The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, gently illuminating Su Yunruo's bed and waking her from her dream. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, her mind already clear. Today marked her first step into the General's Mansion as the young lady of Qingyu Manor, and also the key to uncovering the mystery of her origins.

After getting up, Su Yunruo carefully selected an elegant yet dignified outfit, reflecting both her taste as the only young lady of Qingyu Manor and her gentle femininity. Aunt Rou meticulously helped her with her makeup and dressing. The woman in the mirror was beautiful and refined, her eyes sparkling with determination.

"Miss, you are so beautiful," Aunt Rou said softly.

Su Yunruo smiled slightly and said, "Auntie, you flatter me. Today is different from usual, so I need to be extra careful."

After having breakfast, Su Yunruo boarded the carriage that had been prepared in advance. This carriage was brought by her second senior brother, who said it was specially prepared for her.

The carriage was woven from fine, dark blue bamboo strips and covered with a thick layer of velvet, giving it an understated yet luxurious feel. At each of the four corners hung a jade fox, its tail cleverly curved into a hook for hanging items. The eyes of these four jade foxes were inlaid with gemstones, shimmering with a mysterious light, and were said to have the power to ward off evil. The foxes were also carved with delicate patterns, symbolizing wit and cunning.

The carriage shafts were carved with cloud patterns, resembling drifting clouds, giving a sense of lightness. The wheels were made of hardwood, coated with black lacquer, making them both sturdy and slip-resistant. Inside, thick wool carpets covered the floor, warm brocade hung on the walls, and an incense burner emitted a subtle fragrance. The carriage curtains were made of double-layered silk, providing both warmth and sound insulation, allowing passengers to enjoy peace and comfort. Inside the carriage, Su Yunruo chatted idly with Aunt Rou, while Ying Qi and the coachman drove the carriage slowly towards the General's Mansion.

At this moment, the entrance to the General's Mansion was bustling with activity, filled with guests. The arrival of Su Yunruo's carriage caused a small commotion, with many of the officials' wives and concubines who had just alighted looking in their direction.

Aunt Rou alighted from the carriage first, then reached out to help Su Yunruo down. Everyone looked over; in this season approaching the first snow, the young woman wore a pale purple brocade dress, the hem embroidered with deer patterns, symbolizing longevity. She wore a soft white fox fur cloak over her shoulders, and around her neck hung a necklace of pearls and amethyst, the pendant a small jade deer symbolizing longevity. On her wrists were a pair of white jade bracelets, and on her other wrist was a chain of amethyst, pearls, and white jade, all shimmering softly in the sunlight, making her appear even more gentle and charming.

She slightly raised her head, her gaze sweeping over everyone, a polite smile on her face, yet tinged with a hint of aloofness. At this moment, the steward of the General's Mansion hurriedly came forward and bowed respectfully: "Miss Su, please come in." Su Yunruo nodded slightly and, accompanied by Aunt Rou and Ying Qi, followed the steward gracefully into the mansion.

Behind her, the crowd murmured, "Whose daughter is this? She's so outstanding! I've never seen her in the capital before." The whispers reached Su Yunruo's ears, and a slight smile played on her lips. She thought to herself, "Su Wu, General Su, are you ready? I'm coming!"

Inside the general's mansion, pavilions and towers were scattered in a well-organized manner, surrounded by artificial hills and flowing water. Su Yunruo followed the steward through the winding corridors and arrived at the flower hall where officials' wives and concubines were received.

Inside the flower hall, guests chatted and laughed in small groups. Su Yunruo's appearance caused a brief silence in the hall before it returned to its lively atmosphere, though everyone's eyes kept glancing at her.

Su Yunruo calmly walked to an empty seat and sat down, while Aunt Rou and Ying Qi stood behind her.

At this moment, a young woman dressed in a long, crimson brocade robe, embroidered with exquisite peony patterns symbolizing wealth and good fortune, approached. The robe was adorned with gold trim at the cuffs and collar, shimmering brilliantly. A wide jade belt, inlaid with precious gemstones, hung at her waist, adding to her splendor. A gold hairpin, adorned with a lustrous pearl that swayed gently with her steps, radiating a captivating glow. With a fake smile, she said, "This young lady looks unfamiliar. May I ask which family's daughter you are?"

