The Seven Princesses' Journey Across Time

Ziyou felt the gaze falling on her and lowered her head slightly, meeting Donghua's. Their eyes met at that moment, as if plucking a chord in Donghua's heart, stirring up waves of emotion. His eyes were filled with tenderness, while hers were clear and bright, like the moon illuminating his path. In that moment, Donghua felt as if the world had stopped. However, Ziyou was very curious about Emperor Donghua's habit of waking up in a daze this morning. Was this his way of cultivation, just as her morning routine was hers? However, she was only there to learn, so she decided not to ask too many questions. She returned to her room, washed up, and prepared to begin her own journey of learning.

Ziyou, who thought she wouldn't disturb anyone practicing, had no idea of ​​Donghua's inner doubts. The atmosphere between them had been so good just now, so why did she suddenly leave without even saying hello? Was she shy? Yes, she was just a little girl. Apart from the thirty thousand years in the secret realm, she only had a few hundred years of experience. Uh, the age gap between us does seem quite significant.

When Ziyou finished packing and went to find Donghua, he was already sitting there waiting for her. Seeing her coming, Donghua patted the seat next to him, motioning for her to sit down. Ziyou walked over and saw a copy of "The Illustrated Book of the Emperor" on the desk, so she sat down beside it. She wasn't used to being so close to a man, even if he was an elder. Donghua didn't mind, as he had plenty of time anyway.

Donghua: "Next, let's learn the ways of being a monarch, the art of being an emperor. As a monarch, you should attach importance to education, appoint talented people, be vigilant in times of peace, strictly discipline yourself, clearly define rewards and punishments, and cultivate yourself... Have you memorized all of this?" Donghua's eyes were filled with smiles as he looked at Ziyou who was sitting upright.

Ziyou nodded: "I've got it all down."

Donghua said solemnly, "Memorizing this isn't enough; you must learn how to apply it. Come, let's see how this memorial should be handled." Before he finished speaking, he slowly approached Ziyou, bamboo slips in hand. Ziyou was completely absorbed in the slips, oblivious to Donghua's approach. As Ziyou concentrated on reading, Donghua placed his finger on a specific spot on the slips again and, carefully lowering his voice, whispered close to her ear, "Look here. What this person is really trying to say is that the mermaids appear to be secretly gathering forces, attempting to take advantage of this turbulent period to provoke war. As for the rest..." At this moment, their gestures were as intimate as Donghua holding Ziyou tightly in his arms. However, Ziyou didn't even raise her head, simply tapping the slips in her hand and calmly responding, "In that case, let's put an end to their schemes..."

Donghua stared at the woman before him, who remained calm and eloquent even in such an ambiguous atmosphere, and a sense of frustration welled up in his heart. Could it be that he was not as attractive as that mere memorial?

For a period of time afterward, Ziyou spent most of her time at Donghua's side, visiting Taichen Palace to learn from him about the ways of ruling and governing. Day after day, she absorbed herself in absorbing knowledge and experience, striving to become an outstanding monarch. Donghua, in turn, devoted his utmost efforts, patiently and meticulously imparting wisdom and skills to Ziyou, hoping to help her achieve great things. Occasionally, she would visit the Northern Wilderness to learn medicine and brew wine from Zheyan for relaxation. Meanwhile, Yaoguang came to them and helped her remove the image of Chaoyan from her sea of ​​consciousness. Donghua then began to earnestly teach Ziyou the ways of ruling. Drawing on his years of experience and wisdom, he guided Ziyou through the essentials of governing the empire.

However, Donghua wasn't just teaching. Occasionally, he would deliberately get close to Ziyou or tease her with ambiguous words, trying to get her attention. But Ziyou always naively regarded these actions as a teacher's concern and didn't think much of it.

Despite this, Donghua was not discouraged. He believed that as time went by, Ziyou would gradually feel his feelings. And he would silently guard her, waiting for that day to come...

Thousands of years passed like this...

Time flies, and the wounds Donghua suffered in the past have gradually healed, but the lost merit has yet to be restored. Moreover, he still needs to deal with the formidable Miaoluo. Without delay, he knows he must return to the mortal world as soon as possible and endure the hardships to replenish his merit.

Donghua gazed at the figure before him. She stood proudly, tall and straight like a pine tree. Her eyes, bright and piercing, like a newly unsheathed sword, their sharp edge piercing the heart. Every gesture exuded a poised, confident, and heroic air, as if everything in the world was under her control. Such grace and demeanor embodied the bearing and demeanor of a great ruler.

Donghua couldn't help but sigh, unable to conceal his reluctance to part. Millennia had passed, yet she remained the same as she had been then, unchanged in the least. Yet, it was this very woman who had quietly wormed her way into the depths of his heart, making it difficult for him to let go, unable to let go. But now, as he was about to depart for the mortal world, it was hard to predict when he would finally complete his meritorious service.

Donghua said softly, "By now, you have learned a lot and deserve to ascend to the throne of the Heavenly Sovereign. Now the world is calm and peaceful, so I can only go to the mortal world to cultivate merit. I wonder if you are willing to wait for my return?" His words were full of expectation, and he longed for her response.

Ziyou said confidently: "Waiting for you, I will ascend the throne of Heaven soon! When you return, you can rest assured and enjoy the honor of the Supreme Emperor! Haha, I will definitely not be as incompetent as my predecessor, and I have to rely on you for everything. With me here, I will definitely make you worry-free and enjoy a happy life!" After that, she patted her chest proudly.

Donghua's gaze unconsciously fell on the spot that trembled slightly from the slapping. He felt his face heat up instantly and quickly looked away. However, when he thought of Ziyou's words, he couldn't help but feel helpless and worried. He had always regarded her as his future partner, but this girl only treated him as an elder. It was really ridiculous.

But giving up just yet was out of the question. When his merits were complete, he would pursue her again. The most pressing matter now was the celestial thunder and wildfire she would face upon succeeding the Celestial Monarch. Only after she safely survived this calamity could he leave with peace of mind.