The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Su Yunruo and the Crown Prince discussed the plum blossom viewing banquet in a private room of the Ni Chang Pavilion. Su Yunruo knew that this banquet was not only for selecting the Crown Princess, but also a rare opportunity for everyone to get to know her again. She had to gain the approval of the officials' families in the capital on this occasion to prepare for her future return to the Duke of Jing's mansion and the royal family.

The Crown Prince gazed intently at Su Yunruo, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He said softly, "Sister Yunruo, don't worry. I will carefully prepare the most suitable clothes and jewelry for you, ensuring you shine at the banquet. You just need to be yourself; leave everything else to me."

Su Yunruo nodded slightly, a sweet smile on her face, her eyes sparkling. She said softly, "Thank you, Crown Prince. It's so good to have you here."

The Crown Prince gently patted Su Yunruo's hand and said firmly, "Yunruo, you are my cousin, and I will never let you get hurt. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will do everything in my power to protect you."

A warm feeling welled up in Su Yunruo's heart; she deeply felt the Crown Prince's care and protection for her. She secretly resolved to make the most of this opportunity and make her name resound throughout the capital.

Just as the two were talking, a soft footstep suddenly came from outside the door. The sound interrupted their conversation and alerted them. The Crown Prince frowned and signaled Su Yunruo to remain vigilant.

"Who is it?" the Crown Prince shouted, his handsome face appearing exceptionally dignified. The door was gently pushed open, and the Crown Prince's personal guard entered, walking briskly.

"Your Highness, we have just received news that Her Majesty the Empress seems to have other plans for this plum blossom viewing banquet," the guard said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince frowned deeply, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. He knew all too well that the Empress was meticulous and that every action she took might conceal a deeper meaning.

"Do you know what the arrangement is?" the Crown Prince asked.

The guard shook his head. "It's not clear yet. All we know is that Her Majesty the Empress has been frequently summoning the wives of several important officials in the court these past few days."

Su Yunruo's heart tightened, and her delicate brows furrowed slightly. She immediately understood the seriousness of the situation. "Crown Prince, it seems that my aunt, the Empress, has some kind of plan. We must find out her intentions as soon as possible, otherwise it may cause trouble for her."

The Crown Prince pondered for a moment and nodded. "Very well, then tomorrow I will have Princess Linglan go to the General's Mansion to find you, and then take you to the palace to see the Empress Dowager and ask her about her plans in person."

Su Yunruo responded softly, silently praying that everything would go smoothly.

"Brother Crown Prince, I'll be returning to my residence now." Su Yunruo stood up and bowed to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince nodded and instructed, "Be careful on the road, and wait for my news."

Su Yunruo boarded the carriage and slowly left the Ni Chang Pavilion.

…………

The next morning, the sun shone brightly and the weather was pleasant. Just as the Crown Prince had predicted, Princess Linglan arrived at the General's Mansion early in the morning. Upon learning this, General's wife, Madam Su, personally went out to greet her.

"Princess Linglan, what brings you to our residence today?" Madam Su asked with a smile.

“I’ve come to see Sister Yunruo,” Princess Linglan replied with a smile.

"It seems Princess Linglan is quite fond of our Yunruo!" Madam Su turned to look at Princess Linglan, a hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes.

Princess Linglan smiled gently and replied, "Madam Su, Sister Yunruo is exceptionally intelligent and lovable, so naturally I adore her."

Madam Su nodded in understanding, and then invited, "In that case, please come into the manor quickly, Princess. I will send someone to summon Yunruo."

Before long, Su Yunruo hurried to the front hall. Upon seeing Princess Linglan, a look of joy immediately appeared on her face.

"Princess, you're here!" Su Yunruo said cheerfully.

Princess Linglan took Su Yunruo's hand and said gently, "Sister Yunruo, I've come to take you to Lanyue Pavilion."

“Okay, but… I need to tell my mother first.” After saying that, Su Yunruo turned and walked towards Madam Su.

"Mother, may I go to Lanyue Pavilion with Princess?" Su Yunru blinked her big, watery eyes and looked at Madam Su with anticipation.

Madam Su was slightly taken aback, but looking at her daughter's adorable appearance, she couldn't help but smile. She gently patted Su Yunruo's head and said softly, "Go ahead, but take plenty of people with you and be careful while you're out."

