The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 125 Princess Ningfei Shasha and Princess Xifei Zhuoma

Deep within the Central Plains Imperial Palace, Princess Shasha, the Nile Consort, and Consort Zhuoma Xi of Tubo, like two radiant pearls, shone with their unique splendor within the magnificent palace. Their friendship, like the ever-blooming flowers of the imperial garden, was both brilliant and enduring. At dawn and sunset, the two concubines would stroll hand in hand along the fragrant paths, their silhouettes elongated, weaving together scenes of warmth and harmony.

Princess Shasha's long golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, sparkling with dazzling light. Her deep, captivating blue eyes seemed to see through people's hearts. Her clothing, embroidered with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, exuded an exotic charm reminiscent of the Nile River, captivating the senses. Concubine Dolma Xi was renowned for her vibrant Tibetan attire. The exquisite sash around her waist was as brilliant as a rainbow, and the accessories on her head shone brightly in the sunlight. Her every move exuded the boldness and tenderness of a daughter of the highlands.

On this day, the sun was shining brightly, and the breeze was gentle. Princess Shasha and Concubine Zhuoma Xi met in a pavilion in the imperial garden. The palace maids had already prepared exquisite snacks and fragrant tea, waiting for their two masters to enjoy. They chatted and laughed, sometimes recounting strange stories along the Nile River, sometimes describing the magnificent scenery of the Tibetan grasslands. Their clear and melodious laughter echoed among the flowers, adding a touch of vitality and energy to the quiet palace.

However, the peace didn't last long. A sudden commotion shattered the tranquility. It turned out to be an argument between the Empress's maid and a young eunuch. Princess Shasha and Consort Dolma exchanged a smile, then stood up and walked toward the scene. Their presence instantly eased the tense atmosphere. In her commanding yet gentle voice, Consort Dolma inquired about the situation and deftly defused the dispute. The young eunuch kowtowed profusely in apology, and the maid, her aggrieved expression gone, bowed to the two concubines in gratitude.

However, life in the imperial palace was always full of uncertainty. Soon, news of war broke out on the frontier, sending the court into a state of panic. The emperor, deeply concerned, consulted tirelessly with his ministers day and night on countermeasures. Though confined to the harem, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi felt a deep connection to the fate of their nation. They knew they couldn't directly participate in the war effort, but they could contribute in their own small ways. So, they organized their maids to sew clothing and prepare supplies for the soldiers on the front lines, demonstrating their loyalty and love for their country through concrete actions.

However, their benevolent actions sparked jealousy and slander within the palace. These treacherous concubines began spreading rumors behind their backs, alleging that the princesses intended to interfere in state affairs and harbor ulterior motives. These rumors soon reached the Empress. Although she was aware of Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi's behavior, out of respect for palace etiquette and imperial authority, she summoned them for questioning.

Faced with the Empress's questioning and scrutiny, Princess Sasha and Consort Dolma remained remarkably calm and composed. After kneeling in obeisance, Princess Sasha replied in a gentle yet resolute voice, "Your Majesty, I and Sister Dolma are simply trying to do our part to help the nation overcome its difficulties. We have absolutely no intention of interfering in state affairs." Their honesty and sincerity ultimately earned the Empress's trust and understanding. After a moment's silence, the Empress said, "I trust you for now, but the palace rules must not be broken. You must proceed with caution."

Though the incident had subsided, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi knew the palace struggle was far from over. They must remain vigilant and cautious to survive the treacherous situation within the imperial palace. As the war escalated, the emperor ultimately decided to personally lead the battle to the frontier. Before departing, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi went to bid the emperor farewell. With tears in their eyes, they urged him to return safely and expressed their deep longing and best wishes. The emperor, looking at the sincere and affectionate gazes of his two beloved consorts, was deeply moved and reluctant to leave. However, he also knew that he must shoulder his responsibilities and mission as a monarch. He nodded solemnly and resolutely embarked on his journey.

After the emperor's departure, the situation in the harem grew more complex and delicate. The sinister concubines began to plot, attempting to exploit this opportunity to suppress Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma. However, they underestimated their wisdom and courage. With their wit and strategy, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma successfully resolved crisis after crisis, earning the respect and support of even more palace maids and eunuchs. Their position within the palace thus became even more secure and unshakable.

Within the deep shadows of the imperial court, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi, two shining pearls of a foreign race, quietly weave a web of wisdom and kindness. Undeterred by the haze of hatred, they, with extraordinary wisdom and pure hearts, quietly sow the seeds of unity and hope within the palace walls. As night falls, the once indifferent palace maids and eunuchs now become their staunchest support, swiftly thwarting any plot against them.

Through countless storms, the friendship between Princess Shasha and Concubine Zhuoma Xi remained as solid as a rock. They knew that only by uniting could they withstand the attacks from all sides. Thus, they secretly planned, not only strengthening the palace's defenses but also, like hawks, gathering evidence of the rival concubines' misdeeds, vowing to strike a fatal blow at the perfect moment.

However, their wisdom went far beyond this. They understood that true power came from the emperor's trust and support. Therefore, they cleverly leveraged their family connections in the frontier regions to maintain close correspondence with loyal generals, providing the emperor with valuable information on battles and military supplies. These actions not only won the emperor's admiration for them, but also instilled unprecedented fear and anxiety in the concubines who had once envied them and attempted to frame them.

Finally, as news of the emperor's resounding victory reached the border, the entire palace was engulfed in jubilation. Upon returning to the capital, the emperor eagerly summoned Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma. He gazed upon them with gratitude, his eyes gleaming with a light he had never seen before: "You are not only my beloved, but also the pride of our great Central Plains. Your wisdom and courage have brought peace and tranquility to this land."

At that moment, Princess Shasha and Consort Zhuoma Xi smiled at each other, all their fatigue and grievances vanishing. They knew that no matter how bumpy and uncertain the road ahead might be, as long as they held hands and their hearts connected, nothing could stop them from moving forward. For they were each other's strongest support, and the two brightest stars of the Central Plains.