The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Ruotang gazed at Luo Chun silently for a long while, then sighed softly and said gently, "Get up, Luo Chun. You have served by my side for many years, and I know your temperament well; you have always been straightforward. However, the palace is a place where people's hearts are unpredictable and treacherous! One careless move could lead to your death. Therefore, you must never act so rashly and impulsively again."

Upon hearing these words, Luo Chun felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She hurriedly stood up, thanking them repeatedly, though a trace of fear and lingering apprehension still remained deep in her eyes. Just then, Tang Qiu, noticing the slightly heavy and oppressive atmosphere, quickly interjected with a charming smile, trying to break the silence: "Your Highness, we're leaving the palace tomorrow, so we must make careful preparations. I've heard that a new troupe of magicians has recently arrived in the capital. Their performances are truly magical and exquisite, drawing praise from many people. If Your Highness is interested, why don't we go and watch them?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang nodded slightly in agreement, a hint of curiosity flashing in her beautiful eyes: "Oh? There are such wonderful magic tricks? Of course, we can't miss them." And so, the three of them chatted as they walked slowly, and before they knew it, they had returned to the magnificent glass palace.

As soon as they entered the palace gates, Tang Qiu asked, "Princess, I'd like to ask your opinion regarding tomorrow's trip. Are we planning to stay at the Su residence for the night, or return to the palace to rest after our journey?"

"Stay at the Su residence for one night, Yingqi. Send a message to my brother later, telling him I'm going to the Su residence tomorrow and asking him to come over as well. It's been so long since I returned to the palace. Apart from the day after I returned, I haven't seen my brother for many days!" Gongsun Ruotang gently instructed Yingqi beside her.

Ying Qi nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly live up to your expectations and go to deliver the message to the young master." After speaking, he turned and hurriedly left, heading straight for the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to find Gongsun Lin.

At this moment, Aunt Rou, who was standing to the side, looked at the charming little girl in front of her with affection and couldn't help but kindly remind her, "Little princess, actually, even if you are in the palace, you can occasionally summon the young master to come and visit you."

Gongsun Ruotang tilted her head slightly, her clear, watery eyes looking at Aunt Rou, and said softly, "Aunt, I naturally understand this. It's just... I really can't bear to let my brother be troubled by this. After all, this is the inner palace, not as free as outside. In this deep palace, a slight mistake could lead to a terrible error, or even utter ruin. The reason I chose to stay in the palace is firstly because I have not been able to accompany my grandmother for many years, and I feel extremely guilty; secondly, now that I have finally returned to the palace, I only want to spend more time with her."

Upon hearing Gongsun Ruotang's words, Aunt Rou felt a surge of relief and tenderness. She gently raised her hand and patted Gongsun Ruotang's delicate hand, saying softly, "Our little princess is so sensible and well-behaved, it's truly heartbreaking! It's just a pity that you are still so young, yet you have to be so cautious and careful in everything you do."

Gongsun Ruotang shook her head slightly, a sweet smile blooming on her lips, as beautiful and charming as a flower in spring. "Aunt, don't worry, I don't find this life bitter or difficult. I'm happy to be able to stay by my grandmother's side and fulfill my filial duties. Besides, my brother always thinks of me. His care is like the warm sun in winter, warming my heart, so that even in this deep palace, I don't feel lonely at all."

Just as the two were talking, several palace maids approached with light, graceful steps, each carrying several cups of exquisite fragrant tea. As the maids drew nearer, wisps of delicate tea aroma began to drift slowly through the air, like a thin layer of mist enveloping everyone.

Seeing this, Gongsun Ruotang gracefully picked up one of the teacups, first bringing the cup close to her nose to inhale its refreshing aroma, and then carefully taking a small sip. The moment the tea entered her mouth, its rich flavor instantly spread across her tongue.

Just then, as if suddenly remembering something important, Gongsun Ruotang put down her teacup and instructed, "When you go to the Su residence tomorrow, remember to bring the inkstone that my aunt, the Empress, gave me. I want to give it to my eldest brother."

Upon hearing this, Tang Qiu, who was standing nearby, quickly bowed and replied, "Princess, rest assured, this servant will go and find the Huizhou inkstone immediately, and will definitely bring it with me tomorrow." After saying this, Tang Qiu hurriedly turned and left to search for the precious Huizhou inkstone.

After Tang Qiu left, Gongsun Ruotang turned to Luo Chun, who was standing on the other side, and smiled as she continued to instruct, "Luo Chun, tomorrow please carefully select a few clothes for me, preferably something light and comfortable. After all, this trip to the Su residence is not a formal occasion, so there's no need to be too constrained by formal court attire." Luo Chun quickly nodded in agreement, indicating that she would certainly do as the princess requested.

