The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Chapter 157 Occasional Relaxation

Ying Qi slightly raised her head, her deep, pool-like eyes gently sweeping over Gongsun Ruotang's charming figure. She only lingered for a moment before quickly looking away, but the faint worry for the princess's safety deep in her eyes could not be completely concealed.

He bowed respectfully to everyone before turning and leaving.

"Ruo'er, it's getting late, we should head back to the palace," Tang Yuluo said softly from the side.

Her voice was as gentle as water, as if it could soothe all the restlessness and anxiety in a person's heart.

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Si Yunchen turned his gaze to Gongsun Ruotang and Tang Yuluo, and said slowly, "Sister Ruotang, it's time for dinner. Why don't you stay here and have dinner before you leave?"

"I don't have so many rules and regulations binding me here, so please don't be too reserved, Madam Yuluo, just relax." After saying that, he looked at Gongsun Ruotang with expectation in his bright and warm eyes.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang immediately beamed with joy and tugged at Tang Yuluo's sleeve, pleading, "Master, since my cousin the Crown Prince has said so, shall we have dinner here?"

"The chefs here are incredibly skilled! Their dishes are just as good as those at our mountain resort!" She blinked her bright, lively eyes, her face full of anticipation.

Looking at her lively, adorable, and spoiled little apprentice, Tang Yulu couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness.

She sighed softly and said earnestly, "Ruo'er, now that you live in the palace, I naturally worry that some bad rumors might spread and affect your reputation." As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously glanced at Crown Prince Si Yunchen beside her.

"Madam Yuluo, I know you are deeply worried about Ruo'er's safety, but please don't worry."

"I solemnly promise you that no matter when or where, I will do everything in my power to protect Ruo'er and will never let her suffer the slightest harm." The Crown Prince's face was solemn, his deep and firm eyes fixed on Tang Yuluo, as if he wanted to imprint this vow deep into her heart.

Tang Yulu raised her head slightly, her beautiful eyes meeting the Crown Prince's for a moment before she nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Although some worries still lingered in her heart, when she saw the Crown Prince's confident and unwavering demeanor, and glanced at Gongsun Ruotang's expectant eyes beside her, she finally nodded slightly and replied, "Since Your Highness has said so, I naturally believe you. However, this back and forth will inevitably cause trouble for Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang's originally bright eyes instantly became as dazzling as the stars in the night sky.

She cheered and jumped for joy, her face beaming with delight. At the same time, she affectionately reached out and took Tang Yulu's slender arm, saying coquettishly, "Hehe... I knew Master loved me the most! With Master and my cousin the Crown Prince around, Ruo'er isn't afraid of anything!"

Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince couldn't help but smile slightly, revealing a doting expression.

Then, he turned and winked at the servant waiting outside the door. The servant understood, bowed, and left immediately.

Before long, the dining hall was brightly lit by candlelight, the soft candlelight flickering gently, illuminating the dazzling array of delicious dishes on the table and emitting an enticing aroma.

With a smile on his face, Crown Prince Si Yunchen elegantly picked up the wine pot and personally poured fine wine for Gongsun Ruotang and Tang Yuluo.

His deep and gentle gaze never left Gongsun Ruotang's beautiful face.

He leaned down slightly and spoke softly to Gongsun Ruotang, "Ruo'er, come and try this newly made Jade Shrimp. This is a delicacy specially prepared for you by the imperial chefs." He then winked gently, his eyes full of doting affection.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Ruotang smiled brightly, her smile as beautiful and delicate as a peach blossom in spring.

She parted her lips slightly and replied softly, "Thank you, Cousin Crown Prince."

Then, she stretched out her slender hand, carefully picked up a crystal-clear shrimp with chopsticks, and slowly put it into her mouth.

The moment the shrimp touched her tongue, Gongsun Ruotang's beautiful eyes lit up. She chewed it carefully, savoring its delicious flavor.

After a moment, she swallowed the food in her mouth, nodded in satisfaction, and praised, "Mmm, it's really delicious! Cousin Crown Prince is so thoughtful."

Tang Yulu, sitting to the side, took in all of this.

She gazed silently at the two people before her, sighing inwardly.

As someone who has experienced the vicissitudes of life, how could she not see the special feelings the Crown Prince had for Gongsun Ruotang?

However, she knew all too well that the court was a place of unpredictable people and treacherous situations, and that the Crown Prince's obvious expression of his feelings would likely bring Gongsun Ruotang many unexpected troubles and dangers.

Thinking of this, Tang Yulu felt a faint sense of worry.

However, Gongsun Ruotang and Crown Prince Si Yunchen, who were immersed in the warm atmosphere at the moment, did not notice Tang Yulu's inner worries.

They continued chatting and laughing, enjoying this rare and wonderful time.

And so, amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, the three of them happily finished their sumptuous dinner.

"Lady Yu Luo, Ruo'er, why don't we move together to the pavilion in the garden? We can enjoy some tea and rest for a while," Crown Prince Si Yunchen said with a smile, extending a sincere invitation to the two people before him.

“Master, since that’s the case, let’s go and stroll around the garden in my cousin’s Eastern Palace.” Gongsun Ruotang happily took her master Tang Yulu’s arm and eagerly started walking towards the garden.

The Crown Prince followed them at a leisurely pace, and as he looked at Gongsun Ruotang's lively and adorable appearance, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, revealing a doting smile.