The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Gongsun Lin took over the conversation smoothly, his voice steady and powerful as he slowly said, "But they would never appear here without a reason; they must have something in mind. Yunruo, you have just arrived in the capital, so you need to be more careful, especially when traveling at night. Be sure to bring enough guards to ensure your safety."

Nangong Sheng nodded repeatedly in agreement: "Brother Gongsun is absolutely right. I will further strengthen the spies that the manor has planted in the capital. At the same time, I will also order Qingyou to strengthen the investigation of news in various prefectures in the capital, and make sure that no suspicious places are overlooked."

Yuwen Mo slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the seemingly prosperous but actually dangerous capital city outside the window. His expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "The Shadow Sect has always acted in a treacherous and unpredictable manner. We must make full preparations in order to deal with all possible situations."

"Oh, right," Yuwen Mo suddenly seemed to remember something important and turned to Su Yunruo, saying, "Yunruo, besides the matter of the Shadow Sect, there's something else I need you to be careful about. Recently, a mysterious elixir has been circulating in the capital, supposedly able to boost a martial artist's cultivation in a short time, but its side effects are severe, even potentially life-threatening. You must remind the disciples of the manor not to easily believe such rumors, lest they be deceived and fall into a trap."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunruo frowned deeply: "Such a thing has happened? Senior Brother, please rest assured, I will immediately issue orders to everyone to be on high alert, just in case." After the four finished their discussion, they resolutely decided to split up and take action. As night gradually fell, the capital city was once again illuminated by dazzling lights. However, behind this prosperity, a silent contest had already quietly begun.

……

Ningcui Pavilion

The moonlight, like a gentle stream, softly spilled over the high, upturned eaves and soaring corners of Ningcui Pavilion, creating a tranquil yet mysterious atmosphere. Inside, the pavilion was brightly lit, and the melodious strains of a zither drifted in, accompanied by the soft, gentle singing of a woman, piercing the quiet night. The carved windows were half-open, occasionally letting in a gentle breeze carrying the faint scents of perfume and the rich aroma of wine, intoxicating the senses. The beaded curtains swayed gently, shimmering like stars, transforming the entire brothel into a dreamlike fairyland. Some guests raised their cups in toasts, while others whispered to their companions; every corner was filled with joyful songs and laughter, yet all maintained an air of refined elegance.

"Junior Sister, come with me." Nangong Sheng led Su Yunruo along a very secluded path inside Ningcui Pavilion. They slowly ascended the stairs, step by step, until they reached the top floor of Ningcui Pavilion. The top floor had four separate rooms, each separated by a winding corridor, making them exceptionally private.

Nangong Sheng gently pushed open the door to one of the side rooms. The room was elegantly and exquisitely furnished, with wisps of incense smoke rising from the incense burner, filling the entire room with a faint fragrance. He carefully helped Su Yunruo to sit down on the bed and said gently, "Yunruo, rest here for a while. I'll go make some arrangements." After saying this, Nangong Sheng gave Su Yunruo a deep look, then turned and hurriedly left the room.

Su Yunruo sat quietly at the table, her gaze wandering, her thoughts a tangled web of emotions. She didn't know how much time had passed when a soft knock came at the door. "Who is it?" Su Yunruo asked warily. "It's me, Junior Sister," Nangong Sheng's familiar voice came slowly. Hearing this, Su Yunruo breathed a sigh of relief, got up, quickly went to the door, and opened it.

Nangong Sheng entered the room, smiled slightly at Su Yunruo, and said, "Junior Sister, the matriarch of Ningcui Pavilion will be coming over in a little while. She's an acquaintance of yours!" Su Yunruo frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Senior Brother, who is it?" Nangong Sheng simply smiled but remained silent. Just as Su Yunruo was feeling puzzled, several footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by a knock.

"Come in," Nangong Sheng said with a slight smile.

With a creak, the door slowly opened, and several people rushed in from outside. Leading the way was a woman in her thirties with bright, lively eyes, graceful bearing, and still beautiful appearance. Behind her were four girls dressed in pink, each carrying a tray filled with various snacks and tea.

"Put down the tea and snacks and then leave," the leading woman instructed softly.

The four girls in pink did as instructed, put down the tray, bowed, and left the room.

The graceful woman slowly looked at Su Yunruo, her eyes filled with barely suppressed joy, and said, "Miss Yunruo, do you still remember me?"

Su Yunruo examined her very carefully, and then exclaimed in realization, "Aunt Liu, you are Aunt Liu!"

Aunt Liu said with a smile, "It's been many years since we last met, and you've grown into an even more beautiful and charming young lady."

Su Yunruo nodded slightly and said softly, "Aunt Liu, how have you been?"

At this moment, Nangong Sheng interjected, "Aunt Liu has been thinking about you a lot."

Aunt Liu gently scolded, "You're such a sweet talker."

Her gaze shifted to Su Yunruo again, her eyes filled with concern, as she asked, "Miss Yunruo, how have you been these past years?"

