The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 154: Poetry and Painting

Deep within the imperial palace lies a tranquil corner, tenderly cared for by time. Far from the hustle and bustle of the imperial court, it feels like a paradise. Within this small space, the two daughters of Imperial Guard Lin Fei, nine-year-old Lin Yaqin and thirteen-year-old Lin Chuyin, showcase talent and gifts beyond their years.

In the courtyard, flowers of various colors are blooming, red as fire, pink as clouds, and white as snow. They sway gracefully in the breeze, emitting bursts of refreshing fragrance, as if nature is also cheering for these two little talents.

Lin Yaqin, this lively and lovely little girl, dressed in a light blue dress, swaying gently in the breeze, like a cloud drifting against a blue sky. She wore two adorable pigtails, and her round face was filled with an innocent smile, like the brightest spring sunshine. At this moment, she was holding a small brush, concentrating on sketching on paper. A picture of spring flowers gradually took shape under her pen, each stroke filled with childlike fun and vitality.

Lin Chuyin, on the other hand, appeared more composed and reserved. She wore a simple, elegant long dress that trailed the ground, and her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, adding a touch of gentleness to her demeanor. Her brow furrowed slightly, as if lost in thought. A moment later, she picked up her brush and a seven-character regulated verse sprang to life on the page. Her handwriting was elegant and neat, and the verses were graceful and moving, revealing her profound literary background and talent.

Quietly watching from the side was Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue. She was dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, a gentle smile on her face, her eyes revealing admiration and fondness for the two little girls. She nodded in praise from time to time, as if she saw infinite possibilities in their future. Lin Fei, standing a little further away, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his eyes filled with pride and joy for his daughters, his heart overflowing with the pride of a father.

"Although Yaqin's painting is still immature in brushwork, it is full of childishness and innocence, which is really rare." Su Jingyue praised softly, her voice as gentle as the spring breeze.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fei hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying humbly, "Your Majesty, your praise is too great. We are only just beginning to learn the basics, and we still need to learn more."

Su Jingyue waved her hand gently, her smile even brighter: "Guard Lin, there's no need to be so modest. Chu Yin's poetry is quite charming. I think she will become a talented woman in the future."

When Lin Chuyin heard the compliment, a shy blush appeared on her face. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. Chuyin still has many shortcomings."

Lin Yaqin raised her head, blinked her bright eyes, and looked at her sister with admiration: "Sister, you are the best. I want to be like you, to be able to write good poems and draw beautiful paintings."

Her innocent words made everyone smile, and the whole courtyard was filled with warmth and joy.

At this time, the sun shines through the clouds and falls on every corner of the courtyard, adding a bit of warmth and brightness to the place. Lin Yaqin finished her painting and skipped to Su Jingyue, asking expectantly, "My queen, do you think my painting is good?"

Su Jingyue took the painting and examined it carefully. The vibrant flowers clashed with each other in their splendor, while butterflies danced gracefully among them, seemingly about to break free from the paper and soar into the vast sky. She exclaimed, "Yaqin's painting is truly beautiful! These butterflies seem to be about to fly right out of the paper."

Lin Yaqin chuckled triumphantly and returned to her desk to continue her work. Meanwhile, Lin Chuyin put down her pen and walked over to Lin Fei, asking him about a problem she was having with her reading. Lin Fei patiently listened to his daughter's questions and meticulously answered them. The two of them, father and daughter, looked particularly heartwarming in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Su Jingyue watched this scene, a wave of emotion welling up in her heart. Within the palace, power struggles were constant, and hearts were unpredictable. Yet, this moment of tranquility and warmth seemed so precious and rare. She wished this beauty could last forever.

However, time always slipped by unnoticed. It was already dusk, and the sunset glow on the horizon was like a gorgeous brocade, dyeing the entire courtyard orange-red. Su Jingyue said softly, "Children, it's time to rest."

Lin Yaqin and Lin Chuyin neatly packed up their writing brushes, inkstones, and paper and came to Su Jingyue and Lin Fei. Their faces were filled with smiles of satisfaction and happiness, as if this moment was their most precious treasure.

"I am very happy to see Yaqin and Chuyin's talent display today." Su Jingyue said with a smile, her voice full of sincerity and emotion.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness." Lin Fei led his daughters to pay their respects, his heart filled with gratitude and respect.

Just as everyone was about to leave the courtyard, a melodious flute note suddenly reached them. The sound, mellow and lingering, seemed to tell a moving story. It penetrated the walls of the palace and the barriers of human hearts, purifying and elevating everyone's soul.

