powers, restoring it perfectly and wlessly.


    In his heart he practically regarded the empress as his parents reborn, he decided, from now on anyone who crossed the empress would be crossing him and crossing the Yuan Family.


    Because Jiang Yuqing was pregnant, there were senior ministers who submitted a proposal, suggesting that the emperor reopen the selection for consorts, to bring more women into the imperial harem.


    To quash their intentions, Jing Yan directly promised in open court in front of all his ministers that for his entire life he would only have this one empress, and would never take any other consorts.


    That minister cried loudly: "Your Majesty, this vites court etiquette. Moreover with the imperial family''s sparse progeny, you should even more reopen selection and bring consorts into the pce to flourish the imperial n."


    Jing Yan said: "The founding Taizu Emperor also only had one empress. Why don''t you go and discuss court etiquette with the Taizu Emperor?"


    That minister was immediately silenced.


    At this time Yuan Yun directly stood out to retort: "Speaking so sanctimoniously, what''s the point! Who doesn''t know your family has two daughters, relying on their slightly better looks always hopping around frolicking in this poetry meet and that tea gathering in the capital, even shamelessly self-titling themselves the capital''s number one beauty or someughable title. What exactly are you plotting? Do you think others don''t know? If it wasn''t for this Duke looking down on you, just those two silly daughters of yours aren''t even fit to carry Her Majesty the Empress''s shoes. Yet you still fantasize about sending them into the pce topete for favor, utterly idiotic. Tsk,paring the glow of rotten grass to the moon''s splendor over the sea of stars? Howughable."


    That minister''s face went white with anger. He yelled, "How dare you recklessly smear my daughters'' reputations. I never had any such intentions."


    Yuan Yun would not give him any face: "Bah! No such intentions? Then what nonsense are you spouting here! Who doesn''t know what your elder daughter did in front of Her Majesty the Empress, at the celebration banquet for this old minister''s longevity birthday when His Majesty honored us with his presence at the Yuan estatest time? Go on, tell me you don''t know about it? Don''t y big bad wolf in front of me!"


    This remark truly tore all pretense from his face. That minister was so angry his eyeballs bulged out. He pointed at Yuan Yun, only managing to squeeze out a few words: "You, you, you..." Then suddenly his eyes rolled back and with a thud he copsed unconscious on the ground. It was unknown whether he really fainted or was just pretending.


    On the dragon throne, the emperor raised a fist to his mouth and lightly coughed. He summoned the forbidden troops to carry away that minister and called over an imperial physician to take a look.


    From then on, no one else dared to raise any objections regarding the matter of the emperor selecting consorts for the harem.


    News of what happened at court quickly reached Jiang Yuqing''s ears. After the morning session ended, Jing Yan recounted the events to her. Jiang Yuqing found it incredibly amusing.


    "Among all the generals at court, only the Duke of Protector Yuan Yun''s sharp tongue can thrash people like this. Many civil officials are no match for him. It''s quite rare."


    Because of this, when court adjourned, Jiang Wenyuan pulled Yuan Yun aside to specially express his gratitude.


    As the empress''s father and father-inw, although he was unhappy in his heart about the emperor taking consorts, he could not overtly oppose it. Yuan Yun speaking up for him could be considered helping him let out his resentment.


    Yuan Yun understood his old friend''s sentiments. He patted Jiang Wenyuan on the shoulder, "Just a trivial matter between us brothers, who keeps count." Moreover his own son''s arm was saved by Her Majesty the Empress."


    As the two walked, they agreed to meet that night and bring their sons to grill meat together at Thai An.


    When Wei Lingyun came to the pce to see her, Jiang Yuqing brought her to the imperial gardens to pick vegetables.


    Now the imperial gardens had be the favorite ce for everyone in the pce to visit. Not because today''s gardens were more beautiful than before, but because people could experience the joy of nting and harvesting vegetables there.


    Jiang Yuqing picked the vegetables she wanted to eat for dinner tonight, then selected arge watermelon for the pce servants to wash, slice and deliver to thekeside pavilion. As the two women sat eating melon, they chatted.


    Wei Lingyun''s husband Xiao Ming passed the provincial examinationst autumn. Feeling his schrship was inadequate, he was currently studying hard at the Imperial Academy, preparing for the triennial civil service examination in three years.


    The two women spoke about the distant Yuan Wuyang in Cangzhou. Wei Lingyun said: "I heard from Mother some time ago that elder sister had a huge fight with her husband.


    The cause was that he had taken in a concubine born of a brothel. That concubine then came knocking to try and be a proper concubine.


    Elder sister was so angry she gave that concubine a beating right there. Then she called her husband back and thrashed him fiercely in front of his mother, the concubine, and all his children by concubines and maids, breaking two of his ribs. She then had him held down and shaved bald.


    She dered that if he dared fool around with women outside again, she would straight up cut off his manhood, crippling his ability to be a man anymore. Then she gave him a bill of divorce to end their marriage. This finally shocked that bunch of freaks and monsters in her household.


    That husband of hers has no abilities. If a few years ago the household had not been helped over some troubles by the Duke of Protector''s estate, their entire household could have gotten implicated. Now the situation there deteriorates daily.


    If the man was truly divorced by elder sister, not to mention the humiliation, without the protection of the Duke of Protector''s estate he would be nothing.


    The man understood this logic himself, so he pleaded for elder sister to give him another chance and forgive him this time. Instantly dragging his wounded body over, he sold off those concubines and unmarried maids.


    The two remaining concubines now obediently cause her no trouble, not daring to provoke her in the slightest. Their daily life is much improved now."


    Jiang Yuqing also felt Wei Lingyun''s words made sense. In life one needed principles and bottom lines. One shouldn''t blindly obey elders, as their words weren''t necessarily all correct.


    Being overly kind could seem weak to others, and weakness meant exploitability. Why suffer misfortune for other people''s benefit? Nobody owes anybody anything in their first life. Why let others step all over you?


    The two women chatted about some tasty snacks and fun sights to see around the capital. Wei Lingyun said that tomorrow was the mid-month fair, and the Baoyue Building would be holding an auction of treasures brought back by merchant fleets from distant southern seas abroad. She asked if Jiang Yuqing was interested in going to take a look.


    Jiang Yuqing considered that ever since she had reattached the crown prince''s severed arm at the charity hospitalst time, she had not left the pce for many days.


    There were no matters requiring attention tomorrow or the next day. Going out for some fun would be nice. After the auction they could visit the Jiang estate to see her elders.


    After sending off Wei Lingyun, she told Jing Yan about wanting to visit the Baoyue Building tomorrow. Jing Yan did not stop her, only urging her to take good care of herself and bring some pce maids along.


