jdhmnovel Chapter 329 (54 words added)
Chapter 329 (54 words added)
Just then, one of Su Wan'er's maids secretly slipped a jade pendant into Xue Ruanruan's skirt, but Murong Xun swiftly caught it. "So, Miss Su, you resort to such despicable means!" Murong Xun's gaze was icy. Su Wan'er's face turned deathly pale, and she slunk away with her entourage. Xue Ruanruan was filled with gratitude, and her gaze towards Murong Xun grew even more ardent. Suddenly, a light rain began to fall. Murong Xun took off his outer robe and gently draped it over Xue Ruanruan. "Don't catch a cold." Xue Ruanruan felt a surge of warmth in her heart, looking up at him with eyes full of shyness and gratitude.
However, Su Wan'er wasn't about to give up. She secretly instructed a young monk to deliberately bump into Xue Ruanruan, who stumbled and nearly fell. Murong Xun reacted quickly, catching her in his arms. Seeing this, Su Wan'er sneered, "Miss Xue, are you so careless? Are you deliberately trying to throw yourself into the Prince's arms?" Xue Ruanruan was both ashamed and angry, her eyes reddening. Murong Xun held her tightly, saying coldly, "Su Wan'er, stop being so rude. If you continue to act so unreasonably, I will not let you off easily." Su Wan'er's face turned pale, and she dared not say another word, slinking away in disgrace. The surrounding air seemed to grow hotter, and Xue Ruanruan was so nervous she didn't know where to put her hands.
Just then, a commotion arose in the distance, and a group of guards escorted a woman in full regalia. The woman possessed a powerful aura, her phoenix eyes gleaming with authority; she was none other than the current Empress. Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan quickly knelt and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress." The Empress slightly raised her hand, "Rise." Her gaze swept over Xue Ruanruan, then turned to Murong Xun, saying with a half-smile, "Your Highness and this young lady are quite a good match." Murong Xun quickly replied, "Your Majesty is too kind. Miss Xue merely accompanied me to pray for blessings." The Empress nodded gently, saying nothing more. Upon seeing the Empress arrive, Su Wan'er hurriedly stepped forward to pay her respects, not forgetting to complain, "Your Majesty, Miss Xue's behavior is improper; she was behaving intimately with the Prince." Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened, and she was about to defend herself when Murong Xun added, "Your Majesty, it was I who invited Miss Xue to accompany us; it has nothing to do with her." The Empress looked at the two of them and smiled meaningfully, "Very well, it's all a virtuous act of praying for blessings. However, this is a sacred place, so I hope everyone will abide by the rules." With that, she led the group away. Xue Ruanruan breathed a sigh of relief, and Murong Xun softly comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." The two continued in the temple, their relationship seemingly growing even closer. A woman of noble bearing appeared; she was none other than the current Princess. Seeing Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan's intimate interaction, the Princess frowned slightly. Seeing this, Su Wan'er immediately stepped forward and curtsied, saying aggrievedly, "Your Highness, Miss Xue is shameless and deliberately seduced the Prince." Xue Ruanruan was both anxious and frightened, and was about to defend herself when Murong Xun tightly grasped her hand, signaling her not to panic. Murong Xun stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Highness, Miss Xue is gentle and kind; it was Miss Su who deliberately made things difficult for her." The Princess's gaze swept over the group, and she slowly said, "Your Highness, this temple is a place of tranquility; let's not start a conflict." After speaking, she looked at Xue Ruanruan, "You must be Xue Ruanruan? I've heard you are exceptionally talented; seeing you today, I can see you are indeed quite beautiful." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied, saying, "Your Highness flatters me; I am humbled." The Princess smiled slightly, "Since you are destined to meet the Prince, let's dine together." Xue Ruanruan was uneasy, secretly glancing at Murong Xun. Seeing him nod slightly, she agreed. Thus, the group headed towards the temple's dining hall, where a new undercurrent was about to surge at the dinner table. The woman's eyes were sharp, and she looked at Xue Ruanruan with hostility. "Oh, isn't this the second young lady of the Xue family? How come you're so close to the prince?" Upon entering the study, everyone took their seats in turn. The eldest princess sat in the main seat, Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan sat on one side, and Su Wan'er sat opposite, her eyes occasionally flashing fiercely at Xue Ruanruan.
The vegetarian meal was served, and the atmosphere was somewhat somber. The eldest princess spoke first: "Miss Xue, I've heard you're a good cook. I wonder if this temple vegetarian meal suits your taste?" Xue Ruanruan quickly stood up and replied: "Your Highness, the vegetarian meal is light and refreshing, and I like it very much."
