The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

In the days following the welcoming banquet, the General's Mansion seemed to have returned to its usual tranquility, but undercurrents were swirling beneath the surface. Su Ning'er's position in the mansion was threatened, and she was filled with unease and anger. Meanwhile, Su Yunruo, through her charm, gradually won the respect of everyone in the mansion.

At Xiangling's suggestion, Su Ning'er began to visit Madam Su frequently, bringing her handmade sachets and pastries. Madam Su was quite pleased with these small gifts from Su Ning'er, and her attitude towards her gradually improved. Su Ning'er took the opportunity to show her obedience and understanding in front of Madam Su, making Madam Su feel that her position in the household was threatened.

At the same time, Su Yunruo did not let her guard down. She knew that Su Ning'er would not give up easily, so she was even more careful in dealing with various situations in the mansion.

…………

Inside the study of the Su family mansion, sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto the chessboard, where black and white pieces were interspersed, forming an intricate pattern.

"Senior Brother, how is Junior Sister doing at the General's Mansion? I'm finding it so hard to adjust since she left." Nangong Sheng said, picking up a white chess piece and rubbing it in his hand, a hint of worry in his eyes. He gently placed the piece on the chessboard, as if deep in thought.

Yuwen Mo smiled slightly and replied, "Don't worry, Junior Sister Yunruo is intelligent and quick-witted, she will definitely be able to handle it with ease." He placed a black piece, his expression calm and composed, full of confidence in Su Yunruo.

Nangong Sheng frowned slightly and said worriedly, "But the people in the General's Mansion are complicated, and I'm always feeling uneasy." His eyes were fixed on the chessboard, but he hesitated to place the white piece in his hand.

Yuwen Mo raised his head, looked at Nangong Sheng, and comforted him, "Junior Brother Sheng, don't worry. Junior Sister Yunruo has always been decisive. If she really has difficulties, she will surely find a way to send a message back."

Nangong Sheng sighed softly, slowly put down the white piece, and said in a low voice, "I hope so." A trace of helplessness and concern flashed in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in the General's mansion, Su Yunruo sat quietly by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. She was secretly calculating Su Ning'er's next move and silently formulating her own plan. She knew that facing an opponent like Su Ning'er, she had to remain vigilant and be fully prepared.

…………

Rose Garden of the General's Mansion.

The winter sun streamed through the window, illuminating Su Yunruo's beautiful figure. She sat quietly on the chaise longue, holding a yellowed book in her hands, but her gaze was not on the pages; instead, she was lost in deep thought.

Images of the future kept flashing through her mind, each detail gradually becoming clearer in her thoughts. She knew that the days to come would be full of challenges, and she had to carefully plan every move.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a light footstep came from outside. Honeysuckle hurried into the room, her footsteps light and making a soft sound as she walked. She stamped her feet as soon as she entered, trying to ward off the cold, then breathed on her hands to warm them up.

Once she had warmed up, Ren Dong approached Su Yunruo and whispered a few words to her. Her voice was low and gentle. "Miss, our people have sent word that the palace is holding a grand plum blossom viewing banquet to select a suitable crown princess for the Crown Prince. I expect Madam Su will send someone to deliver the message soon."

Su Yunruo frowned slightly, gently put down the book in her hand, and a trace of worry appeared in her eyes. "This plum blossom appreciation banquet came so suddenly, I'm afraid it will be another turbulent event." She sighed softly, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

Honeysuckle nodded, her face also showing a hint of seriousness. "Miss, what are your plans? Su Ning'er will definitely seize this opportunity to make a big fuss; we can't let our guard down."

Su Yunruo stood up and gracefully paced around the room, her steps light yet steady. Her thoughts raced, and after a moment, she stopped, her gaze firm, and said, "No need to rush. Let's wait for news from Madam Su. At the same time, we must be fully prepared for any eventuality."

Not long after, a maid came to deliver a message, saying that Madam Su invited Su Yunruo to come over. Su Yunruo straightened her clothes and then went with Rendong.

Upon arriving at Madam Su's courtyard, Su Ning'er was already sitting there, looking at Su Yunruo with a smug expression. As she approached, Su Ning'er said, "Sister, you've arrived?"

Su Yunruo nodded and smiled in response, "Mm."

At this moment, Madam Su said, "News has come from the palace that a plum blossom appreciation banquet will be held in ten days to select a consort for the Crown Prince. Our General's Mansion is also among the invited guests. You two sisters should prepare well. The mansion will arrange for people to provide you with the clothes and jewelry for the banquet."

