The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Lin's tall and imposing figure slowly receded, and gradually, his figure completely disappeared into the crisscrossing, chaotic streets and alleys.

Su Yunruo felt a slight tingling in her nose, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she stubbornly held them back. She silently buried that deep, unbearable feeling of reluctance to part with her deepest emotions within her heart.

She slowly turned around, her gaze fixed on Yuwen Mo with unwavering determination, her eyes shining with an indomitable light. She said, "Senior Brother, let's go back now, pack our things quickly, and set off for Qingyu Manor around dusk. After all, there are still many complicated matters waiting for us to handle and resolve there."

Yuwen Mo nodded gently, his voice low and tender as he said, "Junior sister, there's no need to worry about this. Our sect will always be your strongest support and backing."

The two chatted as they entered the Su residence.

Su Yunruo looked at Aunt Rou and said earnestly, "Aunt Rou, this evening I will be returning to Qingyu Manor with my senior brother. You can stay here and wait for me to return."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Rou hurriedly replied, "Miss, Yingqi and I both want to accompany you back. On the way, we can take care of your and the young master's daily needs, so you can feel more at ease."

Yuwen Mo smiled at Su Yunruo and said softly, "Junior Sister, let Aunt Rou and the others come with us. We don't need to rush back to the manor this time; we can enjoy the scenery along the way as we go."

Then, he turned to Aunt Rou and said, "Aunt, please have you and Ying Qi pack up. We'll leave the city together this evening." Aunt Rou bowed to Yuwen Mo in thanks, then turned and left to begin her preparations.

As night slowly fell, the world was gradually enveloped in darkness. At the main gate of the Su residence, an exquisite carriage, a swift horse, and a full load of luggage and other items were already prepared.

Su Yunruo looked back once more at the mansion where she had lived for three months, her heart filled with complex emotions—a deep sadness at impending separation, yet also a hopeful anticipation for the future. She understood deeply that every parting was, in fact, paving the way for a more beautiful reunion in the future, and that Qingyu Manor was not only the cradle of her growth, but also a warm harbor where her soul could find rest.

Then, with Aunt Rou's help, Su Yunruo slowly boarded the carriage, with Aunt Rou and Ying Qi following closely behind. Yuwen Mo rode his tall horse majestically, and thus, under the cover of night, the group quietly left the bustling capital and embarked on their journey back to Qingyu Manor.

The carriage moved slowly and steadily along the winding official road. The night was as dark and heavy as thick ink, with countless stars twinkling in the sky, adding a rare tranquility and peace to this long and uncertain journey. Inside the carriage, Su Yunruo leaned gently against the soft, comfortable cushions. Her gaze, through the half-open window, was fixed on the scenery rushing past, her mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

"Senior Brother, do you think Master will ignore me when we go back this time because I'm going back to the capital?" Su Yunruo lowered her head slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on her toes, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her clothes, and asked softly with some unease, her tone carrying a hint of undisguised panic.

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Mo smiled faintly, his eyes filled with doting affection and tenderness. He comforted her, "Junior Sister, Master has always placed high hopes on you. He certainly won't ignore you just because you're going back to the capital. Don't worry too much."

Hearing these words, Su Yunruo felt a little calmer. She raised her head, a faint smile appearing on her beautiful face, and said softly, "Yes, thank you, Senior Brother." After saying that, she lowered her head again, her thoughts drifting into the distance.

Yuwen Mo couldn't help but laugh when he saw her like that. He reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "Silly girl, don't worry, how could your master bear to ignore you?"

His teasing made Su Yunruo feel more relaxed. She winked playfully and said, "That's not necessarily true. If Master finds out I secretly recognized my relatives, he might be angry!"

Yuwen Mo smiled and shook his head, saying, "Master won't be angry with you. You're his most beloved little disciple. However, you still need to be careful in the future, since the capital is not as safe as our mountain."

Su Yunruo nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. She said softly, "Senior Brother, don't worry, I'll be careful. No matter what difficulties I encounter, I will face them with strength."

As the carriage continued its journey, the surrounding scenery subtly changed. From the bustling and prosperous capital city, it gradually transitioned to the tranquil and idyllic countryside, and then extended to the rugged and winding mountain roads. Each step forward seemed to whisper a completely different story.

