After going through that breathtaking and eventful crisis, the relationship between Lin Yue and Li Yi became as unshakable as a rock. It seemed that neither the torrents of time nor the erosion of hardships could stir even a ripple between them. Li Yi's love for Lin Yue burned fiercely deep in his heart, blazing and enduring like an eternal flame, lighting up the path ahead for both of them. He made a resolute decision to confer the title of concubine upon Lin Yue. In his eyes, this was not merely about granting her a noble status; it was a proclamation to the entire world that he intended to be with Lin Yue for a lifetime, walking hand in hand through the long years, making their love last forever.
The moment Lin Yue learned of this news, her heart was filled with indescribable joy. The prospect of spending a lifetime with the man she loved was like a glistening star found in the darkness, illuminating her entire world and making her feel an unprecedented sense of warmth and contentment. However, beneath the waves of happiness, she was trapped in a painful dilemma. Her heart felt as if it were being torn apart by countless invisible hands, aching with every tug. She was more aware than anyone that she didn't belong to this era. The gears of fate might turn again at some unexpected moment, whisking her back to her original world, to her family and friends.
On the eve of the conferment ceremony, the twilight, as black as ink, quietly engulfed the entire imperial court. All was silent, and the usual hustle and bustle seemed to have been swallowed up by the night, leaving only a profound stillness. Lin Yue walked alone, pacing in the serene and mysterious garden within the palace. The moonlight, like water, gently spilled over her, draping her in a gossamer - thin silver shroud that outlined her graceful figure. The flowers in the garden, caressed by the moonlight, appeared especially hazy, as if each were veiled in a mysterious cloak, exuding a faint, alluring charm. Each flower gave off a delicate fragrance that wafted through the air, lingering around her nose, yet failing to calm the turmoil within her.
She slowly raised her head and looked up at the bright moon hanging high in the sky. Her thoughts raced like a runaway horse. A thousand worries welled up in her heart, and she was consumed by entanglement and struggle. She couldn't bear to part with Li Yi or this relationship that had long since engraved itself deeply into her heart and bones. Every moment they had spent together—whether it was a sunny afternoon when they strolled hand in hand along the flower - lined paths of the garden, with the gentle breeze carrying petals that fell like pink snowflakes onto their shoulders; or a quiet night when they sat in the courtyard, gazing up at the star - filled sky as Li Yi softly recounted ancient legends, and she listened intently, immersed in the romantic atmosphere; or an autumn day when they admired the chrysanthemums together, and she picked the most beautiful one for Li Yi and placed it in his lapel, his smile as warm and brilliant as the autumn sun; or a winter when they sat by the fireplace, sharing their innermost thoughts, with a warm ambiance filling the room—all were like resplendent stars, deeply embedded in the depths of her memory, becoming the most precious treasures of her life.
Images of these beautiful scenes involuntarily emerged in her mind. In spring, the garden was a riot of colors, with multicolored flowers blooming competitively, vying for attention. Hand in hand, they walked along the winding paths. The gentle breeze carried the fragrance of the flowers, and the petals fluttered down in a romantic shower, landing on their shoulders and in their hair. Li Yi gently brushed the petals from her head, his eyes brimming with tenderness and love. On summer nights, the stars were like countless diamonds, twinkling brightly. They sat on the stone benches in the courtyard, looking up at the vast starry sky. Li Yi's voice was deep and magnetic as he told ancient and mysterious legends. She listened entranced, filled with curiosity and yearning for this world. In autumn, the chrysanthemum garden was a sea of gold, with various chrysanthemums vying for beauty. She weaved through the flowers, carefully selecting the most beautiful chrysanthemum and gently placing it in Li Yi's lapel. Li Yi looked down at the flower, a radiant smile spreading across his face, warming her heart like the autumn sun. In winter, although the wind howled outside, the room was as warm as spring with the fireplace blazing. They sat around the fireplace, sharing their secrets, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying. Each other's company made the cold winter extraordinarily warm.
At the same time, she couldn't let go of her family and friends in her original world. The vivid images of her loved ones, who had been by her side day in and day out, were crystal - clear in her mind. She remembered the meticulous care her parents had given her. When she was sick, the anxious looks in their eyes and their attentive care were unforgettable. Her mother would stay by her bedside all night, brewing herbal medicine, while her father would rush around, seeking the best doctor. She also remembered how her friends had unhesitatingly lent a helping hand when she was in trouble, offering encouragement and comfort. When she was down, her friends would accompany her, listen to her troubles, and give her warm hugs.
Just then, like a guardian angel, Li Yi quietly appeared behind her. When he saw Lin Yue's face clouded with sorrow, her brows furrowed and her eyes filled with deep pain, his heart clenched in sympathy. He walked towards her with extremely light steps, as if afraid of disturbing her. In a gentle and concerned voice, he asked softly, "Yao'er, why are you so unhappy? Is there something weighing on your mind? Tell me, and let me share your burden."