    Jiang Yuqing thought for a moment then agreed. Her belly was gradually growing bigger, and daily activities were indeed not as convenient as before. Having some pce maids attending her would be helpful for minor matters. She just disliked causing trouble.


    Oh well, just endure for now! Things would get better after giving birth.


    The next day, Jiang Yuqing arrived at the Baoyue Building on time, meeting up with Wei Lingyun.


    Wei Lingyun had also brought her daughter along. The youngdy was ten years old this year and had an elegant bearing that made her very lovable.


    A few people were about to go in when they suddenly heard someone shouting for help not far away: "Come quickly, someone fell into the water!" As soon as Jiang Yuqing heard that, he hurriedly walked to thekeside, and Wei Lingyun also pulled her daughter along to follow suit.


    At this time, many onlookers had already gathered around thekeside, and it was chaotic. About ten zhang from the shore, a small boat was upside down, capsized on the water, and several figures were struggling in theke, shouting for help.


    On the shore, several men had already gotten into the water and were swimming towards them, preparing to rescue people. They swam very fast, and soon pulled up two men and swam back to the shore.


    Only one young woman was clinging tightly to the overturned boat, stubbornly refusing to let the rescuers pull her.


    The men were afraid that she would drown, but did not dare to pull her forcibly.


    Just as they were at an impasse, suddenly a beautiful figure in goose-yellow clothes flew up into the air, using the lotus leaves in theke as footholds, and in just a few hops arrived at the overturned small boat. She reached down and lightly pulled the drowning woman out of the water.


    Then the toes of her feet lightly touched the bottom of the boat again, and with just a few more hops like a dragonfly skimming the water, she brought the woman to the shore. During the whole process, her shoes did not even get wet once, showing her excellent lightness skill.


    Even Wei Lingyun, who was very aplished in martial arts, could not help but highly praise: "What wonderful lightness skill!"


    As it was summer, they wore light clothes. Afraid that the woman would be exposed, as soon as they got to shore, the female warrior in yellow clothes protected her in her arms and shouted loudly, "Does anyone have spare outer garments to lend her for cover?" She was extremely thoughtful.


    Jiang Yuqing then had the pce maid hurry back to the carriage to fetch a spare outer garment and hand it to the woman, saying, "If you don''t mind, please use my garment!"


    When the people saw her face clearly, they all gasped, and were about to kneel down to greet her, but Jiang Yuqing stopped them with a look.


    The female warrior took his clothes and thanked him, put them on the drenched woman, and sent her away.


    At this moment, another familiar voice suddenly rang out: "Little sister, what are you doing here too?" It turned out to be her brother, Jiang Yuchuan.


    "I had some free time today and was thinking of going to Baoyue Building to take a look. What about you, are you also here for the auction?"


    "Yeah. I took a day off today and made ns with some friends toe take a look. When I heard people shouting for help here, I rushed over." He paused for a moment, looking in the direction the female warrior in yellow had left and asked Jiang Yuqing, "Does my sister happen to know who that woman was who saved them just now?"


    Jiang Yuqing shook her head. Then, suddenly realizing something, she smiled teasingly at Jiang Yuchuan, "It''s rare for brother to take interest in a woman. Even if I don''t know who she is, it wouldn''t be hard for me to find out on brother''s behalf."


    Jiang Yuchuan''s face turned red all of a sudden, and he stammered, "Sister is just joking, I was just...just asking casually, no need to investigate."


    Although they were both here for the auction, the siblings were not in the same booth. So they parted ways here, each going their own way, only agreeing to meet up and return home together after the auction ended.


    As soon as Jiang Yuqing entered Baoyue Building, the attendants led her to the highest-level private room. After sitting down, she casually cracked melon seeds while scanning the lower public area, and was surprised to discover that the female warrior who had saved those people was also there.


    Her eyes glinted craftily, and she had a pce maid go invite the warrior to join her in the private room to chat.


    The maid took her order and went out. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Jiang Yuchuan standing outside: ¡°Little sister, my friends stood me up. May I join you and Sister Wei Lingyun?¡± What a coincidence!


    Jiang Yuqing raised her eyebrows. This will be interesting!

 Chapter 189: Sister-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 189</h4>


    Before long, the pce maid brought back the "Female Knight".


    The Female Knight nodded at her and said politely, "Madam is too kind. May I ask why Madam has summoned me?"


    Jiang Yuqing invited her to sit down and looked her up and down. Seeing that this girl had a goose egg face, fair skin, delicate features, and a bright and imposing appearance, she was very satisfied in her heart and thought to herself that her brother had good taste.


    "Just now by theke, I admired your heroic spirit when you saved that person. Then I saw you again when I came to Baoyue Tower, it must be fate. So I took the liberty to invite you for a chat. Please forgive me if I was too forward, miss."


    The Female Knight said, "It''s nothing. I''ve just returned to the capital and don''t have many friends here. It is my honor that Madam has invited me."


    Jiang Yuqing used this topic to continue the conversation, "I can tell I haven''t seen you before, so you must have just returned to the capital. Judging from miss''s bearing and skills, you must not be from an ordinary family. Please forgive my forwardness, but may I ask which household are you from?"


    The Female Knight said, "My surname is Zhao. I''m from Yongning Earl''s residence. The current Yongning Earl is my uncle. I used to follow my father to guard the southwest border and seldom returned to the capital."


    "Guarding the southwest border? Do you happen to know General Zhao Qinn, the famous Jade-Faced General from the southwest army?"


    The Female Knightughed and said, "He is my father."


    Jiang Yuqing suddenly understood, "So you are from a military family. No wonder your skills are so formidable. Please forgive my rudeness."


    "From Madam''s words, it seems you know my father?"


    Jiang Yuqing nodded, "During the western expedition against Tubo, I have met your father a few times. We wererades-in-arms. Later when I got married, your father travelled a thousand miles to return to the capital from the southwest border to carry the bridal sedan for me personally. I''ve always remembered this kindness!"


    "Western Expedition? Comrades-in-arms! Carried the bridal sedan?" Zhao Yan seemed to have realized something. Her face suddenly turned pale with shock. She quickly knelt down to apologize, "So you are Her Majesty the Queen! This foolish girl has eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Yuqing bent down slightly to help her up, "No need to be overly courteous. I''m not a stickler for formalities either. You and I are simr in age. Just chatting with me will suffice."


    Knowing Jiang Yuqing''s identity, Zhao Yan was a bit reserved at first. But seeing the queen''s amiable manner without any pretense, she soon rxed and opened up. Before long, she was chattering away.


    She was a very cheerful and optimistic girl, one year older than Jiang Yuqing at eighteen years old.


    Throughout their conversation, Jiang Yuchuan sat quietly to one side listening attentively. He only asionally poured some tea for them, without interrupting even once. Yet the slight upward curl at the corners of his mouth showed he was in very good spirits.


