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

Chapter 171 Best Friends from a Past Life

Xue Ruanruan carried a space filled with supplies, all of which she had carefully collected and prepared. She knew that in this world, having these supplies meant having an extra layer of security for survival.

The space contained a wide variety of supplies, including food, water, medicine, and weapons. These supplies not only met her personal needs but also helped her better cope with difficulties.

Xue Ruanruan carefully sorted and organized the supplies, placing them in a safe place. She knew in her heart that these supplies were crucial for her future life and she had to protect them well.

While carrying the supplies from her spatial dimension, Xue Ruanruan also felt a sense of responsibility and pressure. She knew she couldn't let these supplies down and had to make full use of them to improve her life. Therefore, she began to think about how to allocate and use these supplies rationally to ensure they could be used to their fullest potential.

She decided to embark on a journey to the frontier, carrying abundant supplies and her longing for her father and brothers, hoping to bring them warmth and strength. The journey was fraught with hardship, but she was fearless, with only one goal in mind: to see her beloved father and brothers and offer them her sincerest support.

My father and elder brother are leading troops in battle on the frontier. They bear the heavy responsibility of defending the country and resisting foreign invasion, fighting day and night on the battlefield. On the front lines, facing the threat of the enemy, they fight bravely and fearlessly without fear.

Winters in the border regions are exceptionally cold, with biting winds and heavy snowfall, covering the entire land in a blanket of white. The sky is azure, the sun shines brightly, but the temperature is extremely low, making one feel as if they are in a world of ice and snow.

During this season, residents of the border regions wear thick cotton-padded clothes and furs to ward off the harsh cold. They light fires in their homes, roasting sweet potatoes, corn, and other foods, enjoying the warm winter days. Outside, soldiers, clad in heavy armor and armed, guard the security of the border.

Due to the cold weather, the rivers and lakes in the border region have frozen over, becoming a paradise for ice skating enthusiasts. Children frolic on the ice, their laughter echoing throughout the region. At the same time, winter is also a prime time for hunting; hunters, with their hounds, venture deep into the mountains and forests in search of prey.

However, winter in border regions also brings some difficulties and challenges. Roads are covered in snow, making transportation difficult and impacting the flow of goods and people. Furthermore, severe winter weather can cause crops to freeze and die, resulting in economic losses for farmers.

Nevertheless, the people of the border regions still love this land, and they get through each cold winter in their own way. They believe that as long as they are united, they can overcome all difficulties and protect this beautiful border region.

The current emperor is indulging in wine and women, neglecting state affairs and causing the country to decline. My father, a general, commands a large army, has achieved numerous military exploits, and is deeply loved by the people. However, all of this arouses the emperor's suspicion and fear; he worries that my father will threaten his throne. Therefore, the emperor begins to plot a conspiracy to weaken my father's power.

She felt deeply sorry for her father and brother. They had dedicated their lives to the country and its people, only to end up like this. Their sacrifices were ignored, their efforts trampled upon, and this was unacceptable to her.

"Madam, please don't worry, it's just a small matter. Today, while teaching at the academy, some students had differing interpretations of classical literature, so I discussed it with them. I originally intended to finish early, but the discussion flew by. By the time I realized it was quite late, I hurriedly rushed home. However, this discussion has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation of these classical texts."

When Madam Wang saw her husband's gaze shift towards her, her heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down her spine, instantly spreading throughout her body. Her face turned ashen, and a fine layer of sweat even appeared on her forehead. Instinctively, she reached out and gripped the hem of her dress tightly, trying to calm herself, but her fingers trembled uncontrollably.

At that moment, Madam Wang's mind went blank, completely unsure how to handle the situation. Her only instinct was to protect her youngest daughter, so she moved without hesitation, quickly standing in front of her and blocking her husband's view with her own body.

The Regent's ruthlessness was only apparent to outsiders; he was incredibly gentle and loving towards his family and friends. Wang Jingjing had witnessed him risking everything to protect his family, and at that moment, she was deeply moved by his courage and sense of responsibility.

