The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 135: Draft every 3 years

Inside the imperial palace, the triennial beauty pageant kicked off once again. This grand event, crucial for the continuation of the imperial bloodline and the restructuring of the imperial court, filled the entire palace from morning till night with an atmosphere of both solemnity and bustle. Inside and outside the palace walls, newly decorated, colorful flags fluttered, as if announcing the arrival of this grand event. Palace attendants bustled about, busily preparing everything, from the selection of the beauties to the various procedures of the selection, each reflecting the rigor and order of the imperial court.

Atop a high platform, the Emperor sat upright on his dragon throne, his majestic expression betraying his anticipation for the selection. His gaze was penetrating, as if he could see into the hearts of each selected woman. Beside him, the Empress, clad in a magnificent phoenix robe, was dignified and virtuous, her every movement revealing the demeanor of a motherly ruler. The Empress's gaze was gentle and calm, as if she had already considered the selection process. Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue presented a completely different scene. Her face was delicate, like a flower blooming in spring, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation, filled with interest in the upcoming selections.

Below the stage, a throng of beautiful women, meticulously dressed in a variety of gorgeous attires, wore varying expressions: some nervous, some expectant, others indifferent. Each held their own ambitions. Some hoped to secure favor through the selection and change their family's fate; others, forced to come under pressure from their families, felt uncertain and uncertain about the future. The atmosphere at the selection was tense yet brimming with anticipation.

"The selection begins!" With the eunuch's loud shout, the entire place suddenly fell silent, and everyone's attention was focused on the stage. The girls stepped forward one by one, saluted, introduced themselves, and demonstrated their talents and virtues.

The first concubine, dressed in a pink silk gown, had a graceful figure. Her voice, as clear and melodious as a spring bird, saluted. After she introduced herself, the empress smiled and asked, "What books have you read?" The concubine replied softly, a hint of shyness in her voice, "Your Majesty, I know a few words and have read 'Instructions for Women' and 'Rules for Women'." The empress nodded slightly, and Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue looked at her and said, "You look quite presentable, but your answer is rather conventional and lacks originality." The emperor offered no comment, simply waving his hand and asking her to stand aside for further comment.

The next few contestants stuttered and trembled with nervousness, while others were too flamboyant, causing everyone to frown and appear unsteady. The atmosphere at the entire talent show became increasingly tense.

At that moment, a young lady in pale blue stepped forward. Her face was beautiful, her eyes clear as water, as if cleansing the dust of the world. She bowed, and before the empress could ask, she took the initiative to say, "I have loved poetry since childhood. I have composed a few humble pieces, and I am willing to recite them for Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and Your Majesty." With that, she began to recite softly, her voice clear and melodious, like the gurgling of a mountain stream. Her talent brightened everyone's eyes, bringing a breath of fresh air to the tense scene of the talent show.

The Empress nodded slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue also showed an admiring look, as if she had seen a new hope. The Emperor even smiled a rare smile: "This girl is quite talented. Keep her."

The selection process proceeded smoothly. The sun gradually rose higher, shining through the clouds onto the selection field, adding a touch of warmth to the event. However, as the selection progressed, the contestants became increasingly nervous, and some even made mistakes.

Suddenly, a concubine stumbled while performing a ceremony. Her face flushed crimson, tears welling in her eyes. She lowered her head in shame, as if awaiting her fate. However, the empress quickly had her helped up and gently said, "Don't panic. Speak slowly." Her voice, as warm as a spring breeze, instantly soothed the concubine's nerves. After calming herself, the concubine said, "I was so nervous. I beg the Emperor, the Empress, and the Imperial Concubine to forgive me." There was a slight tremor in her voice, but it was filled with sincerity and apology.

After hearing this, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue smiled and said, "This child is truly sincere. I feel pity for her." Her voice was as gentle as a summer breeze, bringing a sense of comfort. The Emperor also said magnanimously, "Stay." His voice was full of authority and tolerance, as if he saw the innocence and kindness in the young lady's heart.

After rounds of screening and assessment, dozens of beauties finally stood out and became the best of this talent show. They were either outstanding in talent, or of noble character, or of stunning beauty, each with their own unique qualities.

After the selection, the Emperor, Empress, and Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue discussed the placements of the selected women. The Empress said, "This selection has yielded several notable ladies who would enrich your harem." Her voice held a touch of relief and anticipation. The Emperor nodded. "Your Majesty is quite right, but the final placements still require careful consideration." His eyes betrayed deep thought and deliberation. Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue softly said, "I believe that character and talent should be prioritized." Her voice was filled with a firmness and resolve.

After intense discussion and careful consideration, the positions of the selected women were finally determined. Some were appointed concubines, others became palace maids, or remained in the palace to learn etiquette and cultivate their talents. Each one was filled with anticipation and longing for their future.

The newly promoted beauties move into the imperial harem and begin a brand new life. However, this also quietly unfolds the curtain on the palace's internal struggles and undercurrents. They compete openly and covertly for favor, scheme against one another for position, and are forced to compromise and yield for survival. The entire harem becomes a vast stage, where each plays out their own story and legend.

