The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

Yue Ning Garden, General's Residence.

"Miss, I heard from the maids sweeping the Rose Garden that the clothes and jewelry for the eldest young lady's plum blossom banquet have been delivered. What do you think, should we take them?" Xiangling, Su Ning'er's personal maid, whispered to her.

Su Ning'er raised an eyebrow slightly and gently scolded, "Don't be so petty. What does Eldest Sister's business have to do with us? She'll attend hers, and I'll attend mine. However, what might happen at the banquet is another matter." With that, she looked out the window, lost in thought. Xiangling timidly replied, "Yes," and dared not say anything more. The room fell silent for a moment, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the breeze outside the window.

A moment later, Su Ning'er slowly got up, walked to the dressing table, picked up a jade hairpin and gently played with it. "Xiangling, why do you think everyone in this mansion always values ​​these superficial vanities so much?" Xiangling didn't know how to answer for a moment, and just stood aside with her head down.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and a maid came in to report, "Miss, Madam requests your presence." Su Ning'er nodded slightly, straightened her skirt, and walked towards Madam's courtyard with Xiangling.

Although it was winter, the flowers, plants, and trees in the lady's courtyard were all very well cared for, exuding vitality even in the cold season. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, bathing the entire courtyard in a warm glow, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.

Su Ning'er strolled into the house, gave Madam a standard bow, and asked softly, "Greetings, Aunt. Ning'er has come to pay her respects." Madam Su nodded slightly, a gentle smile on her face, and gestured for Su Ning'er to sit down. She then said softly, "Ning'er, the plum blossom viewing banquet is in a few days. You must prepare well."

Su Ning'er nodded gently and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I understand."

Madam Su sighed softly and continued, "Although your eldest sister has just returned to the General's Mansion, she has been pampered and raised at Qingyu Manor all these years. She has learned everything she should have learned. Before she returned, I had already sent someone to test her talent. She is only better than you, no worse than you. So you should avoid her at this plum blossom banquet."

A barely perceptible hint of jealousy flashed in Su Ning'er's eyes, but her lips still held a sweet smile as she replied softly, "Ning'er understands, and will certainly bring glory to the General's Mansion."

Madam Su nodded in satisfaction, gave a few more instructions, and then sent Su Ning'er back. After leaving Madam Su's courtyard, Su Ning'er was filled with many thoughts.

Back at Yuening Garden, Su Ning'er sat on the couch with a gloomy expression, while Xiangling served her carefully, not daring to utter a sound.

Su Ning'er suddenly said angrily, "Hmph! Why is Su Yunruo so highly regarded just because she came back? Have all my efforts in the manor over the years been in vain?"

Xiangling quickly comforted her, "Miss, don't be angry. That young lady has only been here for a short time; her glory is just temporary."

Su Ning'er snorted coldly: "A moment of glory? I'm afraid this glory will always be pressing down on me, preventing me from ever getting ahead."

Xiangling's eyes lit up, and she said, "Miss, why don't we think of a way to stand out at the plum blossom banquet?"

Su Ning'er looked up, her eyes sharp as she stared at Xiang Ling: "What good ideas do you have?"

Xiangling leaned closer to Su Ning'er and whispered, "Miss, I heard that the Empress's plum blossom viewing banquet this time not only has young masters from various noble families and dignitaries from the capital, but also many princes. Aren't you particularly fond of the Third Prince...?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ning'er's heart skipped a beat. She knew this might be a rare opportunity for her and the Third Prince to develop a closer relationship. Her eyes lit up instantly, but quickly dimmed again. "The Third Prince..." she murmured softly, her heart filled with conflict and turmoil.

Su Ning'er was well aware of the Third Prince's extremely noble status. However, the Third Prince frequently visited the General's Mansion and maintained a close relationship with her eldest cousin. Because her eldest cousin worked under the Third Prince, she also had many opportunities to see him. Every time they met, the Third Prince always took great care of her, and sometimes she could even feel the burning intensity in his eyes when he looked at her. This special attention excited her.

Su Ning'er knew that if she could take her relationship with the Third Prince to the next level, her future would be completely transformed.

…………

At this moment, in the Yongshou Palace of the Imperial Palace, even in the harsh winter, plum blossoms bloomed proudly outside the palace walls, adding a touch of vitality to the palace. Thick snow piled up on the stone steps in front of the palace gate, swept into graceful arcs by the palace maids. Inside the palace, it was warm as spring, with the faint scent of sandalwood emanating from the incense burner, a stark contrast to the cold outside. The Imperial Concubine reclined on a soft couch, holding a hand warmer in her hands.

