At dawn, the entire Imperial Garden was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, resembling a dreamlike wonderland. Flowers adorned the paths, a vibrant tapestry of red, pink, purple, and yellow, each vying for beauty like a magnificent painting unfolding from nature. Dewdrops shimmered on petals and leaves like tiny pearls, gleaming enchantingly in the rising sun. Birds sang cheerfully from the branches, their clear chirps shattering the morning stillness and bringing a touch of life and energy to the tranquil garden.

His Majesty rose early in the morning to take in the fresh air of the Imperial Garden, attempting to soothe the fatigue and stress of government affairs in the refreshing atmosphere. He wore a light, casual dress, a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with simple yet delicate cloud patterns. A golden belt cinched his waist, accentuating his upright posture. He walked leisurely, his gaze casually scanning the surrounding beauty. A hint of fatigue lingered in his deep eyes, but as he took in the vibrant energy of the garden, they gradually brightened.

At this moment, Concubine Su also arrived at the Imperial Garden. She wore a simple, elegant pale green palace dress, delicately embroidered with floral patterns. As she moved, the hem of her skirt swayed like rippling green waves, light and graceful. Her hair was simple yet elegant, with strands of hair fluttering in the breeze, adding a touch of graceful beauty. Her fair skin, set against the pale green of her dress, appeared as smooth and delicate as mutton-fat jade.

Concubine Su was concentrating on admiring a remarkable flower. Its vibrant colors, layers of petals, and unique shape made it seem like a masterpiece meticulously crafted by nature. Unable to resist, she chanted, "Pick the flower as soon as it blooms; don't wait until the branches are empty." Then, she pulled out the small notebook she carried with her, ready to sketch this remarkable blossom. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes focused and earnest, her brush gently outlining the flower's outline, as if she were handling a rare treasure.

Just then, His Majesty was about to speak to Concubine Su, but she spoke first, "Your Majesty, I have been captivated by the beauty of this garden these past few days, and I have no intention of offending your Majesty." With that, Concubine Su bowed slightly and, without waiting for His Majesty's response, hurriedly turned and left. Her steps seemed hurried, yet they revealed a unique grace, her skirt swaying gently, like a green cloud drifting by.

His Majesty was stunned at first as she hurried away, then his expression changed from gloomy to bright. He felt helpless about Concubine Su's behavior, but her willingness to accept her rejection also aroused a stronger desire to conquer her.

"What on earth is this Concubine Su thinking about?" His Majesty couldn't help but wonder. His gaze lingered for a long time in the direction Concubine Su had left, filled with confusion and curiosity. Recalling Concubine Su's captivating concentration as she composed poetry and painted, his curiosity intensified. Her slightly furrowed brow, the light bite of her lips, the twinkle in her eyes—all of them made His Majesty feel like Concubine Su before him was a mystery waiting to be solved.

His Majesty began to reflect on whether he had truly understood Concubine Su, and whether he had always neglected her true inner thoughts and needs. Recalling the time they had spent together, she had mostly been gentle and submissive, but now her sudden independence and self-reliance felt both unfamiliar and refreshing to His Majesty.

"Have I been misjudging her all along?" His Majesty frowned, lost in thought. He carefully recalled all the moments he had spent with Concubine Su, trying to find some clue to interpret her behavior today. In his impression, Concubine Su had always been gentle and graceful, always centered around him, carefully catering to his preferences. But today, Concubine Su displayed an unprecedented independence and determination, which made His Majesty look at her with new eyes.

His Majesty stood there, the mist gradually dissipating around him, sunlight filtering through the leaves onto him. His thoughts lingered on Noble Concubine Su, her hurriedly departing figure lingering in his mind. He recalled the look in Noble Concubine Su's eyes, which seemed to conceal something he had never understood. Was it a longing for freedom? Or perhaps a different kind of expectation for him? His Majesty didn't know.

Meanwhile, as she hurried away, Concubine Su was secretly calculating. She knew her actions would only draw His Majesty's curiosity and attention, but she also understood that this was a dangerous game; a single misstep could lead to total defeat. As she quickened her pace, she silently thought, "I hope my plan succeeds." Her heart beat rapidly, as if awaiting an unknown judgment.

Back in the bedroom, Concubine Su's heart was still pounding. Seeing her nervous expression, Xiao Taozi hurried forward and asked, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?" Concubine Su took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Taozi, I don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse for me to treat His Majesty like this today." Xiao Taozi comforted her, "Your Majesty, you're doing this to attract His Majesty's attention. I'm sure His Majesty will understand your intentions." Concubine Su sighed softly and said, "I hope so."

After His Majesty returned to the palace, his heart lingered. He sat in the imperial study, a memorial in hand, unable to read a single word. Concubine Su's image constantly loomed before his eyes, distracting him from the state affairs. He couldn't help but recall her every smile and frown, her talent in poetry and painting, and his restlessness grew stronger.

"Someone!" His Majesty suddenly called out. A eunuch hurried in and asked, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?" His Majesty replied, "Go and find out what Concubine Su has been doing lately." The eunuch took his orders and left, while His Majesty continued to brood.

A few days later, the eunuch came back and reported: "Your Majesty, Concubine Su has been reading and painting in the palace recently, and taking walks in the garden. There is nothing unusual." After hearing this, His Majesty was even more confused.

One day, His Majesty decided to personally visit Concubine Su's bedroom. Concubine Su was practicing calligraphy in the palace. She was startled to see His Majesty arrive, but quickly regained her composure. She stood up and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, I pay you my respects." His Majesty waved his hand and said, "My beloved concubine, please excuse me. I came to see you today." Concubine Su smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."

His Majesty looked at the words written by Concubine Su and praised, "My beloved concubine's calligraphy has become more and more sophisticated." Concubine Su said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I was just bored and did this to kill time." His Majesty sat down and continued, "My beloved concubine, your behavior in the garden a few days ago really puzzled me." Concubine Su lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty, I was just fascinated by the beautiful scenery for a moment and wanted to enjoy the tranquility alone. If I have offended you, I hope Your Majesty will forgive me." His Majesty said, "Your beloved concubine, there is no need to be so. I am just curious why you suddenly had such an idea." Concubine Su raised her head, a firmness flashed in her eyes, and she said, "Your Majesty, I have been in the palace for a long time, and I feel that the beauty of nature is rare. I want more time to feel it." His Majesty listened and thought about something.

Since then, His Majesty has paid more attention to Concubine Su. Concubine Su still maintains her uniqueness and independence, which makes His Majesty more fascinated by her.

At a palace banquet, Concubine Su, dressed in gorgeous palace attire, danced gracefully. Her graceful movements were like those of a fairy descending from the earth, enchanting everyone. His Majesty looked at Concubine Su with eyes full of admiration and love.

After the banquet, His Majesty came to Noble Concubine Su and said, "My beloved, your dance today was truly beautiful." Noble Concubine Su bowed and said, "It is my honor to receive your praise, Your Majesty." His Majesty took Noble Concubine Su's hand and said, "My beloved, I find that I can no longer do without you." Noble Concubine Su blushed and said, "Your Majesty..."

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