roccoschili Chapter 316 (41 words added)
Chapter 316 (41 words added)
Xue Ruanruan felt a surge of nervousness as she looked at the Regent's carriage. She knew that the owner of this carriage—the Regent—was an extremely powerful figure in the current court. She wondered why this carriage had stopped outside her own residence today.
Just as she was lost in thought, the carriage curtain was slowly lifted, and a slender, jade-like hand reached out. Then, the Regent's figure, clad in a black brocade robe and exuding a cool, aloof air, appeared before everyone. Xue Ruanruan instinctively lowered her head, her heart pounding like a drum.
The Regent walked towards her with steady steps, and Xue Ruanruan was so nervous she didn't dare breathe. Just as she thought the Regent was about to reprimand her for her rudeness, he stopped in front of her, his voice deep and pleasant: "Are you the eldest daughter of the Xue family?" Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied, her voice trembling slightly: "It is indeed my daughter." The Regent's gaze swept over her, then he said, "I've heard of Miss Xue's exceptional talent. I've been troubled by a poetry gathering recently and would like to invite Miss Xue to my residence for a chat, to hopefully inspire the gathering." Xue Ruanruan was startled; she hadn't expected the Regent to make such a request. But she dared not refuse and could only grit her teeth and agree. She boarded the Regent's carriage, its interior luxurious yet elegant. The Regent sat opposite her, radiating an aura of awe. Xue Ruanruan lowered her head, not daring to look him in the eye. The carriage was so quiet that they could hear each other breathing. Soon, the carriage stopped at the Regent's residence. With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Xue Ruanruan alighted from the carriage, her journey into an unknown world beginning. The Regent, his voice deep and pleasant, greeted her: "Miss Xue, I have come today..." He led Xue Ruanruan into the palace and proceeded directly to the study. The study was filled with various books, exuding a faint scent of ink. The Regent gestured for her to sit, then ordered tea to be served. "Miss Xue, please have some tea," the Regent said gently. Xue Ruanruan picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and tried to calm herself.
"Besides the poetry gathering, I invited Miss Xue here today, and I also wanted to hear some interesting stories from the common people," the Regent said, looking at her with a deep gaze. Xue Ruanruan composed herself and began to recount some folk tales and anecdotes. The Regent listened with great interest, occasionally asking questions.
Before they knew it, dusk was falling. The Regent suddenly said, "Miss Xue's talent and insight are both extraordinary, which I greatly admire. If you have free time in the future, I hope you can visit the Prince's residence often." Xue Ruanruan was flattered and quickly stood up to bow, "Your Highness is too kind, I will certainly comply."
Afterwards, the Regent sent someone to escort Xue Ruanruan back to her residence. Upon returning, everyone in the household, having already heard of her being invited to the Regent's residence, cast curious and envious glances their way. Xue Ruanruan's stepmother, Lady Liu, outwardly praised her with a smile, but a hint of jealousy and dissatisfaction flashed in her eyes.
That night, Xue Ruanruan lay in bed, recalling the scenes at the Prince's mansion, still feeling a surge of excitement. However, unbeknownst to her, a conspiracy was quietly unfolding.
The following day, Liu's confidants spread rumors in the mansion, claiming that Xue Ruanruan was having an affair with the Regent, thus ruining the Xue family's reputation. The news quickly spread throughout the capital, and the Xue family was immediately caught in a storm of public opinion. Xue Ruanruan was unable to defend herself and was extremely anxious.
Just as she was feeling desperate, the Regent learned of the matter. He arrived at the Xue residence with an imposing aura, publicly clarifying the rumors and stating that Xue Ruanruan was a talented woman he respected and would not tolerate anyone slandering her. Liu Shi turned pale with fright and knelt down, begging for mercy. The Regent glanced at her coldly, warning her that if she continued to speak nonsense, he would not let her off easily.
After this incident, Xue Ruanruan was even more grateful to the Regent, and their relationship seemed to have subtly changed amidst this twist of fate. Sitting in the carriage, Xue Ruanruan was lost in thought. She didn't know what changes this trip to the Prince's residence would bring to her life, but she vaguely felt that her destiny was now inextricably linked with that of the Regent. "I have something to discuss with you," Xue Ruanruan said softly, mustering her courage to look up and meet his deep eyes. "What is it that Your Highness wishes to discuss?" The Regent looked intently at her and slowly said, "I've heard that you are exceptionally intelligent, young lady. I wish to invite you to the Regent's residence to assist me in handling some affairs." Xue Ruanruan was startled and momentarily at a loss for words. Was this sudden invitation an opportunity or a trap? Her fate seemed to have been altered by this carriage, about to be swept into an unknown storm.
