jdhmnovel Chapter 343 (78 words added)
Chapter 343 (78 words added)
Traditional medicinal herbs, especially Chinese herbal medicines, are particularly scarce, posing a threat to the health of the local people. However, these military officers were not discouraged. They deeply understood their heavy responsibility to protect their country, and thus persevered through hardship, constantly honing their skills and willpower. They believed that one day their talents would be discovered, enabling them to achieve great military exploits for the nation. At the same time, they also hoped that one day the court would value military officers, providing them with more opportunities and resources so that they could fully utilize their talents and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the country. Even an army as disciplined and powerful as Xue's was beginning to show problems. Some soldiers started complaining, and a few even deserted. This ominous premonition, like a shadow, quietly enveloped his heart. He recalled the recent unusual events at court, the open and covert struggles among ministers, and the gradual decline of imperial power; every detail filled him with anxiety. He knew that a huge storm was approaching, and he might be just a speck of dust in the eye of the storm. The Left Prime Minister's eyes revealed unwavering resolve and determination. He was determined to uphold his principles amidst this turbulent situation and do his utmost for the country and its people. He believed that as long as he remained righteous and forged ahead, he would surely be able to resolve this crisis. However, a sense of foreboding lingered, adding a layer of vigilance to his unwavering conviction. In the eerie palace, the Regent's figure was shrouded in shadow, his eyes filled with treachery and cunning. The Emperor was young and inexperienced, while the Regent held immense power and plotted to usurp the throne. Every day in court, the Regent schemed to eliminate dissidents and install his own cronies. Loyal ministers were filled with anxiety, yet dared not speak out. As the Emperor's confidant, I was well aware of the Regent's ambitions, but lacked any evidence. Every night, I secretly observed from a corner of the palace, searching for any trace of the Regent. However, the Regent had many followers, and my actions had to be extremely cautious; the slightest misstep could lead to my death. In this perilous situation, I resolved to protect the Emperor and engage in a life-or-death struggle with the Regent. The Left Chancellor was filled with unease, a sense of foreboding gripping him. The Regent's unusual behavior today filled him with deep fear. The Regent, usually dignified and reserved, exuded an invisible pressure today. His eyes were cold and sharp, seemingly able to pierce the soul. Every movement was resolute and decisive, and his words conveyed an unquestionable authority. The Left Chancellor observed silently. The Regent's change reminded him of past events, of people and things distorted by power. He began to worry about his own position and fate, whether he would be swallowed up in this vortex of power. As time passed, this premonition grew stronger, and the Left Chancellor felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He secretly pondered countermeasures, yet felt powerless to contend with the Regent. At this moment, he understood how cruel the game of power was, and that he was merely a pawn in it.
Setting down the confidential letter, the Regent sighed softly, his brow furrowing slightly as he gazed into the distance, seemingly lost in deep thought. His eyes were profound and focused, as if pondering something important. At this moment, his heart was filled with doubt and unease, brimming with anxiety about the future. He couldn't help but recall the recent series of events that had placed unprecedented pressure and challenges upon him. Faced with this situation, he had to make a decision, yet he feared that his choice would affect the fate of the entire nation. So, he sat there quietly, silently contemplating a solution, hoping to find the best course of action.
Xue Ruanruan's heart skipped a beat, as if struck by an electric current. Excitement shone in her bright eyes, for she harbored an unspeakable love and fascination for medicine deep within her heart. From childhood, whenever she saw doctors in white coats, stethoscopes in hand, working busily and attentively, Xue Ruanruan would involuntarily stop and observe their every move with rapt attention. The miraculous herbs, the complex pulse diagnosis, and the exquisite acupuncture techniques were like alluring mysteries, deeply drawing her to explore their secrets. Her robes fluttered, like a lotus blooming beyond the mortal world. The fine brocade was of excellent quality, soft and smooth to the touch, embroidered with delicate, subtle patterns, appearing and disappearing like twinkling stars in the night sky. A band of snow-white mink fur trim around the collar not only added warmth to the cold winter day but also highlighted the old lady's noble and elegant demeanor. A silver-woven belt adorned her waist, studded with delicate jade pendants and pearl tassels that swayed gently with her steps, producing a clear and melodious sound. As Xue Ruanruan read on, her excitement grew stronger. This medical book seemed to possess some powerful force, capable of curing many difficult and complicated illnesses. The Dowager Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo, usually in good health, had recently fallen suddenly ill. The doctors in the manor were all worried, prescribing numerous remedies and administering a great deal of medicine, but the Dowager Lady's condition showed no improvement. At this time, the steward heard that a miraculous doctor had arrived in the city, said to be able to cure even the most difficult and complicated illnesses. He hurriedly sent someone to invite the doctor to the manor. The doctor was a young woman. She calmly entered the Dowager Lady's room, and after examining her through observation, listening, questioning, and palpation, she frowned slightly. Everyone assumed the Dowager Lady might have a terminal illness and felt a sense of unease. The divine physician suddenly laughed and said, "Madam's illness is caused by excessive worry, not a serious one." It turned out that the old lady was both surprised and delighted to hear the divine physician's words, as she missed her grandson, the Duke of Zhenguo, who was fighting on the frontier. The steward quickly asked, "Then, divine physician, do you have a way to cure the old lady?" Xue Ruanruan (the divine physician) smiled slightly and said, "Just let the old lady relax, and with a few doses of calming and nourishing medicine that I have prescribed, she will recover soon." With that, she picked up a brush and wrote down the prescription.
