The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 150: Secret Romance in the Palace 2

In the deepest recesses of the magnificent and splendid Imperial Palace, a horrific crisis swept through like a storm, leaving devastation but also witnessing true human love. Imperial guard Lin Fei, with unwavering courage and selfless dedication, rescued the Emperor's most beloved concubine, Su Jingyue. He was gravely wounded in the process, his bloodied body a testament to boundless glory and resilience. The Emperor, delighted, lavishly rewarded Lin Fei with countless jewels, silks, and satins, and even hosted a special banquet to celebrate his victory. Lin Fei's name instantly resonated throughout the palace, becoming the talk of the town, his heroic deeds retold time and again.

Yet, behind all this glory and splendor, Lin Fei felt a weight of emotion weighing down his heart, unable to find expression. Deep within his heart lay a secret, a secret as dazzling as a star yet unattainable – he was deeply and irresistibly in love with Su Jingyue, the emperor's beloved concubine.

Su Jingyue, the name is like a spring breeze, gentle and beautiful. She was once the darling of the Prime Minister's household, renowned throughout the capital for her exceptional talent and unparalleled beauty. By chance, Lin Fei glimpsed Su Jingyue, who had accompanied her father to the palace. At that moment, the young woman's smile blossomed like a flower, vibrant and radiant, leaving a lasting impression on his heart. However, reality, like a cold blade, shattered this pure affection. He knew the disparity in status between him and Su Jingyue was an insurmountable chasm. He could only silently bury his love deep within his heart, transforming into endless longing and yearning.

Now, Su Jingyue has entered the palace as a concubine and has become the emperor's favorite. Lin Fei has hidden his feelings very well. He only dares to quietly and silently sketch her appearance in his mind under the faint moonlight on lonely nights, savoring the bitter yet sweet memories.

On this day, the sun was shining brightly, the breeze gentle, and Lin Fei was meticulously patrolling the palace when his gaze was suddenly caught by a distant figure. It was Su Jingyue, slowly approaching, surrounded by palace maids, like a fairy descending from the earth, untainted by dust. The sunlight bathed her in a golden veil, adding a touch of sanctity and nobility. Lin Fei's gaze was drawn to her, yet the moment their gaze met, he quickly averted it, fearing to disturb this beautiful scene.

"Guard Lin, thank you very much for saving my life that day." Su Jingyue's voice was as clear and pleasant as a yellow oriole singing in a valley, with a bit of gratitude and tenderness.

Lin Fei knelt down hurriedly to pay his respects, but his heart felt as if it were pierced by thousands of arrows. "It is my duty to protect Her Majesty. Your Majesty, you are too kind." His voice was low and firm, but it was difficult to hide the throbbing and bitterness in his heart.

Su Jingyue sighed softly, with a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "You are always so reserved." After that, she slowly left with the palace maid, leaving behind an elusive back.

Lin Fei looked at her back, feeling a mixture of gratitude and joy, as well as helplessness and pain. He knew that what separated him and Su Jingyue was not only the gap in status, but also an unbridgeable emotional abyss.

The Emperor hosted a celebration banquet for Lin Fei, a feast filled with the palace's dignitaries, a scene of dazzling lights and bustling activity. Lin Fei, dressed in finery, forced a smile as he responded to the congratulations and flattery. The Emperor personally served him wine and spoke earnestly, praising his bravery and loyalty.

"Lin Fei, you have made great contributions in protecting the emperor this time. I will reward you handsomely." The emperor's words were like a spring breeze, which made Lin Fei feel warm in his heart.

Lin Fei knelt down to express his gratitude, his voice choked with sobs, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your grace. It is my humble honor to serve Your Majesty and Your Majesty." He felt both grateful and guilty. He was grateful for the emperor's appreciation and love, but guilty that he could not face his inner feelings calmly.

After the banquet, Lin Fei walked alone back to the palace. The moonlight, like water, cast a long shadow across his body, making him appear particularly lonely and desolate. He recalled Su Jingyue's every smile and frown, every subtle movement, as if etched in his mind, unable to be erased. The pain in his heart surged like a tide, nearly suffocating him. "After all, she and I are not destined to be together," Lin Fei muttered to himself, his voice tinged with despair and helplessness. He knew that the feelings between him and Su Jingyue were as illusory and fleeting as the flowers in the mirror and the moon in the water, forever untouchable.

