The Legend of Concubine Su

The Emperor carefully flipped open the weighty memorial, as if turning a heavy page in history. His gaze was instantly drawn to a single, striking line of handwriting, like a sharp blade, piercing the tranquility of court life. He slowly raised his head and gazed at the Empress. A complex emotion flickered in those deep eyes, as if expressing endless worry and anticipation. "Empress, as a gesture of sincerity, the King of Tubo intends to offer his beloved daughter, Princess Saimu, to me in exchange for military support and food supplies. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity."

Upon hearing this, the Queen frowned slightly, with deep concern and worry revealed in her beautiful eyes. She opened her red lips and asked softly, "Your Majesty, how old is this princess this year? Leaving her familiar hometown and marrying to the distant Central Plains, for a woman, this is simply a gamble with her life as a bet!" The Emperor sighed deeply and said slowly, "She is at the age of being as beautiful as a flower this year, in the prime of her youth, but she needs to shoulder the important responsibility of maintaining peace between the two countries." After hearing this, the Queen couldn't help but feel a complex emotion in her heart. She deeply understood that the fate of this little princess was closely linked with the fate of the two countries and could not be separated.

Soon after, the Tubo King and his daughter Princess Saimu arrived in the Central Plains. Their arrival attracted widespread attention from the court and the people, who speculated about the princess's purpose and the impact she would have on relations between the two countries.

The princess, adorned with vibrant colors and exquisite patterns, resembled a blooming snow lotus, swaying gracefully in the autumn breeze. Her beauty was breathtaking, captivating countless eyes. Her steps were light yet firm, each one revealing both anticipation and anxiety for the future. Her eyes, clear and luminous, seemed to penetrate the heart, moving us all.

The moment the princess entered the hall, the entire palace fell silent, all eyes focused on her. She bowed to the emperor with graceful grace and a clear, melodious voice, like the sound of nature: "Your Majesty, long live your Majesty!" The emperor, upon seeing this, quickly raised his hand, his eyes gleaming with admiration and satisfaction. "Prince and Princess Tubo, please excuse your formalities. Rise quickly." The princess rose, nodded slightly, and then stood quietly to the side, awaiting the emperor's instructions.

The Tubo King, filled with gratitude, took the opportunity to introduce his daughter to the Emperor: "This is our little daughter, Saimu. She has been intelligent and talented since childhood. I have brought her to meet Your Majesty in the hope that she can contribute to the peace between our two countries." Princess Saimu's magnificent dress resembled a vibrant painting. The multicolored silks intertwined like a rainbow, each piece gleaming with a unique luster, as if telling an ancient legend. The embroidery on the silk resembled delicate brushstrokes, outlining exquisite patterns: blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies, and mysterious symbols, interwoven to form a beautiful pattern.

The princess's headdress was particularly striking. It was a crown woven from precious gems and gold and silver threads. The gems shimmered with dazzling light, like a galaxy of stars. The crown's design was ingenious, skillfully incorporating elements of Tibetan culture and showcasing a unique charm. Lengthy pearl chains dangled from either side of the headdress, swaying gently with the princess's movements, creating a melodious, crisp sound.

Her sleeves flowed like flowing clouds, stirring a gentle breeze with each wave, as if she had stepped from a fairyland. A golden belt, inlaid with glittering gemstones, cinched her waist, accentuating its slenderness. Her skirt, like cascading petals, unfolded like a blooming flower, a breathtaking sight.

Princess Saimu's clothing not only shows her noble status, but also reflects the unique charm and exquisite craftsmanship of Tibetan culture.

As she saluted the Emperor once again, Princess Saimu's voice was filled with determination and confidence: "I, Saimu, greet Your Majesty. May the friendship between our two countries endure forever, and may we jointly create a peaceful and prosperous future." At that moment, the hall was filled with a hush, all eyes focused on this princess who had come from afar. She not only brought the sincerity and hope of Tubo, but also became a bridge connecting the two nations, carrying the hopes and dreams of their peoples.

The Emperor gazed lovingly at Princess Saimu, a surge of warmth welling in his heart. He understood deeply that the princess's arrival not only represented a further deepening of relations between the two nations, but also brought a ray of hope for peace and prosperity. So solemnly and seriously, he spoke: "King of Tubo, I have decided to grant you one hundred thousand fine horses and one million dan of grain to express our court's sincere desire and unwavering resolve for peace between our two countries. As for Princess Saimu, since she hails from the distant West, I will specially confer upon her the title of Empress Xifei." Upon hearing this news, the King of Tubo was overwhelmed with emotion, repeatedly exclaiming, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this gift!" However, Princess Saimu's face showed no trace of joy; her heart was filled with confusion and anxiety about the future.

Princess Saimu stood there, like a rare flower blossoming in a foreign land. Though her appearance was radiant and beautiful, a subtle sadness lingered in her eyes. She knew full well that this marriage was not just about her own fate, but also about political leverage between two nations. She lowered her eyes, a mixture of emotions: anxiety about the future and a sense of responsibility to her family and country.

Seeing this, the Emperor felt a pity. He slowly stood up, walked over to Princess Saimu, and said gently, "Princess, you have come from afar. I will treat you with courtesy and make you feel at home in the Central Plains. As for the affairs of the two countries, the Tubo King and I will handle the matter properly. I will not let you suffer any injustice."

Princess Saimu's eyes flickered with gratitude upon hearing this. She looked up at the Emperor and said softly, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. Although I'm a woman, I understand the importance of peace between our two countries. I'm willing to contribute to the friendship between our two countries with my own efforts."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar, all impressed by Princess Saimu's profound sense of justice. The Emperor was even more delighted, praising her repeatedly: "What a woman who is as capable as any man! To have this princess is a blessing to the country and the people."

Princess Saimu was thus officially canonized as Empress Xifei and moved into the West Palace. Though in a foreign land, she gradually earned the respect and love of the palace staff through her wisdom and courage. Her arrival also brought the two countries closer together, jointly writing a new chapter of peace and prosperity.