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the mansion. A soldier rushed in and shouted, "Lord Zhenguo, news has come from the front lines that the young master has made great contributions on the battlefield and will soon be able to return to the capital!" The old lady's originally dim eyes instantly lit up, and she struggled to sit up, her face full of excitement.
Watching this scene, Xue Ruanruan felt a surge of relief. She knew that a heart ailment requires a heart remedy, and now that the old lady's worries had been resolved, her condition would naturally improve more quickly. She handed the prescription to the steward, gave him instructions on how to use the medicine, and then prepared to take her leave. The Zhenguo Duke's family was extremely grateful and offered her a generous reward, which Xue Ruanruan politely declined before leaving the Zhenguo Duke's mansion. Back at her clinic, she threw herself back into her busy work, continuing her efforts to save lives. The old lady had fallen ill due to constant worry. The divine physician prescribed a formula to soothe her liver and relieve her depression, and advised the family to tell the old lady about the young master's good deeds to ease her mind. A few days later, the old lady's complexion improved significantly, and a smile returned to her face. The Zhenguo Duke's family was deeply grateful to the divine physician and wanted to reward him handsomely, but the physician only took a small fee and left.
She decided to study the medical book carefully, hoping to gain more inspiration and insights. So, Xue Ruanruan carefully put the book away, preparing to slowly explore its mysteries in her future medical career. However, just as Xue Ruanruan was preparing to delve deeper into the book, an even more bizarre epidemic suddenly broke out in the capital. Patients were covered in black spots, had persistent high fevers, and suffered from severe coughs; many died within a few days. The clinic was crowded with people seeking treatment, and Xue Ruanruan was extremely anxious. She took out the medical book and searched carefully, but found no record of any related symptoms.
Meanwhile, the imperial court began to pay attention to the epidemic, and the Regent ordered the Imperial Medical Academy to find a treatment as soon as possible. However, the physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy were helpless, and some even suspected that someone had deliberately poisoned the disease. Xue Ruanruan decided to personally investigate the severely affected areas, searching for clues. During her investigation, she discovered that the patients all had one thing in common: they had drunk water from an ancient well outside the city. Could the problem lie in this ancient well? Xue Ruanruan decided to investigate further, and a new battle against the epidemic was about to begin.
At this moment, a minister stepped forward, his voice trembling, and said, "Your Majesty, the border war is currently critical. Although the Xue family army is valiant, they are short of supplies and may not be able to hold out for long. Furthermore, within the court, various factions are constantly fighting, and the national treasury is empty, making it difficult to allocate large quantities of supplies for further support." The court fell silent, everyone's faces showing worry. The Regent's eyes flickered, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if he were calculating something. The Emperor frowned, looking at Xue Ruanruan, as if seeking her help. Xue Ruanruan's heart stirred, and she stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the frontier to provide medical assistance to the Xue family army, and at the same time, see if we can solve some supply problems locally." The Emperor's eyes lit up. "Excellent! With Physician Xue going, I feel much more at ease." The Regent, however, sneered, "What can a woman accomplish? Don't let her ruin important matters." Xue Ruanruan looked at him fearlessly. "Although I am a woman, my heart for saving lives is no weaker than anyone else's. I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust." After saying this, she began to prepare for her journey to the frontier; a new challenge was about to begin. She presented a memorial, her voice trembling, and said, "Regent, this is a report on the border war." The Regent took the memorial, quickly glanced through it, his brow furrowed slightly, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. "Issue my order to send reinforcements to the border, and ensure the stability of the border." His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority.