jdhmnovel Chapter 296 (21 words added)
Chapter 296 (21 words added)
In this tense atmosphere, the Left Chancellor decided to be even more cautious to avoid being harmed by the Regent's sharp edge. But he also knew that in this power struggle, he had to remain constantly vigilant to protect himself and everything he cherished. Murong Xun sat on his high seat, his face grim as he looked at the memorials before him, his anger rising. He never imagined that the Left Chancellor would have such audacity to do such a thing behind his back. He slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and paced back and forth in the hall. Murong Xun's eyes were filled with shock and anger; he couldn't believe that the usually loyal Left Chancellor would betray him. He recalled the Left Chancellor's past behavior and felt incredibly foolish, blinded by appearances. Murong Xun was filled with disappointment and regret; he knew he had to take action, or the consequences would be unimaginable. He decided to personally summon the Left Chancellor to confront him and demand an explanation for his audacity. Recently, news that the Prime Minister's daughter was fond of the Regent had spread like wildfire throughout the capital. People were abuzz with discussion, and various speculations and rumors were rampant. Madam Wang's movements were hurried and flustered, like a startled rabbit. She hunched her back slightly, her arms tightly crossed over her chest, as if this would bring her and her youngest daughter a sense of security. However, she avoided eye contact with her husband, instead keeping her eyes lowered to the ground, afraid of accidentally angering him. "Father, no...nothing! It's just...just some little trinkets I had the servants buy for me the other day," the youngest daughter stammered, her eyes darting away, answering the Prime Minister's question while simultaneously pulling her hands behind her back, as if trying to hide something. Seeing this, the Prime Minister became even more curious. He knew his youngest daughter was usually very mischievous, often having strange ideas and actions. Her current behavior meant she was definitely hiding something from him. "Oh? What little trinket is it? May Daddy take a look?" The Prime Minister smiled gently, his tone tinged with affection. He slowly reached out, trying to take the item from his youngest daughter's hand. Seeing this, the little girl quickly took a few steps back, clutching her hands tightly to her chest, her face showing a nervous expression. "Daddy, there's really nothing to see! It's just some ordinary little thing, please don't worry about it!" the little girl said, looking at the Prime Minister with pleading eyes. Seeing his daughter's reaction, the Prime Minister found it even more amusing. He thought: What is this little one hiding? The more she acts like this, the more I want to see. "My dear daughter, Daddy isn't an outsider. Shouldn't you share your good things with Daddy?" the Prime Minister continued with a smile, his steps slowly approaching his daughter. Seeing that she couldn't escape, the little girl gritted her teeth, steeled her resolve, and handed the rolled-up item to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister took the painting and saw it was a scroll. Unrolling it, he saw a lifelike man with striking features and an exceptionally handsome appearance. Wang Jingjing hurriedly hid the portrait behind her back, stammering, "Father...Father, I...I was just drawing casually." She thought to herself, "This is it, I'm doomed. My father will definitely scold me." The Prime Minister's eyes were sharp, as if he could see through her thoughts. He slowly said, "Jingjing, is that a man's portrait you're holding?" Wang Jingjing lowered her head, not daring to utter a sound. The Prime Minister frowned and said sternly, "How can an unmarried girl like you keep a man's portrait? This is outrageous!" Wang Jingjing felt wronged, tears welling up in her eyes. She mumbled softly, "Father, I just...I just thought he was handsome." Seeing his daughter like this, the Prime Minister's heart softened. He sighed and said earnestly, "Jingjing, you've reached marriageable age. Your father will find you a good match. But marriage is a serious matter and requires careful consideration; don't just look at appearances." With that, the Prime Minister turned and left, leaving Wang Jingjing standing there in a daze. She understood that her father's words were not without reason, but she already had someone in her heart. "What are you holding in your hand? Let this old man see!" the Prime Minister said sternly. His gaze was piercing, fixed on his youngest daughter, as if trying to see through her eyes to the secrets of her heart. The youngest daughter lowered her head, clutching the portrait tightly in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. She dared not look up at the Prime Minister, as if afraid he would discover something.
