In the afternoon, the sunlight in the Imperial Palace Gardens was blazing and intense, seemingly dissolving everything in the world in its scorching golden glow. Pavilions and terraces were scattered throughout the gardens, resembling a meticulously crafted classical painting. A dazzling array of flowers swayed gently in the breeze, vying for beauty and exuding captivating fragrance. Butterflies danced among the blossoms, like spirits cast by a flower fairy, adding a touch of spirit and liveliness to the beautiful scene.

His Majesty, accompanied by his attendants, strolled through the picturesque garden, seeking a moment of peace and relaxation amidst the hectic state affairs. He was dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, his posture erect, his brows radiating an innate majesty and dignity.

At that moment, on a nearby path, the graceful figure of Concubine Su slowly came into view. Concubine Su's attire was meticulously crafted today. Her pink palace gown was light and flowing, like a peach blossom in full bloom, delicate and captivating. The golden hairpins in her hair swayed gently with her steps, shimmering with a dazzling light. Her exquisite makeup accentuated her already stunning features, her eyebrows like distant black ink, her eyes like autumn water, and her lips, naturally rosy, were a natural crimson.

His Majesty's gaze was drawn to Concubine Su, and he paused. Noticing his majesty's gaze, Concubine Su raised her head slightly, her face revealing just the right amount of shyness and charm. She shuffled gently toward his majesty, each step carrying a touch of unwavering grace.

When she arrived before His Majesty, Imperial Concubine Su bowed slightly and said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Her voice was as clear and melodious as the cry of a yellow oriole, yet with a hint of tenderness.

His Majesty looked at Concubine Su before him, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes. He said, "My beloved concubine, please stand up quickly. Although the flowers in this garden are beautiful today, they are not half as beautiful as mine."

Concubine Su smiled gently, her eyes sparkling as she said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. The scenery in this garden is truly breathtaking."

The two strolled side by side among the flowers, enjoying the beauty and chatting. The conversation gradually shifted from the spring scenery of the garden to poetry and ancient books. Concubine Su's insights into ancient texts were unique and profound, and her eloquent speech, citing classics, captivated His Majesty.

"My beloved concubine has such unique insights into this ancient book, which really makes me look at her with new eyes." His Majesty exclaimed.

Concubine Su said modestly, "I have only read a few more books and have some superficial opinions. It is an honor for me to be praised by Your Majesty."

Just as His Majesty was deeply attracted by Concubine Su's talent and was thinking of visiting her that evening, Concubine Su bowed slightly and said in a gentle voice, "Your Majesty, I have caught a cold recently and feel unwell. I am afraid I cannot serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me. I know Your Majesty's love for me, but I hope to accompany Your Majesty in the best condition while I am healthy, so as not to let Your Majesty down. I need to rest and recuperate for the next few days. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

His Majesty frowned slightly upon hearing this, a hint of dissatisfaction welling up in his heart. No one in the world had ever dared to refuse him, and no concubine in the harem had ever dared to decline his favor so politely. Yet, he was also moved by Concubine Su's sincerity and rigor.

"Why is my beloved concubine suddenly unwell? Should we call the imperial physician to take a look?" His Majesty asked with concern.

Concubine Su shook her head slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have already consulted the imperial physician and I only need a few days of recuperation. I really don't want to disturb Your Majesty's interest because of this minor illness."

His Majesty was silent for a moment. Although he felt helpless, he was attracted by Concubine Su's insights into books and her uniqueness, and was reluctant to leave.

"Since my beloved concubine is not feeling well, please take good care of yourself," said His Majesty.

Concubine Su bowed again to express her gratitude, her eyes full of gratitude.

His Majesty waved his hands helplessly and said, "Forget it, go back and rest."

Concubine Su slowly turned and left. A barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips as she turned around. In her heart, she was secretly planning her next move.

