The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 153 Childhood Sweethearts

In a quiet and solemn corner of the Imperial Palace, sunlight, like a gentle thread, penetrated the clouds, gently scattering across the quaintly decorated courtyard. Lin Yaqin, the brilliant daughter of Imperial Guard Lin Fei, a nine-year-old girl already displaying extraordinary talent, and Yuanchen, the equally brilliant son of Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, a voracious reader at eight, immersed themselves in the joy of reciting poetry and learning. In the courtyard, a variety of flowers vying for attention, blooming in profusion, a gentle breeze carried wisps of fresh, fragrant floral scent, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

Lin Yaqin wore an exquisite pink blouse, the delicate color complementing her childish face. Her hair, skillfully styled by a maid, was styled into two charming buns, adorned with a few delicate pearls, adding a touch of liveliness and agility. Her eyes were clear and bright, gleaming with wisdom and revealing an unconcealable intelligence. Yuanchen, on the other hand, wore a robe made of precious brocade, intricately embroidered with patterns. A gleaming golden crown crowned his head, accentuating his jade-like whiteness. His gaze was clear and resolute, revealing an innate nobility.

Two children sat side by side on an exquisitely carved stone bench. On the stone table before them lay neatly arranged brushes, inkstones, paper, and several elegantly bound poetry collections. Lin Yaqin's clear, melodious voice rang out first, like the crisp chirping of birds on a spring day: "I sleep in spring, unaware of the dawn, birdsong is heard everywhere." Her voice held a purity and joy, as if conveying these beautiful verses to everyone. Yuanchen followed, reciting: "The night brought the sound of wind and rain, how many flowers have fallen?" His voice, though childish, exuded a calmness and focus, as if engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the poem's artistic conception. After they finished, the two exchanged a smile, a smile filled with mutual admiration and a thirst for knowledge. They continued reciting poem after poem, as if committing each of these millennia-old cultural treasures to memory.

Su Jingyue and Lin Fei, standing not far away, quietly watched the two children, their faces filled with smiles of relief and satisfaction. Su Jingyue was dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, the exquisite embroidery and dazzling pearls and jade highlighting her dignified elegance. However, even so, it could not conceal her gentle, virtuous, and dignified temperament. Her eyes remained on Yuanchen, filled with kindness and expectation, as if she wanted to pour all her love and care into this little life. "Guard Lin, look at these two children, they are so studious, they will definitely have a bright future," Su Jingyue said softly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze, making people feel like spring breeze.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fei hurriedly bowed, his face full of humility and gratitude: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is a blessing for my daughter and an honor for me to be able to study with the little prince." Lin Fei was dressed as a guard, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, his eyes revealed deep concern for his daughter and sincere respect for the imperial concubine.

At that moment, Lin Yaqin and Yuanchen were arguing fiercely over their interpretation of a poem. Lin Yaqin blinked her bright eyes and said earnestly, "Yuanchen, I think the poem's artistic conception is the author's longing for distant loved ones. That deep sorrow and endless longing are imbued between the lines." Yuanchen frowned and retorted, "No, I think the author is lamenting the fleeting passage of time. The fleeting years and the irretrievable beauty both bring to mind a profound emotion." The two, each arguing, were so earnest that they couldn't help but laugh.

Su Jingyue and Lin Fei smiled at each other, their eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction. Su Jingyue said, "Children, why don't you each share your thoughts and then listen to each other's. Perhaps you'll find the answer." Her words nourished the children's hearts like spring rain, teaching them to listen and respect.

Lin Yaqin tilted her head, thought for a moment, and began to articulate her views. Yuanchen listened attentively, nodding in agreement. He then offered his own perspective, and the two eventually reached a consensus. Both wore smiles of satisfaction and pride. Those smiles, as bright as the sun, illuminated the entire courtyard.

Time slipped away amid the children's recitation, and before they knew it, it was noon. The sun grew even hotter and brighter, illuminating the entire courtyard like a golden ocean. Su Jingyue called gently, "Yaqin, Yuanchen, it's time to rest." Her voice, like a mother's care, warmed her heart.

The two children ran to Su Jingyue and Lin Fei. Yuanchen's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and Lin Yaqin's face was as red as a ripe apple. Their faces were filled with reluctance and attachment, as if they wanted to continue this wonderful learning time. "Mother, studying with Yaqin is so much fun, I don't want to stop yet." Yuanchen tugged at Su Jingyue's clothes and said coquettishly, his childish expression making people laugh.

Su Jingyue gently scratched Yuanchen's nose, her eyes full of pampering and helplessness: "Don't be greedy, go and have a meal first, and continue in the afternoon." Her words were like a spring breeze that blew through the children's hearts, making them happy and expectant.

Lin Fei took Lin Yaqin to bow to Su Jingyue and take their leave. Lin Yaqin said obediently, "Your Highness, Brother Yuanchen, see you in the afternoon." The voice was as pleasant as the sound of nature, which made people happy.

After lunch, Lin Yaqin and Yuanchen eagerly returned to the courtyard. The afternoon sun was even warmer and brighter, radiating a sense of laziness and comfort. However, the two children's enthusiasm for learning remained undimmed. They began to experiment with composing poetry, and the childish, childlike verses flowed from their mouths like a clear stream, nourishing everyone's hearts.

Yuanchen tilted his head, pondering for a long time before finally reciting the line: "Flowers bloom within the palace walls, butterflies dance in the spring breeze." The poem, filled with longing and praise for beautiful things, stirred a yearning. Lin Yaqin clapped her hands in praise, saying, "Brother Yuanchen, you're amazing! Let me continue with the line: 'Birds sing among the green trees, children laugh in the warm sun.'" Her verse was equally full of life and energy, as if to freeze this beautiful moment forever.

Su Jingyue and Lin Fei listened to the children's poems, their hearts filled with joy and pride. They knew that these two children were not only intelligent and talented, but also possessed a love of learning and a courageous spirit for exploration. They believed that in the years to come, these two children would become pillars of the nation, bringing new hope and vitality to this ancient land.