nycdaug Chapter 371 (101 words added)
Chapter 371 (101 words added)
Xue Ruanruan left the Zhenguo General's Mansion, her heart filled with resentment. Today, at the General's Mansion, the eldest daughter, relying on her noble status, had made things difficult for her in every way, her words dripping with mockery. Xue Ruanruan was originally the daughter of a merchant; it was only through her father's business dealings with the General's Mansion that she was able to enter this prestigious household.
She bit her lower lip tightly, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists. Suddenly, a commotion arose from the street corner. Xue Ruanruan curiously went over and saw a group of people surrounding a young street performer. The young man was agile, wielding a sword with great power and grace. Xue Ruanruan was captivated by the sight, temporarily forgetting her unhappiness.
Just then, a bully stepped out from the crowd, attempting to rob the boy. Xue Ruanruan, emboldened by some unknown source of courage, rushed forward and stood in front of the boy, righteously declaring to the bully, "How dare you act so recklessly in broad daylight!" The bully glared at her, about to retaliate, when guards from the General's Mansion passed by and chased him away. Xue Ruanruan and the boy exchanged a smile, a scene witnessed by those secretly observing from within the General's Mansion…
Murong Xun alighted from the carriage. He had just witnessed Xue Ruanruan's courageous act of protecting someone. He was a distinguished guest of the General's mansion, visiting the General today, but unexpectedly encountered this scene outside the mansion. He approached Xue Ruanruan with interest, cupping his hands in greeting, "Young lady, you have great courage." Xue Ruanruan looked up and saw a distinguished young man; her face flushed slightly, and she curtsied, saying, "You flatter me, sir." Murong Xun then looked at the young performer, inquired about his situation, and even gave him some money. The young man was deeply grateful, bowed in thanks, and left.
The person secretly observing was none other than the personal maid of the general's eldest daughter. She hurried back to the manor and embellished her account of what she had witnessed to tell the eldest daughter. The eldest daughter already looked down on Xue Ruanruan, and upon hearing of her interaction with the strange young man, she was even more enraged, secretly plotting to teach Xue Ruanruan a lesson. Xue Ruanruan, however, was completely unaware of the impending danger. After exchanging a few words with Murong Xun, she embarked on her journey home with mixed feelings, still hoping for her next encounter with this young man.
Xue Ruanruan bowed to the Regent. Regent Murong Xun nodded slightly, gesturing for her to rise, his gaze filled with a mixture of inquiry and admiration. "The way you protected someone just now, young lady, had quite the air of a chivalrous woman." Xue Ruanruan's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, saying softly, "It was just that I couldn't bear to see the wicked bullying the kind." Murong Xun's lips curled into a smile. "Such kindness is truly rare."
Just then, the general's eldest daughter arrived in a huff with a group of maids. Seeing Xue Ruanruan standing with Murong Xun, she was consumed by jealousy and shrieked, "Xue Ruanruan, how dare you, a merchant's daughter, be so intimate with a distinguished guest of my household! What kind of behavior is this!" Xue Ruanruan was startled and was about to explain when Murong Xun stepped in front of her, saying calmly, "This young lady is helping others out of kindness. I was merely expressing my appreciation. How is this improper?" The eldest daughter was speechless, her face turning pale and then red. Xue Ruanruan was deeply moved and secretly glanced at Murong Xun, feeling incredibly reliable at that moment. The eldest daughter snorted coldly, flicked her sleeves, and left, secretly vowing to make Xue Ruanruan pay the price. Meanwhile, under Murong Xun's protection, Xue Ruanruan felt both nervous and excited, anticipating more stories from this unexpected encounter.