The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

After a sumptuous lunch, everyone was satisfied and happy. The Empress Dowager had a kind smile on her face and said softly, "It has been a long time since my palace has been so lively! Ruo'er, when you live in the palace from now on, you must come to Cining Palace to keep me company often."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Gongsun Ruotang quickly stood up, bowed respectfully, and replied in a sweet tone, "Grandmother Empress Dowager, please rest assured. Ruo'er will definitely come to accompany you often in the future." Seeing how sensible and well-behaved Ruo'er was, the Empress Dowager nodded with great satisfaction.

Then, the Empress Dowager turned her gaze to the others present and continued with deep emotion, "Today's delicious meal has truly reminded me of many things from the past. You children, you must all live peacefully and smoothly."

Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison, "We will follow Your Majesty's instructions and ensure everything is well." At this moment, the Empress Dowager slightly raised her hand, indicating that everyone could leave, and said, "Alright, it's getting late, and I'm also a little tired and need to rest for a while. You may all disperse." So, after bowing to the Empress Dowager once again, everyone slowly withdrew from Cining Palace.

After everyone left Cining Palace, Gongsun Ruotang affectionately took the Empress's arm and said softly, "Empress Aunt, you should also go back to Fengming Palace for a midday rest. I will take my grandmother, my eldest aunt, and Sister Linglan to Liuli Palace for a short rest."

The Empress looked at her lively and adorable niece, a gentle smile spreading across her lips. She nodded slightly and replied, "Yes, that's fine. Then you should hurry on your way. Be careful on the road, and remember to take good care of your grandmother and your aunt when you get to the Liuli Palace." Gongsun Ruotang smiled sweetly and answered crisply, "I know, Aunt Empress, don't worry!"

Gongsun Ruotang watched her aunt, the Empress, walk away with gentle eyes until her elegant and noble figure disappeared completely from sight. Then, she turned around, her face beaming with a sweet smile, and led the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo, the lady herself, and Princess Linglan slowly toward the Liuli Palace.

Along the way, sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scents of flowers and grass. As they strolled, the group chatted happily, their laughter echoing in the air, making the already pleasant atmosphere even more harmonious and pleasant.

Before long, the magnificent gates of the Glazed Palace came into view. The palace servants waiting at the gates bowed respectfully upon their arrival and quickly stepped forward to greet them. Upon entering the palace, they found the courtyards adorned with blooming flowers and lush greenery, with pavilions and towers arranged in a harmonious and beautiful manner. The interior of the palace itself was exquisitely elegant and spotless.

The palace servants had already prepared all the rooms and a sumptuous feast of refreshments. Gongsun Ruotang first helped her grandmother to the most spacious and comfortable room. Inside, she gently made the bed for her grandmother, carefully smoothing out every wrinkle, and then thoughtfully took a soft, light quilt and gently covered her with it. The Dowager Lady of Zhenguo watched Ruotang's busy figure quietly, her eyes filled with love and contentment.

Next, Gongsun Ruotang led her aunt to another adjacent room. While not as luxurious as her grandmother's room, this room was equally warm and comfortable, fully furnished. After settling the elders, Gongsun Ruotang finally led Princess Linglan to another room. This room, though slightly smaller, had a unique and elegant style, exuding a refined and tranquil charm. Princess Linglan was clearly very satisfied with her accommodations and repeatedly thanked Gongsun Ruotang.

"Sister Ruo'er, thank you so much for your thoughtful arrangements!" Gongsun Linglan gently held Gongsun Ruotang's soft, boneless hand, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Sister Linglan, this room is specially reserved for you! As long as you come to stay for a while, just stay here comfortably, okay?" Gongsun Ruotang coquettishly shook Gongsun Linglan's hand, acting like a cute little rabbit.

"Ruo'er, you are so thoughtful! I feel incredibly lucky to have such a good sister like you," Gongsun Linglan said with a bright smile, her face blooming like spring flowers.

Afterwards, the two sisters chatted for a long time like two cheerful little birds. Before they knew it, time had quietly passed. Gongsun Ruotang got up and said goodbye to Gongsun Linglan: "Sister Linglan, time to rest." After saying that, she walked lightly towards her room.

