bullyxtreme Chapter 461
Chapter 461
Time flowed by silently, like a gentle stream. In these seemingly ordinary days, some extraordinary changes were quietly taking place in Li Yanran. Initially, Li Yanran appeared mentally impaired, her eyes vacant, her movements slow, as if shrouded in an invisible mist, her whole being in a daze. But as the days passed, that mist gradually dissipated. Her once dull eyes began to shine, radiating a lively light; her complexion became increasingly rosy, glowing with health; and her figure grew more agile, her former frailty vanishing without a trace.
Dongfang Mingzhu had been closely monitoring Li Yanran's every move. When she noticed this change, shock and anger surged within her like a tidal wave. Her eyes widened in disbelief, then blazed with fury, her face turning crimson, like an enraged lion, wanting nothing more than to tear Li Yanran to pieces. But just as she was about to erupt in rage, she was astonished to discover that Dongfang Wan'er had already publicly revealed the herbal ingredients for the pills. The detailed records, the clear explanations, every detail was irrefutable evidence, powerfully proving that everything was for the purpose of nourishing Li Yanran's body, and there was nothing wrong with it.
Oriental Pearl felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head; her raging anger was instantly extinguished, leaving only resentment and helplessness. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but felt that any words would be pale and powerless. She could only swallow her bitterness back down, feeling as if she had eaten bitter herbs, unable to express her suffering. She watched helplessly as Li Yanran got better and better, her carefully planned conspiracy completely failing, and the hatred in her heart grew wildly like weeds.
Dongfang Mingzhu trembled with rage, her face ashen, like the sky before a storm. She paced back and forth in the room, her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white from the force. But no matter how angry or resentful she was, she was powerless to do anything, forced to swallow her anger deeply. However, being inherently stubborn and narrow-minded, she wouldn't easily give up. Like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, she secretly began searching for a new opportunity to strike at Li Yanran again, determined to succeed at all costs.
At this critical juncture, a rare and devastating epidemic broke out in the capital without warning. As if overnight, the shadow of death and despair enveloped the entire city. The streets and alleys were filled with the pungent smell of medicine and the stench of decay. People were pale, their eyes filled with fear and despair. Many had unfortunately contracted the disease, groaning in agony, struggling between life and death. The weak cries of children and the desperate shouts of adults mingled together, creating a heartbreaking elegy.
The eldest prince, Jing Chu, was extremely anxious and restless. His brow was constantly furrowed, his heart filled with worry. He paced back and forth in his study in the palace, unable to eat or sleep. Seeing the people of the capital suffering from the plague filled him with guilt and anxiety. To find a cure, he spared no effort, posting notices everywhere and seeking out talented individuals; he would not give up on any hope, no matter how small.
Filled with compassion, Dongfang Wan'er couldn't bear to see the people suffering. Relying on her exceptional medical skills, she resolutely volunteered to participate in the rescue efforts. Back in her room, she immersed herself in the mountain of medical books, reading and studying them day and night. Sometimes she frowned deeply, sometimes she seemed lost in thought, her pen constantly jotting down crucial information. When hungry, she would eat a few bites of dry rations; when thirsty, she would drink some cool water, completely absorbed in the world of medical texts, forgetting the passage of time.
After countless days and nights of hard work, she finally formulated the medicine. Then, she tirelessly worked in the epidemic area, disregarding her own safety, meticulously caring for each patient. Sweat soaked her clothes, clinging tightly to her back; exhaustion etched itself on her face, yet her eyes remained firm and gentle. She moved between bedsides, taking patients' pulses, administering medication, comforting them, and giving them hope for life.
Seeing this, Dongfang Mingzhu, with her shifty eyes, hatched another wicked plan. Like a cat stealing cream, she sneaked into Dongfang Wan'er's pharmacy when no one was looking. She tiptoed to the cabinet containing the medicines, carefully opened the door, and her eyes revealed a hint of malice and cunning. She had tampered with the prepared medicine, secretly pleased with herself, intending to worsen the illness, then frame Dongfang Wan'er, ruining her reputation and causing her to completely lose everyone's trust and praise.
