The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

“Grandmother, it’s getting late. Let’s rest early tonight. Tomorrow morning, Ruo’er will definitely come to have breakfast with you.” Gongsun Ruotang gently took the Empress Dowager’s slightly aged but still warm arm and said softly.

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, then turned her gaze to Fang Mama, who was standing to one side, and softly instructed, "Fang Mama, go and tidy up the side hall. Let Ruo'er stay in Cining Palace tonight." Fang Mama quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements right away." After saying that, she hurriedly turned and left to begin preparations.

Gongsun Ruotang stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, attentively helping her change into her bedclothes and carefully settling her into bed. Once everything was settled, Gongsun Ruotang quietly left the Empress Dowager's bedchamber.

At this moment, Granny Fang, who had been waiting outside for a long time, stepped forward and said, "Little Princess, please follow this old servant to the side hall. Everything inside has been prepared according to your preferences." With that, Granny Fang led the way, and Gongsun Ruotang followed closely behind. Before long, the two arrived at the door of the side hall. Gongsun Ruotang looked up and saw that although the interior was simply furnished, it possessed a warm and inviting atmosphere, which pleased her greatly.

She slowly entered the room and gently sat down on the edge of the bed, her mind churning with thoughts. Thinking of the early morning she needed to rise to have breakfast with the Empress Dowager, Gongsun Ruotang resolved to get up early and prepare. As she thought this, a wave of drowsiness washed over her, and she yawned before slowly lying down. Soon, sleepiness overwhelmed her, and Gongsun Ruotang finally closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep and quickly drifting into a sweet dream.

The next morning, in the stillness of the night, as the first light of dawn appeared in the east, Gongsun Ruotang's long eyelashes fluttered gently, slowly unfolding like butterfly wings. She slowly awoke, and through her sleepy eyes, a ray of soft sunlight pierced through the cracks in the window, falling like golden threads gently onto her fair and delicate face, bringing a comforting warmth.

Awakened by the warm sunlight, Gongsun Ruotang sat up abruptly, her movements somewhat hurried. She quickly got out of bed, washed herself briefly with water, tidied her slightly disheveled hair and clothes, and then hurried towards the Empress Dowager's bedroom.

When Gongsun Ruotang arrived at the Empress Dowager's bedchamber, she paused at the entrance to calm her rapid breathing before slowly stepping inside. Upon entering, she saw the Empress Dowager already aroused and seated before her dressing table, her demeanor dignified and elegant. Granny Fang stood quietly behind the Empress Dowager, gently combing her long, flowing hair with a delicate peach wood comb.

Upon seeing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly stepped forward, gave a slight curtsy to the Empress Dowager, and said apologetically, "Grandmother, Ruo'er is late and has kept you waiting. Please forgive me." The Empress Dowager turned her head upon hearing this, a kind and amiable smile on her face, and said softly, "Not late at all, Ruo'er, you have come at just the right time."

Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Gongsun Ruotang felt somewhat relieved and immediately walked to her side. Her gaze fell on the comb in Fang Mama's hand, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes, and she softly said to the Empress Dowager, "Grandmother, let Ruo'er comb your hair." Fang Mama nodded knowingly and smiled as she handed the comb to Gongsun Ruotang.

Gongsun Ruotang took the comb with extreme care. She gently lifted a strand of the Empress Dowager's hair and slowly began to comb it, saying softly, "Grandmother, look how radiant you are today! Your complexion is rosy and glowing, and you look even younger than usual." Hearing this, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh happily, replying, "Haha, my Ruo'er is so sweet-talking! With Ruo'er by my side, my mood is naturally cheerful, and my complexion improves as well."

After a careful arrangement, Gongsun Ruotang gently helped the Empress Dowager to the table. A sumptuous and delicious breakfast had already been prepared by the palace maids and was laid out on the table, emitting an enticing aroma.