Lin Chuyin was deeply attracted by the flute sound. She stopped and listened quietly. Her eyes sparkled, as if she saw the distant other side, where there was the poetry and distance she had always dreamed of.

Su Jingyue thought for a moment and guessed, "Maybe it's a musician in the palace."

Lin Yaqin held her sister's hand, her eyes full of longing: "Sister, I want to learn to play the flute in the future."

Lin Chuyin smiled and touched her sister's head, and said gently: "Okay, then let's learn together."

In this beautiful evening, the figures of the people gradually walked away, but the beautiful memories remained in their hearts forever. It was like a bright pearl, shining brightly in the long river of time, illuminating their way forward.

However, life at the palace wasn't always so peaceful. Soon, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquility. Rumors spread within the palace that Lin Fei was colluding with a powerful figure and plotting rebellion. This news came as a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone. The emperor, enraged, ordered Lin Fei detained and interrogated.

Lin Chuyin and Lin Yaqin were overwhelmed with anxiety upon learning their father had been arrested. Their hearts were filled with fear and uncertainty, yet they didn't know what to do. Lin Chuyin searched for information, hoping to clear her father's name; while Lin Yaqin prayed silently every day, hoping her father would be safe.

Su Jingyue was also deeply concerned about Lin Fei's situation in the palace. Knowing Lin Fei's character well, she firmly believed he was wrongly accused. So, she pleaded for Lin Fei before the Emperor, hoping to gain a glimmer of hope for his life.

After a painstaking investigation and effort, the truth finally came to light. It turned out that Lin Fei had been framed and had not colluded with the powerful to rebel. Upon learning the truth, the emperor pardoned Lin Fei and offered him comfort and compensation.

After this turmoil, Lin Fei's gratitude for Su Jingyue's kindness deepened. He knew that without her help and perseverance, he might never have been able to clear his name and regain his freedom. Lin Chuyin and Lin Yaqin also grew closer to Su Jingyue. They vowed to study hard and strive for progress, worthy of the Imperial Concubine's expectations and love.

On a beautiful, windy day, Lin Chuyin and Lin Yaqin once again found themselves in the courtyard brimming with memories. They once again recited poems, painted, and splashed their ink, as if transported back to that beautiful evening. Su Jingyue and Lin Fei watched them quietly from their side, their faces beaming with happiness. At that moment, all the gloom had dissipated, leaving only the most sincere emotions and the most beautiful memories.

Lin Chuyin bravely chose to depict imperial life as her subject. With passionate intensity, she painted a vibrant scene of imperial splendor. Pavilions and towers are arranged in a crisscross pattern, the magnificent palace gleams in the sunlight, and the figures come alive, from the majestic emperor to the dignified empress, each embodying the splendor and dignity of the court. Every stroke reveals Lin Chuyin's profound understanding and love of imperial life.

Nearby, Lin Yaqin, with her innocent brushstrokes, depicts a bird flying freely in the imperial garden. Its feathers are vibrant and its wings graceful, as if it were soaring freely through the sky. This painting symbolizes Lin Yaqin's boundless yearning for freedom and her ardent pursuit of a better life. Her paintings, imbued with a childlike innocence and romance, are deeply moving.

"Sister, your painting is really good, even better than the flowers I painted." Lin Yaqin looked at Lin Chuyin's painting, her eyes full of admiration and envy. She walked gently to Lin Chuyin's side and carefully examined this prosperous picture of the palace, as if she wanted to draw more inspiration and strength from it.

Lin Chuyin smiled slightly and gently touched Lin Yaqin's head, "Yaqin, your paintings are also very distinctive, full of childishness and innocence. We each have our own strengths, so don't belittle yourselves." Her words were full of encouragement and care, which made Lin Yaqin feel endless warmth and strength.

Su Jingyue stood by, watching the sisters' interaction, her heart filled with joy and emotion. She knew that after experiencing this turmoil, the sisters had learned to cherish their friendship even more, and had become more grateful and resilient. Their growth and progress made Su Jingyue feel immensely proud.

Lin Fei silently watched over them, his gaze filled with determination and courage. He knew that life in the palace was filled with strife and conflict, but he would use his strength to protect his two precious daughters and his dear friend, Su Jingyue. His presence was like a solid fortress, shielding them from the wind and rain, allowing them to laugh and laugh to their heart's content in this peaceful courtyard.

At this moment, the courtyard was filled with laughter and a warm atmosphere. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A gentle breeze brought with it the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds. Everyone seemed to have forgotten the struggles and disputes within the palace, immersed in this rare tranquility and beauty. Their smiles shone brightly in the sunlight, like the most beautiful scenery in the world.