novelaction Chapter 324 (49 words added)
Chapter 324 (49 words added)
Wang Jingjing felt wronged, tears welling in her eyes. She muttered softly, "Father, I just... I just think he's handsome." Seeing his daughter's expression, the Prime Minister's heart softened. He sighed and said earnestly, "Jingjing, you've reached marriageable age. Your father will find you a good match. But marriage is a serious matter and requires careful consideration; you can't just look at appearances." With that, the Prime Minister turned and left, leaving Wang Jingjing standing there in a daze. She understood that her father's words were reasonable, but she already had someone in her heart. "What are you holding? Let me see!" the Prime Minister said sternly. His gaze was piercing, fixed on his youngest daughter, as if trying to see through her eyes to the secrets of her heart. The youngest daughter lowered her head, clutching the portrait tightly in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. She dared not look up at the Prime Minister, as if afraid he would discover something.
Just then, Xue Ruanruan, frantic with worry, had a sudden inspiration. She clutched her stomach and cried out in pain, "Ouch, Father, my stomach suddenly hurts so much! I'm afraid I'm going to die!" The Prime Minister's attention was instantly drawn to her, and he rushed forward to check on her. "Ruanruan, what's wrong? Quick, call the doctor!" While the Prime Minister was busy, the youngest daughter quickly hid the portrait in her sleeve. When the doctor arrived, he examined her and said there was nothing seriously wrong, just a slight chill. The Prime Minister was somewhat relieved, but he hadn't completely forgotten about the portrait. He looked at his youngest daughter again and said sternly, "Let's put this matter aside for now. Once you're better, you can explain the portrait to me properly." The youngest daughter lowered her head and obediently nodded. After the Left Prime Minister left, Xue Ruanruan breathed a sigh of relief and said to her youngest daughter, "Sister, luckily I reacted quickly, otherwise, if Father had found this portrait, you would have been in big trouble." Her youngest daughter looked at her gratefully, "Thank you, sister. If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do." The two smiled at each other, both understanding that the palace intrigues would likely present many more challenges ahead. She understood that the supply of provisions was crucial for the army during wartime. If soldiers were starving, their fighting capacity would be greatly reduced, which would have a disastrous impact on the war. Thinking of this, she resolved to personally go to the border and do her utmost to help solve the supply problem. Although the road ahead was fraught with danger, Xue Ruanruan was fearless. She had only one belief: to ensure that her father and the Xue family army had sufficient supplies so they could fight bravely on the battlefield. With this unwavering determination, Xue Ruanruan embarked on her journey to the border. Thinking of her father and brothers, and how her father had single-handedly captured the bandit leader of the southward-bound Turks, Xue Ruanruan endured hardships and traveled day and night. However, when she finally reached the border, she encountered unexpected difficulties. The Turks, having already heard that the imperial court had come to provide supplies, had laid an ambush. Soon after Xue Ruanruan entered the camp, small groups of Turks began harassing her, cutting off the surrounding supply routes. Xue Ruanruan was extremely anxious. Her father and the Xue family army were still fighting on the front lines; if the supply lines were cut off, the consequences would be unimaginable. She decisively organized the soldiers to fortify the camp's defenses while simultaneously sending out a small elite force to find alternative supply routes. In this process, she fully demonstrated her extraordinary wisdom and courage, sharing the hardships with her soldiers. After a difficult maneuvering, they finally found a hidden supply route and successfully delivered the supplies to the front lines. Her father and the Xue family army were greatly encouraged and fought bravely on the battlefield, achieving a major victory. Xue Ruanruan, with her wit and courage, made outstanding contributions to her family and country amidst the palace intrigues and national conflicts. Her eldest brother fell off a cliff to save her, while her second brother single-handedly led the 100,000-strong Xue family army through the harsh winter on the border. The people suffered greatly, and the Xue family army also faced hardship, lacking food and clothing. Thinking of her father and brothers, her