Su Yunruo raised her eyes slightly and parted her lips: "I am Su Yunruo, and I have just arrived in the capital." Her voice was clear and melodious, as pleasant as a nightingale singing in a valley.

A hint of surprise flashed in the woman's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she looked at Su Yunruo and said, "So you are Miss Su. You are from the same family as General Su. Are you a distant relative of General Su?"

“Young Madam Qi, my young lady is the eldest daughter of Qingyu Manor, and she is not from the same lineage as General Su,” Aunt Rou replied respectfully from the side.

"Aunt Rou, it's you!" The woman, whom Aunt Rou addressed as Young Madam Qi, showed a surprised expression. She then looked at Su Yunruo and asked in confusion, "Since you are a young lady from Qingyu Manor, why are you following her?"

Aunt Rou smiled slightly and said, "Miss and I get along well, so I am willing to follow you."

Upon hearing this, Madam Qi looked at Su Yunruo with a complicated expression, seemingly finding it difficult to understand, but still smiled and said, "So that's how it is. No wonder the eldest daughter of Qingyu Manor has such an extraordinary temperament."

Su Yunruo nodded slightly and replied politely, "You flatter me, Madam."

At this moment, several more ladies gathered around, curiously sizing up Su Yunruo, and started chatting amongst themselves. "Miss Su is so beautiful, I wonder if you are married?" Su Yunruo smiled faintly, "Not yet." "Then, Miss Su, did you come to the capital this time to find a suitable husband?" Su Yunruo gently shook her head, "I am only here to travel; I haven't considered anything else." Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions varied.

Just then, a woman dressed in simple clothes approached and said softly, "Please don't make things difficult for Miss Su." Su Yunruo looked up at her, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. The woman smiled slightly and introduced herself, "Miss Su, my name is Wang Wanru, and my father is the Minister of Justice." Su Yunruo stood up and returned the greeting, "Miss Wang." The atmosphere in the flower hall became more relaxed thanks to Wang Wanru's intervention, and everyone began to discuss other topics.

However, Su Yunruo's mind was no longer on the noise.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door; it turned out that Old Madam Su had arrived. As the birthday celebrant for the day, Old Madam Su wore a deep purple silk robe embroidered with golden longevity characters and auspicious patterns, exuding nobility and joy. She wore a gold-inlaid hair crown, adorned with pearls and gemstones, dazzlingly bright. Around her neck hung a necklace of rubies and jade, on her wrists were gold bracelets, and on her fingers gemstone rings—each piece of jewelry exquisitely crafted, showcasing her wealth and status.

Everyone rose to greet Old Madam Su, including Su Yunruo. Old Madam Su smiled kindly and gestured for everyone to take their seats. Her gaze fell on Su Yunruo, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "And this young lady is…" Old Madam Su began to ask. "Reporting to Old Madam, this is Miss Su from Qingyu Manor," the old lady's maidservant quickly replied. "So it's Miss Su, how rude of me. Please, have a seat," Old Madam Su said with a smile. Su Yunruo thanked her and sat down.

All eyes were on Su Yunruo, as they curiously observed the young lady of Qingyu Manor. Su Yunruo sensed their gazes, but she didn't seem to mind, simply smiling and nodding politely to everyone. Her elegant and poised demeanor left a deep impression.

"Mother, this year is your sixtieth birthday. The children in the family have all prepared gifts for you. How about we have them present these birthday presents to you?" Madam Su said to the old lady from the side.

"Yes, Madam Su, we've heard that your children are all very outstanding. We wonder what wonderful gifts they've prepared for your birthday. Please don't keep them hidden; let them show us their birthday presents." At this moment, the wife of a captain under General Su chimed in.

"Alright, let the children come over." Old Madam Su looked at Madam Su and nodded.

Madam Su quickly called the children forward. After they bowed to their grandmother, they stood aside and waited.

"Wenhan, you go first," Madam Su said, looking at her eldest son.

