Traveling through thousands of years, I only love you

The smoke of rebellion gradually dissipated, but the palace was still shrouded in a solemn atmosphere. Li Lingyuan and Xiao Yi were exhausted, but they knew their responsibilities and dared not slack off.

In the court, Li Lingyuan surveyed the ministers with a stern gaze. "My lords, although the prince's rebellion has been quelled, his allies are like snakes and scorpions lurking in the shadows. We must eradicate them completely. Otherwise, our dynasty will never find peace." The ministers nodded in agreement, each with their own concerns. Some, having had even the slightest connection with the rebels, were terrified, fearing being implicated. Meanwhile, some loyalists hoped to use this opportunity to cleanse the bureaucracy and restore integrity to the court.

Xiao Yi took the initiative to investigate the remaining members of the gang, but encountered numerous obstacles from the outset. These remnants had long been active in official circles, possessing extensive connections and complex networks. They exploited these networks to conceal their crimes, destroying evidence, shielding one another, and even threatening witnesses. The officials Xiao Yi sent to investigate were sometimes bribed, some coerced, and some mysteriously disappeared, bringing the investigation to a standstill.

After learning of the situation, Li Lingyuan and Xiao Yi secretly discussed the situation in the imperial study. "These people are so audacious, they must think we wouldn't dare to do anything to them," Li Lingyuan said angrily. Xiao Yi frowned slightly, "They underestimated our resolve. I've secretly arranged for reliable individuals to gradually dismantle their defenses, starting with some minor players."

During his investigation, Xiao Yi discovered a minor official named Lin Yuan. Though he held a low position, he seemed to possess considerable inside knowledge. Xiao Yi personally interrogated Lin Yuan, and at first, he was apprehensive and afraid to speak. Xiao Yi looked at him with a resolute gaze, "Lin Yuan, if you tell the truth, I will spare your life. If you lie, I will not forgive you." After much hesitation, Lin Yuan recounted a secret meeting between a high-ranking official and the prince's advisors. He only knew the official was tall and spoke with an accent resembling someone from Jiangnan, but other details were vague.

Although this clue was vague, Xiao Yi was overjoyed. He began investigating high-ranking officials from Jiangnan, and the scope gradually narrowed. However, the suspected officials protested their innocence, some even producing various evidence to prove their innocence. It was difficult to distinguish the truth from the false, which gave Xiao Yi a headache.

Meanwhile, Li Lingyuan faced a period of unrest within the harem. Concubines, fearing retribution for colluding with the prince's cronies, spread rumors within the harem, attempting to unsettle Li Lingyuan. Li Lingyuan was overwhelmed by the demands of the previous dynasty while navigating the harem's internal strife. However, she knew that if she lost her composure, all her efforts would be undone. She decisively ordered the rumormongering concubines placed under house arrest to restore order within the harem.

During this difficult time, Li Lingyuan and Xiao Yi supported and comforted each other. One day, Xiao Yi finished his work and went to the Imperial Garden to reunite with Li Lingyuan. Seeing Li Lingyuan's slightly haggard face, Xiao Yi felt heartbroken. "Lingyuan, thank you for your hard work. When this is over, I will take you away from the palace strife and see the beautiful scenery of the world." Li Lingyuan leaned in Xiao Yi's arms and whispered, "With you here, everything is worth it." At this time, the flowers in the Imperial Garden, though baptized by the baptism of war, still bloomed tenaciously, as if foreshadowing that their love would also become stronger through hardship.

As his investigation deepened, Xiao Yi finally zeroed in on Su Jin, the Minister of Rites. He secretly gathered evidence of Su Jin's collusion with the rebels, and during a court meeting, he suddenly launched into a tirade. "Su Jin, you are a high-ranking official, yet you colluded with the rebels. Do you acknowledge your guilt?" Su Jin's face drastically changed, but he maintained a composed expression. "Your Highness, please do not slander me. I am loyal to Your Majesty, and this is absolutely not the case." Xiao Yi snorted coldly as he presented the evidence. Upon seeing the evidence, Su Jin collapsed to the ground, realizing his situation was hopeless.

However, just as Xiao Yi was about to put Su Jin in jail, Su Jin suddenly laughed up to the sky: "Do you think everything will be fine once you catch me? There are bigger forces in the court secretly controlling everything, and you are just pawns." Xiao Yi's heart trembled. He knew that this fight to clear out the remnants of the party was far from over.

Amidst the numerous crises and turmoil in the palace, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan walked hand in hand, and the strength he drew from their interactions was like a trickle of water, converging into a surging river that supported him in moving forward firmly.

Every time Xiao Yi met Li Lingyuan's gaze, he found strength in her bright, resolute eyes. When the rebellion was first suppressed, the court was in a state of panic, and the task of clearing out the remaining rebels was fraught with difficulty. Facing numerous obstacles, Xiao Yi felt a sense of exhaustion. However, during a chance encounter on a path in the Imperial Garden, Li Lingyuan's gaze was firm and trusting. In just that moment of eye contact, Xiao Yi felt something deep within him reignite. It was as if her gaze said, "Xiao Yi, I believe you can overcome all obstacles. I will stand by you to the end." This silent encouragement instantly rekindled Xiao Yi's weary body and soul. He knew he could not retreat. For Li Lingyuan, and for the dynasty they protected together, he must forge ahead courageously.

Between handling complex government affairs and dealing with the hidden machinations of remnant factions, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan often enjoyed long conversations in the quiet inner chambers of the palace. Li Lingyuan's wisdom and intelligence served as a guiding light, illuminating Xiao Yi's path. Her insightful analysis of situations, nuanced insights into human nature, and unique perspectives on various difficult issues were all beneficial to Xiao Yi. For example, when they were troubled by the remnant factions' collusion and destruction of evidence, Li Lingyuan, after careful consideration, proposed targeting the remnant's family members to divide and disintegrate their alliance. Xiao Yi followed this strategy, and it proved effective. This process of mutual discussion and inspiration amidst difficult situations helped Xiao Yi overcome his uncertainties. He drew strength from Li Lingyuan's wisdom to overcome difficulties, and he firmly believed that with their combined strength, no situation was unsolvable.

Li Lingyuan's tenderness and care were also Xiao Yi's source of strength. On those nights spent burning the midnight oil, poring over files, Li Lingyuan would quietly arrive. She would gently place a bowl of steaming soup or a cloak she had personally draped over him, then silently accompany him. Her gentle concern, like a gentle spring breeze, soothed Xiao Yi's weary heart. Once, frustrated and anxious after days of fruitless pursuit of clues, Li Lingyuan gently held his hand and softly said, "Xiao Yi, don't worry. You've put in so much effort, and success will come naturally. I will always be by your side." That gentle comfort instantly calmed Xiao Yi's frantic heart. He knew he was not alone in his struggles; Li Lingyuan's love and care would always be with him, giving him endless strength to face all difficulties and dangers. Amidst the power struggles and perilous chaos of the palace, he maintained unwavering faith and fearless courage, moving step by step towards light and peace.

But no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, Li Lingyuan and Xiao Yi are determined to forge ahead together. They know that only by completely eliminating hidden dangers can the country achieve lasting peace and stability, and their love find a secure home in these turbulent times. Amidst the whirlpool of power and emotional entanglements in the palace, they continue to resolutely write their own story. The road ahead may still be thorny, but their faith remains unwavering.