The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 128 The Queen's Prayer for a Child

The Empress sat alone by the window of her chamber, gazing at the bright moon. The moonlight cast upon her face, illuminating her deep sorrow and helplessness. She had once been the Emperor's beloved, the most honored woman in this magnificent palace. But now, with the passage of time, his favor had faded, and she seemed forgotten in this corner of the palace.

To win back the Emperor's heart, the Empress decided to gamble everything, pinning her hopes on conceiving a heir. She secretly dispatched trusted aides and sought out renowned physicians, from imperial physicians to hermits. She spared no expense, even enduring unspeakable pain, for that glimmer of hope. However, fate seemed to be against her, and each effort met with nothing.

Meanwhile, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue's position within the palace was at its peak. She was renowned for her youthful beauty, exceptional talent, and her knack for pleasing the Emperor. Her smile, as warm and radiant as the spring sunshine, captivated the Emperor. The palace servants also flocked to curry favor with this newly crowned concubine.

Xiaolan, the Empress's trusted maid, witnessed all this and was distraught. She had repeatedly tried to comfort the Empress, trying to get her to let go of her obsession, but the Empress would never let it go. She stubbornly believed that she and the Emperor had a deep emotional foundation, and that if she could successfully conceive a heir, she would surely win the Emperor's heart again.

Finally, one day, the Empress stumbled upon Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue in the Imperial Garden. Dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, she possessed a beautiful face and a charming smile, radiant and captivating. Surrounded by a coterie of maids and eunuchs, she appeared remarkably dignified. Though deeply displeased, the Empress maintained her dignity and poise.

After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, the whole scene suddenly became subtle and awkward.

Just then, a steady sound of footsteps could be heard, and everyone knelt to greet them. It was the Emperor. Clad in dragon robes, he held an imposing presence, his commanding gaze sweeping over everyone present. Upon seeing the Empress and Imperial Concubine together, he was startled for a moment, then quickly approached the Imperial Concubine, inquiring with concern about her well-being. The Empress' heart sank instantly, realizing she was already at a disadvantage in this battle for favor.

Returning to her chambers, the Empress sat by the window, gazing at the bright moon outside, her heart filled with endless sorrow and despair. She recalled the beautiful times she had shared with the Emperor, their embrace, their love overflowing. But now, all that was gone. She realized she could no longer sit idly by and wait for death; she must take more proactive action to win back the Emperor's heart.

The Empress decided to secretly begin her quest for a child once again. She sought out renowned doctors and tried various herbs and secret remedies, hoping to conceive quickly. However, fate played tricks on her, and no matter how hard she tried, she remained unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Imperial Concubine became aware of the Empress's actions and secretly sent someone to monitor her.

Finally, one day, the Empress's actions were discovered. The news quickly reached the Emperor, who was furious. He believed that the Empress's secret pursuit of a child violated palace rules. He ordered a thorough investigation and imprisoned all those involved. Faced with the Emperor's wrath, the Empress burst into tears, knowing she had lost his trust and favor.

Faced with the Emperor's questioning and accusations, the Empress tearfully recounted her difficulties. She told him she simply wanted to bear him a heir and preserve her position. However, the Emperor looked at her coldly and said, "Your unrepentant pursuit of favor and status has caused me to lose my trust in you."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was heartbroken and despairing. She realized she had completely lost the Emperor's heart and trust. Yet, she refused to give up her struggle and resistance. She continued to silently endure loneliness and pain in the deep palace, waiting for a chance to turn around. She firmly believed that as long as she persisted, she would find a chance to regain the Emperor's favor and trust.

Late in the night, the Empress sat alone before the bronze mirror in her chamber, gazing at the familiar yet unfamiliar face reflected in it. She sighed softly, a surge of unprecedented determination welling up within her. She realized that the tactics and schemes she had employed in the past to win the Emperor's favor, while temporary, ultimately failed to reach the depths of his heart. So, she resolved to completely change her strategy and win his love from the depths of his heart.

She secretly began studying the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, not only to improve her cultural literacy but also to recapture the pure self she felt during the good times she spent with the Emperor. In the quiet of night, she immersed herself in these ancient arts, the melodies flowing from her fingertips seemingly transporting her back to a carefree age. Her melodious music, like a clear mountain spring, washed away the dust in her heart and quietly transformed the Emperor's perception of her.

At the same time, the Empress also became more attentive to palace affairs. She understood that being an Empress required not only beauty and talent, but also the wisdom and ability to govern the harem. She was fair and strict, clearly distinguishing rewards and punishments, and treating the palace maids like family. Her gentleness and wisdom earned her respect and love. Her efforts not only brought order to the harem but also impressed upon the Emperor her commitment and responsibility as Empress.

Finally, at a grand palace banquet, the Empress stunned the audience with a guzheng performance. The melody, lamenting and plaintive, seemed to reach the softest part of the human heart. The Emperor, seated at the head of the table, saw a long-lost flicker of tenderness and emotion in his eyes. After the banquet, he sought out the Empress for a conversation, and the two seemed to revisit their carefree days, exchanging poetry and songs, sharing their hearts' thoughts.

The Empress knew this was only the beginning of a new relationship with the Emperor. But she saw a glimmer of hope, and her resolve only strengthened. She continued to strive, not only improving her skills but also demonstrating exceptional ability in managing the harem. Her fairness and wisdom earned her the heartfelt support of the palace staff and impressed the Emperor.

Over time, the Emperor's attitude toward the Empress gradually shifted. He began to rediscover her value and beauty, no longer simply viewing her as a rival for his affections, but as his true companion and confidant. Their relationship slowly mended, rediscovering the lost innocence and rapport.

The Empress finally understood a truth: true victory isn't achieved through scrambling and scheming, but through careful cultivation and nurturing. She proved this through her actions, earning the Emperor's sincere affection. From then on, she and the Emperor worked hand in hand to govern the country, a story that became a legend in history.