Legend of the Embroiderer

Su Mengyao stood by the window, the blueprint in her hands a microcosm of her inner world. Every stroke embodied her painstaking effort and sweat, her respect for tradition and her dedication to innovation. Moonlight streamed through the gauze curtains onto her face, adding a touch of mystery and holiness to her focused and determined expression. Her eyes gleamed with confidence and anticipation, as if she had already seen the moment her dream come true.

Deep within the palace, night deepened. The palace's soaring eaves and angled corners, illuminated by the moonlight, seemed even more solemn and mysterious. Su Mengyao's name shone like a star, and her designs flowed like a spring, stirring ripples through every corner of the palace. The usually dignified and elegant imperial concubines privately discussed her designs, filled with curiosity and desire. They longed to witness this unconventional masterpiece firsthand, to wear her unique garments and become the center of attention.

The Queen sat on her throne in the palace, her face dignified yet curious, illuminated by the flickering candlelight. She scrutinized Su Mengyao's design, nodding in approval from time to time. Her smile betrayed both admiration and anticipation for this novel design, as if she could already foresee the fashion storm about to unfold in the palace.

Behind this glory, hidden undercurrents surged. Zhao Wan'er sat in her chambers, the lavish décor surrounding her in stark contrast to her gloomy expression. Her eyes burned with jealousy. Watching Su Mengyao's rise, she felt an unprecedented sense of threat. She feared Su Mengyao would supplant her, terrified of losing everything she cherished.

"Su Mengyao, what makes you think you can shake me?" Zhao Wan'er whispered to herself, her tone filled with disdain and determination. Her fingers twisted the handkerchief tightly, as if to absorb all her resentment and anger into it. She had to take action; she couldn't let Su Mengyao continue like this.

A carefully planned conspiracy quietly unfolded in the shadows. Zhao Wan'er used her influence within the palace to spread rumors about Su Mengyao. These rumors spread like a venomous snake through the palace, rife with controversy and misunderstanding.

Su Mengyao was strolling through the Imperial Gardens when she heard these rumors. The fragrance of spring flowers and the chirping of birds brought peace and tranquility to her, but the vicious rumors pierced her heart like sharp knives. She paused, gazing at the distant sky, stained red by the setting sun. An unyielding strength surged within her. She muttered to herself, "I cannot be defeated like this. I must stand up and prove my innocence."

To uncover the truth, Su Mengyao embarked on a difficult investigation. She traversed every corner of the palace, carefully observing everyone's expressions and actions. With her keen insight, she grasped every possible clue, hoping to find the person who spread the rumors.

After much effort, Su Mengyao finally discovered something unusual about Xiao Cui, Zhao Wan'er's maidservant. She was constantly flustered, her eyes flickering, as if she were hiding something. Su Mengyao decided to uncover the truth, starting with Xiao Cui.

Su Mengyao found Xiao Cui, frowned slightly, and her eyes were a little soft: "Xiao Cui, I have something to ask you, I hope you can tell me the truth."

Xiao Cui lowered her head, twisting the corners of her clothes with her hands, looking a little uneasy: "Miss Su, I..."

Su Mengyao sighed softly, reached out and gently held Xiao Cui's hand: "Xiao Cui, I know you may be a little embarrassed, but please believe me, I will definitely help you."

Xiao Cui's body trembled slightly. She looked up at Su Mengyao, a trace of struggle in her eyes. Finally, she gritted her teeth, as if she had made up her mind, "Miss Su, Zhao Wan'er actually asked me to do all this. She...she took advantage of my desire for money and made me fabricate those rumors to frame you."

Su Mengyao's expression instantly turned ugly, but she quickly regained her composure: "Xiao Cui, do you know how much harm these rumors have caused me?"

Xiao Cui's eyes were red: "Miss Su, I really know I was wrong. I shouldn't have believed Zhao Wan'er's words, and I shouldn't have betrayed you. You were so good to me, but I..."

Su Mengyao interrupted her, her voice firm: "Xiao Cui, this matter has passed. I don't want to hold you responsible anymore, but I hope you can remember this lesson and not let others take advantage of you in the future."

