The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 139 The Emperor Teaches Su Jingyue Archery

One morning, the Emperor, on a whim, decided to personally teach his favorite concubine, Su Jingyue, archery. News of this spread quickly throughout the palace, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples. The palace staff looked at each other in astonishment. After all, Su Jingyue was usually known for her gentle demeanor, even the sight of an injured animal moved her to tears. To have her learn archery was undoubtedly a novelty at court, sparking widespread discussion.

The emperor, clad in a golden dragon robe, its gold threads gleaming in the sunlight, entered the courtyard with a dashing presence. Tenderness and anticipation shone in his deep eyes. He glanced at Su Jingyue, who appeared somewhat uneasy, and an encouraging smile played upon his lips.

"My dear, today I will personally teach you archery, so don't be afraid." The emperor's low and magnetic voice echoed in the courtyard, like the sound of nature, bringing peace to people's hearts.

Su Jingyue lowered her head slightly, folded her hands lightly in front of her, and responded timidly: "I'm afraid I can't learn well and will disappoint the emperor." Her voice was soft and delicate, with a barely perceptible tremor.

Upon hearing this, the emperor took a step forward, stretched out his warm and powerful hands, gently held Su Jingyue's hands, and gently comforted her: "With me here, you will definitely learn." His eyes were firm and gentle, as if they could dispel all fear and anxiety.

The emperor then ordered his servants to bring a small, exquisite bow and several arrows. He personally demonstrated archery techniques to Su Jingyue. He drew the bowstring to its full length, aimed at the distant bull's eye, his gaze focused and calm. With a whoosh, the arrow, like an arrow from a string, flew straight towards the bull's eye, firmly anchoring it. The surrounding palace maids and eunuchs cheered in unison, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

"My dear, please try it." The emperor handed the bow and arrow to Su Jingyue with a smile, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation.

Su Jingyue took the bow and arrow, but her hands couldn't help but tremble slightly. She looked at the bow and arrow in front of her, feeling uneasy, as if a huge rock was pressing on her heart, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Seeing this, the emperor gently walked behind her, put his arms around her, held her hand, and patiently guided her on how to draw the bow and how to aim. "Relax, my beloved, just like this..." The emperor's voice was gentle and low, and his breath brushed Su Jingyue's ears, causing her cheeks to blush unconsciously.

Under the emperor's careful guidance, Su Jingyue finally mustered the courage to shoot her first arrow. However, the arrow missed the target and landed on the grass nearby. She bit her lip, a flicker of disappointment and self-blame in her eyes.

"Oh, I'm so stupid." Su Jingyue said in a low voice, with a hint of grievance in her voice.

"It's okay, try again." The emperor encouraged gently, his eyes full of trust and encouragement.

Su Jingyue took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and fired several more arrows. However, each time the results were unsatisfactory, the arrows veered or slanted, never hitting the bull's eye. Beads of sweat gradually formed on her forehead, and a hint of frustration and helplessness lingered in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, am I really not suitable for archery?" Su Jingyue finally couldn't help but say, with a bit of grievance and helplessness in her voice.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and said softly, "My dear, archery is not learned overnight. It requires much practice to master. Your kindness and gentleness are what I cherish most, and learning archery will make you more courageous and confident. Don't be discouraged. I believe you can do it."

Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart after hearing the emperor's words. She raised her head and nodded firmly, "I understand, Your Majesty."

From then on, Su Jingyue would come to the courtyard every day to practice archery diligently. The emperor would often come to accompany her, patiently guiding her every move and every detail. With the emperor's companionship and encouragement, Su Jingyue's archery skills gradually improved.

As time went by, Su Jingyue lost her initial fear. Her bow posture became more and more skillful and natural, and her arrows shot closer and closer to the bull's eye. Her face was filled with confidence and joy, as if she had found a new self.

It was a sunny day with a gentle breeze. Su Jingyue was practicing archery in the courtyard as usual. Suddenly, a small bird flew across the sky. She instinctively drew her bow and shot, but accidentally shot the bird down.

"Ah!" Su Jingyue exclaimed, and hurried over to check on the situation. Seeing the injured bird, tears welled up in her eyes, and her heart was filled with self-blame and guilt. "It's all my fault. I hurt this innocent life," she muttered to herself.

The Emperor rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing Su Jingyue's heartbroken expression, his heart was filled with pity and love. He gently put his arm around Su Jingyue's shoulders and comforted her, "My dear, this is not your fault. Survival in this palace is not easy. You must learn to protect yourself, but your kindness must never change."

Su Jingyue raised her head and looked at the emperor, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Your Majesty, I understand. I will continue to practice archery diligently, not only to protect myself, but also to be an additional force by your side."

