The Legend of Concubine Su

The emperor's heart was roiling like a raging storm. Facing the earnest and resolute request for marriage from the Mongol Shiwei envoy, he knew this was more than a simple marriage transaction; it was a delicate balancing act for peace and stability between the two nations. This marriage, like an invisible bond, connected the destinies of the two nations and gripped the hearts of countless people. Yet, the emperor was torn between conflict and struggle. He refused to let the innocent princess leave her homeland, marry far away, and endure the loneliness and longing she would endure; nor did he want to provoke a senseless war and plunge innocent people into dire straits by a momentary refusal. This heavy burden, like a boulder, weighed on his heart, making it difficult to breathe.

So, with a hint of worry and uneasiness, the Emperor slowly entered the Empress's chambers. Noticing his solemn expression, a hint of fatigue and helplessness between his brows, the Empress guessed at his intentions. The two stared at each other in silence, a moment in which they could almost hear each other's heartbeats. Finally, the Emperor broke the silence and spoke slowly, "Empress, the envoys from the Mongol Shiwei have arrived. They have made a difficult request—to marry an unmarried princess of our dynasty. I know this concerns the peace and stability between our two countries, but the thought of having to part with my own flesh and blood is like a knife in my heart."

Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. She sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty, I understand this matter is of grave importance. But now that things have come to this, we must remain calm and consider the long-term consequences. The only princesses of marriageable age in the palace are Xingrou, Yunchu, and Lishu. Princess Xingrou is as innocent as a flower blooming in spring; Princess Yunchu is gentle and charming, like a gentle breeze in summer. They are both dear to your Majesty, and it would be heartbreaking to part with any of them. And Princess Lishu, though older than her sisters, possesses exceptional talent, a refined character, and a truly rare and desirable woman."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor's eyes flickered with a complex light. He paused for a moment, then continued, "Princess Lishu has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, possessing a gentle and virtuous character. Her every word and action reveals the demeanor of a lady from a noble family. However, she is already eighteen years old, making her one of the 'older' princesses in the palace. Although I am deeply reluctant to part with her, if I truly must choose someone for a marriage to maintain national peace, Lishu may truly be the most suitable candidate."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. She was fully aware of the Emperor's difficulties and helplessness, and understood the responsibilities and burdens he bore as the ruler of a nation. So, she gently grasped the Emperor's hand and said softly but firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will share this responsibility with Your Majesty. Although Princess Lishu will marry far away, she has the greater good of her country at heart and will understand Your Majesty's heartfelt wishes. I will personally prepare a generous dowry for her, allowing her to marry in style. At the same time, I will also let the envoys of the Mongol Shiwei see the demeanor and magnanimity of our great nation."

The Emperor felt a sense of relief upon hearing this. He knew the Queen's words were both support and comfort. So, he nodded and said, "The Queen is right. I will personally discuss this matter with Princess Lishu to make her understand my painstaking efforts and helplessness. At the same time, I will strengthen border defenses to ensure peaceful coexistence between the two countries and live up to the original intention of this marriage."

Thus, the Emperor and Empress jointly decided to marry Princess Lishu to maintain peace and stability between the two countries. Although filled with reluctance and helplessness, they knew it was a sacrifice for the greater good and peace. The Emperor then summoned a young eunuch to bring Princess Lishu to his presence.

Not long after, Princess Lishu appeared like a delicate and beautiful peach blossom, wearing a light pink dress that lightly wrapped her graceful body; she was also covered with a layer of snow-white gauze, and she slowly walked into the bedroom like a fairy descending to the earth.

Her figure was as graceful and alluring as a dancing swan, her elegant lines outlining captivating curves, her slender neck and delicate collarbone looming, exuding a unique charm. Her skirt, like cascading snowflakes, shimmered with moonlight, gently flowing down, trailing over three feet on the ground, making every step she took appear exceptionally elegant, graceful, and graceful.

The three thousand silky and smooth hair were neatly tied up with an exquisite hairband, a lifelike butterfly hairpin was inserted diagonally on the head, and a strand of black and shiny hair naturally fell on the chest, adding a bit of tenderness and charm to it.

Princess Lishu gracefully performed standard court etiquette, then said respectfully, "Your son pays homage to the Emperor, Father, and the Empress, Mother."

The emperor felt an indescribable sadness at the sight of his beautiful daughter, but he fought back the tears that threatened to burst forth. He spoke in a low voice, "Lishu, the Mengwushiwei have sent envoys requesting the handover of our princess. After careful consideration, I hope you will travel to the Mengwushiwei and marry them, thereby safeguarding the long-standing peace and stability between our two countries."

Upon hearing this, Princess Lishu's face instantly turned pale, as if struck by a bolt from the blue. Her once clear, bright eyes were now overwhelmed by endless sorrow, and glittering tears welled up in them, ready to fall like pearls from a broken string. She bit her lip, trying to contain the surging emotions within her, but her voice couldn't help but tremble slightly as she spoke with a heartbreaking sob, "Father... I really don't want to leave you and Mother! This is my home. This land holds so many beautiful memories for me. I truly can't bear to leave like this..."

The Emperor looked at his grief-stricken daughter, his heart aching with pain. However, as the ruler of a nation, he knew that this decision was made out of consideration for the future of the entire country. Although the pain was unbearable, he had no choice. So, he fought back his tears and said in an extremely firm tone: "Lishu, my mind is made up and will never change. As a member of the royal family, you should have the world in your heart and put the interests of your family and country first. For the long-term stability and prosperity of the country, you must bravely shoulder this responsibility. I believe you can understand my difficulties."

By the time he had finished speaking, tears had already streaked across the Emperor's weathered face. These tears expressed not only a deep attachment to his daughter and a reluctance to part, but also a deep concern and responsibility for the nation's future. Princess Lishu, observing her father's sorrowful face, felt a wave of grief, yet at the same time, she deeply understood his good intentions and the weight of the mission he shouldered. She slowly reached out and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. Then, with her chest held high and a resolute gaze, she replied, "I, your son, will faithfully obey His Majesty's instructions and fulfill my mission. I will serve the court wholeheartedly and dedicate all my energy to the peace and stability of our nation!"

On that sunny yet slightly melancholic day, Princess Lishu silently accepted her fate as a foreign prince, embarking on a long journey to the unfamiliar land of the Mongol Shiwei, where she would marry and forge a marital alliance with the prince. Her eyes betrayed endless longing and deep resignation, yet deep down she understood that her choice was the price she had to pay for the prosperity of her country and the peace and happiness of her people.

Princess Lishu gently caressed the brocade handkerchief in her hands, feeling the warmth of her homeland. Every stitch and thread embodied her deep affection for her family, friends, and this land. Yet, now, she could no longer turn back; she could only resolutely move forward, shouldering the heavy responsibility that lay ahead.

Meanwhile, within the palace, the Emperor and Empress were heartbroken. They knew their daughter would face numerous unknown difficulties and challenges, but to maintain friendly relations between the two nations and achieve lasting peaceful coexistence, they had to reluctantly let her go. The Emperor, his fists clenched tightly, his eyes gleaming with determination, pledged his full support for Princess Lishu and his constant concern for her well-being. The Empress, weeping silently, clasped her hands together, devoutly praying for her daughter's safety and happiness.

Against the backdrop of turbulent times, Princess Lishu shouldered a monumental mission despite her fragile frame. Her bravery and dedication not only earned her admiration and praise, but also became a legend passed down through the ages. The Emperor and Empress' deep love and concern for her will become an eternal strength, accompanying her through life's ups and downs.