The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 121 Brotherhood in the Deep Palace

Deep within the inner palace, in the most tranquil corner of a palace gently caressed by time, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue sat serenely upon luxurious embroidered cushions, enveloped by the delicate fragrance of flowers and the hazy shimmer of tulle curtains. A gentle smile, imbued with the radiance of a mother, graced her face as she gazed lovingly upon her two sons. Twenty-three-year-old Yuan Cong stood tall and straight like a pine or cypress, his handsome features shimmering in the sunlight, like a graceful young man from an ancient scroll. Meanwhile, the innocent five-year-old Yuan Chen was like a newly blossomed flower, his delicate face brimming with pure joy, his tender voice evoking endearment.

"Brother, come and repeat after me. Man is born good." Yuan Cong's voice was gentle and magnetic, each word imbued with endless patience and anticipation. His eyes were filled with love for his brother, as if all the beauty in the world had condensed into this moment.

Yuan Chen blinked his big eyes that were full of curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and tried hard to imitate his brother's pronunciation: "Man is born good." Although his childish voice was still a little awkward, the innocence and effort were moving.

"Natures are similar, but habits make them different." Yuan Cong continued to patiently guide his younger brother, his voice filled with encouragement and expectation. He knew that as the eldest brother, he had the responsibility and obligation to pass on the family's hope and wisdom.

However, young Yuanchen inevitably encountered difficulties when trying to keep up with his brother. He tried hard to remember those profound sentences, but he stumbled as he read: "Nature is like gold, but habits are different." At that moment, a hint of shyness and uneasiness appeared on his little face.

Seeing this, Yuan Cong gently shook his head, his eyes filled with doting and caress. He gently reached out his hand, gently touched Yuan Chen's head, and whispered, "Brother, it's similar in nature, not similar in nature. Come, repeat it to me again." His voice was filled with tenderness and encouragement, as if it could dispel all the haze in the world.

Su Jingyue sat quietly by, watching the interaction between her two sons, her heart filled with comfort and warmth. She knew all too well the complexities and dangers of palace life, the intrigues and struggles that constantly eroded this seemingly peaceful world. But watching the two brothers living in harmony and supporting each other, she seemed to temporarily forget all her worries and sorrows. She silently prayed that this innocence and beauty would continue forever.

"Without teaching, nature will change. The way to teach is to be focused." Yuan Cong's voice rang out again, his gaze lingering on Yuan Chen, filled with expectation and encouragement. He understood the importance of education and his responsibility as an older brother.

Although Yuan Chen struggled, he diligently imitated his brother's pronunciation. Even though his pronunciation was still a little unclear, his persistence and effort were touching. Yuan Cong patiently corrected his brother's pronunciation, repeating those profound phrases over and over again. His eyes were focused solely on his brother's progress and growth, as if all the effort was worth it.

However, at this warm and beautiful moment, a sudden piece of news shattered the tranquility. A palace maid hurried in, bowed, and whispered, "Your Highness, Your Highness Hui wishes to see you." The voice was filled with a hint of urgency and uneasiness, which gave Su Jingyue a sense of foreboding.

Su Jingyue frowned slightly, a sense of unease welling up in her heart. She knew that the grudge between Concubine Hui and herself was already deeply rooted, and this sudden summons was definitely not a good intention. But she still pretended to be calm and said, "I understand. I'll be there right away." After saying this, she turned her head and looked at Yuan Cong, "Cong'er, your mother has something to do and needs to leave for a while. You must take good care of your brother and continue to teach him, understand?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Cong immediately nodded and replied, "Don't worry, mother. I will take good care of my brother." His eyes were full of determination and responsibility, as if he was ready to take on this heavy responsibility.

After Su Jingyue left, the palace returned to peace. Yuanchen watched his mother's departing figure, a trace of uneasiness flashing in his eyes. He took his brother's hand and asked, "Brother, when will mother come back?" His voice was filled with attachment and reluctance to leave his mother.

Yuan Cong held Yuan Chen in his arms and comforted him, "Don't be afraid, brother. Mother will be back soon. Let's continue reading the Three Character Classic." After saying this, he picked up the book again and began to teach his brother patiently.

However, Su Jingyue fell into a trap set by Concubine Hui. Concubine Hui accused Su Jingyue of disrespecting the harem and plotting to usurp the throne. Su Jingyue knew it was Concubine Hui's conspiracy, but she could only endure this injustice and humiliation silently.

As the night deepened, the entire palace seemed gently shrouded in a mysterious black veil. The candlelight within, like pearls in the night, flickered, illuminating Yuan Cong's resolute face and Yuan Chen's clear, worried eyes. Yuan Cong knew that in this stormy time, he must be his brother's strongest support. No matter how difficult the road ahead, he would clear his mother's name and protect this family.

He slowly put down the scroll in his hand. It was his usual companion to relieve his worries, but at this moment, he had only one thing on his mind—clearing his mother's name. He stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. He took Yuanchen's hand, and the two of them set out on the road to his father's chambers.

Along the way, Yuan Cong spun for Yuan Chen stories of bravery, courage, and wit. These stories, like the brightest stars in the night sky, illuminated their path and ignited the fire of courage within Yuan Chen. He clutched Yuan Cong's coat tightly, as if sensing his brother's strength and resolve. As they walked and talked, the ancient legends intertwined with the present moment, forming a series of moving images.

Finally, they stood before the majestic door to his father's chambers. Yuan Cong took a deep breath, letting his heartbeat gradually calm. He knocked gently on the door, which slowly swung open, a solemn and profound atmosphere filling them. They entered this place of power and majesty, facing their father, who stood tall and majestic.

Yuan Cong clearly and logically explained his mother's innocence and Concubine Hui's conspiracy. His voice was firm and powerful, and every word struck the emperor's heart like a hammer. His father's brow furrowed, and a flicker of confusion and anger flashed in his eyes. He was silent for a moment, as if weighing all the circumstances.

At this moment, a loyal and devoted old minister suddenly burst into the palace, clutching a crucial piece of evidence. This evidence, like the dawn of dawn, illuminated the truth amidst the darkness, proving Su Jingyue's innocence and Concubine Hui's conspiracy. The emperor, upon viewing this evidence, finally erupted in uncontrollable fury. He roared, ordering the arrest of Concubine Hui and her followers, and personally went to Su Jingyue's palace to apologize.

When Su Jingyue saw her two sons standing before her, safe and sound, tears welled up in her eyes. She hugged them tightly, as if to pour all her gratitude and happiness into this warm embrace. From then on, she cherished every moment with her sons even more, nurturing their growth with endless love and guidance.

Under their mother's care, Yuan Cong and Yuan Chen gradually grew into independent and capable young men. Hand in hand, they faced life's ups and downs together. No matter how great the difficulties and challenges, they always clung to each other, protecting this warm and harmonious home with love and courage. Their story became a legend in the palace and passed down through generations.