The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Just then, Eunuch Li hurried in, bowed to the emperor, and said quickly, "Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived." The emperor frowned slightly, puzzled, but calmly replied, "Let the Empress in."

Inside a side hall of the Imperial Study, the Emperor sat upright on his dragon throne, his expression solemn and dignified, his gaze revealing a deep and composed nature. At this moment, the Empress slowly entered, her steps light and elegant, radiating an aura of nobility. Upon seeing the Empress, the Emperor frowned slightly, his tone tinged with doubt, and asked, "Why has the Empress come?"

The Empress smiled slightly and replied softly, "I heard that His Majesty has summoned Lin'er to the palace. I haven't seen Lin'er for a long time, so I came to see him." The Emperor nodded after hearing this, seemingly understanding the Empress's purpose.

Immediately afterwards, Gongsun Lin, Yuwen Mo, and Su Yunruo knelt down and bowed.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty," Gongsun Lin said respectfully.

"Gongsun Lin greets the Empress's aunt, Your Majesty the Empress." Gongsun Lin then bowed in greeting.

"This commoner, Su Yunruo, greets Your Majesty the Empress. Long live Your Majesty the Empress!" Su Yunruo said nervously, bowing her head.

"This humble subject, Yuwen Mo, greets Your Majesty the Empress. Long live Your Majesty the Empress!" Yuwen Mo also bowed in greeting.

The Empress smiled as she looked at them, her eyes shining with a gentle light, especially when she saw Gongsun Lin, her eyes were filled with affection.

"Chen'er, you're here too!" The Empress suddenly noticed the Crown Prince standing to the side, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

"Lin'er, it's been so long since you've come to the palace to see your aunt." The Empress's voice was filled with affection, showing her special fondness for her nephew.

Watching the Empress's attitude towards her brother, Su Yunruo felt very happy. Although their mother had passed away early, her uncle, the Emperor, and her aunt, the Empress, truly loved her brother. "Aunt, didn't I go to the palace today? Come, let me introduce you to someone," Gongsun Lin said to the Empress, pointing at Su Yunruo.

The Empress looked in the direction he was pointing and saw an unfamiliar woman. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Who is she?"

Gongsun Lin explained, "This is my twin sister, Su Yunruo."

The Queen stared in shock, her eyes wide. "Your twin sister? Didn't your mother only give birth to you? How could this be..."

Gongsun Lin told the Empress everything the Crown Prince had told him, including the secret that had been hidden for many years. Upon hearing this, the Empress's face showed disbelief. She turned to look at the Emperor, who nodded to her, confirming the truth.

The Empress turned her head, her gaze falling on Su Yunruo, her eyes glistening with tears, and asked tremblingly, "Are you really Jinse's daughter?"

Su Yunruo nodded slightly and answered softly, "I am the eldest princess's daughter."

Tears welled up in the Empress's eyes as she looked at the people in the hall, unable to believe what she was seeing. She asked, "Is this true?"

Those in the hall nodded in agreement, confirming the matter.

The Queen reached out her hand, her voice choked with emotion, "Come here, child, let me see."

Su Yunruo slowly walked towards the Empress, her steps firm and steady, each step seemingly carrying immense determination and courage. She stood quietly beside the Empress, her gaze clear and resolute as she looked directly at her.

The Empress's gaze slowly moved from Su Yunruo, finally settling on that unfamiliar yet familiar face. The charm in her eyes and brows gave her a strange sense of intimacy, as if she were seeing an old friend. The last trace of doubt in the Empress's heart gradually dissipated, replaced by overwhelming joy.

She gently stretched out her arms and hugged Su Yunruo tightly, feeling the warmth of her body as if she were holding her most precious treasure. The Empress gently patted Su Yunruo's back and whispered, "Child, you've worked hard. From now on, no matter what happens, you don't need to be afraid, because your aunt will always be there to support you."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Empress turned her gaze to the Emperor, a hint of reproach flashing in her eyes. "Your Majesty, why did you keep this from me? You should know the affection between Jinse and me. Moreover, when do you plan to announce Yunruo's true identity to the world? And, and, we must bestow upon Yunruo the title of princess! And..." The Empress rattled off a series of demands, her eyes resolute and brooking no argument.

