The Legend of Concubine Su

The Emperor was filled with deep curiosity and admiration for Princess Shasha, who had come all the way from the Nile River. He devoted almost all his free time in the palace to this exotic beauty. However, Princess Shasha's enthusiasm for the Emperor was like the mist on the Nile River, sometimes hazy and alluring, sometimes dissipating without a trace, always elusive.

Every time the Emperor entered Princess Shasha's chambers, he was filled with tenderness and expectation, attempting to melt the ice in her heart with his sincerity. He gifted her with rare treasures from the Central Plains, told her ancient and mysterious stories, and even cooked for her, just to elicit a smile from her. However, Princess Shasha's reactions were always cold, her perfunctory and evasive gestures like the sands of the Nile River, delicate yet elusive.

The Emperor was filled with confusion and bewilderment. He asked himself why, having given everything he had, he still couldn't win Princess Shasha's heart. Every night, as he gazed into her eyes, as deep as the night sky, he felt an indescribable sense of defeat. He longed to spend the night with her, to have her body and soul completely his, but every attempt was met with nothing, no response.

The emperor began to reflect, wondering if his approach was too direct, lacking consideration for Princess Shasha's feelings. Perhaps what she needed wasn't just material fulfillment and the protection of power, but spiritual resonance and understanding. So, he worked even harder to understand her cultural background and lifestyle, even starting to learn her language, simply to become closer to her world.

Yet, despite the Emperor's efforts, Princess Shasha's heart remained closed. She seemed to harbor secrets and difficulties, unwilling to open up easily. The Emperor could only silently wait by her side, patiently and persistently awaiting the day when she would finally let down her guard.

The emperor had been frowning for the past few days, as if he was troubled by something unspeakable. Finally, he put down the memorial in his hand and decided to go to Su Jingyue's palace to find a moment of peace and comfort.

As he entered Su Jingyue's chamber, a delicate floral fragrance filled his nostrils, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. The emperor saw Su Jingyue sitting by the window, a scroll of poetry in hand, a tranquil and beautiful sight. Upon seeing the emperor arrive, a gentle smile blossomed on her face, like a flower blooming in spring, warming his heart.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Su Jingyue stood up and saluted, her voice as gentle as jade.

The emperor waved his hand gently, signaling her not to bow. He walked to Su Jingyue's side, looking at the scenery outside the window, but his heart was still uneasy.

Su Jingyue, seeing this, had already guessed something. She smiled and jokingly said, "Your Majesty, are you worried about Concubine Ning's affairs? I heard that Concubine Ning is from faraway Nepal and unfamiliar with the place, so it's inevitable that she'll feel lonely and isolated. But don't worry, Your Majesty. I will spend more time with Concubine Ning and let her feel the warmth and care of the palace."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor turned and gazed into Su Jingyue's eyes, filled with wisdom and tenderness. A warmth welled up in his heart. He sighed softly and said, "In this palace, only my beloved concubine understands my thoughts best. Although Concubine Ning is favored by me, she is from a foreign land, and her customs and habits are very different from ours. I worry that she won't be able to adapt to life in the palace, and I'm even more afraid that she will resent it."

Su Jingyue gently held the emperor's hand and said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to help Sister Ningfei. We can teach her our language and culture so that she can gradually integrate into this big family. At the same time, I will also spend more time chatting with her to relieve her boredom and let her feel the friendship and warmth between sisters."

The emperor felt relieved after hearing Su Jingyue's words. He looked at Su Jingyue with gratitude and said, "My beloved concubine is truly my sweetheart. With you by my side, I feel much more at ease."

Su Jingyue smiled and snuggled up to the emperor. The two smiled at each other, as if all their troubles had disappeared. The sun was shining outside the window, and the breeze was blowing. Everything seemed so harmonious and beautiful.

