The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Along the way, Gongsun Ruotang chattered incessantly like a cheerful little bird, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.

She skipped and hopped along, gesturing wildly as she described the various sights in the palace to her master and grandmaster.

From magnificent palace architecture to exquisite garden features, from shimmering lakes to winding paths, every scene is vividly and captivatingly described by Gongsun Ruotang.

Madam Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen listened quietly to their disciple's story with smiles on their faces, occasionally interjecting a word or two to interact and exchange ideas with Gongsun Ruotang, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Before long, the group arrived in front of the Glass Palace.

The palace was magnificent and beautiful, its roof covered with shimmering glazed tiles that sparkled in the sunlight. From afar, it resembled a castle from a dream.

At this moment, Aunt Rou had already been waiting at the palace gate with a group of palace maids for a long time. Upon seeing Madam Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen arrive, Aunt Rou hurriedly stepped forward, respectfully bowed, and said softly, "This servant greets Madam and Master Zhuang. Madam must be tired from your journey."

Madam Yu Luo nodded slightly, a gentle smile on her face, and replied, "Thank you for waiting here, Aunt Rou."

Then, Gongsun Ruotang couldn't wait to take her master's and grandmaster's hands, pass through the palace gate, and head towards Lanyue Pavilion.

The Moon-Viewing Pavilion is located deep within the Glazed Palace, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers. When Madam Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen stepped into the pavilion, they were immediately captivated by the beautiful scenery before them.

The interior of the pavilion was elegantly and exquisitely furnished, with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an antique charm. Through the windows, one could see distant green mountains, shrouded in white clouds.

They slowly walked to the window and looked out, taking in the magnificent view of the entire palace.

Madam Yu Luo couldn't help but softly exclaim, "The scenery here is picturesque, truly breathtaking!" Zhuang Yichen nodded repeatedly in agreement. The two then carefully examined the furnishings inside the pavilion. Whether it was the tables, chairs, beds, or the calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, everything was carefully selected, showcasing the owner's refined taste. Finally, they exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with satisfaction.

"Ruo Tang, look at your meticulous arrangement! You must have put a lot of thought into it. Every detail reveals your thoughtfulness and ingenuity," Madam Yu Luo praised with a beaming smile, her smile as radiant and captivating as a flower blooming in spring.

Upon hearing her master's praise, Gongsun Ruotang felt a surge of joy. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said sweetly, "As long as you like it, Master, everything I've done is worthwhile. Oh, by the way, Master and Grandmaster, you must be tired from your long journey. Why don't you rest here for a while? I'll go and prepare some exquisite tea and snacks for you." As soon as she finished speaking, she turned gracefully, swaying like a blooming lotus flower, and then left Lanyue Pavilion with Tangqiu and Rendong beside her.

After Gongsun Ruotang left, Zhuang Yichen smiled and turned to look at Madam Yulu beside him, saying softly, "Madam, look at this girl, how considerate she is, it's really heartwarming."

Madam Yu Luo nodded slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with satisfaction, and replied softly, "Indeed, since this child left us, he has indeed grown a lot. Not only has he learned how to get along with others, but he has also tidied up and arranged this Lan Yue Pavilion so well. It must have taken a lot of effort and energy."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yichen nodded repeatedly in agreement, adding with emotion, "Yes, seeing how graceful and well-behaved she has become, we can say that our years of careful guidance have not been in vain."

Lady Yu Luo walked to the window, gently pushed it open, and sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating the exquisitely carved table and chairs and the neatly arranged writing implements. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers blooming in the garden outside. "In this palace, although there are many rules and regulations, it is rare to have such a peaceful place. I only hope that she can continue to live a smooth life, undisturbed by the power struggles and intrigues of the court."

At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang had arrived at the small kitchen. She personally selected tea leaves and pastries, and directed Tangqiu and Rendong to prepare the pastries that her master and grandmaster loved the most.

She remembered that her master preferred a light tea aroma, so she specially chose this year's newly tribute Biluochun tea. She also instructed the chef to make the pastries soft, sweet, and fragrant, and she didn't forget to add some clever touches to the pastries' appearance, using edible flowers to garnish them and make them more pleasing to the eye.

Inside the Lan Yue Pavilion, Zhuang Yichen and Madam Yu Luo sat at the table, quietly discussing the trivial matters of the martial world and the situation within their sect.

"Mo'er told me a couple of days ago that the Shadow Cult is showing signs of making trouble again. We need to be extra vigilant when we get back," Zhuang Yichen said solemnly.

