The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

"Cousin, Madam, Lady Gongsun, you've arrived! Please, have a seat!" Crown Prince Si Yunchen rose from his seat with a broad smile and hurried forward to greet the guests. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, his posture upright as a pine tree, his demeanor elegant and refined, exuding royal grace in every gesture.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" Gongsun Ruotang, the family of the Duke of Zhenguo, and everyone from Qingyu Manor bowed and greeted the Crown Prince in unison. They were all respectful and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

"Please rise, everyone! This is a family banquet; there's no need for such formalities." Crown Prince Si Yunchen quickly gestured for everyone to dispense with the formalities and personally stepped forward to help the Dowager Madam of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. Although the Dowager Madam was advanced in years, she was in good spirits and had a dignified demeanor.

“Cousin Ruo’er, why don’t you introduce the people of Qingyu Manor to me? Although I am familiar with your senior brothers, I know very little about the others.” Si Yunchen turned to look at Gongsun Ruotang beside him, a gentle smile in his eyes.

Gongsun Ruotang nodded slightly and replied, "Yes, cousin. But before that, I hope you can arrange for Grandmother and Aunt to sit down and rest. After all, Grandmother is quite old, and I'm worried that her health might not be able to handle it." As she spoke, Gongsun Ruotang looked at the old lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion beside her with concern, her eyes full of filial piety.

"Oh dear, it was my oversight! Please, Madam, have a seat!" Crown Prince Si Yunchen quickly stepped aside to offer his seat, politely inviting the Madam to take her seat first.

At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang gracefully moved to the side of a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes and with an elegant demeanor. She held the woman's hand tightly and said softly, "Cousin Crown Prince, this is my master, Lady Yuluo—Tang Yuluo."

As she spoke, Tang Yulu bowed slightly to the Crown Prince and said softly, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince." Her voice was as melodious as a nightingale's song, which was endearing to all.

Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince quickly stepped forward, extended his hands as if to help her up, and said urgently, "Madam, please do not stand on ceremony, please do not be so polite."

Immediately afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang turned and walked towards another elegant and handsome middle-aged man. Smiling radiantly, she pointed to him and introduced him to the Crown Prince: "Cousin, this is my grandmaster, and also the master of Qingyu Manor—Zhuang Yichen. Moreover, he is also the master of our eldest brother and the others!"

Upon hearing what Gongsun Ruotang said, Zhuang Yichen stepped forward steadily, bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince, and said loudly, "This humble subject, Zhuang Yichen, pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Crown Prince Si Yunchen hurriedly reached out to help Zhuang Yichen up, his face full of smiles, and said kindly, "Mr. Zhuang, please get up quickly, there's no need for such a grand gesture. I have long admired your name, and to be honest, I am a very close friend of your eldest disciple, Yuwen Mo."

Zhuang Yichen waved his hand modestly and replied with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a humble person." His words were full of humility.

At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang tugged at Si Yunchen's sleeve coquettishly and urged, "Cousin Crown Prince, please stop being so polite. The important thing is to let my master and my master take their seats."

"Alright, alright, alright, please come in and take your seats." Si Yunchen smiled and politely gestured for them to sit down. His demeanor was elegant and graceful, exuding an air of nobility.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" The two quickly bowed and thanked him before taking their seats.

At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang blinked her bright, watery eyes and looked at Si Yunchen expectantly, asking, "Where are my cousin the Crown Prince, my uncle the Emperor, my maternal grandmother, and my aunt the Empress? Why don't I see them?" Her voice was clear and melodious, as sweet as a nightingale singing in a valley.

Si Yunchen glanced gently at the slightly anxious girl and replied softly, "Cousin, don't worry, Father will arrive shortly. As for Mother, she should come with Grandmother." As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Gongsun Ruotang, his eyes filled with doting affection.

Hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang breathed a slight sigh of relief, but then, as if remembering something, she asked again, "Oh, I see. By the way, Cousin Crown Prince, where are my brother and the heir apparent? When Grandmother came to my palace before, she said that my brother and the heir apparent came to the palace to look for you today."

