The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

“Sister Ruo’er, this is wonderful! I no longer have to go to that unpleasant General’s Mansion to find you. You have no idea how awkward and oppressive I felt every time I stepped into the gates of the General’s Mansion. If it weren’t for you being there, I wouldn’t even want to put one foot in!” Gongsun Linglan affectionately took Gongsun Ruotang’s slender arm, and the two walked side by side, their steps light and synchronized, slowly heading towards the Imperial Garden.

Not far behind them, their respective maids carefully maintained a certain distance, neither too far away so as not to be unable to serve their mistresses in time, nor daring to get too close so as not to disturb the conversation between these two pampered young mistresses.

Gongsun Ruotang, her face beaming with joy, exclaimed, "Sister Linglan, from now on I don't need to hide anymore! I've finally escaped from that awful Su family; they're rotten to the core!"

Gongsun Linglan smiled and replied, "Sister Ruo'er, the Empress Dowager has already spoken, saying that from now on you will live in the Liuli Palace. Why don't we go and take a stroll over there now?"

Gongsun Ruotang nodded happily and replied, "Great! Speaking of this, I haven't been to see the Glass Palace that my maternal aunt, the Empress, has personally arranged yet! Last night, my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, told me to take some time today to see what items are missing from the Glass Palace, but I haven't been able to find the time. Now that my sister is accompanying me, she can also give me some advice."

After Gongsun Ruotang finished speaking softly, she tightly grasped Gongsun Linglan's delicate hand and hurried towards another fork in the road in the Imperial Garden. Along the way, the two sisters chatted and laughed, like two joyful little birds.

Before long, they arrived at the Glazed Palace. Looking up, they saw the palace gates soaring into the clouds, magnificent and imposing, giving a sense of solemnity. The glazed tiles, under the bright sunlight, shimmered with colorful and dazzling light, as radiant and enchanting as the clouds on the horizon.

Gongsun Ruotang stepped through the palace gates with great joy, and the scenery inside was even more breathtaking. The interior of the palace was exquisitely decorated, with every detail revealing the Empress's thoughtful care and deep affection for her. Pavilions and terraces were scattered throughout, complementing each other to create a picturesque scene; while the colorful flowers, plants, and trees swayed gently in the breeze, releasing a refreshing fragrance that soothed the mind and filled one with vitality.

Gongsun Linglan looked around curiously, her eyes filled with amazement. She couldn't help but exclaim sincerely, "Ruo'er, this Crystal Palace is simply magnificent! Her Majesty the Empress truly dotes on you!"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang's face blossomed into a radiant smile, and she nodded repeatedly in agreement, "Yes, sister, I feel so lucky to receive such favor from my aunt, the Empress!" As she spoke, she suddenly pointed excitedly to a garden not far away and exclaimed with delight, "Sister, look! There's even a small and exquisite pavilion in that garden! Let's go sit down there."

So, hand in hand, the two walked happily toward the pavilion. Upon approaching, they found the pavilion exquisitely and elegantly constructed, surrounded by clusters of blooming flowers—a truly beautiful sight. Gongsun Ruotang and Gongsun Linglan exchanged a smile, then gracefully stepped into the pavilion and sat down on the stone benches.

Just then, a group of well-trained maids quickly came forward, skillfully placing the prepared tea and snacks on the table. Gongsun Ruotang gracefully extended her delicate hand, gently picking up a steaming cup of fragrant tea. She first inhaled its refreshing aroma, savoring its pleasant fragrance, before carefully taking a small sip. The tea was rich and mellow, with a lingering sweetness that was truly unforgettable. After setting down the cup, she turned to Gongsun Linglan beside her, asking expectantly, "From now on, I can live here peacefully, Sister Linglan. Would you like to move in with me? That way, we can spend every day together and enjoy these wonderful times."

Gongsun Linglan held her hand and said, "Sister Ruo'er, I did want to come, but as you know my mother, I guess there's not much hope. However, it shouldn't be a problem for me to come and stay with you for a while."

Just then, a palace maid dressed in a pink palace gown hurried towards them. Upon arriving, she first bowed respectfully, then said softly, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has sent me to find you and Princess Linglan. The Empress Dowager invites you both to Cining Palace for lunch."

Gongsun Ruotang was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then her delicate brows furrowed slightly. After a moment, she parted her lips and slowly said, "Is that so? Then you should go back and inform your maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, that Sister Linglan and I will be there shortly." The palace maid acknowledged, bowed again, and turned to leave.

After the palace maids left, Gongsun Ruotang turned to Gongsun Linglan beside her and said with a smile, "Sister, since that's the case, let's hurry up and get ready. We shouldn't keep our maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, waiting too long." Gongsun Linglan nodded in agreement. The two women then stood up, tidied their slightly disheveled hair, and smoothed out the wrinkles in their skirts. Once they were ready, they walked slowly towards Cining Palace, surrounded by their personal maids. Along the way, the two sisters chatted and laughed, their mood exceptionally pleasant.

Just as they reached the solemn and magnificent gates of Cixi Palace, bursts of clear and melodious laughter, like a spring breeze, wafted towards them. Gongsun Ruotang and Gongsun Linglan exchanged a knowing glance, smiled slightly at each other, and then, like two graceful butterflies, walked hand in hand slowly into the palace.

Looking up, one sees the Empress Dowager seated dignifiedly in the main seat, her graceful and noble bearing inspiring awe; while the Empress sits elegantly beside the Empress Dowager, her every gesture exuding the demeanor of a mother of the nation. Seated in order to the side are the matriarch and wife of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, along with several charming concubines.

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager! Greetings to the Empress Dowager! Greetings to the Empress! Greetings to the Empress's Aunt!" Gongsun Ruotang and Gongsun Linglan bowed in unison, then gracefully and elegantly knelt down, their movements perfectly synchronized, as if they had been meticulously rehearsed.

Upon seeing this, the Empress Dowager's face immediately lit up with a kind and amiable smile, and she gently beckoned the two of them to get up: "Get up quickly, my good children. Today I have specially prepared many of your favorite dishes for you, so be sure to enjoy them later."

Then, the Empress Dowager turned to the Empress beside her and earnestly instructed her, "From now on, Ruo'er will be living in this palace for a long time. Empress, you must take good care of our Ruo'er."

Upon hearing this, the Empress quickly grasped the Empress Dowager's hand and softly replied, "Mother, please rest assured. Your daughter-in-law will do her best to take good care of Ruo'er."

The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, glanced around, and then suddenly asked, "By the way, what about the Heir Apparent and Lin'er? Will they also come to dine together?" As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Granny Fang standing below.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, His Highness the Crown Prince just sent word that he is having a meal with His Majesty the Emperor in the Southern Study, accompanied by his two sons," reported Granny Fang respectfully, her voice clear and resonant. She bowed slightly, her hands clasped in front of her, her posture extremely humble and polite.

After listening to Granny Fang's words, the Empress Dowager nodded slightly, indicating that she was aware of the matter. She smiled gently and said slowly, "Since that's the case, let's not delay any longer and take our seats." With that, the Empress Dowager slowly rose to her feet, her movements elegant and graceful. Her magnificent robes swayed gently as she rose, as dazzling and beautiful as a blooming flower.

Then, the Empress Dowager turned around and gestured to the crowd behind her, "Let's go." And so, the group followed in her footsteps, making their way to the dining hall. Along the way, palace maids respectfully led the way, while eunuchs carefully flanked the Empress Dowager on either side, in case of any unexpected incidents.