The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

After Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu rose again to express their gratitude, they slowly sat down. At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall became increasingly harmonious, and everyone gradually relaxed.

"Mr. Zhuang, Madam Yuluo, I thank you both for raising Ruo'er so well. This cup of wine is a toast to you both." The Empress Dowager picked up the wine cup in front of her and raised it to Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yuluo, who were sitting below her.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu raised their wine cups with both hands. Zhuang Yichen, with a humble expression, said, "Your Majesty, you flatter us. Teaching Ruo'er is something my wife and I do willingly. We have no children of our own. Ruo'er was brought back by my wife when she visited friends years ago, and from that day on, we have regarded her as our own daughter. Your Majesty, there is no need for thanks." After saying this, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp. Tang Yulu also bowed in the same manner and elegantly drank her wine.

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, her eyes full of satisfaction. After gently setting down her wine cup, she said, "I have heard that Mr. Zhuang is exceptionally talented, and the disciples he has taught are also very outstanding."

Zhuang Yichen quickly stood up and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a military man with only a little knowledge of literature. I am honored by the kindness of the world, but I have only done my duty as a teacher. Their progress is due to their own diligence and hard work, and I dare not take credit for it."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand slightly and said with a smile, "Mr. Zhuang, there is no need to be so modest. I have also heard about the abilities of your disciples. I am sure that your teaching methods must be unique."

Zhuang Yichen bowed slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty flatters me. The way to educate people lies first and foremost in teaching according to their aptitude. Each disciple has their own unique temperament and talent, just like a piece of raw jade that needs to be carefully carved to become a useful object. For each disciple, we should carefully observe their strengths and weaknesses, and then guide them to give full play to their strengths and make up for their weaknesses."

He paused for a moment, then continued, “Furthermore, it is also necessary to focus on cultivating morality. Talent and learning are certainly important, but without a benevolent heart, one is like a rudderless boat, easily losing direction. Therefore, we often teach them with the words and deeds of sages throughout history, so that they can distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and know propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame.”

The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly, her eyes showing admiration. "Mr. Zhuang is quite right. Moral character and talent are indeed indispensable. I am curious, among your disciples, is there anyone who is particularly outstanding?"

Zhuang Yichen smiled and replied, “My disciples each have their own strengths and are all striving hard in their respective fields. If we’re talking about outstanding ones, my eldest disciple is calm and resolute, with a deep understanding of martial arts and decisive actions, showing considerable leadership qualities; my second disciple is meticulous and has mastered mathematics, divination, and mechanical arts, often resolving difficult problems unexpectedly; my third disciple is exceptionally talented, with remarkable achievements in poetry and prose, speaking eloquently and writing fluently. They are all my pride and a testament to the results of my teaching.”

The Empress Dowager showed a slight look of surprise, "Such talented people all came from Mr. Zhuang's school, which shows that Mr. Zhuang's abilities are extraordinary. It seems that our Ruo'er's excellence is also inseparable from Mr. Zhuang's efforts."

Zhuang Yichen quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Ruo'er is naturally intelligent and kind-hearted. My wife and I only provided some guidance. Her own efforts and talent are the key."

Tang Yulu also spoke gently: "Your Majesty, Ruo'er is a sensible and well-behaved child. She has been with us for many years and we are like her own daughter. It is her blessing to receive such praise from Your Majesty."

The Empress Dowager's smile deepened, and she turned to the Emperor beside her, saying, "My son, look at Mr. Zhuang and Madam Yuluo, they are truly rare people. We must properly thank them for raising Ruo'er."

The Emperor nodded slightly, looking at Zhuang Yichen and Madam Yulu with gentle eyes, "Mr. Zhuang, Madam Yulu, if you have any needs in the future, please feel free to speak up, and I will do my best to meet them."

After Zhuang Yichen expressed his gratitude again, the Empress Dowager said, "I have heard that Mr. Zhuang has traveled extensively and must have broad knowledge. What are your views on the current situation of the world?"