Su Wan'er said sarcastically, "Miss Xue is probably used to eating rich and delicious food. It's no wonder she can't appreciate this vegetarian meal." Murong Xun was about to speak when Xue Ruanruan interrupted, "Miss Su, Buddhist temples are pure places that emphasize purity of mind and few desires. This vegetarian meal can cleanse the heart. Miss Su, I'm afraid you don't understand its wonders."
Su Wan'er choked, her face turning bright red. The eldest princess's lips curled slightly as she watched the scene with interest. At that moment, a young monk hurried in and whispered a few words in the eldest princess's ear. The eldest princess's expression changed, and she stood up, saying, "Something has come up in the palace; I must return first. That's enough for today." With that, she hurriedly left.
Seeing the Princess leave, Su Wan'er perked up. She sneered, stood up, and pointed at Xue Ruanruan, saying, "Without the Princess's protection, let's see how long you can be so smug. Xue Ruanruan, you're just a woman from a humble family, yet you dare to try and seduce the Prince." Murong Xun's face darkened, and he was about to lash out when Xue Ruanruan calmly stood up, looking at Su Wan'er with unwavering eyes: "Miss Su, my daughter's journey with the Prince was merely a coincidence. It is you, Miss Su, who has repeatedly provoked trouble, that is unbecoming of a lady of a noble family." Su Wan'er trembled with anger and raised her hand to strike Xue Ruanruan. Murong Xun reacted quickly, grabbing Su Wan'er's wrist and coldly saying, "Miss Su, I'm warning you one more time: don't cause any more trouble." With that, he released her hand and led Xue Ruanruan away from the study. Watching their departing figures, Su Wan'er was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes. She secretly vowed to make Xue Ruanruan pay the price. Xue Ruanruan, protected by Murong Xun, was deeply moved and even more determined to face everything with him. Murong Xun, still wanting to make things difficult for Xue Ruanruan, coldly said, "If you dare to be disrespectful to Miss Xue again, I will not let you off easily." Su Wan'er trembled in fright, but still stubbornly said, "Your Highness is protecting her so much, could it be that you've really taken a liking to this vixen?" Murong Xun glared angrily, about to lash out, when Xue Ruanruan gently tugged at his sleeve and said softly, "Your Highness, please don't be angry over such a person." Then, she looked at Su Wan'er, "Miss Su, I had no intention of competing with you. I hope you will not be so aggressive in the future." With that, she pulled Murong Xun away.
Upon leaving the temple, Murong Xun said with some guilt, "I'm sorry Miss Xue suffered today." Xue Ruanruan shook her head and smiled, "With Your Highness protecting me, I don't feel wronged at all." Looking at her innocent face, Murong Xun's heart stirred. Just as he was about to say something, a cold arrow suddenly shot towards Xue Ruanruan. Murong Xun reacted quickly, shielding Xue Ruanruan behind him. The arrow grazed his arm, staining his sleeve with blood. Xue Ruanruan looked at him in horror, "Your Highness!" Murong Xun comforted her, "It's nothing, just a minor injury." At that moment, several more people appeared from the shadows and began to attack them… "Miss Su, that's enough! These people are highly skilled in martial arts, their moves are ruthless, and their target is clearly Xue Ruanruan." Although Murong Xun's arm was injured, his loyalty to his master drove him to fight them with all his might. Xue Ruanruan was frantic, wanting to help but powerless to do so. Just as the situation became increasingly critical, the monks from the temple heard the commotion and rushed over, engaging the assassins in battle. Seeing the situation was dire, the assassins began to retreat while fighting. Murong Xun seized the opportunity to run with Xue Ruanruan towards the carriage. But just as they reached the carriage, another... A group of assassins surged out from all sides, surrounding them. Murong Xun held Xue Ruanruan tightly behind him, his eyes resolute, ready to fight to the death. Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar; it was the guards from Murong Xun's residence who had arrived just in time. The guards quickly joined the battle, and the assassins, outnumbered, were defeated and fled. Xue Ruanruan looked at Murong Xun, covered in blood, her heart aching, tears welling up in her eyes. Murong Xun endured the pain and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here, I won't let you get hurt." Then, he took Xue Ruanruan into the carriage and returned to the residence to treat her wounds. A thrilling assassination attempt had brought their hearts closer together. He then led Xue Ruanruan away from the meditation room and back to the palace, where the doctor quickly treated Murong Xun's wounds. Xue Ruanruan watched anxiously from the side, not daring to blink. Seeing her worried expression, Murong Xun forced a smile and said, "Miss Xue, don't be afraid, this injury is nothing." After the wound was treated, Xue Ruanruan insisted on staying to take care of Murong Xun.