    After a while, the auction began.


    Having lived two lifetimes, Jiang Yuqing had seen all kinds of treasures and curiosities, so she didn''t have much interest in these so-called Western treasures.


    Wei Lingyun wasn''t very enthusiastic either. But Zhao Yan liked a jewel-encrusted delicate dagger and bid on it a couple times. However, she had to give up because it was too expensive.


    Yet this item was eventually won by Jiang Yuchuan. The moment the gavel hit, Jiang Yuqing nced at her brother and saw his hands tightly clenched within his sleeves. She immediately understood.


    Oh my, not bad at all, young man.


    The weather is in your favor.


    The auction ended. Just as everyone was about leave, it started pouring heavily outside.


    Zhao Yan had ridden here alone on horseback without a carriage. Jiang Yuchuan made the excuse of returning home with his sister and volunteered to let Zhao Yan use his carriage, telling the coachman to send her home.


    Zhao Yan hesitated for a moment before epting.


    After Zhao Yan left, Wei Lingyun and her mother also bid farewell. Pce maids held umbres escorting Jiang Yuqing onto the carriage. Jiang Yuchuan carefully helped his sister aboard, then followed after.


    Inside the carriage, Jiang Yuqing asked Jiang Yuchuan, "Brother, what do you think of the Zhao family''s youngdy?"


    Jiang Yuchuan pressed a hand over his fiercely thumping chest and coughed awkwardly, "She''s pretty good."


    Jiang Yuqing chuckled, "I think she''s quite good too. She wouldn''t be bad as my sister-inw, don''t you think?" Jiang Yuchuan''s handsome face visibly reddened. He stammered, "Little sister, don''t spout nonsense. Don''t ruin her reputation."


    "Oh stop it. I saw everything, no need to pretend. You left that little box you bid on earlier in the carriage, didn''t you? A gentle beauty, a gentleman''s delight. If you like her, then pursue her. No need to be shy about it."


    Jiang Yuchuan''s face grew even redder. He nodded slightly and said in a small voice, "I understand!"


    Meanwhile, after boarding the carriage, Zhao Yan discovered a small box inside. This box looked very familiar. It was the one she had wanted but couldn''t afford, that waster won by the Duke Jiang''s Heir.


    She had only wanted to move the box elsewhere, but unexpectedly found a small slip of paper underneath it. On it was written in one line of bold and vigorous characters, "There is wood on the mountain, and branches on the wood."


    Zhao Yan understood the meaning and blushed to her ears. The hand holding the note felt as hot as if it was on fire, giving her a fright. She hurriedly tossed the paper aside.


    But soon she picked it up again and put it to the side after some hesitation.


    She deliberated some more before finally opening the box. Inside was the dagger she had fancied! After carefully caressing it twice, she put the item back into the box together with the slip of paper and hugged it tightly to her chest, as if it were some rare treasure.


    She was already eighteen years old. Girls from other families would mostly be married with children by her age.


    But her mother passed away early, and her straightforward father didn''t think of these things. With only a concubine by his side, naturally no one could make decisions on her behalf.


    Not wanting an blind arranged marriage, she had been refusing her grandmother and uncle''s frequent letters urging her to return to the capital to get engaged. She had been putting it off for several years on various excuses.


    But she couldn''t drag it out any longer this year, so she finally returned.


    The day after she returned, her grandmother immediately brought up a match to her, saying it was the legitimate second son of Earl Anping, called Wei Caile, who was doted on at home.


    Before she even had a chance to check the guy out, her uncle Yongning Earl learned about it and immediately vetoed the matter, saying the man was no good and she must not marry him.


    It turned out this scoundrel had previously made indecent advances toward Her Majesty the Queen using very nasty means. When Duke Jiang''s residence and the then Crown Prince caught wind of this, he was secretly taught a painful lesson that nearly cost him his life.


    Who would dare marry their daughter to someone who had offended His Majesty? The Wei family was just trying to take advantage of Zhao Yan''s grandmother not going out much and Zhao Yan herself being unfamiliar with the inner workings of the capital after being stationed at the border for so long. Only then did they dare attempt this deception.


    Her uncle evenmented that it would have been great if it was Duke Jiang''s Heir instead.


    In the capital, Jiang Yuchuan''s reputation needed no boration. Sixteen years old, topped the imperial exam. Overflowing talent, handsome appearance, integrity. On top of that, he was the heir of Duke Jiang''s hereditary noble residence and the only sessor. Each of his titles alone was enough to arouse envy, let alone all of thembined into one person. It was only natural that others would be jealous.


    As a result, he had justifiably be the number one most eligible young master among the noble heirs in the capital. The dream lover of daughters from prestigious families, the dream son-inw of the matriarchs of powerful households.


    Even stationed at the remote southwest border, she had heard of him.


    It was said that over these years, the number of people who went to Duke Jiang''s residence to propose marriage was enough to wear down their doorstep. Yet she never heard of him favoring any girl.


    She didn''t expect that he would pass her a note today after only one brief encounter. This made her feel surprised and secretly sweet, rendering her momentarily at a loss for what to do.


    Upon returning to Duke Jiang''s residence, the first thing Jiang Yuqing did was report this matter to the senior women of the family. They were utterly delighted, especially Lu.


    Her own daughter was already married and pregnant. Yet her son was twenty-three already without a wife, which worried Lu as his mother.


    Now that she finally heard her stalwart son was going to blossom, she was extremely thrilled in her heart.


    She only regretted being unable to immediately rush to that girl''s home to see with her own eyes.


    But marrying off one''s son was a major event not to be handled recklessly. Lu could only suppress the anxiety in her heart and quietly await good news.


    It just so happened that the fruits were ripe at Tai''an Farm manor. So Jiang Yuqing personally wrote an invitation for Zhao Yan to go fruit picking there.


    Hearing it was a personal invitation from the Queen, Madam of Yongning Earl was greatly astonished.


    It is well known that every year during the flower appreciation and fruit harvesting seasons at Tai Nong Manor, tourists from the capital would flock there eagerly.


    The only exception was the first year when Her Majesty the Queen, who was still a princess back then, had sent out invitations once. After that,rge-scale invitations were never sent out again.


    asionally, one or two times, she would only invite close friends. Irrelevant people simply could not receive invitations from Her Majesty. Therefore, it was unusual that she specially sent out invitations to her niece this time, which inevitably made people think more.


    She was a smart person and immediately asked Zhao Yan whether she had interactions with the Queen.


    Zhao Yan did not hide it either. She only said that a few days ago at Baoyue Building, she had the fortune to be invited by Her Majesty and watched an auction together in a private room.


    Madam of Yongning Earl also asked whether there were other people besides the Queen in that private room back then.