Madam Yu Luo frowned slightly. "Yes, as long as the Shadow Sect is not eliminated, the martial world will never have a peaceful day. However, now that Ruo Tang is in the palace, we must be more careful in our actions and not let her fall into danger."

Before long, Gongsun Ruotang returned with carefully prepared tea and snacks. The steaming pastries emitted an enticing aroma, and cups of fragrant tea were placed in exquisite teacups.

"Master and Grandmaster, come and try this. I specially prepared it for you and Grandmaster." She said with a smile, her eyes full of anticipation.

Madam Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen savored the tea and snacks, praising them incessantly. For a time, the Lan Yue Pavilion was filled with laughter and joy as the three master and disciples enjoyed this rare time together. The sunlight outside the window remained bright, as if it were lingering for this heartwarming scene.

"Master, Grandmaster, please rest for a while. After the Empress Dowager takes her afternoon nap, I will take you and Grandmaster to pay your respects to her and the Empress Dowager's aunt." Gongsun Ruotang looked at her slightly tired master and grandmaster.

Zhuang Yichen waved his hand and said, "It's alright. Although we've had a bit of a journey, seeing that you're doing well in the palace makes your master and me happy, so this little bit of fatigue is nothing." Madam Yulu smiled and nodded in agreement.

Gongsun Ruotang looked at her master and grandmaster with deep emotion and said, "Master and grandmaster, don't worry. Although I occasionally encounter minor troubles in this palace, I can handle them. Moreover, with the care of my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, and my aunt, the Empress, I will be fine."

The three of them chatted for a while longer before leaning back in their chairs and closing their eyes to rest. Birds occasionally flew by outside the window, chirping sweetly, adding to the tranquility.

After a while, seeing that it was almost time, Gongsun Ruotang gently woke her master and grandmaster, saying, "Master and grandmaster, it's time for us to pay our respects to our maternal grandmother and aunt, the Empress." Zhuang Yichen and Madam Yulu got up, straightened their clothes, and followed Gongsun Ruotang toward Cining Palace.

Along the way, the palace servants bowed to Gongsun Ruotang, and she responded with a smile, displaying the grace and poise of a princess. Before long, they arrived at Cixi Palace. After the eunuch went in to announce their arrival, they were quickly summoned inside.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress had been sitting in the hall for a long time. When they saw Gongsun Ruotang and her entourage enter the hall, the Empress Dowager immediately smiled kindly and greeted them warmly, "Ruo'er, you've finally arrived! Come and sit down here quickly."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang moved gracefully and quickly walked to the Empress Dowager. She first gave a graceful bow, and then sat down as instructed.

Then, she turned to the Empress Dowager and the Empress and introduced the two people beside her in a soft voice: "Grandmother Empress Dowager, aunt Empress, these two are my master - Madam Yu Luo, and my grandmaster - Zhuang Yichen, the master of Qingyu Manor."

Upon hearing Gongsun Ruotang's introduction, Madam Yuluo and Zhuang Yichen quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Empress, saying in unison, "Tang Yuluo (Zhuang Yichen) greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty the Empress!"

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager quickly raised her hand and said, "Get up, get up. The Empress and I have to thank you both. It is thanks to your careful care that Ruo'er has been raised to be so outstanding." As she said this, the Empress Dowager looked at Lady Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen in front of her with deep emotion.

Then, the Empress Dowager gently took Gongsun Ruotang's little hand and praised Lady Yulu with loving eyes, "This child has always been extremely well-behaved and sensible in the palace, which makes me very happy. You have made a great contribution to raising her to be so outstanding."

In response to the Empress Dowager's praise, Lady Yu Luo humbly replied, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. This is all the result of Ruo Tang's own hard work and positive attitude. We, as her teachers, only provided some guidance from the sidelines."

The Empress looked at Gongsun Ruotang with a loving expression and said with a smile, "Ruo'er is not only clever and quick-witted, but also kind-hearted and well-mannered. I like her very much! Alas, my biggest regret in this life is that I did not give birth to a loving daughter. Now that Ruo'er is by my side, it makes up for some of that regret. I am truly overjoyed!"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang blushed slightly, smiled shyly, and replied softly, "Your Majesty, such praise is too much for me!"

