The Legend of Concubine Su

Princess Sasa of Nepal, a royal flower from a foreign land, was bestowed with supreme honor by His Majesty the Emperor, named Consort Ning, and granted residence in the meticulously crafted Moon-Raising Pavilion. This Moon-Raising Pavilion is extraordinary: not only a magnificent feature within the palace, but also a masterpiece embodying Nepal's unique architectural style, its every brick and tile exuding both exotic charm and royal nobility.

Yet, despite living in such a magnificent place, Princess Shasha's mood did not brighten. She wore a delicate pink sari, a color that should have been as vibrant as a newly blossomed lotus, but it seemed unable to illuminate the melancholy in her eyes. She wandered within the Moon-Raising Pavilion, each gentle step carrying a subtle hint of sorrow.

Upon hearing the news, the Emperor arrived, eager to see Princess Sasha's smile in the Moon-Raising Pavilion. However, upon entering this exotic pavilion, he was greeted with only a faint greeting and a forced smile from the princess. This smile, like a dewdrop in the morning light, was fleeting, leaving behind only an endless coldness and distance.

A complex mix of emotions welled up within the emperor. He felt frustrated because his sincerity seemed unreciprocated by the princess, yet also irritated because he had never seen such a proud concubine so calm and composed in his presence, as if nothing in the world could touch her heart. Yet, amidst this frustration and irritation, there was also a tinge of confusion and heartache. He wondered what had so soured this princess, who had come from so far away, and how he could reach her heart and bring her smile back to life.

The emperor's face was ashen, and his voice was filled with unmistakable anger. He glared at Princess Shasha, as if to pierce through her with his gaze. "Princess Shasha, do you know what my status is? I am the Supreme Ruler, the ruler of the world! You smiled at me a few times when your father came, but so what? How dare you treat me so harshly? Aren't you afraid of my wrath?"

Princess Shasha sighed softly, her eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and determination. She spoke slowly, her voice soft but unwavering, "The Emperor's visit to the Central Plains was not Shasha's wish, nor is it something Shasha can influence. Although I am a princess, I have my own feelings and desires. You can possess me, imprison me in this magnificent palace, but you will never be able to touch the depths of my heart."

She tilted her head slightly upward, gazing out the window at the azure sky, as if she could peer through the palace walls and see faraway Nepal. Her voice softened and deepened, "My heart is in Nepal, where I grew up. There are grasslands, my dearest family, and friends. Every blade of grass, every mountain, and every river there carries with it my endless longing and attachment. Your Majesty, you may possess the entire world, but you will never possess my true heart."

Princess Shasha's words were like a spring breeze, gently dispelling the emperor's anger. He stared at her, stunned, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He had perhaps never imagined that this seemingly fragile woman could possess such firm convictions and profound emotions. He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Princess Shasha, I understand your feelings. But please remember, now that you have married into the Central Plains, you are my consort. No matter what concerns you may have, you must prioritize the greater good and the peace between our two countries."

The Emperor showed meticulous care for Princess Sasa of Nepal. He understood that she was new to the country and unfamiliar with its customs and practices, so he specifically ordered that she be able to experience the unique charm of her homeland while in the palace. He specifically instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare authentic Nepalese cuisine for the princess, allowing her to savor the flavors of home while also feeling the warmth and respect of the royal family. These delicacies were not only diverse and meticulously prepared, but each dish imbued with the essence of Nepalese culture, allowing the princess to feel a sense of home even in a foreign land.

The Emperor also took the Princess's dress code into consideration. Acknowledging the unique charm of Nepalese clothing, he granted her permission to wear her country's traditional attire within the palace. These garments, vibrant in color and intricately patterned, not only showcased Nepali culture but also made her a striking presence within the palace. Whenever the Princess appeared before the crowd in traditional Nepalese attire, she drew gasps of admiration and felt a sense of unprecedented honor and pride.

The Emperor also closely monitors developments in Nepal. Whenever a novel Nepali item arrives at the palace, he immediately dispatches it to Princess Sasa. These items range from exquisite handicrafts and unique folk instruments to precious medicinal herbs and spices. Each one embodies the wisdom and sentiments of the Nepalese people, allowing the Princess to appreciate and use them while gaining a deeper understanding of Nepali culture and history. These gestures not only make the Princess feel the warmth and care of home but also further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.