At the sound of Li Yi's voice, Lin Yue's body trembled slightly. She slowly turned her head and looked at the man who loved her deeply. A hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, and she underwent a fierce internal struggle, as if two little figures were arguing in her mind. One voice told her to be honest and let Li Yi know everything about her, while the other warned that this secret could change everything. Eventually, she decided to tell Li Yi the secret of her time - travel. Taking a deep breath, she said slowly, "Your Majesty, in fact, I'm not from this world. I'm from a thousand years later..."
Upon hearing these words, Li Yi was shocked. His eyes instantly filled with astonishment and disbelief. His pupils dilated slightly, and he stared intently at Lin Yue, as if trying to detect a hint of jest on her face. However, when he saw the earnestness in her eyes, the genuine helplessness and pain in her expression, his doubts vanished immediately. He chose to believe her.
He slowly reached out and firmly held Lin Yue's hand, as if fearing she might disappear the next second. His hand was warm and strong, conveying the firmness and reluctance in his heart. He said affectionately, "No matter where you're from, I only know that I can't lose you. You're the most important person in my life. Without you, my world would lose its luster, and my life would be meaningless. You're the sunshine in my life, the solace of my soul, and the driving force for my progress."
Lin Yue looked into Li Yi's affectionate eyes, which were like a deep, starry night, filled with endless love and reluctance for her. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, they streamed down her cheeks. In her heart, she silently decided that no matter how tortuous the road ahead might be, at this moment, she would stay by Li Yi's side and cherish every moment at hand.
Finally, the highly - anticipated conferment ceremony arrived as scheduled. The entire palace seemed to be under a magical spell, adorned with lanterns and streamers, radiating a magnificent and resplendent air.
Stepping into the palace, one was greeted by red silk ribbons fluttering gently in the wind. They were meticulously arranged in every corner of the palace, winding down from the tops of the tall pillars and reaching all the way to the ground, like flowing red waterfalls, decorating the entire space with a sense of warmth and solemnity. Every inch of the silk ribbon glistened with a delicate sheen, swaying gently in the breeze, as if telling the story of this extraordinary event. The golden lanterns hanging high were like the brilliant stars in the night sky, emitting a soft yet dazzling light. They were orderly arranged under the eaves and along the corridors of the palace, illuminating every dark corner and making the entire palace shine brightly.
Lin Yue, the protagonist of the day, wore a magnificent phoenix coronet and robe, like a fairy descending from the celestial realm. The phoenix coronet was a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship, inlaid with countless dazzling gemstones. Among them, the rubies were like burning flames, radiating a fierce and rich glow, exuding passion and nobility. The sapphires were like the deep ocean, dark blue and mysterious, as if containing endless wisdom and power. Each gemstone had been carefully polished, and under the sunlight, it sparkled with a riot of colors, interweaving into a dream - like play of light and shadow. On the phoenix coronet, there were also delicate phoenix - shaped ornaments. Their figures were robust, and their feathers were so lifelike that it seemed they would spread their wings and soar into the sky at any moment.
The robe was equally stunning, embroidered with lifelike phoenix patterns. These phoenixes were either craning their necks and singing or spreading their wings, ready to fly, each with a distinct posture and vividness. The eyes of the phoenixes, inlaid with precious gemstones, sparkled with a lively light, as if they were alive, observing everything in the world. The material of the robe was soft and smooth. With every step Lin Yue took, it fluttered gently, like the rosy clouds in the sky, a sight to behold.
At this moment, Lin Yue was radiant, and her face was adorned with a happy and joyous smile, as bright and beautiful as the flowers in spring. Hand in hand with Li Yi, she slowly walked onto the long red carpet. The red carpet was made of soft silk, with a vivid color and a delicate texture. Their steps were steady and determined, each step falling in rhythm with happiness.
On both sides of the red carpet stood rows of court officials, palace maids, and eunuchs. The officials, dressed in their court robes, were neatly lined up, their expressions solemn. They slightly lowered their heads, their eyes filled with respect and blessings for the emperor and empress. The palace maids and eunuchs, in their uniform attire, placed their hands folded in front of them and knelt down in a respectful manner. As Lin Yue and Li Yi passed by, they shouted "Long live" in unison. The voice was uniform and resounding, like a powerful wave, echoing in every corner of the palace for a long time.
At that moment, the entire world seemed to stop turning for them. Time stood still, and all eyes were fixed on this perfect couple. Lin Yue felt like the happiest person in the world, as if she were in a dream. She forgot all her worries and concerns. All that was in her heart was Li Yi in front of her and this hard - won happiness and beauty. She held Li Yi's hand tightly, as if using all her strength to hold onto this happiness and never let go, allowing this love to last forever. She looked at Li Yi, her eyes brimming with affection and attachment. Li Yi also turned his head, and their eyes met. In that instant, their eyes conveyed endless love and commitment, as if proclaiming to heaven and earth that their love was unbreakable and would shine brightly forever.