Legend of the Embroiderer

The night was as dark as ink. The palace lights shone alone in the darkness, like stars in the night sky, flickering a faint but steadfast light, interweaving with the endless night to create a profound painting. Each palace lantern was like a silent narrator, telling the mystery and solemnity of this palace.

Su Mengyao stood quietly by the window, her gaze piercing the lattice, as if she could touch the distant moonlight. Her emotions were as complex and profound as the night sky. A modern-day fashion designer, unexpectedly transported to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, becoming a lowly embroiderer, this irony of fate left her feeling deeply helpless and lost. In the stillness of the night, she would often think of that familiar yet distant world, where she held beloved family and friends, and the career she loved. But all of this had become an untouchable memory.

The sound of hurried footsteps shattered the stillness of the night. A young eunuch came running in breathlessly, "Miss Mengyao, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince invites you." Su Mengyao was startled for a moment, then recovered, straightened her dress, and followed the eunuch to the Crown Prince's chambers. As she walked through the winding corridors, her heartbeat quickened, and she nervously speculated about the Crown Prince's intentions in summoning her.

Crown Prince Li Zhao's chambers were ablaze with lights. He, clad in a brilliant yellow brocade robe, shimmered in the light of the palace lanterns, like a deity descended from heaven. Su Mengyao stepped forward and saluted, "Your Highness, I greet you." The Crown Prince sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze fixed on her. As his eyes rested on her delicate features, a flicker of astonishment and admiration filled them. He had never seen such a beautiful and intelligent woman before; her presence seemed to bring a breath of fresh air to the palace.

"Mengyao, your embroidery and designs are truly unparalleled," the Crown Prince exclaimed sincerely, his voice tinged with tenderness and doting. He knew this woman possessed not only incredible talent but also unwavering perseverance and determination. Each of her pieces was imbued with vitality and soul, captivating everyone. "The palace is hosting a banquet soon, and I'm very fond of your designs; they're original and unique. I hope you can design a dress for me so that your designs can be seen by more people and add even more splendor to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty."

Su Mengyao smiled faintly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your praise. It is my honor to design clothes for you, and I will do my best." She was well aware of the complexities and dangers of the palace, where talent and glory often come with endless dangers and traps. A summons from the Crown Prince might bring her unnecessary trouble. But Crown Prince Li Zhao seemed to perceive her worry and uneasiness, and he whispered soothingly, "Mengyao, don't be afraid. I will protect you and keep you safe in this palace." His voice was deep and powerful, as if an invisible force soothed her soul. She looked at the Crown Prince with gratitude, a warm feeling welling up in her heart, knowing that she was not alone in this strange world.

After receiving the Crown Prince's instructions, Su Mengyao began meticulously crafting the gown for the banquet. She carefully selected the finest silk and thread, meticulously detailing every detail. After days of hard work, a stunning gown was finally created.

The dress was embroidered with a lifelike golden phoenix, which seemed to be about to take flight. The phoenix's feathers shone with brilliant light, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.

After the dress was finished, Su Mengyao presented it to the Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince saw the dress, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He gently stroked the phoenix embroidery on the dress and exclaimed, "Su Mengyao, you are truly ingenious. This dress is simply perfect. I'm sure I'll be the center of attention at the banquet."

Su Mengyao couldn't help but feel a surge of joy and pride when she heard the Crown Prince's praise. She lowered her head slightly and said shyly, "It's my honor to design a dress for His Royal Highness. I hope this dress will add brilliance to His Royal Highness."

The prince looked at Su Mengyao with a smile, his eyes full of appreciation and gratitude. He knew that Su Mengyao's elaborate design would add color to the banquet.

Su Mengyao's arrival, like a dazzling pearl, not only sparked jealousy and hostility from the other embroiderers but also sparked new opportunities for some powerful figures. Learning of Su Mengyao's nightly encounters with the Crown Prince, they began to manipulate public opinion, spreading rumors about her in an attempt to thrust her into the spotlight. Faced with this sudden crisis and challenge, Su Mengyao remained unyielding. Instead, she dedicated herself even more to her embroidery and design, hoping to prove her worth through her work. Her dedication and talent not only earned the Crown Prince's recognition and admiration, but also gradually established her position within the imperial court.