father, to defend against the invading Turks, charged alone into enemy lines and captured the bandit leader. Her eldest brother, trying to save her, tragically fell off a cliff, his fate unknown. Her second brother, alone, struggled to maintain order, leading the 100,000-strong Xue family army in a valiant resistance. Adding to the difficulty, the harsh winter in the border region exacerbated the people's suffering and made life extremely difficult. Even the Xue family army itself faced numerous challenges, with shortages of supplies, food, and clothing making their progress extremely difficult. Xue Ruanruan planned to go to the border. She knew her father was leading 100,000 Xue family troops in battle, and without supplies, defeat was inevitable. Then, someone in court would again try to ruin his reputation. The emperor was incompetent and foolish, obsessed with cultivating immortality for years, neglecting state affairs. If it weren't for the regent overseeing the overall situation, this emperor would be utterly incompetent! He spent his days only concerned with cultivating immortality, completely oblivious to national affairs. He had been immersed in the world of seeking immortality for years, completely losing sight of his responsibilities and mission as a ruler. If it weren't for the regent's dedicated management of the court, the country would probably have already fallen into chaos. The regent was wise and powerful, always able to turn the tide and stabilize the situation at crucial moments. It was thanks to his existence that the country was able to survive. Xue Ruanruan planned to go to the border; she knew her father was currently leading 100,000 Xue family troops in a bloody battle, and if supplies weren't replenished in time, the war would surely end in defeat. If the war were lost, those with ulterior motives in the court would surely seize the opportunity to slander her father's reputation. The emperor was incompetent and tyrannical, indulging in immortality practices and neglecting national affairs. If it weren't for the regent presiding over the court and overseeing the overall situation, the country would likely have already descended into chaos. Seeing the pitiful patients, Xue Ruanruan unhesitatingly devoted herself to the treatment. She worked tirelessly day and night, caring for each patient without complaint. Murong Xun silently supported her from behind, providing the necessary medicines and supplies. Thanks to Xue Ruanruan's efforts, the epidemic was finally brought under control, and the people were deeply grateful to her. Murong Xun seized the opportunity to speak to the emperor, praising Xue Ruanruan's medical skills and benevolence, hoping to reward her. The emperor was delighted and decided to summon Xue Ruanruan. Murong Xun gave Xue Ruanruan a deep look and said softly, "No need to be so polite. I just happened to run into you. However, I am quite curious, why are you unwilling to marry?" His gaze held a hint of curiosity and inquiry. Xue Ruanruan lowered her head slightly, a complex emotion welling up inside her. She bit her lip and said sadly, "Your Highness, you don't know, I've been through some things that have made me lose faith in marriage. Moreover, I only want to take good care of Li'er and don't want to be involved in matters of the heart anymore." Hearing her words, Murong Xun felt a pang of pity. He was silent for a moment, then said gently, "Perhaps, past pain doesn't guarantee a similar future. Sometimes, fate brings unexpected surprises." With that, he smiled slightly and turned to leave. Xue Ruanruan watched his departing figure, a ripple of emotion stirring within her. She pondered Murong Xun's words, wondering if happiness truly awaited her. Murong Xun looked at the woman before him, a complex emotion welling up within him. Her beauty was like a flower blooming in spring, delicate and vibrant; her eyes were like deep lake water, clear and mysterious. She exuded a unique aura, as if she belonged to another world. He gazed at her quietly, a hint of tenderness and pity in his eyes. Every smile and frown of hers tugged at his heartstrings, drawing him irrevocably into her world. He longed to know more about her, to explore the secrets deep within her heart. However, he also knew that there was an insurmountable chasm between them. She was a mysterious and distant being, while he was just an ordinary person. Even so, he couldn't control his feelings for her, silently protecting her, hoping one day to enter her world. A thought stirred within him. "No need to be so polite, I only met you by chance. But why did you say you wouldn't marry?" he asked curiously. Xue Ruanruan looked down at Xue Li in her arms and sighed softly.