Xue Ruanruan watched as Murong Xun alighted from the carriage. He was tall and imposing, his moon-white robe billowing in the wind, a black ribbon cinching his waist, emphasizing his slender waist and long legs. He wore a jade crown, his face like jade, his eyebrows like ink paintings, his long, narrow eyes deep and bright, and beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips slightly upturned, carrying a faint smile. Xue Ruanruan was somewhat stunned, inwardly marveling at the existence of such a handsome man. Murong Xun, upon alighting from the carriage, noticed Xue Ruanruan's gaze. He turned to look at her, his eyes lingering on her for a moment, his smile deepening. He walked towards Xue Ruanruan with composed steps, each step exuding an innate nobility. "Young lady, are you looking at me?" Murong Xun's voice was deep and melodious, like a clear mountain spring. Xue Ruanruan's cheeks flushed, and she quickly lowered her head, whispering, "Young Master... Young Master, please don't tease me, it was my rudeness." Murong Xun found her shy demeanor extremely amusing. He was about to say something more when he was interrupted by shouts from afar. A figure in a long black robe fluttered in the wind, his dark hair tied up, his handsome face exuding innate nobility. "Your Highness Prince Xun! His Majesty summons you to the palace immediately!" a young eunuch rushed over, panting. Murong Xun frowned slightly, showing displeasure, but still bowed to Xue Ruanruan, saying, "Miss, farewell for today, we'll meet again another day." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied, "Please go ahead, Young Master." Murong Xun turned and hurried away with the young eunuch. Xue Ruanruan watched his departing figure, feeling a pang of loss. At that moment, a charming figure suddenly appeared beside Xue Ruanruan—her friend, Su Yao. Su Yao leaned close to her ear and said with a grin, "Oh, Ruanruan, look at you, all lovestruck! Have you fallen for Prince Xun?" Xue Ruanruan blushed and scolded, "Yao Yao, don't talk nonsense!" Su Yao took her arm and teased, "I think Prince Xun is quite fond of you too. Maybe you two are even destined for marriage." Xue Ruanruan lowered her head shyly and lightly spat, "You're just teasing me." The two chatted and laughed as they walked hand in hand into the mansion. But Xue Ruanruan's heart remained filled with Murong Xun's handsome face and melodious voice. Xue Ruanruan's heart pounded; she hadn't expected to meet him here. Murong Xun looked up, his gaze meeting Xue Ruanruan's. After a slight pause, a faint smile appeared on his lips as he walked towards her. “Miss Xue, how have you been?” Xue Ruanruan’s cheeks flushed, and she hurriedly curtsied, “Your Highness, I am well… I am well too.” Murong Xun stopped in front of her, his gaze gentle, “It is fate that we meet here today. May I ask where Miss Xue is headed?” Xue Ruanruan’s fingers clenched her sleeves nervously, and she whispered, “I am going to the temple to pray for blessings.” Murong Xun’s eyes brightened slightly, “Coincidentally, I was also planning to do the same. How about we go together?” Xue Ruanruan was both surprised and delighted, and quickly nodded in agreement. The two walked side by side toward the temple, attracting the attention of onlookers, some envious, some jealous. Just then, a burst of laughter came from not far away, and the Prime Minister’s daughter, Su Wan’er, walked toward them with a group of maids. When Su Wan’er saw Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan together, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, and she deliberately raised her voice, “Oh, isn’t this Miss Xue? To be able to travel with Your Highness, you are truly blessed.” Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened at her words, and she was about to retort when Murong Xun stepped in front of her, saying calmly, "Miss Su, watch your mouth." With that, he led Xue Ruanruan forward, leaving Su Wan'er stomping her feet in anger. Murong Xun's voice was deep and pleasant. Xue Ruanruan's cheeks flushed, and she hurriedly curtsied, "Greetings, Your Highness." Upon entering the temple, Xue Ruanruan and Murong Xun prayed devoutly before the Buddha. Xue Ruanruan silently wished for her family's safety and also secretly hoped for a deeper connection with Murong Xun. Murong Xun watched her close her eyes and make her wish, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.
