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

Chapter 416 (147 words added)

Afterwards, the Regent discussed the implementation details with his father, while Xue Ruanruan listened attentively and offered her insights when appropriate. Once the matter was settled, the Regent rose to take his leave. Before departing, he glanced at Xue Ruanruan, his eyes filled with admiration. "Miss Xue's plan today is beneficial to both the country and its people. I will certainly not forget your contribution." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied again. "Your Highness is too kind. It is my honor to contribute to the country." Watching the Regent's carriage disappear into the distance, Xue Ruanruan secretly hoped that if her suggestion succeeded, it might change her fate. The Regent looked Xue Ruanruan up and down, praising, "Miss Xue is indeed exceptionally intelligent. This plan is feasible. I will arrange for it to be carried out immediately." Her father also showed satisfaction and nodded to Xue Ruanruan. After the discussion was completed, the Regent rose to take his leave. Before leaving, he glanced at Xue Ruanruan one last time and smiled, "Miss Xue is quick-witted. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly not treat you unfairly." Xue Ruanruan quickly curtsied and watched the Regent leave, secretly hoping that the matter would be resolved smoothly. However, while Xue Ruanruan's suggestion was praised by the Regent, it also aroused the jealousy of others. Within a few days, rumors spread in the mansion that Xue Ruanruan was deliberately showing off her cleverness in front of the Regent in order to curry favor with the powerful. Hearing these rumors, her father couldn't help but worry and warned Xue Ruanruan to be discreet in her actions.

Xue Ruanruan felt wronged, but she knew it wasn't the right time to argue. Just as she was feeling troubled, the Regent sent word that the grain donation was progressing smoothly and that supplies for the front lines were expected to arrive on time. He also praised Xue Ruanruan's strategy. Xue Ruanruan felt somewhat comforted.

Xue Ruanruan remained calm and smiled, saying, "Your Highness, there's no need to blame yourself; it's just a little tea." Inwardly, however, she felt even more disgusted by Murong Xun's deliberate harassment. Murong Xun, seeing her composed demeanor, felt a surge of displeasure and was about to find another pretext when a servant came running up, panting. "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! The mysterious guest says that if you don't return soon, he will leave on his own." Murong Xun's expression changed drastically. He no longer had time to harass Xue Ruanruan, hastily tossing out a curt "I'll deal with Miss Xue another day," before striding away. Xue Ruanruan watched his departing figure and sneered. She knew there was more to the story behind the spirit fruit, and the mysterious guest in Murong Xun's residence might be the key. She summoned her trusted maid and whispered, "Go and find out the identity of that mysterious guest, and his connection to the spirit fruit." The maid obeyed and left. Xue Ruanruan secretly plotted to uncover the secret behind the spiritual fruit and secure her place in the power struggles of the palace. She smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness is testing me. The tea splashed on my skirt resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting, adding a touch of elegance." Murong Xun was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter, "What a clever girl! I've certainly learned something new today." With that, he led his entourage away. Xue Ruanruan watched his retreating figure, secretly vowing to find an opportunity to bring him down.

The borderlands were bitterly cold, and Xue Ruanruan was pondering how to investigate the spiritual fruit when she suddenly received a letter from home. The letter said that her father and brother were facing a dire situation at the border and urgently needed assistance, but no one in the court was willing to send troops to help. Xue Ruanruan knew that Murong Xun was definitely behind this. She gritted her teeth and decided to personally go to the palace to plead for troops for her father and brother.