The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Ruotang and Gongsun Lin carefully stood up, their movements as gentle as if afraid of disturbing something precious, and then slowly moved to sit down beside their master, Tang Yuluo. Gongsun Ruotang clung tightly to her master, as if if she loosened her grip even slightly, her master would vanish like a phantom.

She raised a delicate hand and gently waved her sleeve, trying to wipe away the glistening tears that streamed down her cheeks. Although she tried her best to control her surging emotions, her trembling shoulders betrayed the overwhelming excitement deep within her heart.

"Ruo'er, why are you crying like a child again?" Tang Yuluo stretched out her slender fingers and gently wiped away the remaining tear stains on Gongsun Ruotang's cheeks with her fingertips, her tone full of endless affection.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yichen, who was sitting to the side, couldn't help but laugh and tease, "Haha, Ruo'er, if you keep crying like this, it won't be long before even your master can't help but shed tears with you!"

Hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang's already slightly flushed face turned even redder, as lovely and charming as a ripe apple. She gave Zhuang Yichen a coquettish glare and muttered shyly, "Grandmaster, you're just teasing me. Master, you really need to discipline Grandmaster!"

At this moment, Tang Yulu smiled slightly and said softly, "Alright, alright, everyone, stop talking for now. Let Ruo'er calm down. We'll talk again after she's calmed down." As she spoke, she gently patted Gongsun Ruotang's back, the gentle movement as if she were cherishing a priceless treasure. Her eyes, when she looked at Gongsun Ruotang, were filled with deep affection.

Gongsun Lin sat quietly to the side, silently observing the warm and harmonious scene before him. A faint smile involuntarily appeared on his lips. A similar, subtle, almost imperceptible smile also flowed in his bright eyes.

The room fell silent instantly, as if time itself had frozen. Only Gongsun Ruotang's occasional low sobs were particularly clear in the tranquil atmosphere.

After a long while, her sobs gradually subsided, and her emotions slowly calmed down. She slowly raised her head, her gaze fixed on where her master and grandmaster were. Even now, glistening tears still shimmered in her beautiful eyes, like dewdrops rolling on lotus leaves in the morning, making her all the more endearing. However, although her tears hadn't completely dried, her expression had already begun to regain its former liveliness, like a wounded fawn that had rallied again.

"Master... Ruo'er really misses you!" Gongsun Ruotang said, while reaching out to tightly grasp Tang Yuluo's sleeve, as if afraid that her master would disappear if she let go.

Seeing this, Tang Yulu couldn't help but sigh softly. A barely perceptible tenderness flashed in her deep eyes. Then, she spoke softly, "Ruo'er, I received your letter. In it, you said you wanted to invite your master and me to stay in the palace for a while, is that right?"

Upon hearing her master's question, Gongsun Ruotang nodded eagerly and asked with anticipation, "Then what do you think, Master? Would you and Grandmaster be willing to come to the palace to stay with Ruo'er for a few days?"

Tang Yulu smiled slightly, gently stroking Gongsun Ruotang's silky smooth hair, and said in a gentle tone, "I've discussed this matter with your master. We can grant your request to stay in the palace for a short while, but you can't stay too long." After saying that, she gazed at her disciple before her, a gratified smile on her face, and continued to sigh, "Time really flies! Before I knew it, my Ruo'er had grown into a young woman, and she has become so graceful, charming, and even more beautiful than before."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang's delicate face instantly blossomed into a radiant smile, like spring flowers in full bloom. That smile was like the warm winter sun, or the twinkling stars of a summer night—dazzling and radiant, seemingly capable of dispelling all the gloom in the room.

Her face was beaming with joy, unable to hide her excitement. She exclaimed happily, "Really? Master! Ruo'er is so happy!" Before she finished speaking, she excitedly stretched out her arms and hugged Tang Yuluo's arm tightly, just like when she was a child, shaking it gently and acting coquettishly.

However, Tang Yulu's expression gradually turned serious, and his originally gentle gaze now revealed a hint of solemnity and concern. He frowned slightly and solemnly instructed, "However, Ruo'er, now that you have recognized the royal bloodline, even if you will not live in the palace for a long time in the future, you will still need to move around and socialize in the palace from time to time. Therefore, you must be more careful in everything within this deep palace."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly sat up straight, abandoning her playful demeanor, and nodded obediently, replying, "Master, don't worry, Ruo'er will remember your words and keep them firmly in my heart."