    Zhao Yan said there were also Weilingyun, the daughter of Commander-in-Chief Wei''s main wife, as well as the heir of Duke Jiang''s Residence, Jiang Yuchuan.


    Madam of Yongning Earl immediately smiled. She roughly guessed what was going on in her heart. Then she patted Zhao Yan¡¯s hand and said, "I will send someone to make some fashionable new clothes for youter as gifts and ask you to dress up nicely. Our eldest youngdy from the main wife of the Earl Residence can''t dress poorly when going out!"


    Madam of Yongning Earl did not have her own daughter. She only had three daughters from concubines. Among them, two were already married, and the other one was also of age. However, they were not her own daughters after all, so she still felt dissatisfied in her heart. She was closer to her niece from a separate courtyard. Moreover, this niece had lost her own mother. Therefore, she treated her even more intimately.


    As expected, on the day the manor opened, all the Jiang''s women went out. They looked forward to seeing the future daughter-inw (or niece-inw).


    Jiang Yuchuan was even forced by his mother to wear a lc and white stand-cor robe, with a jade crown on his head, a jade belt around his waist, dressed appropriately.


    Along with that handsome face, he appeared polite and refined, as if carved and polished.


    Even Jiang Yuqing, who was used to seeing the beautiful faces of her husband and elders, couldn''t help losing herself for a moment.


    They came early. When they arrived, Zhao Yan was not there yet. Hearing that today''s trip was to find a daughter-inw for Jiang Yuchuan, several elders were immediately spirited. They did not sit down and gathered in the pavilion, waiting for the protagonist to arrive so that they could join in the fun.

 Chapter 190: The Tradition of the Old Jing Family

    <h4>Chapter 190</h4>


    Zhao Yan did not let everyone wait too long. She arrived only about ten minutester than Jiang Yuqing and the others. She was also wearing a light blue and white ruqun dress today, with hairpins and jewelry on her body, apparently carefully dressed up.


    In order not to embarrass her, everyone was scattered in different ces, quietly observing her without making a sound. They saw that this girl was as beautiful and charming as Jiang Yuqing had said, cheerful and generous, and they liked her instantly. Jiang Yuqing, on the excuse of feeling unwell, asked her elder brother to act as a tour guide and take Zhao Yan to pick fruit, openly creating opportunities for the two.


    Jiang Yuchuan also did not fail his sister''s painstaking intention. He bravely took scissors and a basket to lead Zhao Yan all the way to the grape orchard.


    His sister said that if he wanted to get the beauty back as soon as possible, he had to have thick skin. Besides, the two happened to wear very matching clothes today that looked particrly pleasing to the eye. It was very fateful.


    Seeing this, several elders made eye contact with each other and rushed along another path to the vineyard at top speed, determined to get there before them, like a guerri unit carrying out an ambush.


    Not long after Jiang Yuchuan and Zhao Yan arrived at the grape orchard, a row of heads peeked out from the window of the temporary warehouse next to the vineyard, which was obscured by lush branches and leaves.


    On closer inspection, goodness! The Retired Emperor, Li Deshun, General Qin, old man Jiang, olddy Hu, and the Retired Empress were all here.


    Old Lady Hu squinted her eyes with a smile and said softly to the Retired Empress, "This girl is so beautiful, slender and graceful. She doesn''t seem pretentious either, dignified and elegant. She will make a good wife."


    The Retired Empress also approved. In her heart, she also added another sentence, "No matter how good she is, she is not as good as my Qingqing!"


    They saw that although the two had picked half a basket of grapes, they were still observing propriety and had not made any real progress.


    The Retired Emperor couldn''t help butin, "I thought this kid was quite smart usually. Why is he so slow now? I''ve been watching here for half a day, howe there''s still no sign from him yet?"


    Hearing this, everyone turned to look at him: "What sign?"


    The Retired Emperor said, "Look, there''s no one around them. Why doesn''t he take the chance to at least hold the youngdy''s hand? He''s being too much of a gentleman. Does he n to get the beauty in the year of the monkey?"


    A real man has to have thick skin. Back in my day, when I was pursuing Qingqing..."


    The Retired Empress blushed. She was afraid that the old guy would say something embarrassing and make peopleugh, so she quickly coughed. The Retired Emperor immediately understood and shut his mouth.


    Everyone looked at him contemptuously. That was the extent of his abilities.


    General Qin looked more and more fondly of Zhao Yan. He suddenly said, "This girl is really good. Actually she would also match well with my grandson."


    As soon as Old Man Jiang heard this, he was unhappy. He red at him angrily: "What do you mean, old fe? Are you trying to snatch her away? Do you want to fight?"


    General Qin red back: ¡°Let¡¯s fight then. Why would I, a sword wielding general, fear a farmer like you who carries a hoe?¡±


    "Hey, with my fiery temper today, I really ought to cross weapons with you. Don''t think you can get away with it just because you''re a general. I¡¯m not afraid of you, old man."


    Everyone was really afraid they would start fighting and expose themselves, so they quickly separated them.


    Jiang Yuchuan yed with Zhao Yan for a whole morning and clipped several baskets of grapes. With so many grapes, they definitely could not finish them all at once, so Jiang Yuchuan said he would take them back to make grape wine.


    Seeing that there was no one around, he plucked up the courage to say to Zhao Yan, ¡°Yan, I have feelings for you. I fell in love with you at first sight by Baoyue Lake. If you are willing, we could use the grape wine as our wedding toast. Would you like that?"


    Zhao Yan was stunned that he suddenly confessed to her. Her beautiful little face quickly turned red, her long eyshes drooped, and she twisted her hands in embarrassment, not knowing what to do.


    Jiang Yuchuan saw the beauty''s rosy cheeks like a shy little deer, which he found extremely cute. He boldly took her hands. Zhao Yan twitched slightly but did not pull her hands back, letting him be.


    "Yan, you haven''t answered my question yet."


    Zhao Yan took a deep breath, looked up at the handsome man in front of her, and weighed it up. No matter how she looked at it, she felt like she was at an advantage, so she nodded.


    Jiang Yuchuan was overjoyed. He hugged the beauty tightly and felt that although this year''s grapes had not yet been made into wine, she was already so intoxicating.


    Unfortunately, the melon-eating gang of six who had left earlypletely missed such a beautiful scene.


    At lunch, when Zhao Yan saw Jiang¡¯s group of women, she waspletely stunned. Only then did she realize that everything that happened was nned by Jiang¡¯s family. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole in the ground to crawl into.


    Lu Shi took off the magnolia flower hairpin on her head and put it in Zhao Yan''s hair. She smiled and said, "I''ve worn this hairpin for many years and kept it at home gathering dust. Now it can finally be gifted out. My good girl, I was too impatient today and startled you. Please don''t take offense."


    Zhao Yan was shy and quickly declined.