After returning to her palace, Concubine Su began to experience mysterious dreams at night. In her dreams, she was in an unfamiliar land, surrounded by a thick fog, vaguely glimpsing ancient buildings and mysterious symbols. These symbols seemed to connect to the hidden rules and potential dangers of the harem. Sometimes, she dreamed of a woman whose face she could not see, speaking incomprehensible words. These words, when she recalled them in her waking hours, seemed to hint at her own tactics of playing hard to get in the harem and the potential consequences they would face. Other times, she dreamed of herself wearing strange attire, running through a bustling street, seemingly pursued by someone. This reminded her of her own constant struggle for favor within the harem, and the sense that a single misstep could lead to an irretrievable end.

These dreams not only left Concubine Su confused and uneasy, but also became a subconscious guide for her actions in reality. For the next few days, Concubine Su feigned illness and remained indoors. His Majesty, deeply concerned, visited her frequently. During these days, Concubine Su repeatedly pondered the implications of her dreams, feeling increasingly cautious and prudent in every move she made within the harem.

Concubine Su reads and practices calligraphy every day in her bedroom, taking good care of her body. At the same time, she also tries to find more clues about the mystery of her time travel and the secrets of the harem from those mysterious dreams, just waiting for the right time to appear before His Majesty again.

One day, Concubine Su felt that the time had come, so she ordered Xiao Taozi to dress herself up more beautifully.

She was dressed in a light blue palace dress embroidered with delicate lotus patterns, which made her look fresh and refined. Her hair was combed into an elegant bun and a pearl hairpin was inserted, which made her look more noble and elegant.

Concubine Su brought Xiao Taozi to the garden. She knew that His Majesty would come here for a walk every afternoon.

Sure enough, not long after, His Majesty appeared in the garden. Concubine Su saw His Majesty from afar and pretended not to see him, lowering her head to admire a blooming peony.

When His Majesty saw Concubine Su, he was delighted and walked forward quickly.

"Is my beloved concubine feeling better?" His Majesty asked with concern.

Concubine Su bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine now."

His Majesty was in a good mood when he saw Concubine Su's radiant appearance.

"My beloved concubine looks very good today, even more beautiful than before," said His Majesty.

Concubine Su said coquettishly, "Your Majesty is making fun of me again."

The two chatted for a long time in the garden. Concubine Su always maintained just the right amount of reserve and shyness, which made His Majesty even more fascinated by her.

As the days passed, the relationship between Concubine Su and His Majesty grew closer. Her tactics of playing hard to get were beginning to work, but she knew this was only the beginning.

In this harem, the situation is ever-changing and full of dangers. Concubine Su knows that she must constantly improve herself, and those mysterious dreams seem to indicate that her future path will be filled with more challenges and opportunities.

One day, His Majesty was handling government affairs in the Imperial Study and was in a depressed mood.

After Concubine Su learned about this, she went to the kitchen to make some snacks and went to the imperial study to visit His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, I see that you have been working hard recently, so I specially made some snacks for you to try." Concubine Su said.

His Majesty put down the memorial in his hand and looked at the snacks in Concubine Su's hand, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

"My beloved concubine is thoughtful." said His Majesty.

Concubine Su placed the snacks on the table and gently massaged His Majesty's shoulders, saying, "Your Majesty, please don't overwork yourself. Pay attention to your health."

His Majesty held Concubine Su's hand and said, "With my beloved concubine by my side, I don't feel tired."

At this moment, a eunuch came hurriedly to report that the war on the border was tense and His Majesty needed to make a decision immediately.

His Majesty's expression instantly grew serious. Noticing this, Imperial Concubine Su said, "Your Majesty, matters of state are of paramount importance. I will withdraw first."

His Majesty nodded and said, "My beloved concubine, please return."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Concubine Su was also worried about His Majesty. She seemed to have had similar scenes in her past dreams, making her even more wary of the future situation.

As the days went on in this turmoil, Concubine Su's position in the harem became more and more stable.

On a quiet night, Concubine Su sat alone by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, her heart filled with emotion. Those mysterious dreams always followed her like a shadow, making her full of anticipation and vigilance for the future.

"We have a goal and we can't lose." Concubine Su said softly.

The moonlight shone on her face, reflecting her beautiful and determined features.

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