Inside the magnificent Lanyue Pavilion, Concubine Li was filled with resentment and jealousy. Her eyes, like poisoned arrows, stared intently at Princess Shasha, newly arrived and appointed Concubine Ning. Princess Shasha, adorned in gorgeous, exotic attire, sat quietly amid Concubine Li's sarcastic remarks, a flicker of helplessness and forbearance in her eyes. After all, this was a completely unfamiliar foreign land, requiring caution in every word and every action.

Just as the atmosphere was tense, a crisp announcement came from outside the door: "Noble Concubine Su and the Empress have arrived!" This sound, like a sudden spring thunder, instantly shattered the stillness in the room. Upon hearing this, Concubine Li's face turned pale, her knees gave way, and she fell to the ground, shouting in a trembling voice: "Greetings to Noble Concubine Su and the Empress, may you live a thousand years!"

The Empress sat on a meticulously decorated phoenix chair, looking regal and elegant. Su Jingyue, dressed in a simple, elegant palace dress, gently approached Princess Shasha and took her hand, her eyes filled with care and determination. "Princess Shasha, don't be afraid. I'm here to see justice for you." Princess Shasha glanced at Su Jingyue gratefully, then performed a standard court salute to show respect to both the Empress and Su Jingyue.

Su Jingyue's lips curled up into a faint smile. She turned her gaze to Concubine Li, who was still kneeling on the ground, and said with a hint of teasing, "Concubine Li, it's noon now, and instead of enjoying the coolness in your own palace, you ran to the Moon-Lanyue Pavilion to sing an opera? I wonder what play it is, so I can open my eyes." Concubine Li's face turned even paler when she heard this, and she stammered, "I...I just...I just wanted to come and see Princess Shasha. There's nothing else to it."

Upon seeing this, the Empress frowned slightly, and her voice was majestic but gentle: "Noble Lady Li, as a concubine in the harem, you should abide by the palace rules and value harmony. Today, not only did you trespass into his palace, but you also spoke rudely and committed insubordination. Do you know your crime?" Upon hearing this, Noble Lady Li was so frightened that she trembled all over and could not even speak clearly. She could only kowtow and apologize, feeling extremely remorseful.

In a fit of rage, Concubine Li inadvertently violated the hierarchy of the palace hierarchy. This behavior was unacceptable under palace rules, and she was fined three months' salary as a punishment. This news quickly spread throughout the harem, and the concubines either sighed or secretly rejoiced. Concubine Li, on the other hand, reflected on her actions behind closed doors, deeply aware of the rashness and recklessness of her actions.

Meanwhile, in another tranquil palace, Princess Sasha's gratitude to Concubine Su Jingyue was as warm and radiant as the spring sun. That day, Princess Sasha was in dire straits, isolated and at a loss as to what to do. It was Concubine Su Jingyue who stepped forward, using her wisdom and courage to resolve the sudden crisis for Princess Sasha. Princess Sasha will always cherish this kindness in her heart.

To express her deep gratitude to Consort Su Jingyue, Princess Sasha specially brought a precious sari from faraway Nepal. This sari is vibrantly colored and beautifully patterned, each thread imbued with the unique culture and customs of Nepal. Holding the sari in her hands, Princess Sasha smiled and said to Consort Su Jingyue, "Consort Su, I am deeply grateful for your intervention that day. This sari from our country represents my respect and gratitude. I hope you enjoy this gift from such afar."

Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart upon hearing this. She gently grasped Princess Shasha's hand and smiled tenderly, "Sister Ningfei, you are so kind. What happened that day was just a simple favor, not worth mentioning. But I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you. This sari is absolutely beautiful, and I will treasure it."

After saying this, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue hugged Princess Shasha tightly, and the two smiled at each other, as if at that moment, all the grudges and hatreds disappeared, leaving only the deep friendship and warmth between the sisters. This heartwarming scene has become a beautiful landscape in the harem, showing people that beyond power and struggle, there is such a pure and beautiful emotion.