The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

In the Emperor and Empress's palace, a warm atmosphere drifted gently like a thin veil, yet subtly tinged with solemnity, as if the solemnity were a hidden pattern on that veil. Surrounded by this atmosphere, Su Yunruo deeply felt the familial care and earnest expectations of her Emperor and Empress uncle and aunt. A warm current, like a gentle spring stream, quietly welled up in her heart, gradually coalescing into a mighty river.

The Emperor slightly raised his hand and waved gently, his movements elegant and composed. He then said, "Yunruo, your maternal grandmother knows about your situation and has rushed back from Huguo Temple. She is eagerly anticipating seeing you. I have already sent someone to inform the Empress Dowager that your aunt, the Empress, is feeling slightly unwell. I estimate that she will arrive in a great hurry soon."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunruo's face lit up with a happy smile, and she cheerfully replied, "Grandmother? That's wonderful! I'll be able to see my mother's mother. Doesn't that mean there's another person who will love me?"

The Empress smiled and replied kindly, "Of course! Your mother loves Jinse the most, and you are Jinse's only daughter, so she will definitely spoil you even more."

Su Yunruo smiled slightly, her eyes full of anticipation and curiosity: "Aunt, really? Is my maternal grandmother, the Empress Dowager, really as you say?"

"Zhaohua, what have you been saying about me behind my back again?" A slightly aged yet loving voice drifted into everyone's ears, as if carrying the weight of time and warmth.

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly stood up and bowed. Su Yunruo also hurriedly followed suit, bowing respectfully and politely.

An elderly lady, dressed in a deep purple brocade robe, slowly approached. The robe was embroidered with lifelike golden phoenixes, their wings outstretched as if about to break free and soar through the heavens. The collar and cuffs of the robe were meticulously trimmed with gold, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight, exuding an air of extraordinary elegance and nobility. The lady's hair was styled in a high bun, securely adorned with a gold hairpin inlaid with an enormous, dazzling pearl. The Empress Dowager always wore a gentle, spring-like smile, a smile that conveyed kindness and a comforting, warm feeling.

The Empress Dowager smiled and stepped forward, lovingly taking Su Yunruo's hand. She looked at her intently and carefully, her eyes filled with deep affection: "This child is so beautiful, just like Jinse back then."

Su Yunruo said obediently, "Your Majesty, it is my greatest blessing to receive such praise from you." The Empress Dowager gently patted Su Yunruo's hand and said in a gentle tone, "Silly child, call me Grandmother. You know, we are family, no need for formalities. Come, tell your Grandmother how you have been all these years."

A barely perceptible tear flashed in Su Yunruo's eyes, and she said in a slightly trembling voice, "Grandmother, although there were some twists and turns along the way, Yunruo bravely got through them all."

The Empress Dowager felt heartbroken and hugged Su Yunruo tightly, saying affectionately, "My poor child, with your grandmother here, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance again."

The Emperor and Empress watched quietly, a smile of satisfaction appearing on their faces. Then, the Empress Dowager turned her gaze to the Emperor and Empress, saying earnestly, "You two have worked hard too; please take good care of Yunruo."

The Emperor and Empress quickly replied, "Your Majesty, we will follow your teachings."

The Empress Dowager then spoke many kind and heartwarming words to Su Yunruo, filling the entire palace with warmth and joy, creating an atmosphere that was truly intoxicating.

"Mother, Ruoya's identity is not suitable to be made public yet. She has important things to do and may not be able to stay by your side often. If you miss her in the future, just tell Chen'er and ask him to bring her into the palace for you." The Emperor solemnly brought this matter up to the Empress Dowager.

"Ruo'er, you..." The Empress Dowager looked at Su Yunruo, hesitating to speak, her eyes full of concern and doubt.

"Grandmother, don't worry, it won't be long, but I have a small request to make." Su Yunruo held the Empress Dowager's arm and shook it gently, like an innocent child.

"What are your requests?" The Empress Dowager gently tapped her nose with her finger, her eyes full of doting affection.

"In the future, before my identity is revealed, if you see me in the palace or at a palace banquet, don't be too surprised," Su Yunruo said playfully to the Empress Dowager, looking extremely cute.

"Why is that?" The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, a hint of doubt on her face.

