Chapter 14 Su Liangyuan is the person I love most.
Su Jingyu walked to the center of the hall, where palace servants had already prepared a guqin (a seven-stringed zither). She didn't choose a difficult or famous piece, but instead played a melodious and refreshing "Lotus Picking Ballad," singing softly as she played. Her voice was ethereal and pleasant, carrying the unique soft Wu dialect of the Jiangnan water towns. Although her guqin skills weren't top-notch, her emotions were sincere, vividly depicting the joy and charm of lotus picking in Jiangnan, as if transporting everyone to the misty, rain-drenched depths of the lotus blossoms.
As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed in the air. A moment of silence fell over the garden, followed by a burst of sincere admiration.
"Excellent! This music should only exist in heaven!" A prince with a forthright personality was the first to clap his hands in praise.
"Consort Su's singing voice is melodious and her tunes are refreshing, making people feel relaxed and happy." Another prince nodded in agreement.
Even the Empress smiled with satisfaction: "Indeed, the water towns of Jiangnan nurture people. Consort Su's song is very much to my liking. I will reward her!"
Princess Yongjia's face turned pale and then red. She had intended to embarrass the other woman, but instead, she had inadvertently helped her! She couldn't help but say sourly, "Consort Su is indeed talented, but this Jiangnan folk song is rather narrow-minded and ultimately unfit for high art..."
That was rather impolite. The Empress frowned slightly.
Su Jingyu, however, remained calm and composed. She bowed to Princess Yongjia again and smiled, saying, "Your Highness is right. Poetry, songs, calligraphy, painting, and music are all meant to cultivate one's character and bring joy to oneself and others. Whether it is the heroic spirit of war or the leisurely charm of flowing water, as long as it brings pleasure and allows one to appreciate beauty, it has its value. Just like in this Imperial Garden, peonies have their magnificence, and orchids have their elegance; each has its own beauty, which makes this garden full of spring colors possible. I believe that if one's heart is open to the world, then every blade of grass and every tree can reveal the vast universe; if one's heart is narrow, even the most famous poems of the ages will be difficult to understand their true meaning."
Her voice was gentle, yet her words were neither humble nor arrogant. She responded to the provocation, subtly mocked the other party's narrow-mindedness, and ultimately elevated the meaning, demonstrating a grand vision.
These words not only made the princes nod repeatedly, but even the empress's eyes shone with admiration. She thought to herself: This woman is not only stunningly beautiful and quick-witted, but also has such insight and magnanimity. No wonder Zhan'er values her so much!
Princess Yongjia was speechless, her face turning completely red.
Just then, the Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan, who had been silent all along, slowly put down his wine cup, his cold gaze sweeping over Princess Yongjia. His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire garden:
"Yongjia, you've talked too much today."
His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: "Su Liangyuan is the woman I love most. I know her talent and character best. From now on, I do not wish to hear any more words that question or belittle her."
He paused, then looked at the Empress: "Your Majesty, I feel that Princess Yongjia is getting older, but her temperament is becoming more and more impulsive, which may be detrimental to her future marriage. Perhaps Your Majesty could send two strict tutors to Prince An's residence to properly instruct the princess for a period of time, to teach her manners and calm her mind. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
These words shocked everyone present! This punishment was undeniably severe! Sending a palace tutor to the Prince's residence for "instruction" was tantamount to a public slap in the face; Princess Yongjia would likely be too ashamed to leave the house for the next few months!
Princess Yongjia turned pale with fright and looked to the Empress for help.
The Empress gave her son a deep look, seeing his resolute gaze, she knew his mind was made up; he was establishing Su's authority. She sighed inwardly, "Very well, Yongjia really needs to be taught a lesson." She nodded, "What the Crown Prince says is quite right. Let's do as the Crown Prince says."
Princess Yongjia burst into tears on the spot and was quickly taken away by the palace servants.
After this incident, everyone finally understood Su Jingyu's importance in the Crown Prince's heart—she was someone he couldn't tolerate even the slightest grievance from! Those who had harbored ulterior motives before now abandoned their thoughts and dared not underestimate this seemingly weak Consort Su.
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had become much more subtle. Su Jingyu remained quietly seated beside the Crown Prince, her demeanor composed, as if the earlier turmoil had nothing to do with her. The Crown Prince's gaze towards her was filled with undisguised pride and doting affection.
The Empress smiled gently, her phoenix eyes landing softly on Su Jingyu, who remained quiet, composed, and unperturbed by favor or disgrace. She spoke first, her voice now warmer and more genuine than before:
"Su Liangyuan".
Upon hearing this, Su Jingyu immediately rose respectfully, curtsied, and said, "Your Majesty, I am here. Please give your instructions."
The Empress slightly raised her hand, gesturing for her to sit down, her tone carrying the concern of an elder: "No need for formalities. Seeing you today reminded me of the Crown Prince's recent return from danger. Although Zhan'er's report was vague, His Majesty and I both understand that if it weren't for your and your daughter's meticulous care, especially yours, who disregarded suspicion and personally took care of him, the Crown Prince's injuries would not have healed so quickly."
At this point, the Empress paused, her eyes revealing sincere gratitude: "The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation and the apple of my eye. You deserve immense credit for his ability to turn the tide this time. His Majesty and I will remember this kindness."
Su Jingyu's heart stirred, and she quickly lowered her eyes humbly: "Your Majesty is too kind. His Highness is blessed with great fortune and is protected by Heaven. My father and I were merely fulfilling our duties as subjects and citizens of Dasheng, and we dare not take credit for it. It is my blessing to be able to take care of His Highness."
Her answer was impeccable, neither overly humble to the point of appearing hypocritical, nor arrogant, attributing the credit to her duty and good fortune, displaying an extremely humble attitude.
Seeing how polite and sensible she was, the Empress was even more pleased. She nodded and her tone became even gentler: "Good child, you are not proud of your achievements, which is very rare. Although you are young, you are insightful and calm. The Crown Prince needs someone like you who is considerate and reasonable to accompany him."
These words were practically an explicit endorsement and expectation. The surrounding noblewomen heard them clearly and felt even more awe. The Empress herself was vindicating and supporting Consort Su!
The Empress seemed to think that wasn't enough, and added in a low voice that was loud enough for those in the nearby seats to hear: "In the future, if you have any shortages or encounter any difficulties in the palace, you may come to me. Since you have served the Crown Prince so diligently, I will never let you suffer any injustice."
These words were both a great favor and an invisible warning to those who might harbor resentment towards Su Jingyu: This woman is under my care.
A warm feeling welled up in Su Jingyu's heart, and she bowed deeply again: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness! I will remember Your Majesty's teachings and serve Your Highness with all my heart and soul. I will never dare to fail Your Majesty's grace."
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