The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

"Ruo'er, it has been a long time since I have tasted the flower tea you brewed yourself. Will I be able to enjoy it today?" Tang Yulu looked at her little apprentice Gongsun Ruotang with tender eyes, her eyes full of anticipation.

Upon hearing her master's words, Gongsun Ruotang smiled charmingly and quickly replied, "Of course, no problem! Master, please wait a moment while I prepare the ingredients needed for the flower tea." With that, she gracefully rose and walked out of Lanyue Pavilion like a butterfly in flight.

Seeing this, Ren Dong, who had been following closely behind, quickly stepped forward and said, "Little princess, leave these chores to us. You can stay here and chat with the ladies about everyday matters."

However, Gongsun Ruotang waved her hand, a confident smile on her face, and replied, "No, Rendong. Master is very picky about food, how would anyone else know his tastes! Besides, there are many kinds of flower tea, but Master only likes one particular kind. So, it's best if I prepare it myself!" With that, she quickened her pace and left Lanyue Pavilion without looking back.

Inside the Moon-Viewing Pavilion...

"Yu Luo, you intentionally sent Ruo'er away." Zhuang Yichen gazed gently at his wife, a knowing look in his eyes.

Tang Yulu nodded slightly and replied, "That's right. The Crown Prince's behavior just now was too blunt. I really didn't want Ruo'er to hear these words in person." Her gaze turned to her husband sitting opposite her, her expression slightly solemn.

At this moment, Yuwen Mo, the eldest son who had been listening quietly, could no longer contain his curiosity and asked, "Master, Mistress, what kind of riddle are you two playing? What exactly did the Crown Prince say just now?" He blinked his big eyes and looked at the two of them with a face full of doubt.

Zhuang Yichen smiled slightly and explained, "The Crown Prince has taken a liking to your junior sister. You and the Second Prince have been in the capital for so long, haven't you noticed anything amiss?" After speaking, he turned his gaze to his eldest disciple, Yuwen Mo, as if trying to discern a reaction from the other's face.

Yuwen Mo was slightly taken aback at first, then suddenly realized and said, "Oh, so that's what it is! Actually, I had already noticed some signs of it, but I didn't expect the Crown Prince to be so direct. Could it be that the Crown Prince has already mentioned this to you?" His tone was somewhat surprised.

Zhuang Yichen nodded and said, "That's right. Just now, the Crown Prince did mention this matter to me. However, what's more troublesome is that today the Emperor summoned me to the Imperial Study, and he also mentioned wanting to arrange a marriage for your junior sister."

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Mo's eyes widened in astonishment as he asked, "Ah? Does His Majesty the Emperor and the Crown Prince mean...?" For a moment, he was taken aback by this sudden news.

"His Majesty's intention is for Ruo'er to choose one of those princes, but ultimately this matter depends on Ruo'er's own wishes. The Crown Prince's presence here today is quite obvious; he has made his feelings for Ruo'er clear and hopes that we will agree to this marriage." Tang Yulu frowned slightly, her face full of worry, and spoke slowly.

“But Master, Junior Sister is still young. Besides, she is so innocent and kind-hearted. If she really marries into the royal family, which is as deep as the sea, she will probably suffer a lot of grievances!” Yuwen Mo hurriedly interjected anxiously.

"How could I not be worried about this as well? That's why I took the opportunity to send Ruo'er away temporarily so that I could discuss it with you two. After all, you've lived in the capital for a long time, and you're more familiar with the Crown Prince's character and conduct, as well as the complexities of the palace. In your opinion, what is the Crown Prince really like?" Tang Yulu turned her gaze to Yuwen Mo and Zhuang Yichen and asked.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is generally a decent person and enjoys considerable prestige in the court. However..." Yuwen Mo stopped abruptly, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"But what? Since things have come to this point, just speak your mind." Seeing this, Zhuang Yichen urged him quickly.

“However, His Highness the Crown Prince is of noble status, and the people around him are a mixed bag with complex relationships. Moreover, there are many rules and regulations in the palace. Junior Sister is innocent, kind, lively and active by nature. If she were to marry into the palace, I’m afraid she would find it difficult to adapt to such a restrictive life!” Yuwen Mo said with a worried frown.

“Alas, how could I not worry about this? Ruo’er has grown up by our side since she was little, and she’s always been carefree and unrestrained. If we suddenly send her to that deep palace, where she has to strictly abide by all sorts of formalities every day, she definitely won’t be able to endure it.” Tang Yulu sighed and echoed with a worried expression.

