PDLP Chapter 260 (014 words added)
Chapter 260 (014 words added)
The stems of the Ice Spirit Grass are slender yet resilient, seemingly containing boundless vitality. Its roots are deeply embedded in the crevices of the mountain wall, blending seamlessly with the surrounding rocks, as if it were a masterpiece of nature.
She gently stroked the leaves of the Ice Spirit Grass, feeling its cold and smooth texture. A sense of awe welled up in her heart; this Ice Spirit Grass had endured the vicissitudes of time, yet it still exuded a powerful vitality.
She decided to bring the Ice Spirit Grass back so that its beauty and power could be known to more people. She believed that the Ice Spirit Grass would become a source of inspiration for her creations, adding a touch of mystery to her stories.
Xue Ruanruan carefully picked the Ice Spirit Grass and hurriedly went down the mountain back to her thatched hut. She used the Ice Spirit Grass as medicine and carefully brewed it. The girl woke up not long after taking it.
After the girl woke up, she was extremely grateful to Xue Ruanruan, and the wealthy merchant offered her a huge reward. Xue Ruanruan accepted some of the money and used it to purchase more medicinal herbs to help the poor.
After that, Xue Ruanruan's deeds were spread even further, attracting patients with difficult and complicated diseases from all over the country to come for treatment. She always upheld the benevolence of a doctor and continued to write her legend of healing and saving lives in this small thatched hut.
Xue Ruanruan decided to set out to find it. After overcoming numerous hardships, she reached the snow-capped mountains and found the Ice Spirit Grass near a hidden cave. Just as she was about to pick it, a snow leopard suddenly pounced. Xue Ruanruan used her agility to dodge the attack while simultaneously throwing out a drug she was carrying to knock out the snow leopard.
After obtaining the Ice Spirit Grass, she quickly returned to the thatched hut. She carefully prepared the herb, making a potion which she fed to the girl. Soon, the girl awoke, her complexion gradually regaining its rosy hue. The wealthy merchant was overjoyed and rewarded her handsomely. Xue Ruanruan accepted the reward, and life returned to its usual tranquility. However, this tranquility did not last long. One night, while Xue Ruanruan was studying medical books, she suddenly heard a painful groan outside. She rushed out to investigate and found a ragged man lying in front of the hut, covered in wounds. Xue Ruanruan quickly helped the man inside and lit a lamp to examine his injuries. The man's wounds were haphazard and numerous, as if he had been injured by multiple sharp weapons, and some of the wounds were blackened, clearly indicating poisoning. Xue Ruanruan immediately began cleaning the wounds and applying an antidote. After much effort, the man's condition finally stabilized. The next day, the man awoke, introducing himself as Su Jin, a traveling merchant who had been robbed on his journey, losing not only his goods but also his life. While comforting him, Xue Ruanruan changed his dressings. During his recovery, Su Jin witnessed Xue Ruanruan's tireless efforts in treating patients every day, and he was filled with admiration. He noticed that Xue Ruanruan's medicine box was somewhat worn and secretly remembered it. After recovering, Su Jin took his leave. A few days later, Su Jin returned with a brand-new, finely crafted medicine box, saying it was to thank Xue Ruanruan for saving his life. Xue Ruanruan gladly accepted it; she understood that it was more than just a medicine box; it was a token of recognition. From then on, Xue Ruanruan continued to practice medicine and save lives in her thatched hut, her kindness and medical skills forever remembered in this land. Xue Ruanruan used some of the money she received to purchase more medicinal herbs to help the poor.
After that, Xue Ruanruan's deeds spread far and wide, attracting many patients from afar. She always adhered to the principles of a doctor, treating everyone with care regardless of their wealth, writing her own legendary medical journey on this land.
It turned out that the old man had once done Xue Ruanruan a favor. Several years later, Xue Ruanruan's fame spread throughout the entire country. One day, an envoy from the imperial palace arrived, saying that the emperor was seriously ill and summoned her to the palace for treatment. Xue Ruanruan packed her bags and followed the envoy into the palace.
The palace was resplendent in gold, and the emperor lay on his dragon bed, barely breathing. After careful examination, Xue Ruanruan discovered that the emperor's illness was extremely serious, caused by long-term accumulation of toxins and overwork. She requested some rare medicinal herbs, including deep-sea mermaid tears and thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms.