After receiving her mother's permission, she quickly turned to Princess Linglan and excitedly said, "Princess, my mother has agreed! Let's go!" With that, she eagerly took the princess's hand and prepared to leave.

After bidding farewell to the General's wife, the two walked together out of the mansion. They boarded the carriage and rode towards Lan Yue Pavilion, their voices filled with laughter and conversation. Inside the carriage, Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan chatted about the interesting events that had occurred in the capital over the past few days, sharing their joy.

Finally, the carriage stopped in front of Lanyue Pavilion. The two alighted and entered the unique building. Lanyue Pavilion was elegantly decorated and had a distinctive charm. A quiet two-story building stood there, with ancient trees towering in front of it, their branches and leaves lush, like a natural screen.

Princess Linglan smiled and said to Su Yunruo, "Sister Yunruo, let's rest here for a while. His Highness the Crown Prince will be here soon." Su Yunruo nodded gently, her eyes taking in the surroundings. The interior of the teahouse was exquisitely decorated yet rustic, with mahogany tables and chairs, porcelain vases and ornaments, all exuding an ancient charm.

There is an open-air platform on the top floor, a place to admire the moon. On the night of the full moon, many literati and scholars gather here to compose poems, admire the bright moon, and enjoy the beautiful time.

Before long, the Crown Prince arrived. His face was beaming with a smile that was as warm as a spring breeze. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," the Crown Prince said with a smile, his tone kind and gentle.

"Crown Prince, brother." Su Yunruo bowed slightly, a hint of tenderness in her eyes. Her beauty was like a flower blooming in spring, fresh and captivating.

The Crown Prince looked at Su Yunruo, his eyes revealing a hint of doting and care. "Sister Yunruo, go change your clothes, we're going to the palace," he said softly. As he spoke, the Crown Prince handed the clothes he had brought to Rendong, asking her to help Su Yunruo change.

Su Yunruo entered the room and changed into the clothes the Crown Prince had brought. "Let's go, we'll go to the palace," he said with a smile, then led Su Yunruo away from Lanyue Pavilion.

Princess Linglan remained in Lanyue Pavilion, awaiting their return. The Crown Prince and Su Yunruo boarded a carriage and headed towards the palace. Inside the carriage, the Crown Prince and Su Yunruo chatted and laughed continuously.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, the Crown Prince led Su Yunruo alighting from the carriage, and the two walked towards the Empress's palace. Along the way, the Crown Prince deliberately avoided the Imperial Garden, taking a secluded palace path to Fengming Palace. Upon reaching Fengming Palace, the palace maids at the gate hurriedly went inside to announce their arrival. A short while later, the Empress's voice could be heard: "Quickly, let the Crown Prince in."

The Crown Prince led Su Yunruo into the palace. Su Yunruo obediently followed behind the Crown Prince, bowing and saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

The Empress looked at her son with a kind smile and said softly, "No need for formalities, come and sit down."

The Crown Prince and Su Yunruo sat down in front of the Empress. Su Yunruo sat quietly to the side, listening to the conversation between the mother and son.

The Empress turned to look at Su Yunruo behind the Crown Prince. She felt that Su Yunruo looked familiar, but she couldn't remember where she had seen her before. So she asked curiously, "And this is...?"

The Crown Prince quickly replied, "Mother, she is Yun Ruo's cousin."

The Empress suddenly realized that it was Su Yunruo, no wonder she looked so familiar.

Su Yunruo raised her cute little face and sweetly called out, "Aunt Empress."

A hint of surprise flashed in the Empress's eyes, and she smiled, saying, "Oh, it's Yun Ruo!"

At this moment, the Crown Prince broke the awkward silence, saying earnestly to the Empress, "Mother, Yunruo has come to the palace this time because she has something she wants to ask you for advice."

The Empress raised an eyebrow slightly and asked with interest, "Oh? What is it? Tell me."

Su Yunruo thought for a moment and said cautiously, "Aunt, I heard that you have made some arrangements for the plum blossom banquet, so I came here specifically to ask for your advice. I am worried that my actions may disrupt your plans, and I hope you can give me some suggestions."

The Empress looked at Su Yunruo before her, smiled gently, then turned to the Crown Prince and nodded slightly. Next, she turned back to Su Yunruo and said with a smile, "Yunruo, you don't need to worry, everything is under your aunt's control."

