boyutpedia Chapter 252, word count increased by 006, will be completed tomorrow.
Chapter 252, word count increased by 006, will be completed tomorrow.
At this moment, he stood there quietly, his posture as upright as a pine tree, exuding an aura of majesty that made people hesitant to approach. His gaze was like the water of a cold pool, icy and clear, staring blankly at Xue Ruanruan before him. His handsome face was expressionless, yet it revealed an indescribable indifference and aloofness. It seemed that nothing in the world could stir his heart, only this woman named Xue Ruanruan could earn his attention. However, this gaze was not gentle or kind, but rather carried a scrutinizing and probing quality, as if trying to see through her appearance to the secrets deep within her heart. The Regent had saved her life in her previous life. Thinking of the grain and medicine stored in her spatial storage, Xue Ruanruan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Greetings, Regent." Murong Xun nodded slightly, his voice low, "Rise." Xue Ruanruan rose, secretly glancing at him. She saw that his eyes were slightly narrowed, as if he were thinking about something. She mustered her courage and spoke, "Your Majesty, I have something important to tell you. The epidemic in the city has recently become severe, and I have some medicinal herbs and provisions that I wish to offer to Your Majesty to help the people overcome this difficult time." A fleeting hint of surprise flashed across Murong Xun's deep, still eyes, but this brief change in emotion did not last long. He quickly composed himself, returning to his usual calm and collected demeanor. He frowned slightly, staring intently at the person before him, and asked in a low, slightly questioning tone, "Why have you acted this way? What is the deeper meaning behind this action? I hope Your Majesty can give me a reasonable explanation." Throughout his speech, Murong Xun's gaze never left her, as if trying to see through her surface to her true inner thoughts. Xue Ruanruan lowered her head and said, "The Regent once saved my life, and I have no way to repay him. Besides, this is also my duty." Murong Xun's lips curled up slightly. "Good." Murong Xun looked at the woman before him, and his heart stirred. He had originally thought Xue Ruanruan was just an ordinary woman, but he hadn't expected her to have such a magnanimous heart. Xue Ruanruan was dressed in coarse linen clothes, and wore a worn-out bamboo hat, completely concealing her originally beautiful face. She had also deliberately smeared some dust on her face, making her skin look darker and rougher, as if she were an ordinary person who worked hard all day under the sun and wind. Not only that, she had also cleverly changed her hairstyle, casually tying her hair into two buns, making her look very simple and unadorned. After everything was ready, Xue Ruanruan mounted the donkey, gently patted the donkey's rump, and slowly walked towards the city gate. The donkey, equally unremarkable in appearance, with dull gray fur and a thin build, carried Xue Ruanruan at a leisurely pace. In this way, Xue Ruanruan successfully disguised herself as an ordinary young man, blending into the crowd leaving the city and smoothly departing. Meanwhile, a discreetly luxurious carriage sped out of the Regent's Palace, heading towards the outskirts of the capital on the official road. A small donkey galloped along happily, its tiny hooves striking the hard ground with a crisp clatter. The donkey carried a tattered bundle on its back, seemingly containing its master's entire possessions. Its fur was a dull yellow, covered with dust and bits of grass, making it look somewhat disheveled. But its eyes were exceptionally bright, revealing a cleverness and mischief. Its tail swished occasionally, as if bidding farewell to the world behind it.
It was an exquisitely crafted hand warmer, its body meticulously crafted from the finest brass, its surface smooth as a mirror, radiating a subtle metallic sheen. The lid was engraved with intricate patterns, making it seem like a precious work of art. These patterns were delicate and intricate; some resembled blooming flowers, vibrant and beautiful; others resembled graceful birds poised for flight; still others were like winding vines, intertwined and entwined. On one side of the hand warmer was a round gemstone, its vibrant color dazzling, like a glittering star in the night sky. When she gently lifted the hand warmer, she could feel its heavy weight, as if bearing the weight of time and the craftsman's painstaking efforts. As she ventured deeper into the space, the surrounding environment became increasingly wondrous. Ancient architecture, exotic plants, and various rare animals appeared in her vision. These creatures seemed to possess a unique spirituality; they gazed at Xue Ruanruan with gentle eyes, as if welcoming this unexpected guest. The climate in the border regions is exceptionally cold, as if the entire world is frozen in ice and snow. The biting wind howls and sweeps in like a ferocious beast, mercilessly tearing at people's clothes and skin. The land is a vast expanse of white, covered in thick snow, blanketing mountains, rivers, and plains, evoking the ancient poem: "Birds have vanished from a thousand mountains, human tracks have disappeared from ten thousand paths." In this frigid land, temperatures often drop to tens of degrees below zero or even lower. The biting cold seems to freeze the air itself; each breath feels icy, penetrating the chest. Every step makes a crunching sound underfoot—the sound of snow being compacted. Looking around, only the monotonous color of white remains, instilling a sense of endless loneliness. Yet, even in such harsh conditions, the brave border soldiers remain steadfast at their posts, undeterred. They wear heavy cotton clothing, hats, and gloves, but even these offer little protection against the biting cold. Their faces were frosty, their lips purple, yet they maintained a high level of vigilance and focus. With unwavering will and tenacious perseverance, they guarded the borders of their motherland, defending the nation's dignity and territorial integrity. The Xue Family Army—a fearsome and renowned iron-blooded force! They were like a surging torrent, creating turbulent waves wherever they went; like a pack of fierce and fearless tigers, their descent from the mountains shook the earth! This army was renowned for its exceptional combat power and indomitable fighting spirit, becoming an indelible nightmare for countless enemies. The soldiers of the Xue Family Army were all battle-hardened and fearless, tempered by blood and fire, possessing an iron will and an indomitable fighting spirit. No matter how powerful the enemy, they were fearless, charging forward with their lives to defend the nation's dignity and honor. On the battlefield, the Xue Family