The Emperor smiled slightly and patiently explained, "Zhaohua, I have already secretly arranged everything, including including including Yunruo in the royal genealogy and bestowing upon her the title of 'Linglong'. However, the announcement of this matter to the world will have to be delayed for a while."

"Why postpone it?" the Empress asked, frowning in confusion. The Emperor smiled and looked at Su Yunruo, gesturing for her to answer. The Empress followed the Emperor's gaze to Su Yunruo and asked gently, "Ruo'er, why don't you have your imperial uncle issue an edict now to announce your identity to the world?"

"Aunt, please don't do this~ I really still have things to finish!" Su Yunruo said coquettishly, shaking the Empress's arm, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She knew the Empress doted on her, so she deliberately used this method to ask for the Empress's understanding and support.

The Empress's heart softened at Su Yunruo's adorable appearance, but she still pretended to be serious and said, "What could be more important than spending time with me?"

Seeing this, Su Yunruo immediately put on a pitiful look, pouted her little mouth and said, "Oh dear, Aunt Empress, you don't know, this matter is really urgent! If it's not dealt with in time, there might be trouble! And I promise that after it's done, I will come back to be with you as soon as possible! Okay?" After saying that, she gently shook the Empress's hand, her eyes full of expectation.

The Empress was both amused and exasperated by Su Yunruo's appearance, and nodded helplessly: "Alright, since that's the case, then hurry back! Remember to be careful and don't get hurt!"

When Su Yunruo saw that the Empress had agreed, she jumped up happily, hugged the Empress and kissed her: "Thank you, Aunt Empress! You are so kind! I will definitely not let you down!" The Empress smiled and shook her head, but her heart was filled with affection for this niece who had just returned.

"Yun Ruo's identity should not be revealed to the public at this time. You should also keep it a secret when you are with Yun Ruo so that it will be convenient for her to act outside. Do you understand?" The Emperor looked at Crown Prince Si Yunchen and Gongsun Lin with a serious expression.

"Your subject understands," Crown Prince Si Yunchen replied immediately.

"Lin understands," Gongsun Lin replied quickly.

"Your Majesty, what should I do if I miss Ruo'er?" the Empress asked worriedly, her face full of reluctance.

"Aunt, may I disguise myself as a servant and accompany my brother, the Crown Prince, to the palace to see you?" Su Yunruo blinked and said playfully.

"Ruo'er, you only want to see your aunt? Why don't you come and see your uncle?" Upon hearing this, the Emperor deliberately showed a hint of jealousy and pretended to be dissatisfied.

"Look, look!" Su Yunruo realized at this moment that her uncle, the emperor, had such an interesting side. He was not at all as serious as when they last met. She wondered if it was because her aunt, the empress, was present.

"Hahahaha... Alright, then I'll wait for Ruo'er to come see me." The emperor was amused and laughed heartily, feeling exceptionally happy.

The Empress held Su Yunruo's hand tightly, as if afraid she would disappear if she let go. The two talked for a long time, and the Empress inquired about Su Yunruo's life over the years with concern. When she learned that Su Yunruo had experienced many hardships and difficulties, the Empress's heart ached and tears almost welled up in her eyes. She gently stroked Su Yunruo's face, her heart filled with pity.

The Empress looked at Su Yunruo with tenderness, her eyes revealing affection and fondness. She gently took Su Yunruo's hand and said softly, "Ruo'er, I would like you to stay in the palace for a few days, is that alright?"

Su Yunruo was slightly taken aback, and a feeling of gratitude welled up in her heart, but she still politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I have many things to take care of and cannot stay in the palace for long."

The Empress nodded gently in understanding, then smiled and said, "In that case, so be it. But you must come to the palace to visit me often!"

Su Yunruo nodded obediently and replied, "I will follow Your Majesty's teachings. I will often disguise myself as a servant and accompany the Crown Prince to the palace to visit you."

The Empress smiled with satisfaction, her eyes full of affection.