The Legend of Concubine Su

As night fell, the stars twinkled like pearls against the black sky, gleaming alluringly. A gentle breeze rustled through the courtyard, bringing a cool breeze. Su Jingyue and Xiaoru sat face to face, the dim candlelight between them flickering like a bridge connecting two worlds. On this quiet and mysterious night, Su Jingyue took a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with a strange light, as if about to unveil a long-buried secret.

"Xiao Ru, tonight, I want to tell you a secret hidden deep in my heart. Do you know that I am not the lady you think of?" Su Jingyue's voice was soft but firm, and every word seemed to come from the depths of her heart, carrying an indescribable emotion and determination.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoru's face suddenly turned pale as paper, and the teacup in her hand trembled slightly, as if even her hand was shaking. She stared at Su Jingyue with wide eyes, her face full of disbelief, her lips slightly parted but no sound came out. After a long moment, she came to her senses and quickly retorted, "Your Majesty, what nonsense are you talking about? You are the young lady I love and admire in my heart, and now you are the noble concubine! You must be too tired to say such a thing."

Xiaoru's tone betrayed a hint of anxiety and worry. She couldn't believe the gentle, kind, intelligent, and wise woman before her was not the one she knew. She held Su Jingyue's hand tightly, trying to offer her some warmth and comfort. However, Su Jingyue's eyes revealed a firmness and determination that made Xiaoru doubtful.

Su Jingyue sighed softly, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. She knew this truth might be too sudden for Xiaoru, but she had to be honest. She said slowly, "Xiaoru, I know your loyalty and deep affection for me, but some things cannot be hidden. I am not the lady you think I am, but a pitiful person who has been teased by fate."

Su Jingyue's voice was filled with a hint of helplessness and bitterness, which made people feel pity. Xiaoru listened quietly, tears gradually blurring her eyes. She finally understood why Su Jingyue always seemed so lonely and sad. It turned out that she was carrying such a heavy secret. Although she was shocked, Xiaoru still chose to believe everything Su Jingyue said. She gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and said firmly: "My queen, no matter who you are, you are my most beloved master. No matter what happens in the future, I will stay by your side and never leave you."

Su Jingyue nodded, moved, tears glistening in her eyes. She gratefully grasped Xiaoru's hand, secretly thankful to have such a loyal maid by her side. In a palace rife with intrigue and strife, only this genuine friendship could bring her a glimmer of warmth and comfort.

However, Su Jingyue gently shook her head, her gaze gentle yet firm, as if she could see through Xiaoru's doubts. She continued, "Xiaoru, please listen carefully. I only wish to share this secret with you. I am not from this world, but from the distant 21st century. That is a world completely different from this one, a world where a woman can spread her wings and soar freely."

Xiaoru's eyes widened as she stared at Su Jingyue in disbelief, as if she were looking at a stranger. In her world, women were expected to adhere to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and marriage was strictly dictated by their parents and the matchmaker's words. The world Su Jingyue described was simply a fairy tale, something she had never imagined.

However, Su Jingyue's words were like a gentle spring breeze, gradually dispelling Xiaoru's doubts. She continued to describe what that world would be like: "There, girls have the same rights as boys. They can attend school and pursue knowledge, enter society and work, and realize their own value. The system of monogamy makes love pure and sacred. Everyone is equal, and both men and women can freely fall in love, unconstrained by the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues."

Xiaoru was stunned. She felt as if she had been transported into a whole new world. In this world, women no longer depended on men, but instead had their own independent thoughts and pursuits. She couldn't help but ask, "My Lady, does that world really exist? Why have I never heard of it?"

Su Jingyue smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with nostalgia for that era. "Every word I say is true, for I traveled through time and space from that era, possessing your young lady's body. That's how I was able to enter the palace selection and become the Imperial Concubine I am today. In that era, women could not only receive an education, but also hold official positions, fight alongside men, and govern the country together. There was no distinction between high and low between men and women, only mutual respect and understanding."

Xiaoru was fascinated by the story, as if she had seen a distant and beautiful world. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "In that era, were there still maids like us?"

Su Jingyue smiled and shook her head, a warm light flashing in her eyes. "No, Xiaoru. In that era, human trafficking was a serious crime, severely punished by law. People hired nannies, who had their own dignity and rights, and were paid accordingly. It was a world full of love and respect, and everyone worked hard for their dreams."

As Su Jingyue recounted her story, Xiaoru's eyes gradually filled with longing and yearning. She seemed to see herself in that world: a free, independent woman with dreams. And throughout the long night, their two hearts were tightly connected by this special secret. They understood and supported each other, looking forward to that distant and beautiful future together.

"Xiaoru, although I cannot take you back to that era, I hope you can feel the spirit of freedom and equality. You can learn to read and understand the wider world by my side. I believe that you have wisdom and courage that are not inferior to anyone else." Su Jingyue's words were full of encouragement and expectation.

Xiaoru's eyes were slightly red. She held Su Jingyue's hand tightly, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. "Your Majesty, I never thought I would have such an opportunity. I am willing to follow you, study hard, strive to become your capable assistant, and strive for dignity and freedom for my own future."

The night breeze blew gently, the candlelight flickered, and the two smiled at each other, as if at this moment, all boundaries and constraints disappeared. They knew that no matter where they were in the world, as long as they had dreams and pursuits in their hearts, they could overcome many difficulties and find their own piece of the sky.

From then on, Xiaoru became Su Jingyue's closest confidante and assistant. They discussed knowledge and planned activities together, bringing a fresh and refined atmosphere to the harem. With Su Jingyue's help, Xiaoru gradually grew into a thoughtful and knowledgeable woman. Her name also quietly spread throughout the palace, becoming a legend.