    After lunch, Lady Lu also talked with her for a long time before letting Jiang Yuchuan send her home.


    When she returned home, Lady Yong asked her niece eagerly, ¡°How was your trip to Tai¡¯an Farm today? Who did you meet?"


    Zhao Yan touched the hairpin in her hair and uncharacteristically revealed her feminine charm, ¡°It was fine. Except for Her Majesty the Empress, all the women of Jiang Gong¡¯s residence were there. This was given to me by Lady Jiang."


    So Lady Yong already had a good idea. She happily praised, "Our youngdy is lucky." That night Lady Yong told her husband and mother-inw about the matter.


    Marquis Yong had never imagined that Jiang Gong¡¯s residence would fancy his niece. This was simply a windfall. He was extremely excited and asked his wife to make good preparations.


    Sure enough, after a few days Jiang Gong¡¯s residence picked an auspicious day and sent a matchmaker to discuss marriage prospects. The Yong residence readily agreed.


    Soon the imperial decree came down, granting marriage between Eldest Young Master Jiang Yuchuan of Jiang Gong''s residence and eldest daughter Zhao Yan of Yongning Marquis¡¯ residence.


    As soon as the imperial decree came down, the entire capital was in an uproar, causing countless youngdies in the inner chambers to cry bitterly while the madams of each household pounded their chests and stamped their feet.


    Thus, after Jiang Yuqing, Zhao Yan became the second person that the girls of the capital envied and hated.


    For a while, the Yongning Marquis¡¯ residence was bustling with visitors. Among the madams paying congrattory visits were also many youngdies from the inner chambers.


    Everyone wanted to see what kind of nationally renowned beauty this youngdy Zhao from the southwest, who had lived there for years, was to make Eldest Young Master Jiang, the number one gentleman in the capital, bow in admiration to her.


    The wedding date was set for the twelfth lunar month, still three to four months away. Although it seemed like ample time, it was actually very pressing.


    Just after Mid-Autumn festival, the fetus in Princess Mingyang¡¯s belly ripened and she gave birth to a daughter after a night ofbor pains at dawn. She was named Yang Zhenyi, nicknamed Yiyi.


    On the third day after the birth, Jiang Yuqing and Jing Yan came to see the baby. She was an extremely delicate little girl. As Jiang Yuqing was pregnant, she did not hold the baby due to certain taboos.


    On the way back, she nestled in Jing Yan¡¯s arms, holding her increasingly bulging belly, and said to him, ¡°I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl. It would be great if she''s as cute as Yiyi if it¡¯s a girl.¡±


    Jing Yan kissed her forehead and gently ced his palm on her belly, saying gently, ¡°I actually hope it''s a boy. That way from birth I can teach him the ways of an emperor. When he grows up I canpletely hand this burden on my shoulders over to him, and go live a life of just the two of us. If it¡¯s a girl, I wouldn¡¯t bear to see her suffer so much.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing stared at him indignantly, ¡°Speaking like that, I suddenly feel very unfortunate to have you as the father. He''s not even born yet and you''re already plotting against him.¡±


    Jing Yan looked totally justified, ¡°Because that''s also how I came to be, so of course he can be no exception.¡±


    Jiang Yuqing curled her lips, "So should I sympathize with you first in that case?"


    "No need for that. It''s the tradition of us old Jing family. If that''s the case, then the people you need to sympathize with go back at least as far as his great-grandfather''s generation."


    Jiang Yuqing: "......" How vexing! You make those nine dragon sons who participated in the struggle for the throne so aggrieved!


    Since the Ministry of Works seeded in researching cement, in just over half a year, all the streets of the capital city were now paved with cement roads. Carriages traveling on the roads were very smooth.


    The benefit was especially apparent after heavy rains, as there was no longer the fear of muddy and impassable roads, which greatly convenienced themoners of the capital city.


    Not only that, cement roads had started paving from the capital city towards major cities in all four directions. It was believed that in a few years, all the major official roads of Da Xia would be paved with cement roads.


    The carriage smoothly returned to the pce. Jing Yan went to the imperial study to handle government affairs. Jiang Yuqing changed intofortable clothes andy down to rest on the beauty couch.


    Bai Xiaojiu leisurely walked in from outside. First, as usual, it rubbed its big head against her palm to act coquettish.


    However, soon after, it started twitching its nose, as if vigorously smelling something. Its temper suddenly became restless too. Lowering its head towards a big vase next to the bookcase, it let out a low, threatening roar.


    While roaring, it also pped the ground with its huge paws, its steel whip-like tail sweeping the ground at an extremely fast frequency. These were the instinctive reactions of fierce beasts when facing threats.


    "Master, there is something inside this jar."


    Jiang Yuqing was shocked in her heart. Her consciousness shot out sharply, prating the vase. Indeed, inside was a red, thumb-thick triangr-headed coral snake.


    Perhaps feeling Bai Xiaojiu''s threat, the red little snake suddenly shot out from the vase towards Jiang Yuqing''s face.


    In that instant, Jiang Yuqing''s mind moved, and in a sh her body emitted a "hum" as a transparent protective shield appeared around her. The snake pped against the protective shield with a "pa" and was bounced back, crashing heavily on the ground, beaten silly.


    At the same time, the little thorn that was always coiled around Jiang Yuqing''s wrist as an ornament swiftly extended two steel needle-like branches, nailing the little red snake''s head and tail to the ground.


    As the saying goes, take advantage of someone when they are down. This not only applies to the human world, but also the animal kingdom. Seeing this, Bai Xiao Ji jumped forward and pped down with its paw, breaking the little snake into two at its seventh vertebrae.


    This sudden scene really frightened the pce maids and eunuchs. They hurriedly shouted for protection. At the same time, some were sent rushing to the imperial study to report the incident.

 Chapter 191: Don’t make it too obvious.

    <h4>Chapter 191</h4>


    Jiang Yuqing was attacked by a venomous snake in her bedroom. Jing Yan was furious and ordered a thorough investigation.


    However, just as they were investigating a young pce maid, she was found dead in an abandoned dried up well in the pce.


    It was certain that she was the one who released the snake, but the reason why she did it and where she got the snake remained unknown.


    The only thing known was that she was just a pawn. After the truth came out, someone twisted her neck and killed her to keep her mouth shut. Her corpse was discarded in the rarely visited dried up well in the cold pce. The clues ended here for the time being.


    Doctor Qiu came to take a look and said that this extremely venomous cobra was only found in the Southern Bordends, and that even in the Southern Bordends, only people of priestly status could raise this kind of hard-to-keep snake.


    Therefore, it was very likely that the mastermind was someone from the Southern Bordends. Even if that was not the case, they must have some connection with the Southern Bordends.


    Jiang Yuqing started to think about whether she had offended anyone recently that prompted them to use such a vicious method against her. However, no matter how much she thought about it, she came up nk.


