The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Chapter 158 East Palace Garden

Before long, the three of them arrived in the garden.

At this moment, the bright moonlight poured down like a clear spring, its soft light bathing the delicate flowers and verdant leaves, as if draping the entire garden in a silvery veil.

The pavilion in the center of the garden was quietly bathed in the silvery light, appearing exceptionally tranquil and elegant.

Upon closer inspection, one can see that an exquisite tea set has already been laid out on the stone table, with wisps of steam continuously rising from the spout of the teapot, accompanied by a delicate aroma of tea that is refreshing and delightful.

Upon seeing this, Gongsun Ruotang excitedly released her grip on Tang Yuluo's arm and hopped like a happy little rabbit to the center of the pavilion, blinking her bright eyes and curiously looking around.

“Cousin Crown Prince, I never imagined this garden would be so beautiful and enchanting at night! When I came here during the day last time, I didn’t even notice the unique and charming scenery under the moonlight.” Gongsun Ruotang turned her head and said to the Crown Prince with a smile.

Hearing her innocent and carefree words, Crown Prince Si Yunchen's smile deepened: "If Ruo'er likes this place and wants to come and visit in the future, please feel free to come anytime. I will gladly welcome you."

After speaking, he personally picked up the teapot and carefully poured a cup of fragrant hot tea for Tang Yuluo and Gongsun Ruotang, his every move revealing his noble and elegant temperament.

Tang Yuluo carefully took the teacup, as if the tea inside carried a heavy burden.

She gently brought her lips to the rim of the cup and took a small sip.

Instantly, a rich aroma of tea exploded on her tongue like fireworks, but this wonderful taste could not dispel the heavy worries that lingered in her heart.

She slowly raised her eyes, her gaze passing through the carved window lattice and landing on the graceful figure in the garden.

Gongsun Ruotang was strolling leisurely among the flowers, occasionally stopping to admire a delicate and beautiful bloom, her face beaming with a pure and sweet smile.

Upon seeing this, Tang Yulu felt a surge of pity, but even more so, a deep sense of worry.

Finally, unable to contain her anxiety any longer, she parted her lips slightly and said softly, "Your Highness, Ruo'er is a kind and innocent child who has grown up carefree in the manor since childhood. She knows nothing about the power struggles and intrigues in the palace. Your Highness's deep affection for Ruo'er is evident to me, but..." Tang Yulu paused slightly, seemingly finding it difficult to continue.

Upon seeing this, Si Yunchen's expression immediately turned serious. He straightened his posture, stared intently at Tang Yuluo, and solemnly said, "Madam, please speak freely. Since I have already pledged my heart to Ruo'er, I will certainly protect her for the rest of my life!"

Hearing Si Yunchen's resolute words, Tang Yulu couldn't help but sigh softly and continued, "The palace is a place of unpredictable people and complex forces, like an invisible net covering everything. Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, you hold a position of great prestige, and your every word and action is under the watchful eyes of everyone. Now that Ruo'er is getting so close to Your Highness, she will probably soon become the target of everyone's criticism!"

Upon hearing this, Si Yunchen frowned slightly, a barely perceptible glint of determination flashing in his deep eyes.

After a moment of silence, he replied resolutely, "Madam, I know your concerns are not without merit. However, Ruo'er is to me the gentle moonlight in my heart, the only thing my heart desires in this life. For her, even if the road ahead is full of thorns and fire, I will never back down! I will not let anyone who wants to harm Ruo'er go unpunished."

At this moment, Gongsun Ruotang came skipping back, holding a small flower she had just picked: "Master, Cousin Crown Prince, look how beautiful this flower is!"

Completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere between the two, she handed the small flower to Tang Yuluo and then said to Si Yunchen, "Cousin Crown Prince, every flower in your garden looks like it was carefully nurtured and grown. Is there some special secret to it?"

Si Yunchen smiled indulgently: "There's no secret, it's just about putting your heart into it. Just like treating someone you cherish, only by putting your heart into it can it last." As he said this, his gaze fell affectionately on Gongsun Ruotang.

Tang Yulu sighed inwardly as she looked at the scene before her.

She knew that no matter how much she said at this point, Gongsun Ruotang might not be able to understand the cruelty of court intrigue.

This garden may seem peaceful and beautiful, but it could be swept into the eye of a storm at any moment.

Tang Yulu looked at the two people in front of her and coughed lightly, "Ruo'er, it's about time, we should go back to the palace."

"It's getting late, I'll see you off," the Crown Prince said, glancing at the sky.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Cousin Crown Prince," Gongsun Ruotang said with a smile, without any politeness.

Gongsun Ruotang took Tang Yulu's arm and said, "Master, let's go." She then winked at Crown Prince Si Yunchen, who was standing to the side.

The three of them walked slowly along the garden path. The flowers were in full bloom all around, and a gentle breeze made the petals flutter down. But this beautiful scenery could not dispel the gloom in Tang Yulu's heart.

Si Yunchen and Gongsun Ruotang chatted casually, their words full of intimacy. Gongsun Ruotang would occasionally let out a clear laugh, while Si Yunchen's eyes were always smiling, his doting affection evident in his words.

Upon reaching the garden exit, palace servants had already prepared a carriage and were waiting.

Si Yunchen personally helped Gongsun Ruotang into the car, his gaze so tender it could melt your heart: "Ruotang, I'll take you to the garden another day. Be careful on your way back."

Gongsun Ruotang blushed slightly and replied playfully, "Okay, Cousin Crown Prince."

Tang Yulu then got into the car and sat down inside. Gongsun Ruotang was still immersed in the joy she had just experienced, chattering away as she shared the interesting things that had happened in the garden.

Tang Yu listened absentmindedly, her thoughts already wandering far away. She knew that as the Crown Prince, Si Yunchen was at the center of the power struggle in the palace, and his every move was being watched by countless eyes. Gongsun Ruotang's innocent and naive way of getting close to him would inevitably cause trouble sooner or later.

The carriage slowly entered the palace, and Gongsun Ruotang and Tang Yulu's group headed towards the Liuli Palace.