The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Qingyu Manor...

Inside Qingyu Garden, golden fallen leaves carpet the ground like a soft rug. As people walk upon them, a rustling sound fills the air, like a unique melody played by nature. The ancient locust tree in the garden is long gone, its withered branches shivering in the cold wind, seemingly telling the world of the vicissitudes of time.

Inside, wisps of smoke rose, filling the air with a faint, pleasant fragrance. A middle-aged woman sat gracefully in the center of the room, dressed in a long, lake-blue dress embroidered with delicate, lifelike plum blossoms. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a jade hairpin carved with exquisite cloud patterns, resembling flowing clouds swirling around the moon, giving her an air of refined elegance. A pair of pearl earrings dangled from her ears, swaying gently with her movements, shimmering with a soft luster that accentuated her beauty. At this moment, she was engrossed in an ancient book, occasionally turning the pages with her slender fingers, completely absorbed in its world.

Outside the window, sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow. Occasionally, a few sparrows chirp and flit by, their wings beating the air, bringing a touch of life and energy. They dart merrily among the branches, seemingly filled with curiosity about this tranquil little courtyard.

Su Yunruo brought Aunt Rou here to tell her master about her upcoming return to the capital. When they entered Qingyu Garden, the scene before them moved them deeply. The Madam sat there quietly, like a beautiful painting, so serene that one hesitated to disturb her tranquility. Su Yunruo and Aunt Rou stood at the entrance, silently watching the Madam, waiting for her to come back to her senses from her book.

Su Yunruo and Aunt Rou stood quietly at the door for a while until Madam Yulu seemed to sense something, raised her head, and a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.

"Yun Ruo, you've arrived?" Madam Yu Luo put down the ancient book in her hand, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

Su Yunruo stepped forward, gave a slight curtsy, and said, "Master, I will be returning to the capital tomorrow, and I won't be able to see you for a long time."

Madam Yu Luo sighed softly, stood up and walked to Su Yunruo, took her hand and said, "Although it's only a few days' journey to the capital, you must be careful in everything you do."

Su Yunruo nodded, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Master, your disciple will remember your teachings. But I don't know when I will be able to return to Qingyu Manor after this departure."

Madam Yu Luo smiled and comforted her, "Don't be sad. Your master and grandmaster will come to see you. You can come back to the manor anytime. Remember, this will always be your home."

Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, lifting the lady's skirt. She lightly smoothed her wind-blown hair, gazing tenderly at Su Yunruo.

"Yunruo, you've grown up. No matter what happens in the future, don't give up easily. Believe in yourself and you will be able to overcome any difficulties," Madam Yulu said earnestly.

Su Yunruo nodded vigorously, her eyes slightly moist. She knew that this separation might be for a long time, but she would strive to become stronger and not disappoint her master.

Madam Yu Luo gently patted Su Yunruo's shoulder and encouraged her, "Alright, don't be too sad. When you come back, your master will prepare a surprise for you!" After saying that, she winked and smiled playfully.

Su Yunruo couldn't help but laugh out loud, and the gloom in her heart dissipated considerably. She held Madam Yuluo's hand tightly, feeling the warm touch, as if a force was flowing into her body.

Su Yunruo looked up at her master, her heart filled with warmth. "Yunruo, this time you return to the capital, if you wish to seek revenge, your master will not stop you, but you must never forget your original aspirations." Madam Yuluo's eyes were full of concern and expectation. Su Yunruo solemnly replied, "Disciple understands, and will certainly strive to do my best." Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm shadows on the three of them.

Madam Yu Luo gently patted Su Yunruo's hand and said, "I know the bitterness and hatred in your heart, but the road to revenge is fraught with danger. We must proceed with caution at every step and never act rashly." Su Yunruo bit her lip tightly, her eyes firm: "Master, rest assured, your disciple will be careful."

Lady Yu Luo nodded slightly, turned around, walked to the cabinet in the room, and gently opened the cabinet door. The cabinet was filled with various items, but she seemed particularly interested in one of them. She reached in and carefully took out an exquisite brocade box. This brocade box looked very old, inlaid with gorgeous gemstones and delicate patterns.

Lady Yu Luo returned to Su Yunruo with the brocade box and gently handed it to her. Su Yunruo looked at the box in her hands with some surprise, wondering what precious treasure it contained. She gently lifted the lid and saw an exquisite jade pendant inside. The pendant was engraved with complex and mysterious patterns, as if it contained endless power.

Lady Yu Luo gazed tenderly at Su Yunruo and explained softly, "This jade pendant possesses special power that can protect the wearer. It may come into play whenever and wherever you are in danger. Remember, you must always carry it with you."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunruo felt a warm current surge in her heart. She deeply understood her master's love and care for her, and this gift was a profound blessing from her master. She nodded gratefully and solemnly promised to cherish the jade pendant and carry it with her at all times.

Madam Yu Luo smiled and nodded, then gently patted Su Yunruo's shoulder to reassure her. She then reminded her, "It's getting late. Go back and rest early, and then pack what you need to take."

Su Yunruo thanked her master gratefully, then left the room with Aunt Rou. They walked slowly down the corridor, leaving Madam Yuluo standing alone in the room, silently watching their departing figures.