After praying, the two strolled along the temple's corridors. Suddenly, a melodious zither tune drifted over, exceptionally pleasant in the tranquil temple. Murong Xun listened intently, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He said to Xue Ruanruan, "This zither music is quite remarkable; let's go see." Xue Ruanruan nodded and followed him towards the sound. There, a slender young man was playing the zither in a pavilion, surrounded by a crowd. Murong Xun's gaze swept across the crowd, spotting the furtive Su Wan'er. Her eyes darted around, a calculating glint in her eyes. Murong Xun became wary and pulled Xue Ruanruan away. Just then, Su Wan'er suddenly shrieked, "My jade pendant is gone!" All eyes turned to her. Su Wan'er pointed at Xue Ruanruan, saying, "You were the closest to me just now; you must have stolen it!" Xue Ruanruan was both shocked and angry, about to defend herself, but Murong Xun sneered, "Miss Su, don't accuse someone without evidence."
The Regent Prince added, "I have brought Xue Ruanruan into my residence. From now on, she is someone I will protect. You all better behave yourselves." With that, he rose and left. A deathly silence fell over the Zhenguo General's mansion; everyone was shocked. The General's wife, regaining her composure, hurriedly ordered people to inquire about Xue Ruanruan's background. The Third Miss, however, was both angry and furious, secretly vowing to find a chance to take revenge on Xue Ruanruan.
She knew all too well that medical conditions were poor in the border regions, and that the people often suffered greatly from illness. As a doctor, she hoped to use her medical skills to help these people and enable them to live healthy and happy lives. Therefore, she resolutely stayed and began a new journey. During her time in the border region, Xue Ruanruan was busy and fulfilled. Every day, she would travel to various villages to provide free medical consultations and prescribe medicine for the villagers. Sometimes, she even had to walk long distances to reach remote areas, but she never complained. She firmly believed that whenever there was a need, she should help those helpless people.
Four snow-white, strong horses pulled the carriage forward with their heads held high, their steady, powerful strides and clear, melodious hooves echoing like a stirring symphony throughout the capital. Suddenly, a commotion arose ahead; a group of people were chasing an injured puppy. The puppy's legs were covered in blood, and it looked pitiful. Xue Ruanruan felt compassion and dismounted to approach the puppy. She gently stroked its head, took out herbs from her medicine box, and bandaged its wounds. The puppy seemed to sense her kindness and quietly lay down on the ground. Just then, the Regent's carriage stopped. He stepped out and saw the scene before him. Xue Ruanruan looked up and met the Regent's gaze. After a moment of eye contact, the Regent smiled slightly. “I never expected to meet you here, young lady.” His voice was deep and magnetic. “It seems we are truly destined to meet.” Each horse was equipped with a set of gleaming gold tack, and the reins were adorned with colorful bells that jingled melodiously with each movement. A group of well-trained and well-equipped guards surrounded the carriage. They wore uniform armor, carried sharp spears or longswords, and had serious, stern expressions, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, remaining highly vigilant to prevent any potential threats from approaching.
Every line flowed smoothly and naturally, gracefully and dynamically, like the trail left by a real dragon soaring through the sky; every detail was depicted with lifelike realism and exquisite detail, from the texture of the dragon scales to the flowing whiskers, showcasing the ultimate delicacy and superb craftsmanship. These dragon patterns seemed to leap onto the python robe as if they were alive, exuding an aura of majesty and mystery that captivated all who beheld them. Xue Ruanruan never imagined that she would so coincidentally bump into the Regent, who was renowned throughout the land and wielded immense power, just as she stepped out of the towering and imposing city gates of the capital! It was as if the god of fate was deliberately playing a trick on her, causing ripples to spread across her once calm heart. When she saw the extremely luxurious carriage slowly approaching from afar, her gaze was drawn to it. The carriage shimmered with dazzling light, as if inlaid with countless glittering gems. The wheels made a crisp sound as they rolled, like a magnificent symphony. The carriage canopy was embroidered with exquisite patterns, the delicate lines conveying an air of mystery and nobility. The coachman, dressed in a magnificent uniform, stood tall and straight, skillfully maneuvering the horses, like a beautiful painting. Surrounded by a group of imposing guards, a sense of tension and curiosity welled up within him. After all, this Regent was a figure revered throughout the entire nation! His name resounded like thunder, his power capable of shaking mountains and rivers. And now, he was about to face him head-on; how could this not fill him with trepidation?