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

When talking about the blizzards that have occurred since the beginning of winter this year, the old man's face was filled with deep worry.

The old man, with his ethereal and otherworldly air, his robes fluttering, stood tall, gazing into the distance. His white beard trembled slightly, his expression one of sorrow and a hint of helplessness amidst his vicissitudes of life.

A flood occurred just this summer, but fortunately the impact was not widespread, limited to the Yangtze River area. However, many people are still displaced and homeless.

Fortunately, the regent allocated funds in time, although 90% of it was embezzled by local corrupt officials, leaving only 10% to reach the people.

But it was better than nothing. The people survived on that one-tenth of the imperial relief funds until the floodwaters receded.

However, just a few months later, another snow disaster occurred. This snow disaster affected a wide area, almost impacting the entire Chu-Qin state.

The government's relief funds alone are unlikely to solve the problem. Moreover, this snow disaster is nationwide. Even if the government has a lot of money, the amount distributed to local governments will only be a drop in the bucket for the people.

Winter is different from summer, when people can rely on wild grass and fruits to fill their stomachs. Now the land is covered with heavy snow, and it is difficult for people to find food, not to mention livestock. Countless people have starved or frozen to death.

"The world is already difficult, and the people are suffering from hunger and cold. Master, you have already done more than enough."

A clear, melodious voice, like the song of a nightingale, suddenly rang out, adding a touch of vitality to the silent environment.

A slightly frail and short figure stood to the side of the old man, gently comforting his patriotic master.

"Not enough, far from enough."

The old man murmured to himself, his tone filled with sorrow and helplessness.

"Master, let me remind you, in order to help the poor disaster victims, you have already taken out all the herbs from our Medicine King Valley that treat colds and give them away for free."

Nowadays, apart from a few ginseng roots, a few lingzhi mushrooms, and a few pieces of ambergris... there are no other precious medicinal herbs left.

Xue Ruanruan thought of her previous life, when her master didn't even leave enough food for the two of them in order to provide medicine and treat the disaster victims.

I managed to suppress a few eye rolls.

Helping disaster victims is a good thing, but the master even donated his and his disciple's food rations for disaster relief.

She remembered that she had been drinking bitter vegetable porridge for several days in a row, and her face had almost turned green.

If the outside world knew that the famous Medicine King Valley Divine Doctor and Little Divine Doctor had fallen into such a miserable state, wouldn't they laugh their heads off?

"Just some herbs."

Ling Xuzi glanced at his disciple somewhat guiltily and shrank his shoulders.

“A mere cartload? That’s dozens of donkey carts!”

Xue Ruanruan sighed helplessly, mimicking the old man's deep sigh.

What a tragedy! How did she end up with such a spendthrift master?

"Uh... I shouldn't have saved you back then, so I wouldn't always be annoyed with you."

The old man was speechless at his apprentice's words. He glared at her, his beard twitching like a mischievous old man.

“If Master hadn’t saved his disciple back then, who would have done your laundry, cooked for you, and swept the courtyard for you? You should be content with just one bowl of rice a day.”

Xue Ruanruan had heard her master say this so many times that her ears were calloused.

Such conversations happen almost every day, without any concern that they might affect the relationship between the master and his apprentice.

"You unfilial disciple, all you do all day is make your master angry and upset. The sun is about to set, so hurry up and cook."

The old man was so angry with his apprentice that he glared at him, glanced at the gloomy, dark sky, and began to drive him away.

“Master, it’s snowing heavily outside and dark clouds are looming overhead. Where is the sun? Also, the rice in the valley is all gone. I even dug out the little bit of food that the groundhogs had hidden and cooked porridge for you this morning.”

There wasn't a single grain of rice left in the rice jar. If we didn't find a way to eat soon, we, master and apprentice, would starve to death.

Xue Ruanruan spread her hands, indicating that she was powerless to help.

"you......"

The white-bearded old man, who had been stroking his long beard and exuding an air of otherworldly grace, suddenly froze and ran to the nearby ditch to vomit with lightning speed.

Xue Ruanruan fluttered her curled eyelashes a few times, like a butterfly flapping its wings, and a glint of light flashed in her crystal-clear eyes.

Her lips curved slightly, and she smiled like a little mouse that had just stolen some oil.

Hmph, it's all because my master always exploits me. Now I've finally found a chance to get my revenge.

"You unfilial disciple, our bond has come to an end."

After vomiting for a while, the old man's lips turned blue and his face turned pale. He tremblingly stretched out his withered hand and pointed at his beloved disciple, pretending to be angry.

“Master, how many times have you said this? Can’t you say something new? I’m tired of hearing it.”

Her smug little face suddenly stiffened. What was bound to happen was bound to happen, but she remained defiant.

In her previous life, it was at this time that her master told her about her origins, drove her out of the valley, and sent her back to the capital to recognize her relatives.

Back then, she was carefree and always thought there was plenty of time.

Little did she know that this journey would be her last, until her master, in order to save her, went to the capital to help those two men treat illnesses and produce poison, thus framing loyal officials.

That eccentric, upright old man would actually do something against his conscience for the sake of his good-for-nothing apprentice.

In the end, he also left his life in the palace.

Thinking about everything that happened in her past life, Xue Ruanruan couldn't let go of it and couldn't forgive herself.

She hated the adulterous couple, and even more so herself for being too trusting, mistaking a thief for a friend, which ultimately brought trouble upon herself, her family, and her master.

“I’m telling the truth this time, my disciple. It’s time for you to leave the valley.”

Ling Xuzi did not smile and remain silent as before, nor did he change the subject.

Instead, he looked seriously at his little apprentice whom he had raised with great care, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Though his expression was cold, a deep sense of reluctance welled up inside him.

Then he convinced himself that this little thing had only ever angered him since it was a child, so what was the point of keeping it by his side?

Let her go home and cause trouble for her relatives in the General's Mansion.

"Leave the valley? Master, do you really want to send your disciple away?"

Xue Ruanruan feigned shock, unable to believe her ears.

In fact, she knew that the old man had foreseen the troubles facing the General's Mansion, and that only she could resolve them.

His father and elder brother led troops to guard the frontier, resisting the Turks who frequently raided and burned southward, protecting the safety of the people. However, the dog emperor not only showed no gratitude, but also feared his father's military power.

Heeding the slander of treacherous officials, they openly and secretly sabotaged the army by withholding provisions. They should know that it was the dead of winter, with the border frozen solid and food in dire need. Without provisions, people would die.

Ling Xuzi didn't joke as usual, which can be considered an admission.

"Master, do you really not want your disciple anymore?"

Xue Ruanruan's eyes quickly filled with tears, and she looked extremely pitiful, as if she was about to cry but couldn't.

Knowing that he would soon be leaving Medicine King Valley, just like in his previous life.

Ling Xuzi looked at his beloved disciple, who had been by his side since childhood, with a cold expression.

Time flies. In the blink of an eye, the baby crying for milk in swaddling clothes has grown into a graceful young woman.

Even with all the reluctance, it was time to part ways.

Since the beginning of winter, the Chu and Qin states have been experiencing continuous heavy snowfalls with no sign of stopping, which is not a good sign.