However, Dongfang Wan'er was meticulous and cautious. Before administering the medicine, she carefully examined the preparation as usual. Relying on her years of medical experience and keen intuition, she astutely noticed the anomaly. She was startled, but quickly calmed herself, remaining composed and playing along. She secretly preserved the tampered medicine, leaving irrefutable evidence, and then focused on the intense work of preparing the medicine. With her solid medical skills and exceptional wisdom, she successfully concocted a truly effective remedy.
Dongfang Wan'er arrived at the epidemic ward with the newly prepared medicine and immediately threw herself into the treatment work. Thanks to her efforts, many patients began to improve; their pale faces gradually regained color, and their expressions of pain eased. Seeing this, Dongfang Mingzhu grew increasingly anxious, restless like an ant on a hot plate. Unwilling to accept her plan's failure, she spread rumors that Dongfang Wan'er's medicine was faulty and deliberately incited some uninformed patients' families to cause trouble. In an instant, the epidemic ward descended into chaos; patients' families were agitated, accusing Dongfang Wan'er, and the situation was on the verge of spiraling out of control.
At this critical moment, Crown Prince Jing Chu arrived just in time. He stood tall and imposing, his face stern, his eyes radiating a reassuring power. Upon seeing this, Dongfang Wan'er immediately produced the tampered potion, explained the truth to everyone, and recounted Dongfang Mingzhu's misdeeds. Jing Chu, upon hearing this, flew into a rage, his face turning terrifyingly grim. He slammed his fist on the table and ordered a thorough investigation. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Dongfang Mingzhu was speechless, collapsing to the ground, her face ashen with fear. She pleaded desperately for Jing Chu's life, her voice trembling with terror and despair. Jing Chu coldly snorted, "So ruthless, disregarding the lives of the people for your own selfish gain, how could I, the Crown Prince, spare you!" He immediately ordered her imprisoned to await her fate.
After this battle, Dongfang Wan'er's fame soared, and she became known as a miracle doctor in the capital. People were deeply grateful to her and praised her endlessly; her name was sung in every corner of the capital. Li Yanran also admired her even more, and the two grew closer, often discussing medical techniques together, learning from each other and making progress together. Under Dongfang Wan'er's skillful hands, the epidemic was gradually brought under control, and the streets of the capital regained their former vitality. Children laughed and played in the streets, and smiles returned to the faces of adults; life seemed to have returned to its former beauty.
Jing Chu greatly admired Dongfang Wan'er's medical skills and wisdom, and often discussed medical principles and the art of governance with her. They would sit down for long talks in the palace gardens and quiet studies, sharing their insights and thoughts. Dongfang Wan'er, in turn, discovered through her interactions with Jing Chu that he possessed a heart for the world, lofty ambitions, and exceptional talent—a rare and wise prince. As time passed, a special affection blossomed between them. When their eyes met, they were always filled with tenderness and concern; their time together was filled with warmth and tacit understanding, everything unspoken.
Li Yanran also stepped forward, grateful for Dongfang Wan'er's help and condemning Dongfang Mingzhu's actions. Her words were earnest, her eyes resolute, expressing her stance without fear. Ultimately, Dongfang Mingzhu received her due punishment, while Dongfang Wan'er, with her superb medical skills and wisdom, successfully controlled the epidemic, becoming a hero of the capital. Influenced by Dongfang Wan'er, Li Yanran began to study medicine diligently, seeking knowledge humbly, wanting to help more people. From then on, the capital returned to its former vitality and peace, and the days passed peacefully and beautifully.
However, the peaceful days did not last long. Hearing that Dongfang Wan'er had cured the plague, a neighboring country sent an envoy. The envoy, dressed in magnificent attire and with a solemn expression, conveyed the message to Jing Chu's country: their ruler was suffering from a strange illness that had persisted despite treatment, and they hoped Dongfang Wan'er could come and cure him. This news was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Jing Chu was worried. He knew that Dongfang Wan'er's journey was long and fraught with unknown dangers, but he also understood that this concerned the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and mishandling it could trigger conflict. After careful consideration, he could only agree to let Dongfang Wan'er go to the neighboring country.
Knowing the weight of her responsibility, Dongfang Wan'er didn't hesitate. After quickly packing her belongings, she embarked on her journey to the neighboring country with the envoy. Li Yanran, worried about her, volunteered to go with her. She stayed close to Dongfang Wan'er, her eyes revealing unwavering determination and a commitment to support her. Jing Chu escorted them to the city gate, repeatedly urging Dongfang Wan'er to return safely. His eyes were filled with concern and reluctance, and he held Dongfang Wan'er's hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Looking at Jing Chu, Dongfang Wan'er felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She gently nodded, promising Jing Chu that she would definitely return safely.
