vstars Chapter 180 Good intentions
Chapter 180 Good intentions
Clad in a red cloak, Xue Ruanruan, like a noble and elegant phoenix, slowly stepped down from the carriage. Her steps were light, as if each one trod on clouds, captivating all who beheld her. With the careful assistance of her maid, she landed steadily on the ground, her beautiful cloak fluttering in the wind like a magnificent sunset, radiating enchanting brilliance.
Although winter in Beijing is cold, it is still full of life and vitality. The trees on both sides of the street are covered with crystal-clear icicles, like exquisite works of art; and the birds, undaunted by the cold, hop merrily on the branches and sing beautiful songs.
The streets and alleys were filled with a festive atmosphere, and vendors displayed a variety of goods to attract customers. Children played and frolicked in the snow, having snowball fights and building snowmen, their laughter echoing in the air. Meanwhile, the elderly sat in the warm sunshine, chatting leisurely and playing chess, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of winter.
As night fell and the city lights came on, the entire capital was illuminated by dazzling lights. Xue Ruanruan entered a clinic. A wooden plaque hung above the door, bearing the three large characters "Jishetang" (meaning "Hall of Relief for All People"), written with powerful strokes and an imposing presence.
Upon entering the clinic, a fresh and delicate herbal aroma wafts through the air. This scent seems to penetrate the body, bringing a sense of comfort and tranquility. The clinic is brightly lit, with warm light spilling into every corner. Various herbal specimens hang on the walls, neatly arranged to create a beautiful display. These specimens showcase a wide variety of herbs, each with its unique shape and color, sparking curiosity in the reader.
Behind the counter, an elderly man with white hair was busy at work. He was focused on his tasks, his head bowed. His face was kind and gentle, and his eyes revealed the wisdom and experience accumulated over the years. Despite his advanced age, his movements were still nimble, his fingers deftly manipulating the medicinal herbs, demonstrating his superb medical skills.
Everything inside the clinic was orderly and clean. Small bottles and utensils, clearly tools for preparing medicines, were displayed on the counter. Benches and tables were also placed around for patients to wait and rest. The entire clinic exuded a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making people feel safe and at ease. Here, people could receive professional medical services while also feeling 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 raised his head, gave Xue Ruanruan a sharp look, then nodded and said, "I am Doctor Li. May I ask what brings you here?"
Xue Ruanruan carefully took out a small, exquisite porcelain bottle from her bosom, gently placed it on the counter, and looked at the other person with expectant eyes, saying softly, "I would like to ask you to take a look at this bottle of medicine for me." Her voice revealed a hint of nervousness and curiosity, as if this small porcelain bottle contained something precious and mysterious.
Doctor Li picked up the small porcelain bottle, uncorked it, smelled it, then frowned and said, "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 the bottle 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 panicked 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 this carefully. However, I still have many questions... I wonder if you could enlighten me?"
After a moment of contemplation, Doctor Li said, "This poison is called 'Gelsemium elegans,' a rare and highly toxic substance. To cure it, we need to find its antidote. However, I fear that very few people know how to prepare this antidote..."
Upon hearing this, Xue Ruanruan felt even heavier-hearted. 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. "Dr. Li, you must help me!"
Doctor Li pondered for a moment and said, "Young lady, don't be anxious. Since you've come here, it means you're destined to be involved in this matter. I can lend you a hand. However, I'll have to trouble you to stay at my humble abode for a few days while I investigate this matter."
Xue Ruanruan nodded gratefully and followed Doctor Li into the inner room. For the next few days, Xue Ruanruan stayed at the clinic. Doctor Li inquired about clues regarding the poison, while Xue Ruanruan helped care for the patients. One day, a mysterious man came to the clinic. He was pale and appeared ill. After examining him, Doctor Li discovered he had been poisoned with "Gelsemium elegans" (a type of poison). Xue Ruanruan's heart skipped a beat; could this man be connected to the poison? Upon questioning, the man revealed he had seen this poison being sold on a black market. Xue Ruanruan and Doctor Li decided to go to the black market together to investigate, hoping to find the mastermind and the antidote.
Several days later, after Dr. Li's investigation, he finally discovered the mastermind's trail...
Xue Ruanruan's heart sank, and she said, "I found this by chance somewhere. I want to know what kind of poison it is and whether there is an antidote."
Doctor Li shook his head and said, "This kind of poison is very rare. I don't know what kind of poison it is, let alone whether there is an antidote."
Xue Ruanruan felt a chill in her heart and said, "Then what should we do?"
After thinking for a moment, Doctor Li said, "You can go to the Pharmacists' Guild in the capital. There are many pharmacists there, and perhaps they can know the antidote for this poison."
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 saw Xue Ruanruan, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he went to greet her.
"Miss, is there anything I can help you with?"
Xue Ruanruan smiled slightly and said, "I have heard that the doctors at your shop are highly skilled, so I have come to ask for your advice."
The shopkeeper quickly replied, "No, no, please sit down, Miss. I'll go and fetch the doctor right away."
A moment later, an elderly man with white hair walked in. 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 want to learn some medical skills. I wonder if I could become your apprentice, sir?" The old man was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "The path to learning medicine is arduous and long. Miss, you should think it over carefully."
