SFS Chapter 361 (96 words added)
Chapter 361 (96 words added)
Lady Liu turned pale with fright and knelt down, begging for mercy. The Regent glanced at her coldly and warned her that if she continued to spout 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 was smooth and natural. The Regent stepped forward, watching Xue Ruanruan skillfully treat the puppy's wounds, his eyes full of admiration. "It is truly rare to find a kind-hearted young lady like you." Xue Ruanruan's cheeks flushed slightly as she stood up and said, "Your Highness flatters me. I simply cannot bear to see these little creatures suffer."
Just then, the group of people chasing the puppy caught up. One of them arrogantly said, "This dog is the one we're going to take as a gift for Miss Xue. Hand it over now!" Xue Ruanruan frowned and stood in front of the puppy. "It's injured. What use is it to you?" The man sneered, "Hand it over or not? Otherwise, don't blame us for being impolite!"
The Regent's eyes turned cold, and he said in a deep voice, "Let's see who dares to do this!" Seeing that it was the Regent, the group of people immediately knelt down and begged for mercy. "We didn't know Your Highness was here; please forgive our offense," the leader said in a trembling voice. The Regent snorted coldly, "Considering your ignorance, I will spare you today. But if you continue to wantonly harm living beings, I will not let you off easily." The crowd nodded hastily and slunk away.
Xue Ruanruan looked at the Regent with gratitude, "Thank you for your help, Your Highness." The Regent smiled and waved his hand, "Your kindness is commendable, I was just doing what I should do." Then, he ordered his guards to find a suitable place to settle the puppy so that it could be properly cared for.
The two returned to the carriage and continued their journey. Along the way, Xue Ruanruan was filled with emotion, her affection for the Regent growing even stronger. The Regent, seeing Xue Ruanruan's gentle and kind nature, also felt a stirring in his heart. Their fate seemed to be intertwining more tightly with each journey, and a unique story was quietly unfolding. The guards behind them immediately surrounded the group. "I am here! How dare you be so insolent?" The group, pale with fright at the sight of the Regent, knelt and begged for mercy. The Regent coldly snorted, "I will not hold it against you today, but if there is a next time, I will not let you off lightly." The group scrambled to their feet and fled.
Seeing this, Xue Ruanruan's respect for the Regent grew even stronger. She looked up at the Regent, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Your Highness saved me and this little dog again today. I don't know how to repay you." The Regent looked at her, his gaze gentle: "There's no need for thanks, young lady. I simply cannot bear to see such evil deeds."
The two resumed their journey, the carriage moving slowly forward. Inside, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. Xue Ruanruan lowered her head, not daring to look at the Regent, her heart pounding like a deer. The Regent, seeing her shy appearance, smiled slightly.
Suddenly, the carriage jolted and came to a stop. A guard rushed in to report, "Your Highness, the road ahead is blocked by a group of men in black." The Regent frowned, his eyes turning cold. He glanced at Xue Ruanruan and said softly, "Don't be afraid, young lady, I'm here." With that, he got out of the carriage to meet the enemy. The girls, terrified, turned pale and knelt down, begging for mercy.
The Regent looked at Xue Ruanruan and saw him draw his sword, charging nimbly towards the men in black. The men in black were all highly skilled in martial arts, surrounding the Regent, but he showed no fear, his swordplay fierce, and in an instant, the men in black fell to the ground. Xue Ruanruan was anxiously waiting inside the carriage, wanting to get out and help but afraid of causing trouble. Just then, one of the men in black seized an opportunity, bypassing the Regent and lunging at the carriage. Xue Ruanruan closed her eyes in fright. Just as the man in black was about to touch her, the Regent appeared like lightning, stabbing the man in black with his sword. The man in black fell, and the Regent, panting heavily, turned to comfort Xue Ruanruan: "Don't be afraid, young lady, it's alright now." Xue Ruanruan's eyes were filled with admiration and gratitude, "Your Highness is incredibly brave, I admire you greatly." The Regent smiled slightly, "Protecting you, young lady, is my duty." After clearing the men in black, the carriage continued its journey. Sitting in the carriage, Xue Ruanruan recalled the thrilling scene from just moments ago, her feelings for the Regent deepening. The Regent, gazing out the window, also pondered, the events of their journey seemingly foreshadowing a close intertwining of their fates. He gently said, "Since you cherish this little dog so much, please take it with you." Xue Ruanruan nodded gratefully, carrying the dog into the Regent's carriage. The carriage set off again, heading into the distance, and their story seemed to grow ever more vivid and distant with the passing scenery. The dragon patterns on the robe were so lifelike, like the trails left by a real