Luo Chun nodded respectfully and replied, "Princess, rest assured, I will immediately begin preparing the necessary items for you. I will do my utmost and will not let you down in the slightest!" With that, Luo Chun hurriedly turned and left, leaving Gongsun Ruotang alone, sitting quietly by the window. She turned her head slightly, gazing at the lush courtyard scenery outside the window, her thoughts drifting away like a runaway horse.

A dark figure flashed into the room like a ghost. It was Ying Qi. She knelt on one knee, clasped her hands, and reported to Gongsun Ruotang, "Your Highness, I have fulfilled my mission. I have informed the young master of your upcoming visit to the Su residence tomorrow. He is overjoyed and specifically instructed me to tell you that he will arrive at the Su residence ahead of schedule." Hearing this, a radiant smile, like spring blossoms, bloomed on Gongsun Ruotang's beautiful face. She softly said, "Very good."

As the sun set, night fell like a vast black curtain, quietly enveloping the entire earth. Inside the Glazed Palace, scattered lights shone through the window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor like twinkling stars in the night sky. Gongsun Ruotang slowly moved to the bedside and gently lay down on her side. However, even though she was lying down, her eyes remained closed, and her mind kept flashing back to those carefree and beautiful times of the past.

The next morning, warm and gentle sunlight, like a golden veil, softly filtered through the carved window frames, illuminating every corner of the room. Gongsun Ruotang slowly awoke from her sleep, stretching slightly as she savored the tranquility and beauty of the morning.

Luo Chun had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Gongsun Ruotang wake up, she hurried to serve her. She deftly arranged the clothes she had chosen beforehand on the clothes rack beside the bed. These clothes were all made of the finest moon-white brocade, embroidered with exquisite, delicate patterns, some like light petals drifting in the wind, others like gently flowing water. This design not only highlighted Gongsun Ruotang's noble status but also revealed a touch of lively playfulness, making her a sight to behold.

Gongsun Ruotang looked at the beautiful clothes and nodded in satisfaction. With Luo Chun's attentive help, she quickly got dressed. The person in the mirror had a graceful figure and a beautiful face. The moon-white brocade dress made her look even more elegant and refined.

Just then, Tang Qiu slowly entered, carrying a carefully wrapped ink stick. The ink stick was placed in an exquisitely crafted box, the lid engraved with delicate patterns, giving it an exceptionally elegant appearance. Tang Qiu said softly, "Princess, the ink stick has been prepared according to your request. We can depart at any time." Gongsun Ruotang smiled and took the ink stick, carefully stroking the delicate box with her fingers. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

After everything was prepared, Gongsun Ruotang made arrangements in an orderly manner: "Alright, Tangqiu, you will accompany me to Cixi Palace to pay our respects to our maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager. Luochun and Yingqi, you two wait for me at the palace gate." Everyone responded in unison and went to carry out their orders. Afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang, together with Tangqiu, walked gracefully towards Cixi Palace.

Inside Cixi Palace, sunlight filtered through the window lattices, casting dappled shadows that illuminated the exquisite furnishings and magnificent curtains. The Empress Dowager had risen early and sat before her dressing table, allowing the palace maids to meticulously attend to her needs. Her dignified yet kind face appeared exceptionally gentle and approachable in the bronze mirror.

At that moment, soft footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by the announcement from a young eunuch: "Your Majesty, Princess Linglong has come to pay her respects." Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face immediately lit up with a loving smile, and she quickly said, "Quickly, quickly, let Ruo'er come in!"

A moment later, Gongsun Ruotang, dressed in a moon-white silk dress, gracefully entered the hall. Her beautiful face, illuminated by the morning light, appeared even more radiant, like a fairy descending to earth.

Gongsun Ruotang moved gracefully to the Empress Dowager's side, then obediently curtsied and said softly, "Grandmother, your granddaughter has come to pay her respects. May you enjoy good health and happiness every day." The Empress Dowager happily took Gongsun Ruotang's small hand, carefully examining her with eyes full of affection, and kept praising her, "Look at our Ruo'er, she's becoming more and more beautiful. It's only been one night since I last saw my precious granddaughter, and I feel that Ruo'er is even more beautiful than yesterday."

Gongsun Ruotang felt a little embarrassed by the Empress Dowager's praise. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled shyly, saying, "Grandmother, you flatter me. It's all thanks to your good fortune." The Empress Dowager gently patted the back of Gongsun Ruotang's hand.

