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

Chapter 417 (148 words added)

Xue Ruanruan returned to the Zhenguo General's Mansion

As soon as she stepped through the gates, she saw the Second Madam approaching with several maids. The Second Madam wore a fake smile and said sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this the Eldest Miss? She's only been out a short time, and she's already forgotten the rules of this household; she doesn't even know to bow to her elders."

Xue Ruanruan didn't even lift her eyelids, walked straight ahead, and replied lightly, "Second Madam, I'm tired today, I don't have time to chat with you."

The second madam's face instantly turned ashen. Seeing this, the maid beside her quickly stepped forward to speak up: "Miss, you are really being inconsiderate. The second madam was kindly reminding you, why are you still acting like this?"

Xue Ruanruan stopped and glanced at the maid with a half-smile: "You're quite the sharp-tongued maid, but it's not your place to interrupt when I'm talking to the Second Madam."

The maidservant blushed crimson. Seeing the maidservant rendered speechless, the Second Madam was both angry and anxious. She quickly stepped forward, feigning heartache, and said, "Young Miss, your disrespect for the law is appalling. You can't even tolerate a maidservant. If word gets out, people will laugh at our Zhenguo General's Mansion for having no manners." Xue Ruanruan sneered, crossing her arms, and said, "Second Madam, whether I have manners or not is none of your business. It's you who, instead of focusing on important matters, only knows how to stir up trouble in the mansion. Aren't you afraid that Father will blame you if he finds out?" The Second Madam's face turned red and white as she was about to retort when she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Everyone turned around and saw that it was Zhenguo General Xue Huaiyu returning. The second wife immediately concealed her displeasure, adopting a gentle and virtuous demeanor as she stepped forward, saying, "Master, you're finally back! I was just discussing the rules of the manor with Miss." Xue Huaiyu glanced at Xue Ruanruan, then at the second wife, already understanding the situation. He snorted coldly, "Alright, stop making a fuss here. Ruanruan just got back; let her rest." With that, he led Xue Ruanruan back to his study. The second wife watched their departing figures, stamping her feet in anger. She lowered her head, not daring to utter another word. The second wife trembled with rage, pointing at Xue Ruanruan, "You...you dare to be so rude! I'm going to report you to the Old Madam!"

Xue Ruanruan sneered, "Let her sue then. I want to see if the old lady believes your twisted lies or me." With that, she strode towards her courtyard, leaving the Second Madam stomping her feet in anger. "You've finally returned from your trip." Xue Ruanruan was annoyed, but her face remained impassive. She curtsied and asked, "Where did you go, Second Madam?" The Second Madam glanced at her and scoffed, "Where could I have gone? Just managing the affairs of this manor, unlike the eldest young lady who has such a leisurely life."

At this moment, the maidservant beside the Second Madam suddenly shrieked, "Madam, look at Miss's dress, it must have cost a lot of money. The manor doesn't have that much spare cash for Miss to squander these days." Xue Ruanruan's lips curled into a mocking smile, and she said unhurriedly, "This dress was a gift from Her Majesty the Empress. If Second Madam feels it's inappropriate, she can speak to Her Majesty the Empress." The Second Madam's face instantly turned deathly pale. She inwardly cursed her rashness, but dared not say another word. She snorted coldly and hurriedly left with her maidservant. Xue Ruanruan watched their departing figures, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. She straightened her skirt and walked towards her courtyard. The steward hurriedly approached, looking somewhat nervous, "Miss, Madam is furious!" Xue Ruanruan's heart skipped a beat, but she remained calm on the surface and asked, "What happened?" The steward hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Second Madam is exaggerating in front of Madam, saying that Miss, you've been recklessly squandering the manor's money and even bought an expensive dress." "Madam was furious upon hearing this and was waiting for you to return." Xue Ruanruan sneered, already understanding the Second Madam's malicious intentions. She strode into the main hall and saw the Madam sitting in the main seat, her face full of anger. "You still know how to come back!" The Madam slammed her hand on the table and roared, "You certainly know how to enjoy yourself, using the manor's money to buy useless things. Do you even care about this family?" Xue Ruanruan calmly stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Mother, please calm down. This dress was a gift from Her Majesty the Empress, not something I squandered." The Madam was taken aback, her expression softening slightly. "Really?" Xue Ruanruan produced the receipt for the Empress's gift and handed it over. "Mother, please take a look." The Madam examined it carefully, her face turning extremely ugly, clearly realizing she had been deceived by the Second Madam. She coughed lightly. "In that case, I misunderstood you. In the future, if something like this happens, tell me earlier." Xue Ruanruan's lips curled slightly as she responded, thinking to herself that the Second Madam needed to be taught a lesson. She was told that Xue Ruanruan had broken the rules by going out without permission. Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened, but her face remained calm. She walked slowly towards the inner courtyard, and before she reached the door, she heard the Madam's sharp scolding voice coming from inside.

Entering the house, Xue Ruanruan curtsied gracefully: "Mother, I had to go out on business and did not inform you in advance. It was my fault." The lady slammed her hand on the table, her eyes wide with anger: "Do you have no respect for the rules of this family? What kind of behavior is it for a young girl to run around like this!" Xue Ruanruan lowered her eyes and said softly: "Mother, please calm down. I just went to take care of an important matter. I will definitely not do it again in the future."

At this moment, Xue Jiaojiao, the concubine's daughter, covered her mouth and chuckled, "Sister, you really know how to talk. I wonder if you've gone to meet your lover for something so important." Xue Ruanruan raised her head and glanced at her coldly, "Sister, don't speak carelessly and slander your elder sister's reputation." The madam snorted, "Alright, you two stop arguing. Xue Ruanruan, you're punished by being confined for half a month to reflect on your actions." Although Xue Ruanruan was dissatisfied, she still agreed and silently withdrew.