Xue Li was so young yet so mature and sensible, it was heartbreaking, and she was truly worried about her. "Your Highness," she said, "I had a bad marriage before. The man was frivolous and rude, which made me fear marriage. Now, I only wish to raise Li'er well." Hearing this, Murong Xun felt even more respect for her. He pondered for a moment and said, "Miss, there's no need to worry. Marriage cannot be forced. I believe that with your kindness and intelligence, you will surely meet a good man in the future." Xue Ruanruan raised her head slightly, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. "Thank you for your comfort, Your Highness." At this moment, news came from the palace that the Emperor's summons had been scheduled. Xue Ruanruan was a little nervous, but Murong Xun comforted her, "Miss, relax and tell the truth." Xue Ruanruan took a deep breath, secretly encouraging herself. She knew that this summons might be an opportunity to gain support for the Xue family army and to have her medical skills recognized. So, accompanied by Murong Xun and Xue Li, she headed towards the palace, where an unknown encounter was about to begin. Beneath Murong Xun's handsome exterior lay a warm heart. Xue Ruanruan was moved; he had saved her life in her past life, and her master had died before her eyes. Murong Xun looked at Xue Ruanruan, a flicker of heartache in his eyes. He knew she had endured too much suffering. He secretly vowed to protect her and prevent her from ever being harmed again. At this moment, snow was still falling heavily. Murong Xun carried Xue Li and returned to their room at the academy with Xue Ruanruan. He summoned a doctor to treat Xue Li's wounds. Throughout the process, Murong Xun stayed by their side, making Xue Ruanruan feel incredibly warm. After treatment, Xue Li's injuries gradually improved. He told his sister that he had been bullied by his classmates, but no one was willing to help him. Xue Ruanruan was furious upon hearing this. She decided to seek justice for her brother. So she frequently found opportunities to sneak out and secretly follow the Regent. That day, she followed the Regent as usual, but saw him enter a clinic. Curious, she approached and heard the Regent's voice from inside: "Doctor, is there any hope for my illness?" The doctor shook his head: "Your Highness, your illness has penetrated to the bone marrow; it's likely incurable." She was startled; the Regent was ill. She decided to go in and see if she could help. She entered the clinic, and the Regent's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw her. She stepped forward and said to the Regent, "I know some medicine; perhaps I can help you." The Regent looked at her and nodded. "What are you holding? Let me see." The Left Prime Minister noticed that his youngest daughter was holding a portrait. He hadn't paid much attention at first, but her evasive gaze caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat; a bad premonition rose within him, and his voice unconsciously turned cold. The youngest daughter seemed frightened by the Left Prime Minister's tone; she trembled, and the portrait almost fell to the ground. The Left Prime Minister frowned and snatched the portrait away. When he saw the person in the painting, his face instantly darkened. "Is this the Regent?" His voice was filled with suppressed anger. The youngest daughter lowered her head, not daring to look the Left Prime Minister in the eye, and only nodded slightly. She knew that this struggle was not merely a fight for power, but also concerned the future of the nation. She didn't know how to quell this conflict and bring the country back to a path of stability and prosperity. She could only silently pray, hoping that heaven would guide her and help her find a solution. The Left Prime Minister was furious, never expecting his beloved daughter to be so disobedient. He angrily pointed at his daughter, declaring that if she continued to entangle herself with the Regent, he would disown her! Hearing this, the Left Prime Minister's daughter felt a sharp pain in her heart. She knew her father had always placed high hopes on her, hoping she would become a noble and elegant lady, marry into a wealthy family, and bring glory to the family. But her feelings for the Regent were something she could not sever. The Regent was a handsome and talented man. He and the Left Chancellor's daughter had known each other for a long time and shared a deep affection. However, due to the difference in their social status and position, their love faced many obstacles. The Left Chancellor's daughter knew that her father was a stubborn man, and once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it. But she did not want to give up her love, so she decided to face the difficulties with the Regent and win her father's approval. She walked up to her father and said firmly, "Father, I know you have high expectations for me, but I also have my own choices."
At this time, Murong Xun was still trapped in the palace, and Xue Ruanruan decided to present evidence to the Emperor. After entering the palace, she detailed the Left Chancellor's crimes to the Emperor and presented the evidence. The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the Left Chancellor. Murong Xun also received the news in the palace and was relieved. The Empress Dowager and the Left Chancellor's faction hadn't expected Xue Ruanruan to suddenly appear, and the situation instantly reversed; the outcome of the palace intrigue seemed to be gradually becoming clear. Her face instantly turned pale. Had what she had just done been discovered? She couldn't help but wonder to herself.