“Master, Mistress, since that’s the case, what should we do now? Why don’t we ask Junior Sister’s wishes first?” Yuwen Mo suggested tentatively after a moment’s thought.

"Let's not rush to ask Ruo'er. I really can't bear to add too much psychological pressure and burden to her. Let's first find out how sincere the Crown Prince is about this marriage, and what the palace's attitude is towards this matter, before we make a decision," Tang Yuluo waved her hand and replied calmly.

the other side.

After leaving Lanyue Pavilion, Gongsun Ruotang moved gracefully and headed towards the garden without hesitation.

She always kept in mind the recipe for her master's favorite flower tea—it required rose petals still glistening with dew in the early morning, honeysuckle picked by hand from the deep mountains, and finally a few mint leaves that exuded a faint fragrance.

As she stepped into the garden, she was instantly captivated by the vibrant and colorful scene before her.

The garden was filled with blooming roses, some as red as fire, others as pink as clouds.

Gongsun Ruotang bent down slightly and carefully selected the petals.

Her gaze was sharp and focused, selecting only the most vibrant, perfectly shaped, and flawless petals, carefully plucking them and gently placing them into the brocade pouch she carried with her.

Afterwards, Gongsun Ruotang turned and headed to the small and exquisite pharmacy located inside the Liuli Palace.

Upon entering the pharmacy, one can smell the unique aroma of various herbs permeating the air.

She walked familiarly to the cabinet where herbs were stored, and reached in to find honeysuckle and mint leaves.

One of these two herbs exudes a fresh and delicate fragrance, while the other carries a refreshing coolness.

The two aromas intertwine and blend together, creating a wonderful and refreshing flavor.

With all the materials ready, Gongsun Ruotang returned to the small kitchen in Lanyue Pavilion with light steps.

She first filled a basin with clear, cool water and then gently rinsed the rose petals, honeysuckle, and mint leaves one by one.

After washing away the dust from the flowers and plants, she skillfully placed them one by one into an exquisite teapot, and then poured in an appropriate amount of sweet and refreshing spring water.

Then, she skillfully lit the fire in the stove, carefully adjusting the heat to keep the flames weak and steady. Next, she gently placed the pot of flower tea on the stove and began to slowly simmer it over a low flame.

As time passed and the water temperature gradually rose, the dried flowers and tea leaves that had been curled up seemed to be given life and slowly unfurled.

Gradually, a delicate and refreshing floral fragrance mingled with the aroma of tea wafted from the spout of the teapot. It first rose like a wisp of smoke, then spread outwards like a tide. In no time, this captivating aroma filled the entire kitchen, permeating every corner.

Finally, the flower tea was ready. Gongsun Ruotang steadily lifted the teapot with both hands and walked lightly to Tang Yuluo.

She bent down slightly and carefully tilted the teapot, letting the pale yellow tea slowly flow into the cup until it was about eight-tenths full. After doing this, she straightened up and smiled as she handed the teacup to Tang Yuluo.

Tang Yulu reached out and steadily caught the teacup. She first brought the cup close to her nose, gently inhaling the fragrant aroma, and a satisfied smile immediately appeared on her face. "Ruo'er understands me best! The fragrance of this flower tea is simply intoxicating." After saying that, she slightly parted her lips and took a small sip of the tea in the cup.

In an instant, the sweet and mellow flavor melted on the tip of the tongue, like a beautiful melody playing in the mouth. Closing my eyes, I savored this rare delicacy, my eyes filled with pure enjoyment.

Standing to the side, Gongsun Ruotang quietly watched her master's expression, a surge of joy welling up within her. Seeing that her personally brewed flower tea had received such high praise from her master filled her with immense satisfaction. "As long as Master enjoys it, Ruo'er will definitely brew it for you often in the future," she said with a beaming smile.

Just then, Ren Dong, who had been standing quietly to the side, couldn't help but speak up with a smile: "Our little princess is so considerate and caring towards the madam!"

Gongsun Ruotang parted her lips slightly and nodded, saying, "My master is like my second parents. His kindness is higher than the mountains and deeper than the sea. I will do my best to repay his kindness."

The recipe for this flower tea was finalized only after countless trials by my disciple. I sincerely hope that this tea will suit your taste and preferences, Master.” As she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes shone with sincere and expectant light.

Tang Yulu smiled and gently patted Gongsun Ruotang's delicate shoulder with her jade-like hand, saying softly, "Ruo'er, I understand your feelings perfectly. To have such a well-behaved, sensible, and filial disciple like you is truly my blessing in this life!" After speaking, the master and disciple smiled at each other, their tacit understanding and affection unspoken.

