The Legend of Concubine Su

Ever since Concubine Li suffered ruthless punishment and was thrown into the cold, gloomy and isolated cold palace, her life has been like falling into a bottomless dark abyss. The glory and supreme honor of the past have vanished in an instant, and she has become fragile and vulnerable in the face of the cruel and ruthless reality.

In this bone-chilling, gloomy cold palace, time seems to have frozen and stagnated, devoid of life. The air is filled with a suffocating, strong musty odor and dampness, as well as an endless sense of loneliness, like a heavy burden weighing on the heart, plunging people into deep despair and unable to extricate themselves.

The eunuchs and maids who had once been fawning and obedient were now completely different people. They had become unscrupulous and unreasonable. Not only did they torture Li Guiren in every possible way, they also treated her as if she were nothing, completely ignoring her existence. Thus, poor Li Guiren seemed to have become a lonely person abandoned by the whole world, curled up in this dark and damp corner, silently enduring all the suffering.

But just as Concubine Li was mired in despair, a faint but warm ray of sunlight pierced the dense clouds, bringing her a glimmer of precious hope. This ray of light, saving her soul, came from none other than the esteemed and revered Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue. This kindhearted and compassionate woman, ignoring rumors and numerous obstacles, resolutely journeyed into this long-forgotten, desolate land, carrying with her a deep and sincere compassion and concern for Concubine Li.

Su Jingyue carefully held the soft quilt and the carefully selected and meticulously prepared food, and walked with light and slow steps into the slightly shabby and somewhat gloomy courtyard of the cold palace.

The scene that greeted Su Jingyue was utterly astonished. It was a world away from the magnificent, splendid harem she had known. Weeds grew unchecked, seemingly untrimmed and uncared for, their growth exceedingly lush. The bricks and stones, once sturdy and neat, were now broken and dilapidated, as if weathered by countless storms. The entire environment looked desolate, exuding an endless sense of desolation.

Yet, in this desolate and lonely place, Su Jingyue's appearance was like a warm spring breeze, quietly blowing away the gloom that had enveloped the place. The item in her hand seemed to have some magical power, making this once lifeless land gradually glow with vitality and vigor.

Su Jingyue softly called out Concubine Li's name, her voice as melodious as the sound of nature, filled with deep concern and sincere solace. Hearing the call, Concubine Li looked up, her gaze meeting Su Jingyue's. She saw the beautiful woman before her, her face as gentle and delicate as jade, and her beautiful face radiated sympathy and understanding for her.

At that moment, Li Guiren's heart felt like it had been struck by lightning, and a surge of emotions she had never experienced before surged. It felt like a timely rain finally arrived after a long drought, seeping into her long-dried heart, providing it with the nourishment and moisture it needed most.

Su Jingyue spread the quilt on the bed with her own hands. The soft touch brought a long-lost warmth and comfort to Concubine Li. She took the food Su Jingyue offered, and tears blurred her vision again. But this time, the tears she shed were not of despair, but of emotion. She hugged Su Jingyue tightly, sobbing and expressing her gratitude.

Su Jingyue gently patted Concubine Li's shoulder, patiently comforting her. She told Concubine Li that no one is perfect, and as long as she truly repented, there was still hope for the future. She hoped that Concubine Li would reflect on her mistakes in the cold palace, reform herself, and start anew. These words were like a shot in the arm, rekindling Concubine Li's hope and courage for life.

On the way back to the palace, Xiaoru puzzled over why Su Jingyue was helping Concubine Li, the person who had once framed her. Su Jingyue smiled and said, "I want her to repent for her actions and turn over a new leaf to become a good person. I also believe that as long as people are kind-hearted, they will eventually change." She then instructed Xiaoru to accompany her to Lanyue Pavilion to visit Concubine Ning and continue to spread this warmth and hope.

Inside the magnificent Lanyue Pavilion, flickering candlelight illuminated the exquisite surroundings, yet it could hardly mask the heaviness and worry that permeated the air. Princess Shasha, who had suffered a miscarriage, lay weakly on the soft brocade quilt, her face as pale as paper, her eyes flickering with helplessness and sorrow. Her hair lay dishevelled on the pillow, making her look even more pitiful.

Su Jingyue, a noble concubine, dressed in gorgeous attire, yet her gentle and virtuous demeanor could not be concealed. She slowly entered the inner chamber, her gaze filled with concern and tenderness. She accepted the carefully brewed ginseng soup from a nearby maid. The broth, a translucent golden color and exuding an alluring aroma, evidently featured the finest herbs and the precise cooking process. Su Jingyue tiptoed to the bedside and gently lifted Princess Sasha to her feet, allowing her to rest in her arms, as if protecting a fading flower.

"Sister Imperial Concubine..." Princess Sasha's voice was thin, yet filled with dependence and gratitude towards Su Jingyue. Her eyes held both a desire for life and helplessness and sadness at her current situation.

Su Jingyue felt an indescribable sadness well up in her heart when she heard this. Fighting back tears, she gently interrupted Princess Sasha, "Sister Ningfei, stop talking. The most important thing right now is to take good care of yourself. Come, drink the ginseng soup while it's still hot. It's good for you." As she spoke, she carefully blew on the ginseng soup to cool it down, then gently brought it to Princess Sasha's lips.

Princess Sasha felt a surge of warmth as she gazed at Su Jingyue's caring and encouraging eyes. She forced a smile and nodded gratefully, then slowly opened her mouth and sipped the warm ginseng soup. Though her body remained weak, her heart was filled with hope and strength. She knew that with a sister like Su Jingyue by her side, she would be able to overcome this difficult time.

The entire Lanyue Pavilion was utterly silent, save for the aroma of ginseng soup and the occasional whisper. Yet, within this stillness lay an endless warmth and resilience. The deep sisterly bond between Su Jingyue and Princess Shasha was perfectly captured in this moment.