The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 140 Su Jingyue's Advice

Deep within the magnificent and majestic imperial palace, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue leisurely strolled through the picturesque imperial gardens. She wore a dazzling, opulent brocade gown, intricately embroidered with gold thread, which shimmered in the sunlight. Her figure was graceful, like a willow branch swaying gently in the spring breeze, and her face, as beautiful as a flower, seemed to captivate everyone. Yet, behind that blooming smile, there lingered a subtle, subtle sadness, as if something was weighing on her mind.

From the moment Su Jingyue entered the imperial palace, her talent and beauty earned her the emperor's favor. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of palace life, she never lost sight of her original aspiration: to care deeply for the nation and its people. She was ever mindful of the suffering of the people and concerned for their well-being. Recently, she had heard of the hardships facing the common people, heavy taxes, and frequent natural disasters, making their lives unbearable. This news weighed heavily on her heart like a huge stone, casting a deep shadow over her, casting a deep shadow of sorrow on her face.

On this day, the sun was shining brightly, and the breeze was gentle. The emperor suddenly arrived at Su Jingyue's chamber. Upon hearing the news, Su Jingyue hurried forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the emperor." Her voice was clear and melodious, with a hint of joy and nervousness that was hard to conceal.

The emperor helped her up with a smile that was as warm as the spring sunshine. He said, "No need to be so polite, my dear concubine. I came to see you today. Are you all right?" His words were full of care and tenderness.

Su Jingyue nodded slightly and took a seat with the Emperor. She looked at the Emperor's familiar, majestic face, and an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart. After much hesitation, she finally mustered the courage and slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it."

The emperor looked at her curiously, his eyes filled with tenderness and encouragement. He said, "My beloved concubine, please feel free to speak. I am all ears."

Su Jingyue took a deep breath, as if concentrating all her courage in this moment. She spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, I have recently heard that the people are suffering. Taxes are heavy, and natural disasters are constant. The people are already suffering beyond words. Your Majesty, as the ruler of the world, should worry before the world worries and enjoy after the world enjoys. Only by thinking about the people's concerns and worrying about their worries can you demonstrate your benevolence and wisdom."

The Emperor frowned slightly upon hearing this, his brow furrowed as if he were pondering something profound. After a moment's silence, he said, "My beloved, I govern the country with discretion. Currently, the nation is plagued by numerous major issues, and I am diligently seeking effective solutions to alleviate the people's suffering."

However, Su Jingyue gently shook her head, her eyes filled with determination and perseverance. She said, "Your Majesty, I understand your hard work and difficulties. But the people are the foundation of the nation. Without peace and security, how can the nation prosper? I implore Your Majesty to reduce taxes, open the granaries to provide relief to the victims, and ensure that the people can live a stable life. Only in this way can Your Majesty's benevolence and wise rule be demonstrated."

The emperor felt a pang of displeasure upon hearing Su Jingyue's words. He believed Su Jingyue was simply misled by falsehoods, leading her to plead so persistently for the people. He said, "My beloved, do not let these falsehoods blind you. I have already ordered officials to address these matters, and I believe they will yield results soon. You need not worry."

However, Su Jingyue knew the Emperor didn't truly understand the plight of the people. Furious, she repeated, "Your Majesty, I'm not exaggerating. I've visited the people incognito and witnessed firsthand the hardships and suffering they endure. They're starving, poorly clothed, and their children are emaciated and gaunt. Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the land. You must prioritize the well-being of the people! Please reconsider your actions."

The emperor looked at Su Jingyue's determined and persistent eyes, and his heart was moved. He had never seen Su Jingyue plead so persistently for a matter, nor had he ever seen her so concerned for the country and the people, with the whole world at heart. He began to reflect on whether he really didn't understand the people's situation well enough, and whether he was truly concerned about the world first.

After a moment's silence, the Emperor finally spoke, "My beloved, you are not without reason. However, governing a country is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I need time to weigh the pros and cons and formulate appropriate policies. Don't worry, I will do my best."

Su Jingyue was overjoyed to see the emperor's attitude soften. She continued, "Your Majesty, I understand the difficulty and hardship of governing a country. But as long as Your Majesty is committed, I believe a solution will be found. I am willing to work with Your Majesty to improve the welfare of the people and the prosperity of our country."

The Emperor nodded upon hearing this, his eyes filled with gratitude and trust. He said, "My beloved, I understand your intentions. I will summon my ministers to discuss this matter and come up with a solution as soon as possible. Rest assured."