The Empress Dowager and Gongsun Ruotang sat down facing each other and began to enjoy the exquisite breakfast. During the meal, Gongsun Ruotang was very attentive, frequently reaching out with her chopsticks to serve the Empress Dowager some delicious dishes and asking with concern if she liked them. Looking at her sensible and filial granddaughter, the Empress Dowager's face was filled with deep satisfaction.

After breakfast, Gongsun Ruotang accompanied the Empress Dowager to the Imperial Garden for a stroll to aid digestion. The soft morning sunlight bathed them, as if draping them in a golden veil, making the whole scene appear exceptionally warm and beautiful.

As they walked, the Empress Dowager smiled and said to Gongsun Ruotang beside her, "Ruo'er, your aunt, the Empress, has specially prepared the Liuli Palace for you as your residence in the palace. From now on, you can stay here in peace. If you want to go out for a walk, you can go back to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for a few days. What do you think of this arrangement?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly curtsied slightly and replied respectfully and obediently, "I will leave everything to my maternal grandmother." Hearing her granddaughter so obedient to her arrangements, the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, her eyes revealing affection and joy.

As the two strolled leisurely, a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes and with exquisite makeup suddenly appeared not far ahead. When the woman saw Gongsun Ruotang from afar, a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly and skillfully concealed it. Then, with graceful bearing, she walked towards the Empress Dowager and respectfully greeted her.

It turned out that this woman was a favored concubine in the palace, who usually enjoyed great prestige thanks to the emperor's favor. However, upon seeing Gongsun Ruotang beside the Empress Dowager, she inexplicably felt a pang of jealousy.

The noblewoman smiled broadly and said to Gongsun Ruotang, "Princess Linglong is truly blessed! The Empress Dowager dotes on you so much. However, the palace is a place of unpredictable and complex people. Princess, you must be very careful when you walk around the palace in the future."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly and gracefully curtsied, replying softly, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency. I understand perfectly well and will be more careful with my words and actions in the future." After the noblewoman turned and left, the Empress Dowager reached out and firmly grasped Gongsun Ruotang's soft, boneless hand, gently comforting her, "Please don't take what she just said to heart, my precious granddaughter. With me protecting you, no one in this palace would dare to easily bully you."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's comforting words, Gongsun Ruotang's face blossomed into a radiant and sweet smile, like spring flowers in full bloom. She replied sweetly, "Grandmother, don't worry, Ruotang isn't afraid at all. As long as I can be by your side at all times, what does a little trouble matter?" Just then, a beautiful, brightly colored butterfly fluttered by. Seeing this, Gongsun Ruotang, like a joyful little deer, chased after the butterfly for a few steps, her clear, melodious laughter echoing throughout the garden.

The Empress Dowager gazed quietly at the innocent, lively, and adorable Gongsun Ruotang before her, her eyes filled with tender affection. In a daze, the Empress Dowager seemed to see her own youthful self in Gongsun Ruotang, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Just then, a palace maid rushed over, bowed to the Empress Dowager, and reported, "Your Majesty, the old lady and the lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, along with Princess Linglan, the heir apparent, and Young Master Lin, have all arrived at the palace gate. I have already arranged for someone to guide them to the flower hall to wait for a moment." This palace maid was none other than Xinglan, a trusted confidante of the Empress Dowager.

"Yes, Granny Fang, quickly go and call Ruo'er. We'll return to Cining Palace now." The Empress Dowager nodded slightly and instructed gently. Granny Fang obediently responded, then turned and quickly walked to Gongsun Ruotang, who was standing not far away, staring intently at a butterfly fluttering away. She bent down and whispered cautiously, "Little Princess, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is summoning us back to Cining Palace." Upon hearing the call, Gongsun Ruotang snapped out of her reverie, but her gaze remained lingering on the direction where the butterfly had disappeared. A slight smile appeared on her lips as she softly replied, "I know." With that, she slowly withdrew her gaze and followed the procession with light steps.