Upon hearing this, Su Ning'er's eyes lit up, and she immediately stood up and said, "Don't worry, Aunt, Ning'er will definitely do her best and not bring shame to the General's Mansion." After saying that, she gave Su Yunruo a smug look.

Su Yunruo smiled slightly and replied calmly, "Yunruo will naturally follow Mother's arrangements."

Su Ning'er gave a soft snort, clearly dissatisfied with Su Yunruo's answer.

After leaving Madam Su's courtyard, Su Ning'er deliberately slowed her pace and walked alongside Su Yunruo. She said in a provocative tone, "Sister, this flower-viewing banquet is a great opportunity. I'm going to show off. I'm afraid you don't have the ability."

Su Yunruo remained calm, a slight smile playing on her lips, and replied unhurriedly, "Then let's wait and see who will shine at the flower-viewing banquet." With that, she quickened her pace, ignoring Su Ning'er.

Back at the Rose Garden, Ren Dong anxiously said, "Miss, Su Ning'er is so arrogant, what should we do?" Su Yunruo's gaze was firm: "Don't panic, we'll proceed according to plan." After speaking, she turned to Ying Qi and softly instructed, "Ying Qi, send a message to my brother, the Crown Prince, telling him that I will be going to the Rainbow Pavilion tomorrow and asking him to come and meet me there when he has time." Ying Qi nodded and quickly left.

The next morning, Su Yunruo got up early, changed into an elegant light purple dress, and paired it with a thick fox fur cloak, making her look graceful and beautiful. Aunt Rou carefully helped her adjust her clothes and instructed Tang Qiu to prepare a delicate hand warmer to prevent her from catching a cold. After everything was ready, Su Yunruo led Tang Qiu and Rendong out of the room.

Meanwhile, in Yuening Garden, Su Ning'er learned that Su Yunruo had gone out. She snorted coldly, a hint of jealousy and resentment flashing in her eyes: "That bitch, she's definitely out seducing men again! She must be plotting something shameful again. Humph, I'll see what tricks she can pull!" Su Ning'er secretly plotted how to deal with Su Yunruo, a sinister smile appearing on her face.

Su Yunruo arrived at Ni Chang Pavilion with her maid Qianxia. As soon as the waiter saw her, he immediately led her to a side room in the back courtyard, and then turned to inform Manager Qingyou.

Before long, Manager Qingyou rushed over and smiled when he saw Su Yunruo: "Miss Yunruo, you've arrived."

Su Yunruo smiled and nodded, politely replying, "Thank you for your trouble, Sister Qingyou."

As the two were talking, footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. The door to the room was gently pushed open, and the Crown Prince slowly walked in. His gaze fell on Su Yunruo, his eyes full of tenderness: "Sister Yunruo, have you been waiting long?"

Su Yunruo quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Crown Prince."

The crown prince quickly stepped forward, helped her up, and said softly, "No need for such formalities."

The two sat down together. Su Yunruo picked up her teacup, took a sip to moisten her throat, and then told the Crown Prince the important things that had happened during her days back at the General's Mansion. Finally, she made her request.

"Brother Crown Prince, my aunt, the Empress, is holding a plum blossom appreciation banquet in a few days, and I need your assistance."

The Crown Prince slightly raised his head, gazed at Su Yunruo, and asked softly, "What do you need me to do?"

"I need my brother, the Crown Prince, to help me prepare the clothes and jewelry I'll be wearing that day. The clothes should be understated yet luxurious, and the jewelry should be simple and elegant. At least two sets are needed," Su Yunruo said.

"Sister, do you mean they'll tamper with your clothes and jewelry?" The Crown Prince looked at Su Yunruo, his brows furrowed, and asked with a worried expression.

“That’s right, the clothes I wore at the welcome banquet were tampered with. Aunt Rou picked out a similar outfit from the clothes you gave me before. Someone was eager to make a move against me.” Su Yunruo’s lips curled up, revealing a barely perceptible sneer.

"The people in the General's Mansion are too audacious!" The Crown Prince's face showed anger, and his tone was somewhat resentful. "Sister Yunruo, you must be careful in the General's Mansion. If there is any problem, have Yingqi and the others send me a message. I promised Father and Mother that I would protect you."

"Thank you, Crown Prince." Su Yunruo nodded gently, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes.

Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door. The Crown Prince's face darkened: "Go out and see what's going on." Ren Dong went out to investigate and returned shortly to report: "Miss, the Crown Prince, it's Su Ning'er who has arrived with her entourage." A hint of mockery flashed in Su Yunruo's eyes.

“Brother Crown Prince, you hide behind the screen first. I'll handle this.” Su Yunruo glanced at the screen in the room and gave the Crown Prince a meaningful look. The Crown Prince understood and stood up to walk towards the screen. Suddenly, the door was pushed open with a loud “bang.” Su Ning’er stormed into the room, her face contorted with anger. When she saw Su Yunruo sitting leisurely at the table, on which were several trays filled with precious brocade, her jealousy became even more pronounced.

Su Ning'er said sarcastically, "Sister, you seem to have quite the leisure and refinement, actually choosing fabrics for the plum blossom viewing banquet here."

Su Yunruo smiled slightly and replied calmly, "Why are you so aggressive, little sister?"

Su Ning'er snorted lightly: "Sister, have you forgotten that I am also attending this banquet? Of course, I should have a share of these fabrics."

Su Yunruo raised her eyebrows slightly: "What do you mean by that, little sister? I didn't stop you from choosing."

Su Ning'er bit her lip tightly, her eyes darting anxiously around as if searching for something. Suddenly, she raised her voice and shouted, "Sister always has so many good things around her, why can't you share some with your little sister?"

Upon hearing this, Su Yunruo, who was sitting in the chair, gently put down her teacup. Her face remained expressionless, but her tone was still calm: "If my sister needs it, she can go and buy it herself. Don't make a fuss here."

Su Ning'er took a few steps forward, approaching Su Yunruo, and asked in a somewhat provocative tone, "Sister, are you looking down on me?"

Faced with Su Ning'er's questioning, Su Yunruo remained calm and slowly replied, "Sister, don't talk nonsense. I'm just stating the facts."

Just then, the Crown Prince, who had been hiding behind the screen, finally couldn't help but cough softly. This sudden sound startled Su Ning'er, and her face turned as pale as paper.

Su Ning'er looked around in horror and asked in a trembling voice, "Are there other people in here?"

Su Yunruo's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile: "Why is my sister so panicked? Is there something to hide?"

Su Ning'er tried her best to remain calm and retorted, "What do you mean by that, sister? How could I possibly have anything to hide?"

Su Yunruo responded with a cold laugh, "In that case, sister, you should go back first and not disturb my mood." After saying that, she picked up her teacup again and took a small sip.

Su Ning'er glared fiercely at Su Yunruo, then turned and hurriedly left with her entourage.

Su Yunruo watched her departing figure, her eyes gradually turning cold.

The Crown Prince emerged from behind the screen, his brows furrowed, his tone tinged with displeasure. "This Su Ning'er is truly arrogant." His gaze lingered on the direction Su Ning'er had gone, his displeasure evident in her earlier behavior.

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, Su Yunruo bowed slightly and said softly, "I apologize for making you laugh, Crown Prince." Her voice was gentle, like a breeze, making people feel comfortable and at ease.

The Crown Prince waved his hand, indicating that Su Yunruo did not need to be so polite. He then sat down next to Su Yunruo, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "It's alright. It's you who, in the face of such difficulties, can remain so composed." His tone was filled with respect, clearly acknowledging Su Yunruo's ability to handle the situation.

Su Yunruo sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

"If Su Ning'er acts this way, she may cause trouble in the future." His brows furrowed even more.

Su Yunruo raised her head and looked at the Crown Prince, her eyes shining with determination. "I hope she can understand things soon."

The Crown Prince nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Su Yunruo's opinion, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "This banquet will surely be very exciting." His tone revealed anticipation, as he couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Su Yunruo smiled and replied, "Brother Crown Prince, your aunt, the Empress, is actually holding this plum blossom viewing banquet under the guise of finding you a Crown Princess." Her words carried a hint of teasing.

The Crown Prince gazed at Su Yunruo, his eyes sparkling with tenderness. "Sister Yunruo, are you making fun of me?" His voice was tinged with affection.

Su Yunruo met the Crown Prince's eyes, a blush rising on her face. She lowered her head shyly, "Crown Prince Brother..." Her voice became even softer.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew through the window, causing the gauze curtains to flutter softly, making the atmosphere even more enchanting.