The Eldest Daughter Returns with Power

On this day, after several days of gloom, the sun finally peeked out. Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes into the room, bringing warmth and brightness to the entire space.

"Miss, it's time to get up," Luo Chun called softly from the bedside, her voice gentle and warm.

"What time is it?" Su Yunruo rubbed her sleepy eyes, yawned, and asked, her tone slightly lazy.

"Miss, it's already 1:15 AM." Tang Qiu placed the basin on the shelf, preparing to serve her mistress's washing up.

Su Yunruo slowly got up, letting Tang Qiu and Luo Chun help her dress and wash. She stretched gently, enjoying the fresh morning air. In front of the dressing table, the bronze mirror reflected her beautiful face, which carried a hint of languor. She squinted slightly, looking at herself in the mirror, a faint sense of pleasure welling up in her heart.

Luo Chun stood to the side, skillfully combing Su Yunruo's hair. Her movements were light and delicate, as if every strand of hair was being carefully cared for. "Miss, it's rare to have such fine weather on a winter's day. It seems the plum blossom viewing banquet at the palace today will be a great success for both host and guests," Luo Chun said as she combed Su Yunruo's hair.

Su Yunruo raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Of course, this plum blossom appreciation banquet must be quite lively."

"Please put my hair up in a simple bun first, then I'll have breakfast." Su Yunruo looked at herself in the bronze mirror.

"Alright, Miss. It's all done now, please wait a moment." Luo Chun replied as she quickly put her hands to work, and soon she had styled Su Yunruo's hair.

Tang Qiu brought out breakfast, and Su Yunruo sat at the table, eating elegantly. Her movements were light and natural, displaying a noble temperament.

After breakfast, Su Yunruo stood up and walked lightly towards the wardrobe. Her eyes scanned the wardrobe, searching for the clothes that her brother, the Crown Prince, had sent a couple of days ago.

"Aunt Rou, where are the two sets of clothes that the Crown Prince sent a couple of days ago?" Su Yunruo asked.

Aunt Rou quickly came over and replied with a smile, "Miss, I've already taken them out and placed them at the foot of your bed. Please take a look and see which one you'd like to wear first?"

Su Yunruo walked to the bedside and carefully examined the two sets of clothes. One was a light blue brocade dress embroidered with plum blossoms, and the other was a light blue silk robe trimmed with silver threads. She gently stroked the fabric of each garment, feeling their texture.

After some thought, Su Yunruo picked up the light blue dress, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She said softly, "This one will do; it's appropriate for the occasion and still lively."

Aunt Rou, Tang Qiu, and Luo Chun immediately sprang into action, carefully helping Su Yunruo change into her new clothes.

"Miss, please sit down. I'll do your hair into a nice updo." Luo Chun pulled Su Yunruo to sit down at the dressing table.

Su Yunruo looked at the exquisite wooden box that her second senior brother had given her on the dressing table. Her mind was filled with complicated thoughts. She turned to Luo Chun behind her and said, "Luo Chun, wear this set of jewelry today."

“Yes, Miss,” Luo Chun replied, then quickly opened the wooden box, took out the ornaments inside, and began to quickly comb her hair into a bun.

In no time, Luo Chun finished. Looking at her mistress in the bronze mirror, her eyes were full of smiles, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Miss is so beautiful!"

Su Yunruo looked at herself in the mirror and was quite satisfied. She smiled and said, "Not bad, let's go."

The group left the Rose Pavilion and headed towards the General's Mansion gate. Just as they reached the entrance, they encountered Su Ning'er, who was also dressed and ready.

Upon seeing Su Yunruo, Su Ning'er immediately smiled, quickly stepped forward, and asked kindly, "Sister, may I ride in the same carriage as you?"

Su Yunruo glanced at her and replied indifferently, "I'm sorry, sister, my carriage can't fit too many people. You should ask the manor to arrange another one."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Su Ning'er's face, but she quickly regained her smile and said, "Okay, then I'll take a car by myself."

Su Yunruo ignored her and turned to board the carriage, heading towards the palace.

…………

When Su Yunruo arrived at the palace gate, many carriages were already parked there, and many young ladies and wives of officials were queuing to enter. Acquaintances huddled together in small groups. Although the sun was shining brightly, it was still quite cold.

"Sister Yunruo, over here!" Princess Linglan called out from the palace gate in the direction where Su Yunruo was.

"Uh..." Su Yunruo rubbed her forehead, unable to bear the sight. Then, she quickly walked towards Princess Linglan with Aunt Rou and Rendong.

"Greetings, Princess Linglan." Su Yunruo gave a slight curtsy to Princess Linglan.

"Don't be so polite, Sister Yunruo." Princess Linglan smiled and pulled Su Yunruo up. "Today's plum blossom viewing banquet is sure to be very interesting."

Su Yunruo nodded gently and replied, "Yes, Princess."

The two walked side by side with the crowd toward the palace.

Upon arriving, Su Ning'er was filled with jealousy and resentment upon witnessing this scene.

She gritted her teeth and thought to herself: Why does Su Yunruo receive such affectionate treatment from Princess Linglan? She should be the one who receives all the attention!