Su Jingyue was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I believe that Your Majesty will ensure that the people live and work in peace and contentment, and that the country prospers and becomes strong! I am willing to help Your Majesty solve his problems and work for the well-being of the people!"

However, things didn't go as Su Jingyue had hoped. When the emperor brought his proposal to reduce taxes and open granaries for relief to the people to discuss, the ministers were divided and argued endlessly. Some worried that the state's finances would run out of money and trigger a greater crisis; others believed that such a move would undermine the court's authority and dignity and threaten the foundation of the nation. For a time, the atmosphere in the court was tense and tense.

Su Jingyue was distraught when she learned of this. She knew that war would bring even greater suffering and hardship to the people, and that the ministers' hesitation would only prolong their suffering. So, she decided to personally intervene and persuade the ministers to support the emperor's benevolent policies.

Su Jingyue hosted a grand banquet at the palace, inviting several important ministers and their wives. At the banquet, she spoke with both emotion and reason, explaining the suffering of the people and the long-term interests of the nation. Her earnest words and sincere emotions seemed to touch the softest part of people's hearts.

Moved by Su Jingyue's sincerity and perseverance, the ministers expressed their support for the emperor's decision to reduce taxes and provide relief to the victims. They knew that every word Su Jingyue said was reasonable and insightful, and they also knew that the suffering of the people could not be delayed any longer.

Finally, thanks to Su Jingyue's efforts, the emperor enacted a series of policies to benefit the people. Taxes were reduced, disaster victims received relief, and the lives of the people gradually improved. They began to rekindle their hope and passion for life, and began to create a better future with their hard work.

The border war was also victorious under the Emperor's wise command. The enemy was repelled, the land was preserved, and the nation ushered in a period of peace and prosperity. The people expressed their gratitude to the Emperor and Concubine Su Jingyue, praising them as benevolent rulers and virtuous concubines, and as pillars of the nation.

Su Jingyue watched the country prosper and its people live and work in peace and contentment, feeling a surge of joy and pride. She knew her efforts had not been in vain, that she had made a modest contribution to this country and its people. In the days ahead, she would continue to care deeply about the world, worry about the country and its people, and strive for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country.

This period of peace and prosperity, once filled with hope, did not last as long as everyone had hoped. New challenges, like surging waves, arrived one after another, catching everyone off guard. Within the country, a powerful opposition to reform was quietly rising. Like a group of venomous snakes hiding in the shadows, they were filled with resentment and hostility towards the people-friendly policies implemented by the Emperor and Concubine Su Jingyue. They believed that these policies were too lenient and too biased towards the people, weakening the country's overall strength and placing it at a disadvantage in future competition.

This force operates stealthily within the court, like an undercurrent, poised to unleash a monstrous wave. They exploit their power and resources to sow rumors and create chaos, attempting to shake the emperor's resolve for reform and plunge the country into renewed instability. The secrecy of their actions and the cunning of their methods are truly remarkable.

Upon learning of this, Su Jingyue was filled with anxiety and unease. She knew that if this force wasn't quelled in time, the country would plunge into turmoil once again, and the people would suffer the ravages of war. So, she decided to step forward once again and work for national stability. She secretly launched an investigation, delving into the people to uncover the origins and background of this force, gathering evidence of their crimes. She planned to reveal the truth to the emperor at court, clearing the way for the country's future.

At court, Su Jingyue faced the entire court with a resolute expression and a piercing gaze, righteously pointing out the plots and crimes of those opposing reform. Her words were sonorous and powerful, each one resounding like a sword piercing the heart of the enemy. Her words, filled with loyalty to the country and deep affection for the people, moved the ministers present and cast their gazes in admiration.

The emperor listened to Su Jingyue's statement with a look of approval. He knew Su Jingyue's loyalty and wisdom, and understood the effort and dedication she had put into maintaining the stability of the country. He nodded silently, expressing his support and trust in Su Jingyue.

Ultimately, thanks to Su Jingyue's persistence and the emperor's support, the forces opposing reform were completely crushed, and their plots and crimes were exposed. The nation's reforms continued to deepen, and the lives of the people became better. They felt the benefits and warmth brought by the reforms, and were filled with gratitude and admiration for the emperor and Su Jingyue.

Su Jingyue watched the country gradually prosper thanks to her efforts, her heart filled with pride and satisfaction. She knew this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was long and full of challenges. But she also firmly believed that as long as she kept her country and its people in her heart, she would be able to overcome all difficulties and contribute her strength to the country and its people. Her gaze was firm and far-sighted, as if she had already seen a brighter future for her country.