The Legend of Concubine Su

Su Jingyue stood alone in a moonlit courtyard, gazing up at the boundless, starry sky. Each twinkling star seemed a vessel for her thoughts, traversing the barriers of time and space, drifting toward a distant, hazy beyond. Her eyes held a deep longing for the good old days, tinged with an inexpressible sense of helplessness and loneliness. In this quaint world, she, a noble concubine, enjoyed rare splendor and wealth. But as night fell and all was still, the deep longing for her distant parents surged like a tidal wave, leaving her tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

"Mom and Dad, are you all right in that world?" she whispered softly, her voice so low that only she could hear it. She was afraid her voice would disturb the beauty of this peaceful place, but it was also like she was praying silently from the deepest part of her heart, hoping to receive even the slightest response from the distant world in that brilliant sea of stars.

Her thoughts drifted away, back to that modern era. The ordinary yet heartwarming days she had spent with her parents were now only reminiscent and savored in her dreams. Although, as an unexpected time traveler, she now possessed a noble status and the favor of countless people, the deep desire and yearning for family affection in her heart, like a burning flame, remained undimmed.

She couldn't help but think back to her past life, when she was just an ordinary girl, awakened by her mother's gentle voice every day and accompanied by her father to school. After school, she would share interesting things about school with her mother, and the family would sit together for dinner and enjoy the warmth of family. But now, all of this has become an unattainable luxury.

She knew she could never return to that familiar world, never see her parents' kind smiles again. But she believed they were somewhere silently watching over her and blessing her. Thinking of this, a resolute force surged in her heart, making her determined to live well and not let her parents down.

She looked up at the vast starry sky, tears glistening in her eyes. In this strange world, she would continue to move forward, carrying with her deep longing and attachment to her parents, exploring unknown territories and creating her own legendary life. Because she knew that no matter how far the distance, family love would never fade; it would always be with her, giving her courage and strength.

"My daughter now lives in this distant ancient world. Although I am a noble concubine, enjoying all the splendor and glory, I ultimately lack your company." She sighed inwardly, feeling the loneliness and solitude that no amount of gold, silver, or jewelry, no amount of power or status, could ever fill. She gently placed her hand on her slightly swollen belly, where a new life was nurturing, a tiny being that would leave its own unique mark on this world. She knew that as a mother, she shouldered an immense responsibility and mission; yet, at the same time, the deep longing for her parents followed her closely, like a shadow, unable to be separated.

"The Emperor has already given our child a name: Yuan Cong, the future Crown Prince." An indescribable sense of relief and pride welled up in her heart. She imagined the bright, lively, and adorable boy growing up to become a pillar of the nation, her heart filled with hope and longing for the future. Yet, amidst this joy, she couldn't help but think of her parents. How wonderful it would be if they could see this! How wonderful it would be if they could witness their child's growth and achievements firsthand!

As Su Jingyue smiled, tears welled up in her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping onto the bluestone slabs with a resonant sound. This complex emotion was a mixture of nostalgia for the good old days and anticipation for a better life ahead; a deep yearning for family affection and a resolute commitment to the responsibilities and mission of motherhood.

Just then, Xiaoru tiptoed over. She looked up and saw tear marks on Su Jingyue's cheeks, and a hint of worry welled up in her heart. She cautiously asked, "My Queen, what's wrong with you? Why are you crying all of a sudden? Did something happen?" Su Jingyue's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, quickly wiping away the tears from her eyes. She forced a smile and softly replied, "It's okay, I just had some sudden feelings." She didn't want Xiaoru to notice her inner fragility and helplessness, nor did she want her to worry about her.

Then, Su Jingyue changed the subject and asked about Xiaoru's situation with concern: "What about you? Do you ever miss your biological parents?" Xiaoru was slightly startled by this question, then shook her head gently and said slowly: "Xiaoru lost both her parents when she was young. It was the Prime Minister and his wife who kindly took me in and raised me as their own daughter. They loved me very much and treated me like a treasure, allowing me to experience the warmth and happiness of family. In addition, Your Majesty has always treated me like your own sister, which makes me cherish it even more. Therefore, Xiaoru feels that she is very lucky and satisfied."

After hearing Xiaoru's words, Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She realized she wasn't alone in this seemingly cold ancient world. She had a caring and understanding maid like Xiaoru by her side, as well as friends and family who genuinely cared for her. Although she couldn't return to the past and reunite with her parents, the love and warmth from others was enough to make her feel at home. This strengthened her resolve and determination to live a vibrant and glorious life in this unfamiliar era.

She gently held Xiaoru's hand and said softly, "Xiaoru, thank you for always being by my side. You are like family to me, making me feel warm and at ease. No matter what the future holds, we will face it together and go through it together."

Xiaoru nodded with emotion, her eyes slightly red. "My dear, Xiaoru will always be with you, rain or shine." Her words were firm and sincere, as if she were making an eternal promise.

Su Jingyue looked at Xiaoru, her heart filled with gratitude and relief. She knew that in this ancient world, she had found her family and support. She was no longer alone, no longer lost. She would walk towards her future with even more determination.

The night deepened, but the stars still shone brightly. Su Jingyue and Xiaoru returned to their chambers together, leaving behind a trail of laughter and heartwarming memories. In this world filled with uncertainty and challenges, they will forge ahead hand in hand, writing their own legendary story together.