“Grandmother, I want to return to the General’s Mansion as the lost legitimate daughter of the General’s Mansion first.” Su Yunruo looked at the Empress Dowager with a firm gaze and answered.

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly and said slowly, "Child, you must have your reasons, and your grandmother believes you. But you must be extremely careful along the way."

Su Yunruo smiled sweetly and replied, "Grandmother, don't worry, Yunruo will definitely protect herself."

The Empress then stepped forward and said gently, "Yunruo, if you encounter any difficulties, be sure to inform me promptly."

Su Yunruo curtsied and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The Emperor looked at Su Yunruo with expectation in his eyes, "Don't let me down." Su Yunruo replied solemnly, "Uncle Emperor, rest assured, Yunruo will do her best."

The Empress Dowager took Su Yunruo's hand again, "Child, your grandmother is waiting for your triumphant return." Su Yunruo's eyes sparkled, "Grandmother, please wait for Yunruo's good news." After saying that, Su Yunruo bid farewell to everyone and left with the Crown Prince.

After leaving the Empress's Phoenix Palace, the Crown Prince turned to look at Su Yunruo and said softly, "This time, recognizing relatives at the General's Mansion will surely be fraught with danger. Are you absolutely certain of success?" Su Yunruo raised her head slightly, her gaze firm: "Don't worry, Crown Prince, Yunruo has already made plans."

The Crown Prince nodded: "If you need my help, please don't hesitate to ask." Su Yunruo smiled faintly: "Thank you, Crown Prince brother." The two walked in silence until they reached the palace gate. The Crown Prince stopped and said: "I'll see you off here. Be careful in everything." Su Yunruo bowed in farewell, turned and stepped into the carriage, which gradually disappeared into the distance.

"Junior Sister," Nangong Sheng called softly to Su Yunruo, his voice gentle and kind. Su Yunruo snapped out of her reverie, her gaze shifting from the distance to the man before her. She smiled slightly and replied, "Second Senior Brother, what is it?"

Nangong Sheng noticed Su Yunruo's momentary daze and asked with concern, "I see you're lost in thought. Is something in the palace that's distracting you?" Su Yunruo gently shook her head, indicating that it wasn't. Her eyes flickered with a thoughtful light, as if she were considering something important.

Su Yunruo explained, "No, I was thinking that news of Qingyu Manor would reach the capital in a few days. Also, I need to prepare for entering the General's Mansion." Her tone revealed a hint of anticipation, as if she were filled with nervousness about the upcoming challenge.

Nangong Sheng gently patted Su Yunruo's shoulder, comforting her, "Today's heavy snow may cause a delay in the delivery of messages for a few days. However, it's good that I can take you to visit the shops in the capital these few days to get a feel for the situation, which will also make things easier for you in the future." His eyes revealed his concern for Su Yunruo.

Su Yunruo nodded slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She knew that with Nangong Sheng's help, she would be better able to cope with future difficulties. However, she still had some concerns. She frowned slightly and looked at Nangong Sheng, saying, "Second Senior Brother, my current identity is still not suitable for being too conspicuous."

Nangong Sheng smiled and nodded understandingly; he understood Su Yunruo's concerns. He reassured her, "Of course I know. When you travel, you should still dress as a man; that way, you won't attract too much attention. Remember the token I gave you before? You just need to show it to her." His words exuded confidence and composure, which put Su Yunruo at ease.

Su Yunruo glanced at him gratefully, her eyes filled with emotion. She knew how much Nangong Sheng had cared for her, and she cherished this kindness deeply. She said softly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Second Senior Brother."

Nangong Sheng waved his hand and said with a smile, "We're all family, why be so polite?" Just then, the carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Su residence.

Nangong Sheng carefully helped Su Yunruo down from the carriage and they stepped into the gates of the Su residence. Snowflakes continued to fall, covering the earth as if draping the entire world in a silver coat. Servants hurried to greet them, leading them into the main hall. Inside, a roaring charcoal fire emitted a warm glow, as pleasant as springtime.

"Yunruo, you should rest well first. I'll take you to browse the shops tomorrow," Nangong Sheng said gently to Su Yunruo. Su Yunruo nodded slightly in agreement, then turned and returned to her Ruolan Garden.