The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

In the solemn and dignified study of the Grand Tutor's residence, a unique atmosphere, rich in antiquity and solemnity, permeated the air. Dim candlelight flickered incessantly, its faint glow illuminating the face of an elderly man. This man was Qi Boyong, the current emperor's mentor and one of the most learned men in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

At this very moment, he sat quietly on an exquisitely carved armchair, his gaze profound and serene, as if possessing a magical ability to perceive all things in the world. Qi Boyong's hair had turned completely white, the snow-white strands falling smoothly over his shoulders. His beard was also snow-white, like the marks left by the long passage of time. He wore a long, black robe with unusually wide sleeves, making him appear tall and imposing. In his hand, he tightly gripped an ancient book, its pages slightly yellowed, as if it had been read countless times.

"Thump, thump-thump, thump!" Three distinct tapping sounds suddenly came from the bookshelf filled with books behind Qi Boyong. He slowly raised his eyelids, gently placed the book in his hand aside, then slowly stood up and walked towards the bookshelf.

He gently touched one of the books, and the bookshelf silently slid open to the sides, revealing a hidden door. Qi Boyong reached out and pressed a button on the hidden door. A slight sound was heard, and then the door slowly opened. From the darkness behind the door, a figure gradually emerged.

"Grandfather!" As soon as the door opened, the Third Prince Si Yunyuan stepped forward and bowed to Qi Boyong. His eyes were filled with deep respect and high expectations.

Qi Boyong looked at Si Yunyuan, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. He nodded slightly in response.

He then turned and walked towards the desk, gesturing for Si Yunyuan to follow. Si Yunyuan followed closely behind and sat down at the desk.

Qi Boyong slowly sat down, his gaze fixed on Si Yunyuan, and said in a low voice, "Yunyuan, did you come so late at night because of today's matter?" Si Yunyuan frowned slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "Grandfather, thank you for your help today."

Qi Boyong stroked his beard gently, his gaze growing increasingly profound: "Yunyuan, you've been foolish in this matter. How could you get involved with the Shadow Cult?" Si Yunyuan took a deep breath: "The Crown Prince's position is becoming increasingly secure, and the Second Prince is also leaning more and more towards him lately. The Crown Prince also has the support of many ministers appointed by Father. I'm truly worried..."

Qi Boyong interrupted him, saying, "Don't panic. Although the situation is chaotic, it's not entirely hopeless." Si Yunyuan asked anxiously, "Grandfather, do you have a good plan?" Qi Boyong pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "You need to act calmly, share the Emperor's burdens, and never be eager to seize credit. Furthermore, you must cultivate relationships with virtuous officials and never be misled by treacherous people." Si Yunyuan nodded repeatedly in agreement, but a worried look remained in his eyes.

Qi Boyong gently patted his shoulder: "Yunyuan, remember, those who achieve great things must possess extraordinary composure and brilliant strategies." Si Yunyuan's expression was firm: "Yuan, I will remember my grandfather's teachings." Just then, a cool breeze gently blew in from outside the window, and the candlelight flickered continuously.

"Grandfather, what should be done with those people locked up in the Ministry of Justice's prison?" The Third Prince looked at his grandfather anxiously. "You must not interfere in this matter anymore. I will find someone else to handle it. At this time, you absolutely cannot make any further moves. Do you really think your father completely trusts you today? You are foolish. Who is your father? What he has been through is beyond your imagination." Qi Boyong stared at the Third Prince with a solemn expression. "As soon as you left the palace, your father immediately summoned the leader of the Dragon Shadow Guard and ordered him to arrange for people to conduct a private investigation. At the same time, he also had the Dragon Shadow Guard keep an eye on you." Qi Boyong once again turned his gaze to the Third Prince, Si Yunyuan.

"Grandfather, I will go back immediately and tell all the men to behave themselves and not do anything for now." The Third Prince respectfully cupped his hands to Qi Boyong again.

Qi Boyong nodded slightly: "Very good. Remember not to act rashly again." Si Yunyuan replied: "Grandson understands. Then grandson will take his leave." After saying that, he turned and strode towards the hidden door.

Qi Boyong watched his departing figure, sighed softly, and his expression grew increasingly solemn. Si Yunyuan's figure completely disappeared behind the hidden door, and the bookshelf slowly closed, as if nothing that had happened had ever occurred. Qi Boyong sat back down in the carved armchair, reached for the yellowed ancient book, and in the flickering candlelight, his face appeared even more somber.

Meanwhile, Si Yunyuan slowly returned to his study, his mind a jumble of thoughts. He sat calmly at his desk, picked up the teacup beside him, took a small sip, and then slowly put it down. He said to Qi Ying outside the door, "Have Mr. Li, Mr. Qi, and the others come to the study."

After a short while, the gentlemen hurried into the study, greeted the Third Prince, and then took their seats.

"Your Highness, what are your orders?" the gentlemen asked in unison. "Gentlemen, regarding the matter we discussed earlier concerning the Shadow Cult members imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's jail, I have other plans. You gentlemen, please remain calm for the time being and refrain from any rash actions," the Third Prince said solemnly to the gentlemen.

The gentlemen exchanged glances, none of them objecting to the Third Prince's words. They then rose and left the study.

"Qi Ying, go find Yuan Bai. You two come to the study together," the Third Prince instructed towards the door.

"Yes, Third Prince." Qi Ying respectfully accepted the order and left.

"Master." Soon after, the two knocked softly on the study door.

"Come in." With the Third Prince's command, Qi Ying and Yuan Bai pushed open the door and entered.

"Qi Ying, Yuan Bai, you two quickly give the order that everyone in the manor should behave themselves and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. Qi Yuan, also give a special instruction to the steward." The Third Prince instructed the two in an orderly manner.

"Yes, we understand," the two replied in unison. After leaving the study, they hurriedly went about their respective tasks.

Si Yunyuan leaned back in his chair, gently rubbing his temples, trying to relieve his fatigue. Recent events had put him under immense pressure; it seemed each issue required a tremendous amount of energy to deal with. Now, he could only take it one step at a time, hoping to find a solution. He secretly resolved to be more careful and cautious in the future, and never leave the emperor with any suspicion.

Just then, Qi Ying hurriedly returned to the study and whispered in Si Yunyuan's ear, "Your Highness, I just received news that the Emperor has sent people to secretly monitor your residence." Upon hearing this news, Si Yunyuan's heart tightened, but he did not show any panic on his face.

He knew in his heart that at this moment, the slightest carelessness could lead to complete defeat. So, he calmly said to Qi Ying, "I understand. Do as I instructed. Also, send more people to strengthen the protection of my maternal grandfather." Qi Ying nodded, then turned and left. Watching Qi Ying's departing figure, Si Yunyuan's eyes gradually hardened.

Si Yunyuan thought to himself that since the emperor had already taken action, he had to find a way to escape his current predicament. He decided to use this time under surveillance to plan carefully and find a favorable opportunity. In the following days, Si Yunyuan pretended to be doing nothing, but secretly collected various intelligence and analyzed the situation.