The Legend of Concubine Su

Amidst the vast imperial city, Princess Manlin of the Mengwu Shiwei tribe resembled a flower brought to her by the wind from a foreign land. Though married into the imperial family, she failed to blossom with the brilliance she deserved. From the moment she entered this magnificent palace, the happiness and fulfillment she longed for seemed to elude her. Crown Prince Yuan Cong, the man she had once believed she would share her life with, felt as distant a heart as the most distant star in the night sky, forever elusive.

Whenever night fell like a veil and the city lights lit up one by one like bright stars, Yuan Cong's slender and upright figure would silently and ghostly walk away from the magnificent and magnificent palace of Princess Manlin. Then, his steps would be light but firm, and he would step towards the warm and tender place of his wife, Han Xinxin.

In that place, filled with warmth and love, Yuan Cong felt an unprecedented sense of peace and comfort. It seemed as if all his nagging worries and lingering sorrows gradually faded away with the deep darkness of the night, until they vanished completely. However, this scene spread quickly within the palace, becoming a hot topic of conversation among the crowd in their spare time.

As a firsthand witness to these events, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue felt a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, as Yuan Cong's biological mother, she naturally paid close attention to her child's every move; on the other, she shouldered the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the future of the entire dynasty. She knew full well that the marriages among royal family members were like a tangled web, and any subtle thread within it could trigger turbulent upheavals at court. Furthermore, the strong support of the Mongol Shiwei tribe was a crucial and indispensable factor in consolidating the dynasty's rule.

For this reason, upon hearing that her own son had treated Princess Manlin so coldly, Su Jingyue's fury erupted like a raging volcano. She could not tolerate the potential crisis such behavior could bring to the court, and she could not accept that her son's personal emotional problems would affect the stability of the country. Thus, a heated conversation between mother and son was inevitable...

So, on a moonlit night, Su Jingyue decided to personally summon Yuan Cong. In her own chambers, she would use the power of a mother's love to awaken her son's sense of responsibility and commitment. As Yuan Cong entered the familiar and solemn palace, he felt an unprecedented pressure and tension. He bowed respectfully, but could hardly conceal his inner uneasiness.

Su Jingyue sat upright in the upper seat, her gaze piercing, as if she could see into people's hearts. She didn't rush Yuan Cong to stand, but instead, in a deep, commanding tone, asked, "Cong'er, do you realize your mistake?" This question struck Yuan Cong like thunder, instantly sobering him up. He tried to recall if he had done anything wrong, but could only shake his head in confusion.

Seeing this, Su Jingyue's resolve hardened. She took a deep breath, channeling her anger into strength. She spoke, each word emphasized, "Although I don't often inquire about your household, I've heard lately that you've been staying at Fu Jin Xin'er's nine out of ten nights. Do you realize that such behavior not only violates imperial rules but could also lead to unnecessary strife and unrest?"

Yuan Cong's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. He tried to defend himself, emphasizing that he had done nothing wrong and that he had completed the task assigned by his mother. However, Su Jingyue was unmoved by his words. She continued with unquestionable authority, "As the Crown Prince, you will inherit the throne. Your every decision and every action will affect the fate of the dynasty. How can you act so willfully? The most taboo in the harem is to favor only one person. Your neglect of Princess Manlin not only hurts her, but also chills the hearts of the Mengwu Shiwei."

Yuan Cong was silent for a moment and then slowly spoke: "What my queen said is very true, but there is only one person in my heart, Concubine Xin'er. I can give her wealth and glory, and all the good things in the world, but I can't give her my heart." His voice was soft but revealed a firmness and determination.

Su Jingyue felt a mixture of emotions upon hearing this. She was touched by her son's infatuation, yet she worried about the future of the imperial family. She knew that love couldn't be forced, but she also knew that as Crown Prince Yuan Cong, he must shoulder his responsibilities and mission. So, she decided to adopt a gentler yet firmer approach to guide her son.

She sighed softly and said, "Cong'er, you know that the day you ascend the throne is the day you shoulder your responsibilities. Manlin and Xin'er are both your wives. You must carefully consider who you choose as empress or imperial concubine. You must understand that you are not only someone's husband, but also the crown prince of this dynasty. Every choice you make affects the well-being of thousands of people."

Yuan Cong fell into deep thought upon hearing this. He realized that he had indeed been too selfish, considering only his own feelings while neglecting the responsibilities and duties that came with being a crown prince. He looked up at his mother's eyes, filled with wisdom and love, and a surge of unprecedented strength surged within him. He knew he had to change for the future of the dynasty and for those who loved him so deeply.

"Cong'er, you know that the path to becoming an emperor is never an easy one. It requires you to care about the world and prioritize the greater good. Princess Manlin is not only your wife, but also the link between the Mengwu and Shiwei. Her happiness is crucial to peace between the two nations. And Xin'er, although she is favored by you, she must also understand that as the Crown Prince's wife, she must be tolerant and know how to assist you in governing this vast land."

"I will remember what you have said, mother. But I also ask your understanding, mother, that matters of the heart are beyond my control. I wish to treat Manlin with all my heart, giving her the respect and care she deserves, but Xin'er is an indispensable part of my life. I boldly ask your mother to allow me to find a good plan that will not only live up to Manlin's trust, but also preserve the love between Xin'er and me."

Su Jingyue stared at Yuan Cong, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. She slowly stood up, walked over to Yuan Cong, and gently patted his shoulder. "Cong'er, you've grown up and have your own ideas and beliefs. But you must remember that as the Crown Prince, every decision you make affects the fate of countless people. Your Majesty does not ask for an immediate answer, but only hopes that you can think carefully and find a path that balances your emotions while consolidating imperial power."

After saying this, Su Jingyue turned and gazed out the window. Her deep gaze seemed to penetrate the palace walls and see the vaster world. "Go, child. I believe you are capable of handling this. Remember, the fate of the entire dynasty rests on your shoulders."

Yuan Cong bowed deeply and left Su Jingyue's chamber. The night was deep, and the moonlight cast a shadow over him, lengthening his lonely yet determined figure. He knew the road ahead was long and difficult, but he had to keep going, for the love in his heart and the responsibility on his shoulders.