The Emperor smiled and nodded, holding Su Jingyue tightly in his arms. Time passed, and with the Emperor's companionship and encouragement, Su Jingyue's archery skills became increasingly refined. She not only learned how to accurately aim and steadily control her strength, but also how to remain calm and confident in the face of difficulties and challenges.

During a palace hunting event, Su Jingyue's performance captivated everyone. Riding a snow-white steed, bow and arrow in hand, she galloped across the hunting grounds with unwavering grace. She aimed at a running hare and decisively released an arrow, which streaked through the sky like lightning, striking its target with pinpoint accuracy. The crowd cheered and applauded her, praising her archery prowess.

The emperor was filled with joy and pride at the changes in Su Jingyue. He knew that his beloved concubine was no longer the timid woman, but a brave and confident woman who could stand on her own.

After returning to the palace, the emperor held a banquet in the imperial garden to celebrate Su Jingyue. He raised his glass to her and said, "My beloved, today you have shown me a brand new you—one who is brave and beautiful." Su Jingyue smiled and replied, "All this is thanks to your guidance and encouragement." The two smiled at each other, enjoying this warm and beautiful moment.

However, life at the palace was always full of ups and downs. The arrival of envoys from a neighboring country disrupted this tranquility. Ostensibly seeking peace, they harbored sinister intentions. At a banquet, the envoys deliberately challenged the women of the palace to an archery competition.

Facing the envoy's provocation, Su Jingyue stepped forward and resolutely accepted the challenge. "I am willing to give it a try." Her voice was firm and powerful, as if it could penetrate any obstacle.

Everyone was worried that she would suffer. But Su Jingyue's eyes were firm and fearless. She knew that she had to stand up for the sake of the emperor and the dignity of the country.

The competition began, and Su Jingyue calmly drew her bow and shot her arrows. Her movements were smooth and precise, each arrow hitting the bull's eye with unerring accuracy. Ultimately, she won the competition with such distinction that the envoy was speechless.

The Emperor was overjoyed and doted on Su Jingyue even more. However, this victory also made Su Jingyue a thorn in the eyes of some people. They were jealous of Su Jingyue's favor and began to plot behind her back.

One day, Su Jingyue was walking in the palace when she was suddenly attacked by an assassin. Faced with the sudden danger, she didn't panic, but quickly grabbed her bow and arrow and engaged the assassin. After a fierce battle, Su Jingyue successfully defeated the assassin with her superb archery skills.

When the emperor arrived and saw Su Jingyue safe and sound, his worries instantly turned into joy. He hugged Su Jingyue tightly and said excitedly, "My beloved, you really impressed me."

After this incident, Su Jingyue's position in the palace became more secure. Her kindness and bravery won her the respect and love of everyone. She not only became the emperor's beloved but also a beautiful sight in the palace.

From then on, the emperor and Su Jingyue faced the ups and downs of the palace hand in hand. They supported and encouraged each other and wrote a beautiful chapter of their own together.

A subtle feeling is creeping among those who once harbored jealousy towards Su Jingyue. They once resented her beauty and talent, but as time passes, Su Jingyue's unabashed sincerity and fearless courage in the face of adversity gradually pierce through their hearts like warm sunshine. People are beginning to reconsider this woman, discovering that her radiance lies far beyond her outward beauty, but rather in her unwavering perseverance and unwavering integrity.

Thanks to the Emperor's deep affection and Su Jingyue's tireless efforts, the atmosphere within the palace is quietly undergoing a transformation. Once rife with intrigue and scheming, it seems to be cleansed by a refreshing force, moving towards greater harmony and tolerance. Su Jingyue's actions serve as a model, subtly influencing those around her, leading them to realize that true strength lies not in the pursuit of power or prestige, but in the pure kindness and courage deep within.

Time passed like flowing water, and in the blink of an eye, Su Jingyue had grown from a young maiden entering the palace to a prominent figure within it. Not only had she achieved unparalleled mastery in archery, earning countless honors and accolades, but she had also established a monument of moral character that commanded admiration. Her name became a legend recounted throughout the palace and beyond, and her story inspired everyone who heard it to pursue higher ideals and greater dreams.

As the Emperor watched Su Jingyue grow into maturity and glory, his heart was filled with inexpressible emotion and pride. He knew full well that his decision to choose Su Jingyue as his partner was a wise and correct one. Su Jingyue was not only a woman of stunning beauty, but also a strong person imbued with wisdom, courage, and conviction. In the days to come, the Emperor and Su Jingyue would continue to fight side by side, facing the challenges and difficulties of the palace together. Their love story and courage would become the most shining pearl in the palace, forever commemorated and remembered by future generations, a beautiful legend that would endure through the ages.