The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 152 The Years of Innocence

Sunlight streamed gently across the palace's meticulously tended gardens, gilding this already vibrant world with a dazzling golden glow. Flowers of every hue vie for attention: fiery red, rosy pink, white as snow, and golden yellow. They blossomed in a dazzling display of nature's most magnificent spectacle. The lush green grass, like a vast emerald embedded in the garden, complemented the vibrant blossoms with a vibrant hue. A gentle breeze, carrying wafts of soothing fragrance, drifted between the blossoms and treetops, adding a touch of spirit and comfort to the tranquil afternoon.

Amidst this picturesque scene, two tiny figures happily ran and played, bringing vibrant life to the tranquil garden. They were Lin Yaqin, the lively and adorable daughter of Imperial Guard Lin Fei, and Yuanchen, the clever and clever youngest son of Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue. Lin Yaqin, only eight years old, was already exquisitely crafted, like a fairy from a painting. Her large, bright eyes seemed to speak, and her deep dimples in her smile added a touch of sweetness and endearment. And Yuanchen, the seven-year-old prince, though still young, exuded an innate nobility and wisdom.

At that moment, Lin Yaqin was running happily through the garden, clutching a colorful, uniquely shaped kite. Like a bird just released from a cage, she was enjoying the joy of freedom. Yuanchen was chasing closely behind her, calling out, "Sister Yaqin, wait for me! I want to fly high with you, too!" The two children's clear, melodious laughter echoed through the garden like the most beautiful music in the world.

Not far away, Lin Fei and Su Jingyue stood side by side, their gazes gently following the children's figures, their faces filled with smiles of happiness and satisfaction. Lin Fei stood tall and straight, like a pine tree, his gaze brimming with the fortitude and resolve of a royal guard, tempered by the loving kindness and tenderness of a father. Meanwhile, Su Jingyue, clad in a magnificent palace attire, her elegance and beauty shone with a maternal glow and doting. "Look how happy they are playing," she whispered. "I'm truly envious."

Lin Fei bowed slightly and responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is truly a blessing for my daughter to be able to play with the little prince." However, Su Jingyue shook her head slightly and said gently, "Guard Lin, you are too kind. Children's world is pure and innocent. There is no such thing as blessing or unhappiness. The friendship between them is the most precious thing."

As time passed, Lin Yaqin and Yuanchen gradually grew tired from running, so they sat down under a large tree. Lin Yaqin pulled a clean white handkerchief from her pocket and carefully wiped the sweat from Yuanchen's forehead, her movements gentle and delicate. Blinking her bright eyes, she asked expectantly, "Brother Yuanchen, can we go catch some butterflies later? I heard the butterflies here are especially beautiful!" Yuanchen nodded excitedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, "Sure! Sister Yaqin, I'm going to catch the most beautiful butterfly for Mother!"

Hearing the children's innocent conversation, Lin Fei and Su Jingyue smiled at each other, their eyes filled with beautiful visions and blessings for the future. Just then, a colorful butterfly fluttered over, lightly flying among the flowers, as if looking for its own piece of heaven and earth. Seeing this, Lin Yaqin stood up quietly and approached the butterfly quietly, fearing to disturb its tranquility. Yuanchen, on the side, nervously clenched his fists and whispered to Lin Yaqin to cheer her up: "Sister Yaqin, be gentle, be gentle! Don't scare away the butterfly!"

However, despite Lin Yaqin's extreme caution, the butterfly still keenly sensed danger and flew away with a sudden flap of its wings. Lin Yaqin, unwilling to give up, climbed to her feet and continued chasing the butterfly. Yuanchen excitedly followed. The two children ran through the flowers, their laughter ringing and melodious, adding a touch of vitality and vibrancy to the garden.

Watching the children's cheerful figures leaping and running in the afterglow of the setting sun, Su Jingyue couldn't help but sigh, "It's wonderful to have such carefree times! I really hope they can stay like this forever." Lin Fei nodded, his expression filled with a hint of solemnity and emotion, "Yes! Your Majesty is right! Such a moment of tranquility in the palace is truly rare! We should cherish this hard-earned happiness."

However, just then, an accident happened! Yuanchen accidentally fell to the ground while running, and burst into tears. Lin Yaqin rushed over to help Yuanchen up, comforting him while carefully examining his wound. "Don't cry, brother Yuanchen! I'll blow on your wound and it will stop hurting!" Her voice was gentle and firm, and it seemed to have magical power that gradually stopped Yuanchen's tears.

Hearing the crying, Lin Fei and Su Jingyue hurried over. Su Jingyue asked with concern, "What's wrong, Chen'er? Are you hurt?" Yuanchen sobbed, "Mother, I'm hurt!" Looking at her son's scraped knees and swollen eyes, Su Jingyue's eyes were filled with heartache and doting. Lin Yaqin stood by, a look of guilt on her face. "Your Majesty, it's all my fault for not taking good care of my brother, Yuanchen!" Her voice was filled with remorse and regret.

However, Su Jingyue didn't blame her. Instead, she gently patted her head. "Qin'er, it's not your fault! Yuanchen fell accidentally! You two are both good children!" She gently wiped the tears from Yuanchen's eyes. Lin Fei squatted down and carefully examined Yuanchen's wound. Finding it was only a minor scrape, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't be afraid, little prince! This minor injury will heal quickly!"

After hearing Lin Fei's words, Yuan Chen bravely sniffed and stopped crying: "I'm a man! I'm not afraid of pain!" His voice, though still a bit childish, revealed a sense of determination and courage. Seeing the children's smiles again, Lin Fei and Su Jingyue felt particularly relieved.

Before they knew it, the sun had set, and a brilliant sunset glow had appeared on the horizon, tinting the entire sky a vibrant orange-red. Lin Fei gazed at the vibrant sunset glow and said to Lin Yaqin, "Yaqin, it's time to go home! Your mother is waiting for you at home!" After hearing her father's words, Lin Yaqin looked at Yuanchen with some reluctance. "Brother Yuanchen, I'm leaving! Let's play together tomorrow!" Her voice was filled with a hint of nostalgia and reluctance. Yuanchen held her hand tightly, "Sister Yaqin, please come tomorrow! I'm waiting for you to play with me!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation and reluctance.

Su Jingyue looked at the two children's tightly clasped hands and smiled at Lin Fei, saying, "Guard Lin, please bring Yaqin to the palace more often when you have time! Playing together can help children bond!" Lin Fei bowed and thanked her, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will!" He then took Lin Yaqin's hand and left the palace. Lin Yaqin kept looking back as she walked along, as if trying to imprint this beautiful garden and all its beauty deeply in her mind.

Upon returning home, Lin Yaqin excitedly recounted her experiences in the palace to her mother. She gesticulated with joy, as if to vividly bring every detail to life. Lin Fei's wife, Su Yuyue, sat nearby, quietly listening to her daughter's childlike and joyful words, a beaming smile on her face. Lin Fei, in turn, sat quietly listening to the conversation between mother and daughter, his heart filled with love for his daughter and hope for their future.

Back in the palace, Yuanchen pestered Su Jingyue with stories of his playful encounters with Lin Yaqin. He danced with joy as he recounted those hilarious moments, as if wanting to share all his joy with his mother. Su Jingyue listened tenderly, her eyes filled with doting and delight. She knew these happy moments would become one of her son's most precious treasures as he grew up.

As the days passed, Lin Yaqin and Yuanchen's friendship grew deeper and deeper. They left countless happy memories in the palace gardens, their innocent laughter echoing forever in this beautiful world, as if it would never fade away.