The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Lin affectionately patted Gongsun Ruotang's head and said with a smile, "You silly girl. However, the situation in the palace is complicated, and various forces are deeply intertwined. Although we have the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion backing us, we cannot be careless. I have heard that recently, the concubines in the palace have been using increasingly sophisticated methods to compete for the emperor's favor. You must not get involved in these disputes."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and said, "Brother, don't worry, I'm just staying in the palace temporarily. When I'm older, I want to tell my uncle, the Emperor, about establishing a palace."

"That's good. My sister has always been clever and quick-witted. I trust you know what you're doing." Gongsun Lin was slightly relieved, and then continued, "Also, the struggle for the throne among the princes is getting fiercer. We already have a close relationship with our cousin, the Crown Prince. You need to be careful not to be taken advantage of."

Gongsun Ruotang felt a chill run down her spine. She knew the dangers of princes vying for the throne and replied softly, "Brother's teachings will be remembered by Ruotang."

As they spoke, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and the coachman's voice came from outside: "Young master, little princess, we have arrived at the palace gate."

"Brother, I've arrived. It's getting late. You should head back to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion soon, or Grandmother will worry," Gongsun Ruotang said to her brother, Gongsun Lin.

Gongsun Lin nodded slightly, helped Gongsun Ruotang down from the carriage, looked up at the majestic palace gate, a trace of worry flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his gentle demeanor and instructed Gongsun Ruotang: "After you go back, be careful in everything. If you feel wronged or encounter any difficulties, be sure to send someone to inform your brother."

Gongsun Ruotang straightened her clothes and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, brother, I'll take good care of myself. Be careful on your way back." With that, she turned and walked towards the palace gate.

The palace gates slowly opened, and a maid dressed in palace attire was already waiting inside. Upon seeing Gongsun Ruotang, she hurriedly stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "This old servant greets the little princess. The princess must be tired from her journey."

Gongsun Ruotang raised her hand slightly: "No need for formalities, Granny. It's too late today, let's go back to Liuli Palace first."

Along the way, Gongsun Ruotang looked at the familiar scenery, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She understood that this seemingly prosperous palace was actually rife with undercurrents. Now, various forces were openly and secretly fighting for their own interests, and as the daughter of the eldest princess, and with a close relationship with the crown prince, she would inevitably become a stumbling block or a pawn in the eyes of some.

Not long after, Gongsun Ruotang returned to the Liuli Palace. As soon as she entered, Aunt Rou, who had been waiting at the door, immediately went to greet her. Looking at the somewhat tired little girl with concern, she asked softly, "Little princess, have you found your master?"

Gongsun Ruotang raised her head, a bright smile blooming on her face, and happily replied, "Auntie, I saw Master! Tomorrow, I'm going to talk to my maternal grandmother about this. Once she sets a specific time, I can personally go to the Su residence to deliver the invitation to Master and the others."

Hearing this, Aunt Rou couldn't help but feel happy for Gongsun Ruotang. She smiled and nodded, saying, "That's wonderful, little princess." As she spoke, her gaze never left the little girl she had been taking care of for the past year.

Then, as if remembering something, Aunt Rou quickly said, "Oh dear, little princess, look at the time! You haven't had dinner yet! I've already had Tang Qiu go to the imperial kitchen to select some light and delicious dishes for you, as well as your favorite seafood porridge. You should eat something to fill your stomach first, and then rest for a while. Later, take a nice hot bath so you can sleep soundly." After saying that, Aunt Rou began to make the arrangements methodically.

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and replied, "Okay, then please have Auntie have Tangqiu bring over dinner."

Upon hearing Gongsun Ruotang's instructions, Aunt Rou immediately turned around and called out loudly towards the door, "Tangqiu, quickly bring in dinner and set it on the table."

Tang Qiu led two clever palace maids in with light, graceful steps. They carried trays steadily, laden with exquisite bowls and plates and fragrant dishes. In no time, one delicious dish after another was neatly arranged on the table, making everyone's mouths water.

Gongsun Ruotang gazed happily at the delicious dishes laid out on the table before her, all of which were her favorites, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips. She turned her head cheerfully, her gaze sweeping over the people beside her, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

After enjoying a delicious dinner, Honeysuckle quickly prepared a steaming hot bath.

Gongsun Ruotang couldn't wait to take off her clothes and slowly stepped into the bathtub.

The warm water gently enveloped her body, as if a pair of tender hands were caressing every inch of her skin, making her feel incredibly comfortable and at ease.

She closed her eyes, quietly enjoying the tranquility and relaxation of the moment.

When Gongsun Ruotang came out of the bath, she felt relaxed and refreshed.

By this time, Honeysuckle had neatly made the bed and carefully lit a calming incense stick. Wisps of smoke rose, releasing a delicate fragrance that filled the entire room.