    In the end, it was her father who reminded her, "As long as you sit on the empress'' throne for a day, that is the original sin!"


    Jiang Yuqing thus sent a carrier pigeon to her Third Senior Brother, telling him about the venomous snake incident and asking Lu Yi to investigate in the Southern Bordends. For Lu Yi, going to the Southern Bordends was no different from going back to his hometown. If she asked for his help, there might be unexpected discoveries.


    The investigation within the pce did not stop after the young pce maid died either.


    After this incident, she did not dare to be careless again. She spent several days setting up defensive magic arrays in her and Jing Yan''s bedroom and the pces they frequently used.


    Especially for their bedroom, she even added a spirit gathering array. This way, unless permitted, even a mosquito would not be able to fly in.


    While it''s easy to be a thief for a thousand days but hard to guard against one for a thousand days, she could not feel at ease before finding out who the mastermind was. If he could buy off one person, he could buy off ten. In the end, snakes and worms were easy to defend against, but the human heart was hard to fathom.


    Although there weren''t many monsters and demons in this world, there were still some.


    She would give birth soon. Topletely avoid any danger during herbor, Jiang Yuqing spent several more days making Loyalty Pills and mixed them into the tea to secretly make the pce maids, eunuchs and midwives around her ingest them unknowingly.


    After taking this pill, they would not feel anything unless they harbored evil intentions against her or people she cared about.


    Although this approach was somewhat petty, it was also the most direct and effective method.


    When Jing Yan found out, he also approved of her approach and asked her for several pills to give to the eunuchs around him.


    A few dayster, the investigation produced some initial results.


    It turned out that the deceased pce maid had a mother outside the pce who made a living by embroidering for an embroidery shop. She was threatened by some unknown people that if the pce maid did not release snakes into the empress'' pce, they would kill her mother.


    Although the pce maid knew that regardless of whether she seeded or failed, the oue would be death for her, she still went ahead fearlessly for her mother''s sake.


    But as the investigation went deeper, the Ministry of Justice discovered that this pce maid''s mother did not seem simple.


    For example, her residence was tightly shut. Even the windows were nailed from the inside.


    Besides going to the embroidery shop to pick up work or buying rice and necessities, she almost never went out or interacted with her neighbors.


    Even when she went out, she always wore a thick face veil and no one had seen what she looked like. In the eyes of people around her, she was an extremely entric woman.


    Moreover, after the incident, she mysteriously disappeared.


    The clues ended here.


    Although this incident affected her mood to some extent, she could not let it get in the way. In any case, her ability to protect herself was sufficient. Hence, it did not dy anything she had to do.


    September, the annual Mid-Autumn Festival came around again. And because the birthdays of the two generations of emperors were only a few days apart, to save resources and show full filial respect, the Mid-Autumn Festival was set on Grand Emperor Tai''s birthday.


    It just so happened that several overseas fleet had returned. Along with the fleets came envoys from several Western countries.


    Such as the Prince of Temasek, the chieftain of Luzon, Earl of Johor, Prince of Ceylon, princes from Siam and Shendu, and even a pair of sharp-nosed, blue-eyed, foreign-named Duke siblings from the distant Western continent.


    Plus envoys from the surrounding tribal groups and small countries such as Xianbei, Southern Bordends, East Woman Country and so on. For a time, all kinds of ethnicities gathered in the capital and it became exceptionally lively. The state guesthouses were also fully upied.


    Because there were so many envoys, Jing Yan had no choice but to receive them in three separate batches. He also held a special weing banquet.


    For these guests who had travelled from afar, this was a true eye-opener to the prosperity and power of Daya.


    Not only were there exquisite silk, fine porcin, fragrant tea, and extremely abundant delicious food, there was also superior architecture and other forms of art.


    Just the cement pavement was enough to surprise them for a long time. Several asked the apanying officials from the Ministry of Rites in session if this material was for sale because they wanted to buy it.


    Daya did not bluntly reject them but said, "It can be sold, but not now. You''ll have to wait at least another two years."


    Right now, cement was still a precious resource in Daya, there was not even enough for domestic use, so how could it be sold abroad?


    Although somewhat disappointed, these envoys also understood it was unreasonable to demand it. They only secretly decided in their hearts to establish friendly diplomatic ties with this powerful Eastern country in the future.


    At the same time, the exotic specialties these envoys brought sparked great interest. Such as spices and gems.


    Other than the organisms Daya expressly prohibited, there were still many good things.


    For example, Jiang Yuqing picked out the tomato. It was not just a fruit, but tasted even better when made into dishes, and was rich in nutrients.


    While these envoys from small countries broadened their horizons, how could the citizens of the capital fall behind in gaining knowledge?


    For the first time, they realized that in the distantnds across the seas to the west, there were still many different ethnic groups living there. Such as those with dark skin and brown hair, as well as fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. It was true what they said, that the world was so vast, nothing was too bizarre.


    As the old saying goes, wherever there are people, there is society. And wherever there is society, trouble easily brews when there are too many people.


    That afternoon, the Ministry of Rites reported that the Peacock Country envoys fought with the East Woman Country people.


    The cause was that an attendant of the Peacock Prince molested a personal maid of the East Woman Country princess.


    As the East Woman Country esteemed women, how could they tolerate such humiliation? They immediately fought back. Hence both sides erupted into intense physical confrontation.


    That was an extremely modest way of putting it. To be precise, the two sides broke into open violence, resulting in bloody heads and injuries. Fortunately no one died.


    When Jiang Yuqing heard about this, she waspletely speechless.


    This so-called Peacock Country was formerly known as Shendu. More than ten years ago when Daya defeated Xiongnu, Xiongnu split into two groups and fled west. One group passed through the desert and continued west, invading Yuezhi Country.


    As Yuezhi people failed to withstand the invasion, they fled west. Later they turned south, passed through the southern part of the Raja Mountains via the Khyber Pass, and invaded Shendu country. Three years ago they eliminated Shendu and established Peacock Country.


    The molester who was the Peacock Prince''s attendant was born and bred in Shendu.


    It was said that his family was quite influential locally. And the visiting Peacock Prince needed the support of his family''s power, which was why he brought the attendant along this time.


    In Jiang Yuqing''s previous world, this freak nation was also known as Shendu and was notorious for demeaning women and rape cases, which happenedyer uponyer without end in the country. Cases of all kinds of rape and sexual assault were endless, causing universal condemnation by countries all over the world. There were even rumors that they did not spare lizards.


    Netizens joked "even the earth did not dare to reveal a crack on its surface in front of Shendu people". Their freak-ness was evident.


    She did not expect that despite crossing into a different space-time, these people were still incorrigible. It proved that certain evil, deeply-ingrained genes were intrinsic within their bones.


