The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

"Aunt Rou, come with me for a stroll in the garden," Su Yunruo said to Aunt Rou.

“Miss, it’s early winter already. If you want to stroll around the garden, you should dress warmly.” Aunt Rou said, taking a cloak from the wardrobe. The cloak was made of the finest purple brocade, smooth and soft to the touch. It was embroidered with delicate peony patterns in silver thread, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The edges of the cloak were outlined with gold thread, adding a touch of luxury. The collar and cuffs of the cloak were decorated with white fox fur, providing both warmth and an air of nobility. After draping the cloak over Su Yunruo, she followed the young lady out of the room.

The garden in early winter is tranquil and serene, like stepping into a delicate ink painting. The garden paths are covered with golden leaves, each step producing a crisp sound. The pond has begun to freeze, its surface reflecting withered lotus leaves and fallen willow branches, creating a poignant scene. The plum blossoms in the garden are starting to bloom, their delicate fragrance filling the cold air and bringing a refreshing feeling.

"Junior Sister, Junior Sister," came the voice of Second Senior Brother Nangong Sheng from afar.

Su Yunruo looked in the direction of the sound and saw a man dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, embroidered with faint silver cloud patterns, which made him appear both noble and elegant. A jade belt was tied around his waist, with a jade pendant inlaid in the center, swaying gently with his steps. He wore a white fox fur cloak, the soft and smooth fur adding to his dashing appearance.

"Second Senior Brother, what brings you here?" Su Yunruo asked softly with a smile. Her gaze fell on the man walking towards them from a distance, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"It's because Master and Mistress are worried about you. They sent me to the capital to take you around to various shops, fearing that the managers might bully you because you're so young." The man strode up to Su Yunruo, speaking as he reached out and ruffled her hair. He was Su Yunruo's second senior brother—Nangong Sheng.

"Junior Sister, you don't look well. Did you not get enough rest last night?" Nangong Sheng looked at Su Yunruo with concern and patted her head.

"Thank you for your concern, Second Senior Brother. I didn't sleep very well last night." Su Yunruo nodded slightly, a faint smile on her face.

“In that case, let’s go have breakfast first. By the way, where is Senior Brother? Master said he’s here too.” Nangong Sheng looked around but didn’t see Senior Brother, so he asked.

“Alright, I didn’t eat much for breakfast either, and I’m a little hungry now.” Su Yunruo nodded and readily agreed. Her stomach rumbled at just the right moment, making the two of them smile at each other.

"Senior Brother is probably in the study. I'll send someone to find him." Su Yunruo turned to Luo Chun and said, "Luo Chun, go to the study quickly and find Senior Brother. Tell him that Second Senior Brother has arrived and to come to the dining hall to find us."

After giving instructions to Luo Chun, Su Yunruo took Nangong Sheng to the dining hall. Along the way, the two chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Soon they arrived at the dining hall. Upon entering, a mouthwatering aroma of food wafted through the air. The table was laden with exquisite dishes: steaming pastries, sweet and delicious fruits, and a variety of other dishes. Each dish looked and smelled wonderful, further whetting their appetite.

Su Yunruo and Nangong Sheng sat down at the dining table, and Aunt Rou immediately stepped forward to serve them food, saying softly, "Miss, Second Young Master, please eat first. These dishes are all prepared according to Miss's taste."

Su Yunruo smiled and nodded, picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of osmanthus cake, and put it in her mouth. She took a small bite and savored it. She found the osmanthus cake to be delicate in texture, sweet but not cloying, melting in her mouth, leaving a lingering fragrance that was unforgettable. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Mmm, so delicious!" Then she picked up another piece and put it in her mouth.

Not to be outdone, Nangong Sheng ate heartily, praising as he ate, "This food is really delicious, thank you Aunt Rou for your thoughtful preparation."

Just then, the eldest brother walked in, greeting them with a smile: "Junior brother, junior sister." Then, he walked to the table, sat down, and waited for them.

