The Legend of Concubine Su

The Empress Dowager lay quietly in bed, her face pale as a sheet, her once rosy cheeks now bloodless, like withered petals. Her eyes were closed, their sockets sunken, as if ruthlessly carved by the wind and frost of time. Her once silky black hair had become dry and sparse, losing its former luster.

Her lips trembled slightly, as if she were about to speak, but unable to utter a word. The wrinkles on her face, like ravines, crisscrossed, spoke of the vicissitudes and hardships she had endured. Despite her dire physical condition, the Empress Dowager still exuded a sense of majesty, a temperament cultivated over years of high office, which could not be erased even on her sickbed.

Inside the bedroom, besides the striking bed, adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings, there was an exquisite dressing table. Its top was made of smooth jade, intricately carved with floral patterns. The drawer handles were delicate gold rings, offering a smooth, tactile feel.

Beside the bed stood a pair of blue and white porcelain vases, their patterns fresh and elegant, resembling a vivid ink painting. Within the vases, a few delicate flowers emanated a delicate fragrance, filling the entire bedroom with a warm atmosphere.

There was also a rosewood chair with an exquisite cloud pattern carved on the back and gemstones inlaid on the armrests, which sparkled brightly. The seat of the chair was made of soft satin and was very comfortable to sit on.

In the corner of the bedroom, there is a small tea table with an exquisite tea set on it. The tea set has a delicate texture and a warm luster, and every detail shows its exquisite craftsmanship.

The Empress Dowager lay quietly in bed, her eyes hollow and lifeless, as if they had lost their focus. Her face was as pale as unmelted winter snow, devoid of a trace of blood. Her lips were tightly pursed, her brow furrowed, betraying the immense pain she endured. Her hands clutched the bedsheets tightly, her fingers turning slightly pale from the strain, as if she were struggling to fight the illness. Her breaths were weak and rapid, each one drawing as if she exhausted all her strength. Her eyes flickered between confusion and pain, as if she were reminiscing about her past glory and her current helplessness.

Su Jingyue's heart surged with a bitter feeling at the sight. She quickly took the freshly brewed medicine from the nanny and softly addressed the empress dowager, "Your Majesty, it's time to take your medicine. Please allow me to serve you." Her voice, gentle yet resolute like a spring breeze, seemed to dispel the gloom deep within the empress dowager.

The Queen Mother forced a smile upon hearing Su Jingyue's words, tears of emotion gleaming in her eyes. She whispered, "Jingyue, you truly treat me like your own mother. Your filial piety truly touches me deeply. How wonderful it would be if all the concubines in the harem were like you."

Not long after, the Empress Dowager passed away, as quietly as a falling autumn leaf. Her passing was like a hammer, hammering deeply into the Emperor's heart. The Emperor was overcome with grief, his eyes bloodshot and his face haggard, as if all color and vitality had been lost overnight. He stood silently before the Empress Dowager's coffin, unwilling to leave for a long time, as if this could only hold on to the figure who had once given him endless love and protection.

Preparations for the funeral were in full swing. As the head of the harem, the Empress naturally shouldered the heavy responsibility of organizing it. With extraordinary perseverance and determination, she directed the palace servants to meticulously arrange the mourning hall, striving for perfection in every detail to express her deep respect and grief for the Empress Dowager. Meanwhile, Su Jingyue volunteered to assist the Empress in organizing this grand funeral. Her presence was like a gentle spring breeze, bringing a touch of comfort and warmth to the heavy atmosphere.

The fluttering white silk mourning banners trembled in the cold wind, as if mourning the Empress Dowager's passing. Inside the mourning hall, flickering candlelight illuminated grief-stricken faces. The bronze bells tolled slowly, their deep, distant toll echoing through the vast expanse, a mournful, aching sound that filled one with awe and sorrow.

The surrounding silence coalesced into a vast mass of sorrow, like an invisible net, tightly binding everyone's hearts together. Everyone was dressed in mourning clothes, their faces solemn, their eyes filled with longing and reluctance for the Empress Dowager.

The Empress and Su Jingyue stood side by side in front of the mourning hall, their eyes revealing an indescribable tacit understanding and resilience. With the grace of a motherly figure, the Empress directed the entire funeral procession. Her voice was deep and solemn, and each command was clear and forceful, bringing immense peace of mind to those present.

Su Jingyue, with her gentle and virtuous character, silently supported the empress. She gently held her hand, offering her silent comfort. In this moment of grief, their collaboration felt like a match made in heaven, making the funeral both solemn and heartwarming.

The mourning hall was solemn and dignified, with white flowers placed all around, emitting a delicate fragrance. The empress dowager's coffin, covered in rich brocade, sat in the center. Incense burners and offerings were placed before the coffin, and the smoke curled upwards, as if the empress dowager's spirit was bidding farewell to the people.

A constant stream of people came to pay their respects, some weeping softly, others bowing silently, expressing their grief for the Queen Mother. In this sad atmosphere, time seemed to stand still, and people were immersed in the memories of the Queen Mother, unable to extricate themselves.

As the funeral progressed, mournful music filled the air, and the crowd's hearts grew heavier. The Empress and Su Jingyue led the crowd in performing the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows before the Empress Dowager's coffin. Each kowtow was filled with respect and remembrance for the Empress Dowager.

Finally, amidst the cries of grief, the Queen Mother's coffin was slowly carried out of the mourning hall and sent to the mausoleum. The Queen and Su Jingyue followed behind the coffin, their steps heavy and firm, as if promising to the Queen Mother that they would carry on her legacy and protect the country.

Thanks to their combined efforts, the funeral proceeded in perfect order. The emperor stood by, watching all this unfold with a heart filled with gratitude and comfort. He knew that, though the Empress Dowager had passed away, her spirit would forever live on in his heart, inspiring him to move forward. This grand funeral would serve as his final tribute to her and his last remembrance of her.