After returning to the capital, the eldest daughter saved her entire clan with her medical skills.

Chapter 353 (88 words added)

Xue Ruanruan gazed at the Regent's carriage, wondering what brought them here. Just then, the carriage door opened, and a tall, imposing man stepped out—it was the Regent himself. Xue Ruanruan was startled and quickly curtsied. The Regent's gaze swept over her, and he smiled slightly, saying, "Miss Xue, I have come today specifically to visit your master." Xue Ruanruan hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, please follow me." As he led the way, Xue Ruanruan secretly observed the Regent. He had striking features and an extraordinary bearing, yet also exuded an air of authority. Upon reaching the reception hall, the Regent and her father began to converse, while Xue Ruanruan stepped aside to serve tea. During their conversation, she learned that the Regent had come to discuss the supply of provisions for the border war. The father looked troubled and said, "Your Highness, supplying provisions is no easy task these days. Harvests in various regions are poor, and procuring provisions is extremely difficult." The Regent frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "The border war is urgent; provisions must be prepared as soon as possible, otherwise the soldiers at the front will be in grave danger." Xue Ruanruan's heart stirred. After thinking for a moment, she stepped forward and gave a graceful bow, saying, "Your Highness, Father, I have an idea. I've heard that although the harvests in several nearby prefectures and counties are poor, many wealthy households have stockpiled grain. Perhaps the government could persuade them to donate grain, and then reward them in the name of the court. Maybe that could..." "This will solve this urgent problem." The Regent's eyes lit up as he looked at Xue Ruanruan with approval. "Miss Xue's plan is excellent, but those wealthy households may be unwilling to donate grain easily." Xue Ruanruan calmly replied, "Your Highness, we can first have the local officials reason with them and appeal to their emotions, informing them that protecting their homes and country is also their responsibility. If those still refuse, we can offer them substantial rewards, such as granting them official positions or reducing their taxes." The Regent clapped his hands and laughed. "Miss Xue is exceptionally intelligent; this plan is feasible. I will arrange for someone to carry it out immediately." Her father also looked pleased, very satisfied with Xue Ruanruan's performance.

Afterwards, the Regent discussed the implementation details with his father, while Xue Ruanruan listened attentively and offered her insights when appropriate. Once the matter was settled, the Regent rose to take his leave. Before departing, he glanced at Xue Ruanruan, his eyes filled with admiration. "Miss Xue's plan today is beneficial to both the country and its people. I will certainly not forget your contribution." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied again. "Your Highness is too kind. It is my honor to contribute to the country." Watching the Regent's carriage disappear into the distance, Xue Ruanruan secretly hoped that if her suggestion succeeded, it might change her fate. The Regent looked Xue Ruanruan up and down, praising, "Miss Xue is indeed exceptionally intelligent. This plan is feasible. I will arrange for it to be carried out immediately." Her father also showed satisfaction and nodded to Xue Ruanruan. After the discussion was completed, the Regent rose to take his leave. Before leaving, he glanced at Xue Ruanruan one last time and smiled, "Miss Xue is quick-witted. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly not treat you unfairly." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied and watched the Regent leave, secretly hoping that the matter would be resolved smoothly. However, while Xue Ruanruan's suggestion was praised by the Regent, it also aroused the jealousy of others. Within a few days, rumors spread in the mansion that Xue Ruanruan was deliberately showing off her cleverness in front of the Regent in order to curry favor with the powerful. Hearing these rumors, her father couldn't help but worry and warned Xue Ruanruan to be discreet in her actions.

Xue Ruanruan felt wronged, but she knew it wasn't the right time to argue. Just as she was feeling troubled, the Regent sent word that the grain donation was progressing smoothly and that supplies for the front lines were expected to arrive on time. He also praised Xue Ruanruan's strategy. Xue Ruanruan felt somewhat comforted.

But just as one crisis subsided, another arose. Someone in the court impeached the Regent for colluding with the Xue family, using the grain donation as a means to seek personal gain. The Regent was in a predicament, and Xue Ruanruan was extremely anxious. She knew that if she couldn't clear the Regent's name, not only would her previous efforts be in vain, but the Xue family would also be implicated. Therefore, she decided to secretly investigate the mastermind behind the impeachment, fighting for the future of the Regent and the Xue family. She proposed setting up temporary granaries in several surrounding towns to alleviate the immediate crisis. Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in the Regent's eyes, and he paid more attention to Xue Ruanruan. After the prince left, her father was also quite satisfied with Xue Ruanruan's performance.