She knew that the Regent harbored untold pain and loneliness deep within his heart. He bore immense responsibility and pressure, yet no one could truly understand his suffering. Wang Jingjing was willing to be the one to accompany and support him, using her warmth and love to melt the ice in his heart.

She believed that love could overcome all obstacles. Regardless of the Regent's reputation, she was willing to bravely pursue her own happiness. Because in her eyes, he was not only the high and mighty Regent, but also a man worthy of her deep love.

The Left Chancellor had a bad feeling; he felt the Regent might be targeting him. Since the Regent seized power, the Left Chancellor had always been walking on thin ice. He knew the Regent was ruthless and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Now, with the situation at court becoming increasingly tense, the Left Chancellor felt his position was becoming increasingly precarious.

The Left Chancellor pondered to himself whether he should take some measures to protect himself. He knew that the Regent would not easily let go of anyone who posed a threat to him. If he did not take the initiative, he might become the Regent's next target. However, the Left Chancellor also understood that acting under the Regent's nose required extreme caution; the slightest mistake could lead to his death.

"Wow, so much good wine!" she exclaimed.

The ministers submitted memorials one after another, earnestly requesting the emperor to cut expenses and use money wisely. However, the emperor dismissed their pleas, believing them to be alarmist and rebuking them for making trouble out of nothing, implying that he was unaware of the collusion between the minister and the left prime minister.

Asri held a handful of jujubes, eating them with relish, and said casually, "The jade pendant space was a gift from my master." A hint of gratitude and respect flickered in her eyes. This jade pendant space held immense significance for her; it was a symbol of her master's trust and expectations.

Arthur gently stroked the jade pendant, feeling its warmth and mystery. She knew that this space within the jade pendant contained endless possibilities and power. It was not only a precious treasure, but also the source of her growth and progress.

In her heart, her master was a wise and compassionate being. Her master's gift made her feel incredibly lucky and happy. She secretly resolved to make good use of the jade pendant's space, continuously improve her strength, and live up to her master's expectations.

Arthur took a deep breath and fastened the jade pendant to her chest. She closed her eyes, quietly sensing the power of the pendant's space. Deep within her consciousness, the space gradually unfolded, revealing a vast and mysterious world. She believed that within this space, she would be able to gain more opportunities and challenges, and realize her dreams and goals.

As time went on, the nation's situation grew increasingly dire. Displaced people were displaced, and starvation was rampant, yet the imperial court was powerless to provide aid. Public discontent was widespread, and uprisings were frequent, but the emperor remained engrossed in cultivating immortality and Taoist practices, turning a blind eye to the external crises.

“Li’er is good at his studies. After each exam, the teacher will keep him behind to help his classmates correct their papers and give him extra tutoring to explain more complex concepts,” Princess Lingjun explained to Xue Ruanruan with a gentle smile. Over the years, she had neglected her youngest son because she missed her daughter too much.

However, Xue Li's excellence aroused jealousy and resentment among some of his classmates. They began to deliberately cause trouble for Xue Li, bullying and harassing him in various ways.

Once, after the teacher left, several classmates surrounded Xue Li, mocking him as a bookworm and shoving him, causing him to fall to the ground. Xue Li was filled with resentment and helplessness, as if bound tightly by an invisible force. He knew he hadn't done anything wrong, but he couldn't confide his suffering to anyone. He feared that telling the teacher would bring more trouble, and he worried about worrying his family. So, he could only silently endure it all, burying his pain deep in his heart. Every night, when the moonlight shone through the window, Xue Li would toss and turn in bed, tears silently streaming down his face. He didn't know how long this would last, only hoping that one day he could escape this endless resentment and loneliness, because he feared it would cause even more trouble.

After learning about this, Xue Ruanruan felt very sorry for her younger brother and decided to help him. She found the classmates who were bullying Xue Li and warned them to stop. However, these classmates did not take Xue Ruanruan's words seriously and instead bullied Xue Li even more arrogantly.