Xue Ruanruan said firmly, "I have made up my mind and earnestly request the old gentleman to accept me as his apprentice."
Looking into her sincere eyes, the old man nodded: "Alright, 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 to kowtow: "Thank you, Master! Your disciple will certainly follow your teachings!"
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 studied medical books diligently. As the days went by, her medical skills improved day by day.
The old man paused slightly, then chuckled, "Haha, I'm very pleased that you have such a kind intention, Miss. However, the path to becoming a doctor is arduous and long, requiring unwavering will and diligent spirit." Lanterns hung high, their festive red adorning every corner. People strolled the streets, soaking in the holiday atmosphere, their faces beaming with happiness.
In this cold season, the bustling atmosphere of Beijing brings a sense of warmth. Whether in the vibrant commercial districts or quiet alleyways, a unique charm permeates the city, captivating all who behold it.
During the twelfth lunar month, a grand lantern festival is held in the capital. At this time, the streets and alleys of the capital are illuminated by exquisite lanterns, resembling a dreamlike fairyland. The young ladies of wealthy families also come out to admire the lanterns, dressed in gorgeous clothes and adorned with dazzling jewelry, their faces beaming with happiness and joy.
Wealthy young men were all coming out at this time, as it was a rare opportunity to meet the young ladies of 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 walked in, and his gaze was immediately drawn to Xue Ruanruan. He walked to Xue Ruanruan's side and politely asked, "Miss, may I sit at the same table with you?" Xue Ruanruan looked up at the man before her and nodded with a smile. The two chatted happily, discussing everything from poetry and songs to life ideals.
Before they knew it, the night had deepened. The man stood up and bid farewell to Xue Ruanruan, saying, "I had a very pleasant conversation with you today, and I look forward to meeting you again next time." Xue Ruanruan also rose gently, smiling as she 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 distracted, silently observing the bustling crowds and colorful lanterns.
Li'er usually acts like a mature little adult in the mansion, but in reality, she is still a child at heart. Suddenly, Li'er saw a stall selling candied hawthorns, and her eyes immediately lit up.
"Sister, I want to eat candied hawthorn!" Li'er pleaded, pulling on Xue Ruanruan's hand.
Looking at Li'er's adorable appearance, Xue Ruanruan's heart softened, and she nodded with a smile.
"Boss, give me two skewers of candied hawthorns."
After receiving the candied hawthorn, Li'er couldn't wait to take a bite, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
"Is it delicious?" Xue Ruanruan asked softly.
"Mmm, delicious!" Li'er mumbled between bites.
Looking at Li'er, Xue Ruanruan's mood brightened. Just as Xue Ruanruan and Li'er were sharing the sweetness of the candied hawthorn, a familiar voice reached her ears.
"Soft!"
Xue Ruanruan turned her head and saw a handsome man walking towards her. It turned out to be her friend Lin Yu.
"Lin Yu, what are you doing here?" Xue Ruanruan asked with some surprise.
"I just got back from running errands out of town. I heard there was a lantern festival tonight, so I came to check it out. I didn't expect to run into you here," Lin Yu explained with a smile.
"What a coincidence," Xue Ruanruan said with a smile.
Lin Yu noticed Li'er standing to the side and asked, "And who is this?"
“Oh, he’s my younger brother, Li’er,” Xue Ruanruan introduced.
"Hello, Li'er. I'm Ruan Ruan's friend, Lin Yu." Lin Yu greeted Li'er in a friendly manner.
Li'er obediently replied, "Hello, Brother Lin."
Lin Yu and Xue Ruanruan chatted for a few minutes, then Lin Yu suggested they stroll through the lantern festival together. Xue Ruanruan readily agreed, and the three of them wandered along the brightly lit streets, admiring the various exquisite lanterns. As they walked, Li'er was drawn to a huge lantern in the distance. He excitedly ran over and examined it closely.
Seeing this, Lin Yu and Xue Ruanruan followed.
"Wow, this lantern is so beautiful!" Li'er exclaimed.
“It’s really beautiful,” Lin Yu agreed. “It looks like a giant dragon.”
“Yes, dragons are the most powerful!” Li’er said earnestly.
Xue Ruanruan couldn't help but laugh as she looked at Li'er's innocent and naive appearance.
Just then, a gust of wind blew by, and the giant dragon on the lantern seemed to come alive, swaying gracefully in the wind.
Li'er excitedly pointed at the lantern and shouted, "Look, the dragon is moving!"
Lin Yu and Xue Ruanruan were also stunned by the scene before them, and they quietly admired this wonderful moment.
For a moment, all three of them were immersed in the beautiful scenery.
She took Li'er's hand and continued strolling along the brightly lit street. The lanterns on both sides of the street were as dazzling as stars, adorning the entire night.
The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, from delicate rabbits to lifelike lotus flowers and lively monkeys. They emit a warm glow in the night, illuminating people's smiles and happiness.
Li'er excitedly took her hand, pointing to each lantern, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and joy. She smiled and told Li'er the story behind each lantern, letting Li'er feel the joyful atmosphere of the festival.
On this night filled with lanterns, they seemed to be in a dreamlike world. Bathed in the glow of the lanterns, Li'er's smile was as radiant as the sun, her laughter echoing through the night sky.