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

Chapter 313 (38 words added)

From then on, Xue Ruanruan began her journey of learning medicine. During the day, she followed her master to learn medical skills, and at night she diligently studied medical books. Days passed, and her medical skills improved day by day. The old man was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Haha, I am very pleased that Miss has such a heart. However, the path of learning medicine is arduous and long, requiring a firm will and a diligent spirit." Lanterns hung high, their festive red adorning every corner. People walked the streets, feeling the festive atmosphere, their faces beaming with happy smiles. In this cold season, the bustling capital city brought endless warmth. Whether in the bustling commercial districts or quiet alleys, a unique charm permeated everything, captivating all who beheld it. During the twelfth lunar month, the capital city would hold a grand lantern festival. At this time, the streets and alleys of the capital were illuminated by exquisite lanterns, like a dreamlike fairyland. The young ladies of wealthy families would also come out to see the lanterns, dressed in gorgeous clothes and adorned with dazzling jewelry, their faces radiating happiness and joy. Wealthy young men flocked out at this time, as it was a rare opportunity to meet young ladies from prominent families. Xue Ruanruan entered a teahouse, intending to rest for a while. She sat by the window, quietly admiring the snow scene outside. At this moment, a handsome man entered, his gaze immediately drawn to Xue Ruanruan. He approached her and politely asked, "Miss, would you mind sitting at the same table with me?" Xue Ruanruan looked up at the man and nodded with a smile. The two chatted happily, discussing everything from poetry and songs to life ideals. Before they knew it, night had fallen. The man stood up and bid farewell to Xue Ruanruan, saying, "I enjoyed our conversation today, and I look forward to meeting you again." Xue Ruanruan also rose gently, smiling, and said, "We will meet again if fate allows." She then left the teahouse, her figure gradually disappearing into the night. Xue Ruanruan didn't really want to see the lanterns, but she knew Li'er loved them. So she accompanied Li'er anyway. Along the way, she was somewhat absent-minded, silently observing the bustling crowds and colorful lanterns around her. Xue Ruanruan walked briskly into the General's Mansion, and as soon as she reached the entrance, she heard bursts of laughter and chatter coming from inside. Curious, she peeked out and saw a group of people sitting in the main hall, chatting and laughing in a harmonious atmosphere. "Ruanruan, come here quickly!" a familiar voice rang out; it was her mother calling her. Xue Ruanruan quickly went to sit beside her mother and greeted everyone with a smile. Everyone responded, welcoming her in return. Then, her mother began to inquire about her situation over the past few days and reminded her to take care of herself. Xue Ruanruan answered each question, not forgetting to inquire about the well-being of her family. At this moment, her father spoke up: "Ruanruan, I heard you've gotten into trouble again recently? What happened?" Although his tone was reproachful, his eyes were full of love and worry. Xue Ruanruan playfully stuck out her tongue and explained, "Oh dear, it was all a misunderstanding! I just wanted to help others..." She recounted the whole story in detail, and everyone couldn't help but laugh. Finally, her father patted her on the shoulder and said earnestly, "You should be more careful in the future, so as not to worry us. However, you did a great job this time, helping those in need, and we are very pleased." Xue Ruanruan nodded, feeling incredibly warm inside. In this cozy family atmosphere, she felt endless love and support. After a few days apart, the old clan chief looked remarkably energetic and several years younger. Upon seeing Xue Ruanruan, his face crinkled with smiles. Xue Ruanruan stepped forward, affectionately taking the old clan chief's hand and greeting him, "Old clan chief, you look much better!" The old clan chief gently stroked her hand, smiling, and said, "This is all thanks to you, Ruanruan. The prescription you gave me is truly miraculous; after taking it for a while, I feel much more relaxed." Xue Ruanruan modestly shook her head, "Old clan chief, you flatter me. It's all my duty. Seeing you healthy makes me very happy." At this moment, a servant brought in tea. Xue Ruanruan took a cup, sipped it, and exclaimed, "This tea is truly fragrant!" The old clan chief laughed heartily, "This was specially prepared for me; I knew you would like it." Everyone sipped tea and chatted, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant. Xue Ruanruan knew the old clan chief must have taken the Rongyang Pill she had given him to have such vitality; after all, she had a divine physician father. "By the way, Ruanruan, I have something I'd like to discuss with you." The old clan chief suddenly put down his teacup, looking at Xue Ruanruan earnestly. "Many people in our village are sick, but we don't have enough doctors. I'd like to ask for your help in teaching some people medicine, so we can better care for the villagers' health." The court fell silent instantly, everyone astonished. The Left Prime Minister trembled with anger, loudly protesting his innocence and accusing the Right Prime Minister of slander. The Emperor's face darkened, and he ordered a thorough investigation of the secret memorial. The Left Prime Minister's trusted confidants also made new discoveries in their investigation; they found evidence of the Right Prime Minister's confidant meeting with a mysterious man in black, suspecting this man was connected to a mysterious force. The Left Prime Minister was overjoyed, preparing to use this to retaliate against the Right Prime Minister. Meanwhile, the Emperor became increasingly concerned about the Right Prime Minister's contact with martial arts gangs. He secretly arranged for experts to investigate those gangs, hoping to extract the truth from them. Yan Xiao stood quietly outside his master's study, his gaze fixed on the tightly closed door. A faint light shone from within, illuminating the room, yet it felt eerily cold. An indescribable worry and unease welled up within Yan Xiao. Since the master's return, he had locked himself in his study, remaining awake all night. Yan Xiao knew the master was usually calm and collected, but this time something seemed unusual. Some people had even collapsed on the roadside from hunger and cold, never to rise again. The once bustling city was now desolate, a somber atmosphere pervading the streets and alleys. Faced with such a dire situation, the Chu-Qin royal family had implemented some disaster relief measures, but due to the severity of the disaster, these efforts seemed insufficient. Officials in various regions were also in a predicament, burdened with both responding to the pleas for help from the disaster victims and finding ways to procure supplies—a tremendous pressure. Meanwhile, wealthy merchants and landlords took advantage of the situation, hoarding goods and profiting from the national crisis, making life even harder for the common people.