The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 123 Spring Banquet

On this warm and bright spring afternoon, every corner of the Imperial Palace was bathed in golden sunlight, appearing exceptionally vibrant. A meticulously prepared spring banquet unfolded in the Imperial Gardens, where a profusion of blossoms clashed in vibrant colors, seemingly nature's most splendid embellishment for this grand occasion. Colorful butterflies danced gracefully among the blossoms, flitting between petals and sunlight, adding a touch of spirit and vitality to the feast.

The Emperor and Empress, adorned in their splendid attire, sat side by side at the banquet's main seat, their faces brimming with warm smiles, perfectly complementing the spring atmosphere. Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, with her uniquely gentle demeanor, led her two sons—Crown Prince Yuan Cong and Little Prince Yuan Chen—into the banquet hall. Crown Prince Yuan Cong, already in his prime, stood tall and proud, his every gesture exuding a regal demeanor, his imposing presence daunting to gaze upon. Little Prince Yuan Chen, however, was a completely different sight. At only five years old, his delicate face adorned with an innocent smile, his every gesture revealing the pure innocence and endearment unique to children, drawing adoring glances from the audience.

At the banquet, the aroma of delicious food and fine wine filled the air. Princes and ministers arrived one after another, toasting to each other or chatting quietly, each immersed in this rare moment of joy. Seeing this, the emperor smiled and suggested, "Today is the perfect spring day. I would like to share this beautiful scenery with you, my dear ministers. Why don't we have a game of flying flowers?" This suggestion was immediately met with enthusiastic response, and the atmosphere of the banquet instantly became even more lively.

The game of flying flowers officially began, with the ministers showcasing their talent and wisdom. Using the word "flower" as their theme, beautiful verses flowed from their lips. The first minister to pose the question began with "Flowers near tall buildings hurt the heart of visitors," leading to the prince's recitation of "A jug of wine among flowers, drinking alone, without companions." Crown Prince Yuan Cong then paused for a moment before calmly continuing, "Flowers bloom not amidst a sea of flowers, but stand alone by a sparse hedge, their charm never ending." His poem, not only profound in meaning but also revealing a transcendental character, drew applause from the crowd.

When it was Concubine Su Jingyue's turn, she gently opened her rosy lips and slowly chanted, "Flowers fade, flowers fly, filling the sky; their red fades, their fragrance dies, who will pity them?" Her voice was gentle and mournful, as if she were lamenting for the dying flowers, or perhaps expressing her own inner feelings. Seeing this, Prince Yuanchen couldn't contain his excitement and cried out in a tender voice, "Mother, I can do it, I can do it!" His innocent expression instantly delighted the entire audience. The Empress lovingly stroked his little head, encouraging him to recite his own verse. Prince Yuanchen, blinking his bright eyes, earnestly recited, "The flower is not a flower, the mist is not a mist." Though his verse was a little childish, its pureness and endearing charm moved everyone present.

The Emperor, delighted at this, exclaimed, "My son is brilliant!" This statement was not only a testament to Prince Yuanchen, but also a tribute to the entire banquet atmosphere. However, beneath this seemingly harmonious surface, a deeper layer of truth lay beneath the surface. A minister with ulterior motives kept glancing at Crown Prince Yuancong, a subtle flicker of jealousy and calculation in his eyes. He knew the Crown Prince was deeply favored by the Emperor, while he himself had yet to be given a prominent position, and a sense of injustice welled up within him. Thus, he began to plot how to exploit this banquet to sow discord and weaken the Crown Prince's power.

Elsewhere, a prince watched all this with aloof eyes. He was well aware of the cruelty and complexity of the power struggle within the palace, and thus maintained a clear mind and keen insight. He observed everyone and everything on the scene, silently calculating how to maximize his own advantage in this game of power. He knew that he must act cautiously and carefully in order to remain undefeated in this silent war.

Inside the banquet hall, laughter and joy intertwined into a cheerful melody, like the warm spring sunshine that permeated every corner, a warmth and brightness. However, within this seemingly harmonious atmosphere, hidden undercurrents lurked. Some, as if obscured by thick clouds, struggled to feel the warmth. Their eyes flickered with complex glints, revealing a sense of helplessness and anxiety about reality.

The minister, under the guise of intoxication, skillfully steered the conversation, like a seasoned sailor searching for the optimal course on a turbulent sea. His words, though seemingly a casual reference to the border war, were like a pebble dropped into a lake, stirring up ripples. Every word and sentence held a profound meaning, as if silently testing and challenging the Crown Prince.

Su Jingyue, a wise figure in the palace, was acutely aware of this discordant atmosphere. She gently grasped Prince Yuan Cong's hand, her warmth and unwavering strength piercing the haze within the prince's heart like the first rays of spring sunshine. Her eyes were filled with encouragement and support, as if to say, "Don't be afraid, your mother is here."

Crown Prince Yuan Cong, faced with this sudden challenge, showed no sign of panic or retreat. Instead, he handled it all with remarkable composure and wisdom. He drew on classic texts and offered a profound and accessible analysis of the border conflict, displaying a maturity and responsibility beyond his years. His every word was powerful, earning the admiration and conviction of most present. His performance, like a dazzling pearl, shone brightly on the banquet stage.

The prince, like a skilled chess player, calmly observed every move on the board. He knew full well that in this game of power, maintaining neutrality often placed him in the best position. He occasionally interjected, neither offending the Crown Prince nor siding with the minister, skillfully maintaining his balance. Every move he made seemed natural and appropriate, as if everything was under his control.

The banquet continued, but everyone's heart was filled with increased vigilance and calculation. They observed each other's movements, either overtly or covertly, trying to gain the upper hand in this silent competition. Behind this glamorous spring banquet, a battle of power, wisdom, and courage quietly unfolded. What would be the final outcome? Perhaps only time would tell.