The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

"Little princess, are you going to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager today?" Aunt Rou gently combed the little girl's silky soft hair, her tone kind and gentle.

"Is it still raining, Aunt?" Gongsun Ruotang turned her head slightly and looked through the bright bronze mirror at her Aunt Rou, who was standing behind her and concentrating on combing her hair. Her eyes were clear as water, like two crystal-clear gems.

"The rain has stopped long ago. But last night's rain was quite heavy, and some areas in the palace were flooded. But don't worry, the palace servants started cleaning up the water early this morning." As Aunt Rou spoke, her hands did not stop moving at all. She skillfully coiled Gongsun Ruotang's long hair into an exquisite and lovely bun, and then picked up a beautiful butterfly hairpin from the table and carefully inserted it into her hair.

“In that case, I’ll go to Lan Yue Pavilion to find my master first, and then invite him to come with me to pay my respects to my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager.” Gongsun Ruotang carefully examined her reflection in the bronze mirror, gently shaking her small head. Then she turned to Aunt Rou with a smile and said, “Aunt’s skills are getting more and more exquisite!”

Aunt Rou couldn't help but laugh when she heard this. She reached out and gently tapped Gongsun Ruotang's delicate nose with her finger, and replied affectionately, "Little princess, you really know how to talk. You always know how to make your aunt happy. But to be honest, this butterfly hairpin on your head does make you look even more lively, cute, and lovable."

Gongsun Ruotang slowly stood up from in front of the bronze mirror, her graceful figure like a butterfly dancing in spring.

She skipped and hopped excitedly towards the window. Reaching the window, she stretched out her small, fair hands and firmly gripped the windowsill. Then, she eagerly peeked out, blinking her bright, watery eyes and curiously gazing at the world outside.

He muttered to himself, "I wonder if Master has prepared any fresh and delicious snacks today. Oh my, just thinking about them makes my mouth water!"

Before long, after Gongsun Ruotang had carefully dressed herself up beautifully, she nodded with satisfaction. Then, she called over two maids beside her and led them out of the room.

Along the way, Gongsun Ruotang was like a cheerful little bird, taking light and agile steps as she walked quickly toward Lanyue Pavilion.

As Gongsun Ruotang approached, the palace maids and eunuchs they encountered all bowed respectfully. Gongsun Ruotang, however, maintained a smile and nodded slightly in response.

Her obedient and adorable appearance exuded both the innocence and romance unique to young girls and the dignity and composure befitting a member of the royal family.

Before long, Gongsun Ruotang and her entourage arrived at the entrance of Lanyue Pavilion. Just then, a melodious and pleasant zither tune, as smooth as flowing water, drifted from not far away.

Upon hearing the sound, Gongsun Ruotang immediately slowed her pace and carefully pushed open the door. As the door opened, she saw a woman dressed in a moon-white robe sitting upright before a zither.

Her long, slender hands were now moving nimbly and freely across the strings, as if each note were a sprite flowing from her fingertips.

"Master!" Gongsun Ruotang finally couldn't contain her excitement and blurted out a loud cry. Her clear and melodious voice instantly shattered the tranquil atmosphere of the Lanyue Pavilion.

Upon hearing the sudden shout, Tang Yuluo, who was playing the zither, immediately stopped what she was doing and slowly raised her head. When her gaze met that of Gongsun Ruotang standing at the door, her eyes immediately filled with tenderness and affection. Then, she said softly, "Ruo'er is here. Come in quickly."

Gongsun Ruotang, like a light and agile deer, quickly ran towards Tang Yulu's location with light and quick steps.

Once she got closer, she excitedly circled around Tang Yuluo, exclaiming, "Master, have you composed a new piece? I heard it from afar just now, and the melody was so beautiful!"

Tang Yulu looked at her lively and adorable disciple, a doting smile spreading across her face. She reached out and gently stroked Gongsun Ruotang's head, saying softly, "It's a new piece I composed. I'll play it for my precious disciple after it's finished. By the way, why did you come so early today? Are you craving those delicious snacks I made yourself again?"

Gongsun Ruotang, whose master had hit the nail on the head, immediately brightened her big eyes like twinkling stars in the night sky. She nodded hurriedly and replied in a sweet voice, "Hehe, as expected, nothing can be hidden from you, Master. However, there is another reason. I plan to go to pay my respects to my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, later, so I thought I would invite you to come with me."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yulu was slightly taken aback, then smiled and shook her head, politely declining, "Oh dear, I am just an ordinary woman. It would be inappropriate for me to go and pay my respects to the Empress Dowager so hastily."

However, Gongsun Ruotang was not about to give up so easily. She clung tightly to Tang Yuluo's sleeve and refused to let go, using all her charm to plead, "Master, please be kind and come with me. My maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, has always been very fond of you. If she knew that you would also be going to visit her, she would be very happy!"

Faced with her disciple's persistent pleading, Tang Yulu finally couldn't resist and had no choice but to nod in agreement: "Alright, alright, I'll accompany you on this trip. But before that, I need to inform your grandmaster first, as he's currently in his study, busy organizing various important documents."

"Okay, no problem, Master. I'll wait here obediently for you to come back." Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang obediently found a seat and sat down, quietly waiting for Tang Yuluo to return.