Xue Ruanruan was frantic with worry. She understood that food supplies were crucial for an army during wartime. If soldiers were starving, their fighting capacity would be severely reduced, which would have a disastrous impact on the war effort. Thinking of this, she resolved to personally go to the border and do her utmost to help solve the food problem. Despite the treacherous road ahead, Xue Ruanruan was fearless. She had only one belief: to ensure her father and the Xue family army had sufficient food supplies so they could fight bravely on the battlefield. With this unwavering determination, Xue Ruanruan embarked on her journey to the border. She thought of her father and brothers. Her father had single-handedly captured the bandit leader of the invading Turks, her eldest brother had fallen off a cliff to save him, and her second brother had struggled alone, leading the 100,000-strong Xue family army, enduring the harsh winter on the border. The people were suffering, their lives were difficult, and the Xue family army was also struggling, lacking food. She thought of her father and brothers, how her father had single-handedly charged into the enemy ranks to capture the bandit leader of the invading Turks. Her eldest brother, in an attempt to save her, tragically fell off a cliff, his fate unknown. Her second brother, meanwhile, single-handedly held the line, leading the 100,000-strong Xue family army in a valiant resistance. Adding to the hardship, the harsh winter in the border region exacerbated the people's suffering, making life incredibly difficult. Even the Xue family army itself faced numerous difficulties and challenges, with shortages of supplies and food making their progress extremely difficult. Xue Ruanruan planned to go to the border. She knew that her father, leading the 100,000-strong Xue family army, was doomed to defeat without provisions, and that this would only lead to further damage to his reputation in court. The emperor was incompetent and foolish, obsessed with cultivating immortality for years, neglecting state affairs. If it weren't for the regent overseeing everything, this emperor would be utterly incompetent! He spent his days only concerned with cultivating immortality, completely oblivious to national matters. He had been immersed in the world of seeking immortality for years, completely losing sight of his responsibilities and mission as the ruler of a nation. If it weren't for the Regent's dedicated efforts in managing the court, this country would likely have long since descended into chaos. The Regent is wise and resourceful, always able to turn the tide and stabilize the situation at crucial moments. It is thanks to his existence that the country has been able to survive. Xue Ruanruan plans to go to the border. She knows that her father is currently leading 100,000 Xue family troops in a bloody battle. If supplies aren't replenished in time, the war will inevitably end in defeat. And once defeated, those with ulterior motives in the court will surely seize the opportunity to slander her father's reputation. The Emperor is incompetent and tyrannical, indulging in cultivation and Taoist practices, completely indifferent to national affairs. If it weren't for the Regent presiding over the court and overseeing the overall situation, the country would probably have already fallen into chaos. Seeing the pitiful patients, Xue Ruanruan unhesitatingly devoted herself to treatment. She worked tirelessly day and night, caring for each patient without complaint. Murong Xun silently supported her from behind, providing the necessary medicines and supplies. Thanks to Xue Ruanruan's efforts, the epidemic was finally brought under control, and the people were deeply grateful to her. Murong Xun seized the opportunity to speak to the emperor, praising Xue Ruanruan's medical skills and compassion, hoping to bestow a reward upon her. The emperor was delighted and decided to summon Xue Ruanruan. Murong Xun gave Xue Ruanruan a deep look and said softly, "No need for formalities, I only happened to meet you. However, I am quite curious, why are you unwilling to marry?" His gaze held a hint of curiosity and inquiry. Xue Ruanruan lowered her head slightly, a complex emotion welling up within her. She bit her lip and said sadly, "Your Highness, you don't know, I've experienced some things that have made me lose faith in marriage. Moreover, I only want to take good care of Li'er and don't want to be involved in matters of the heart again." Hearing her words, Murong Xun felt a pang of pity. He was silent for a moment, then said gently, "Perhaps, past pain doesn't guarantee a similar future. Sometimes, fate brings unexpected surprises." With that, he smiled slightly and turned to leave. Xue Ruanruan watched his departing figure, a ripple of emotion stirring within her. She pondered Murong Xun's words, wondering if happiness truly awaited her. Murong Xun gazed at the woman before him, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. Her beauty was like a spring flower in full bloom, vibrant and captivating; her eyes were like deep, mysterious lakes. She exuded a unique aura, as if she belonged to another world. He gazed at her silently, his eyes filled with tenderness and pity. Every smile and gesture of hers tugged at his heartstrings, drawing him irrevocably into her world. He yearned to understand her more, to explore the secrets hidden within her heart. Yet, he also knew an insurmountable chasm existed between them. She was a mysterious and distant being, while he was merely an ordinary person. Despite this, he couldn't control his feelings for her, silently protecting her, hoping one day to enter her world. A sudden stirring stirred within him. “No need to be so polite, I just happened to run into you. But why did you say you wouldn’t get married?” he asked curiously. Xue Ruanruan looked down at Xue Li in her arms and sighed softly.