Then, the master and apprentice leisurely picked up their teacups and savored the delicately fragrant flower tea. Wisps of aroma slowly drifted through the air.

"Ruo'er, if you're giving it to your master's wife, what about me and your second senior brother?" Yuwen Mo looked at his junior sister, who was leisurely enjoying the fragrant tea with her master's wife, with a hint of teasing in his eyes.

Gongsun Ruotang was slightly taken aback, then reacted and said coquettishly, "Oh dear, senior brother, I'm so sorry! I got carried away and forgot all about you and second senior brother. I'm so sorry!" As she spoke, she playfully stuck out her tongue, showing a flattering look.

Seeing this, Yuwen Mo pretended to be angry, snorted heavily, and said in feigned anger, "Well, little junior sister, this is too outrageous! With your master's wife by your side, you can even forget your senior brother. It seems that in your little mind, there is no place for me and second junior brother at all!" After saying that, he shook his head sadly, which made everyone laugh.

At this moment, the second senior brother, Nangong Sheng, who was sitting to the side, also put down the folding fan he was gently waving, smiled, and chimed in, "That's right, senior brother is absolutely right! Look at our lovely junior sister, who is so happy to serve tea to our master's wife, but she doesn't know that although the flower tea is sweet to our master's wife, it is extremely bitter to our senior brother and me!" As he spoke, he exaggeratedly covered his chest with his hand, as if he had really suffered a great injustice.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang quickly stood up. With graceful movements, she walked towards the two of them like a fairy dancing in the air.

She stretched out her slender hands and gently tugged at their sleeves, shaking them from side to side. At the same time, she said in a coquettish tone, "Oh dear, Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, please stop teasing me! I'll go brew you a delicious pot of flower tea right now. I'm sure you'll both rave about my skills, okay?" Her soft, sweet voice, coupled with her charming and adorable appearance, was simply irresistible.

Yuwen Mo and Nangong Sheng exchanged a glance, both catching a deep sense of doting and a hint of helplessness in each other's eyes.

In the end, they both nodded in agreement.

When Gongsun Ruotang saw that her two senior brothers had agreed, she was overjoyed and her face blossomed with a smile as bright as spring flowers. Then, like a happy little rabbit, she hopped and skipped away to prepare new flower tea.

Before long, a rich floral fragrance, accompanied by wisps of heat, wafted over.

It turned out that Gongsun Ruotang had already brought out the freshly brewed flower tea.

She carefully held the tray with both hands, handing the two fragrant cups of flower tea to Yuwen Mo and Nangong Sheng respectively. With her big, bright eyes sparkling with eager anticipation, she said impatiently, "Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, please try them! This time I've added some very special ingredients."

Yuwen Mo smiled as he accepted the teacup. He first brought his nose close to the rim of the cup, took a deep breath, and fully enjoyed the refreshing and pleasant aroma of the tea.

He then took a small sip of the tea, and instantly, a sweet and refreshing taste, like a clear spring, flowed gently across his tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Yuwen Mo couldn't help but exclaim, "Hmm, as expected of our junior sister, her tea-brewing skills are becoming more and more exquisite. This pot of flower tea is truly exceptional, it's so delicious!"

Nangong Sheng smiled and nodded slightly in agreement, saying, "Junior Sister is truly exceptionally intelligent! The recipe for this flower tea is not only ingenious but also ingenious. Every sip offers a unique and wonderful flavor that leaves a lasting impression."

Gongsun Ruotang felt as sweet as if she had been filled with honey after hearing her senior brothers' lavish praise.

A radiant smile, as bright as spring flowers, bloomed on her beautiful face. Her eyes curved into two crescent moons, sparkling with joy. She replied softly, "As long as you all like it, that's fine. I will definitely brew this delicious flower tea for you often in the future."

Just then, rays of golden sunlight quietly pierced through the carved window lattice and gently spilled into the room.

The warm light, like a thin veil, enveloped the figures of the five masters and disciples, adding to the atmosphere of warmth and peace.

They sat around an antique-style round table, on which were set exquisite tea sets and fragrant flower tea. The aroma of the tea rose gently, filling the air and bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.

Joyful laughter rang out from their mouths from time to time, as clear and melodious as silver bells, echoing throughout the room for a long time.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the noise and disturbances of the outside world were shut out, leaving only the warmth, tranquility, and deep affection between the brothers and sisters in this room.

Immersed in this scene, people's hearts soften, as if they can forget all their troubles and worries and fully enjoy this rare and beautiful time.