The Legend of Concubine Su

On the day of the marriage, the first rays of morning light, like fine threads, pierced the mist, gently caressing Princess Lishu's delicate face, awakening the beauty about to embark on her journey to a distant land. Her emotions, like the morning light, were complex and subtle, a mixture of uneasiness about the unknown future and a firm resolve for the righteous cause of her family and country. The palace maids, clad in lightly draped garments, moved gracefully and methodically throughout the chambers, like industrious bees on a spring day, meticulously adorning the soon-to-be-blooming flower—Princess Lishu.

Princess Lishu slowly stood up and allowed the palace maids to dress her in the wedding dress that represented the unique style of the Mongol Shiwei people. It was a gorgeous wedding dress for a bride. Its colors were breathtaking, like a rainbow after the rain, gorgeous and dazzling.

The collar and cuffs of the wedding gown were densely inlaid with tiny, round pearls, which shone like stars in the night sky, emitting a warm and soft luster. These pearls were closely arranged and interwoven, forming a beautiful and mysterious picture that was so captivating.

Look at the hem, meticulously embroidered with intricate and exquisite patterns. Every stitch and thread carries the artisans' endless effort and deepest blessings. The lines flow smoothly and naturally, the patterns come alive, as if telling beautiful stories.

The entire wedding dress is made of bright red satin. This rich red color symbolizes joy and happiness, giving people a warm and cheerful feeling. When the bride wears it, she is as if she is enveloped by a ball of passionate light, appearing particularly bright and charming.

The golden belt tied around her waist was the finishing touch to her look. Encrusted with dazzling gemstones, it shimmered like a flowing galaxy, encircling the bride's slender waist. Whenever she moved, the gemstones swayed with her movements, shimmering with a dazzling array of light.

The most striking feature was the bride's headdress. This piece was a true work of art, expertly woven from countless vibrant flowers. These blossoms were vibrant in color and form, some budding like shy young girls, others resembling the splendor of blooming peonies. Dotted among the blossoms were a few shimmering crystals, as clear and transparent as morning dew, emitting a captivating glow and lending the entire headdress a mysterious and elegant aura.

When the bride donned this wedding gown, she resembled a fairy from a fairyland, beautiful, noble, and captivating. Every touch of color imbued her with endless vitality and hope. The intricate totems embroidered upon it embody the craftsman's painstaking effort and ingenuity. They not only embellished the princess's magnificent attire but also conveyed the bride's best wishes and earnest anticipation. In this gown, the princess, like a blooming peony, surrounded by her maids, exuded even greater dignity and elegance, as if the eyes of the world were fixed on her.

Then, a towering, magnificent Mengwushiwei wedding hat, like a rare treasure, was carefully and respectfully lifted by the palace maids and slowly placed on the princess's silky hair. Like a glittering pearl, the hat shone with a dazzling brilliance, its exquisiteness simply breathtaking. Every thread was woven with such meticulous precision, every feather embellished with perfect precision, a truly exquisite work of art.

However, for the princess, this hat is more than just an ordinary piece of exquisite jewelry. It is more like a sacred and solemn token, representing the princess's new identity and status. The moment she puts on this hat, the princess shoulders a profound responsibility and mission: to serve as a bridge for friendly exchanges between the two countries and realize the beautiful vision of peaceful coexistence. This small hat embodies the hopes and blessings of countless people and carries the grand blueprint for the common development and prosperity of these two great nations.

The princess raised her hand slightly, her fingertips, like dancing butterflies, gently touching the faint light filtering through from beneath her hat brim. The faint, shimmering light seemed to hold an endless mystical power, conveying an indescribable emotion. It seemed to possess a life of its own, quietly creeping into the princess's heart, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort. In that moment, the princess felt an unprecedented sense of peace and security.

Yet, deep within the princess's seemingly resilient heart, a turbulent sea of emotions raged. On the one hand, she felt a deep attachment to the land where she grew up, every inch of it, every scene etched in her memory, inseparable from her desire to part with it. On the other hand, facing the uncertain future ahead, the princess harbored a deep longing and anticipation. She longed to demonstrate her worth in this new environment and bring benefits to the people of both countries. This complex interweaving of emotions weighed heavily on the princess, yet also ignited her courage and determination to forge ahead.

To enhance the princess's beauty and dignity, the maids adorned her with a variety of exquisite jewelry crafted from precious materials such as agate, jade, coral, pearls, and silver. These jewels shimmered in the morning light, gleaming with a dazzling brilliance, complementing the princess's magnificent attire, making her look even more radiant and breathtaking. Each piece seemed to have its own life and story, quietly recounting ancient and mysterious legends, transporting the princess to a dreamlike world.

Once everything was ready, the princess, supported by her maids, slowly emerged from her chambers and began her journey to the emperor's chambers. Along the way, palace attendants stopped to watch, their gazes filled with admiration and well wishes for the princess. Knowing that she would soon marry far away, contributing to the peace and prosperity of her nation, they bid her farewell with the most sincere affection.

Finally, the princess arrived at the emperor's chambers. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil and anxiety, then slowly entered. The emperor was already waiting there, his eyes filled with reluctance and worry. He gazed upon his departing daughter, and an indescribable sadness welled up in his heart. Yet, he knew this was a necessary sacrifice and a choice for the good of the nation and the greater good.

The princess knelt before the emperor and kowtowed deeply in a gesture of respect and gratitude. Her voice choked with emotion, she said, "I bid farewell to my father, the emperor, and my mother! This journey to the Mengwu Shiwei is long and filled with unknowns and challenges, but I will remember your teachings and expectations and strive forward! I hope you will take good care of your health and live out your years!"

Upon hearing this, the emperor's eyes welled up. With trembling hands, he lifted the princess to her feet and held her hand tightly. His eyes were filled with love and reluctance, as if he wanted to keep this family bond with him forever. However, he also knew that this was a necessary sacrifice and choice for the peace and prosperity of the country. Fighting back tears, he said to the princess, "My child, when you grow up, you must bravely pursue your own happiness and dreams! Your father will always be here praying and blessing you. May your journey be safe and smooth, and may you grow old together with the prince of the Mongol Shiwei, and may you be united in love forever!"

At that moment, the entire palace was immersed in a warm yet sad atmosphere. The princess and the emperor embraced each other tightly, as if to engrave this bond of affection forever in their hearts. Then, accompanied by her maids, the princess slowly departed, embarking on her journey to the Mengwu Shiwei. Her figure gradually faded in the morning light, leaving behind a legendary story of love and sacrifice, duty and commitment that will linger in people's hearts for a long time.

At that moment, Su Jing happened to be passing by. She watched the retreating marriage procession and Princess Lishu's determined figure, and sighed, "Women truly are willing to sacrifice everything for politics!" Her tone was a mixture of admiration for the princess and a sense of regret and helplessness about the fate of women. Yet, she also knew that this was the responsibility and mission they, as women, must shoulder.