Xue Li, though young, was perceptive. Beneath Murong Xun's handsome exterior lay a warm heart. Xue Ruanruan was deeply moved; he had saved her life in a past life, and her master had died before her eyes. Murong Xun looked at Xue Ruanruan, a flicker of heartache in his eyes. He knew she had endured too much suffering. He secretly vowed to protect her and prevent her from ever being harmed again. At that moment, snow was still falling heavily. Murong Xun carried Xue Li and returned to their room at the academy with Xue Ruanruan. He summoned a doctor to treat Xue Li's wounds. Throughout the process, Murong Xun stayed by their side, making Xue Ruanruan feel incredibly warm. After treatment, Xue Li's injuries gradually improved. He told his sister that he had been bullied by his classmates, but no one was willing to help him. Xue Ruanruan was furious upon hearing this. She decided to seek justice for her brother. So she often found opportunities to sneak out and secretly follow the Regent. One day, as usual, she followed the Regent, but saw him enter a clinic. Curious, she approached and heard the Regent's voice from inside: "Doctor, is there any hope for my illness?" The doctor shook his head: "Your Highness, your illness has penetrated to the bone marrow; it's likely incurable." She was startled; so the Regent was ill. She decided to go in and see if she could help. She entered the clinic, and the Regent's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw her. She stepped forward and said to the Regent, "I know some medicine; perhaps I can help you." The Regent looked at her and nodded. "What are you holding? Let me see." The Left Prime Minister noticed that his youngest daughter was holding a portrait. He hadn't paid much attention at first, but her evasive gaze caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat; a bad premonition rose within him, and his voice unconsciously turned cold. The youngest daughter seemed frightened by the Left Prime Minister's tone; she trembled, and the portrait almost fell to the ground. The Left Prime Minister frowned and snatched the portrait away. When he saw the person in the painting, his face instantly darkened. "Is this the Regent?" His voice was filled with suppressed anger. The younger daughter lowered her head, not daring to look the Left Prime Minister in the eye, and only nodded slightly. She knew that this struggle was not merely a fight for power, but also concerned the future of the nation. She didn't know how to quell this conflict and bring the country back to a path of stability and prosperity. She could only pray silently, hoping that heaven would guide her and help her find a solution. The Left Prime Minister was furious, never expecting his beloved daughter to be so disobedient. He angrily pointed at her, declaring that if she continued to entangle herself with the Regent, he would disown her! Hearing this, the Left Prime Minister's daughter felt a pang of pain in her heart. She knew her father had always placed high hopes on her, hoping she would grow into a noble and elegant lady, marry into a wealthy family, and bring glory to the clan. But her feelings for the Regent were unbreakable. The Regent was a handsome and talented man, and he and the Left Prime Minister's daughter had known each other for a long time, sharing a deep affection. However, due to the difference in their social status and position, their love had faced many obstacles. The Left Chancellor's daughter knew her father was a stubborn man, and once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it. But she didn't want to give up her love, so she decided to face the difficulties with the Regent and win her father's approval. She walked up to her father and said firmly, "Father, I know you have high expectations for me, but I also have my own choices."