The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

The afternoon sun grew increasingly scorching, like a raging fire relentlessly baking the earth, making it almost impossible to breathe. Yuwen Mo looked up at the cloudless sky, his expression full of helplessness, and suggested, "Junior Sister, this heat is unbearable. Why don't we find a place to escape the heat before continuing our journey?" Su Yunruo nodded slightly in agreement.

They hadn't walked far when they were pleasantly surprised to find a crystal-clear stream. The water flowed gently, making a melodious sound, and the banks were lined with lush green trees, forming a pleasant shady spot. So, everyone decided to stop there for a while.

Su Yunruo walked gracefully to the stream, slowly squatted down, and scooped up a handful of cool water with her fair hands to gently wash her face. The refreshing feeling was like a spring breeze, dispelling the annoying summer heat and instantly invigorating her. Aunt Rou and Ying Qi quickly set up the tent nearby, carefully preparing so that everyone could have a good rest. Xiao Jiu diligently took care of the horses, ensuring that these hardworking animals could also enjoy this moment of coolness.

After a short rest, the group resumed their journey. As the sun began to set, they finally saw the tall and majestic city gate of Linxi City in the distance. The city gate was wide open, and the guards on the city walls stood solemnly at their posts. The group showed their travel permits and entered the city smoothly.

As the group entered the city, they saw shops lining both sides of the street, one after another, bustling with people. Su Yunruo's eyes widened with curiosity as she looked around, her gaze filled with wonder. "Senior Brother, Linxi City looks quite lively," Su Yunruo couldn't help but say.

Yuwen Mo nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his face: "Linxi City is the closest city to the capital, so it is naturally very prosperous. Let's find a clean and comfortable inn to rest first, and then walk for another half day tomorrow to reach Qingyu Manor." Before long, they found a clean and tidy inn.

After settling everything in, Su Yunruo sat alone in her room, quietly reflecting on her experiences along the way. "Knock, knock, knock." A crisp knock suddenly sounded at the door. "Junior Sister, it's your senior brother. May I come in?" Yuwen Mo's familiar voice came from outside. Aunt Rou quickly got up and opened the door, smiling as she said, "Young Master, please come in." Yuwen Mo walked steadily into the room and said, "Junior Sister, we'll set off early tomorrow morning. We should be back at our Qingyu Manor in about half a day." Su Yunruo softly replied, "Okay."

Nothing more was said that night, and the next morning, the group resumed their journey home. The closer they got to Qingyu Manor, the more excited Su Yunruo became. She recalled all the moments she had spent there, and those beautiful memories flooded her mind. Finally, at dusk, they could see the outline of Qingyu Manor in the distance.

"Finally home!" Su Yunruo couldn't help but cheer. She couldn't wait to return to that familiar place and see her beloved people. The group quickened their pace and entered the manor.

At this moment, their master was already waiting in the main hall. His face wore a kind smile, and his eyes revealed his care for his disciples. Su Yunruo and Yuwen Mo hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects to their master.

"Yunruo, you're finally back," Master said. He looked at Su Yunruo, his eyes filled with relief.

Su Yunruo replied with a smile, "Master, we're back. Although there were some twists and turns along the way, we're all safe and sound."

Yuwen Mo continued, "Yes, Master, I have completed the task you assigned me and can now return to report to you with peace of mind."

The master nodded in approval. Then, he asked with concern, "Was the journey smooth? Did you encounter any danger?"

Su Yunruo recounted everything that had happened in the capital to her master. She described her encounter with the Crown Prince, the series of events that followed, and her reunion with her family. Her master listened attentively.

After listening, the master nodded slightly, his tone full of praise: "Only through trials and tribulations can one grow. Yunruo, did you gain anything from your return to the capital?"

Su Yunruo pondered for a moment, then answered with a firm gaze, "Master, I have come to understand many things. I have learned to remain calm and steadfast when facing difficulties, to avoid impulsiveness, and to never give up easily. At the same time, I cherish my time at the manor even more, because it holds my closest loved ones and my most precious memories."

The master smiled with satisfaction: "Very good, very good. I am very pleased that you have learned so much from this experience. I hope you will continue to work hard and constantly improve your abilities."

"Master, Grandmaster, this is Aunt Rou, and this is Ying Qi." Su Yunruo introduced them to her master and grandmaster with a smile on her face, holding one person in each hand.

Aunt Rou and Ying Qi bowed respectfully and said in unison, "Greetings, Master and Madam." Madam smiled and nodded in welcome.

“Alright! Now that you’ve come back with Ruo’er, let her arrange a place for you to rest first,” the manor lord’s wife said gently. “You must be tired from your journey back, so go back and rest first. We’ll host a welcome dinner for you tonight,” the manor lord added with a smile.

Su Yunruo took Aunt Rou and Ying Qi to rest. After a period of rest, night fell, and everyone gathered for a banquet. The banquet was filled with laughter and joy. The fellow disciples asked Su Yunruo about their experiences in the capital, and Su Yunruo recounted them vividly, which everyone listened to with great interest, bursting into laughter from time to time.

After a few rounds of drinks, the master cleared his throat, signaling everyone to quiet down. He looked at Su Yunruo, his eyes filled with concern, and said, "Yunruo has experienced a lot since returning to the capital. She not only found out about her background but also encountered many difficulties and challenges. In the future, she will return to the capital to reunite with her family, which will involve both opportunities and risks. I hope you can use this time to improve yourselves in preparation for any eventuality. When Yunruo returns to the capital, I will arrange for a group of people to accompany and protect her."

Hearing their master's words, everyone felt a pang of anxiety, yet a surge of ambition also welled up within them. They knew that the trip to the capital would be an adventure, but also a rare opportunity. They resolved to diligently cultivate their skills and improve their strength during this time to prepare for any eventuality.

Su Yunruo looked at her master: "Disciple thanks Master, Grandmaster." After the banquet, everyone dispersed.

Su Yunruo slowly entered the room and immediately saw the tea set on the small couch, which Luo Chun had specially prepared for her. She walked over quietly, sat down, picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and then gently set it down. She gazed silently at the bright moon outside the window, her thoughts drifting away. She wondered to herself what her brother, Gongsun Lin, was doing at this moment. Had he already revealed his true identity to the Old Madam and the others? Would they be surprised or delighted upon learning this news?