The Empress gently took Su Yunruo's hand and said tenderly, "Good child, your aunt understands your feelings. However, there are some things that are not suitable to tell you now. As for your concern about ruining my plans... what exactly is going on?"

Su Yunruo blinked, a sly glint in her eyes, and said softly, "Su Ning'er plans to trip me up at your plum blossom viewing banquet. Although I don't know exactly what she'll do, I'm confident I can make her suffer the consequences."

Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "That's alright. The whole thing was originally announced to help your Crown Prince choose a consort. There will definitely be people who try to take advantage of the situation. You just need to be flexible and act accordingly. By the way, I remember you mentioned before that Su Ning'er and the Third Prince have a close relationship. Why not take this opportunity to bring them together?" With that, a meaningful smile appeared on the Empress's lips.

Then the Empress turned to the Crown Prince: "Chen'er, you must take good care of Yunruo." The Crown Prince nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Mother." After saying that, he glanced at Su Yunruo, his eyes revealing a hint of concern.

After spending a short while in the Empress's palace, the Crown Prince and Su Yunruo rose to take their leave and departed from Fengming Palace. As they exited the palace gates, the Crown Prince said to Su Yunruo, "Sister Yunruo, since Mother has said so, you can rest assured." His gentle voice warmed Su Yunruo's heart.

Su Yunruo nodded slightly, looking at the Crown Prince with gratitude: "Thank you, Crown Prince Brother." She knew that with the Crown Prince by her side, she would feel more at ease.

The two boarded the carriage together and headed towards Lan Yue Pavilion. The carriage moved slowly along the wide road, the wheels making a soft sound as they rolled. Inside the carriage, the Crown Prince and Su Yunruo sat facing each other, their eyes meeting, and they could both feel the warmth in each other's eyes.

Su Yunruo said softly, "Brother Crown Prince, I am so grateful to have you by my side this time." Her tone was full of gratitude.

The Crown Prince smiled gently and replied, "Yunruo, there's no need to be so polite with me. You can come to me for anything in the future." The warmth in his words made Su Yunruo feel incredibly at ease.

Before long, the carriage arrived at Lanyue Pavilion. Princess Linglan was already anxiously waiting at the entrance, and upon seeing them return, she hurriedly went to greet them.

"We've finally waited for you to return! How did it go? What did Her Majesty the Empress say?" Princess Linglan asked impatiently, her eyes full of concern.

Su Yunruo smiled slightly and briefly recounted the situation in the Empress's palace. Princess Linglan nodded thoughtfully after listening, "In that case, things aren't too difficult." The three of them went inside together and sat down to continue discussing countermeasures. Su Yunruo said with a smile, "No matter how Su Ning'er tries to cause trouble, I will definitely not let her succeed. Remember to cooperate with me at the plum blossom banquet, Princess."

Princess Linglan patted her chest and assured her, "Don't worry, Sister Yunruo, I will do my best to help you."

At this moment, a maid brought tea and snacks, and the group rested for a while. The Crown Prince said, "Sister Yunruo, it's getting late. You and Linglan should go back to the manor early. I will arrange the rest. I will let you know when the time comes."

"Brother Crown Prince, then Sister Linglan and I will head back to our residences first." After bidding farewell to the Crown Prince, the two returned home separately.

Upon returning to the Su residence, Su Yunruo had just stepped through the second gate when she saw Su Ning'er waiting there with a smug look on her face.

"Oh, where have you been all this time, sister? Look at you, all smiles." Su Ning'er said sarcastically. Su Yunruo ignored her and headed straight for the Rose Garden. Seeing that Su Yunruo was ignoring her, Su Ning'er became even more emboldened: "Sister, did you go to curry favor with the Empress? Humph, I wonder what kind of seductive tricks you used."

Su Yunruo sneered, "Sister, your words are really unpleasant. I was just going to have tea with Princess Linglan, how did it involve Her Majesty the Empress? Your unrestrained speech will bring great disaster to the Su family."

Su Ning'er's expression changed, but she still said unwillingly, "Don't try to scare me with these words. Who knows if you've been doing something shady outside?"

Su Yunruo stopped and looked sharply at Su Ning'er: "Su Ning'er, don't make false accusations. I do things honestly and uprightly. It's you who are always up to no good and are always thinking about how to scheme against others."

Su Ning'er was stunned by Su Yunruo's imposing aura and was speechless for a moment. Su Yunruo ignored her and turned to continue walking towards the Rose Garden.