The Legend of Concubine Su

Ever since Qi Jiaojiao suffered unimaginable dystocia and ultimately passed away while giving birth to the tender little princess, Lin Fei's world seemed consumed by an endless darkness. His soul seemed to sink with the passing of his beloved wife, and day and night he was entangled in self-blame and grief, unable to extricate himself. The once bustling scene within the Lin Mansion was gone, replaced by a dead silence. The maids looked at their master with heartache, taking turns approaching, offering gentle words and warm embraces, trying to dispel the haze from his heart and awaken his dormant soul. But in Lin Fei's eyes, there was only endless darkness and despair. Their words were like stones dropped into a deep pond, causing not a single ripple.

Seeing Lin Fei's decline grow by the day, the maids grew increasingly anxious. They knew they couldn't just sit back and watch. After some conspiracies, they decided to send someone to the palace to search for Su Jingyue, the woman with whom Lin Fei had a deep affection. Su Jingyue's name held immense significance for Lin Fei, and the maids firmly believed that only she could awaken his dormant heart.

When Su Jingyue heard the unfortunate news about Lin Fei, her heart was torn apart. Without hesitation, she abandoned all palace rules and fled the palace without a second thought. When she entered the Lin residence, the scene she saw was heartbreaking. Lin Fei lay unconscious, drunken, on the ground, while the young princess wept beside him, her childish sobs piercing her heart like needles.

Su Jingyue didn't dare delay and hurriedly ordered Xiaoru to pick up the little princess. Then she walked quickly towards Lin Fei. She squatted down, gently shook Lin Fei's shoulders, and called his name in a soft voice, as soft and warm as a spring breeze. However, Lin Fei seemed to be shrouded in a deep nightmare and could not wake up.

Despite this, Su Jingyue didn't give up. She continued softly, "Master Lin, please wake up! If Concubine Qi were still alive, she wouldn't want to see you so depressed. Besides, you still have to take care of the little princess. She's the fruit of your love and your hope for the future!"

Lin Fei still had no reaction, but Su Jingyue was not discouraged and continued to comfort him: "I know you are in pain after losing your wife, but you are not alone now. We are here with you. The little princess still needs your love and care. You can't give up on life like this. Cheer up, Master Lin, for the happiness of you and the little princess."

Under Su Jingyue's persistent persuasion, Lin Fei finally responded. He slowly raised his head and looked at Su Jingyue, his eyes filled with helplessness and bitterness. He smiled bitterly and said, "Not being able to marry someone you love is a pity; marrying someone you don't love is a pain. I've been pursuing the woman I truly love for so many years, but fate always plays tricks on me." He lowered his head to look at the butterfly hairpin in his hand. It held a beautiful memory between him and Su Jingyue. The butterfly hairpin flickered faintly in the dim candlelight, as if telling of every detail of their past.

Looking at the butterfly hairpin in Lin Fei's hand, Su Jingyue felt a mixture of emotions. She remembered it as a gift from her when she first entered the palace, but she hadn't expected him to keep it. At that moment, she realized her place in Lin Fei's heart might be far more important than she had imagined. Yet, at this moment, she could only silently stand by his side, offering him support and encouragement, unable to bear his pain and sorrow.

Su Jingyue slowly stood up and turned to leave the Lin Mansion. Her steps were heavy and firm, yet her heart was filled with conflict and struggle. As she walked, she wondered, "Why would he still remember me? I'm already the Emperor's concubine, and he dotes on me so much." Once, her world consisted of only Lin Fei, who ate together, studied together, and grew up together. But now, they were in different worlds, each with their own missions and responsibilities. She couldn't help but lament that fate always liked to play tricks on people, causing them to lose their most precious things without realizing it. But even so, she still hoped that Lin Fei could soon overcome his depression and regain his composure, embracing his future.

Su Jingyue, the once beautiful woman with a smile as bright as a flower, now huddled alone in a dark corner of her bedroom, seemingly forgotten by the world. Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting a shadow over her lonely figure, casting a silver veil over her, yet also illuminating the tears still etched on her face. Her thoughts, like a wild horse unbridled, galloped freely through time and space, transporting her back to the carefree days she had shared with Lin Fei. Those days, laughter and joy filled every corner, their deep affection like the warm spring sun, warm and bright. Yet, all that beauty had become a thing of the past, a distant memory, leaving her with only endless longing and sorrow.

In this quiet night, Su Jingyue's heart was filled with endless memories, and tears flowed like pearls from a broken string. She tried to hide her vulnerability with a smile, but the bitterness that welled up from the bottom of her heart could not be shaken off no matter what.

Just as she was lost in deep longing and sorrow, the bedroom door gently opened, and Xiaoru entered, holding a dim lantern. The lantern emanated a soft, warm glow, adding a touch of life and warmth to the silent night. Xiaoru immediately noticed the tears on Su Jingyue's slightly disheveled, yet still beautiful face, and a wave of pity and compassion welled up in her heart.

"My Lady, why are you crying?" Xiaoru's voice was soft and concerned, warming like a spring breeze. She put down her lantern, walked quickly to Su Jingyue's side, and gently wiped her tears with a handkerchief. That gentle gesture seemed to tell Su Jingyue: You are not alone, I am here.

Su Jingyue came back to her senses and forced a smile to hide her vulnerability: "It's okay, Xiaoru, I just... I just feel a little pity for the princess who lost her mother at such a young age." There was a hint of sob in her voice, but more of it was sympathy and care for the princess.

Xiaoru's eyes flickered with sympathy and emotion upon hearing this. She knew her madam's kindness, always putting herself in others' shoes. So, she comforted him even more tenderly, "Your madam truly has a compassionate heart. The princess is blessed to have a mother like you loving her. Although her biological mother is no longer around, with your care and concern, I believe the princess will grow up healthy and happy. Don't worry too much, the princess will feel your love and cherish this hard-earned happiness."

Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth as she listened to Xiaoru's words. She felt Xiaoru's care and support, which gave her some comfort and support in this unfamiliar ancient palace. She secretly resolved to face this even more strongly, not only for herself but also for those who needed her protection. She knew that only by being strong enough could she protect those around her from harm and preserve the hard-earned happiness and peace.