After returning to her room, Gongsun Ruotang did not immediately lie down to sleep. She lay quietly on the soft bed, her thoughts racing like wild horses. She couldn't help but recall the lively scenes she had experienced at Cixi Palace that day—the Empress Dowager's kind and gentle face remained vivid in her mind, like the warm sunshine of spring, making her feel incredibly welcome; her aunt, the Empress, offered her tender words like a clear spring flowing through her heart, nourishing her soul; and the warm and beautiful time she spent with her grandmother, aunt, and Sister Linglan—every frame was unforgettable.

Thinking of all this, Gongsun Ruotang clenched her fists tightly, silently vowing in her heart: From now on, she must work even harder! Whether it's learning music, chess, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, or needlework, she must do her best. Only in this way can she continuously improve her abilities and have enough strength to protect everyone around her in the future, ensuring they can live happily ever after.

She didn't know how much time had passed when Gongsun Ruotang slowly awoke from her deep sleep. She slowly opened her beautiful eyes and felt a refreshing breeze wash over her, making her feel invigorated and full of energy.

Gongsun Ruotang gently sat up, gracefully straightened her slightly disheveled clothes, and then, after calming herself down, decided to go and check if her grandmother and aunt had woken up.

She walked with light steps through the exquisite corridors and courtyards, finally arriving at the door of her grandmother's room. Gently pushing open the door, she immediately saw her grandmother sitting upright by the bed, her face kind and serene.

Gongsun Ruotang quickly stepped forward and asked softly with concern, "Grandmother, you're finally awake! How are you feeling now? Is anything bothering you?"

Hearing her granddaughter's caring words, the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo immediately smiled warmly. She reached out and took Gongsun Ruotang's small hand, saying kindly, "Ruo'er, Grandmother is doing well. This Glazed Palace was specially prepared for you by the Empress. This shows that your aunt is truly sincere and thoughtful towards you! In this way, even if you live in this deep palace, Grandmother can feel much more at ease."

After finishing her conversation with her grandmother, Gongsun Ruotang went straight to her aunt's room. When she entered the room, she found that her aunt had been awake for quite some time and was now sitting leisurely at the table, savoring a cup of fragrant tea.

Upon seeing Gongsun Ruotang enter, her aunt quickly put down her teacup and said with an appreciative smile, "Ruo'er, you are such a thoughtful and kind child. Look how warm and comfortable you've decorated this room! It makes one feel incredibly happy as soon as they enter!"

Then, the soft sunlight streamed into the courtyard, where Gongsun Ruotang strolled side by side with her grandmother and aunt, leisurely admiring the picturesque beauty of the Glazed Palace. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass, making everyone feel refreshed and relaxed.

Just then, Princess Linglan gracefully arrived like a light butterfly. A radiant smile graced her face as she joined the harmonious and warm scene. Instantly, laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air, creating an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere.

However, just as this joyous and peaceful moment arrived, a palace maid hurried over and ran straight to Gongsun Ruotang. After bowing respectfully, she reported, "Princess, Her Majesty the Empress has specially sent a batch of extremely precious gifts to you, the Old Madam, the Madam, and Princess Linglan!" Upon hearing this news, Gongsun Ruotang felt a surge of joy and quickly led everyone back into the palace.

Upon entering the palace, one is greeted by a spacious table laden with a dazzling array of exquisite gifts. Among them are magnificent jewels, each piece radiating a brilliant light; delicate and vibrant precious silk fabrics, as if the magnificent clouds of the sky had been cut and laid out here; and rare and precious medicinal herbs, emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance.

Gongsun Ruotang said softly with heartfelt gratitude, "My aunt, the Empress, is so kind." The old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, "Yes, Her Majesty the Empress is so caring towards us!" Everyone gathered around the table, carefully appreciating these exquisite gifts. Joy shone in everyone's eyes, and their hearts were filled with indescribable happiness.

Gongsun Ruotang secretly pondered that she must find the right opportunity to do everything in her power to repay her aunt, the Empress, for such deep affection.