Si Yunchen smiled slightly and patiently explained, "They are with your eldest uncle, the Duke of Zhenguo, right now, and they will probably arrive a little later." After speaking, he continued to gaze at the lively and adorable little girl in front of him.

Si Yunchen thought for a moment, then said to Gongsun Ruotang, "Cousin Ruo'er, why don't you go and keep your master company? Although it's a family banquet, it's the first time we've all met, and I'm worried that your master and the others might feel uncomfortable since they're new here. Also, tell your grandmaster that your eldest and second eldest brothers will be arriving soon." His tone was gentle and kind.

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and replied, "Okay, Cousin Crown Prince, I'll go keep Master company first." After saying that, she walked briskly to Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yuluo's side and started chatting away. Her clear laughter rang out from time to time in the hall, making the originally somewhat restrained atmosphere much more relaxed and cheerful.

Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu were also infected by Gongsun Ruotang's enthusiasm, and their faces were filled with faint smiles. Occasionally, they would be amused by her innocent words and burst into laughter.

Si Yunchen watched them quietly from the side, a faint smile on his lips and a hint of doting affection in his eyes. As the crown prince, he had been bound by many rules since childhood and rarely had such a moment of unrestrained joy.

After a while, a commotion suddenly came from outside the palace, the sound growing louder as it approached.

Immediately afterwards, a sharp and loud eunuch's voice announced: "The Emperor has arrived—The Empress Dowager has arrived—The Empress has arrived—" This series of voices echoed in the empty palace, inspiring awe in all who heard it.

Upon hearing this, Si Yunchen, who was sitting upright in the hall, quickly stood up, neatly tidied his slightly disheveled clothes, and then walked quickly toward the hall door with hurried but steady steps.

As he arrived at the palace gate, he saw the emperor, surrounded by a group of attendants, walking towards him with his head held high and chest out, clad in a magnificent bright yellow dragon robe. A subtle smile played on the emperor's dignified face, and every step he took exuded composure and confidence.

Following closely behind the emperor was the Empress Dowager, who, supported carefully by two palace maids, walked slowly and gracefully.

Although the years have etched wrinkles of varying depths on the Empress Dowager's face, these wrinkles have not diminished her charm; on the contrary, they have added a sense of maturity and dignity born from experience.

The Empress Dowager's eyes were sharp and deep; a casual glance around was enough to make people feel an invisible pressure.

Looking further back, you see the Empress, dressed in a phoenix robe.

The Empress was graceful and elegant, with a refined demeanor that reflected the grace of a lady from a prominent family.

She moved with light steps, as elegant and charming as a blooming lotus flower.

Those beautiful eyes, clear and bright like autumn water, slowly swept over everyone before finally settling on Si Yunchen. The Empress nodded slightly.

Si Yunchen dared not be negligent in the slightest. He immediately knelt down on both knees, clasped his hands in front of his chest, and respectfully performed a grand salute, shouting loudly, "Your subject respectfully welcomes the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Mother!"

Seeing this, the emperor slightly raised his right hand, waved it gently, and said slowly, "Rise."

Si Yunchen stood up, stood to the side, bowed his head and put his hands down, his attitude still very humble.

Then, the emperor strode directly to the main seat and sat down gracefully. The empress dowager and the empress then took their seats on either side of the emperor according to their respective status and rank.

Upon seeing this scene, Gongsun Ruotang immediately led the people from the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion and Qingyu Manor to bow in unison to the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress, and respectfully greeted them, saying, "Gongsun Ruotang greets the Emperor's maternal uncle, maternal grandmother, and Empress's aunt. Your subject (your wife, a commoner) greets Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress."

Gongsun Ruotang's delicate and melodious voice was like a nightingale singing in a valley, soft, sweet, and intoxicating.

Seeing this, the emperor's lips curled up slightly, forming a faint smile, and he said slowly, "Ruotang, please get up quickly. I haven't seen you for quite some time now. You seem to have become even more well-behaved and sensible!" After saying that, he waved to the others, signaling them to get up together.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager smiled lovingly and beckoned to Gongsun Ruotang, saying affectionately, "Come, my good child, come to your grandmother's side."