Army always charged into battle, bravely fighting the enemy. Their tactics were flexible and varied, their teamwork seamless, often defeating their opponents by surprise. Their weapons and equipment were excellent, their training superb, every movement brimming with power and skill. When they brandished their swords, the whole world seemed to tremble; when they unleashed a rain of arrows, it was like a sky full of stars falling to earth. In that distant and mysterious era, there lived a woman named Xue Ruanruan. She was as gentle and beautiful as the first ray of morning sunlight, yet possessed a steadfast and courageous heart. However, one day, this remarkable beauty suddenly vanished from sight, as if blown away without a trace by an invisible wind. As the carriage traveled further and further away, a cloud of dust rose into the air. The dust seemed to carry a mysterious aura, filling people with curiosity and imagination about this legendary figure. Suddenly, the carriage stopped. In the middle of the road ahead stood a ragged old man, his face haggard, his eyes revealing despair and pain. Murong Xun lifted the curtain and sized up the old man. He keenly sensed that the old man's health was unusually poor. The moment he stepped into the mansion, a long-lost sense of warmth washed over him. The flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard were still lush and verdant, exuding a refreshing fragrance; the koi in the pond swam happily, as if welcoming their master's return. Xue Ruanruan strolled through the courtyard, feeling the warmth and tranquility of home, and her unease gradually dissipated. At this moment, Xue Ruanruan knew that no matter how unpredictable the outside world might be, this would always be her most solid harbor and the refuge of her soul. The carriage Murong Xun rode in was entirely crafted from precious ebony, its body carved with exquisite cloud patterns, showcasing its owner's noble and extraordinary status. The shafts and wheels were meticulously polished, smooth as a mirror, as if reflecting everything around them. The horses pulling the carriage were exceptionally fine, each with a bright coat, firm muscles, and a steady and powerful gait. They strutted with their heads held high, their hooves making a clear, melodious sound, seemingly proclaiming their uniqueness to the world. The carriage's interior was extravagantly decorated, with soft brocade cushions covering the entire cabin, making one feel as comfortable as if floating on clouds. Sheer curtains hung on the windows, which could be drawn or lowered at will, ensuring privacy while allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery along the way. In addition, various rare antiques and precious spices were displayed inside, emitting a faint fragrance that soothed the mind and spirit. Murong Xun sat in such a magnificent carriage, appearing ethereal and otherworldly like a celestial being descended to earth, attracting the attention of passersby. Suddenly, a gentle breeze blew by, bringing a few flower petals. Murong Xun reached out and caught one, gently sniffing it, a faint smile playing on his lips. He remembered the times he and Xue Ruanruan had played together in the garden, those days when they were so happy and carefree. Now, though they have weathered many storms, he believes their love, like this petal, is light and beautiful, and will never fade. With the crisp sound of hooves and wheels, the ornately decorated and exquisitely carved carriage finally came to a slow stop in front of the mansion. The curtain was gently lifted, and a tall, distinguished man stepped out. This was Murong Xun, dressed in a flowing, moon-white robe, like a celestial being descending to earth. After alighting, Murong Xun first glanced at the magnificent mansion before him, then walked with steady, elegant steps towards the gate. Every step he took was so composed, as if nothing in the world could faze him. Upon reaching the gate, two guards immediately bowed respectfully and said in unison, "Welcome back, young master!" Murong Xun nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then stepped into the mansion. He eagerly anticipated his reunion with Xue Ruanruan, his heart filled with joy. Murong Xun entered the mansion and headed straight for Xue Ruanruan's room. Along the way, he encountered many servants, all of whom greeted him respectfully. Murong Xun responded with a smile, his mood growing increasingly cheerful. Reaching Xue Ruanruan's door, Murong Xun gently pushed it open. Before him sat Xue Ruanruan quietly by the window, gazing into the distance. Hearing the sound, Xue Ruanruan turned her head, a joyful smile spreading across her face. The two looked at each other in silence, their eyes filled with love.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the capital, but apart from those in the General's Mansion, no one knew where she had gone. For the outside world, it became an unsolved mystery, sparking countless speculations and discussions. Some said she might have met with misfortune, persecuted by evil forces; others believed she had resolutely left the bustling city to pursue her true dreams. Due to the continuous snowstorm, many houses collapsed, roads were blocked by thick snow, traffic was paralyzed, and people could not travel normally. Crops in the fields suffered catastrophic damage, with no harvest. People who lost their homes and livelihoods were forced to leave their homeland, wandering aimlessly, searching for hope. They were ragged, haggard, and their eyes were filled with despair and helplessness. In this icy world, the biting wind made hunger and cold their greatest enemies. Children shivered with cold, while the elderly, frail and sickly, could hardly endure such harsh conditions. Some people even collapsed on the roadside from hunger and cold, never to rise again. The once bustling city was now deserted, a desolate atmosphere permeating the streets and alleys. Faced with such a grim situation, the royal families of Chu and Qin implemented some disaster relief measures, but due to the severity of the disaster, these efforts were woefully inadequate. Officials in various regions were also in a predicament, facing immense pressure to both deal with the pleas for help from the disaster victims and to find ways to procure supplies. Meanwhile, wealthy merchants and landowners took advantage of the situation, hoarding goods and profiting from the national crisis, making life even harder for the people. In this harsh winter, the people of Chu and Qin were experiencing unprecedented hardship. They longed for warmth, food, and a stable home. But reality was so cruel, causing them immense pain and helplessness. However, even in their dire straits, they did not give up hope for the future, firmly believing that as long as they united, they would overcome the difficulties and usher in a brighter tomorrow.