The Legend of Concubine Su

Princess Saimu, the Western Concubine from distant Tibet, has been like a caged nightingale since she entered the resplendent Central Plains palace. Despite her glamorous exterior, she harbors a deep inner struggle and reluctance. She hesitates to enter the chambers symbolizing power and desire, as if using her meager strength to defy an irreversible fate.

On this tranquil night, moonlight streamed across the palace's glazed tiles, illuminating the graceful figure of Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue. She wore a gorgeous brocade robe, her sleeves fluttering in the breeze, like a fairy descending from the heavens. With graceful steps, she slowly entered the chambers of Princess Saimu of the Western Palace.

Inside the bedroom, flickering candlelight illuminated Princess Saimu's face, a face slightly melancholic yet still regal. She sat on the edge of her bed, gently clutching an ancient book, her eyes a look of deep contemplation. Upon seeing Su Jingyue enter, she quickly set down her book, stood, and saluted her with the most honorable Tibetan etiquette.

Princess Saimu's movements were graceful and dignified, demonstrating both respect for the etiquette of the Central Plains and a deep attachment to her homeland. Her eyes were as clear as a deep pool, tinged with a hint of sadness, as if carrying endless longing and sorrow.

Su Jingyue nodded slightly in response, then said softly, "Sister Xifei, it's been quite a while since you entered the palace. I often see you alone in the palace, and I can't help but feel a little curious. Although there are many rules in the palace, serving the emperor in bed is the responsibility of the concubines. Why have you been so reluctant to participate?"

Su Jingyue's tone was gentle yet dignified, and her eyes revealed a concern and expectation, hoping to understand Princess Saimu's true thoughts. She knew that as a noble concubine, it was her responsibility to guide and help the other concubines adapt to palace life, while also maintaining the palace's order and dignity.

After hearing Su Jingyue's question, Princess Saimu's eyes revealed an unconcealable sadness, but she quickly regained her composure and replied with a smile, "Your Highness, you can just call me Saimu. I do have a crush on someone. He's my childhood sweetheart, and we were deeply in love. However, due to our country's weakness, my father had to send me to the Central Plains to become a concubine in the imperial palace in order to maintain peace and prosperity. From then on, the fate between him and me ended."

Su Jingyue felt a surge of sympathy upon hearing this, and she asked, "So, does that man also deeply love you?" Princess Saimu nodded slightly, tears welling in her eyes, but she fought them back. With a choked voice, she said, "He's the son of a Tibetan minister. We grew up together and have a close relationship. However, my father feels he's unworthy of my marriage and unable to help Tibet. Therefore, he firmly opposes our marriage."

Su Jingyue sighed deeply, as if she, too, was moved by Princess Saimu's affection. She spoke again slowly, her tone more comforting and understanding: "Princess Saimu, you know that within this palace, the rules are strict, like an iron cage, forbidding even the slightest hint of affection. However, since you have love in your heart, why haven't you ever considered escaping this cage that binds you? Perhaps the outside world would be more suitable for your love."

Princess Saimu smiled bitterly, her eyes filled with helplessness and despair, as if she had lost all hope. She whispered, "Sister Noble Concubine, I've tried to escape before you before, but each time I failed, and was recaptured by my father's spies. He sternly warned me that if I dared to escape again, he would kill my beloved and even leave his body to wolves. He also cruelly forced me to swear before the Buddha that I would never again attempt to escape. Although I was deeply reluctant, for his safety, I could only tearfully agree."

At this point, Princess Saimu burst into tears. She knelt on the ground and pleaded with Su Jingyue, "Sister Noble Concubine, I know you are kind-hearted. Please, for my pity, don't force me to sleep with you. Although I am in the Central Plains, my heart is still in Tubo. In my heart, there will always be only him."

Su Jingyue couldn't help but feel pity after hearing this. She quickly helped Princess Saimu up and comforted her, "Sister, please get up and talk. I will do my best to help you. I just don't know where your sweetheart is now."

Princess Saimu wiped away her tears and replied, "Sister Noble Concubine, he knew I was going to the Central Plains, so he secretly followed me all the way. Now, he's probably hiding somewhere in the capital, staring at these high palace walls every day, filled with anxiety and helplessness. He can't get close, let alone offer me any substantial help. He can only silently guard this distant bond of love. I often write down my thoughts about him in the moonlight, deep in the dead of night, and entrust those unspeakable emotions between the lines."

Princess Saimu's voice was filled with endless sorrow and longing, which moved everyone. Su Jingyue looked at her and secretly decided to help her find her beloved. So she began to ask around and arranged for people to search for clues in the capital. After some efforts, one day, Su Jingyue finally got the whereabouts of Princess Saimu's lover. It turned out that he had indeed been wandering around the capital, but because of his low status, he dared not show up. After learning the news, Su Jingyue immediately sent someone to inform Princess Saimu. Princess Saimu was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes, and she couldn't wait to see him. However, due to the strict rules of the palace, Princess Saimu could not leave the palace at will.

Although he didn't understand the Chinese language, I believed he could sense the deep affection that transcended thousands of miles. I'd tried to send the letter out of the palace, but each time I failed due to the strict palace rules. I knew the consequences would be disastrous if such an act were discovered, but I couldn't suppress my inner desire. I just wanted him to know that I had never forgotten him, that he was the only one in my heart.

"Sister Imperial Concubine, I know you hold a high position in this palace. If I could get your help, perhaps I could find a glimmer of hope. I don't ask to be with him forever, I just hope to see him again in my lifetime and tell him in person how much I miss him and how much I can't let him go. Please, considering my deep love for you, help me."

Su Jingyue looked at Princess Saimu's tear-stained face, and a wave of bitterness welled up in her heart. She knew all too well the frustrations and cruelties of the palace, and she also understood Princess Saimu's dedication and perseverance in love. She gently helped Princess Saimu up, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Sister Saimu, don't worry, I will do my best to help you. But before that, you need to remain calm and patient, and don't act rashly. I will find the right time to arrange a meeting with him for you."