The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Early that morning, Gongsun Lin got up very early, packed his luggage quickly, and set off for the capital with a few attendants. They rode at full speed, without daring to stop for a moment, and finally arrived in the capital at dusk the next day.

As the sun set, its afterglow bathed the ancient and solemn city walls in a golden glow. Gongsun Lin and his entourage rode into the capital, weary from their journey. They headed straight for the Duke of Jing's residence, their hearts filled with anticipation.

The gatekeeper of the Duke of Jingguo's mansion saw a group of people riding towards them from afar. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Young Master Gongsun Lin! He immediately showed a look of joy and hurriedly said to the person beside him, "Quickly go and inform the Duke and Duchess that the Second Young Master has returned!" Upon hearing this, the person beside him hurriedly turned around and ran towards the Duke's study.

"Second Young Master, you're back! We've already sent someone to inform the Duke." The gatekeeper respectfully reported to Gongsun Lin. Gongsun Lin nodded, dismounted, handed the reins to the gatekeeper, and then walked into the mansion with Yin Feng.

Gongsun Lin walked briskly and firmly through the winding corridors. Servants along the way bowed and greeted him, their eyes filled with joy. He smiled and responded to each greeting, a warm feeling of returning home welling up within him.

Finally, Gongsun Lin arrived at the Duke's study. He gently knocked on the door, and a steady voice came from inside: "Come in." Gongsun Lin took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and stepped into the study. He saw the Duke sitting upright at his desk, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he were pondering something important.

"Lin'er, you're finally back. Where's your grandmother?" The Duke smiled with relief and looked at Gongsun Lin with gentle eyes.

Gongsun Lin quickly bowed and respectfully replied, "Reporting to my uncle, my grandmother has just reunited with my sister and wants to spend a few more days with her, so she says she will stay at Qingyu Manor for half a month. I will personally go to fetch her back then."

The Duke smiled and nodded, gesturing for Gongsun Lin to sit down, then said softly, "That's good, Grandmother should get some rest too. By the way, how is your grandmother's health?"

Gongsun Lin quickly replied, "Grandmother is doing well, but she is a little worried about home. However, she is especially happy to see her sister this time."

The Duke stroked his beard, nodded thoughtfully, and then said, "That's good. In a few days, your aunt and I will go to pick up the Dowager Madam. You have official business to attend to in the capital, so you don't need to come along. Also, the Crown Prince's residence sent people to look for you twice in the past two days, as if there is something urgent."

Gongsun Lin's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, "What business does the Crown Prince have with me?"

The Duke shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "They did not reveal the specifics, but judging from the expression of the person who came, the matter seemed to be quite urgent."

Gongsun Lin remained silent for a moment, pondering the possible reasons, then looked up at the Duke and said firmly, "In that case, I will go to the Crown Prince's residence tomorrow to find out the truth."

The Duke nodded slightly in agreement and added, "Yes, it's best to be careful in everything. The situation in the court is very complicated right now, and a slight mistake could cause trouble."

Gongsun Lin solemnly agreed: "Nephew understands, thank you for the reminder, Uncle." He knew that he bore the expectations and responsibilities of the family and had to act cautiously so as not to bring any risks to the family.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by the Duchess's voice: "Lin'er is back?"

Gongsun Lin quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Aunt."

The Duchess waved her hand with a smile and said, "We're family, no need for formalities. Was your journey smooth?"

Gongsun Lin replied, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. Everything went smoothly."

The Duchess held Gongsun Lin's hand, looked him over carefully, and said with concern, "You look a bit thinner. You must have had a hard journey. You must have a good meal tonight."

Gongsun Lin smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. It's no trouble at all."

Then, he turned to the Duke of Jingguo and said, "Uncle, Aunt, please have someone call Brother Ayou and Sister Linglan over. My sister asked me to bring some things for everyone."

Duke Jingguo nodded. "Yes, that's fine."

The Duchess walked to the door and said to Granny Jiang, "Granny, please have someone call You'er and Lan'er over."

Before long, Gongsun You and Gongsun Linglan arrived at the study.