That night, Xue Ruanruan quietly watched Murong Xun's sleeping face by his bedside, her heart filled with lingering fear. If he hadn't risked his life to protect her, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Suddenly, Murong Xun frowned, murmuring, "Don't hurt her..." Xue Ruanruan felt a warmth in her heart and gently took his hand. At that moment, the door was gently pushed open, and Murong Xun's strategist entered. Seeing Xue Ruanruan, he paused slightly. The strategist said gravely to Xue Ruanruan, "Miss Xue, this assassination attempt was likely premeditated, and the mastermind behind it is probably not simple." Xue Ruanruan was startled and quickly asked, "Then what should we do?" The strategist pondered for a moment and said, "The most urgent task is to find the mastermind. The Prince is injured; we must act cautiously." Just then, Murong Xun slowly woke up, heard their conversation, and said weakly, "We must thoroughly investigate this matter and protect Miss Xue." Xue Ruanruan's eyes reddened, and she nodded firmly. In the days to come, they will work together to uncover the truth behind this conspiracy, and their relationship will undergo even more severe tests amidst numerous crises. Looking at the sleeping Murong Xun, she felt a surge of gratitude and heartache. Suddenly, the door was flung open, and Su Wan'er stormed in with a group of people. "You, Xue Ruanruan, how dare you come to the Prince's residence! You vixen, you must have brought the assassins to harm the Prince!" Su Wan'er said viciously. Xue Ruanruan was about to defend herself when Murong Xun woke up. He looked coldly at Su Wan'er: "Miss Su, you've gone too far. I have already investigated and found that the assassins were acting on your orders. What else do you have to say?" Su Wan'er's face turned deathly pale, and her legs went weak, almost causing her to collapse to the ground. "Your Highness...Your Highness, please investigate! I didn't..." She tried to argue, but Murong Xun wouldn't listen anymore. "Guards, take Su Wan'er to the dungeon and await the Emperor's judgment." Su Wan'er was dragged out, and Xue Ruanruan watched this scene, her heart filled with mixed emotions. After this incident, her feelings for Murong Xun had deepened even more amidst this turmoil. "?" Xue Ruanruan's heart tightened, unsure how to react. Murong Xun stood in front of her, and after Su Wan'er was taken away, the Prince's mansion temporarily returned to peace. Xue Ruanruan continued to take meticulous care of Murong Xun, and their time together became increasingly sweet. However, the peace didn't last long. Several days later, the Emperor suddenly issued an edict ordering Murong Xun to come to the palace immediately. Although Murong Xun was suspicious, he dared not disobey the Emperor's will and could only rush to the palace. Xue Ruanruan anxiously awaited news in the Prince's mansion, a vague unease creeping into her heart.
It wasn't until evening that Murong Xun returned to the palace, looking exhausted. Xue Ruanruan hurriedly went to greet him and inquired about the situation. Murong Xun sighed and said, "Prime Minister Su cried before the Emperor, saying that I had wronged his daughter. The Emperor ordered me to produce evidence within three days, or I would be severely punished." Xue Ruanruan frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, "Your Highness, don't worry. Su Wan'er must have left some clues about instigating the assassins. We will definitely find the evidence."
So the two began searching for clues. Just when they were almost in despair, Xue Ruanruan suddenly remembered a jade pendant dropped by the assassin when he escaped, engraved with the Su family's emblem. Murong Xun was overjoyed and immediately took the pendant to the palace to meet the emperor. Upon seeing the pendant, the emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. In the end, Su Wan'er's crimes were confirmed one by one, and Prime Minister Su was also implicated, causing the Su family to decline forever. As for Xue Ruanruan and Murong Xun, their relationship became even stronger after this ordeal. Murong Xun said calmly, "Consort Liu, watch your words." Consort Liu's expression changed, but she still forced herself to say, "Your Highness, don't be bewitched by this vixen. Her origins are unknown; who knows what her intentions are in approaching you?" Murong Xun said coldly, "Miss Xue is kind-hearted and is definitely not the person you describe. If you continue to spout nonsense, don't blame me for being impolite." Seeing Murong Xun protecting Xue Ruanruan so much, Consort Liu was burning with jealousy, but dared not say another word.
Xue Ruanruan watched this scene, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that her situation in the Prince's mansion was becoming increasingly difficult, but with Murong Xun's protection, she also had courage.
In the days that followed, Consort Liu outwardly dared not make things difficult for Xue Ruanruan anymore, but secretly she was up to no good. However, each time, Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan managed to defuse the situation.
At a palace banquet, Consort Liu deliberately spilled wine on Xue Ruanruan, hoping to embarrass her. Xue Ruanruan remained calm and skillfully handled the situation, earning praise from the Emperor and Empress. Consort Liu was furious.
Through these events, Murong Xun's feelings for Xue Ruanruan deepened, and Xue Ruanruan wholeheartedly stayed by Murong Xun's side. Together, they faced all the storms of life in the complex royal palace and mansion. He then retreated dejectedly. Watching Murong Xun's departing figure, Xue Ruanruan felt a unique warmth welling up in her heart.