Su Yunruo sat quietly in the car, attentively listening to the sounds of nature, feeling its every breath. Her deep longing for Qingyu Manor grew stronger. "Senior Brother, do you remember the peach blossom grove behind Qingyu Manor when we were little? Every spring, the peach blossoms there would bloom magnificently and passionately, a scene so beautiful it was like a poem, so enchanting." Su Yunruo suddenly broke the silence in the car, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

Yuwen Mo smiled slightly and nodded gently, saying, "Of course I remember. That peach blossom grove was our happiest playground as children. Whenever the peach blossoms were in full bloom, we loved to chase and play there, without any worries or troubles, free and carefree. Looking back now, those wonderful times are truly unforgettable and etched in our hearts." The two smiled at each other, and in that instant, it seemed as if they had returned to that innocent and joyful era. However, time flies by, and in the blink of an eye, they had both grown into adults, each shouldering completely different responsibilities and missions. But this profound bond between master and disciple, like the peach blossoms in the grove, has not diminished after weathering the storms of life; instead, it has become even more mellow and precious.

As night deepened, the candlelight inside the carriage flickered gently, its graceful movement adding a touch of warmth and tranquility to the silent night. Su Yunruo leaned against the carriage wall, slowly closing her eyes, silently reciting the name of Qingyu Manor, her heart filled with anticipation for the moment she would reunite with that familiar yet distant place. The journey was quite bumpy, and Su Yunruo drifted off to sleep in the carriage. Suddenly, the carriage stopped without warning, and a commotion erupted outside.

"What's going on?" Su Yunruo frowned slightly and leaned closer to Yuwen Mo to ask softly.

Yuwen Mo explained with a solemn expression, "Junior sister, the road ahead is rugged and difficult to travel, and it is also late at night with poor visibility, so I asked Xiao Jiu and the others to go ahead and scout the way to ensure safety."

Su Yunruo nodded slightly in understanding, but still couldn't help looking up at the deep night sky, a sense of unease rising in her heart. She turned to Yuwen Mo and said, "Senior brother, we've been walking for a long time. Why don't we find a place nearby to rest? Everyone is exhausted."

Yuwen Mo nodded, his eyes showing concern: "I was just about to say that. I remember there's a small village not far ahead. We can stay there for the night, and also replenish everyone's food and water to help them recover their strength."

Su Yunruo agreed, "Okay! Let Xiao Jiu and the others scout ahead and see how far it is, then we'll go and rest for a bit." As she spoke, she turned to look at her senior brother, Yuwen Mo, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.

After about an incense stick's time, Xiao Jiu hurriedly returned and reported to Yuwen Mo, "Young Master, I have made arrangements for the village ahead. You and Miss can go there to rest." About half an hour later, the group finally arrived at the village.

They followed Xiao Jiu to the place he had arranged beforehand. "Young Master, Young Miss, this is a new house that the village chief specially built for his son, originally intended for his son's wedding next year. He's letting us stay here for the night, and I've paid him double the usual rate as a token of my gratitude," Chu Jiu explained.

Su Yunruo and Yuwen Mo carefully examined the rooms before them. Although simply furnished, they were very clean and tidy. "Aunt Rou, Yingqi, and Miss will share a room. Chu Jiu, you and the rest of you will share a room with me. Please make do for now, as there are only three hours left until dawn," the eldest brother said to everyone.

Everyone settled down, but Su Yunruo lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. The occasional chirping of insects outside the window only amplified her restlessness. She didn't know how much time had passed before she finally drifted off to sleep. However, in her dream, she seemed to have returned to the Su residence in the capital, seeing Gongsun Lin's figure. Just as she was about to approach him, she suddenly awoke with a start.

Just then, the sky was beginning to lighten. Su Yunruo got up and quickly tidied herself up. The others gradually woke up as well, ready to continue their journey. Leaving the village, the morning sun shone warmly on them. "Junior Sister, how did you sleep last night?" Yuwen Mo asked with concern. Su Yunruo nodded gently. "Yes, thank you for your concern, Senior Brother." Along the way, the group quickened their pace.