Days passed, and Lin Fei continued to diligently perform his duties as the imperial guard. He patrolled and stood guard in the palace as usual, but every time he saw Su Jingyue, his heart couldn't help but tremble, and the emotions hidden deep in his heart were like a ignited flame, burning fiercely and uncontrollably.

One day, while patrolling the palace, Lin Fei heard a sudden, urgent cry for help. He ran in the direction of the sound and discovered Su Jingyue had accidentally fallen into the palace pond. At that moment, he had only one thought in mind—save her! Without hesitation, he jumped in and used all his strength to pull Su Jingyue out.

"Empress, are you okay?" Lin Fei asked anxiously, his voice trembling with concern.

Su Jingyue's face was as pale as paper due to shock and cold, but she still forced a smile, "Thanks to you, Guard Lin." Her voice was weak and trembling, but it warmed Lin Fei's heart like a spring breeze.

Lin Fei took off his cloak and draped it over Su Jingyue with gentle and careful movements. "My queen, be careful not to catch a cold." His eyes were full of tenderness and care, as if he wanted to pour all his love into this cloak.

At this moment, the emperor rushed over after hearing the news. Seeing that Su Jingyue was safe and sound, the emperor breathed a sigh of relief and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

"Lin Fei, you have made another contribution." The emperor's words were filled with praise and affirmation.

Lin Fei knelt down and apologized, "I failed to protect the emperor and frightened the queen. Please punish me." His voice was low and firm, but he could hardly hide the self-blame and guilt in his heart.

The emperor laughed and said, "You have saved my beloved concubine many times. What crime have you committed? I will reward you again." His voice was bright and heroic, like a spring breeze, which made Lin Fei feel warm in his heart.

However, Lin Fei was not delighted by the Emperor's reward. He knew that his feelings for Su Jingyue were as illusory and fleeting as a mirage, unattainable. This feeling was like a heavy shackle, holding him back from breathing and unable to escape.

On a quiet night, under a moonlit sky, Lin Fei came alone to the palace garden. He gazed at the bright moon, his mind awash with thoughts, like a surging tide. He recalled every moment he had spent with Su Jingyue, and those beautiful memories shone like bright stars in the night sky.

"Perhaps I should leave this palace, as far away as possible, to put an end to this obsession." Lin Fei thought to himself, his voice filled with a hint of determination and helplessness. He knew that only by leaving this magnificent palace, leaving this place full of temptation and pain, could he free himself from the quagmire of this emotion.

However, just as he was about to leave, Su Jingyue's personal maid, Xiaoru, suddenly approached him, handing him a handkerchief and a letter. Lin Fei opened the letter, which read: "Guard Lin, thank you so much for saving me so many times. I have no way of repaying your kindness. I wish you all the best." These simple words, like a spring breeze, stirred ripples in Lin Fei's heart.

Ultimately, Lin Fei chose to remain in the palace. He knew he couldn't let go of his feelings for Su Jingyue, nor could he forget those beautiful memories. He understood that as long as he could watch her happiness from afar, he would be content. This deep and selfless love, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminated his path and warmed his lonely heart.

Spring turns to autumn, the changing seasons in the imperial palace unfolding like a slowly unfolding scroll, the blossoming and falling of flowers silently recording the passage of time. Lin Fei's life remained immersed in tranquility and a faint sense of longing. As a royal guard, he fulfilled his duties day after day, safeguarding the peace of the imperial city. And Su Jingyue, the concubine adored by the emperor, her smile and the sound of her zither were like the gentlest spring breeze, caressing every corner of the imperial city and the softest part of Lin Fei's heart.

During his time off patrol, Lin Fei would quietly observe the time Su Jingyue and the Emperor spent together. Their harmonious harmony, a match made in heaven, was enviable. Although Lin Fei harbored bitterness, he gradually learned to let it go as time passed. He began to focus more on his duties, diligently carrying out every patrol. His figure moved through every corner of the Imperial City, like a guardian angel, ensuring peace and order within the palace.

