Traveling through thousands of years, I only love you

As peace and prosperity gradually returned to the palace, the princes and ministers became increasingly active. They gathered in the court and earnestly supported Xiao Yi's enthronement, believing it was in accordance with heaven's will and the will of the people. In the court, the voices of the people rose and fell, as if converging into an unstoppable torrent.

Xiao Yi sat on a high seat, his expression solemn. He was well aware of the significance of this decision. Becoming emperor was not only a symbol of power, but also a heavy responsibility. His eyes unconsciously turned to Li Lingyuan, his eyes filled with hesitation, inquiry, and a deep dependence on her. Li Lingyuan stood aside and felt Xiao Yi's gaze. She frowned slightly, her mind full of thoughts. As a modern woman who had traveled through time, she had complicated feelings about this feudal monarchy. But she also understood that in this era, this might be a way to achieve stability and development, and she believed in Xiao Yi's character and ability. So, she nodded gently, giving Xiao Yi silent support.

Amidst cheers and adorning ceremonies, Xiao Yi finally ascended the throne. On the day of his coronation, sunlight bathed the entire palace. Clad in dragon robes and a crown, Xiao Yi exuded a majestic and dignified presence. Li Lingyuan, meanwhile, wore a magnificent phoenix robe and crown. The exquisite attire and dazzling jewels didn't disorient her; instead, they heightened her awareness of her mission. As she stood beside Xiao Yi, accepting the adoration, she vowed to leave her mark on this unique era.

After becoming empress, Li Lingyuan didn't settle for the pleasures of the harem. She used her time with Xiao Yi to constantly discuss the country's development with him. One afternoon, sunlight streamed through the window onto the floor of the imperial study, where Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan sat facing each other.

"Yi, now that you've become emperor, we must make long-term plans." Li Lingyuan looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes filled with determination. "First, we must select talents. We can't just limit ourselves to family background. The imperial examination system is good, but it also needs reform. We should focus on talent and moral character, not just poetry and prose."

Xiao Yi nodded. "You have a point. I have also noticed that some talented young men from humble backgrounds are unable to serve the imperial court due to social status. We can add some subjects that test practical abilities, such as local governance strategies and water conservancy project planning."

"Yes, and the evaluation of officials can't just be a formality." Li Lingyuan stood up, walked to the bookshelf, and picked up a booklet recording officials' achievements. "We must establish a comprehensive supervision mechanism to ensure that officials truly serve the people. Those who engage in corruption and oppress the people must be severely punished."

Xiao Yi frowned slightly: "It's just that the relationships within the court are complicated, and the reform may affect the interests of some people."

"This is inevitable, but we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater." Li Lingyuan walked over to Xiao Yi and held his hand. "We can advance step by step, starting with some small aspects, setting examples, and letting the ministers see the benefits of reform."

Li Lingyuan also has his own perspective on the economy. "The development of commerce is crucial. We need to break down some unreasonable restrictions. For example, we should reduce the exploitation of merchants at checkpoints, standardize commercial taxes across the country, and allow merchants more profit margins. Only then can commerce flourish."

Xiao Yi pondered for a moment: "But if commerce is too prosperous, will it make the people chase profits and ignore the fundamentals of agriculture?"

"This requires us to strike a balance between the two." Li Lingyuan sat down, picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip. "While encouraging commerce, we cannot relax our support for agriculture. We can promote new agricultural tools and planting techniques to increase agricultural production. At the same time, the court can organize some large-scale water conservancy projects to improve irrigation conditions."

As a modern woman, Li Lingyuan has never stopped caring about women's rights. After a palace banquet, she and Xiao Yi took a walk in the garden.

"Yi, I want to talk to you about the status of women." Li Lingyuan looked at the flowers in the garden and said slowly, "In this era, women are too restricted. We should give them more opportunities."

Xiao Yi was a little puzzled: "Ling Yuan, women have always regarded their husbands as their gods. It is their duty to support their husbands and raise their children. Changing the status quo may be difficult for the world to accept."

"But women also have their own talents and wisdom." Li Lingyuan stopped and looked at Xiao Yi. "We can start with the palace and provide palace maids with opportunities to read and learn, and let them learn some skills, such as medicine, embroidery, etc. This way, after leaving the palace, they will have a skill and can live independently."

Xiao Yi looked at Li Lingyuan's determined eyes and was touched. "You are right. My queen is so intelligent. There must be many undiscovered talents among women. We can try it out in the palace first. If the effect is good, we can promote it to the people."

Li Lingyuan also offered his own perspective on military affairs. "Military training shouldn't just focus on physical prowess; we should also strengthen the study of military theory. We can translate some ancient military texts and distribute them to generals so they can learn strategy and tactics. At the same time, we need to improve the treatment of soldiers and enhance their loyalty."

Xiao Yishen agreed: "I have the same idea. We must also strengthen the research and development of weapons to enhance the combat effectiveness of the army."

In her own way, Li Lingyuan transformed the harem's atmosphere. She eliminated some of the cumbersome rituals and rules, allowing the women in the harem more freedom. She also frequently organized cultural activities and encouraged the concubines to participate, allowing them to enrich themselves while in the palace.

Once, a concubine came to Li Lingyuan and lamented how lonely and helpless she felt in the palace, without any family to accompany her. Li Lingyuan consoled her, saying, "Although we live in the palace, we must not lose ourselves. You can learn something you're interested in, such as painting or poetry, to make your life meaningful."

Under the influence of Li Lingyuan, the women in the harem gradually changed their mindsets. They were no longer just jealous of each other, but began to pursue their own values.

Over time, the reforms implemented by Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan began to bear fruit. The reform of the imperial examination system welcomed a wave of talented and learned young men from humble backgrounds into the imperial court, injecting new vitality into the court. The booming commerce fueled a flourishing economy, bringing bustling markets across the country. As the palace maids learned new skills, they became more confident and independent, and their transformation gradually spread to the people.

During a court meeting, a minister advised Xiao Yi: "Your Majesty, the reforms implemented by the Empress are truly wise and sage. Under your Majesty and the Empress's governance, the country is increasingly prosperous, and the people live and work in peace and contentment."

Xiao Yi looked at Li Lingyuan with a smile: "This is all thanks to the Queen. I admire her wisdom and foresight."

Li Lingyuan bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. This is the result of our joint efforts. The road to national development is still long, and we cannot afford to slack off."

However, the road to reform was not smooth, as some conservative ministers were extremely dissatisfied with Li Lingyuan's reform measures and openly opposed them in the court.

"Your Majesty, the Queen's actions are against the laws of our ancestors. Women learning to read and write and participating in government affairs is a recipe for chaos," said an old minister fiercely.

Xiao Yi's face darkened. "Even the laws of our ancestors must keep pace with the times. The Queen's reforms are beneficial to the country. I support her decision."

Li Lingyuan also stood up and said: "Times are changing, and we cannot stand still. Women are also members of the country. They have the right and ability to contribute to the country."

With the persistence of Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan, the reform continued to advance. But they also knew that it would take more time and effort to completely change people's mindsets.

In the common people, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan were filled with love. They praised the achievements of the emperor and empress, and regarded them as the hope of the country. Li Lingyuan also constantly pondered how to better develop the country. She knew that she had traveled through thousands of years to come here to change the world and enable more people to live a happy life.

Every night at the palace, Li Lingyuan and Xiao Yi discuss state affairs in the imperial study, their figures swaying in the candlelight, like the most steadfast guardians of this era. Their love grows deeper as they share their ideals and aspirations. Hand in hand, they forge ahead toward the goal of national prosperity, writing their own legendary story and bringing unprecedented change and hope to this ancient nation.