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

Chapter 312 (37 words added)

The walls are adorned with various herbal specimens, neatly arranged to create a beautiful scene. These specimens showcase a diverse array of herbs, each with its unique shape and color, sparking curiosity in all who behold them. Behind the counter, an elderly man with white hair is busily at work. He is focused intently on his tasks, his head bowed. His face is kind and gentle, his eyes revealing the wisdom and experience accumulated over the years. Despite his advanced age, his movements are still nimble, his fingers deftly manipulating the herbs, demonstrating his superb medical skills. Everything in the clinic is orderly and clean. Small bottles and utensils are placed on the counter, clearly tools for preparing medicines. Benches and tables are also arranged around for patients to wait and rest. The entire clinic exudes a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making one feel safe and at ease. Here, people can receive professional medical services while also experiencing the care and concern of the doctors. Xue Ruanruan walked to the counter and said softly, "Excuse me, is there a doctor here named Dr. Li?" The old man looked up, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Xue Ruanruan before he nodded and said, "I am Dr. Li. What can I do for you?" Xue Ruanruan carefully took out a small, exquisite porcelain bottle from her bosom, gently placed it on the counter, and looked at the old man with expectant eyes, saying softly, "I would like you to take a look at this bottle of medicine." Her voice revealed a hint of nervousness and curiosity, as if the small porcelain bottle contained something precious and mysterious. Dr. Li picked up the small porcelain bottle, uncorked it, smelled it, and then frowned, saying, "This is a bottle of poison, very potent. Where did you get it?" Xue Ruanruan's face paled in shock; she hadn't expected it to be poison. Xue Ruanruan trembled. She looked down and recalled that this bottle of medicine was from the anonymous package she had received that morning. "Who sent me this... Could someone be trying to harm me?" she wondered to herself. Seeing Xue Ruanruan's flustered expression, Doctor Li comforted her, "Don't panic, young lady. Perhaps someone has made a mistake. However, this bottle of poison is extremely dangerous and must not be handled carelessly." Xue Ruanruan nodded and looked at Doctor Li gratefully, "Thank you, sir. I will handle it carefully. However, I still have many questions... Could you please enlighten me?" After a moment of contemplation, Doctor Li said, "This poison is called 'Gelsemium elegans,' a rare poison in the world. To cure it, one must find its corresponding antidote. However, I'm afraid very few people know how to prepare this antidote..." Upon hearing this, Xue Ruanruan felt even heavier. She understood that finding the antidote would not be easy. "However, I have heard a legend... In the distant southern border, there is a mysterious valley where a magical herb is said to grow, which may be able to cure this poison," Doctor Li said slowly. A glimmer of hope flashed in Xue Ruanruan's eyes: "Really? Then I must go to the Southern Frontier to find the antidote!" "Someone is trying to harm me!" Xue Ruanruan said anxiously, "Doctor Li, you must help me!" Doctor Li pondered for a moment and said, "Don't worry, young lady. Since you've come here, it means you're connected to this matter. I can help you. However, I'll have to trouble you to stay at my humble abode for a few days while I investigate."

Xue Ruanruan thanked Doctor Li and left the clinic. She silently prayed that she could find an antidote, otherwise she would be in serious trouble. The clinic was filled with a faint aroma of herbs, and ancient medical illustrations hung on the walls, showcasing the profoundness of traditional Chinese medicine. The shopkeeper, seeing Xue Ruanruan, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, then stepped forward to greet her. "Miss, is there anything I can help you with?" Xue Ruanruan smiled slightly and said, "I've heard that your doctor is highly skilled, so I've come to consult him." The shopkeeper quickly replied, "You flatter me, you flatter me. Please have a seat, Miss. I'll go and fetch the doctor right away." A moment later, an elderly man with white hair entered. He had a kind expression, and his eyes shone with wisdom. "Miss, are you feeling unwell?" the old man asked. Xue Ruanruan shook her head. "I wish to learn some medical skills. Would it be possible for me to become your apprentice, sir?" The old man paused slightly, then smiled and said, "The path to learning medicine is arduous and long. Miss, please think carefully." Xue Ruanruan said firmly, "I have made up my mind. I humbly request that you accept me as your apprentice." Looking at her sincere eyes, the old man nodded. "Very well, since you are so determined, then I will accept you as my apprentice. But remember, learning medicine requires not only talent and hard work, but also a compassionate heart to save lives." Xue Ruanruan was overjoyed and knelt down, kowtowing. "Thank you, Master! Your apprentice will certainly follow your teachings!"

Xue Ruanruan rushed back to the capital day and night, only to hear upon arrival that the Empress Dowager's condition had worsened. Without rest, she immediately went to the palace to treat the Empress Dowager. After carefully examining her pulse, Xue Ruanruan discovered that the Empress Dowager had been secretly poisoned, causing her sudden deterioration. The Regent was also present, his face grim. Xue Ruanruan acted decisively, prescribing several antidotes and staying by the Empress Dowager's bedside day and night. Under her meticulous care, the Empress Dowager's condition gradually stabilized. Meanwhile, a treacherous minister, to prevent Xue Ruanruan from clearing the Xue family army's name, sent assassins to kill her. Xue Ruanruan escaped thanks to her wit and martial arts skills. Knowing time was of the essence, she requested an audience with the Emperor after the Empress Dowager's condition improved. In court, she delivered a passionate speech, using facts and evidence to expose the treacherous minister's conspiracy. The Emperor gradually came to his senses, realizing he had been misled by the minister. Ultimately, the treacherous minister received his due punishment, and the Xue family army's name was cleared. Xue Ruanruan returned to the frontier once more, carrying the Emperor's commendation and support, and continued to work with the soldiers to build up the frontier and protect the country. Without taking a break, she went straight to the palace to treat the Empress Dowager. While treating the Empress Dowager, she also took the opportunity to demonstrate the loyalty of the Xue family army to the Emperor.

Seeing Xue Ruanruan's dedication to the Empress Dowager and hearing her words, the Emperor's doubts gradually dissipated. Meanwhile, the Regent secretly investigated and uncovered the treacherous minister's plot, bringing him to justice. The crisis facing the Xue family army was thus resolved, and peace returned to the borderlands. Xue Ruanruan continued to protect everyone's happiness. The woman practiced medicine and taught soldiers farming in the border region. After a period of time, not only did the soldiers' health improve significantly, but the harvests on the borderlands also became increasingly bountiful.