The Legend of Concubine Su

Deep within the resplendent Forbidden City lies a palace gently embraced by a sea of vibrant flowers. It stands not only as a symbol of imperial power but also as a testament to the Emperor's boundless love for his Imperial Consort, Su Jingyue. This palace, akin to a paradise, is perpetually awash in springtime, each blossom a vibrant spectacle, each bloom a testament to the enduring bond between Su Jingyue and the Emperor. Recently, to comfort Su Jingyue's homesickness, the Emperor granted her parents—the highly respected Prime Minister Su and the gentle and virtuous Lady Su, a First-Rank Imperial Consort—the privilege of reuniting with their daughter in the palace, allowing them to enjoy long-awaited family bliss.

As the first rays of morning light gently brushed across the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, a carriage, adorned like a moving treasure trove, quietly passed through the majestic vermilion gates. Inside, Prime Minister Su and Madam Su sat facing each other, their eyes gleaming with unspeakable excitement and anticipation. Despite the picturesque scenery outside, from towering palaces to exquisite pavilions, each showcasing the grandeur and splendor of imperial power, none of this beauty captivated their gaze. Their hearts had already transcended these palace walls, soaring to the place they longed for: the home of their daughter, Su Jingyue.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, Prime Minister Su and his wife, supported respectfully by a group of palace maids in lavish attire, stepped onto the bluestone path leading to the palace. Prime Minister Su, clad in an exquisite brocade dragon robe, exuded both dignity and refinement. Each step he took was steady and solemn, as if carrying the family's honor and responsibility. Meanwhile, his wife, clad in a magnificent shawl, embroidered with lifelike patterns of clouds and pheasants, seemed poised to soar at any moment, highlighting her dignity and prestige as a first-rank imperial consort.

The moment they entered the palace, a delicate fragrance filled their nostrils—a welcome gift specially prepared by Su Jingyue for her parents. The palace's interior was warm and elegant, every detail revealing a daughter's longing and care for her parents. Su Jingyue had been waiting there for a long time, clad in a dazzling yellow gown embroidered with a phoenix, a pattern of phoenix wings spread faintly visible on her sleeves, as if she could soar into the heavens at any moment. Her graceful and ethereal figure, like a fairy descending from the earth, captivated everyone.

The moment she saw her parents, tears welled up in Su Jingyue's eyes, a glint of longing and gratitude for them. But she quickly composed herself and took a few steps forward to greet them. Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Su and Madam Su quickly bowed according to palace etiquette and said, "Your humble servants, I pay my respects to the Imperial Concubine." Their voices expressed both awe for the imperial power and deep longing and concern for their daughter.

Seeing this, Su Jingyue hurried forward to help her parents up, her tone filled with intimacy and reluctance. "Father, Mother, please don't be so polite. I've missed you so much." At that moment, the palace's rules and etiquette seemed to vanish, leaving only the most sincere family affection flowing. Madam Su held her daughter's hand tightly, her eyes filled with love and pity. "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine has been favored by the Emperor. This is a great favor. The Emperor has now renovated the Su Mansion. Our Su family is truly grateful."

Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth at hearing this. She knew her family's support was inseparable from the Emperor's favor. Gently shaking her head, she said to Prime Minister Su and Madam Su, "I'm unfilial and cannot serve you, Father and Mother. But please rest assured, I'm doing well in the palace." She gestured to Xiaoru, who was standing by, to bring the longjing tea and delicate snacks she had prepared beforehand.

Xiaoru bowed respectfully and placed the tea and snacks before Prime Minister Su and his wife. "Prime Minister, Madam, please enjoy." Su Jingyue smiled and said, "Father and Mother, this is the finest pre-rain Longjing tea. Please enjoy it." Prime Minister Su and his wife took a sip of the teacup. The refreshing aroma instantly filled the entire palace, as if even the air had become extraordinarily sweet. They smiled at each other, their eyes filled with pride and joy for their daughter.

At this moment, deep within the magnificent imperial palace, surrounded by vibrant flowers, the family was finally reunited to share the joy of family. No matter how the outside world turmoiled or how things changed, this blood-thicker-than-water bond would always be the warmest harbor in their hearts.

The aroma of tea curls up like soft silk ribbons, dancing slowly in the air, adding a bit of tranquility and warmth to the family gathering in the palace. As the aroma of tea drifts away, the family's topics are also like this fragrance, from far to near, gradually transitioning from the grand narrative of the emperor's grace to the ordinary and real daily trivialities. There is a bit of relief and emotion in Prime Minister Su's voice. He talked about the renovation of the mansion. It is not just the stacking of bricks, stones, wood and tiles, but also the testimony of the family's glory and the blessing of the imperial concubine. "The mansion is brand new. This is not only the skillful work of the craftsmen, but also the hard work of the imperial concubine in the palace, which has brought supreme glory to the family. However, no matter how prosperous the mansion is, it can't compare to the warmth of the imperial concubine here. That is the feeling of home and the home of the soul."

Madam Su gently stroked the back of Su Jingyue's hand. Her hands, weathered by the ravages of time but still gentle, conveyed an endless supply of maternal love and care. "Your Highness, although you reside in the imperial palace, enjoying the highest honors, in my heart, your happiness and well-being are our greatest wishes. I only hope you will always take care of yourself and not let the loneliness and longing within these palace walls erode your body and soul. Although we cannot see each other often, my heart will always be with you."

Su Jingyue's eyes reddened upon hearing this. She clutched her mother's hand tightly, as if grasping the warmth and strength of home. Her smile was gentle yet resolute, as if telling her mother, "Daughter, I understand. I will take good care of myself and not worry you. However, this deep palace, despite all its good qualities, lacks the feeling of home. I long for more moments like this, to be with you and enjoy the long-lost family love and warmth."

Xiaoru listened quietly, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. As the Imperial Concubine's personal maid, she knew that despite the Imperial Concubine's supreme glory in this magnificent palace, her longing for home was irreplaceable. So, she waited even more attentively, using her own way to add a touch of warmth and beauty to this rare reunion.

As the sun rose higher, palace affairs began to gather pace. Though filled with reluctance, Su Jingyue had to prepare for her parents' farewell. She personally selected rare palace gifts for them, each one a symbol of her longing and well-wishes. As they parted, she repeatedly urged them to take care of themselves and to visit the palace often. Her words were filled with a longing for home and a yearning for it, as if to capture all her longing in this moment.

Prime Minister Su and Madam Su bowed again, slowly exiting the palace amidst a wave of reluctance. Their figures gradually receded from view in front of the palace gates, vanishing from sight. Su Jingyue stood there, watching them depart, her heart filled with endless longing and anticipation. She knew that no matter where she went, her attachment to home would always remain with her, a tender part of her heart. At the same time, she became even more resolute in her resolve to continue striving within the palace for the honor and happiness of her family.