"Little princess, the calming incense has been lit for you. You must be tired after a long day, so please get some rest. Tomorrow morning, I will accompany you to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager." Ren Dong said softly as she carefully laid out soft bedding for Gongsun Ruotang.

Gongsun Ruotang smiled and nodded, replying, "Okay, then thank you for your trouble. Remember to wake me up tomorrow, you and Tangqiu will come with me to pay our respects to Grandmother." After saying that, she snuggled into the quilt, enjoying the comfort of the warm bed, and soon drifted off into a sweet dream.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Gongsun Ruotang's face. She slowly opened her eyes, stretched, and got up to call Tangqiu to help her wash and dress. After she was dressed, she took Tangqiu and Rendong with her to Cining Palace. Along the way, palace maids and eunuchs bowed and greeted her, and Gongsun Ruotang smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, the palace maids and eunuchs respectfully bowed and greeted Gongsun Ruotang. Gongsun Ruotang, accompanied by Tangqiu and Rendong, headed straight for the inner hall. Before she even entered, she heard the Empress Dowager's gentle voice from within: "Is that Ruotang?"

Gongsun Ruotang quickened her pace and entered the inner hall, smiling as she bowed and said, "Grandmother, Ruotang has come to pay her respects." The Empress Dowager smiled and beckoned her over, and Gongsun Ruotang obediently sat down beside her.

The Empress Dowager looked her over carefully and said with concern, "You came back so late last night, did you get enough rest?" Gongsun Ruotang nestled beside the Empress Dowager and said with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. Ruotang got enough rest."

The Empress Dowager smiled and replied, "That's good. By the way, when you went to the hot spring resort to find your senior brother, did you find out any news about your master?"

At this moment, a young eunuch came in to report: "Empress Dowager, the Empress has arrived." The Empress Dowager smiled and said: "Quickly let her in. Ruo'er just wanted to talk about her master. Let's listen together."

The Empress entered the inner palace with graceful bearing, performed a curtsy to the Empress Dowager, and said sweetly, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects." The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, gesturing for her to rise and sit down.

Gongsun Ruotang obediently bowed and greeted the Empress, who responded with a smile. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager said, "Ruotang went to the hot spring resort and found her master's whereabouts. She was just about to tell me about it. You can listen too." The Empress nodded slightly and turned her gaze to Gongsun Ruotang.

Gongsun Ruotang then recounted to the Empress Dowager and the Empress everything about her meeting with her master at the hot spring resort. Upon hearing this, both the Empress Dowager and the Empress showed expressions of relief.

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Your teacher is quite interesting; this makes me even more eager to meet him."

Gongsun Ruotang smiled and replied, "Grandmother, I told my master about inviting her to stay in the palace for a while, and my master said it was no problem. She asked you to set the time."

The Empress smiled and chimed in, "Ruo'er, I heard from your cousin, the Crown Prince, that your master is Lady Yu Luo of Qingyu Manor?"

Gongsun Ruotang nodded in agreement and said, "It is indeed Madam Yuluo from Qingyu Manor. She is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also proficient in pharmacology. Ruotang has learned many skills from her master."

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, her eyes showing approval, and said, "That's very good. It's your blessing to have such a master. Then it's set that you will personally deliver the invitation to your master in seven days."

"I'll do whatever Grandmother says," Gongsun Ruotang replied obediently.

The Empress smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Lady Yu Luo's arrival in the palace is a significant event. I was thinking, should we invite everyone from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion as well? After all, they are also Ruo'er's family."

After a moment's thought, the Empress Dowager said, "Very well, go and make the arrangements."

"Your Majesty understands, and will certainly make proper arrangements," the Empress replied respectfully.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager said to Gongsun Ruotang, "Ruotang, your master is staying in the palace for a while. You should spend more time with her and make sure she doesn't feel constrained in the palace. If she needs anything, just tell me. By the way, which palace do you plan to have your master and the others stay in?"

“Grandmother, Ruotang wants Master to live in my Liuli Palace. After all, Grandmaster also accompanied Master into the palace, and it would be inconvenient for him to live in other palaces. Isn’t there a Lanyue Pavilion in Liuli Palace? I’d like to clean it up so that Master and Grandmaster can live there. What do you think?” Gongsun Ruotang replied.

The Empress Dowager nodded and smiled, "Of course it will work. The Lan Yue Pavilion is quiet and elegant, suitable for your master and the others to live in. You must arrange it well and not neglect it."

"Grandmother, rest assured, Ruotang will make all the arrangements." Gongsun Ruotang replied obediently.

The Empress smiled and said, "If you have considered things thoroughly, then I will go and arrange the family banquet." After saying that, she took her leave from the Empress Dowager.

After the Empress left, the Empress Dowager took Gongsun Ruotang's hand and whispered, "Ruotang, your master's entry into the palace will surely draw all eyes to him. You must be more careful in your actions and lest you give those with ulterior motives the opportunity to cause trouble."