Gongsun Ruotang smiled and replied, "Grandmother, as I told you yesterday, I'm going to the Su residence today. I'd like to stay there for the night. I sent a message to my brother last night; he knows I'm going and should be heading there soon."

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly in agreement: "Yes, but things are different outside than in the palace. You have to be more careful in everything you do. If you encounter any trouble, be sure to send someone back to the palace to inform your grandmother. Don't try to handle it all on your own."

"Yes, granddaughter has remembered, Grandmother, please rest assured." Gongsun Ruotang nodded slightly, a sweet smile on her face, and replied softly. Her bright eyes sparkled with intelligence, making her instantly endearing. Afterward, Gongsun Ruotang chatted with the Empress Dowager for a while, making the Empress Dowager laugh continuously. Time passed by unnoticed, and seeing that it was getting late, Gongsun Ruotang rose to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and left Cining Palace.

As Gongsun Ruotang stepped out of the palace gate, she saw Luo Chun and Ying Qi standing quietly waiting. Upon seeing her, they immediately rushed to greet her. Ying Qi stepped forward first and respectfully said, "Princess, the carriage is ready as you instructed and can depart at any time. Please aboard." Gongsun Ruotang nodded and, with Tang Qiu's careful assistance, gracefully boarded the carriage. With a crisp crack of the whip, the carriage slowly started moving, heading towards the Su residence.

The wheels rolled forward rhythmically. Gongsun Ruotang sat inside the carriage, in a particularly pleasant mood. She gently lifted a corner of the curtain and peered out curiously. It was midday, and the sunlight bathed the streets in a golden glow. Street vendors enthusiastically called out, energetically promoting the dazzling array of novelties on their stalls. Some sold exquisite handicrafts, while others displayed fragrant snacks, attracting passersby to stop and watch. The crowd was bustling and jostling, a truly lively and vibrant scene.

Gongsun Ruotang watched all this intently, her eyes filled with longing and curiosity for the outside world. She couldn't help but think of her daily life confined within the palace; although she lacked nothing in terms of food and clothing, she missed many such moments of freedom. Just as she was reveling in the bustling streets and alleys, the carriage suddenly stopped. It turned out they had arrived at the gates of the Su residence.

The gates of the Su residence were wide open. At the entrance, the steward led a group of servants, who stood in neat rows, respectfully awaiting Gongsun Ruotang's arrival. As soon as Gongsun Ruotang stepped down from the carriage, the steward hurriedly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, "This old servant greets Your Highness, and welcomes you to my humble abode."

Gongsun Ruotang smiled slightly and said softly, "Uncle Steward, please rise." With that, she lifted her foot and led the group behind her into the Su residence with elegant steps.

Along the way, Gongsun Ruotang strolled leisurely through this garden that she knew all too well. Everywhere her eyes fell, pavilions and towers were scattered at varying heights, exquisite and unique; rockeries and strange rocks stood in a forest, each with its own unique shape; flowers bloomed in profusion, vying for beauty, and the air was filled with their fragrance, making her feel refreshed and happy. Her heart was filled with an indescribable joy.

Just as she was lost in her reverie, a hearty laugh, like a booming bell, suddenly rang in her ears: "Ruo'er, you've finally arrived!" Gongsun Ruotang looked up at the sound and saw Gongsun Lin striding hurriedly towards her. His tall and imposing figure was particularly eye-catching, and behind him were her senior brother Yuwen Mo and second senior brother Nangong Sheng. At this moment, all of them had joyful smiles on their faces, as if they had been reunited after a long separation.

"Brother!" Gongsun Ruotang's face lit up with joy, and she quickened her pace, rushing forward like a cheerful little deer. The brother and sister embraced tightly as soon as they met, feeling each other's warmth and care.

After a long while, Gongsun Lin slowly released his embrace, placed his hands on his sister's shoulders, and carefully examined the woman before him who made him feel so close to her. Gongsun Ruotang stood gracefully, with a beautiful face and skin as white as snow, like a blooming flower, delicate and beautiful.

"It's been quite a while since I've seen her, and my Ruo'er has grown even more beautiful," Gongsun Lin exclaimed sincerely, his eyes filled with doting affection.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang's cheeks instantly flushed a faint blush, like a magnificent sunset. She shyly scolded, "Brother, you just know how to make fun of me." Her charming and adorable appearance caused everyone present to burst into laughter.

After laughing, the group walked together toward a beautifully designed pavilion in the center of the garden. Upon closer inspection, they saw that a variety of exquisite and delicious snacks, as well as pots of fragrant and fine tea, were neatly arranged on the round stone table.