The Legend of Concubine Su

On the emerald green, tender grass of the Imperial Garden, seemingly dripping with water, Consort Li stood quietly, her delicate figure a striking stroke in a meticulously crafted ink painting. A gentle breeze ruffled her sleeves, adding a touch of pathetic tenderness to her already frail figure. Yet, her beautiful eyes still shone with a resolute and unyielding light.

Looking around, she saw a dazzling array of exotic flowers, their multicolored petals as dazzling as the shimmering clouds of the heavens. The melodious chirping of birds echoed through her ears, accompanied by bursts of fragrant aromas, making her feel as if she were transported to a fairyland. Yet, for Concubine Li, all this breathtaking beauty paled in comparison. Her gaze passed through the dense green vegetation before her, gazing directly at the towering, solemn palace walls in the distance. They symbolized not only supreme power and majesty, but also an indescribable burden deeply imprinted within her heart.

Concubine Li's eyes drifted involuntarily, finally resting on Princess Shasha, who was currently being doted on by the Emperor. This exotic beauty from faraway Nepal was like the brightest star in the sky, emitting a dazzling light that seemed to illuminate every corner of the palace.

Her stunning beauty resembled a meticulously crafted work of art, her silky-smooth skin radiating an enchanting glow, her deep, luminous eyes sparkling like gemstones, her cherry lips beneath a high nose bridge radiating allure, her smile a breathtaking sight. Furthermore, Princess Shasha possessed extraordinary talent, a level rarely seen in the world. Coupled with the Emperor's unwavering love for her, she became the center of attention within the palace.

Yet, all this evoked an indescribable and complex wave of emotions in Concubine Li. A deep sense of resentment surged over her like a surging tide, violently battering her fragile heart. At the same time, endless envy, like delicate threads, silently entwined itself in her heart, forming a dense, intricate web from which she was trapped. This feeling, inflicting both agony and endless helplessness, seemed to her as if no matter how hard she struggled, she could not escape this cage woven of jealousy and resentment.

In order to find even a tiny bit of comfort, Li Gui resolutely decided to make a kite herself. For her, this was more than just a way to pass the time and relieve boredom; it was more like a bridge connecting reality with the depths of her soul, carrying endless emotions and attachments.

Thus, Concubine Li began to devote herself wholeheartedly to this meaningful task. First, she tirelessly searched for the finest bamboo strips—those strong and resilient bamboos, like her unwavering heart, always standing firm no matter the wind and rain. Next, she worked tirelessly to collect a variety of colorful and dazzling silk fabrics. These colorful items reflected her infinite longing and ardent anticipation for a better life.

When the sun shone brightly, Concubine Li would sit in the courtyard, engrossed in her work. She meticulously handled every detail, treating it with the same care as a rare treasure. Every bend and fold of the bamboo strips condensed countless hours of sweat and ingenuity; and every meticulous carving of the colorful silk was imbued with precious memories of the past and a distant, yet longed-for vision.

As she made her kite, Concubine Li seemed to enter a world of her own. She forgot the intrigues and schemes of the palace, focusing solely on the creation in her hands. She hummed a soft and melodious tune, like the gurgling of a mountain stream or the cheerful song of birds in the forest. Her voice echoed with a remembrance of good times past and a longing for an uncertain future. Her song echoed through the Imperial Garden, attracting several butterflies to a flutter. They seemed drawn to the moving melody and flocked around her.

As time passed, the kite gradually took shape. Its vibrant colors and graceful form resembled a phoenix about to spread its wings and soar. Concubine Li gazed at the kite in her hands, feeling a surge of inexplicable strength within her. She realized that no matter how the palace turmoil unfolded, she must uphold her convictions, maintain her dignity and pride. She would strive for happiness in her own way, pursuing her own spring.

She stood up and hoisted the kite high. With a resounding cry, the kite broke free from her grasp and soared into the blue sky. It soared higher and higher, until it finally became a tiny speck on the horizon. Concubine Li watched the kite fly away, her heart filled with excitement and anticipation. She seemed to see the direction of her future and felt a strength deep within her. She knew that as long as she persevered, she would one day find her own spring.

On a sunny spring day, the Imperial Gardens were ablaze with vibrant blossoms, a vibrant scene. Concubine Jiang and Concubine Li, clad in gorgeous palace attire, strolled slowly along the winding paths, their faces filled with gentle smiles, seemingly enchanted by the garden's vibrant beauty. A gentle breeze, carrying a delicate fragrance, swayed their skirts gently, like two peonies in full bloom, gracefully strolling through the garden.

As they walked, their attention was drawn to a burst of cheerful laughter. Following the sound, they saw Concubine Li standing on an open meadow, clutching a delicate kite string, intently controlling a colorful kite in the sky. The kite soared through the air, sometimes soaring high into the clouds, sometimes circling low, like a nimble bird, freely weaving through the blue sky and white clouds. Concubine Li's face was filled with an innocent smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and joy, as if transported back to the carefree days of her childhood.

Concubine Jiang and Concubine Li exchanged a smile, then quickened their pace toward Concubine Li. Their arrival imbued the meadow with even more life and energy. The three of them sat in a circle on the grass, admiring the dancing kite in the sky while chatting and laughing, sharing their joys and anecdotes. The fragrance of the surrounding flowers and grass blended together, creating a warm and harmonious scene that captivated everyone.

At this moment, the Imperial Garden is no longer simply a symbol of imperial gardens; it is more like a warm home filled with laughter, friendship, and harmony. Here, no matter whether you are a noble concubine or an ordinary maid or eunuch, you can temporarily forget the red tape and intrigue of the palace and enjoy a moment of tranquility and beauty. All this is due to the arrival of spring and the rare relaxation and freedom it brings.