Peerless Physician: The Path of a Foolish Eldest Daughter's Rise to Power

In the magnificent and imposing Eastern Palace, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

At this moment, Crown Prince Chu Yize looked tenderly at the charming Gu Xinyue in front of him and said softly, "Yue'er, I have good news for you. Your parents will be arriving in the capital tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xinyue's beautiful eyes lit up instantly, and her face was filled with uncontrollable excitement.

She exclaimed excitedly, "Really? That's wonderful! What about my older brother and Gu Bai? Did they come back with us?"

Chu Yize smiled slightly and said slowly, "Your older brother won't be back for another ten days. As for Gu Bai... he doesn't seem to want to come back."

Hearing this, Gu Xinyue pouted and muttered, "Gu Bai won't come back unless he becomes a general! But Grandfather will be very happy to hear this, right? Oh dear, husband, why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

Chu Yize affectionately patted Gu Xinyue's head and explained with a smile, "I just wanted to give you a surprise! How about it, do you like the surprise?"

Gu Xinyue nodded happily and said coquettishly, "Of course I like it, thank you, my husband! By the way, what if there is another war when Father comes back this time? After all, the border is not peaceful."

Chu Yize replied confidently, "Don't worry, Yue'er. Your father's return is nothing short of suicide for those enemies who dare to provoke us."

Over the years, my father-in-law has carefully trained many outstanding generals and elite soldiers on the frontier.

Five days after my father-in-law left, Xiling launched a surprise attack. However, because we had made thorough preparations, our soldiers fought bravely and routed the enemy, leaving them utterly defeated.

In my opinion, there will likely be no further fighting in the western border for quite some time.

"My eldest brother and fourth sister are coming back soon. This time they're coming back for a big event: to discuss marriage. You'd better keep an eye on things and find them a few suitable families," the lady instructed earnestly.

“Okay, thank you for reminding me,” the woman replied with a smile.

“We’re husband and wife, this is just my duty, you don’t need to thank me. Besides, there’s a big surprise waiting for you later!” Chu Yize said gently.

"Oh? What surprise is it? Tell me quickly!" Gu Xinyue asked coquettishly.

"Haha, don't worry, you'll see when you go to the front hall." Chu Yize deliberately kept everyone in suspense.

So, Gu Xinyue walked quickly toward the front hall, filled with curiosity.

As soon as she stepped across the threshold, she was stunned by the sight before her—a dozen or so servants, including Chun Tao and Shao Yao, whom she had grown accustomed to using in Dengzhou, were kneeling on the ground in unison, shouting, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Princess!"

Gu Xinyue quickly raised her hand to signal everyone to stand up, and said with a smile, "Get up, everyone! You must be tired from your journey. Go down and rest for a while, and then return to your posts and perform your duties."

After saying that, she carefully looked at the group of people in front of her and found that everyone looked radiant and energetic, showing no signs of fatigue after a long journey.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze blew.

Gu Xinyue arrived at the city gate early, eagerly awaiting the return of her parents, younger sister, and younger brother.

Finally, Gu Xinyue spotted the returning troops in the distance. Just then, Chu Yize also arrived at the city gate on a fine horse.

He dismounted and stood next to Gu Xinyue.

Gu Xinyue stood in the crowd, her gaze fixed on the heroic soldiers in front of her.

Before this group of soldiers, on a tall and mighty steed, sat her beloved father, Gu Siming.

He was clad in armor, holding reins, and exuded an imposing aura that captivated all who beheld him.

Gu Xinyue's face was full of excitement, and she unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes with both hands. She shouted loudly, "Father, you're finally back!" Her voice was clear and melodious, as beautiful as a nightingale singing in a valley.

Hearing his daughter's cry, Gu Siming quickly reined in his horse and dismounted. He strode to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, knelt on one knee, and performed a standard kneeling bow, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Crown Princess."

Seeing this, Gu Xinyue hurriedly stepped forward to help her father up, and said coquettishly, "Father, what are you doing? How can parents kneel before their children? Please get up quickly."

However, Gu Siming said with a serious expression, "Your Highness, the rules of etiquette must not be disregarded."

Just then, Gu Xinyue suddenly noticed that the onlookers around her were also kneeling down and bowing to them.

Seeing this, Gu Xinyue felt a pang of sadness. She secretly resolved that she would abolish this unreasonable kneeling ceremony when she had the chance, so that everyone could be treated equally.

She slowly raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on a magnificent carriage not far away.

The carriage curtain was gently lifted, and the mother, sister, and brother stepped out of the carriage, also performing the kneeling ceremony.

Chu Yize, who had been watching Gu Xinyue closely, noticed the displeasure on her face, so he quickly waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up and dispense with formalities.

Afterwards, Gu Siming followed the Crown Prince into the palace, while Yang Ziwei took the children directly back to her residence.

Gu Xinyue accompanied her mother and younger siblings back to the mansion.

Along the way, Gu Xinyi chattered on about the interesting things that happened on the road, making everyone laugh continuously.

Back at the mansion, Yang Ziwei took Gu Xinyue's hand and led her into the house, her face full of affection.

"Moon, your mother is not by your side, are you doing well?"

Gu Xinyue's eyes reddened. "Mother, I am doing well. My husband treats me very well."

Yang Ziwei nodded with relief, "That's good. However, now that you are in the Eastern Palace, you must be even more careful and cautious, and never lose your composure."

Gu Xinyue obediently replied, "Daughter understands."

Just then, Gu Xinyi ran in, holding a string of candied hawthorns. "Sister, I bought these on the street. They're so sweet!"

Gu Xinyue smiled, took the bite, and said, "It is indeed very sweet."

Just then, a servant rushed in to report that an important message had come from the palace: the Crown Prince would be visiting the residence that evening to congratulate General Gu on his triumphant return.

Upon hearing the news, Gu Xinyao smiled, because she had already meticulously arranged a lavish banquet.

Standing to the side, Yang Ziwei softly said, "Xinyao, you've really worked hard." Her tone was full of gratitude.

Gu Xinyao quickly waved her hand and replied, "Not at all, it's such a joyous occasion that Uncle and Aunt are able to return safely. Of course, Xinyao should give you a proper welcome back!"

Moreover, these tasks aren't difficult, and Butler Gu is always there to help me.

As she spoke, she turned to look at Butler Gu, who was busy directing people to set up the venue, her eyes revealing trust and reliance on him.

Gu Xinyue understood that since her mother-in-law passed away, the emperor did not want to hold a grand palace banquet, which was actually only natural.

After all, at this time, the emperor needs some time to calm his grief over the loss of his loved ones.

Holding this small banquet at home would allow family members to gather and enjoy happy times without being too ostentatious and causing unnecessary trouble. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but nod in approval of Gu Xinyao's thoughtfulness.