The Legend of Concubine Su

Princess Shasha of Nepal, a jewel shining like a brilliant star in the royal sky, recently received exciting news: she is about to become a mother, bearing the hope of a new life. This joyous news, like the warm spring sun, penetrated the layers of palace curtains, illuminating every corner of the palace and warming the hearts of everyone who heard the news, including the gentle and thoughtful Su Jingyue.

Su Jingyue, a concubine living in a corner of the imperial palace, was filled with endless joy from the moment she learned of Princess Shasha's pregnancy. Her heartbeat seemed to resonate with the impending birth far away, driving her to eagerly share this joy and offer the soon-to-be mother her most sincere blessings and care.

She gently stroked the hem of her intricately embroidered skirt, each step graceful and eager, as if racing against time to reach the sacred place where she would witness the birth of a new life—the Moon-Raising Pavilion. This elegant abode, nestled deep within the imperial palace and gently caressed by moonlight, was enveloped in an indescribable warmth and peace, as if the very air was filled with the fragrance of a mother's love.

The moment Su Jingyue stepped into the Moon-Raising Pavilion, a smile brighter than a spring flower blossomed on her face. She quickly walked over to Princess Shasha's side, her eyes filled with tenderness and care, as if they could penetrate the deepest secrets of a person's heart. She softly expressed her joy and blessings, each word filled with affection and sincerity: "Sister Ningfei, this is truly the most precious gift God has bestowed upon our royal family! Your pregnancy is not only a moment of personal happiness for you, but also the pride and hope of our entire royal family. Please believe that no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we will always be by your side, safeguarding this hard-earned joy together."

Su Jingyue's words convey not only deep blessings and concern for Princess Shasha, but also profound insight and warning about the complex dynamics of the imperial palace. She knows full well how hidden undercurrents and dangers lurk within this seemingly peaceful palace. Therefore, she earnestly reminds Princess Shasha to remain vigilant, protecting herself and her unborn child from harm while also cultivating a compassionate heart and influencing those around her. She believes that only in this way can love and peace be the most beautiful companions for Princess Shasha during her pregnancy.

Princess Shasha listened to Su Jingyue's words, her heart filled with gratitude and warmth. She held Su Jingyue's hand tightly, tears glistening in her eyes with determination. "Your Highness's words have given me such warmth and strength. Please rest assured, I will remember them and put them into practice. I will use all my love and courage to welcome this new life and protect it. I also hope to pass on this love and hope to more people, so that our palace will be filled with love and peace."

In Lanyue Pavilion, a place filled with love and hope, the two empresses clung to each other, sharing their joy and anticipation. They knew the road ahead might be filled with uncertainty and challenges, but as long as they stood shoulder to shoulder, their hearts connected, nothing could stop them from moving forward. They believed that love could overcome all difficulties and challenges, allowing the flower of life to bloom with the most dazzling brilliance within the imperial palace.

Concubine Li, the most beautiful woman in the palace, was consumed by a fire of jealousy. When she learned that Princess Shasha was about to give birth, her resentment and anger spread like a flame whipped up by a strong wind, instantly spreading to every corner of her body. She knew that within these magnificent palace walls, every bit of favor meant supreme honor and status, and Princess Shasha's pregnancy was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her status.

Concubine Li then secretly plotted, deciding to resort to a covert and cunning method to satisfy her jealousy. She secretly summoned a trusted eunuch, and the sly glint in his eyes betrayed her determination to carry out her plan. Using gold, silver, and jewelry as bait, she easily bribed the greedy eunuch, making him a pawn in her scheme.

As night fell, the moonlight shone like water, and the Moon-Raising Pavilion was brightly lit, a scene of tranquility. Yet beneath this serene surface, a conspiracy was quietly brewing. The young eunuch, chosen by Consort Li as her executor, cradled with anxiety and greed, quietly approached the entrance to the Moon-Raising Pavilion's chambers. He glanced around, making sure no one was watching. He then quickly pulled a jar of oil from his pocket and poured it onto the ground without hesitation. The oil shimmered dimly in the moonlight, seeming to foreshadow the coming disaster.

After completing his mission, the young eunuch felt a surge of inexplicable fear and regret. But he knew he had already embarked on a path of no return, so he had no choice but to continue. He quickly erased any trace of his actions and slipped away silently like a ghost. Leaving behind him only the faintly glowing oil stains at the entrance of the Moon-Raising Pavilion, quietly telling of the secrets and intrigues of that night.