Only after Su Yunruo and Aunt Rou disappeared from sight did Madam Yu Luo slowly come back to her senses. Her eyes were filled with worry and reluctance, because she knew what Su Yunruo's departure meant. Although she hoped that Su Yunruo would return safely, she could not completely eliminate the worry deep in her heart.

Su Yunruo returned to her room and began carefully packing her luggage. She folded her clothes neatly and carefully placed her favorite jewelry into her bag. She specially wrapped the jade pendant in a silk handkerchief and placed it in a place closest to her body. Aunt Rou helped her, occasionally offering a few words of advice. "Miss, the capital is not like our manor; people's hearts are complicated. You must be very careful." Su Yunruo nodded gently, "Aunt Rou, I know." After packing her luggage, Su Yunruo sat by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, her thoughts swirling. She recalled the moments she had spent at Qingyu Manor; those carefree days seemed to be just yesterday. But now, for revenge, she had no choice but to embark on the journey to the capital.

"Junior Sister, Master is looking for you," the second senior brother called from outside the courtyard. Upon hearing this, Su Yunruo quickly got up and walked towards her master's courtyard. Her steps were light, but she was somewhat puzzled, wondering why her master had suddenly summoned her.

Upon entering the courtyard, Master Qingyu and Madam Yuluo were standing under the ancient locust tree, their expressions solemn. Su Yunruo's heart tightened; had something serious happened? She quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Master, Grandmaster."

Madam Yu Luo nodded slightly, gesturing for her to stand up, and then slowly said, "Yun Ruo, your master has one more thing to tell you before you go to the capital."

Su Yunruo stood respectfully to the side, listening attentively. The Lord of Qingyu Manor had piercing eyes and said in a deep voice, "There are many powerful and influential people in the capital, and their relationships are intricate. If you want revenge, you need to know how to use their strength against them, and you can't just act recklessly."

Su Yunruo nodded solemnly, indicating that she understood. She knew that the path to revenge was difficult and required caution at every step.

Madam Yu Luo sighed softly: "I know you are meticulous, but life is unpredictable. If you encounter danger, you must first ensure your own safety."

A resolute glint flashed in Su Yunruo's eyes: "Master, Grandmaster, rest assured, your disciple will not let you down."

The Master of Qingyu Manor nodded slightly, took out a letter from his sleeve, and handed it to Su Yunruo: "Keep this letter safe. If you encounter any difficulties in the capital, you can use this letter to find someone to help you." Su Yunruo took the letter and carefully put it in her bosom. "Thank you, Master and Grandmaster." Su Yunruo bowed deeply and turned to leave.

"Ruo'er, your master and grandmaster have arranged people for you. They will accompany you when you return to the capital. Once you arrive, please settle them in properly. Your second senior brother has already informed the stewards in the capital that the shops there are at your disposal. If you go to the Su family and it's inconvenient for them to accompany you, let them temporarily work in the shops. But you must keep a few capable people by your side." Madam Yu Luo called out to Su Yunruo and instructed her.

Su Yunruo felt a warmth in her heart, and her eyes welled up with tears: "Disciple thanks Master and Grandmaster. I will be setting off early tomorrow morning, so I won't be able to say goodbye to you and Grandmaster. Disciple bids farewell to Master and Grandmaster." Her voice was slightly choked, and she knelt down again to kowtow to Madam Yuluo and Lord Qingyu Manor.

Madam Yu Luo helped Su Yunruo up, gently patted her hand, her eyes full of concern and reluctance: "Ruo'er, be careful on your journey to the capital. If you encounter any difficulties or dangers after arriving in the capital, be sure to contact us immediately."

The master of Qingyu Manor also stepped forward and looked at Su Yunruo, saying, "Ruo'er, your master is right. When you go to the capital, you must not only protect yourself, but also take care of those who follow you. The capital is not like our manor; it is a place where all sorts of people mingle and people are treacherous. You must not be careless."

Su Yunruo nodded emphatically, indicating that she understood. She knew that this trip to the capital could not be taken lightly.

Madam Yu Luo took out a brocade pouch from her bosom and handed it to Su Yunruo, instructing her, "There are some healing and detoxifying pills inside, just in case. Also, take this bead; it can help you conceal your aura and might save your life in a critical moment."

Su Yunruo accepted the brocade pouch and held it tightly in her hand, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that this was all the painstaking effort of her master and grandmaster, and also a sign of their care and love for her.

Finally, Su Yunruo bowed to Madam Yuluo and Manor Lord Qingyu once again to say goodbye, then turned and left. Madam Yuluo and Manor Lord Qingyu stood there, silently watching her departing figure until she disappeared from sight.

After Su Yunruo's figure disappeared from sight, Madam Yulu turned to her husband and asked softly, "Is this arrangement acceptable?"

The head of Qingyu Manor nodded. “Yun Ruo’s journey to the capital will surely be fraught with difficulties. All we can do is try our best to pave the way for her.”

The couple exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with tenderness and worry for Su Yunruo. They hoped she would be safe and well, and that her wishes would come true.