At this moment, everyone present echoed the Empress's praise of Gongsun Ruotang, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

After chatting for a while about everyday matters, the Empress Dowager chuckled and said, "The flowers in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom right now, a truly beautiful sight. Why don't you go and admire them? It'll help you relax and stretch your muscles. The banquet won't officially begin until 3:45 PM. Ruo'er, your grandmother and your aunt should arrive at the palace gates around 1:15 PM. Remember to arrange for someone to greet them."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and replied, "Yes, Grandmother, I understand! I will instruct Aunt Rou to take people to the palace gate to welcome Grandmother and Aunt." After saying that, she turned around and smiled slightly at her master, Madam Yu Luo, and her grandmaster, Zhuang Yichen. Then, she took light steps and led the two of them slowly towards the Imperial Garden.

The Imperial Garden was a riot of color, with lush green grass and all sorts of exotic flowers and rare plants vying for attention, a truly breathtaking sight. Zhuang Yichen couldn't help but exclaim, "This Imperial Garden is indeed magnificent; it's a completely different scene from our manor's garden."

Lady Yu Luo smiled and said, "Yes, there are many beautiful sights in this palace that we have never seen before." Gongsun Ruotang acted as a tour guide, introducing the names and origins of various flowers to her master and grandmaster. The three of them spent a pleasant time in the imperial garden.

Before they knew it, time had slipped away, and it was already a quarter past dusk. The sun was beginning to set, and a magnificent sunset glow painted the sky. Gongsun Ruotang, supporting her master and grandmaster, slowly stepped through the gates of the Liuli Palace.

As soon as she entered the palace gate, Gongsun Ruotang saw Aunt Rou leading her grandmother, aunt, and several other family elders slowly toward Lanyue Pavilion.

Overjoyed, she quickened her pace to greet her, her face beaming with delight, and called out affectionately, "Grandmother, Aunt!"

In the blink of an eye, Gongsun Ruotang arrived beside the old lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion. She gently took her grandmother's slightly thin but still warm and strong arm and snuggled up to her grandmother in a coquettish manner.

The old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion gazed at her adorable granddaughter with a kind expression, her eyes filled with endless love and care, and asked softly, "Ruotang, it's been so long since we last met. Have you gotten used to everything in the palace?"

Gongsun Ruotang looked up, smiled sweetly at her grandmother, and replied in a coquettish voice, "I'm quite used to it, Grandmother, please don't worry! With my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, and my aunt, the Empress, taking good care of me in the palace, I'm doing very well and safe and sound here."

Hearing her granddaughter's sensible and well-behaved words, the grandmother nodded with satisfaction, a slight smile playing on her lips, and her eyes filled with even more concern.

Immediately afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang turned around and faced the group of relatives from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and said with a smile, "Grandmother, Aunt, come and meet my master and grandmaster." After saying that, she pointed to the two people standing to the side.

The woman was graceful, beautiful, and possessed an elegant and refined air; she was none other than Tang Yuluo, Gongsun Ruotang's master. Beside her stood a tall and imposing man with striking features and a commanding presence; he was Tang Yuluo's husband, Zhuang Yichen, the lord of Qingyu Manor.

Tang Yuluo stepped forward with a smile, bowed to the old lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, and said softly, "Old Madam, we meet again! This must be the Lady of the Zhenguo Duke, right? I am Ruo'er's master, Tang Yuluo, and this is my husband, Zhuang Yichen, the master of Qingyu Manor."

"Greetings, Madam Yu Luo, and Master Zhuang." The old lady and the lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion greeted Madam Yu Luo and Zhuang Yichen respectfully with smiles and a slight bow. Afterwards, everyone moved to Lan Yue Pavilion and took their seats according to the order of host and guest.

After everyone was seated, the atmosphere gradually relaxed, and they naturally began to chat about everyday matters.

The old matriarch of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was seen asking Madam Yuluo and Zhuang Yichen about all sorts of strange and wonderful things in the martial arts world with great interest; on the other side, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo held Gongsun Ruotang's hand and spoke softly to her about the trivial matters of the household, and repeatedly told her to take good care of her health in the palace and not to overwork herself.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and before we knew it, it was three-quarters past dusk.

At this moment, the banquet officially began, and everyone stood up and walked together toward the banquet hall.

The moment they stepped into the banquet hall, they were instantly stunned by the sight before them—the entire hall was brightly lit, as bright as day, with melodious and graceful music playing, and dancers with beautiful figures dancing gracefully, a sight to behold.

Looking at the tables, they were filled with all sorts of delicacies, fine wines and dishes, their aromas so enticing that they made one's mouth water.