That evening, the Crown Prince appeared in a tuxedo designed by Su Mengyao. He looked handsome and elegant, with an extraordinary demeanor. The well-cut design accentuated his physique, making it even more impressive. Everyone was amazed and expressed their sincere admiration for Su Mengyao's talent. Even those who had spread rumors about her were forced to acknowledge her strength and felt ashamed. Su Mengyao had earned respect and recognition through her talent and hard work, and had found her place in the court.

As the night deepened, the bustle faded with the departure of the guests. Su Mengyao returned to her room alone. Moonlight streamed down her body like water, draping her in a silvery sheen. The room was elegantly furnished, and the faint scent of incense curled upward, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

On this quiet night, a group of men in black suddenly broke in and launched a fierce attack on Su Mengyao. She was startled, but did not panic. With her modern wisdom and skills, she dodged cleverly and shouted for help.

Crown Prince Li Zhao rushed over upon hearing the noise. Seeing the scene before him, he ordered his guards to charge forward and fight the man in black. The room was instantly filled with the flashing of swords and the surging of air.

After a fierce battle, the man in black was finally subdued. The prince walked over to Su Mengyao and asked with concern: "Mengyao, are you okay?" His face was full of worry and tension.

Su Mengyao shook her head, looking at the Crown Prince with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life." Her voice was trembling and a little afraid, but more so, resolute and brave. Her eyes were clear and bright in the moonlight, as if supported by an invisible force.

A hint of determination flashed in the prince's eyes: "I will investigate this matter and give you an explanation." His voice was low and powerful, as if his majesty was intimidating everyone.

The next day, the Crown Prince ordered a thorough investigation. "The men in black assassinated Su Mengyao. This must not be tolerated!" Li Zhao's voice echoed coldly and firmly in the night sky. "I want you to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring these reckless people to justice. They will be severely punished!"

The guards sprang into action, thoroughly searching every corner of the palace, leaving no trace of any suspicious leads. Li Zhao personally visited Su Mengyao in her chambers, and the sight of her pale, frail face only intensified his rage. He vowed to find the murderer and avenge Su Mengyao!

As the investigation deepened, various clues began to emerge. After much effort, the guards finally found some clues about the whereabouts of the men in black. They followed these clues and eventually successfully captured the men in black.

When the men in black were brought before the Crown Prince, their earlier arrogance had long since vanished, replaced by expressions of fear and unease. The Crown Prince gazed at them with icy eyes and demanded, "Tell me! Who ordered you to do this?" The men in black looked at each other in bewilderment, none daring to answer. They knew that if they revealed the name of the mastermind, they would face an endless abyss and darkness.

The prince clearly wasn't going to give them any chance. With a flick of his fan, he signaled the guards to step forward. The guards immediately understood and marched forward, escorting the men in black away and declaring them all sentenced to death. Their bodies were then mercilessly thrown into a mass grave, becoming part of history.

When Crown Prince Li Zhao stepped into the deep chamber again, his gaze fell on Su Mengyao, who was huddled in the corner. Her eyes, like starlight swallowed by the darkness, were filled with endless fear and helplessness. Li Zhao's heart tightened. He stepped forward softly, gently soothing her, "Mengyao, don't be afraid. Those men in black who hurt you have paid the price they deserved. Now, you are safe."

Su Mengyao raised her head and looked at Li Zhao with tearful eyes. At that moment, all the grievances and fears turned into tears, streaming down her face. Li Zhao took out a clean white handkerchief from his arms and handed it to her, "Don't cry, I'm here, you'll be fine."

Su Mengyao took the handkerchief and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Her voice trembled slightly, "Thank you, Your Highness. Do you know who ordered them to do this?" Li Zhao frowned slightly and shook his head. "They never spoke a word until they died."

He continued, "But don't worry, I will continue to investigate. You have to be more careful during this period." His eyes were firm and gentle, like an invisible force, dispelling the fear in Su Mengyao's heart bit by bit.

Su Mengyao looked at Li Zhao, gratitude and warmth flooding her heart like a tide. In this unfamiliar palace, Li Zhao gave her the care and help of a family member.