The Little Lucky Girl.

Time flows like flowing water, silently changing the trajectory of many people's lives. Su Qing's cousins, one after another, found their soulmates and married in grand celebrations, surrounded by the blessings of their families and friends. On the day of his cousin's wedding, the entire Su family compound was festooned with lights and colorful decorations, crimson silk hung from the eaves, and festive firecrackers rang out incessantly. His cousin, dressed in a brand new wedding gown, his face beaming with happiness yet a touch of shyness, held his bride's hand and, surrounded by the crowd, completed a grand wedding ceremony. His cousin's wedding was equally warm and harmonious. The bride was gentle and generous, and standing with his cousin, they looked like a perfect match, drawing praise from everyone. The scene was filled with sweetness and joy.

However, amidst all the hustle and bustle and joy, there was one person who remained aloof, and that was Bai Yunfei. His heart was filled with Su Qing from beginning to end, like a seed that had taken root in his heart, and no matter how time passed, it could not be uprooted, nor could it allow another woman to come in and occupy a place in his heart.

For so many years, he had been quietly managing Youlan Pavilion for Su Qing, and had never had the slightest thought of getting married. He had put all his thoughts and energy into helping Su Qing manage Youlan Pavilion. Youlan Pavilion was Su Qing's hard work!

Days passed like this. Seeing Bai Yunfei like this, some felt sorry for him, thinking he shouldn't be so persistent and wasting his time; others admired him, feeling that his deep affection was rare. But Bai Yunfei never paid attention to these outside voices. His eyes always followed Su Qing. As long as he could be by her side, protecting everything she cherished, for him, it was the happiest thing in the world.

Perhaps Bai Yunfei's deep affection finally touched the heavens. By chance, while handling affairs at Youlan Pavilion, Su Qing encountered a thorny problem, leaving her overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Bai Yunfei remained by her side, calmly analyzing the situation and proposing a brilliant solution, successfully resolving the crisis. At that moment, Su Qing, looking at the man who had silently protected her for so many years, felt a sudden surge of emotion, a heartbeat she had never experienced before. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes took on a touch of shyness and tenderness.

Bai Yunfei noticed something was wrong with Su Qing. He was startled at first, then overwhelmed with joy. He asked cautiously, "Su Qing, are you...are you okay?" Su Qing lowered her head slightly, biting her lip. After a moment's hesitation, she mustered up the courage to speak, "Yunfei, thank you for always being by my side all these years. If there's a next life, I'll definitely meet you sooner!"

Bai Yunfei felt his eyes moisten after hearing this. He suppressed his excitement and said, "Okay, I will definitely meet you sooner in my next life!"

……

Across the vast expanse of the continent, the Kingdom of Donglin shone like a dazzling pearl. Yet, at this moment, a different atmosphere enveloped the imperial palace. Emperor Dongfang Ke, a monarch with lofty ambitions, had hoped to achieve great things on the throne and bring prosperity to the Kingdom through his own wisdom and talent. However, pressured by complex forces from all sides, he was forced to make a decision that went against his will: marry the Prime Minister's daughter.

The Prime Minister held immense power within the East Lin Kingdom. Numerous officials within the court were either his students or closely connected to him, creating a complex web of influence. Meanwhile, several neighboring states were eyeing the East Lin Kingdom with eager eyes, causing occasional friction along the border and further simmering domestic instability due to these potential threats. Ministers at court offered their support, all arguing that marrying into the Prime Minister's family would stabilize the court, unite the various forces within the country, and ultimately help defend against the ever-present threat of foreign invasion.

Dongfang Ke was reluctant, longing for a marriage based purely on love, eager to spend his life with the woman he truly loved. However, as the king of a country, under the heavy pressure of his country and people, how could he completely disregard the expectations of the people and the safety of his country? In the end, he had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

On the day of the wedding, the entire palace was festooned with lights and a festive atmosphere. However, behind the hanging red silks and lush flowers, Dongfang Ke lay a deep sense of loneliness. The Prime Minister's daughter, Lin Wanqing, was a gentle and charming woman, with brows as dark as distant mountains and eyes as bright as stars. Her every gesture embodied the elegance of a lady from a noble family. Clad in a resplendent phoenix coronet and a dazzling headdress of pearls and jade, she advanced towards the palace, surrounded by a crowd, feeling a mixture of anxiety about the uncertain future and aspirations of becoming the mother of a nation.

Dongfang Ke stood in the hall, watching Lin Wanqing approach slowly. Although he wore a polite smile, his eyes revealed a sense of distance and helplessness. After the ceremony, the elaborate banquet began. The princes and ministers toasted in congratulations, and laughter echoed throughout the hall. However, Dongfang Ke felt as if none of this had anything to do with him, and he simply mechanically dealt with everyone.

As the night wore on and the guests dispersed, Dongfang Ke returned to the bridal chamber, exhausted. Lin Wanqing sat on the edge of the bed, her hands unconsciously clenching the hems of her clothes under her red veil. She trembled slightly at the sound of Dongfang Ke's footsteps. Dongfang Ke walked over to her, remained silent for a moment, then reached out and slowly lifted the veil. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air seemed to freeze, neither of them knowing how to break the awkward silence.

After a long pause, Lin Wanqing mustered her courage and whispered, "Your Majesty, I... from now on will do my utmost to assist Your Majesty and protect Donglin Kingdom together." Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a firmness. Dongfang Ke looked at her, sighed slightly, and said, "Now that we're married, let's support each other from now on."

Days passed like this. Initially, Dongfang Ke treated Lin Wanqing with mere courtesy, but Lin Wanqing, with her kindness and intelligence, slowly became part of Dongfang Ke's life. When Dongfang Ke was too busy with state affairs to enjoy a meal, she would personally visit the imperial kitchen and supervise the preparation of his favorite dishes. When Dongfang Ke was troubled by state affairs, she would quietly stay by his side, patiently listening to his worries and occasionally offering insightful comments that would captivate Dongfang Ke.

Gradually, Dongfang Ke discovered that his feelings for Lin Wanqing had subconsciously changed. It was no longer just a matter of duty, but a genuine admiration and love for her. Lin Wanqing also noticed this change in Dongfang Ke's attitude and was filled with joy. She took care of the affairs of the harem even more attentively, maintaining peace and allowing Dongfang Ke to handle the affairs of the former dynasty without any worries.

Through their combined efforts, the situation in Donglin gradually stabilized, the people lived and worked in peace, and the nation grew stronger. Neighboring states, observing this, ceased to provoke conflict, and the border returned to its former tranquility. During these peaceful years, Dongfang Ke and Lin Wanqing's relationship blossomed, becoming a legend in Donglin. Their story, from reluctant marriage to true love, was recounted as if it were the most beautiful example of love, inspiring generations of Donglin citizens to believe that true love can ultimately be reciprocated, and that even a relationship that begins with reluctance can blossom into a brilliant blossoming over time.