    However, conflicts between two countries were private affairs. Even Daya was unable to interfere excessively, and could only mediate. In other words, once you were outside Daya territory, go ahead and fight wherever you wish, even beating each other to death would be none of my business.


    Since they also understood it was inappropriate to openly brawl violently in someone else''s territory, when Daya stepped forward to mediate, both sides used it as an opportunity to step down from confrontation and temporarily settled the matter. But the resentment between them waspletely established.


    From then on, whenever personnel from the two countries met at the state guesthouse, they red at each other with hostility, especially those from the victimized East Woman Country, who wished they could chop the Peacock Country people into little pieces.


    As the old saying goes, the paths of enemies are destined to cross. Just two days before the Thousand Autumns Festival, the envoys of Peacock Country and East Woman Country happened to attend an auction at Baoyue Building at the same time. Unexpectedly, they shed with each other again during the auction.


    Therefore, as soon as they exited Baoyue Building, the previously harassed East Womandy attendant seized the opportunity and cut off the manhood of the Peacock Country native who had previously harassed her.


    This made the situationpletely uncontroble. The two sides broke into fighting again.


    By the time the officers and soldiers of the Five City Military Office rushed over to separate them, a good number of people on both sides had already been killed.


    Especially those from Peacock Country, nearly half had died.


    Even the prince of Peacock Country suffered coteral damage, with half an ear sliced off by the princess of East Woman Country with a knife.


    The officers and soldiers of Great Xia maintained a poker face on the surface, but actually held the Peacock Country people in contempt.


    Despite their tall and mighty figures, they were actually a bunch of cowards who couldn''t even beat a group of women. With their pathetic state, they actually dared to sexually harass other youngdies. Not only did they arrogantly refuse to apologize after being reasoned with, they even falsely used the other party for dressing attractively and not being properdies. What kind of rubbish were they spewing? This is a typical case of ming the victim. They deserved to be beaten!


    In the end, all of the injured were sent to He An Hospital.


    While Jiang Yuqing was working there, she was very disgusted when she heard about this. She secretly instructed the medical staff, "Apply medicine to the envoys of East Woman Country as appropriately as needed, don''t skimp on them one bit.


    As for that group of Peacock Country people with problematic brains that think so highly of themselves? Since they''re acting so capable and impressive, summon all the intern doctors and med students here. These live mannequins for practical suturing are ready for practice, don''t let them go to waste. As for medications like hua re san, the cost of ingredients has risen too steeply recently, use them sparingly. Moreover, judging by the tall and sturdy bodies of those people, they should be fine even without medication. Just handle it that way!"


    Covering her mouth, the little nurse shook with stifledughter as she went out.


    Her Ladyship''s bias here was only too obvious!

 Chapter 192: Die with a Smile

    <h4>Chapter 192</h4>


    Although Jiang Yuqing had some conflicts with the Princess of East Woman Country a few years ago, it was all in the past. The envoys sent by East Woman Country in recent years have all been well-behaved, so she did not need to target them.


    Besides, harassing women and refusing to admit mistakes was a matter of principle that could not be condoned. If you can''t deal with them openly, can you not secretly trip them up?


    Obviously, the people of Peacock Country were not stupid either, and they soon noticed the difference between their injured and those of East Woman Country.


    With the same medical expenses, why were their men screaming in pain while those East Woman Country women didn''t even flinch?


    The exnation given by He An Hospital was that the women of East Woman Country were all female warriors who were particrly brave and could endure pain exceptionally well.


    Was that really the case? The people of Peacock Country expressed doubt. When fighting, the women would let out miserable cries when hacked. But the facts were there before their eyes, so they had no choice but to believe it.


    Of course, if they had stayed in Da Xia longer, they might have found out that Da Xia also had something called "boiling powder".


    The envoys of East Woman Country also deeply despised the people of Peacock Country. It was just a wound being stitched up, not painful at all. Yet they were screaming like pigs being ughtered, a bunch of cowards as expected.


    It was not until the officials of the Ministry of Rites secretly told them what was going on that the envoys understood.


    Only then did the envoys of East Woman Country know that it was the Empress of Da Xia who had secretly punished them, which was also an indirect way of venting their anger for them.


    This Princess of East Woman Country was obviously someone who knew how to be grateful. After returning to her country''s embassy that day, she sent Jiang Yuqing a milky white jade vertical flute made of sheep fat white jade, and a bracelet of pure silver iid with gemstones that was unique to East Woman Country.


    This kind of vertical flute was a musical instrument unique to East Woman Country. It was just over a foot long and had a deste and distant sound.


    The white jade vertical flute she sent had smooth and soft jade quality, indicating that its owner often yed with it and it was her beloved object.


    Jiang Yuqing could not y the flute, so there was no use in keeping it. She only kept the pure silver bracelet and returned the jade flute, saying to the female envoy, "I appreciate your thoughts. Please return this flute to your princess. There is a saying in Da Xia that ''A gentleman does not take what people cherish.''"


    When the female envoy returned and told her princess, the princess said, "She really is a person with a gentle heart. That idiot Wumaer was so foolish to offend such a person, and almost harmed East Woman Country. She deserved to die ten thousand times."


    The female envoy said, "By epting the princess''s gift, does it mean she has forgiven and forgotten past grudges?"


    The Princess of East Woman Country shook her head. "She has never put East Woman Country to heart, so how could she remember our grudges? Compared to Da Xia, our East Woman Country is far too weak, as weak as a small white rock on a snow mountain. If Da Xia is the majestic snow mountain, then East Woman Country is just a tiny insignificant white rock."


    Soon came Chongqiu Festival.


    The foreign envoys came to congratte the Retired Emperor and the current Emperor Jing Yan.


    Located among the mountains, East Woman Country did not have abundant products, so the gifts they presented were some medicinal materials, including some precious ones like cordyceps.


    Not knowing the culture of Da Xia''s circle nor the uses of these herbs, the people of Peacock Country mocked East Woman Country for trying to hoodwink the Xia Emperor with useless tree branches and weeds.


    When this was tranted, it immediately attracted white-eyed stares from everyone. The ignorance of these Peacock Country people was simply unbearable.


    The Princess of East Woman Country also felt that she had lost face. She hated those Peacock Country people so much that her teeth itched.


    Jing Yan cated, "A gift sent a thousand miles shows deep affection despite its simplicity. The gifts from East Woman Country are great and my father and I really like them."


    When it was Peacock Country''s turn, they offered up arge te of gemstones in various colors, as well as some spices unique to Peacock Country.


    The envoy of Peacock Country even deliberately walked up to the Princess of East Woman Country and showed off the gemstones, the provocation clear as day. It was extremely irritating.


    However, Jing Yan only nced at it briefly before having it taken away, without even an extra expression given to them.