Before long, the group arrived safely at Cixi Palace. As soon as the Empress Dowager stepped into the palace gate, she turned to Xinglan, who was waiting beside her, and instructed her, "Xinglan, quickly go and summon the people from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion." Xinglan immediately bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, this servant will go and invite them right away." After speaking, she left in a hurry like a gentle breeze.

Not long after, Xinglan ran to the flower hall. After stopping, she first gave a slight bow towards the hall, then announced loudly, "Madam, Madam, Heir Apparent, Princess, the Empress Dowager requests your presence." Upon hearing this, the people of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion exchanged glances. Then, the Zhenguo Duke's wife gently helped the old lady, who was seated in a chair, to her feet and said softly, "Mother, the Empress Dowager has summoned us; let's go quickly." The old lady nodded and rose with the help of the Zhenguo Duke's wife. Thus, the group filed in and slowly entered the main hall of the Cining Palace. Upon approaching, they dared not be negligent and quickly knelt to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager smiled kindly, waved her hand to indicate that everyone should rise and dispense with formalities, and said gently, "Please rise quickly and take your seats."

The old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo raised her head slightly, her loving gaze falling on Gongsun Ruotang. She said with a smile, "Oh dear, Ruo'er, it's been quite a while since we last met! Look at you now, you've grown even more beautiful and charming. Truly, a girl changes a lot as she grows up!" As she spoke, she nodded repeatedly to show her approval.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang blushed and quickly curtsied, saying coquettishly, "Grandmother, please stop praising me. If you keep praising me like this, I'll become so flattered that I'll lose my bearings!" Her shy and adorable appearance caused everyone present to chuckle.

Just then, Princess Linglan stepped forward, gently took Gongsun Ruotang's soft hand, and then affectionately squeezed it, whispering, "You little brat, you didn't even tell me about something so important! I was really startled last night!" Gongsun Ruotang felt a sharp pain in her hand from the squeeze, smiled, and replied softly, "Sister, please don't be offended. It happened so suddenly, I didn't have time to tell you."

This scene, of course, did not escape the Empress Dowager's eyes. She watched the interaction between the two sisters with great interest, a pleased smile appearing on her face. Then, she beckoned to Gongsun Ruotang, gesturing for her to sit beside her. After Gongsun Ruotang sat down, the Empress Dowager turned to the Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo and said slowly, "The main reason I summoned you both to the palace today is because Ruo'er's true identity has now been revealed. From now on, I hope Ruo'er can keep this old woman company more often, to alleviate her boredom. Therefore, I intend to let Ruo'er stay in the palace for a while, and then send her back to the Duke of Zhenguo's residence. What do you think, Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo and your wife?"

The old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo and her wife quickly exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with smiles, and hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is truly kind! This is a great blessing for Ruo'er, and we certainly have no objections!" At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang, standing to the side, was secretly overjoyed.

Meanwhile, Princess Linglan's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something. Just as she was about to speak, her mother, the Duchess of Zhenguo, reacted swiftly, subtly tugging at her sleeve, signaling her not to act rashly. The Duchess of Zhenguo knew very well that this matter no longer allowed them any objections. Although their family was related to the royal family by marriage, at such a crucial moment, they could not act rashly, lest they bring unnecessary trouble to the family.

Seeing that everyone agreed with the matter, the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, "Since no one has any objections, then this matter is settled."

"Ruo'er, you go and play with Linglan! As for me, I'd like to have a good chat with your grandmother and your aunt. Also, Prince and Lin'er, you two go and find His Highness the Crown Prince." The Empress Dowager gently instructed the group of adorable children with a smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the children replied in unison, their voices clear and loud.

Gongsun Ruotang ran happily to Gongsun Linglan's side, took her hand tightly, and shook it playfully, saying, "Sister Linglan, shall we go for a stroll in the Imperial Garden? I heard the flowers there are so beautiful!" Gongsun Linglan looked at her younger sister's expectant eyes and nodded gently, replying, "Okay, Ruotang, let's go!" With that, the two of them held hands and skipped and hopped towards the door like two happy little birds.