Amidst a scene of auspiciousness, the new emperor Li Muyang ascended the throne, and the curtain of the new dynasty was raised with a thunderous roar. In the imperial court, the atmosphere was completely renewed. Under the guidance of his mentor, Teacher Su, Li Muyang vigorously implemented the new policies. With a determined gaze, he examined each memorial and had in-depth discussions with the ministers on the strategies for governing the country.
The new legal provisions have been gradually improved, aiming to streamline the bureaucratic system, eliminate corruption and enable officials to truly work for the well-being of the people.
In order to relieve the pressure of the people 's life, the land tax corvee is greatly reduced, the people can finally breathe a sigh of relief and focus on farming production.
In the economic field, Li Muyang actively encouraged business development, reduced commercial taxes, and opened up new trade routes. For a time, markets across the country were bustling with activity, merchants came and went frequently, and goods were dazzling. The entire country was immersed in a wave of vigorous development, and everywhere was filled with boundless expectations for the future.
After abdicating, Li Yi stood in the once bustling palace, gazing at the familiar yet strange court, his heart filled with countless emotions.
The past years come flooding back to his mind like a tide. Once upon a time, his heart and eyes were filled only with the land and state of the Tang Dynasty. From dawn till late at night, he was burdened with heavy government affairs. Even though he deeply loved Lin Yue in his heart, he could only suppress this passionate emotion deep within.
Countless nights, he was deeply worried about the frontier warfare in his study, unable to sleep at night for the hardships of the people, and missed each reunion with Lin Yue. He still remembered Lin Yue's birthday. He had promised to spend the night with her, but an urgent report from the frontier came, with the sound of war drums. He could only make up his mind and rush to the court, leaving Lin Yue alone to face the table full of delicious food and the gradually fading candlelight.
Lin Yue had never uttered a word of complaint, but the fleeting sense of loss that flashed in her eyes was like a thorn, deeply piercing Li Yi's heart. Now when she looks back, her heart is filled with guilt.
In the early morning, the first ray of sunlight gently shone into the bedroom. Li Yi woke up early. He turned sideways to look at Lin Yue, who was sleeping soundly beside him, his eyes full of tenderness and pity. Her face, bathed in the morning light, appeared exceptionally serene and peaceful. Li Yi got up quietly, fearing to disturb this beauty.
When Lin Yue slowly woke up, she saw a table full of steaming hot breakfast. On the exquisite tray were her favorite osmanthus cakes and lotus seed soup, and the pastries were decorated with fresh petals, giving off an inviting aroma.
Li Yi's face was filled with a smile as he said softly, "Yue 'er, have a taste quickly. I specially instructed the imperial kitchen to make this. It's still hot." Lin Yue's eyes flashed with surprise and emotion. She reached out her hand and gently held Li Yi's hand, her voice slightly choked as she said, "Your Majesty, it's so wonderful to have you by my side. Such a day has always been what I've been looking forward to."
After breakfast, Li Yi strolled with Lin Yue in the imperial garden. It is now spring. The garden is full of blooming flowers, with peach blossoms in full bloom, like the rosy clouds on the horizon. Apricot blossoms are as white as snow, like falling snowflakes. The pear blossoms are elegant and fresh, just like fairies descending to the mortal world.
A gentle breeze blew, and the petals fluttered down one after another, as if it were a romantic rain of flowers. Li Yi and Lin Yue walked side by side along the winding flower path, with soft petals beneath their feet and a faint floral fragrance in the air.
Lin Yue said softly, "Your Majesty, do you still remember our first meeting?" Li Yi smiled and nodded, his eyes brimming with memories: "Of course I remember. From that moment on, my heart was occupied by you. In the years that followed, you have always been my concern."
In the afternoon, the sun became somewhat scorching, and the two returned to their bedrooms. Lin Yue took out a handkerchief from her dowry. On it was embroidered a pair of lifelike mandarin ducks playing on the green waves, surrounded by blooming lotus flowers. The stitches were fine and the colors were bright.