    With the previous divine ointment incident, they were still in his bad books.


    Having just arrived and deliberately caused trouble on Da Xia''snd again, not expelling them from Da Xia''s territory already counted as being polite to them. Naturally he would not give them a good face.


    The gifts from the countries around the West Ocean were simr, either pearls or gemstones, or spices, nothing novel.


    After that were the white siblings from the distant western continent. Their gifts were ivory and a box of raw diamonds.


    Although not abundant in Da Xia, ivory could not be considered particrly precious.


    The Retired Emperor had an exquisite ivory sculpture set. There was also a whole set of ivory dining utensils, though he rarely used them, feeling that wooden chopsticks were more convenient.


    As for the raw diamonds, after being cut and polished they would be diamonds. In Jiang Yuqing''s previous life they were valuable, but unfortunately in this fantasy world, because of thecking polishing techniques, their worth was not well demonstrated, so the price was not high either.


    Moreover, one look and you know these were not native products of their country. They were more likely obtained in Peacock Country or surrounding nations. Offering them as tribute gifts here had a hint of re-gifting.


    When it was South Border State''s turn, they offered jade and stone originals as usual, but with five bolts of tian silkworm silk added this year.


    Just as Jiang Yuqing thought it was over, the Princess of South Border State suddenly stepped forward and said, "I am infatuated with His Majesty the Emperor of Da Xia, and am willing to enter the pce to serve His Majesty."


    She spoke in standard Da Xianguage, clearly having put in a lot of effort.


    Her words shocked everyone in the hall. The civil and military officials were even more surprised by her audacity, while also stealing nces with the corners of their eyes at the emperor and empress above.


    At this moment, Bai Xiaojiu who had beenzily lying beside her suddenly became alert and pricked up his big head, saying, "Master, I smell the scent of that snake on her."


    "Xiaojiu, are you sure?"


    "I''m sure! My nose is very sensitive." Bai Xiaojiu had an expression as if saying it was unquestionable that he was the best.


    Jiang Yuqing patted its big head to signal it to lie back down and not act rashly.


    She secretly transmitted her voice to Jing Yan, "Xiaojiu says there is the scent of that snake on the Princess of South Border State. It''s very likely that she is the true owner of that snake."


    Jing Yan held her hand under the case table to indicate he understood.


    Jing Yan expressionlessly said to the Princess of South Border State, "This one has vowed to heaven to only have one Empress in this life. The Princess of South Border State seems to have mistaken her affection."


    The Princess of South Border State said, "I know your Empress is very beautiful and also very capable. However, since ancient times, a teapot has never only been matched with one cup. Isn''t that so, Your Majesty?"


    Jing Yan gave a coldugh. "I''m afraid not. The founding emperor and empress of Da Xia did not have third parties either."


    The Princess of South Border State was rendered speechless for a moment, but she did not give up. "I believe my looks, knowledge and status are notcking. Why must the Xia Emperor shut someone out from a thousand miles away?"


    Jing Yan did not want to give her another chance to speak, directly saying, "Dismissed!"


    The Princess of South Border State had no choice but to resentfully withdraw.


    After the tribute ceremony was the banquet. As the Princess of South Border State looked at Jing Yan sitting on the throne, she attentively peeled prawns and poured tea for Jiang Yuqing, wiping her hands. Her long eyshes lowered to hide the resentful look in her eyes.


    Jiang Yuqing was now eight months pregnant and her bulky body was rather fatigued after sitting for a whole afternoon, even as a cultivator.


    Unwilling to tire his little wife further, Jing Yan apologized to his parents and brought her back to rest. The Retired Emperor and Empress hurriedly waved their hands for them to go.


    Seeing Jiang Yuqing leaving, Bai Xiaojiu also carried its roast chicken and pattered along behind them, its jade charm around its neck swaying along.


    Big brother said that because master''s belly contained little master, her bulky belly was not agile and prone to danger, so as a responsible good tiger it must protect master every moment.


    As the couple walked towards the bed chamber, they were suddenly called out, "Emperor and Empress of Da Xia, please wait!"


    It was that Princess of South Border State again. Jiang Yuqing couldn''t help sighing that she was truly relentless.


    Without slowing his steps, Jing Yan just supported Jiang Yuqing as they continued forward.


    Seeing this, the South Border State princess became even more jealous. She wanted to directly run up ahead of the couple to block their way. But before she could get close, she was obstructed by a giant white tiger.


    "Roar!" you nasty woman, what are you trying to do? If you dare get close to my master again, this king will eat you!"


    At this time, the imperial guards also surrounded her to block her way.


    When the Princess of the South Border State saw this, she was anxious and couldn''t help but yell at Jiang Yuqing, "What gives you the right to monopolize him all to yourself? I liked him at first sight, and have liked him for many years."


    Jiang Yuqing stopped in her tracks, slowly turned around, one hand on her lower back and the other on her belly.


    Calmly looking at the hideous face of the Princess of the South Border State, she coldly said, "Just because you like someone, do they have to like you back?


    By your logic, since I also like thends of the South Border State, shouldn''t you hand over your country with both hands too?"


    "He would never! It''s all because you vixen got your ws in him. If not for you, the Da Xia Emperor would definitely like me instead. After all I''m so beautiful and so amazing."


    Jiang Yuqing picked her ear nonchntly, with an indifferent expression, "So this is why you released venomous snakes into my pce?


    You must have thought that once I die, you can take over my position as Empress of Da Xia, right?


    Let me give you some advice, if your mind isn''t working well, get treatment early or it''ll be toote. You''ll only hurt yourself and disgust others!" After saying this, she was unwilling to waste any more words with her and turned to leave.


    She had received Third Brother''s reply yesterday.


    The letter said that in the entire South Border State, there were no more than five people who raised such snakes and bugs. The visiting princess from the South Border State this time was one of them.


    Her birth mother was once the chief priestess of the South Border State, butter disappeared for unknown reasons.


    However, she had never met the Princess of the South Border State before and they had no enmity. She really couldn''t figure out why the Princess wanted to harm her?


    Until today when the Princess publicly confessed her love for Jing Yan under the guise of offering tributes, everything could be exined clearly.


    This woman acted out of jealousy because her love for Jing Yan was unrequited, so she harbored hatred and made an attempt on her life.


    Simply put, it was the rotten peach blossoms that Jing Yan had unwittingly provoked.


    Jing Yan was even more disgusted, he ordered the guards, "Take her away quickly, don''t taint the Empress''s eyes."


    When the Princess of the South Border State saw Jing Yan''s attitude towards her, like she was trash, she immediately went mad.


    She forcefully shook off the guards'' hands, then with a flick of her colorful wide sleeves, countless flying insects buzzed as they rushed straight at Jiang Yuqing. The hellish "hissing" sound sent chills down people''s spines.


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