Gongsun Ruotang frowned slightly and said with concern, "Grandmother, Ruotang understands. But Ruotang is worried that Master and the others might encounter some trouble in the palace?"

The Empress Dowager gently patted her hand, reassuring her, "With me here, I won't let your master and the others suffer any injustice. You don't need to worry too much; I'll support you in everything."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and said, "Thank you, Grandmother. With your words, I feel at ease."

Afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang chatted with the Empress Dowager for a while, and then returned to Liuli Palace with Tangqiu and Rendong.

Upon returning to the Glazed Palace, Gongsun Ruotang instructed Aunt Rou to arrange for people to tidy up Lanyue Pavilion in preparation for her master's arrival. She personally selected various exquisite ornaments and comfortable furniture, and also had many of her master's favorite flowers and green plants placed in the pavilion, striving to make Lanyue Pavilion full of the warmth of home.

"Aunt, please arrange the carriage. Tomorrow I will leave the palace to deliver invitations to my master and grandmaster." Gongsun Ruotang looked at the busy Aunt Rou.

The next day, Gongsun Ruotang arrived at the Su residence by carriage. She wore an elegant pink silk dress and a delicate pearl and jade hairpin, making her look playful and adorable. After getting off the carriage, she walked briskly towards the gate of the Su residence.

The servant at the gate had already seen Gongsun Ruotang before, and hurriedly bowed respectfully before going inside to announce her arrival. A short while later, the Su family's steward came out to greet her, smiling and bowing, saying, "This humble servant greets the young princess. Please come in, Your Highness."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded slightly and followed the steward into the mansion. Along the way, the servants bowed and greeted her, to which she responded with a smile. Before long, she arrived at the main hall, where her master, Madam Yuluo, and her grandmaster, Zhuang Yichen, were already waiting.

"Master, Grandmaster, Ruotang has come to pay her respects." Gongsun Ruotang greeted her with a smile.

Madam Yu Luo smiled and stepped forward to help her up, teasingly saying, "You little rascal, you've become even more obedient in just a few days."

Gongsun Ruotang chuckled and said, "Master, I've always been very well-behaved. By the way, this is an invitation for you. My maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, has invited you and your master to stay at the palace for a while in seven days." With that, she took out the invitation from her sleeve and handed it to Madam Yuluo.

Lady Yu Luo accepted the invitation, glanced at it, and smiled, "It seems the Empress Dowager is quite generous in her hospitality. In that case, we shall respectfully accept."

Zhuang Yichen smiled and nodded, saying, "It is our honor to be invited by the Empress Dowager."

Gongsun Ruotang said happily, "That's great, Master and Grandmaster. I have finished preparing the Lanyue Pavilion in the Liuli Palace. I'm sure you will love it when you move in."

Madam Yu Luo smiled and replied, "Ruo Tang is so thoughtful. With you, our little girl, around, we feel much more at ease."

Afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang chatted with her master and grandmaster for a long time.

Before they knew it, it was noon. The Su family hosted a banquet for Gongsun Ruotang, and the table was laden with all sorts of delicious dishes. Gongsun Ruotang, her master, and her grandmaster chatted and laughed as they ate, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

After lunch, Gongsun Ruotang stayed at the Su residence for a while longer before taking her leave. Madam Yuluo and Zhuang Yichen escorted her to the gate, reminding her to be careful on her journey.

Gongsun Ruotang returned to the palace by carriage and went straight to the Liuli Palace. Aunt Rou, seeing her return, hurried forward and asked, "Little Princess, has the invitation been delivered?"

Gongsun Ruotang nodded with a smile and said, "It's been delivered. Master and Grandmaster have agreed to enter the palace in seven days. Aunt, how are the preparations for Lanyue Pavilion going?"

Aunt Rou replied, "Princess, rest assured, everything has been prepared according to your instructions. We are just waiting for Madam and the Master of the Manor to move in."

"That's good." Gongsun Ruotang nodded in satisfaction.

In the following days, Gongsun Ruotang went to Lanyue Pavilion every day to check if there was anything that needed to be added or adjusted. She also personally selected some top-quality tea and pastries, preparing to treat her master and grandmaster well after they moved in.

Seven days later, Gongsun Ruotang got up early to wash and dress, and then led Tangqiu and Rendong to the palace gate to welcome their master and grandmaster. Before long, a carriage slowly drove up and stopped at the palace gate.

Lady Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen stepped out of the carriage. Gongsun Ruotang hurriedly went forward to greet them, smiling and bowing, "Master, Grandmaster, you've finally arrived. Ruotang has been waiting for you for a long time."

Madam Yu Luo laughed and teased, "You silly girl, what's the rush? We're here now."

Gongsun Ruotang chuckled and said, "I'm just happy. Master, Grandmaster, let's hurry back to the Glazed Palace." With that, she led them toward the Glazed Palace.