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

With Luo Xue's help, Xue Ruanruan returned to the side hall and saw everyone waiting for her. She bowed slightly, feeling embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry to have taken up everyone's time."

"It's alright, Miss Xue must have gone to take care of the grain distribution."

The eldest princess had a very good impression of Xue Ruanruan, no wonder Qingyue praised the eldest daughter of the Xue family so highly after returning from the Zhenguo General's Mansion.

Although we only spent a short hour together, I could already tell that Miss Xue was a woman of both beauty and intelligence.

As expected of the only person accepted as a disciple by the divine physician Ling Xuzi, his words and actions exude a dignified and elegant air.

"Yes, Your Highness, that is indeed the case."

"It's already commendable that you have this intention. If you encounter any trouble, you can tell me."

As the most favored princess of the country, the eldest princess is not one to meddle in other people's business. Yet, she has taken the initiative to suggest that the eldest daughter of the Xue family consult her if she encounters any problems. This is enough to show her attitude towards the General's Mansion.

With the Regent Prince personally attending the New Year's banquet held at the mansion, and the Eldest Princess taking the initiative to show goodwill, all the ladies present had to re-evaluate their relationship with the General of the State's Mansion.

If people came here purely for the delicious food in the mansion or because they were brought by their husbands, now everyone's mindset has changed.

Even Madam Gu Yan Ning, who was only interested in food, began to restrain her carelessness and became more respectful towards the Xue family.

"Thank you for your kindness, Princess. I am capable of handling this myself, and there is no need for you to personally intervene."

Just when everyone thought Xue Ruanruan would take the opportunity to curry favor with the Princess, she unexpectedly and resolutely rejected the offer.

This changed everyone's attitude towards her once again. This time, there were no external factors to consider; people simply felt deep respect for the eldest daughter of the Xue family.

This was the perfect opportunity to get in touch with the princess and curry favor with her, especially since she had taken the initiative to be friendly, only to be resolutely rejected.

If it were them, they would probably find it hard to resist such temptation.

Princess Qiling was also surprised by Xue Ruanruan's decisive refusal. She did not expect that the eldest daughter of the Xue family would let go of the opportunity to get close to the princess's mansion.

But the more this happened, the more interested she became in the eldest daughter of the Xue family.

We'll have to see if Miss Xue is sincere or not, whether she's truly unmoved by power or has other plans.

"Then we will follow Miss Xue's wishes and I will not interfere further."

As she spoke, Princess Qiling picked up the cup of tea and took a small sip.

A fragrant and sweet taste spread through her mouth. She wondered if it was just her imagination, but the tea at the General's Mansion tasted exceptionally sweet, with a faint aftertaste, like a warm current gently flowing through her body.

Everywhere they went, there was warmth.

It feels especially pleasant in the cold winter months.

"Thank you for your kindness, Princess."

Xue Ruanruan bowed in greeting, showing no regret for her decision.

Luo Xue hurriedly entered the side hall from outside, walked to Madam Xue's side, and whispered in her ear, "Madam, the Prince has given permission to serve the dishes."

"Alright, let's begin the meal."

As soon as Madam Xue finished speaking, a maid from the mansion came out of the courtyard carrying a wooden box.

The dishes served to the female guests were the same as those served to the male guests, all of which were carefully arranged by Xue Ruanruan in advance.

The first dishes served were six cold dishes: seafood in broth, refreshing double crisp, cold beef salad, garlic pork belly, spinach and vermicelli, and garlic eggplant, all presented in an exquisite and delicate manner.

When the maid placed the dish on the table, everyone stared in disbelief at the bright green spinach and vermicelli.