Lin Yue's cheeks turned slightly red and she said with a hint of shyness, "This was embroidered in my spare time. I originally thought I would give it to Your Majesty when you had free time. Now, I can finally hand it to you with my own hands."
Li Yi took the handkerchief and examined every stitch and thread carefully, as if he could see Lin Yue concentrating on embroidery under the lamp. He gently held Lin Yue in his arms, his voice deep and firm: "Yue 'er, thank you. From now on, I will always be by your side and never part."
Sometimes, they play chess in the courtyard. Lin Yue is highly skilled at chess, quick-witted and moves swiftly. Li Yi was not to be outdone either. Every step he took was carefully considered. On the chessboard, black and white pieces crisscross each other, and the situation is unpredictable.
Lin Yue smiled and teased, "Your Majesty, you mustn't deliberately let me go. I want to play chess with you fairly."
Li Yi replied seriously, "Yue 'er's chess skills are getting better and better. I wouldn't dare to let go. I'm definitely going to have a match with you today." Between the chess games, the two would sometimes marvel at a brilliant move and sometimes be frustrated by a mistake. Laughter and joy echoed throughout the courtyard.
In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun, like a golden gauze curtain, gently fell upon the palace, draping the entire imperial palace in a layer of dreamy colors. Li Yi and Lin Yue climbed up the city tower of the imperial palace and leaned on the railing to overlook the bustling scene of the capital.
Under the city tower, the streets are bustling with traffic, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Children are laughing and playing on the street, vendors are enthusiastically calling out their products, and the shops are filled with a wide variety of goods.
Li Yi was filled with countless emotions and said, "Seeing this peaceful and prosperous era, the heavy burden in my heart has finally been lifted." Now, I just want to be by your side well and make up for the regrets of the past. Lin Yue leaned on Li Yi's shoulder and murmured softly, "Having you by my side is the greatest happiness of my life. All the past waits have turned into the sweetness of this moment."
During the new era, Li Yi would also accompany Lin Yue to change into the clothes of ordinary people, and together they would leave the imperial palace to experience the hustle and bustle of the world outside the palace.
In the bustling market, stalls are one after another, filled with all kinds of goods. The shelves are filled with exquisite handicrafts, including lifelike wood carvings and colorful embroideries. Fresh fruits and vegetables give off an inviting luster, such as red apples and golden pears. There are also all kinds of fragrant snacks, steaming hot buns and fragrant roasted sweet potatoes.
Li Yi stopped at a jewelry stall and picked out a pearl hairpin for Lin Yue. The round pearl shone with a soft glow in the sunlight, making Lin Yue even more beautiful and charming. Lin Yue, standing at a folding fan stand nearby, carefully selected a folding fan for Li Yi. The fan's surface was painted with beautiful mountain and water scenes, and the brushstrokes exuded a delicate and elegant charm.
Once, they met an old man performing at the market. Although the old man's temples were already grey, he was vigorous and highly skilled in martial arts. He held a long spear in his hand, brandishing it with vigor and vitality. The tip of the spear flickered with a cold light, drawing rounds of applause from the surrounding people.
Li Yi and Lin Yue were also drawn over and squeezed into the crowd, watching with great interest. After the performance, Li Yi took out some silver and gave it to the old man as a reward. The old man was extremely grateful. To express his gratitude, he performed another spectacular trick for them, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.
As time passed slowly, Li Yi and Lin Yue's feelings for each other grew deeper and deeper. They spent countless wonderful days together, and every moment became the most precious memory in their hearts.
Under Li Muyang's meticulous governance, the Xin Dynasty's national strength grew increasingly powerful and the people lived a prosperous and peaceful life.
And Li Yi and Lin Yue have also found their own peace and happiness in this new era.
Their story was passed down from mouth to mouth both inside and outside the imperial palace, becoming a touching tale that inspired everyone to cherish their loved ones by their side and this hard-won happy life.