The Legend of Concubine Su

Su Jingyue enjoyed a reputation within the harem for her virtuous character, not only due to her distinguished family background but also for her warm and welcoming demeanor. She treated the ladies in the harem like sisters, never jealous or feuding, but genuinely concerned for their lives and needs. Even the lower-ranking palace maids and eunuchs were treated with respect and care. She understood their hardships and difficulties, often offering them a warm smile or words of encouragement. Consequently, the ladies, maids, and eunuchs in the harem all held Su Jingyue in high esteem and affection.

Today was the Empress Dowager's sixtieth birthday, and the entire palace was decked out in festive attire. The ladies from every palace, dressed in gorgeous auspicious attire and bearing exquisite birthday gifts, came together to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday.

The Empress wore a bright red phoenix robe embroidered with lifelike phoenixes, their wings spread wide, ready to fly, as if ready to burst forth at any moment. On her head was a phoenix crown inlaid with countless pearls and gemstones, so dazzling that one dared not look directly at it.

Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue wore a pale pink palace gown embroidered with delicate peony patterns, with layers of petals cascading down her back, creating a lifelike scene. Around her waist was a white ribbon inlaid with pink gemstones, which shimmered softly as she moved.

The other ladies also wore their own auspicious clothes, some were blue, some were green, and some were purple, each embroidered with exquisite patterns, dazzling the eyes. They wore various headdresses on their heads, some were gold hairpins, some were jade hairpins, and some were pearl earrings, each of which was priceless, highlighting their noble status.

The Empress Dowager was originally the late Emperor's Consort Xiang. She had a son and a daughter: the son was the current Emperor, and the daughter was Princess Roujia. At this moment, Princess Roujia sat obediently beside the Empress Dowager. This little princess had been deeply favored by the late Emperor since childhood, and now she was even more beloved by the Empress Dowager.

On the other side, the Emperor and Empress sat side by side, their faces brimming with joy. Also present were Li Guiren, Jiang Bin, Li Fei, Su Jingyue, and other concubines, each with their own thoughts, eager to showcase their charm and status on this special occasion.

Sitting in the back row were the wives and wives of some ministers, including Lin Fei and Qi Jiaojiao.

On the stage, the palace maids danced gracefully, and the emperor and his empresses in the audience admired this wonderful performance. At this time, many concubines stood up and toasted to the empress dowager in turn.

Finally, it was Qi Jiaojiao's turn. Holding the teacup steadily in both hands, she walked gracefully toward the Empress Dowager. She bowed respectfully and softly said, "I, your concubine Qi, respectfully wish the Empress Dowager a long and healthy life!" She added, "I am pregnant and cannot drink. I would like to offer you tea instead." She raised her head and drank the whole thing in one gulp.

Qi Jiaojiao then turned and approached Empress Su Jingyue, bowing slightly. With a smile, she said, "I've heard that the Imperial Concubine is both talented and beautiful, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Would I be honored to see her and entertain the Empress Dowager?" Just as Su Jingyue was about to stand, Qi Jiaojiao suddenly stumbled and fell forward, seemingly losing her balance. She deliberately bumped her heavily pregnant belly onto the table, her face pale as a sheet, beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and she cried out in pain. This sudden change of events terrified the other imperial concubines. Su Jingyue panicked and whispered to the Emperor, "I don't have any..." Concubine Li, seeing this, quickly said, "Mrs. Qi is almost full term, and I'm afraid the baby will be born prematurely." Upon hearing this, the Emperor made a decisive decision: "Move Mrs. Qi to the Empress's palace to give birth. Lin Fei, you accompany Mrs. Qi! Everyone else, return to the palace first." The concubines responded in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty. We will take our leave."

In the Queen's Palace, Qi Jiaojiao lay on the bed, her face as pale as paper, sweat pouring out like a flood, soaking her forehead and back. She clenched her teeth tightly, biting her lips until they bled, but it still couldn't relieve the pain that was coming like a tide.

Her hands were tightly gripping the edge of the bed, her knuckles turning white from excessive force, as if she was about to crush the entire edge of the bed. Her breathing was rapid and chaotic, and every breath was like a fight with death.

The midwife stood by the bed, holding a hot towel, constantly wiping Qi Jiaojiao's body, trying to ease her pain. But the pain was like a demon, tightly wrapped around her, refusing to let her go.

"Fujin, try harder!" the midwife shouted anxiously, her voice filled with worry and tension. She knew that she couldn't relax at this moment, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

Qi Jiaojiao felt a surge of strength when she heard the midwife's words. She used all her strength to push again. Her body trembled as if she was enduring the most cruel torture in the world.

The pain, like a sharp sword, pierced her abdomen mercilessly, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. Blurred vision began to appear in front of her eyes, as if the whole world was spinning.

However, she knew she couldn't give up, her child was still waiting for her, she had to hold on. She gritted her teeth and used up her last bit of strength, and finally, a baby's cry broke the tense atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Su Jingyue knelt before the emperor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She choked and said, "I really didn't bump into Lady Qi. Your Majesty, please be discerning..." Xiaoru also knelt on the ground, crying, "Your Majesty, our queen has always been well-known for her virtue, kindness, and filial piety. She pays her respects to the Empress Dowager every day and is always respectful to the Empress. She never gets involved in those treacherous struggles, so how could she do such a thing? Your Majesty, please believe your queen!" The emperor sighed helplessly and said, "I know you are not competitive, but with so many eyes watching, I must give an explanation. Otherwise, I will confine her to house arrest for two months as a punishment." After that, he waved his hand, signaling the eunuchs beside him to take Su Jingyue away.

Back in the Empress's palace, after an agonizing struggle, Qi Jiaojiao finally gave birth to a baby girl. The midwife happily announced, "Congratulations, Madam, on the birth of a little princess!" Qi Jiaojiao wearily opened her eyes and looked at Lin Fei beside her, eyes filled with anticipation and joy. However, Lin Fei's gaze seemed somewhat cold, his thoughts still focused on his beloved, Su Jingyue. Despite Qi Jiaojiao having just endured a life-or-death ordeal, Lin Fei showed little gratitude.