However, fate seemed to have no intention of allowing Lin Fei's life to remain so peaceful. One day, urgent news arrived from the borderlands: an enemy invasion, imminent war. The entire imperial city was shrouded in a tense atmosphere. The emperor urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures and decided to dispatch a large army to defend the territory. Upon hearing this news, Lin Fei felt a strong sense of responsibility. He volunteered to join the army and serve his country. Seeing Lin Fei's determined eyes, the emperor, knowing his loyalty and courage, resolutely agreed to his request.

On the eve of his departure, Lin Fei arrived alone in the palace gardens. Moonlight shone like water, casting a silvery veil over him. He gazed up at the bright moon, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. He knew that his fate was uncertain, and he might never see Su Jingyue again. However, he also knew that as a royal guard, he had a duty and obligation to fight for his country and defend his homeland.

Just then, a familiar figure quietly appeared behind him. Su Jingyue, dressed in white, was as beautiful as a fairy. She gently walked to Lin Fei's side and asked softly, "Guard Lin, are you going to the battle?" Lin Fei turned and looked into Su Jingyue's gentle gaze, feeling an inexplicable emotion well up in his heart. He nodded and said firmly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will be loyal to the Emperor and the country."

Su Jingyue approached Lin Fei, pulled a jade pendant from her bosom, and handed it to him. The jade pendant was crystal clear, emitting a faint glow, as if imbued with some mysterious power. "Guard Lin, this is the jade pendant I've worn since childhood. Wear it, and I hope it will bless you with a safe return." Su Jingyue's voice was filled with a hint of reluctance and blessing.

Lin Fei took the jade pendant, feeling the warmth of Su Jingyue's palm, and a surge of warmth welled up in his heart. He looked at Su Jingyue deeply, then held the jade pendant tightly in his hand. He knew that this jade pendant not only represented Su Jingyue's blessing and concern, but also witnessed the deep affection between them. Then, he turned and left, embarking on his expedition.

On the battlefield, Lin Fei bravely killed the enemy and made remarkable achievements. He had only one thought in his mind, that was for the country and Su Jingyue's gentle eyes looking at him, giving him endless strength and courage.

The deafening roar of war drums echoed like the roar of an ancient thunder god. Gunpowder smoke swirled in the air like a mighty dragon, obscuring the sunlight and shrouding the battlefield in a dim and oppressive darkness. Lin Fei, the valiant warrior, clad in gleaming armor and wielding an impenetrable spear, charged at the forefront of the ranks. Each swing of his spear slashed like the Grim Reaper's scythe, reaping the lives of his enemies, accompanied by their shrill cries. His bravery, like a raging fire, instantly ignited the fighting spirit of the soldiers, and morale reached a peak at that moment. Lin Fei knew he was fighting not only for the peace of his country, but also for the deepest concern in his heart: for Su Jingyue, who lay far away.

When night fell, the fighting paused, and the smoke cleared, Lin Fei would find a quiet corner and take out the jade pendant Su Jingyue had gifted him. The jade pendant, as smooth as jade, exuded a subtle warmth, as if carrying Su Jingyue's tenderness and deep blessings, giving him endless strength and courage. Under the silvery moonlight, the jade pendant shone with a soft and mysterious light, pure and warm, like the light in Su Jingyue's eyes, illuminating his path and giving him direction, no matter how dark the situation.

As the war raged on for months, Lin Fei, relying on his exceptional martial arts and extraordinary wit, repeatedly overcame danger and triumphed, gradually rising to prominence within the army and becoming a respected leader. Like a god of war, he led his soldiers to repel enemy attacks time and again, defending the nation's territory and protecting their homeland. His heroic deeds spread widely throughout the army, becoming a pillar of support for the soldiers.

Finally, on a moonlit night with few stars, the enemy, led by Lin Fei, was defeated and finally routed, scattered in all directions. The war was declared over, and the dawn of victory spread across the land. Lin Fei stood on the battlefield, gazing at the gradually brightening dawn in the distance, his heart filled with the joy of victory and deep longing. He knew that he would soon embark on his journey home, returning to the woman who had haunted his dreams. There was Su Jingyue, whom he deeply missed, the peaceful life he had longed for, and the most sincere feelings in his heart.