Upon hearing the call, Gongsun Ruotang, like a joyful little deer, quickly ran to the Empress Dowager's side with light steps, and then nestled affectionately into her warm embrace.

Looking at Gongsun Ruotang's adorable appearance, the Empress couldn't help but cover her face and chuckle, praising softly, "This little rascal is truly delightful!"

Si Yunchen, who was standing to one side, immediately chimed in, "Cousin Ruo'er was just asking me where Father Emperor and Mother Empress were, eagerly anticipating your arrival."

Upon hearing this, the emperor burst into laughter and exclaimed, "Haha, so it seems our Ruotang is closer to me, her uncle!" In an instant, the entire palace was filled with laughter and joy.

Just then, a series of steady yet hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, growing louder as they approached. Everyone turned to look and saw Gongsun Ruotang's brother, the heir apparent, and the Duke of Zhenguo walking briskly into the hall.

Their steps remained steady and powerful. Upon entering the main hall, the three hurriedly bowed to the emperor and greeted him in unison.

The emperor smiled and nodded in response, then waved for them to take their seats to the side.

Upon seeing this, Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu stood up slightly and nodded to the three newcomers.

Si Yunchen, with his sharp eyes, noticed this scene and subtly gave Gongsun Ruotang a wink.

Gongsun Ruotang immediately understood and turned to face the emperor, introducing in a sweet voice: "Uncle Emperor, look, these two are Ruo'er's masters! This beautiful and dignified woman is my master—Madam Yuluo; and the imposing senior standing next to Madam Yuluo is my grandmaster, Zhuang Yichen, the master of Qingyu Manor!"

Following the direction Gongsun Ruotang pointed, the emperor's gaze first fell on Tang Yuluo, who was graceful and beautiful, exuding an elegant air in every gesture. Then, the emperor's gaze shifted to Zhuang Yichen, who was tall and upright, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, radiating an aura of majesty.

The emperor nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation in his eyes, and said slowly, "The two of you must be extraordinary people to be able to teach such an outstanding child as Ruotang."

Upon hearing the emperor's praise, Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yuluo quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully again, and humbly replied, "Your Majesty flatters us. We were merely doing our humble best. It is truly an honor for us to receive Your Majesty's appreciation."

The Emperor slightly raised his hand, gently waved it a few times, and said with a smile, "You two need not be so modest. I have truly witnessed Ruotang's talent and martial arts skills. Her outstanding performance is undoubtedly due to your careful guidance. I have also heard that Qingyu Manor enjoys a high reputation in the martial arts world, and you, the Manor Master, are praised as a hero. It is an honor to meet you today, and you truly live up to your reputation and are extraordinary!"

Upon hearing the emperor's praise, Zhuang Yichen quickly clasped his hands in a salute and replied with trepidation, "Your Majesty is too kind! The reason why Qingyu Manor has achieved its current scale and reputation is entirely due to the care and support of friends from all walks of life in the martial arts world. I, a humble citizen, have only followed the teachings left by the ancestors of the manor and done my best to protect this small world, hoping to contribute my insignificant strength to the entire martial arts world."

"Your Majesty, today is our family banquet. Please have Ruo'er's master and grandmaster take their seats. Let's have a good chat about Ruo'er's childhood." The Empress Dowager interrupted the Emperor, who was about to say something.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Emperor looked at the Empress Dowager.

"Lord Zhuang, please take a seat. Ruo'er told me earlier that she invited you two to stay in the palace for a few days. What do you think?" The Emperor looked at Zhuang Yichen and his wife sitting below.

Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu exchanged a glance, and then Zhuang Yichen cupped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty's hospitality is deeply appreciated by my wife and me. However, we are busy with many affairs at the manor and may not be able to stay for long. If we could accompany you for a few days, we would be extremely fortunate."

The Emperor nodded slightly, as if he had already expected such an answer. He did not press the matter, but simply smiled and said, "It's alright. The Master of the Manor cares about the Manor, which is also due to his sense of responsibility. These next few days, you two can stay in the palace with peace of mind, so that the Empress Dowager and I can learn more about Ruotang's growth and past."