jdhmnovel Chapter 348 (83 words added)
Chapter 348 (83 words added)
A dazzling array of precious gems, glittering gold and silver artifacts, rare medicinal herbs, and exquisite antiques and paintings are displayed. Each item radiates a unique brilliance, as if telling its own story of history and value. Within the jade pendant space, mountains of precious ingredients exude an enticing aroma; from fresh fruit to top-quality steak, every bite offers unparalleled satisfaction. On the adjacent bookshelves, countless ancient scrolls and manuals record the world's wondrous knowledge and skills. This jade pendant space is not only a treasure trove of resources but also a place brimming with mystery and wonder. It holds endless possibilities, waiting for a destined person to explore and discover them. In a tranquil valley, there lived a master physician. His lifelong wish was to pass on his medical skills and help more people. One day, the master encountered a kind and insightful woman in the mountains. He recognized her inner kindness and passion for medicine and decided to take her as his apprentice, imparting all his medical knowledge to her. Under her master's meticulous guidance, the woman's medical skills improved rapidly. Her master often admonished her, "Medicine is the art of saving lives; it must be based on benevolence." The woman kept her master's teachings in mind and vowed to use her medical skills to help more people. Time passed, and the woman completed her apprenticeship. Her master told her that the Xue family army on the frontier was guarding the peace of the country, but the harsh environment and the cruelty of war left the soldiers suffering from illness and injury. Her master hoped she could go to the frontier and bring hope to the Xue family army with her medical skills. Without hesitation, the woman embarked on her journey to the frontier. She ventured deep into the Xue family army camp, tirelessly treating the wounded soldiers. Her superb medical skills not only healed their physical wounds but also warmed their hearts. The cave held endless medical secrets, and the woman and her master decided to retreat there for further cultivation. Years later, when they emerged from the cave again, their medical skills had reached their pinnacle. The woman understood that her master's teachings of medicine were not merely about saving the people, but also about enabling her to contribute to the country and its people using her own abilities. She would continue to uphold her master's teachings, using her medical skills to spread benevolence and hope. One day, the young lady received an invitation from the palace. The emperor was seriously ill, and she was invited to the palace to treat him. Knowing the journey was fraught with danger, she resolutely decided to go to save the people. In the palace, facing the complexities of the emperor's condition and the intrigues of the court, she displayed extraordinary wisdom and courage. After careful treatment, the emperor's condition gradually improved. However, at this moment, an even greater crisis quietly descended. Someone attempted to poison the medicine and frame the young lady. She sensed the danger but couldn't immediately identify the culprit. At a crucial moment, she used her superb medical skills and keen observation to successfully solve the case and expose the true murderer. In the end, the young lady not only saved the emperor's life but also eliminated the treacherous officials in the court, becoming a hero admired by all. Her medical skills and moral character spread throughout the land, earning her praise from later generations. The emperor was overjoyed and decided to bestow upon her unparalleled honors. However, she politely declined. She knew that the true essence of medicine lay in saving lives, not in fame and fortune. After leaving the palace, she continued to travel far and wide, passing on her medical knowledge to even more people.
During the carriage journey, Murong Xun suddenly spoke, "Miss Xue, I have a request." Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened, and she quickly replied, "Please speak freely." Murong Xun looked at her earnestly and said, "I know that Miss Xue's medical skills are superb. My mother has been unwell recently, and the imperial physicians are all helpless. I hope that Miss Xue can accompany me back to the manor to treat my mother." Xue Ruanruan hadn't expected him to be concerned about this matter. After thinking for a moment, she nodded and said, "The Regent is so filial, I will certainly do my best." Murong Xun nodded in satisfaction, a hint of barely perceptible pride flashing in his eyes. "Where is Miss Xue headed?" Murong Xun's gaze roamed freely over her. Xue Ruanruan nodded slightly and whispered, "Just a leisurely stroll." Her voice was like a gentle breeze in spring, carrying a touch of tenderness. "Oh?" Murong Xun's lips curled slightly, his sword-like eyebrows raised, and he looked at the delicate woman before him with great interest. "I just left that majestic and solemn palace and was about to return home. Since we seem to have such a connection, why don't we return home together for a meal?" Xue Ruanruan's heart pounded with alarm; the Regent's relentless pressure was overwhelming. She forced herself to remain calm and gracefully bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Regent, but I have already made an appointment with my master. I will accept your kindness another day." Murong Xun's eyes narrowed slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He stepped forward and said softly, "Miss Xue, please don't refuse. My mother's condition is worsening daily, and I truly have no other choice. If you can cure my mother, I will reward you handsomely." Xue