Traveling through thousands of years, I only love you

With the neighboring kingdom defeated, the dynasty welcomed a long-awaited peace. Xiao Yi knew this victory was hard-won, earned with the blood and lives of his soldiers, and the result of his and Ling Yuan's joint efforts and planning. To reward the meritorious officials, appease the people, and demonstrate the imperial power to the world, a grand celebration banquet was intensively prepared within the palace.

Li Lingyuan personally oversaw every detail of the banquet, from the palace's layout to the menu, from the rehearsals of songs and dances to the etiquette, striving for perfection. She hoped this banquet would serve not only as a celebration of victory but also as a vision and expectation of future prosperity. "This banquet must make our subjects feel the majesty and benevolence of our dynasty, and let our soldiers know that their contributions will not be forgotten," Li Lingyuan said to the palace maid beside her, her eyes gleaming with determination and focus.

Xiao Yi, on the other hand, was busy handling numerous post-war affairs. He discussed with his ministers how to redraw border defenses to ensure the country's long-term stability; how to relocate wounded soldiers so that they could receive proper care and pensions; and how to adjust taxation policies to restore the national economy without increasing the burden on the people. Every decision required careful consideration, and every issue hinged on the dynasty's rise and fall. In his busy moments, Xiao Yi couldn't help but think of Ling Yuan, her perseverance and wisdom during the war, and his heart was filled with love and admiration. "Ling Yuan and I are a match made in heaven, and a blessing to this dynasty," he sighed to himself.

On the day of the celebration banquet, the palace was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, a scene of splendour and splendor. Attendees included not only civil and military officials, but also distinguished generals and distinguished individuals from across the land. Everyone, dressed in their finest attire, entered the palace filled with joy and awe. When Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan appeared hand in hand, the audience fell silent, then erupted in thunderous cheers and adoration.

"Long live His Majesty! Long live the Empress!" Shouts echoed through the palace. Xiao Yi, clad in a dragon robe, held an imposing presence. He raised his hand slightly, motioning for everyone to stand. Li Lingyuan stood beside him, wearing a phoenix crown and a magnificent phoenix robe. Her demeanor was elegant, embodying the demeanor of a mother who rules the land. They smiled at each other, their gazes meeting with a deep affection and tacit understanding.

The banquet began with singing and dancing. Dancers, clad in vibrant, colorful costumes, danced gracefully, like fairies descending to earth. Musicians played melodious tunes, sometimes passionate and stirring, sometimes gentle and lingering, captivating the audience. The table was laden with delicious food, and the aroma of wine filled the air, making everyone salivate. However, amidst this joyous and peaceful atmosphere, a pair of eyes lurked in the dark, concealing a hidden conspiracy.

Though the prince had been defeated and killed, his followers had not been completely eliminated. Unwilling to accept defeat, some of them lurked in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Knowing that directly attacking the emperor and empress within the palace would be difficult, they set their sights on the banquet. They secretly bribed a young eunuch in charge of serving the dishes and poisoned a dish presented to the emperor. The poison was colorless and odorless, acting slowly and unnoticeably. Once poisoned, even the gods could not save them.

The young eunuch, carrying the dishes, slowly approached the emperor's table. Though a touch of trepidation gripped him, the thought of the generous reward he would receive upon his success solidified his resolve. Just as he was about to present the dishes to the emperor, Li Lingyuan suddenly said, "Wait a minute. Today's banquet is to reward the officers and ministers. Your Majesty should drink and rejoice with everyone. This dish will first be given to one of the meritorious officials present." As she spoke, her gaze swept among the ministers, finally landing on a veteran general with outstanding military achievements. "General, you have worked hard and made great contributions. This dish will be given to you."

The old general quickly stood up, thanked the emperor, took the dish, and was about to eat. Seeing this, the young eunuch's face turned pale, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His subtle changes did not escape Xiao Yi's eyes. Xiao Yi suddenly felt suspicious. He glanced at the dish, then at the young eunuch, his eyes full of majesty and scrutiny. "You little eunuch, why are you so flustered?" Xiao Yi asked. The young eunuch knelt down with a plop, and said tremblingly: "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was just nervous for a moment, and I didn't mean any other thing."

Li Lingyuan sensed something was amiss. With a wink, the guards beside her understood and immediately stepped forward to detain the young eunuch. Xiao Yi ordered the dish to be taken for inspection. A moment later, the inspector reported in horror, "Your Majesty, this dish is highly poisonous!" The entire audience erupted in shock. They stared at the dish in horror, then at the detained eunuch, unable to believe that someone had the audacity to attempt to assassinate the emperor during this celebratory banquet.

Xiao Yi was furious. He stood up, glared at the young eunuch, and shouted, "Tell me! Who ordered you to be so bold?" The young eunuch, already terrified, trembled as he revealed the mastermind behind the plot. It turned out that the remnants of the prince had colluded with a senior official in the court, intending to poison the emperor at the banquet, sow chaos, and seize the throne. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi's face turned pale. He immediately ordered the arrest and severe punishment of all those implicated.

This sudden turn of events cast a shadow over the joyous celebration, but Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan remained unfazed. They quickly calmed themselves, reassured the ministers and soldiers, and reiterated the court's resolve to suppress the rebellion and maintain national stability. Thanks to their efforts, the atmosphere at the banquet gradually returned to normal, and everyone continued to celebrate this hard-earned victory in a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.

After this incident, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan became even more deeply aware that, although the war was over, hidden dangers within the dynasty remained. They must remain vigilant and strengthen their defenses to ensure national peace and prosperity. In the days that followed, they worked hand in hand to implement a series of reforms, strengthening central power, rectifying the civil service, combating corruption, while also vigorously developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods. Under their governance, the dynasty gradually recovered from the trauma of war and emerged as a vibrant and prosperous place.

Throughout this process, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan's relationship deepened. They understood and supported each other, always standing by each other's side, whether facing the disputes and challenges of the court or the trivialities and troubles of life. In their spare time, they often strolled through the Imperial Garden, reminiscing about the past and looking forward to a better life in the future.

"Lingyuan, I'm lucky to have you in my life," Xiao Yi said affectionately, holding Li Lingyuan's hand tightly. Li Lingyuan smiled slightly, leaned on Xiao Yi's shoulder, and whispered back, "Your Majesty, our companionship is a blessing for this dynasty and the people." Their figures gradually faded away in the afterglow of the setting sun, leaving behind only warmth and sweetness along the way.