Su Yunruo smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt Liu. Everything is fine."

Aunt Liu seemed relieved, then, as if remembering something, said to Su Yunruo, "Miss Yunruo, you were so young when I left back then, I never imagined you'd grow up so much. Time really flies..."

Her words revealed a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past.

"Yunruo, Aunt Liu is the head of Ningcui Pavilion. From now on, you can ask Aunt Liu for help with any news in the capital's officialdom. I have already told Aunt Liu about your specific situation just now." Nangong Sheng said to Su Yunruo with great affection.

"Yunruo, Aunt Liu will definitely do her best to assist you." Aunt Liu also agreed repeatedly.

Su Yunruo said gratefully, "Thank you very much, Aunt Liu. I'm afraid I'll be troubling you a lot in the future."

Aunt Liu waved her hand gently: "What are you saying, young lady? It would be my honor to be able to help."

After the three chatted casually for a few more minutes, Aunt Liu got up to say goodbye, saying, "You two continue chatting, I'll go and arrange some related matters."

So, only Nangong Sheng and Su Yunruo remained in the room.

Su Yunruo took a small sip of tea and said, "Senior brother, thank you."

Nangong Sheng smiled and said, "Junior sister, just say a few good things about me in front of Master in the future." Su Yunruo secretly chuckled to herself.

Just then, a sudden knock on the door rang out, like a thunderclap shattering the tranquility of the room. Nangong Sheng keenly sensed the source of the sound, quickly rose, and with steady, agile steps, charged towards the door like a cheetah. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently pushed the door open, revealing a figure standing clearly outside—it was Aunt Liu. Nangong Sheng stepped aside, giving Aunt Liu enough space to enter the room.

Aunt Liu smiled gently, her eyes as warm as the spring sun. Her gaze first fell on Nangong Sheng, then turned to Su Yunruo, and she said softly, "Young master, young lady, we have a big fish today." Her tone revealed a hint of anticipation and excitement.

"Who is it?" "What big fish?" The two spoke almost simultaneously, their voices filled with curiosity and doubt.

Aunt Liu's lips curled up slightly, her smile growing even brighter. She slowly said, "It is the Third Prince, Si Yunyuan." This name was like a boulder thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples.

Upon hearing this news, Su Yunruo and Nangong Sheng exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in each other's eyes. The name of the Third Prince, Si Yunyuan, was not unfamiliar to them, but at this moment it brought an unexpected shock.

Nangong Sheng broke the silence first. His brows furrowed slightly, his expression serious, and he asked in a low voice, "Did the Third Prince come alone?" His words revealed his concern for the situation.

Aunt Liu shook her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with wisdom. She lowered her voice and replied mysteriously, "That's not the case. I heard that he came here because a crucial matter has recently occurred in the court, and he needs to find some private support." Her voice was deep and mysterious.

Su Yunruo frowned and asked in confusion, "How did Aunt Liu know about such a confidential matter?" Aunt Liu smiled slightly, her face radiating confidence, and replied softly, "Miss, don't forget, my Ningcui Pavilion is very well-informed."

Nangong Sheng pondered for a moment, then said with a serious expression, "Aunt Liu, you need to arrange for someone suitable to accompany him. We'll discuss this further after we've gathered some information." Aunt Liu gently shook her head, her face showing worry, and slowly said, "Don't rush things. Let's see who the Third Prince chooses to accompany him later." With that, she turned and left.

The three remained silent, the air around them seemingly frozen, as they waited quietly. A short while later, a young maidservant rushed in to report that the Third Prince had chosen Ruyue, the top dancer of Ningcui Pavilion, to accompany him.

Aunt Liu frowned slightly, her expression grave, and said worriedly, "Ruyue has always been a deep thinker; I wonder if she can find out anything useful this time." Nangong Sheng's gaze was solemn, his lips pressed tightly together, and he said firmly, "I hope she can live up to my expectations."

Su Yunruo bit her lip, her heart filled with worry: "If she doesn't succeed, what should we do?"

Nangong Sheng reassured her, "Junior sister, don't be anxious. Let's see how things develop."

About an hour later, Ruyue came to report. Her expression was complicated, and she seemed hesitant to speak, as if a thousand words were stuck in her heart. Aunt Liu hurriedly asked, "How is it? Did you find out anything?" Ruyue gently shook her head, her face full of helplessness: "This Third Prince is very tight-lipped. I tried to probe him several times, but I only got some ambiguous answers. Moreover, from what I heard from his words, he is still waiting for someone, and this person has not arrived yet. I have to hurry back to serve him."

Nangong Sheng frowned slightly, his expression stern as ice, and said in a deep voice, "You go first."

Ruyue's heart tightened, but she still nodded obediently, slowly exhaled, and respectfully replied, "Yes, this servant will take her leave now." Her voice was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing past one's ear, bringing a sense of comfort.

Su Yunruo couldn't help but sigh, her face full of worry, her brows furrowed tightly, her concern evident in her expression: "It seems this matter is quite troublesome."