The Legend of Concubine Su

Li Xiaojing blinked, rubbed her eyes, and only after confirming she wasn't dreaming did she begin to survey the unfamiliar surroundings. It was a quaint room, every detail imbued with a rich, ancient charm. Inside, the delicate screen resembled a flowing scroll, embroidered with exquisite floral and bird designs, so lifelike they seemed poised to fly out at any moment. The intricate window lattices resembled exquisite works of art, delicately carved with intricate patterns. Sunlight filtered through the lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Li Xiaojing couldn't help but reach out and touch the exquisite screens and window lattices, feeling their texture and warmth. Her gaze followed them, landing on several ancient paintings hanging on the wall. The landscapes and figures in these paintings were so lifelike that Li Xiaojing felt as if she were transported to their own world. She couldn't help but marvel at the mastery of the ancient painters, their ability to seamlessly blend nature and humanity.

Li Xiaojing continued to explore the room and discovered a thick carpet on the floor. It was soft and comfortable, like walking on clouds. She stepped gently on it, feeling the touch beneath her feet, and a strange joy welled up in her heart. In the corner of the room stood a carved wooden bed. The bedding was soft, warm, and exuded a faint fragrance. Li Xiaojing walked over to the bed and sat down, caressing the texture of the bedding, feeling its warmth and comfort.

Finally, Li Xiaojing's gaze fell on the bedside table, where an oil lamp sat. The flickering light lent a mysterious air to the room. Li Xiaojing gazed at the lamp, her heart filled with curiosity. She reached out to touch it, feeling its warmth, and imagined how the ancients used such lamps to illuminate their nights.

In the center of the room, an eight-person table sits, upon which rests an exquisite tea set. The teapot and cups exude a delicate fragrance, almost as if one could inhale the delicate aroma of tea leaves. Surrounding the table are several chairs, each exquisitely carved with patterns, evoking scenes of ancient scholars sipping tea and discussing philosophy. The entire room is imbued with a quaint atmosphere, embodying the culture and customs of that era.

Li Xiaojing was confused: "Where is this place? Why am I here?"

At that moment, a woman dressed in ancient costume walked in. She had delicate features and fair skin. Her hair was tied into two buns, and she wore a small, elegant hairpin. She had big, watery eyes, an oval face, and a cherry-like mouth. When she saw Li Xiaojing wake up, she exclaimed in surprise, "Miss, you're finally awake!" Her voice trembled slightly.

Li Xiaojing looked at the woman in front of her, frowned and asked, "Who are you? Why do you call me Miss?"

The woman looked at Li Xiaojing in surprise, as if she didn't understand why she asked such a question. She quickly replied, "Miss, are you confused after sleeping? I'm Xiaoru, your personal maid! We've always lived together, have you forgotten?"

Li Xiaojing shook her head and said, "I really don't know anything about things like young lady and maid. I only remember that my name is Li Xiaojing, and I don't know anything else." After saying that, she rubbed her temples, trying to make herself more sober.

Xiaoru looked worried after hearing what Li Xiaojing said. She took Li Xiaojing's hand and said, "Miss, you must be sick to have lost your memory. Don't worry, I will take good care of you. When you recover, you will remember everything." As she spoke, she poured Li Xiaojing a cup of hot tea and handed it to her.

Li Xiaojing took the teacup and took a sip. A warm feeling spread from her throat to her whole body. She looked at Xiaoyu gratefully and said, "Thank you, Xiaoru. Anyway, please help me find something to eat first. I'm very hungry now."

Xiaoru nodded and said, "Okay, miss. I'll prepare the food right away. Please wait a moment." After that, she turned and left the room.

Xiaoru wore an emerald green maid's dress, delicately embroidered at the collar and cuffs, and trimmed with delicate lace at the hem. The dress's soft, smooth texture swayed gently with her movements, as if expressing her owner's grace and agility. A pale pink belt hung from it, emitting a delicate fragrance. She wore a pair of white embroidered shoes, delicately embroidered with flowers, complementing her overall elegance.

Xiaoru smiled and said, "Since the young lady is awake, let me help her change clothes and dress up." As she said that, she helped Li Xiaojing up and walked towards the dressing table.

Li Xiaojing sat in front of her dressing table, looking at herself in the mirror, feeling both strange and familiar. The person in the mirror was so beautiful, but not the one she was familiar with.

With the help of her maids, Li Xiaojing put on the golden hairpin. The tassels on the hairpin swayed gently, sparkling with dazzling light. The main part of the hairpin was an exquisite phoenix, with wings spread out, ready to fly, looking lifelike.