The Third Prince's mother, Consort Hui, leaned against a soft couch, holding a hand warmer in her hands, looking at her son. The Third Prince's expression was respectful, but he could not hide the ambition in his eyes.

Consort Hui picked up the tea from the small table beside her, took a sip, and said slowly, "My child, you must seize this opportunity at the plum blossom viewing banquet. The young ladies of the General's Mansion are all capable of winning over and becoming allies."

The Third Prince frowned slightly and said, “Mother, I know what I’m doing. But I’m having a hard time choosing between Su Ning’er and Su Yunruo. Su Yunruo is, after all, the eldest daughter, while Su Ning’er, although not the eldest son’s child, has been deeply loved by the General and his wife over the years, and they seem to be treating her like their own child.”

Consort Hui smiled slightly, understanding her son's thoughts, and said, "Su Yunruo has just returned to the General's Mansion, and her foundation is not yet stable. Su Ning'er has been in the mansion for many years, so she should be easier to control. But everything still needs to be decided by you."

The Third Prince nodded and said, "Your subject understands."

He knew in his heart that the young ladies of the General's Mansion were crucial to his future ascension to the throne. If he could gain their support, he would be one step closer to that position. However, faced with the choice between Su Ning'er and Su Yunruo, he fell into deep thought.

Although Su Ning'er wasn't born to the first wife, her position in the General's Mansion was not to be underestimated. She was intelligent, perceptive, and well-liked by the General and his wife. Gaining her support would be a great asset to the Third Prince.

As the legitimate daughter, Su Yunruo possesses a noble status, making her a suitable choice. However, having just returned to the General's Mansion, her position is not yet secure, and whether she is willing to participate in this power struggle remains to be seen.

The Third Prince knew that he needed to carefully consider whoever he chose. He had to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that was most beneficial to him.

"Mother, do you think Her Majesty the Empress really intends to choose a consort for her son? Or does she have other plans?"

"Mother Consort is unaware of her plans, but this plum blossom viewing banquet is not as simple as it seems on the surface. As far as Mother Consort knows, ever since the Empress announced the banquet, the wives of officials of the second rank or above have been coming and going from Fengming Palace every day, but your maternal grandmother and your aunt were not invited. She must be planning something. Mother Consort has been inquiring about it, but those ladies who were summoned will not say anything."

“This…” Si Yunyuan pondered deeply.

Consort Hui sighed softly and said slowly, "Yuan'er, this matter needs careful consideration. No matter what the Empress intends to do, we must be cautious." Her tone revealed a hint of worry and concern.

The Third Prince nodded solemnly and replied, "Mother, rest assured, I will act with caution. However, during this plum blossom viewing banquet, various forces will likely make their moves, so I need to make thorough preparations in advance." A determined light shone in his eyes, as if he had already begun to consider countermeasures.

Consort Hui put down her teacup, looked at her son with a firm gaze, and said earnestly, "Yuan'er, for your future, you must not be careless. You must make a decision about Su Ning'er and Su Yunruo as soon as possible." There was a hint of urgency in her words, hoping that her son could make a wise choice.

The Third Prince replied, "Yes, Mother. I will think it through as soon as possible. However, we must be careful in winning over the General's Mansion and not let others discover our intentions." He was well aware of the risks involved, but he also understood the importance of this matter for his future.

Consort Hui nodded slightly in agreement: "Yes, it's good that you understand. The situation in the palace is complicated. If you are not careful, you will be doomed." Her face showed concern for her son, while also reminding him to always be vigilant.

The third prince clenched his fists and said with determination, "Your subject will do his utmost to live up to Mother's expectations." He secretly vowed to strive to achieve his goals and not disappoint his mother.

Just then, a gust of cold wind suddenly came in from outside the window, making the window creak.

The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy. The Third Prince got up and walked to the window, gazing at the branches of the trees outside that were rustling in the cold wind, his thoughts growing increasingly deep.

Consort Hui frowned slightly and said, "This wind is making people uneasy. I hope it won't affect your plans."

The Third Prince turned around and looked at Consort Hui with a determined gaze: "Mother, I will find a way to survive, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be." Consort Hui nodded slightly, her eyes full of trust and expectation: "Good, I believe in you. But in the next few days, you must not act rashly, and do not let anyone discover your intentions."

The Third Prince agreed, but in his heart he was already planning how to subtly approach Su Yunruo at the plum blossom banquet in order to find out her attitude.