"Brother Lin, you're finally back!" Gongsun You laughed heartily. He strode over and patted Gongsun Lin on the shoulder. Gongsun Linglan also looked delighted, her eyes full of concern: "Second brother, were you tired from the journey?" she asked gently.

Gongsun Lin smiled and shook his head: "I'm not tired. My sister asked me to bring you gifts."

"What is it?" they asked in unison, their faces showing anticipation.

"Don't rush, one at a time," Gongsun Lin said with a smile. He turned to look at Yin Feng behind him and instructed, "Yin Feng, bring over the gifts that Miss prepared."

Yin Feng quickly handed over the exquisite gift box.

Gongsun Lin first picked up a gift box, walked up to the Duke of Jingguo, handed it to him with both hands, and said respectfully, "Uncle, this is a jade ruyi paperweight that my sister prepared for you."

Duke Jingguo accepted the gift box, opened it, and saw a crystal-clear jade ruyi inside, carved with exquisite patterns; it was clearly a precious item. He nodded in satisfaction and exclaimed, "What a fine piece!"

Then, Gongsun Lin took another gift box, walked up to the Duchess, handed it to her, and said with a smile, "Aunt, this is the Yanxia Yunjin brocade that my sister prepared for you."

The Duchess accepted the gift box, gently stroking the soft, smooth brocade, her heart filled with joy. She gratefully said to Gongsun Lin, "Thank you, Lin'er."

Then, Gongsun Lin took another gift box, walked up to Gongsun You, and said to him jokingly, "Young Master, this is the Four Treasures of the Study that your sister prepared for you."

Gongsun You accepted the gift box, laughed heartily, and said, "Thank you, little brother."

Finally, Gongsun Lin picked up a gift box, walked up to Gongsun Linglan, handed it to her, and said softly, "Princess, this is a ruby ​​headdress for you."

Gongsun Linglan took the gift box, opened it, and saw a magnificent set of ruby ​​jewelry inside, sparkling with dazzling light. She exclaimed in surprise, stroking the gems with delight, her eyes sparkling with joy.

At this moment, Gongsun Lin spoke up: "Uncle, Aunt, Brother Ayou, Sister Linglan, Yunruo said she misses you all very much."

Duke Jingguo laughed heartily and said, "Haha, your sister is so thoughtful, she knows how to care about her family."

The Duchess nodded in agreement, "Yes, our Linglan is so lucky to have such a considerate younger sister."

Gongsun You patted Gongsun Lin on the shoulder, "Brother Lin, your sister isn't just yours, she's still my sister."

Gongsun Linglan chimed in, "That's right, Second Brother, Yunruo is also our sister."

Gongsun Lin smiled and agreed, "Alright, alright, you are all my family. Yunruo is our sister."

Everyone sat together, laughing constantly, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Just then, the steward came to report: "Your Excellency, Madam, dinner is ready."

The Duke stood up: "Come on, let's eat and chat."

The family arrived at the dining room, where the aroma of delicious food filled the air.

After dinner, Gongsun Lin returned to his courtyard. He instructed his servants to prepare hot water, intending to take a good bath. Soaking in the bathtub, Gongsun Lin's thoughts drifted away. He recalled the days he spent at Qingyu Manor, and Su Yunruo's every smile and gesture.

Just then, a slight noise came from outside. Gongsun Lin opened his eyes alertly and asked in a low voice, "Who's outside?" "It's me, young master," Yin Feng's voice came through. "I have something to report." Gongsun Lin breathed a sigh of relief. "Come in and speak."

Yin Feng pushed open the door and entered the room. "Young Master, I just received news that His Highness the Crown Prince is going hunting outside the city early tomorrow morning." Gongsun Lin's eyes lit up. "Oh? This is an opportunity. I can take this chance to see the Crown Prince and ask him what he wants to see me about."

Yin Feng nodded. "Young Master is quite right. However, I am worried that there might be a trap involved." Gongsun Lin pondered for a moment. "It's alright. I will handle it carefully. Go and make the arrangements. We will set off early tomorrow and wait for the Crown Prince at the city gate."

"Yes, young master." Yin Feng accepted the order and left.