Seeing Gongsun Ruotang's sensible and obedient nature, Tang Yulu felt a sense of relief. She then continued to earnestly instruct her, "The palace is a place where people's hearts are unpredictable and complex. Although with your current noble status, in theory no one should dare to provoke you easily, as the saying goes, a tall tree catches the wind. Inevitably, there will be some people with ill intentions who secretly plot against you, trying to stir up trouble. Therefore, you must be more cautious in your dealings with others in the future. You must never act recklessly and willfully as before. You must learn to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and always keep a clear head. Protecting yourself is the best policy."

Zhuang Yichen smiled and nodded, echoing, "Yes, Ruo'er, your master is absolutely right. You are now a grown-up, no longer that innocent little girl. No matter what happens, you need to think more carefully and act cautiously."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently, and replied seriously and earnestly, "Ruo'er understands, Master and Grandmaster, please rest assured, Ruo'er will be careful in everything she does." Her voice was clear and melodious, as pleasant as a nightingale singing in a valley.

Immediately afterward, Gongsun Ruotang turned to her master beside her, her eyes filled with anticipation and joy, and said, "Master, I plan to return to the palace the day after tomorrow. After I get back, I'll discuss it with my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, and my aunt, the Empress, and ask them to help arrange a family banquet. I'll invite my grandmother, my eldest uncle, and my eldest aunt to the palace so we can all have a lively reunion dinner together. What do you think?" After speaking, she turned her gaze to her grandmaster standing on the other side, seemingly waiting for their reply.

Tang Yulu smiled gently, reached out and tenderly stroked her beloved disciple's hair, and said softly, "That's very good. But before that, why don't you accompany your master to explore this manor for a day tomorrow? That way you can completely relax and enjoy this rare moment of leisure. The day after tomorrow, we will set off together back to the capital. Your master and I will go to the Su residence first, while you can go directly to the palace."

Upon hearing her master's arrangement, Gongsun Ruotang couldn't help but cheer with joy, her face beaming with a bright smile. She excitedly replied, "Yes! It's settled then! Ruo'er hasn't played with Master and Grandmaster for a long time. This time, I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun!" Her bright, star-like eyes sparkled with excitement, shining as brightly as the twinkling stars in the night sky.

"Then we'll have to think carefully about what to do tomorrow! Ruo'er, is there anything you particularly want to do?" Zhuang Yichen smiled and looked at Gongsun Ruotang with gentle eyes, his gaze full of affection.

Gongsun Ruotang tilted her head slightly, seemingly deep in thought. After a short while, a bright light suddenly flashed in her large, watery eyes, and she excitedly exclaimed, "Master, Grandmaster, I saw a river over there on the back mountain when I came here today. Why don't we go catch some fish by the river and grill them, just like before? Ruo'er really misses those wonderful times!"

Upon hearing Gongsun Ruotang's suggestion, Tang Yulu smiled slightly and replied softly, "Alright, I'll do whatever you say." The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, forming a faint arc, and a hint of nostalgia quietly appeared in her eyes.

At this moment, Gongsun Lin, who had been standing quietly watching the three of them, whispered, "In that case, I will prepare some fresh ingredients and various delicious seasonings in advance tomorrow, and make sure that everyone can eat happily."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly turned around and smiled sweetly at Gongsun Lin, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, brother!"

Tang Yulu then turned her gaze to the slightly immature Gongsun Lin and earnestly instructed him: "Young Master Gongsun, although you are only half an hour older than Ruo'er, you are still a man. You should take good care of your younger sister in the future."

Lady Yu Luo nodded slightly, a look of relief on her face, and said softly, "That's wonderful. With Young Master Gongsun's words, I feel much more at ease. This child has suffered a lot since she was a child, wandering far from home. It's a blessing from heaven that she's back with us now. I hope Young Master Gongsun will take good care of her in the future." As she spoke, Lady Yu Luo affectionately stroked the little girl's hair beside her.