In the fading light of the setting sun, Princess Shasha and Su Jingyue stood side by side, their hands tightly clasped, the bond as deep as that of longtime friends. As they prepared to exit the quaint Lanyue Pavilion hand in hand, the exquisite carvings on the door lintel swayed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to this heartwarming farewell. However, fate seemed to have no intention of letting this beautiful scene end smoothly, as they inadvertently stepped into the hidden oil stain beside the threshold.

The greasy, slippery mess, like a hidden trap, instantly shattered the tranquility. Su Jingyue reacted quickly, instinctively trying to protect the pregnant Princess Shasha beside her. Her eagerness and determination were palpable. But she was powerless. As if pulled by an invisible force, they both lost their balance and fell to the cold ground. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and the air was filled with tension and unease.

Xiaoru, Su Jingyue's handmaiden, raced out of Lanyue Pavilion and witnessed this sudden change. Her face instantly turned as pale as paper, and an indescribable fear and worry welled up in her heart. Without a moment's hesitation, Xiaoru hurried forward, her hands trembling as she helped Su Jingyue to her feet, her eyes filled with concern and anxiety. Meanwhile, Princess Shasha's face was bloodless from the pain, her golden sari glaring in the setting sun. But even more striking was the blood that slowly flowed from her thigh, like a blooming red flower, carrying an ominous omen, staining her clothes and the hearts of everyone present.

Xiaoru's anger and anxiety reached a peak at this moment. She spun around and sternly shouted at the eunuch standing nearby, "Hurry! Inform the imperial physician and the emperor immediately! Such a matter cannot be delayed!" Her voice was filled with undeniable power, and every word struck like a hammer against everyone's heart. The eunuch trembled with fear, then fled as if awakened from a dream, leaving behind only chaos and anxious waiting in front of Lanyue Pavilion. Upon hearing of the incident at Lanyue Pavilion, the emperor was distraught and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, he found Princess Sasha huddled on the ground in agony, her thighs stained with blood, her sari discolored. The princess uttered faint moans, crying out in pain. The emperor's heart was torn. Without hesitation, he reached down and embraced Princess Sasha, gently but firmly comforting her. He then ordered the imperial physician to arrive and treat her.

Upon hearing the news, the imperial physicians rushed to the scene. After a thorough examination, everyone felt relieved. Princess Shasha had merely twisted her ankle. While the pain was excruciating, it was nothing serious. With rest, she would surely recover. However, another piece of news instantly froze the atmosphere in Lanyue Pavilion—Empress Ning, the noblewoman who was expected to bring a child to the royal family, had lost her unborn child in an accident.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor was furious, a fierce look flashing in his eyes. He knew that within this deep palace, the birth of every child carried countless expectations and hopes. Now, someone had dared to murder the heir to the throne. This crime should be punished! He roared, "Who is it? Who wants to kill my child? Investigate! Get to the bottom of it!"

Following the Emperor's orders, a thorough investigation was quickly launched. Soon, the truth began to surface—it turned out that the mastermind behind all this was a humble eunuch. Faced with the Emperor's questioning, the eunuch trembled, yet he gritted his teeth, refusing to divulge a single word. Convinced of this, the Emperor glared at the eunuch and demanded, "Tell me! Who ordered you to do this? If you dare to conceal even a single word, I will make you wish you were dead!"

Yet, the young eunuch seemed determined, clinging to his secret despite the Emperor's threats and inducements. Ultimately, under endless torture and psychological pressure, he finally broke down. However, he refused to directly accuse Concubine Li, choosing instead to shoulder all the blame. Tears welling in his eyes, he confessed, "This is all my doing, and no one else's. I was driven by greed, accepting Concubine Li's hush money, and was bewildered into committing such an outrageous act. I know my sins are grave, and I am willing to die to atone for them!"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor felt a mixture of emotions. He knew there must be a deeper, more complex web of grievances behind this, but the most important thing right now was to stabilize the situation and secure justice for Concubine Ning. So, suppressing his rage, he ordered the young eunuch to be taken to the Imperial Clan Court for rigorous interrogation, determined to get to the bottom of this matter. At the same time, he secretly dispatched trusted individuals to continue investigating Concubine Li's whereabouts and background, vowing to unravel the mysteries swirling within the palace.