Within the magnificent, resplendent imperial palace, a group of well-trained soldiers, tokens in hand, hurried through the streets and alleys. Clad in ornate and orderly armor, their steps were swift and powerful, their eyes sharp as hawks, leaving no corner unchecked for any possible hiding place. These men were acting on the emperor's orders to find the missing person. Whether in bustling markets or secluded alleys; whether in thronged restaurants and teahouses or deserted residences, their busy search could be seen. Wherever they went, people turned to look, whispering amongst themselves about this sudden and significant operation. Meanwhile, while waiting in the palace, Xue Ruanruan discovered the fierce infighting within the harem; someone didn't want her to cure the emperor. So, they secretly stole some of her medicinal herbs. Xue Ruanruan remained calm; relying on her years of experience, she readjusted the formula.
After all the precious and rare medicinal herbs had been collected, Xue Ruanruan breathed a sigh of relief and immediately began meticulously preparing the legendary miraculous elixir. She carefully placed the various herbs into a large, ancient cauldron according to a specific ratio and order, then lit the fire, controlling the heat with her skillful and gentle touch. As time passed, a rich medicinal aroma gradually filled the room, soothing the senses. However, Xue Ruanruan did not lower her guard. She focused intently on the cauldron, constantly monitoring the changes in the liquid, fearing even the slightest mistake. The preparation of this elixir required not only superb skill but also immense patience and meticulousness. After several sleepless nights, the elixir was finally completed. After the emperor took the elixir, his health gradually recovered. The emperor was deeply moved and rewarded Xue Ruanruan with ten thousand taels of gold and a pardon from death.
Xue Ruanruan clutched the generous reward tightly, her steps light as she walked towards her simple thatched hut. Sunlight shone on her, reflecting the undisguised joy and excitement on her face.
Upon returning to her thatched hut, Xue Ruanruan couldn't wait to begin planning how to use this windfall. After careful consideration, she decided to use the money to realize her long-held dream—to build a larger and more comprehensive medical clinic.
Without hesitation, Xue Ruanruan inquired everywhere to find suitable craftsmen and building materials, and personally participated in the design of every detail. She meticulously planned the layout of the clinic, hoping to make it as convenient as possible for patients to receive medical treatment.
During construction, Xue Ruanruan would arrive at the site early every day to supervise the progress, communicate with the craftsmen, and ensure that everything proceeded smoothly as she envisioned. Sometimes, when faced with difficulties, she would use her intelligence to devise ingenious solutions.
Time flies, and the days slip by like a fleeting moment. With everyone's concerted efforts, the much-anticipated new medical center has finally begun to take shape. From a barren piece of land to the buildings that stand today, every brick and every beam carries people's earnest expectations and beautiful aspirations for the medical cause.
Workers busily and methodically moved about, some carrying heavy materials, others meticulously crafting the details of doors and windows; architects stood by, sometimes glancing down at blueprints, sometimes looking up to examine the overall structure of the building, ensuring everything progressed smoothly according to the design plan. Sunlight streamed onto the unfinished roof and walls, casting dappled shadows, seemingly foreshadowing a bright and promising future for the new clinic. The once dilapidated thatched hut had been replaced by a spacious, bright, and fully equipped clinic. The clinic included multiple consultation rooms, a pharmacy, and a rest area, all in a clean and comfortable environment.
Looking at the brand-new clinic before her, Xue Ruanruan felt immense pride and satisfaction. She knew that from this moment on, she would be able to help more patients in need, giving them back their health and hope. All of this stemmed from that precious gift and her persistent efforts. She continued to dedicate herself to medical research and treating the sick, her name becoming synonymous with the benevolence of a healer, forever etched in the hearts of the people. Hearing that an elderly man was ill and had no one to care for him, she braved the snowstorm to come and treat him. Xue Ruanruan checked the old man's condition and gave him some instructions. Only after everything was settled did she prepare to leave. The snow outside had stopped, and the sunlight shone brightly on the snow. Xue Ruanruan wrapped her cloak tighter and stepped back into this white world, walking in the direction she had come from, leaving only a trail of footprints of varying depths that gradually disappeared into the distance.