The Legend of Concubine Su

Between the vast grasslands and the magnificent palace, Princess Manlin, the shining pearl of the Mongol Shiwei people, felt a heart shrouded by thick clouds, unable to reach the sunlight. Her marriage was like an unfinished elegy. After her wedding, she felt forgotten in the dark corners of the palace, a flower longing for sunlight but forced to endure loneliness. Whenever night fell and all was still, her eyes would inevitably fall on the ever-growing belly of her wife, Han Xinxin. Her heart was filled not only with envy but also with an indescribable bitterness and helplessness.

Ever since marrying her, the almighty Crown Prince Yuan Cong and his wife, their relationship had been like a meteor, fleeting yet brilliant, followed by endless indifference and alienation. Princess Manlin knew she had to change, or else this marriage would remain forever shrouded in a shadow.

So, that night, she decided to appear before Yuan Cong in a completely new light. She carefully selected a pale pink gauze dress and a light yellow skirt. These delicate garments seemed to breathe life into her, forming a stark contrast to her usual heroic presence on the grasslands. She was like a flower carefully nurtured in a greenhouse, exuding a delicate fragrance, waiting for someone to appreciate and cherish her.

The flickering candlelight illuminated her soft and graceful figure, adding a touch of tenderness and charm to her. Holding carefully prepared snacks and fine wine, she treaded lightly into Crown Prince Yuan Cong's study. There, he immersed himself day and night in the art of war and strategy, a forbidden place she had never set foot in. However, to change the status quo, she mustered the courage to take this step.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you, Crown Prince." Her voice held a subtle tremor, but more so a firmness and anticipation. Yuan Cong looked up, his gaze briefly glancing at her before returning to his military studies. However, Princess Manlin remained undeterred. She stepped forward, gently placing the wine glass beside Yuan Cong's hand, and softly said, "Your Highness, it's late. A little wine will help you sleep." Her voice was like a spring breeze, carrying a subtle touch of tenderness and concern.

Yuan Cong took the wine glass and emptied it in one gulp. He then drank several more, seemingly drowning his sorrows in wine, yet also searching for some long-lost feeling. Princess Manlin stood by, watching him quietly, a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart. She knew that Yuan Cong, in this moment, was real, vulnerable, and her only chance to get close to him.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, Yuan Cong suddenly stood up without warning. A strange light shone in his eyes, a hazy and profound light, as if he were being drawn tightly by an unfathomable and powerful force. Without hesitation, he stretched out his arms and, with lightning speed, pulled Princess Manlin tightly into his broad, warm embrace. This sudden move caught Princess Manlin completely off guard, leaving her stunned and bewildered.

Then, Yuan Cong's fiery lips gently brushed against Princess Manlin's delicate cheeks and sensitive earlobes. Each gentle touch was like a spark striking dry wood, instantly igniting the long-dormant fire within her. Under the influence of the strong alcohol, the cold and distant Yuan Cong gradually vanished, replaced by a passionate and affectionate person.

In this tranquil atmosphere, the air around them gradually heated up, permeated with a fiery, lingering scent. Princess Manlin's pale pink gauze dress and goose-yellow skirt, like a gentle cloud, slowly drifted down from her delicate form under Yuan Cong's loving and tender caress. Her flawless, white skin, as delicate and smooth as white jade, was unreservedly revealed to Yuan Cong, radiating a captivating glow.

In that instant, all the old rifts, barriers, and indifference between them vanished like smoke. Time flowed back, and they seemed to be transported back to that beautiful night when they first met, their hearts already bound together. Their love blossomed like the most dazzling and gorgeous flower on the grassland, leaving behind the deep mysteries of the palace and the vast expanse of the grassland.

Finally, they completed the solemn and sacred Zhougong Ceremony, a moment of intimacy and union after their long separation. The flickering candlelight illuminated their intertwined figures, like a magnificent painting, engraved with this love story. And this night was destined to become a dazzling pearl in Princess Manlin's life, one of her indelible and precious memories.

The night seemed even gentler. The wind rustled gently through the window lattice, carrying the fragrance of the grasslands and the elegance of the palace. Princess Manlin nestled against Yuan Cong's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment. She gently closed her eyes, a happy smile playing on her lips. In that moment, she felt as if she possessed the most precious treasure in the world—Yuan Cong's love and care.

One morning a month later, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue invited Princess Manlin and Han Xinxin to breakfast. During the meal, Princess Manlin suddenly retched. This subtle movement caught Su Jingyue's attention. She immediately ordered the palace maid to summon the imperial physician to examine Princess Manlin's pulse. The physician hurriedly arrived and, after a thorough examination, excitedly announced, "Congratulations, Imperial Concubine! Congratulations, Princess Manlin! Princess Manlin is pregnant!" This news dispelled the gloom in the palace like a spring breeze, filling everyone with joy.

Upon hearing this, Han Xinxin also stepped forward to congratulate Princess Manlin: "Now we are both pregnant, it is really a double happiness. Congratulations, sister Manlin." Her smile was full of sincerity and joy, as if she was also feeling comforted for this hard-won love and life.

Princess Manlin's eyes flashed with surprise and disbelief upon hearing this, but then gave way to a gentle smile. She gently stroked her still-flat belly, a surge of maternal love surging within her heart. She looked at Han Xinxin, their eyes meeting in mid-air. In that moment, all grudges seemed to vanish with their shared joy.

"Thank you, sister." Princess Manlin's voice was soft and sincere. "We will all welcome a new life. This is the best gift given by God."

Su Jingyue was also overjoyed upon seeing this. She took the hands of the two pregnant women and held them tightly. "What a double blessing! Our royal family will have two little princes or princesses! What a blessing!" Her tone was filled with hope and blessings for the future.

The imperial physician beside him nodded repeatedly and said, "The two wives are in good health, and the fetuses are stable. Just rest assured and take care of the pregnancy. You will surely give birth to a baby boy smoothly."