Zhuang Yichen's heart stirred, and after a moment's thought, he said, "Your Majesty, I believe that although the world seems peaceful now, there are undercurrents beneath the surface. Although there is no war in various places for the time being, we still need to pay more attention to the people's livelihood. If we do not repair the water conservancy, we will not have a good harvest; if we do not promote commerce, the people will have limited ways to make money; if we do not popularize education, we will not be able to produce a lot of talents. Only by starting from these fundamental issues can we ensure the long-term stability of our dynasty."

After hearing this, both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor fell into deep thought.

After a moment, the emperor spoke: "I will instruct my ministers to discuss and consider what Mr. Zhuang has said. When you traveled, did you hear of the strengths of other countries?"

Zhuang Yichen replied, "Your Majesty, I have witnessed the importance that other countries place on the skills of craftsmen. They have established specialized academies to train various types of craftsmen, resulting in exquisite skills and durable products. Whether it is weapons or everyday utensils, they all have their merits. Our dynasty can also learn from this and encourage the inheritance and development of folk skills, which may contribute to the prosperity of the country."

A hint of interest flashed in the Emperor's eyes. "I have taken note of what you said, Mr. Zhuang. The court is in dire need of someone with your insight. Would you be willing to serve in the court and share my burdens?"

Zhuang Yichen's expression hardened, and he replied respectfully, "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by this humble subject. However, this humble subject is accustomed to a life of leisure and fears that I may find it difficult to adapt to the rules of officialdom. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me. This humble subject is willing to continue to contribute my meager strength to the development of our dynasty while living in the Jianghu. If Your Majesty has any instructions, this humble subject will gladly die for them."

A fleeting hint of disappointment flashed in the emperor's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, nodding slightly and saying, "Very well, since Mr. Zhuang is so determined, I will not force him further."

Just then, a sweet and lovely voice suddenly rang out: "Uncle Emperor, today is a family banquet, can we not keep talking about these serious matters? Let's chat about something light and pleasant!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Gongsun Ruotang pouting and looking at the emperor with anticipation.

Upon seeing this, the emperor couldn't help but burst into laughter. He looked at his clever and mischievous niece with affection and said, "Hahaha, it was my oversight. Today, Ruo'er is the main character, so everything will be done according to Ruo'er's wishes."

Upon hearing the emperor's words, Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu exchanged a glance and smiled slightly. Their previously tense expressions relaxed, and a sense of relief appeared on their faces.

The Empress Dowager, sitting to the side, smiled lovingly and said to Gongsun Ruotang with a hint of reproach, "Look at this child, you're the most mischievous one here!"

Gongsun Ruotang chuckled, tightly gripping the Empress Dowager's arm with both hands, and said in a coquettish tone, "Grandmother~ I want to go chat with Grandmother and the others for a while, is that alright?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and stroked the little girl's soft hair, gently replying, "Go, go, have a good chat with your grandmother. They haven't seen my precious Ruo'er for a long time either!"

Gongsun Ruotang, like a cheerful little rabbit, hopped and skipped towards the other side of the hall.

Several highly respected elders from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion sat there, leisurely enjoying tea and conversation.

When they saw Gongsun Ruotang's lively and lovely figure approaching, their faces spontaneously broke into kind and friendly smiles.

The eldest among them, the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, couldn't wait to reach out and grab Gongsun Ruotang's delicate little hand, gently pulling her to sit down beside her.

Immediately afterward, the other elders gathered around, bombarding her with questions, their concern evident in their words. The entire hall was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Ruo'er, I heard your brother mention last time that when your master and grandmaster stay away from the palace, you will also come to stay at our Zhenguo Duke's Mansion for a few days. Is that true?" The old lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion looked at Gongsun Ruotang with a loving face, her eyes sparkling with expectation, and asked while holding her hand tightly.

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently and replied softly, "Grandmother, I do have such a plan. However, I haven't had a chance to tell my maternal grandmother about it yet. I'm thinking of finding a suitable time to talk to my maternal grandmother in a couple of days."

After speaking, she raised her head, blinked her big, bright eyes, and looked at the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, looking very endearing.

Upon hearing Gongsun Ruotang's response, the old lady of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion couldn't help but smile and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Good, good! I'm so happy that Ruo'er can come back to our mansion for a while! And I think your master and grandmaster are both excellent people."

