The Legend of Concubine Su

As the sun set, its blood-red afterglow stained half the sky, casting a mystical and magnificent hue over the entire palace. In this dreamlike twilight, the emperor, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, walked slowly into the empress's chambers with steady and solemn steps. Though his steps appeared calm and resolute, the furrowed brow and the faint hint of fatigue in the corners of his eyes could hardly conceal the weariness deep within.

Like a blooming peony, the Empress stood quietly before the palace gates, eagerly awaiting the Emperor's arrival. Seeing the Emperor approach, she hurried forward, her figure graceful and elegant, like a dancing fairy. She bowed gracefully, her movements elegant and graceful, whispering, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May our Emperor live long!" Her voice, melodious and flowing, resembled the chirping of an oriole or the murmuring of flowing water, filled with endless respect and tenderness.

The Emperor smiled faintly, gently raising his right hand, motioning for the Empress to rise. He then entered his chambers, slowly and steadily walking towards the Dragon and Phoenix Chair, a symbol of supreme power, and sat upon it. The Empress followed him closely, her eyes filled with gentle, attentive care. When she reached behind the Emperor, she carefully extended her delicate hands, gently placing them on his broad shoulders, and began to massage them rhythmically. Each squeeze was precise, the pressure just right, as if possessing a magical power that could dispel all the worries and troubles pent up within the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, the once-in-three-years selection of concubines is approaching. As the mistress of the harem, I must do my utmost to relieve Your Majesty's worries and help ensure the continuation of the royal family." The Empress spoke softly, her hands moving constantly as she carefully massaged the Emperor's shoulders. Her voice was soft and gentle, as if she was afraid to disturb this supremely noble Emperor. Yet, her words revealed an endless sense of helplessness and deep self-blame: "Alas... It is a pity that I, your majesty, have been so unfortunate that to this day, I have not been able to bear Your Majesty a child. Every time I think of this, my heart aches, and I am overwhelmed with guilt!"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's brow furrowed slightly. He slowly turned, his eyes, as deep as a pool, fixed upon the Empress, their gazes filled with a thousand words and boundless emotion. After a moment's silence, he finally spoke, "Empress, please do not belittle yourself. I know your deepest devotion to me, and I understand the pressure and suffering you endure." At this point, the Emperor sighed softly, then continued, "It's just that I'm conflicted about this selection. In my heart, I've already chosen the one and only person I truly love—Su Jingyue. Back then, she and I knew each other, and we've been together for over a decade. Our bond is as strong as gold, and our love has never faded in the slightest."

Upon hearing this, the Empress' eyes flashed with understanding. She nodded gently, and spoke even more softly, "I understand your Majesty's intentions. The Imperial Concubine is truly the most beloved of your Majesty's, and her talent and beauty make me feel inferior. However, Your Majesty, the harem is the pride of the royal family, and it needs fresh blood to ensure the prosperity and continuity of the royal lineage. I boldly request that the selection of concubines be included in the agenda."

The Emperor was silent for a moment. He knew the Empress' words made sense, but his feelings for Su Jingyue were too strong to let go. Finally, he sighed helplessly and said slowly, "Okay, Empress. I'll do as you say regarding the selection of concubines. But I hope this can be kept as low-key as possible, so as not to disturb Jingyue."

Upon hearing this, the Empress secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She knew the Emperor was making a concession, a sign of respect for her. She quickly replied, "I obey your order. I will make the proper arrangements for the selection and ensure everything goes smoothly." With that, she once again massaged the Emperor's shoulders, and the warmth and harmony between them seemed to return to their former state.

The Emperor once again entered Su Jingyue's quiet and elegant palace, his face tinged with a subtle hint of nervous anticipation. He approached slowly and whispered a secret to her: the grand selection of concubines to be held in a few days. Su Jingyue's lips curled up in a gentle smile, a sly glint in her eyes as she quipped, "I sincerely hope that a few virtuous women will be selected. This will not only add a touch of vitality to the harem, but also help Her Majesty the Empress manage this vast harem with greater ease."

The Emperor's lips curled up unconsciously upon hearing this. He knew Su Jingyue's intelligence and understanding, but he still felt a little uneasy. So he tentatively asked, "My beloved concubine, you are so generous. Aren't you afraid that my heart will be divided among those newcomers?" Su Jingyue shook her head gently upon hearing this, her eyes gentle but firm. "Of course, I know that Your Majesty has three palaces and six courtyards. This is the right and honor of the Son of Heaven. But I don't ask for much. As long as Your Majesty can always keep a place for me in his heart, that is enough."

The Emperor was deeply moved by Su Jingyue's words, unable to contain his emotions any longer, and suddenly embraced her. Their hearts were connected in that moment, as if the entire world had stopped. Su Jingyue nestled against the Emperor's chest, yet a bitter feeling welled up within her. She knew she was a soul from the future, transported here to experience the ancient court. Yet, within this magnificent palace, deep down, she yearned for the pure love of monogamy. However, in this era of supreme imperial power, this seemed so far-fetched, like a dream that could never be realized.

The emperor reached out his hand, his fingertips gently touching Su Jingyue's cheek. Her delicate, porcelain-like skin looked even whiter in the night. The emperor couldn't help but pinch her face slightly, a doting smile on his lips, and his voice was low and magnetic: "I will stay with you tonight."

These words brushed Su Jingyue's heart like a spring breeze, instantly tinging her cheeks with a blush. She looked up at the emperor, her eyes gleaming with surprise and shyness, as if she had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin. In the end, she simply nodded gently, her tacit approval and expectation like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating both of their hearts.

The palace servants then set to work, meticulously decorating the bedroom, striving to satisfy the emperor and Su Jingyue with every detail. As the candlelight flickered, the two figures gradually approached, their warmth and sweetness quietly spreading through the night.

The Emperor took Su Jingyue's hand, and together they walked to the bedside. In that moment, all their worries and sorrows seemed to be cast aside, leaving only the sound of each other's heartbeats and an indescribable affection. They smiled at each other, and all their words melted into this silent understanding and companionship.