Gongsun Lin nodded solemnly and replied, "Madam Yuluo, please rest assured, I will keep my promise. My sister, whom I finally found, will be the apple of my eye, and I will cherish her with utmost care." His gaze remained fixed on the little girl, his eyes filled with tenderness.

At this moment, Yuwen Mo, who had been silent all along, finally spoke: "Master, Mistress, your disciple and several junior brothers will often come to visit Junior Sister. If there is anything we can help with, Junior Sister, please just let us know. You two can rest assured." His words were sincere and his attitude was respectful.

“Yes, it’s getting late. Junior Sister and Brother Lin should go back to their rooms and rest early so they can have plenty of time to play tomorrow.” As he spoke, Yuwen Mo walked up to Gongsun Lin, smiled, and patted him on the shoulder. Then he winked at the girl and teased, “Brother Lin, our junior sister is no ordinary girl! Don’t let her young age fool you; she’s a master at catching fish. You’d better see how skilled your sister is tomorrow!”

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became relaxed and cheerful.

Zhuang Yichen looked at the group of energetic younger people in front of him and felt very gratified. He smiled and waved his hand, saying loudly, "Alright, alright, you should all go back to your rooms and get some rest. Don't stay too long."

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, Gongsun Lin, accompanied by the little girl, bid farewell to everyone and turned to leave. Yuwen Mo and the others also bowed and took their leave, returning to their rooms to rest.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the leaves and dappled the paths of the mountain villa. Gongsun Ruotang got up early, eager to find her master and grandmaster.

Tang Yuluo and Zhuang Yichen were already waiting in the courtyard. When they saw her arrive, they walked together toward the back mountain.

Arriving at the river behind the mountain, the clear water flowed gently, and the grassy banks were covered with colorful wildflowers. Gongsun Ruotang, like a cheerful little bird, ran around by the stream, picking up pretty stones one moment and chasing butterflies the next.

Zhuang Yichen skillfully prepared the tools for grilling fish, while Tang Yulu sat to the side, quietly watching them with a happy smile on her face.

"Ruo'er, go catch some fish. Master will be done soon. We should go prepare the fish." Yuwen Mo looked at Gongsun Ruotang playing by the river.

"Alright, senior brother, watch me." After saying that, Gongsun Ruotang turned around and walked into the river.

"Little sister, be careful, don't go into deep water, and be sure to stay safe," Gongsun Lin shouted to the little girl as she walked into the water.

"Brother, don't worry, watch me." Gongsun Ruotang didn't even turn her head.

"Senior Brother, Brother, come quick! I've caught a few fish, come and get them." Gongsun Ruotang came to the shore carrying a bamboo basket in her hands.

“Here she comes, Brother Lin. Look, isn’t Junior Sister amazing? She’s already brought back the fish in just a short while.” Yuwen Mo winked at Gongsun Lin.

"That's amazing. Let's go help." Gongsun Lin said, walking forward with Yuwen Mo.

"Senior Brother, you'll have to clean these fish; I'm not good at it." Gongsun Ruotang handed the bamboo basket to Yuwen Mo, who came to greet her.

“No problem, I’ll clean it up. Junior Sister, let me get you a new bamboo basket. There are a lot of us today, so please go and catch a few more fish.” Yuwen Mo said, handing Gongsun Ruotang a new bamboo basket.

A short while later, Gongsun Ruotang returned with a bamboo basket full of fish.

Zhuang Yichen had already set up a fire and placed the prepared fish on the grill to roast.

Gongsun Ruotang handed the bamboo basket to her eldest brother, Yuwen Mo, and then approached her grandmaster, staring intently at the fish, occasionally asking, "Grandmaster, when will the fish be ready?" "Should we add more seasoning to make it taste better?" Zhuang Yichen answered her questions with a smile, but his hands never stopped moving. Soon, the aroma of the fish filled the air.

Gongsun Ruotang eagerly picked up a grilled fish, carefully blew on it, and handed it to Tang Yuluo: "Master, please eat first." Tang Yuluo took the fish, took a small bite, and her eyes were full of praise: "Hmm, the taste is still as good as before." Gongsun Ruotang smiled happily and picked up a fish to eat herself.

The group enjoyed their grilled fish while admiring the beautiful scenery, their laughter echoing through the mountains.