She wore a pink silk dress, the material of which was light and soft, like clouds in the sky. The skirt was embroidered with exquisite floral patterns, with layers of petals and bright colors, like a gorgeous painting.

She had a light pink ribbon tied around her waist, with a string of small and exquisite jade pendants hanging on the ribbon, which made crisp and pleasant sounds as she moved.

Li Xiaojing wore a pair of white jade bracelets on her hands. The bracelets were warm, smooth, and exuded a faint luster. Her fingers were long and slender, with neatly trimmed nails and painted with a light pink nail polish.

She wore a pair of pink embroidered shoes, delicately patterned. The low heels gave her a light and graceful gait. Xiaoru told Li Xiaojing, "You scared the servants to death when you were unconscious." You inquired in a subtle way, revealing that you had traveled through time and space, having traveled to Su Jingyue, the only daughter of the current Prime Minister, and were no longer the middle school student Li Xiaojing. Just then, a servant called out, "Prime Minister, the Madam has arrived!" Immediately, a woman dressed in the attire of a consort of imperial rank hurried in. Her attire was opulent and solemn. Her bodice was a deep red brocade gown, the collar and cuffs embroidered with intricate gold thread patterns that shimmered with a dazzling light. Her draped skirt, embroidered with colorful floral and bird motifs, spoke of her nobility and elegance. A wide jade belt, inlaid with glittering gems, cinched her waist, adding a touch of opulence. She wore an exquisite phoenix crown, its pearls and gemstones gleaming brilliantly. Her face was dignified and beautiful, her eyes revealing a confidence and majesty. He grabbed Li Xiaojing and said with a sad face, "I'm glad Yue'er is okay, I'm glad she's okay..."

Li Xiaojing looked at the haggard woman in front of her and couldn't help feeling guilty. She knew that her behavior had made her parents very worried, but she also understood that all this was due to her fear and resistance to entering the palace.

Meanwhile, the man standing beside him wore a gorgeous court robe. Its main color was dark purple, embroidered with intricate cloud and auspicious dragon patterns in gold thread, highlighting his noble status. A fine layer of white velvet trimmed the collar and cuffs, adding a touch of softness and warmth to the overall look.

He wore a black gauze hat with a rounded crown and a slightly upturned brim, giving him a solemn air. Two black bands dangled from either side, fluttering gently in the breeze, accentuating his elegant demeanor. He shook his head with a look of resignation. He was Su Jingyue's father—Prime Minister Su. He was fully aware of his daughter's reluctance, but he could not disobey the emperor's order.

Li Xiaojing wiped the tears from her mother's eyes and comforted her softly, "Mother, I was ignorant before, but now I have grown up. I will definitely bring honor to you and father, and will never let you down again. Mother, please don't cry for me anymore."

Hearing her daughter's sensible words, the woman nodded, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, she gently stroked Li Xiaojing's cheek, and said softly: "Our Yue'er has really grown up..." Madam Su gently took her daughter's hand and said softly: "The selection day will be in a few days. I will take you to make some beautiful clothes, pick out some exquisite jewelry, and dress up well, so that the emperor will never forget you!" Li Xiaojing smiled slightly and said to her mother: "Mom, you don't have to worry. With the young lady's appearance, she is one of the most beautiful women even in the capital! Her beauty is so stunning that it can make fish sink to the bottom of the country and geese fall to the ground, and the moon hide in shame. The emperor will definitely be unforgettable when he sees her. Moreover, the young lady is naturally beautiful, like a lotus emerging from clear water, and does not need too much decoration." After hearing this, Li Xiaojing frowned slightly, a little He said unhappily, "Xiaoru, you talk too much." Xiaoru quickly bowed and apologized, "Miss, I know I was wrong, please forgive me." Li Xiaojing turned and bowed to Madam Su, and said softly, "Mother, I think Xiaoru can just accompany me." Madam Su smiled and nodded in agreement. She said, "Okay, you grew up together since childhood, and you are more familiar with and have a tacit understanding with each other." At this moment, Madam Su and the Prime Minister left the room together. Li Xiaojing bowed respectfully, "My daughter sees you off, parents." Then, she walked quietly to the dressing table and sat down, and whispered to herself in the mirror, "From now on, I am no longer Li Xiaojing, but Su Jingyue. I will write a life that belongs to Su Jingyue well." Her eyes were firm and resolute, as if she was promising herself something important.