Gongsun Ruotang's eyes sparkled as she counted on her fingers, saying, "Grandmother, my grandmaster taught me a lot of martial arts, as well as the Four Books and Five Classics. Now, even the guards in the manor might not be able to beat me. My master also devoted himself to teaching me medical and poison skills, and he also taught me the zither. However, my zither playing is always just so-so, and I haven't reached my master's level."

Everyone couldn't help but smile at her playful words. At this moment, the Duke of Zhenguo also spoke up, "Ruo'er, I've heard that your master had many legendary experiences in the martial arts world. Has he told you any of them?"

Gongsun Ruotang began to recount with great interest: "Yes, once Master encountered a group of bandits. Those bandits were all fierce and menacing, but Master wasn't afraid at all and easily defeated them. Also, Master once found a long-lost martial arts manual in a mysterious valley. However, Master said that the martial arts in that manual were too profound, and he studied them for a long time before he could even grasp a little bit of them. Uncle, although Master is a woman, she was quite famous in the martial arts world when she was young."

Everyone listened intently, captivated by the eloquent words, their faces beaming with interest.

Just then, one of the aunts from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion suddenly spoke up. She looked at Gongsun Ruotang with a smile and teased, "Ruo'er, look at how animated and spirited you are as you talk. Do you also want to roam the martial world like your master and uphold justice?"

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly waved her hands, her cheeks flushed like the evening glow, and said coquettishly, "Auntie, you just love to tease me! The martial world is certainly alluring, but it is also full of hardships and unknown dangers. How could I bear to leave my grandmother and maternal grandmother? I just want to stay peacefully by my master and grandmaster's side, learn skills diligently, and be able to protect the peace and happiness of our family in the future."

Just as Gongsun Ruotang finished speaking, Zhuang Yichen and Tang Yulu walked slowly over.

They happened to overhear what Gongsun Ruotang had just said. Tang Yulu couldn't help but smile slightly, her eyes filled with satisfaction, and said softly, "Ruo'er, it's truly rare to find someone with such filial piety. However, the most important thing for you right now is to diligently study and master both your academic and martial arts skills. Don't be impatient for quick results."

Gongsun Ruotang nodded obediently, like a docile little deer, and replied, "Master, don't worry, I understand. I will definitely work harder and live up to your expectations!"

With a gentle smile, Tang Yulu reached out and gently picked up a delicate and delicious pastry from the table beside her. She then carefully handed it to Gongsun Ruotang and said with concern, "Ruo'er, be good. Try this pastry. Don't just chat and go hungry."

Gongsun Ruotang happily accepted the pastry from her master and carefully put it in her mouth, taking a small bite.

The soft, sweet taste instantly spread across her tongue. As she chewed, she mumbled, "Master, this pastry is so delicious! You should try some too."

As she spoke, she pushed the plate in her hand towards Tang Yuluo, her eyes full of anticipation.

Seeing this, Tang Yulu couldn't help but smile, gently shook her head, and softly replied, "Silly girl, just enjoy it slowly by yourself. Your master is not as greedy as you."

Although he said that, the doting look in his eyes was obvious.

At this moment, everyone from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion gathered around, their eyes all falling on the master and disciple. Seeing such a warm and harmonious scene, everyone couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion and感慨.

Especially the old lady, she took Zhuang Yichen's hand with a kind face and said sincerely and gratefully, "Mr. Zhuang, our Ruo'er is the way she is today, all thanks to your and Madam Yulu's careful guidance all this time! Our entire Zhenguo Duke's Mansion will always remember your great kindness and be eternally grateful!"

Zhuang Yichen quickly replied humbly, "Grandma, you flatter me! Ruo'er is a naturally intelligent and quick-witted child, with an extremely kind and pure heart. She is truly a rare and promising talent. My wife and I also adore her from the bottom of our hearts. Teaching her is simply our duty as her teachers." His words were sincere and earnest, making everyone feel as comfortable as if they were listening to a gentle breeze.

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the hall became increasingly joyful and peaceful. The laughter of family members mingled together, creating a heartwarming scene that captivated everyone, allowing them to temporarily forget the turmoil of the palace and the martial world, wishing that this moment of tranquility and happiness could last forever...