Upon arriving in the neighboring kingdom, Dongfang Wan'er frowned deeply upon seeing the king's illness. This strange ailment was extremely difficult to treat, with symptoms unlike anything she had ever seen before, placing unprecedented pressure on her. She studied day and night, consulting numerous ancient texts and combining them with her own experience to formulate medicines. She often sat for entire nights under dim light, her eyes bloodshot, yet she refused to rest. However, her treatment was fraught with obstacles. The royal physicians of the neighboring kingdom, jealous of Dongfang Wan'er's medical skills, secretly sabotaged her. They secretly sabotaged her medicines, altered the dosages in the prescriptions, and even slandered her before the king, saying she was treacherous and her medical skills were mediocre.
Li Yanran watched with growing anxiety. She tirelessly traversed the mountains and forests to collect herbs for Dongfang Wan'er, braving the long and arduous journey; meanwhile, she kept a close watch on the imperial physicians' movements, remaining vigilant at all times. One day, she overheard the physicians' plot and immediately informed Dongfang Wan'er. Dongfang Wan'er, however, played along, deliberately leading the physicians to believe their scheme had succeeded, and then, at the crucial moment, produced the truly effective medicine, curing the king's illness. After his recovery, the king greatly admired Dongfang Wan'er's medical skills. His face beamed with gratitude and respect, and he richly rewarded her and Li Yanran, even proposing a closer friendly alliance with Dongfang Wan'er's country.
Dongfang Wan'er and Li Yanran completed their mission and prepared to return home. However, just as they were about to depart, rumors suddenly spread in a neighboring country that Dongfang Wan'er's medicine had side effects, and although the king had temporarily recovered, his life would be in danger later. This rumor instantly caused a huge uproar in the neighboring country, with people gossiping and the king beginning to waver, sending people to detain Dongfang Wan'er and Li Yanran. Dongfang Wan'er calmly responded, examining the king again with focused concentration and skillful technique, carefully checking every detail, ultimately proving that there were no side effects. But the imperial physicians colluded with some ministers, insisting on keeping Dongfang Wan'er there for research. They harbored ulterior motives, attempting to steal Dongfang Wan'er's medical achievements for their own benefit.
Li Yanran was extremely anxious. She paced back and forth in her room, pondering a solution. Finally, she secretly contacted the people sent by her country to escort them, ordering them to return home as quickly as possible to inform Jing Chu. Upon receiving the news, Jing Chu immediately mobilized envoys and troops to negotiate with the neighboring country. He sat in his study, his expression serious, methodically arranging various matters, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. Under immense pressure, the neighboring country finally compromised, releasing Dongfang Wan'er and Li Yanran to return home. Through this ordeal, Dongfang Wan'er and Jing Chu's relationship grew even stronger, while Li Yanran's medical skills also improved significantly during her journey.
The king was overjoyed, praising Dongfang Wan'er's medical skills highly, and even signed a friendly alliance with Jing Chu's country. Having completed her mission, Dongfang Wan'er, along with Li Yanran, embarked on their return journey, while Jing Chu anxiously awaited them at the city gate. Dressed in magnificent robes, his posture upright, his gaze fixed on the distance, his eyes filled with anticipation and worry. Seeing Dongfang Wan'er return safely, Jing Chu's heart finally settled. He hurried forward, his eyes brimming with concern and joy. Upon seeing Jing Chu, Dongfang Wan'er's weary face broke into a smile, a smile as warm and radiant as the spring sun. Li Yanran, watching the two, smiled knowingly and quietly stepped aside, feeling genuinely happy for them.
Upon returning to the palace, the emperor held a grand celebration banquet for Dongfang Wan'er and Li Yanran. The banquet hall was brightly lit and lavishly decorated. The emperor sat on the high dragon throne, praising their achievements and bestowing upon them many gold, silver, jewels, and precious medicinal herbs. However, great success attracts envy, and some ministers in the court, jealous of Dongfang Wan'er's fame and status, began to slander her before the emperor.