The exceptionally talented concubine quickly sparked jealousy and ostracism from the other concubines. They deliberately set things on her path, spread rumors, and undermined her reputation and status. Meanwhile, the concubine chosen due to a fall became the target of their bullying because of her simple kindness and lack of scheming. Her life was filled with hardship and difficulty, yet she remained pure and kindhearted.

Upon learning of these events, the Empress was filled with anxiety and worry. She understood the importance of harem harmony and stability to the entire imperial family and, ultimately, the nation. She convened a meeting of all the concubines and spoke earnestly, "We all serve the Emperor. We must live in harmony and work together to help him overcome his difficulties. We must not engage in intrigue and sabotage each other for the sake of favor." Her voice held a hint of authority and pleading, as if, in that moment, she saw hope and direction for the future of the harem.

Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue also echoed, "The Empress is absolutely right! We should treat each other as sisters, support each other, and work together to share the worries and solve the problems for the Emperor. Instead of arguing and haggling over trivial matters all day long." There was a hint of tenderness and firmness in her voice, as if at this moment, she was also guarding the harmony and tranquility of the harem in her own way.

However, some people turned a deaf ear to the words of the Empress and the Imperial Concubine, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear. They continued to scheme against each other, using whatever means necessary to win favor. The entire harem seemed to have become a giant whirlpool, with everyone struggling and drifting in it.

One day, the Emperor suddenly fell ill, plunging the entire harem into chaos and panic. Some concubines began scheming to secure greater favor and status, while the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Su Jingyue remained by the Emperor's side day and night, meticulously caring for him and never abandoning him. Their actions demonstrated their loyalty and love for the Emperor.

The talented concubine also took this opportunity to demonstrate her tenderness, thoughtfulness, and exceptional talent before the emperor. She accompanied him, reciting poems, painting, playing the zither, singing, telling stories, and telling jokes... She quickly gained the emperor's attention and favor. While the other concubines gossiped behind her back, claiming she was scheming and flattering, these rumors did not diminish her status and influence in the emperor's heart.

Upon hearing these rumors, the Empress was furious and disgruntled. She felt she had repeatedly emphasized the importance of harem harmony and stability to the entire imperial family and even the nation; yet, some still ignored her warnings and acted recklessly. She exclaimed, "At this critical moment, we should all be working together to care for the Emperor and help him resolve his problems. How can we stir up trouble and disrupt the harmony and tranquility of the harem?" Her voice tinged with anger and disappointment, as if, at that moment, she foresaw the dark and dangerous future of the harem.

The life of a young woman who, after a careless fall, unexpectedly caught the emperor's attention was forever changed. After enduring a series of trials and tribulations, she remained undefeated, rising like a phoenix from the ashes, becoming even more resilient. She deeply understood that within the treacherous world of the imperial harem, only by maintaining inner purity and kindness could one, like a ray of light piercing through the clouds, earn the respect and recognition of others.

Thus began a journey of self-improvement. Every morning, at the first ray of sunlight, accompanied by her maids, she meticulously studied the complex etiquette of the palace. From how to walk and bow to how to convey a noble demeanor through conversation and demeanor, she strived for perfection. At the same time, she also never forgot to cultivate her inner self, often immersing herself in a sea of knowledge, nourishing and elevating her soul.

One day, on a sunny day filled with the fragrance of flowers, she was strolling through the Imperial Gardens when she stumbled upon the dignified and elegant Empress. Noting her refined demeanor and distinguished temperament, the Empress stopped to chat with her. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Xiu Nu took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the Empress, humbly saying, "I know my talents and learning are limited, but within the harem, I am willing to do my best to help the Empress and resolve her problems in return for her kindness."

Upon hearing this, the Queen's eyes flashed with admiration and emotion. She gently patted the back of the concubine's hand and said earnestly, "It is truly rare for you to be so thoughtful. The harem needs harmony and unity, not endless fighting and calculation. If you can always maintain this innocence and kindness, you will surely gain a foothold in the palace and win the respect and love of everyone."

Xiu Nu took the Queen's words to heart and acted more cautiously from then on, never easily making enemies. Her gentleness and kindness were like a spring, gradually moistening the dry land of the harem, making her more and more popular in the harem, and winning the respect and love of everyone.

While the talented and talented concubine, highly favored by the emperor, enjoyed endless honor and favor, she also understood the complexities and dangers of the harem. Consequently, she began to temper her brilliance and maintain a low profile. She understood that true talent wasn't meant to be flaunted, but rather to illuminate the path forward at crucial moments, like a shining star.

In this way, the two beauties each found their place within the harem. With their wisdom and kindness, they wrote their own palace legends. The Empress and Consort Su Jingyue, their staunch support, silently offered them encouragement, bringing warmth and harmony to the harem. In this land rife with power struggles and emotional entanglements, they, in their own ways, shone brightly.