Su Ning'er took a deep breath, trying to calm her jealousy. She told herself to stay calm and not let anyone see her inner resentment.

Su Ning'er gripped her handkerchief tightly, secretly vowing to find an opportunity to get revenge on Su Yunruo and show her what she was capable of. At the same time, she also needed to find a way to win over Princess Linglan so that she could gain a foothold in the capital.

Meanwhile, Su Yunruo was unaware of Su Ning'er's thoughts. She was having a pleasant conversation with Princess Linglan. They were discussing the plum blossom viewing banquet that day, looking forward to appreciating the beautiful plum blossoms and making more like-minded friends.

As Su Ning'er watched Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan walk away, a hint of resentment flashed in her eyes. She was determined to ruin Su Yunruo's plans and make it impossible for her to gain a foothold in the elite circles of the capital.

Along the way, Princess Linglan enthusiastically chatted with Su Yunruo about the interesting things that had happened in the capital recently. Passing through several palace gates, they finally arrived at the Plum Garden, where the plum blossom viewing banquet was being held. On this winter's day, the plum blossoms in the palace were in full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance. The entire garden was ablaze with blossoms, red, white, and pink, a breathtaking sight. "Wow, so beautiful!" Su Yunruo couldn't help but exclaim.

"Sister Yunruo, let's go see Her Majesty the Empress first, and then we'll go admire the plum blossoms." Princess Linglan excitedly took Su Yunruo's hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The two walked hand in hand toward the Empress's palace—Fengyi Palace.

As they stepped into Fengyi Palace, a solemn and dignified atmosphere enveloped them. The Empress sat regally at the head of the table, her bearing as graceful as a blooming peony, noble and elegant. Her gentle gaze fell upon Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan respectfully bowed to the Empress and greeted her with elegant and graceful movements. The Empress smiled and asked them to rise, praising them kindly, "You two sisters are truly radiant today! Please rise."

Upon receiving the Empress's praise, Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan felt a surge of joy, but they remained humble. They replied in unison, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

After leaving Fengyi Palace, Su Yunruo and Princess Linglan returned to Plum Garden. At this time, the main hall in Plum Garden was filled with exquisite tables and chairs, with delicate pastries and tea on the tables, emitting an enticing aroma.

When Su Ning'er saw them return, she showed displeasure on her face and deliberately leaned forward to say in a sarcastic tone, "Sister and the princess are really close, they've forgotten about their younger sister."

Su Yunruo glanced at her indifferently and explained calmly, "Sister, don't take it to heart. We just chatted for a while when we went to pay our respects to the Empress." Su Ning'er snorted coldly, her face full of displeasure, and then fell silent. As time passed, more and more ladies and young ladies, as well as young masters from various families, arrived one after another.

At this moment, the nanny beside the Empress approached and announced loudly, "Distinguished guests, Her Majesty the Empress has decreed that today's plum blossom viewing banquet will feature elegant activities such as pitch-pot and poetry composition, with generous rewards for the winners." Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with excitement, eager to try their luck. Su Ning'er's eyes lit up, secretly delighted, thinking this was a perfect opportunity to shine.

The pitching game began first, and Su Ning'er couldn't wait to be the first to go. She confidently picked up the arrow, but missed several times in a row, drawing chuckles from those around her. Her face flushed red, and she awkwardly stepped back.

Next, it was Su Yunruo's turn. Calm and composed, with an elegant posture, she held the arrow, her eyes focused and confident. With a flick of her wrist, the arrow streaked through the air like a shooting star, landing steadily in the flask, eliciting gasps and cheers. She then hit several more arrows in quick succession, winning even more applause and praise.

Su Ning'er's jealousy intensified. Taking advantage of everyone's inattention, she quietly walked behind Su Yunruo, intending to trip her. However, Princess Linglan saw everything. Just as Su Ning'er stretched out her foot, Princess Linglan swiftly reached out and caught Su Yunruo before she fell.

"Su Ning'er, how could you be so vicious!" Princess Linglan shouted angrily.

Su Ning'er quickly feigned innocence, her eyes glistening with tears, and said aggrievedly, "Princess, you've misunderstood. I just did it by accident..."

Su Yunruo looked at Su Ning'er expressionlessly, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes, and said indifferently, "Sister, it's best to avoid such carelessness." After speaking, she gently brushed the petals off her body and turned to leave.

Just then, a handsome young man walked over. He was dressed in a blue robe, with a refined and elegant demeanor. This young man was none other than Lin Yu, the son of the current prime minister, and a renowned scholar in the capital.

"Miss Su is exceptionally talented and possesses an extraordinary temperament; she is truly admirable," Lin Yu said softly with a smile. His gaze fell upon Su Yunruo, filled with admiration.

Su Yunruo nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and replied softly, "You flatter me, sir." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, captivating all who heard it.

Seeing this, Su Ning'er was even more furious. She glared at Su Yunruo and said through gritted teeth, "You slut, how dare you seduce Young Master Lin!" Her eyes were filled with jealousy and resentment, as if she wanted to devour Su Yunruo alive.

The plum blossom viewing banquet continued amidst the laughter and chatter of the crowd, but Su Ning'er's thoughts grew increasingly dark. She secretly vowed to make Su Yunruo pay the price.