Nan Shiying's suturing technique, amplified by her ocular abilities, became incredibly precise, astounding Du Lao and Wei Yuan.
This was no longer within the realm of human capability. Such meticulous and fine suturing, requiring infinite magnification of the target area, was beyond the skills of physicians of this era.
Du Lao and Wei Yuan, their eyes wide, couldn't even discern Nan Shiying's suturing movements.
Both felt a sense of disheartening defeat.
Tiny beads of sweat dotted Nan Shiying's forehead. Utilizing her abilities for suturing was mentally taxing, but the upside was that her spiritual power had improved.
After closing the wounds on Yin Silan, including those on her heart, Nan Shiying, without any lingering concern, tossed Yin Silan to Wei Yuan.
Watching her leave the prison, Wei Yuan felt as though she had flicked her sleeves and departed without taking a single cloud.
"Bastard!"
Wei Yuan gritted his teeth, angry but unable to speak.
Leaving the celestial prison, Nan Shiying took a detour to Jingren Palace.
Coincidentally, Zou Yun'er was also there.
"This commoner greets Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, and Your Ladyship the Noble Consort." Nan Shiying bowed to them, offering her greetings. While she didn't kneel, there was no hint of defiance or arrogance. Zou Yun'er had initially thought her to be an unrestrained madwoman; despite receiving comfort from her during her illness, Zou Yun'er's opinion of her hadn't changed. Now, seeing her when she wasn't baring her fangs, she appeared quite refined and polite.
The Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned her to sit down quickly.
Zou Yun'er couldn't help but glance at her again.
She had been sitting there accompanying her mother for a long time, yet her mother had never seemed so happy. She wondered what kind of enchantment Feng Luan had cast upon her mother to make her so fond of her!
Nan Shiying obediently sat down. Her first action was to check the Empress Dowager's pulse.
"Your recovery is good."
In about another six months, the Empress Dowager should be able to speak again.
After speaking, she looked towards Zou Yun'er and, after a moment of thought, asked, "Would Your Ladyship like this commoner to examine your pulse?"
Just as Zou Yun'er was about to refuse, the Empress Dowager raised her hand and pressed down on Zou Yun'er's wrist. Meeting the Empress Dowager's gaze, Zou Yun'er said, "Then I shall trouble Divine Physician Feng."
Nan Shiying hadn't expected that Zou Yun'er's sudden loss of her father had led to some growth. She placed her hand on Zou Yun'er's wrist and felt her pulse, her eyebrows twitching.
This pulse felt rather strange!
It was as if...
Nan Shiying was unsure, as the time was too short. She only detected a surge in qi and blood. Whether it was truly what she suspected would have to wait for some time to be confirmed.
Seeing Nan Shiying remain silent for so long, Zou Yun'er suddenly felt a pang of unease. Could her body have some hidden ailment?
"Divine Physician Feng, is there something wrong with this consort's health?" Zou Yun'er inquired.
Nan Shiying pondered for a moment before replying, "Your Ladyship, please be at ease. Your body is fine. However, during this period, avoid cold foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and musk. Refrain from strenuous exercise. Continue this for over half a month, and this commoner will return to examine Your Ladyship's pulse again."
Zou Yun'er nodded, her understanding hazy, but she mentally reviewed the restrictions Nan Shiying had mentioned.
The Empress Dowager, however, her eyes lighting up brighter and brighter upon hearing Nan Shiying's words, looked towards Nan Shiying. Nan Shiying returned her smile.
They shared an unspoken understanding.
Seeing that the Empress Dowager was recovering well and Zou Yun'er had no issues, Nan Shiying did not linger. She rose to take her leave shortly thereafter.
...
At the courier station, Ji Fei was surprised to see the Princess. Could the Princess freely enter and exit the Regent's mansion?
Could it be?
"Princess, you and the Regent..."
"No, there's nothing!"
She and the Regent had no private affairs. Although if she wanted to seize the throne, getting close to, or even offering herself to Ji Jinmo, would be a faster and more convenient path, she was unwilling to take such a route. Even if she were willing, it would depend on whether Nan Shiying gave her the opportunity. If Nan Shiying allowed it, she might have a chance; but if not, she would have no possibility of success.
Therefore, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Hui'an unequivocally denied it.
Ji Fei, however, frowned, momentarily unable to discern whether she truly had no private dealings with Ji Jinmo or if she was trying to cover something up.
"Imperial Sister~"
Yu Chengxuan rose to greet her, ushering Hui'an to a seat.
He had no interest in inquiring too deeply about her relationship with Ji Jinmo.
He had originally planned to see his ambitious imperial sister at the palace banquet the next day, but he hadn't expected her to visit him herself, which saved him considerable effort.
Yu Chengxuan signaled for a servant to serve tea. Once the servants brought the tea and refreshments, Yu Chengxuan cast a glance at Ji Fei.
Ji Fei, understanding his intent, walked out and thoughtfully closed the door.
"Imperial Sister, it's been a while!"
Yu Chengxuan tilted his head slightly, a gentle and friendly smile on his lips.
Hui'an looked at the man who, in essence, was the culprit responsible for sending her to Lin Yuan for a political marriage. She was momentarily speechless. Among their father's many princes, he was the most unfathomable.
"My Imperial Brother's demeanor is as refined as ever." Hui'an mirrored his smile, gracefully sat on a chair, picked up a teacup to pour tea, only to find that the tea was cold.
Yu Chengxuan slapped his forehead, shaking his head in annoyance. "My apologies, my apologies. I was too excited to see Imperial Sister and forgot to order fresh tea."
As Yu Chengxuan spoke, he was about to call for Ji Fei, who was waiting outside, to prepare a new pot of tea.
"No need!"
Hui'an stopped him. She hadn't come here for tea.
"What did Father say?" Hui'an asked.
Yu Chengxuan slowly smoothed his sleeves and replied, "What else could he say? Naturally, he is greatly enraged."
"Imperial Sister, Father is very disappointed in you." Yu Chengxuan's tone was dismissive, and to Hui'an's ears, it sounded like mocking laughter. Of course, he might have indeed been mocking her.
The hand Hui'an kept hidden in her sleeve slowly clenched into a fist, veins protruding on the back of her hand. She lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes obscuring the cold glint in her eyes, and raised her hand to wipe away her tears.
Yu Chengxuan found it irritating. They were old rivals; why put on such a performance in front of him? "It's only been a few days, and Imperial Sister has become distant with me!"
Hui'an's tear-wiping motion paused, and she then looked up. "It's just a moment of homesickness, Imperial Brother. You've seen me in a bad light."
Yu Chengxuan leaned back slightly, resting his head against the back of the chair. He tilted his head up a little, his handsome eyebrows seemingly filled with smiles, shining brightly in the sunlight. His voice was clear and resonant, "Since that is the case, Imperial Sister may return then!"
Her intentions having been directly revealed by Yu Chengxuan, Hui'an's heart skipped a beat. Upon hearing Yu Chengxuan's words, her mind reeled, and she almost couldn't control the expression of joy on her face. However, the fleeting joy vanished instantly. When her gaze met Yu Chengxuan's eyes, which were as radiant as the bright sun, Hui'an felt a chill run through her entire body, as if doused with ice-cold water. In an instant, she felt her blood freeze.
She had no doubt that if she accepted his statement, the future awaiting her would not be a bright one, but rather an eternal descent into hell.