Xiao Cui nodded repeatedly: "Miss Su, I will. I will definitely remember this lesson and will never do such a thing again."

Su Mengyao looked at Xiao Cui with mixed feelings. She felt disappointed and heartbroken by her betrayal, but at the same time, she was glad to have finally uncovered the truth. She knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but she was ready to face all challenges and difficulties. She wanted to prove her innocence and strength to everyone!

Upon learning the truth, Su Mengyao's heart burned like a raging fire, a mixture of anger and calm, forming an indescribable complex of emotions. She knew she had to gain a firm foothold in this seemingly calm, yet turbulent, palace struggle. She had to not only clear her own name, but also speak out for her sisters who had suffered similar injustices. Thus, she began meticulously planning a counterattack, targeting Zhao Wan'er, the very person who had framed her.

The day of the Queen's birthday banquet finally arrived. The entire palace seemed enveloped in a golden glow, adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, a resplendent spectacle showcasing the majesty and opulence of the imperial family. Su Mengyao stood before a bronze mirror, dressed in her hand-sewn new dress, a sumptuous blend of traditional and modern elements that embodied her noble character while retaining a unique individuality. She gently stroked the delicate embroidery on the hem, a resolute and confident smile on her face.

Entering the banquet hall, Su Mengyao seemed to be the center of everyone's attention. Her steps were graceful, like a fairy descending to earth, and every step exuded a captivating charm. Guests cast astonished glances at her, and chatter erupted. But Su Mengyao seemed to be detached from the chaos. Her gaze was firm and profound, as if she was ready to face any challenge.

Slowly approaching Zhao Wan'er, Su Mengyao's heart was filled with determination and courage. Her clear eyes gleamed with an undeniable light, as if she could see through Zhao Wan'er's hypocrisy and lies. "Your Highness," Su Mengyao's voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried a power that could not be ignored. "I heard that someone in the palace was spreading false rumors about me. Has Your Highness heard of this?"

Zhao Wan'er was startled, but she forced herself to remain calm. She forced a smile, trying to hide her inner panic. "Oh? I don't know anything about this, Su Mengyao. Don't be so unreasonable." However, her eyes flickered, revealing her inner hypocrisy and uneasiness.

Su Mengyao smiled faintly, a smile that betrayed both the confidence and sarcasm of a victor. She slowly pulled a piece of paper from her sleeve. It was Xiao Cui's handwritten confession. She stared at Zhao Wan'er with a piercing gaze, and said word by word, "Your Majesty, please read this. This is Xiao Cui's handwritten confession. She has admitted that she spread those rumors about me at your behest."

As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar erupted. The guests began to whisper and discuss, casting accusatory and disdainful glances at Zhao Wan'er. Her face instantly turned pale as paper. She stared at the confession in Su Mengyao's hands, her eyes wide open, as if she saw the end of her own fate. Her body trembled slightly, the fear and despair in her heart almost suffocating her.

Su Mengyao, however, stood at the pinnacle of justice, her gaze firm and piercing, as if piercing through all lies and hypocrisy. With her wisdom and courage, she proved her innocence and earned the respect and admiration of those sisters who had also suffered injustice. Her voice echoed throughout the banquet, moving everyone's heart.

The Empress's expression darkened. She glanced coldly at Zhao Wan'er, her tone filled with disappointment and anger. "Zhao Wan'er, how dare you deceive me like this? Your crime is unforgivable!" Zhao Wan'er felt as if she were sinking into an icy cellar. She knew her fate was lost and irreversible. She knelt on the ground in remorse, tears welling in her eyes, but she could never regain the lost glory and honor.

After the birthday banquet incident, Su Mengyao's name became a household name throughout the palace. Everyone marveled at her wisdom and courage, and looked forward to her future. Meanwhile, Zhao Wan'er became a laughingstock within the palace, her crimes despised by the world, her former glory shattered. This silent battle ended with Su Mengyao's victory, but she knew the struggle within the palace was far from over...