Xue Li was deeply hurt. He became taciturn and lost interest in his studies. Princess Lingjun finally noticed her son's change. She felt extremely guilty and regretful, and began to care for and protect Xue Li. At the same time, she also dealt seriously with the classmates who bullied him.

By 7 PM, Xue Li still hadn't returned home, and even the old lady couldn't help but worry. "It's already this late, why hasn't Li'er returned? Could something have happened?" Xue Ruanruan was restless and decided to go out and look for her younger brother. She walked along the path her brother took to school, her heart filled with anxiety. Suddenly, she heard a quarrel and hurriedly ran over to investigate.

Xue Li was surrounded by a group of people, her face filled with terror. Xue Ruanruan was furious and rushed forward to argue with them. However, they were relentless and even shoved Xue Ruanruan.

Just then, a figure flashed by, knocking those people to the ground. Xue Ruanruan looked closely and saw that it was the Regent. He looked at those people coldly, his eyes revealing his majesty.

"You dare touch my men?" The Regent's voice was icy cold, like a demon from hell, sending chills down everyone's spine. His eyes were like two sharp swords, piercing straight at the offenders, flashing with anger and murderous intent.

His tone was full of authority and domineering power, as if the whole world had to obey his commands. His words were not merely a warning to those people, but a declaration of sovereignty. He was telling everyone that this person belonged to him, and no one could easily touch him.

At this moment, the Regent's figure appeared exceptionally tall and imposing, his aura causing those around him to tremble. His presence was like an insurmountable mountain, inspiring awe and reverence.

The men were terrified and begged for mercy, but the regent remained unmoved and ordered his men to take them away.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Xue Ruanruan's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she looked up at the Regent, her gaze revealing an indescribable sense of appreciation. The Regent's tall and imposing figure stood before her, his handsome face bearing a faint smile that inspired both awe and admiration.

Xue Ruanruan secretly rejoiced that she had received the Regent's help; without him, she would probably have already perished. At this moment, she was filled with respect and gratitude for the Regent.

Looking at the petite and lovely woman before him, the Regent felt a surge of indescribable emotion. He gently stroked her hair and said tenderly, "Don't mention it, it's what I should do." His voice was deep and magnetic, as if it could penetrate one's soul.

Xue Ruanruan lowered her head slightly, a shy blush rising on her face. She replied softly, "Your Highness's kindness is beyond my ability to repay. If I have the opportunity, I will certainly repay you tenfold." Her words were sincere and firm, expressing her deep gratitude to the Regent.

The Regent smiled slightly, a smile as warm as a spring breeze, yet carrying a hint of unfathomable depth. He knew that although the woman before him was of humble birth, her eyes held a resolute and unyielding spirit, as if telling a story from the depths of her heart. This indomitable spirit aroused the Regent's curiosity and admiration. She possessed a kind and pure heart, and he was willing to give her more care and protection, keeping her away from danger and suffering.

The two stood facing each other, their eyes meeting, seemingly conveying a tacit understanding and warmth. At that moment, the distance between them seemed to shrink considerably, as if an invisible bond tightly connected them.

"No need to thank me, it's what I should do." The Regent smiled slightly. "If you need anything in the future, just come to me." After saying that, he turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Xue Ruanruan felt a ripple of emotion stir within her. Sensing the Regent's kindness, she decided to find an opportunity to repay him. A few days later, learning that the Regent was suffering from a recurring ailment, Xue Ruanruan used her exceptional medical skills to prepare a unique remedy for him. She personally delivered the medicine to the palace, carefully instructing him on how to use it and on precautions. The Regent was deeply gratified by Xue Ruanruan's concern, and he found his feelings for her gradually changing. Meanwhile, the situation at court grew increasingly tense. The Emperor's incompetence and folly had fueled widespread public resentment, leading to rebellions across the land. The Regent decided to step forward and save the nation from this crisis. He secretly contacted various factions, plotting a momentous reform…