"Grandmother, Han'er has prepared a 'Hundred Longevity Characters' painting for you. May you enjoy longevity and happiness, and live to be a hundred years old." He then instructed the servant behind him to unfold the painting. This painting consisted of one hundred "longevity" characters written in different calligraphic styles, each symbolizing a rich and varied life. The background of the painting was a field of blooming peonies, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

When Madam Su saw it, she smiled from ear to ear and said repeatedly, "Han'er is so thoughtful. Grandmother likes this gift very much."

"Wenxuan, it's your turn." Madam Su's gaze fell on her youngest son.

Wenxuan ran forward happily, his face beaming with excitement and anticipation. He said loudly, "Grandmother, your grandson has found a rare piece of Hetian jade and had it carved into a jade ruyi. I wish you all the best."

He held the jade ruyi in both hands and carefully handed it to Madam Su. Madam Su took the jade ruyi, gently stroking it, her eyes sparkling with emotion and relief. She smiled and said, "Xuan'er is such a thoughtful child."

At this moment, Su Ning'er, the young lady of the second branch of the Su family, also arrived. She was dressed in a light pink dress, with a beautiful face and elegant demeanor. The maid following behind her carried a tray covered with a red cloth, making it look quite mysterious.

Su Ning'er stepped forward and said sweetly, "Grandmother, Ning'er wishes you a long and healthy life. This is a gift that Ning'er has prepared for you."

She gently lifted the red cloth, revealing a beautiful jade statue of the God of Longevity on the tray. The God of Longevity smiled warmly and was lifelike, as if blessing Madam Su with longevity and good health.

Grandma Su looked at the jade statue of the God of Longevity with delight and couldn't help but exclaim, "Ning'er, this gift is truly rare. Grandmother is very pleased."

She held the jade statue of the God of Longevity in her hands, examining it carefully, her heart filled with joy and satisfaction.

Then, Su Wenyao, the son of the third branch of the family, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Grandmother, your grandson has found a long-lost ancient book for you, hoping it will add some enjoyment to your leisure time." The old lady Su's eyes were full of praise: "Wenyao, you are so thoughtful. This gift is very much to your liking." In an instant, the children of the Su family presented their birthday gifts one after another. The old lady Su was surrounded by filial piety, and the entire flower hall was filled with warmth and joy.

At this moment, the butler came over and reported to Madam Su, "Madam, the general said it's almost time, we can begin the banquet."

Madam Su looked at everyone and said, "Everyone, it's getting late, let's head to the dining hall."

Everyone rose and escorted Old Madam Su towards the dining hall. The hall was already exquisitely decorated, with tables laden with delicacies. Everyone took their seats, with Old Madam Su sitting in the main seat, her face beaming with happiness. Madam Su said with a smile, "Today is my birthday, please don't be shy, enjoy yourselves." Everyone raised their glasses to toast Old Madam Su and wish her a happy birthday. The dining hall was filled with laughter and joy. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Su Ning'er rose and said, "Grandmother, since we are so happy today, Ning'er would like to perform a dance for you."

Madam Su nodded in agreement, and Su Ning'er gracefully entered the hall, where she began to dance. Her beautiful movements won rounds of applause from everyone. Not to be outdone, Su Wenyao rose and recited a poem, further elevating the atmosphere. Just as everyone was immersed in joy, a sudden commotion arose outside the mansion.

"Madam, Madam, a palace eunuch has come to deliver an imperial decree. The General requests that you, Madam, and everyone else go together to receive it," the steward said breathlessly.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened, and they hurriedly rose to straighten their clothes, following Old Madam Su and Madam Su to the main hall to receive the imperial edict. Upon arriving at the main hall, they saw a eunuch in palace attire holding the imperial edict, his face solemn.

Everyone knelt down. The eunuch cleared his throat and loudly proclaimed the imperial edict: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: General Su is loyal and brave in protecting the country, and his mother has educated him well. Therefore, he is hereby bestowed with a number of treasures and a hundred bolts of brocade to commend his merits." Old Madam Su and Madam Su hurriedly kowtowed to express their gratitude: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

The eunuch handed the imperial edict to Madam Su, smiling as he said, "Congratulations, Madam Su." After the eunuch left, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Su exclaimed, "This is all thanks to His Majesty's great favor!" The group returned to the dining hall to continue their celebration.