The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 120 Brotherly Love

Atop the resplendent palace walls, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue stood silently, like a guardian deity. Her gaze seemed to pierce the barriers of the palace, gently resting on the dusty, vibrant martial arts arena in the distance. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, shimmering on her regal garments. The golden glow complemented her aura, yet it couldn't conceal the deep compassion and boundless pride in her eyes. Her gaze was fixed on two leaping figures: her children, her pride, her future.

On the martial arts arena, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Yuan Cong shone like a brilliant star, his presence illuminating the entire venue. Clad in a meticulously tailored riding suit, its intricate patterns gleaming in the sunlight, he resembled a flowing scroll. His posture was upright, his demeanor exuding valor, and every movement exuded the demeanor of a king, inspiring awe. Beside him, the five-year-old Prince Yuan Chen was like the rising sun, brimming with energy and hope. His cheeks were rosy, like a flower moistened by morning dew, and his eyes sparkled with endless curiosity and excitement about the world.

"Don't be afraid, little brother. I'm here." Yuan Cong's voice was gentle yet firm. He extended his slender fingers and gently stroked the top of Yuan Chen's head. His care and love seemed to dispel all fear and anxiety. Yuan Chen nodded vigorously, his small body seeming to contain immense courage. He replied in a childish voice, "Brother, I'm not afraid!" This childish courage moved everyone present.

Then, Yuan Cong smiled and lifted Yuan Chen onto a docile pony, while he himself leaped onto a tall, majestic steed. He held Yuan Chen's pony's reins tightly, carefully guiding both horses forward. He patiently taught Yuan Chen how to feel the horse's gait and how to sway his body with its pace. Yuan Chen listened attentively, gripping the reins tightly, his face filled with concentration and effort.

As time went by, Yuan Chen gradually found his riding instincts, as if he had established a subtle connection with the horse. He couldn't help but ask his brother, "Brother, I want to go faster!" Yuan Cong was slightly taken aback by this. He looked into his brother's expectant eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He knew his brother's desire for speed and adventure, so after a moment's hesitation, he decided to fulfill his brother's wish: "Okay, but you must hurry up."

With that, he gently gave the horse a kick, and the steed rushed out like an arrow from a bow. The wind whistled past his ears, bringing with it the thrill of freedom and speed. Yuan Chen felt all these changes, his heart filled with unprecedented excitement and joy. He couldn't help but burst into laughter, and the clear and melodious sound of laughter echoed over the martial arts arena like the sound of nature.

However, at this joyous moment, something unexpected happened. The pony Yuan Chen was riding suddenly became startled and lunged forward. This scene shocked Yuan Cong, who immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. He quickly turned his horse and gave chase, anxiously calling out his brother's name as he struggled to catch up with the frightened pony. His heart was filled with worry and fear, but he knew even more clearly that he had to protect his brother and not let him come to any harm.

After much effort, Yuan Cong finally caught up with the frightened pony. With his exceptional riding skills and calm judgment, he successfully brought the pony under control. He hugged Yuan Chen tightly and lifted him off the horse. Although Yuan Chen was still a little shaken, he immediately smiled in relief when he saw his brother's concerned eyes. Yuan Cong breathed a sigh of relief, stroking Yuan Chen's head and gently comforting him, "It's okay, it's okay. Brother is here."

This unexpected accident didn't shatter the brothers' bond, but instead strengthened it. They supported and encouraged each other through many difficult times. All of this was witnessed and remembered by Consort Su Jingyue, standing atop the palace walls. Watching her children grow up healthy and happy, she was filled with endless joy and pride.

In the fading light of the setting sun, Yuan Cong galloped along the broad palace road like a valiant knight, his silhouette elongated, a stark contrast to the frightened pony behind him. The pony's hooves tumbled with sudden fear, but Yuan Cong's gaze remained sharp as a hawk's, locked firmly on his target, his resolve unquestionable. He silently vowed not to let his brother come to any harm, and this sense of duty drove him forward.

At this critical moment, a thought flashed through Yuan Cong's mind. Quickly and nimbly, he pulled from his waist a whip inlaid with gems and intricately carved with patterns. It wasn't just a tool; it was a symbol of his brotherly and protective character. With a flick of his wrist, the whip traced a graceful arc through the air, landing precisely on the side of the pony. With his powerful and commanding cry of "Hold!" the pony, as if intimidated by an invisible force, faltered in its frantic gallop. After a few swaying movements, it finally came to a steady stand.

Seeing this, Yuan Cong immediately seized the opportunity, dashing forward and embracing Yuan Chen, who had just slipped from his horse and was looking pale, tightly. He felt his brother's faint trembling, and an indescribable feeling of heartache and self-blame welled up in his heart. But he knew that now was not the time to indulge in emotion; he had to let his brother feel his strength and support. So, he gently patted Yuan Chen's back and comforted him in a gentle but firm voice, "Don't be afraid. With me here, nothing is impossible."

The surrounding guards and palace maids were also deeply moved by this scene. They gathered around, concerned about Yuan Chen's condition. Yuan Cong calmly ordered them to investigate the cause of Xiao Ma's fright and to strengthen palace security to prevent similar incidents from happening again. He knew that as a member of the royal family, he was responsible not only for protecting his brother but also for the peace of the entire palace.

After everything calmed down, Yuan Cong once again carried Yuan Chen onto the horse. This time, he was even more cautious, personally holding the reins and guiding his brother step by step to rediscover the joy of riding. Although Yuan Chen still felt a little nervous, with his brother's encouragement and companionship, he gradually regained his confidence and courage. He smiled into his brother's loving eyes, his heart filled with gratitude and happiness.

All of this was witnessed by Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, standing atop the palace walls. A gentle smile played upon her lips, her eyes gleaming with relief and pride. She knew the brotherhood between the two children was so deep and precious, it would become their strongest support and most valuable asset in their future. No matter how many obstacles and challenges lay ahead, as long as the two brothers stood shoulder to shoulder and supported each other, nothing could stop them from moving forward.