Tang Yulu slowly stood up, her graceful figure swaying like a willow in the breeze as she walked towards the study. From afar, the study door was ajar, letting in a sliver of light. She moved lightly to the door, extended her slender hand, and gently knocked.

The knock was crisp and melodious, as if it could break the silence of the room. Then, she gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Upon entering the study, the first thing that catches the eye is the exceptionally handsome man inside—Zhuang Yichen. At this moment, he is sitting at his desk, intently organizing the mountain of books.

The books were neatly arranged, yet numerous, prompting admiration for his diligence and erudition. Hearing someone enter, Zhuang Yichen stopped what he was doing and slowly raised his head. His gentle, jade-like eyes were now filled with tenderness, like the warm sunshine of spring, instantly warming the heart of anyone who looked at them.

"Yichen, Ruo'er wants me to accompany her to the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, so I came here specifically to tell you," Tang Yulu said softly, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's song.

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yichen raised his eyebrows slightly and asked with a smile, "Madam, would you like me to accompany you? That way, I can look after you."

Upon hearing this, Tang Yulu smiled gently, her beauty as captivating as a spring flower in full bloom. She shook her head slightly and said, "No need. Ruo'er invited us to stay in the palace for a few days, and I can take this opportunity to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."

Zhuang Yichen nodded slightly in agreement. He gently placed the book in his hand aside, then stood up and walked gracefully to Tang Yuluo's side.

He stretched out his broad palm and gently grasped Tang Yulu's soft, boneless hand, saying with concern, "Then, Madam, you must be careful on your journey and return as soon as possible, so that your husband will not worry about you."

After speaking, he raised his other hand and carefully tidied Tang Yulu's slightly messy hair at her temples. His movements were extremely gentle, as if he were afraid of hurting the delicate and lovely woman before him. And his eyes were full of care and love for Tang Yulu.

Feeling Zhuang Yichen's tender care, Tang Yulu's fair cheeks flushed slightly, as alluring as a ripe apple. She nodded shyly and softly replied, "Don't worry, my husband, I will be careful."

Having said that, she gently withdrew her hand from Zhuang Yichen's tight grip, turned around, and walked lightly out of the study. Her departing figure was as graceful and ethereal as a fairy descending to earth, leaving Zhuang Yichen standing there, gazing in the direction she had gone, his gaze lingering for a long time…

When Gongsun Ruotang saw Tang Yuluo's figure returning from afar, she quickly stood up like a light butterfly. Her delicate face was instantly filled with a bright smile, like the most beautiful flower blooming in spring.

Overjoyed, she ran towards Tang Yuluo, calling out sweetly, "Master, we can finally set off!"

Looking at her lively and adorable disciple, Tang Yulu couldn't help but smile and replied, "Okay."

Gongsun Ruotang affectionately took Tang Yuluo's arm, and as they walked briskly forward, she enthusiastically suggested, "Master, today Ruo'er wants to take you through the Imperial Garden. That way, we can pick some flowers to give to Grandmother, so she can also enjoy the fragrance of the garden." With that, her bright, watery eyes looked expectantly at Tang Yuluo, as if waiting for his approval.

Not far behind them, Tang Qiu, Ren Dong, Aunt Rou, and others were leading a group of palace maids and eunuchs, walking slowly. The group followed the master and apprentice in an orderly fashion, creating a unique scene.

The master and apprentice stepped into the Imperial Garden along the winding path. At that moment, the warm sunlight poured down like a golden veil, gently covering the flowers that were vying for attention, giving them a dazzling glow.

A gentle breeze blows, and the flower branches sway gracefully in the wind, filling the air with a rich floral fragrance. Those wisps of fragrance are like lively elves, playfully sneaking into people's nostrils.

As soon as Gongsun Ruotang entered the Imperial Garden, she was like a freed colt, happily skipping and jumping among the flowers. Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement as she carefully examined every flower around her, as if trying to take in all the beautiful scenery.

Suddenly, as if she had discovered a treasure, Gongsun Ruotang stopped and pointed to a brightly colored crimson peony. Excitedly, she said to Tang Yuluo, "Master, look! This peony is so big and beautiful! I'm sure Grandmother will love it!"

Tang Yulu's lips curved slightly upward, a gentle smile like the warm spring sun illuminating his handsome face, his deep eyes brimming with endless doting affection. He said softly, "Indeed, it is extremely beautiful, but while this peony is indeed charming and captivating, it is too noble and ornate, which does not suit the Empress Dowager's usual tastes. The Empress Dowager is a devout Buddhist and has always preferred things that are simple and elegant. Let's look around some more."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang, who was standing to the side, tilted her head and pondered. After a while, a glint of light suddenly flashed in her bright eyes, and she exclaimed excitedly, "Oh! I've got it! Look how beautifully the jasmine flowers over there are blooming! Their fragrance is delicate and elegant, which must be just what Grandmother likes!" With that, she grabbed Tang Yulu's hand and ran quickly toward the jasmine bushes.

Upon approaching, Gongsun Ruotang slowed her pace, carefully reaching out to select the most beautiful jasmine blossoms. She gently plucked them from the branches as if handling rare treasures, then carefully placed them into a bamboo basket held by a palace maid. Tang Yuluo stood quietly beside her, also gently assisting in the picking, as if afraid of accidentally damaging the delicate flowers.