The Legend of Concubine Su

After a few days, Su Jingyue gradually adapted to ancient life. Every morning, she would rise early and practice basic etiquette and manners, such as greeting and bowing. At the same time, she also began studying ancient poetry and songs, attempting to grasp the meaning of this ancient culture. She also learned how to write in the ancient style, which she found both novel and fascinating.

One day, Su Jingyue was strolling through the mansion when a familiar figure suddenly caught her eye. Her heart trembled, and she involuntarily stopped, observing intently. The man, dressed in a black guard uniform, stood tall and straight, with a handsome face. It was her former deskmate, Zhang Liang!

"Zhang Liang?" Su Jingyue couldn't help but call softly.

Hearing the voice, Zhang Liang slowly turned his head, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. His gaze fell on Su Jingyue, and then he bowed slightly and saluted, "Miss Su, are you calling me?"

Su Jingyue's heart trembled, and she instantly realized that she was no longer in modern society. The man before her was no longer the boy she had played and played mischievous with, but the imperial guard Lin Fei. She couldn't help but feel flustered, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly returned the greeting with an awkward smile, "Oh... Lord Lin, I'm sorry, I recognized the wrong person."

Looking at Su Jingyue's slightly shy expression, Zhang Liang smiled slightly and said softly, "It's okay, Miss Su, don't mind. I just don't know why Miss Su mistook me for someone else."

Su Jingyue shook her head slightly and explained with a wry smile, "Perhaps it's because the sunlight was too glaring just now that I had hallucinations. I hope Master Lin will not be offended."

Zhang Liang nodded, expressing his understanding. He then looked up at the sky and said with a smile, "The sun is indeed quite strong today, which can inevitably give people an illusion. But since Miss Su is fine, I am relieved. If you need anything, please let me know."

With that, Zhang Liang bowed once more to Su Jingyue and turned to leave. Watching him retreat, Su Jingyue felt a surge of emotion. The boy she once was had now become a royal guard; the passage of time was truly remarkable. However, she knew nothing could be changed, so she could only accept reality.

Lin Fei frowned slightly, seeming a little surprised by Su Jingyue's reaction, but he nodded politely and turned to leave. Watching him retreat, Su Jingyue felt a surge of emotion. She had never imagined that she would meet Zhang Liang again in this strange time. Moreover, his identity had completely changed, from an ordinary student to a guard at the emperor's side.

Thinking of Zhang Liang's past, Su Jingyue couldn't help but sigh at the impermanence of life. Back then, he always liked to play tricks on others and his grades weren't very good, but he also had a kind heart. She remembered that one time, he secretly wrote a love letter to Su Jingyue, expressing his affection for her. Although Su Jingyue didn't reciprocate this feeling at the time, she always kept it in her heart and would occasionally recall it as a beautiful time.

Now, Zhang Liang had become Lin Fei. The once mischievous boy had become mature, steady, and even a touch aloof. Su Jingyue didn't know whether this change was a good thing or a bad thing, but she knew that life was a journey of constant growth and transformation. Perhaps this reunion was also fate. Su Jingyue said gently, "Master Lin, you bear a strong resemblance to an old friend of mine, and it brings back many fond memories. Seeing you today, I wanted to give you this butterfly hairpin to express my longing for that old friend." With that, she gently removed the butterfly hairpin from her hair and handed it to Lin Fei.

Lin Fei took the hairpin and carefully examined the exquisite butterfly pattern on it. Sunlight streaming through the window shone on the hairpin, making the two butterflies seem alive, their wings gleaming with dazzling light. He couldn't help but recall the time he had spent with Su Jingyue, and a pang of pain pierced his heart. So, he was Zhang Liang, the man who had time-traveled from the modern era! Now, he had changed his name to Lin Fei, and he knew full well that he couldn't reveal his true identity. When he learned that the Su family was about to participate in a talent show, he dared not acknowledge them, and could only silently protect Su Jingyue.

Lin Fei slowly spoke, "Miss Su, do you still remember the line 'On the mountain are trees, and on the trees are branches; my heart delights in you, yet you know it not?'" This line was the exact words from Zhang Liang's first love letter to Su Jingyue. Hearing this, Su Jingyue's heart trembled, a wave of mixed emotions welling up within her. She stared at Lin Fei in surprise, a flicker of confusion in her eyes, but more of a feeling of deep emotion.

Tears welled up in Lin Fei's eyes, and he continued, his voice choking, "I... I'm just an ordinary official, no one can compare to you. But I will always care for you silently, and I hope you'll be happy." Su Jingyue understood Lin Fei's feelings. However, in this era, the emperor's orders were difficult to disobey, and she would eventually become the emperor's consort. She bowed to Lin Fei and said gratefully, "Lord Lin, thank you for always caring about me." With that, she turned and left, leaving Lin Fei standing alone, staring at the butterfly hairpin in his hand in a daze.

Su Jingyue, back in her room, was already sobbing. She curled up in the corner of the bed, her hands covering her face tightly, tears streaming down her face. Xiaoru gently pushed open the door and saw this scene. She called out distressedly, "Miss, Miss." However, Su Jingyue was crying so hard, as if the whole world had collapsed, and she didn't hear Xiaoru's call at all.

Xiaoru quickly walked to the bedside and called out again, "Miss!" Her voice was filled with anxiety and worry. Only then did Su Jingyue slowly raise her head. Her eyes were red and swollen like peaches, and her face was covered with tear marks, making her look as pitiful as a pear blossom after rain.

Xiaoru wiped the tears from Su Jingyue's cheeks distressedly and comforted her softly: "I know that the young lady doesn't like to participate in the selection, but..."

Su Jingyue interrupted Xiaoru with sobs, her voice full of grievance and unwillingness: "I originally wanted to turn my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon only shines on the ditch. Xiaoru, I won't accept this..." Her eyes revealed an unspeakable sadness that moved people.

Xiaoru gently patted Su Jingyue's shoulders, trying to calm her down, but Su Jingyue's emotions only grew more agitated. She suddenly hugged Xiaoru and burst into tears, her cries echoing throughout the room, making people feel extremely sad.

"Why? Why do you treat me like this? What did I do wrong?" Su Jingyue screamed hysterically. Her pain surged into her heart like a tide, drowning all her rationality.

Xiao Ru silently accompanied Su Jingyue in crying. She could feel the pain and despair deep in Xiao Ru's heart. She didn't know how to comfort the young lady, so she could only silently accompany her and give her the warmest hug.