The Legend of Concubine Su

Within the confines of the imperial harem, Shangguan Nana, the court lady who often appeared before everyone with her charming and alluring demeanor, simmered deep within her heart with a resentment that lingered. She knew full well that despite the emperor's favor, she was merely a minor court lady, of lowly status compared to Lin Wan'er, unable to secure a secure position in the harem through her status as a concubine. This subtle disparity, like a fine needle, quietly pierced her heart, leaving her with immense pain and loss.

One day, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. A maid in Lin Wan'er's palace held a piece of silk with a warm color and delicate texture, as if she were holding a rare treasure. The color of the silk was like the sunset in the sky, gorgeous yet elegant, exuding a charming luster.

Its texture is even more amazing, as smooth as silk, and with a light touch, you can feel its warmth and delicacy. The texture of the satin is clearly visible, like a painting carefully drawn by nature, with every line flowing smoothly and naturally without any flaws.

Under the sunlight, the silk shimmers with tiny sparkles, as if inlaid with countless bright pearls. The light changes with the light, sometimes bright, sometimes soft, giving people a dreamlike feeling.

When Shangguan Nana saw the silk, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes. She had never seen such exquisite fabric before, and she couldn't help but feel envious of Lin Wan'er. She imagined that the queen would be even more beautiful and radiant in the new clothes made of this silk. Then, Shangguan Nana's eyes softened, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly, revealing a faint smile. She whispered, "This silk is so beautiful! I have loved it for a long time and have already set my eyes on it. If your queen likes it, you can choose a different color of fabric, so that it won't hurt the harmony between us."

Upon hearing this, the maid's face suddenly darkened. She clutched the silk tightly in both hands, as if it were her last straw. Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of earnestness and helplessness: "Shangguan Changzai, please understand my difficulties! This is indeed carefully selected by our Majesty. If I return empty-handed, I'm afraid I will have a hard time explaining it to Her Majesty..."

However, Shangguan Nana ignored the maid's words and simply smiled, a hint of pride and defiance on her face. She said softly, "Now that I've spoken, I will never take it back. Go back and tell your queen that I won't give you the silk." With that, she gracefully reached out and swiftly pulled the silk from the maid's grasp, then gracefully turned and left. The maid stood there, stunned, her face etched with astonishment, clearly still unaware of the situation.

The maid's heart was like a turbulent sea, a mixture of emotions. Her hands trembled slightly, and she was filled with conflict and entanglement. On the one hand, she knew the consequences of forcibly taking the item, which could lead to her being doomed. On the other hand, if she couldn't give the item to the Empress, how would she face her reprimand?

Thinking of this, the maid's eyes gradually moistened, and endless grievances and unwillingness surged into her heart like a tide. Her lips trembled slightly, but she dared not make a sound, for fear that her vulnerability would be discovered.

Helplessly, the maid sighed deeply, tears welling in her eyes. She turned silently, feeling a sense of grievance and resentment, and hurried towards Lin Wan'er's bedroom. Each step seemed heavy, as if she were carrying a thousand-pound burden.

Back in her chambers, the maid could no longer contain her emotions, tears pouring out like a flood. She curled up in a corner, sobbing softly, her cries filled with helplessness and sorrow. She felt like a lonely boat, lost in the vast ocean, unable to find a harbor to rely on.

When Lin Wan'er saw the palace maid's tearful face and sorrowful expression, she didn't express much surprise or excitement. Instead, she simply sighed softly, as if she had anticipated all this. Her gaze was clear and calm, like a pool of still water, without a single ripple. "Less trouble is worse than more. The harem is already full of constant strife, so why add to it?" she whispered, her tone gentle yet firm, revealing a transcendental indifference.

The maid's anxiety deepened after hearing Lin Wan'er's words. She looked at her anxiously, her eyes flickering with worry. "Your Majesty, while your noncompetitiveness may maintain a momentary peace, in the long run, I'm afraid others will look down on you! Besides, you are now a mother with your son, and you have the prince as your backing. Why not take this opportunity to report this matter to the Empress? Let her make the decision for you?" The maid's voice tinged with anxiety and worry, hoping that Lin Wan'er would take action to protect her rights.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er shook her head slightly, a complex expression flickering in her eyes. She spoke softly, "Although the prince holds noble status, he still faces countless trials and tribulations if he is to inherit the throne. And while the princesses, as members of the royal family, enjoy wealth and splendor, they can also become pawns in political marriages, unable to independently choose their own destinies. Where can true peace and happiness be found within this inner palace? All we can do is protect our inner peace and avoid being easily drawn into meaningless disputes."

These words left the maid speechless, unsure how to respond. Yet, a deep admiration welled up within her for Lin Wan'er. She understood that her mistress, despite navigating the treacherous and treacherous imperial palace, possessed a transcendent, tranquil soul. This state of mind enabled Lin Wan'er to see through the palace's maneuvers and schemes, remaining unmoved.

The maid couldn't help but sigh, "Your Majesty, you are truly wise! In this palace life filled with intrigue and scheming, it's truly rare to maintain such a clear mind. You always teach us to stay true to our hearts and not follow the crowd. This is the only way to avoid being caught in the vortex of endless fighting."

Lin Wan'er smiled faintly, a resolute glint in her eyes. "We just need to do our part and have a clear conscience. As for other disturbances, let them go with the wind. Only in this way can we find our own peaceful place within this palace."

The maid nodded in agreement. She knew Lin Wan'er's wisdom and state of mind well, and she wished she could be like her, unperturbed by the clamor of the outside world and always maintaining inner peace. So, the two continued strolling through the garden, savoring this moment of tranquility.