The Legend of Concubine Su

Su Jingyue, clad in a dazzling palace dress embroidered with intricate patterns, resembled the brightest stars in the night sky, swaying gently with her steps, radiating a dazzling brilliance. Her steps were light and graceful, like a deer darting through the woods, as she silently entered the empress's magnificent chamber. Inside, every corner shone with brilliant golden light. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the dome, reflecting a dazzling glow, adorning the entire space like a fairyland.

Su Jingyue clutched a delicate sachet tightly in her hand, cradling it like a treasure. The sachet was meticulously crafted, its base made of fine, soft silk, as smooth as baby skin. Intricate and exquisite floral designs were embroidered with colorful threads, each stitch imbued with the craftsman's care and skill. The vibrant, vibrant blossoms, reminiscent of blooming spring flowers, exuded a captivating fragrance that captivated the senses.

Yet, within the delicate fragrance emanating from the sachet, lies a subtle, almost imperceptible aura of danger. Like a quietly surging undercurrent on a calm sea, it evokes a sense of unease. This subtle aroma seems to conceal an unknown secret, inviting one to admire its beauty while also feeling a mysterious allure. This subtle atmosphere imbues the entire scene with a sense of tension, as if a storm is brewing.

Inside the palace, the Empress sat upright on a phoenix chair, clad in a magnificent phoenix coronet and robe. The coronet, inlaid with dazzling gems, shimmered with a dazzling light, perfectly complementing her majestic demeanor. Her face was dignified and solemn, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity and concern, as if she had a premonition of what was about to happen.

Su Jingyue took a deep breath to calm her inner tension, then walked gracefully towards the center of the bedroom. Every step she took seemed so firm and confident, as if she was ready to face anything.

When she was a few steps away from the Empress, she paused, bowed slightly, and performed a standard court etiquette. Her movements were graceful and elegant, revealing a noble demeanor. Then, she raised her head, gazed firmly at the Empress, and spoke in a gentle yet powerful voice, "Your servant, Su Jingyue, has an important matter to report to Her Majesty."

Her voice was clear and melodious, echoing throughout the spacious chambers like a fresh spring breeze, blowing away the dullness and oppression within the palace. The maids present could not help but be captivated by her beauty and majesty, and cast admiring glances at her.

The Empress nodded slightly, expressing her respect for Su Jingyue. Her gaze revealed a mixture of approval and anticipation, as if she were somewhat surprised by the Imperial Concubine's arrival, yet also filled with curiosity. She softly asked, "What is it, Imperial Concubine Su? Feel free to speak." Her voice was gentle and warm, flowing like a stream of clear water through everyone's heart, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort and peace of mind.

Su Jingyue gently untied the sachet in her hand. Like a blossoming flower, it revealed the exquisite embroidery and delicate silk threads within. She carefully presented the sachet to the Empress. Its fragrance instantly filled the air, blending with the ambergris in the chambers to create a unique atmosphere. However, Su Jingyue's expression was unusually solemn, as if the sachet concealed some unspeakable secret.

The Empress took the sachet and scrutinized every detail. Its vibrant colors and intricate embroidery clearly marked it as the work of skilled craftsmen within the imperial court. Yet, a lingering doubt arose in her mind: Why was this sachet there? What story lay hidden behind it?

Seeing this, a nearby palace maid quickly stepped forward to take the sachet and handed it to the imperial physician who had been waiting nearby. The physician took the sachet, closed his eyes, and sniffed it carefully. The faint fragrance, like a stream of fresh air, rushed into his nostrils, instantly awakening him. He took out a silver needle and other tools, and after a careful examination, he finally came to a conclusion: "Your Majesty, this sachet does contain musk."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression suddenly changed, a flicker of anger in her eyes. She had never imagined that this seemingly ordinary sachet could hold such a profound secret. She looked at Su Jingyue, her eyes filled with mixed emotions. "Sister Su, you're right. The musk in this sachet is harmful to women, especially pregnant women. Your prompt discovery and reporting to me are truly remarkable."

Seeing this, Su Jingyue hurriedly continued, "I am well aware of the harmful effects of musk, so upon discovering this matter, I immediately came to report it to Your Majesty. As far as I know, this sachet was given to Concubine Ning by Concubine Li. I am concerned that this sachet may harm Concubine Ning's health, so I dare to ask Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly."

The moment these words were spoken, the palace erupted in an uproar. After all, Concubine Ning was a favored concubine, and their relationship was complex. Now, this musk-containing sachet had become a barrier between them, making one wonder if there was a hidden agenda. The Empress pondered for a moment, then gazed into the distance with a piercing gaze, as if seeing everything. "This matter is of grave importance and must be thoroughly investigated. Send for Concubine Li to question her immediately, and also inform Concubine Ning of this matter so she can be on guard."

At the Empress's command, the palace chambers erupted in activity. The maids sprang into action, some summoning Concubine Li, others notifying Concubine Ning. Su Jingyue stood quietly by, her heart thick with worry and anticipation. She hoped the turmoil would soon subside and restore peace to the palace. She also trusted that the Empress would handle the matter fairly and give everyone a satisfactory explanation.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's eyes flashed with sternness, and she quickly summoned Concubine Li. Before long, Concubine Li hurried over, her steps flustered, her face pale as a sheet, as if she had anticipated what was about to happen.

When Concubine Li stepped into the Empress's bedroom, she immediately knelt on the ground and said in a trembling voice: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you. May you live a thousand years." Her voice was full of fear and anxiety, as if even the air had frozen.

The Empress did not immediately respond to Concubine Li's greeting. Instead, she stared at her coldly, as if trying to see through her heart. After a moment, the Empress finally spoke. Her voice was low, powerful, and full of majesty: "Concubine Li, do you admit your guilt?"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Li trembled uncontrollably. She raised her head, her eyes filled with grievance and resentment. She whispered, "I know my guilt. I did make a mistake. But, Your Majesty, I was also confused for a moment, blinded by jealousy."

At this point, Concubine Li paused, as if gathering her thoughts. Then, she continued, "Your Majesty, as you know, I have been in the palace for seven years, yet I remain only a noble. Concubine Ning, on the other hand, was merely a Nepalese princess, who was canonized as a consort upon entering the palace. I was truly resentful, and that's why I did such a foolish thing."

The Empress's expression didn't soften after hearing Concubine Li's explanation. She said coldly, "Concubine Li, as a concubine in the harem, you should have strictly adhered to palace rules and valued harmony. However, you, driven by jealousy, committed such an outrageous act. It's truly heartbreaking."

At this point, the Empress' tone suddenly grew stern. "You know, that musk sachet is forbidden in the palace. If used, it will endanger the heir to the throne. You are so audacious, aren't you afraid of the Emperor's punishment?"

Upon hearing this, Concubine Li trembled with fear and kowtowed, begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I know I was wrong. I was simply confused for a moment and had no intention of harming the heir. Please, Your Majesty, consider this my first offense and be lenient with me."

However, the Empress did not relent. She knew full well that there was no room for error in the harem. So, she said in a deep voice, "Lady Li, since you have admitted your fault, you must be punished accordingly. Someone, take Lady Li back to the palace and confine her to reflect on your mistakes for three months. During this time, you are not allowed to leave the palace, and you must not disobey in any way."

At the Empress's command, several palace maids immediately stepped forward, helped Concubine Li to her feet, and prepared to take her away. Concubine Li looked at the Empress's cold and ruthless eyes, her heart filled with despair and regret. She knew that this time, she was truly wrong.