Su Yunruo and Nangong Sheng were enjoying breakfast while chatting with Yuwen Mo. Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside the door.

"What's going on?" Nangong Sheng put down his bowl and chopsticks, got up and walked towards the door.

Su Yunruo and her senior brother also stood up.

A young maidservant rushed in, breathless, and said, "Miss, something terrible has happened! A group of soldiers have come to the manor and say they want to search it!"

Upon hearing this news, Su Yunruo and Nangong Sheng exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of unease.

"Why search the mansion?" Su Yunruo asked, frowning.

"I don't know. They said they received some orders to search our mansion," the maid replied anxiously.

Just then, Yuwen Mo and Nangong Sheng spoke almost simultaneously: "Junior Sister, you don't need to worry. I'll go out and check the situation." As soon as they finished speaking, the two strode out of the dining hall without hesitation.

Su Yunruo felt uneasy, so she immediately left the dining hall with Aunt Rou and headed towards the study.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yuwen Mo and Nangong Sheng entered the study one after the other.

"Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, what just happened?" Su Yunruo asked impatiently.

"Junior Sister, don't be nervous. It's just people sent by the Crown Prince to search for remnants of the Shadow Cult in the capital. I've already spoken to them, there won't be any problems," the eldest brother reassured her.

Su Yunruo breathed a slight sigh of relief, "That's good... But, remnants of the Shadow Cult? How did they find our residence?"

Yuwen Mo frowned, deep in thought. "I'm afraid someone did this on purpose... The capital has been quite turbulent lately, so we need to be careful."

"Yes, we'll close the door to guests after we attend the old lady's birthday banquet at the General's Mansion," Su Yunruo replied.

"Junior Sister, it's been so long since I've had your tea..." Second Senior Brother Nangong Sheng looked at Su Yunruo pitifully, his eyes full of longing.

Su Yunruo smiled slightly and turned to Aunt Rou, saying, "Aunt Rou, go and bring up my white jade porcelain tea set, and also bring up the 'Purple Mist Fragrance' that my brother the Crown Prince gave me last time."

Aunt Rou nodded and quickly brought over the tea set and tea leaves.

"This 'Purple Mist Fragrance' is an extremely precious tea. It only grows on the summit of high mountains, where clouds and mist swirl. The unique environment there allows the tea leaves to fully absorb the essence of heaven and earth in the morning dew. Moreover, after picking, it needs to be roasted at a specific time to preserve its unique aroma to the greatest extent. The tea brewed from this tea has a mesmerizing purple color and a fragrant aroma that makes people feel refreshed and relaxed." Su Yunruo explained to everyone while skillfully brewing the tea.

Her movements were elegant and fluid, as if she were performing an art. Every step was perfectly timed, showcasing her exquisite skills in the art of tea.

Soon, the aroma of tea filled the entire study. The group couldn't help but take a deep breath, reveling in the wonderful fragrance.

"It smells so good!" everyone present couldn't help but exclaim. They all praised the junior sister's superb tea skills, allowing them to enjoy such a wonderful aroma.

Nangong Sheng eagerly picked up a cup, took a small sip, closed his eyes, and savored the taste of the tea spreading in his mouth. A look of intoxication appeared on his face, and he said softly, "Junior Sister's tea-making skills are becoming more and more exquisite, and this tea is simply wonderful."

Senior Brother Yuwen Mo also picked up his teacup, savoring the fragrant tea. The room was filled with laughter and praise for Junior Sister. Everyone was immersed in the aroma of tea and the warm atmosphere.

"Second Senior Brother, you must be tired from your journey. Now that you've finished your tea, go and rest. Eldest Senior Brother, accompany Second Senior Brother to his courtyard. I'll also go tidy up; tonight, my brother the Crown Prince and my brother Gongsun Lin will be coming over to discuss matters concerning the General's Mansion the day after tomorrow." Su Yunruo looked at the two of them.