The Legend of Concubine Su

Deep within the Forbidden City, adorned with a dreamlike atmosphere of golden light and glazed tiles, a grand event, mingled with joy and anxiety, quietly unfolded in an unprecedented manner. Crown Prince Yuan Cong, the favored son of heaven who would soon shoulder the weight of the nation, forgot all dignity and authority. Like an ordinary husband, he anxiously paced outside his wife, Han Xinxin's delivery room, each step revealing the unspeakable tension and anticipation within him.

In the delivery room, flickering candlelight, like twinkling stars, brought a touch of warmth and tranquility to this solemn and mysterious moment. Han Xinxin, a resolute woman, was undergoing a profound test in her life. Her face was pale, but her eyes shone with the light of a mother's love, a firmness and determination that could overcome any pain. Sweat streamed down her forehead like a drizzle, each drop bearing witness to the power of her mother's love. She bit her lip tightly, silently enduring the excruciating pain, but deep down, her heart was filled with anticipation and hope for the new life. For she knew that this little life would be the fruit of her and Yuan Cong's love, and the symbol of their bright future.

Outside the delivery room, Yuan Cong, the usually calm, composed, and imposing Crown Prince, now resembled an anxiously awaited child. He occasionally glanced up at the closed door, his eyes filled with concern and anticipation, as if he could penetrate the heavy wooden door and see Han Xin's heart, experiencing the miracle of life within. The worry and anxiety in his gaze conveyed his deep love for his wife.

Sometimes he bowed his head in thought, his hands clenched into fists, silently praying for her. His heart was filled with concern for Han Xinxin, and every breath was filled with blessings for her. He believed that as long as he prayed sincerely, the heavens would hear his voice and bless them and their child with safety. This deep affection seemed particularly precious and touching in the quiet night.

Yet, beneath that same starry sky, another noble woman—Princess Manlin of the Mongol Shiwei—faced a pivotal moment in her life. That night, she would welcome the birth of a new child, a life whose arrival would undoubtedly bring joy and hope to the entire nation. Yet, surprisingly, Yuan Cong seemed uncharacteristically calm and distant regarding the foreign princess's birth. He never set foot in her delivery room, nor did he express excessive concern or inquiries. This attitude, puzzling, stemmed not from any lack of respect or affection for Princess Manlin, but rather from the irreplaceable place in his heart for Han Xinxin and her unborn child.

Yuan Cong understood that as the future monarch, he needed to focus on his family and responsibilities. He wanted to ensure Han Xinxin's safe birth and provide her with the necessary care and support. Therefore, while Princess Manlin's childbirth was equally important, he understood that his primary responsibility at this moment was to be by Han Xinxin's side, offering her strength and comfort. This decision might have puzzled some, but for Yuan Cong, it was a choice deep in his heart. He was willing to shoulder this responsibility and demonstrate his love and care for his family through his actions.

Finally, after a long and anxious wait, the noise in the delivery room gradually subsided. A clear and loud cry pierced the silence of the night, announcing the arrival of a new life and the most beautiful testimony of the love between Yuan Cong and Han Xinxin. The midwife walked out of the delivery room, holding the newborn princess, her face filled with a joyful smile. Yuan Cong was moved by the sound and rushed forward, tears of excitement flashing in his eyes. He took the child from the midwife's hands and held it tightly in his arms, as if he owned the whole world. In this moment, all the waiting and anxiety turned into endless joy and satisfaction. He knew that he and Han Xinxin would go through every spring, summer, autumn and winter together to protect this hard-earned happiness and peace. As for Princess Manlin, he had already made all the arrangements, and the maids carefully cared for the mother and daughter.

Yuan Cong held the swaddled little princess tightly. Her face was as delicate as a petal in the morning light, and her clear eyes seemed to see all the beauty in the world. His heart was deeply touched, and an unprecedented sense of responsibility arose. He gently kissed the little princess's forehead, a gesture filled with tenderness and determination, as if silently promising to hold up the sky for her.

Meanwhile, in Princess Manlin's delivery room, a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere reigned. Midwives busily prepared the room, while Princess Manlin lay quietly on the bed, cradling her newborn daughter. She gently stroked her daughter's cheek, her eyes filled with maternal love and tenderness.

However, behind this heartwarming scene, Princess Manlin felt a faint sense of loss. Although she had successfully given birth to a child, she knew clearly that she was still just a passing visitor in this vast Forbidden City. She could not receive Yuan Cong's full love and attention like Han Xinxin did.

Princess Manlin recalled her dreams of the future: she hoped to be Yuan Cong's only beloved and spend her life with him. But the reality made her feel helpless and sad. She had to face the cruel fact that she could never replace Han Xinxin's position in Emperor Yuan Cong's heart.

She silently looked at the little princess in her arms and secretly vowed in her heart that she must give her all her love. No matter what difficulties and challenges she encountered in the future, she would firmly protect her daughter and give her the best life and education.

"Your Highness, are you tired? Would you like to drink some water and take a rest?" the maid beside her asked softly.

Princess Manlin shook her head slightly and said with a smile, "I'm not tired. I just want to spend more time with my daughter."

The maid nodded, stopped talking, and quietly stepped aside.

Princess Manlin continued to gaze at the little princess, with a determined light in her eyes. She knew that although she could not have complete love, she could use the power of a mother to create a happy future for her daughter.

However, Princess Manlin held no resentment. She knew that love could not be forced, and Yuan Cong's heart was already with someone else, a fact that no one could change. She chose to bury these feelings deep in her heart and instead pour all her love into her little princess, hoping that she would grow up healthy and happy and become the most dazzling being in the world.

The birth of two little princesses brought unprecedented joy and hope to the Forbidden City. Their arrival not only strengthened the love between Yuan Cong and Han Xinxin but also injected new vitality and a new future into this vast empire. While Yuan Cong and Princess Manlin didn't achieve a romantic relationship, each, in their own way, wrote their own legend.