dragon soaring through the air; every detail was depicted with exquisite realism and masterful skill, from the texture of the dragon scales to the flowing whiskers, showcasing unparalleled delicacy and craftsmanship. These dragon patterns seemed to leap from the robe, radiating a majestic and mysterious aura that captivated all who beheld them. Xue Ruanruan never imagined that stepping out of the majestic and imposing city gates of the capital would lead to such a coincidence—a direct encounter with the powerful and influential Regent! It was as if fate was playing a cruel joke on her, stirring ripples in her once tranquil heart. As she watched the incredibly luxurious carriage slowly approach, her gaze was drawn to it. The carriage gleamed with dazzling light. As it continued its journey, Xue Ruanruan, filled with worry, couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, who sent these men in black?" The Regent's expression was grave. After a moment's thought, he replied, "I have many enemies, and it's difficult to determine their identities immediately. But those who dare to be so insolent before me will not be let off easily." As he spoke, the carriage arrived at the Regent's residence. Upon alighting, the Regent arranged for Xue Ruanruan to stay in a quiet courtyard and ordered that her dog be well cared for. Xue Ruanruan was filled with gratitude, but also felt she had caused the Regent considerable trouble. That night, Xue Ruanruan lay in bed, unable to sleep as she pondered the day's events. Meanwhile, the Regent Prince, in his study, meticulously analyzed the attack, determined to find the mastermind and protect Xue Ruanruan. He knew his heart had been unknowingly drawn to this kind-hearted girl. Afterwards, Xue Ruanruan helped with various affairs in the Prince's residence, spending more and more time with the Regent Prince. Their feelings for each other gradually deepened, but the danger lurking in the shadows was also quietly approaching… Like a scene inlaid with countless dazzling jewels. The wheels rolled, making a crisp sound, like a magnificent symphony. Exquisite patterns were embroidered on the carriage canopy, delicate lines outlining a mysterious and noble aura. The coachman, dressed in a magnificent uniform, stood tall and straight, guiding the horses… One day, Xue Ruanruan encountered the Regent Prince's cousin, Princess Yuyao, in the Prince's garden. Princess Yuyao, always proud and arrogant, was filled with jealousy upon seeing the Regent's attentive care for Xue Ruanruan. She deliberately made things difficult for Xue Ruanruan, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, isn't this Miss Xue? Just an outsider, yet so at ease in the Prince's residence." Xue Ruanruan felt wronged but still politely replied, "Princess, you flatter me. I'm merely helping the Prince with some small matters." Princess Yuyao snorted coldly, about to continue her attack, when the Regent happened to pass by. He frowned and said coldly, "Cousin, don't be rude." Seeing the Regent defend Xue Ruanruan, Princess Yuyao stomped her foot in anger and left. The Regent looked at Xue Ruanruan and gently comforted her, "Don't take it to heart, cousin, that's just your temper." Xue Ruanruan nodded gratefully, but knew in her heart that her days in the Prince's residence might not be so peaceful. And the mastermind behind it all had not yet appeared; a new storm seemed to be brewing. What kind of test would Xue Ruanruan and the Regent's relationship face? Everything was uncertain. The scene was like a beautiful painting. Surrounded by a group of imposing guards, a sense of tension and curiosity welled up within her. After all, this Regent was a figure revered throughout the entire country! His name resounded like thunder, and his power was enough to shake mountains and rivers. Sure enough, in the following days, Princess Yuyao made a series of underhanded moves. First, she deliberately overturned the documents Xue Ruanruan was organizing, and then she mocked Xue Ruanruan's attire in front of everyone. Although Xue Ruanruan was annoyed, she silently endured it all. However, Princess Yuyao went even further, secretly putting a drug in the tea that Xue Ruanruan prepared for the Regent.
Unaware of the danger, Xue Ruanruan served tea to the Regent. The Regent took a sip and immediately sensed something amiss. He remained impassive, observing secretly. Meanwhile, Princess Yuyao, hiding in the shadows, chuckled, believing her scheme had succeeded. The Regent feigned fainting, and Xue Ruanruan, panicked, rushed to check on him. Just then, the Regent suddenly opened his eyes and dragged Princess Yuyao, who had been hiding nearby, out of the shadows.
Princess Yuyao, pale with fright, knelt and begged for mercy. The Regent said coldly, "Cousin, I have protected you many times, yet you show no remorse. If I do not punish you today, I will not be able to quell my anger." With that, he ordered Princess Yuyao to be confined for a month. Xue Ruanruan was grateful for the Regent's fairness, and her feelings for him deepened. Meanwhile, the mastermind behind it all seemed to be waiting for a more opportune moment to launch a fatal blow. And now, she was about to face him head-on; how could she not feel uneasy?