Ruanruan knew that refusing now would be inappropriate, so she could only say, "In that case, I will accompany the Regent back to the palace to give it a try." Upon arriving at the Regent's Palace, Xue Ruanruan followed Murong Xun inside. The palace was incredibly luxurious, yet it exuded a sense of oppression. Murong Xun led her directly to her mother's bedchamber. As soon as Xue Ruanruan entered, she smelled a strange odor and felt a sense of foreboding. Reaching the bedside, Xue Ruanruan carefully took her mother's pulse, her brow furrowing deeper and deeper. Her mother's pulse was erratic, as if she had been poisoned by a very subtle, slow-acting poison—a poison strikingly similar to the palace intrigue poisons she had once read about in an ancient book. As she pondered how to broach the subject, Murong Xun anxiously inquired, "Miss Xue, how is your mother's condition?" "Xue Ruanruan hesitated before speaking, "Regent, the Princess Consort has been poisoned." Upon hearing this, Murong Xun's eyes narrowed. "Someone dares to poison my mother? Miss Xue, do you know what kind of poison this is? Is there any antidote?" Xue Ruanruan hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "This poison is called 'Illusionary Heart Powder,' a hidden poison commonly used in palace intrigue. Those poisoned suffer from disordered pulse and gradual damage to their internal organs. This poison requires a century-old snow ginseng, seven-colored lingzhi, and a cold pool pearl to be used as ingredients, and an antidote must be prepared using a secret method. However, the century-old snow ginseng and seven-colored lingzhi are extremely rare, and the cold pool pearl is even harder to find." Murong Xun's face darkened. "No matter how difficult it is, I will find these medicinal materials. Miss Xue, I hope you will heal my mother."
Every step she took drew her in with a mysterious force, making her eager to uncover the mystery. Deep in the valley, she discovered a plant radiating an eerie light—the very magical herb she had been searching for. These treacherous officials were insatiably greedy, pursuing personal gain by any means necessary, sacrificing the interests of the nation and its people. They abused their power, embezzled and accepted bribes, oppressed the innocent, leading to a decline in social morality and widespread suffering. After a long journey, they finally reached the frontier. Here lay a vast and desolate land, with sandstorms raging and an atmosphere of bleakness and loneliness permeating the air. In the distance, the undulating mountain ranges snaked and coiled like a giant dragon, meeting the sky. Covered in snow, the mountains resembled a white dragon lying across the earth. Below, an endless grassland stretched out, the withered grass rustling in the wind. Scattered across the grassland were low shrubs and solitary trees, stubbornly growing in the wind, adding a touch of life to this barren land. The generals of Xue's army were overjoyed to see the large quantities of grain transported there. However, this was only the beginning. She knew that to find a cure, she had to understand the cause of the disease. So, she began to study the pathogen and search for possible routes of transmission.
Regent Murong Xun, the current emperor's uncle, held a position of great prestige and wielded immense power. He possessed not only unparalleled beauty and extraordinary charisma, but was also renowned for his wisdom and decisiveness. From a young age, Murong Xun was exceptionally intelligent. Xue Ruanruan was about to pick the Holy Spirit Grass when several dark figures suddenly leaped out from behind a nearby boulder—assassins sent by several concubines who opposed her in the palace. They wielded sharp blades, their eyes fierce, clearly intending to steal the Holy Spirit Grass. Xue Ruanruan was startled, but quickly regained her composure. Although she knew no martial arts, she skillfully maneuvered against the assassins, relying on her familiarity with the valley's terrain. Just as her strength began to wane, a familiar figure appeared—it was Murong Xun. He moved with agility, easily defeating the assassins in a few moves. Murong Xun looked at Xue Ruanruan, his eyes full of concern: "You were too reckless. I should have handled such dangerous matters." Xue Ruanruan felt a warmth in her heart. With Murong Xun's help, they successfully obtained the Holy Spirit Grass. Meanwhile, the situation in the palace was becoming increasingly tense, with treacherous officials stirring up trouble. Xue Ruanruan knew that returning to the palace with the Holy Spirit Grass would inevitably trigger an even fiercer palace intrigue, but she was prepared to forge ahead for justice and truth. He possessed unique insights and keen observation in politics and military affairs. Even in his youth, he displayed extraordinary talent and leadership, earning him widespread praise and admiration both within and outside the court. However, Murong Xun's personality was not as gentle as his appearance suggested. Xue Ruanruan and Murong Xun hurriedly returned to the palace with the Holy Spirit Grass. Upon entering the palace gates, they heard that the Emperor's illness was worsening, and treacherous officials were taking advantage of the situation to stir up trouble, attempting to seize control of the government. Xue Ruanruan was extremely anxious and immediately went to the Imperial Pharmacy to develop a prescription to treat the Emperor. In the Imperial Pharmacy, Xue Ruanruan concentrated on preparing the prescription, while Murong Xun silently guarded her from the side.
They were ragged, haggard, and their eyes were filled with despair and helplessness. In this icy world, the biting wind made hunger and cold their greatest enemies.