The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 146 Lychee Banquet

On this day, sunlight, like fine gold dust, gently sprinkled across the resplendent glazed tiles of the Imperial Palace. Each tile seemed imbued with life, reflecting a dazzling radiance. Amidst the red walls and green tiles, preparations for a grand lychee banquet were underway, and the air was thick with anticipation and joy. The Empress personally oversaw the event, striving for perfection in every detail, aiming to showcase the imperial majesty and the deep favor bestowed upon the imperial concubines.

The palace maids and eunuchs, clad in vibrant robes, flitted like butterflies among the blossoms, busily and methodically making final preparations for the impending lychee banquet. Some held flowers, others carried delicate lamps, and even arranged a variety of tableware. Their activity brought the entire palace to life.

The kindhearted Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue stood out like a breath of fresh air amidst the bustling atmosphere. She had finished her makeup early, donning a light blue palace gown. Its elegant, flowing dress, its hem embroidered with delicate flowers, each one vivid and seemingly swaying in the breeze, was adorned with a high bun, adorned with pearls and jade, adding to her graceful and charming demeanor. Accompanied by her maids, she walked with light steps towards the garden where the lychee banquet was being held.

When Su Jingyue stepped into the garden, the scene before her was breathtaking. Flowers shone in vibrant colors, butterflies danced, and it felt as if she were transported to a beautiful painting. The Empress was already seated in the main seat, adorned with a magnificent phoenix robe and a golden crown, dignified and majestic. The Emperor and the Empress were whispering to each other nearby, their faces beaming with happiness. Upon seeing Su Jingyue arrive, the Emperor's gaze flickered with tenderness and admiration, as if, in that moment, the entire world had brightened because of her.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty." Su Jingyue bowed slightly, her voice as gentle and pleasant as the spring breeze blowing across the lake.

The queen smiled and said, "Sister, please take a seat. The lychee banquet has been waiting for you." There was a hint of intimacy and anticipation in her voice, as if she was welcoming a long-lost friend.

After Su Jingyue thanked him, she sat down in her seat. At this time, the other concubines also arrived one after another. They were dressed in various palace costumes, competing with each other for beauty. For a while, the garden was filled with the chirping of birds and the constant laughter, which was very lively.

The lychee banquet officially began, with exquisite dishes arriving one after another. Their color, aroma, and flavor were mouth-watering. The most eye-catching feature was the plates of fresh lychees. Each lychee was plump and round, as translucent as a dazzling pearl, exuding an alluring aroma that seemed to instantly evoke desire.

The Queen picked up the wine glass and said, "These lychees are tributes sent urgently from the south. Each one embodies the hard work and sweat of countless people. The Emperor specifically ordered that this sweetness and blessing from afar be shared with all the sisters." Her voice was solemn and emotional, as if she was telling a story about love and dedication.

Everyone thanked him and began to savor this rare delicacy. Su Jingyue gently peeled a lychee, the delicate flesh sliding into her mouth like cream, the sweet juice instantly spreading throughout her mouth, as if it could wash away all the world's worries and sorrows. However, her mind wasn't on the lychee, but on the hard work and dedication hidden behind this delicious treat.

The emperor noticed that Su Jingyue was lost in thought, and he asked with concern, "My dear, are these lychees not to your taste?" There was a hint of tenderness and worry in his voice, as if he was asking about something of vital importance.

Su Jingyue quickly replied: "Your Majesty, lychees are extremely delicious, but when I think about the long and dangerous journey these lychees have to take from the south, which has consumed a lot of manpower, material resources, time and energy, I can't help but feel a little sad and reluctant." There was a hint of sadness and helplessness in her voice, as if she was telling a tragic story of sacrifice and dedication.

When the queen heard this, her expression changed slightly, and she said unhappily: "What do you mean, sister? Are you blaming the emperor for inappropriate rewards or the extravagance in the palace?" There was a hint of blame and dissatisfaction in her voice, as if she was questioning Su Jingyue's motives and intentions.

Su Jingyue quickly stood up, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have no such intention. I just think that the palace should be frugal and cherish the fruits of the people's labor and the country's wealth and resources. What I said comes from a sincere heart and my loyalty and love for the emperor." There was some sincerity and firmness in her voice, as if she was using her actions to interpret what true loyalty and kindness are.

For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense and delicate. The Emperor frowned slightly, lost in thought. He knew Su Jingyue's words were not without reason, but he also understood the Empress's concerns and dissatisfaction. He needed to find a balance between the two to maintain harmony and stability in the palace.

At this time, a concubine took the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty is so sentimental and makes a fuss about nothing. This is the emperor's gift and love, how can we be so ungrateful and ungrateful?" There was a bit of sarcasm and disdain in her voice, as if she was mocking Su Jingyue's ignorance and affectation.

Su Jingyue looked at the concubine, her eyes gleaming with determination and calmness. She said calmly, "Sister, you are wrong. I am not ungrateful or ungrateful. I simply hope that the palace can embrace frugality and diligence, setting an example for the people of the world." Her voice was firm and powerful, as if she were demonstrating through her actions what true wisdom and responsibility were.

The emperor was silent for a moment before finally speaking: "What Noble Concubine Su said makes sense. I rewarded the concubines with lychees in order to let them share joy and happiness, but the cost and impact should also be taken into consideration. From now on, the harem should be based on frugality and not waste or squander it at will. We must cherish the fruits of the people's labor and the country's wealth and resources, and seek the welfare of the people of the world." His voice was solemn and majestic, as if announcing the arrival of a new era.

Seeing this, the Queen also hurriedly said: "Your Majesty is wise. I will pay attention to the expenses and expenditures of the palace in the future, help Your Majesty solve problems, and set an example for the harem." There was a bit of respect and obedience in her voice, as if she was using her actions to show her loyalty and support for the Emperor.

The lychee banquet continued, but the atmosphere was no longer as relaxed and lively as it had been at the beginning. Su Jingyue felt a sense of unease, unsure of the consequences and impact of her words. But she firmly believed that what she was doing was right, for the harmony and stability of the palace and the well-being of the people.

After the banquet, the emperor left Su Jingyue alone. He walked over to her side, gently took her hand, and said tenderly, "My beloved, although your words today have caused some ripples and controversy at the banquet, I know you are speaking from a place of kindness and goodwill. I have always witnessed and remembered your kindness and integrity, your wisdom and responsibility." His voice was filled with emotion and appreciation, as if he were telling a story of love and trust.

Su Jingyue lowered her head, her eyes slightly red, and her voice was choked with sobs: "I am just telling the truth. If I have offended you, please punish me, Your Majesty." There was a hint of guilt and uneasiness in her voice, as if she was blaming herself for her outspokenness.

The emperor patted the back of her hand gently and said with a smile: "Punishment? How could I punish you? Your kindness and integrity, your wisdom and responsibility are all what I admire and need. I hope there will be more concubines like you in the palace who can share my worries and solve problems and care about the people." There was some determination and expectation in his voice, as if he was using his actions to interpret what a truly wise monarch and virtuous queen are.

From then on, Su Jingyue's position within the palace became even more stable and prestigious. Her kindness and integrity, her wisdom and commitment, earned her the respect and admiration of even more people. The incident at the lychee banquet also sparked a new wave of frugality within the palace. Everyone followed Su Jingyue's example, treasuring every resource and saving every expense, contributing to the harmony and stability of the palace and the well-being of the people.