Love and choices across time and space

The night was as dark as ink, shrouding the vast, desolate wilderness. The howling wind, like a sharp whistle, penetrated every corner wantonly. The grass swayed wildly in the wind, as if being desperately pulled by invisible hands. Li Yifeng and Princess Changle cuddled together under an ancient, sturdy tree, the veins on its trunk bearing the marks of time.

The princess's delicate frame trembled in the wind. Her once magnificent palace dress was now tattered, its hem ripped by thorns and branches, its delicate embroidery stained with dust and dirt. Her hair lay tangled around her shoulders, a few strands clinging to her pale cheeks with sweat. Her eyes, once bright as stars, were now clouded by exhaustion and fear, yet within this gloom, a glimmer of determination still shone.

"Yifeng, I'm cold..." The princess's voice was thin and shimmering, as if it would be swallowed by the strong wind at any moment. Her teeth were chattering uncontrollably, and she hugged her arms tightly.

Li Yifeng looked at the princess distressedly. His own clothes were equally tattered, and the wounds on his body ached slightly from the cold wind. But his eyes were incomparably resolute, a look of determination that showed his determination to protect the princess at all costs.

"Princess, don't be afraid. I'm here." Li Yifeng's voice was hoarse but full of strength. He held the princess tightly in his arms, trying to use his body to shield her from the cold wind.

The princess felt Li Yifeng's warmth, and a feeling of gratitude and dependence welled up in her heart. "Yifeng, if it weren't for you, I really don't know what I would do." Her voice was choked with sobs, and her eyes were filled with tears.

Li Yifeng gently wiped away the princess's tears, his fingers rough but warm. "Princess, it's my honor to be by your side." His eyes were filled with tenderness and affection.

At that moment, a dazzling flash of lightning streaked across the sky, instantly illuminating the dark wilderness like daylight. Then, a dull rumble of thunder rolled in, like the angry roar of a god. Bean-sized raindrops began to fall, hitting them with a crackling sound.

"Princess, we have to find a place to shelter from the rain." Li Yifeng took the princess's hand, his palm was broad and powerful.

The princess nodded slightly and followed Li Yifeng obediently. They struggled forward in the rain, the mud under their feet making each step extremely heavy. The princess stumbled, and Li Yifeng always supported her in time to prevent her from falling.

Finally, they found a cave. The entrance was covered by weeds and vines, and if it weren't for Li Yifeng's sharp eyes, he might have missed it.

Li Yifeng first escorted the princess into the cave, then turned around and picked up some dry branches at the entrance. The darkness in the cave seemed to swallow everything, with only a faint light coming through the entrance.

Li Yifeng skillfully struck the stone, trying to make a fire. After several attempts, a spark finally leaped up in the darkness. Gradually, the flames rose, and the orange-red light warmed the entire cave.

There was finally a hint of color on the princess's face, and her eyes were no longer so frightened.

"Princess, please rest for a while." Li Yifeng said, his voice echoing in the cave.

The princess shook her head and said, "Yifeng, I'm not tired. As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything." Although her voice was weak, it was full of determination.

Li Yifeng, moved, held the princess's hand, calloused from hard work. "Princess, no matter how difficult the future may be, I will never leave you." His gaze burned like a blazing flame, fiery and resolute.

The princess leaned on Li Yifeng's shoulder and whispered, "Yifeng, I believe you." Her breathing gradually became steady, and in this moment of peace, she temporarily forgot about the storms in the outside world.

The rain continued to fall, and the world outside the cave was hazy. Raindrops hit the leaves at the entrance, making a dripping sound. Li Yifeng and the princess were in the cave, and the sound of each other's heartbeats seemed to be the only sound in this silent world.

"Yifeng, do you think we can escape?" A trace of worry flashed in the princess' eyes. She raised her head and looked at Li Yifeng's face.

Li Yifeng looked at the princess firmly, his eyes showing no hesitation. "Princess, as long as we don't give up, we will definitely find a way out." His voice was steady and powerful, bringing a glimmer of hope to the princess.

The princess nodded and said, "Well, with you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything." The corners of her mouth rose slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Li Yifeng pulled out a piece of dry food from his bosom. It was their only remaining food. The dry food had become hard, but at this moment, it seemed invaluable. He gently handed the dry food to the princess, "Princess, please have something to eat."

The princess looked at the small piece of dry food, then looked at Li Yifeng. She knew that Li Yifeng had not eaten for a long time. "Yifeng, you eat." The princess' voice was full of concern.

"Princess, I'm not hungry, you eat." Li Yifeng said, but his stomach made a gurgling sound.

The princess smiled, divided the dry food into two halves, and handed half to Li Yifeng. "Yifeng, let's eat together."

Li Yifeng took the dry food, his eyes filled with emotion. They just stayed in the cave, relying on each other, sharing this little dry food. They ate every bite with great care, as if it was the most delicious food in the world.

The next morning, the rain stopped. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and streamed into the cave, creating golden beams. Li Yifeng and the princess emerged from the cave, greeted by a refreshing breeze, carrying the sweet scent of earth and vegetation.

Li Yifeng stretched his body, loosening up his stiffness. The princess followed his example, stretching her limbs.

"Princess, let's continue on our journey." Li Yifeng said.

The princess nodded, and they walked hand in hand along a path.

On the way, they encountered a turbulent river. The river was roaring and the white waves kept hitting the river bank, making a huge noise.

"Princess, please wait here. I'll go explore the way." Li Yifeng let go of the princess's hand and walked cautiously towards the river.

The princess grabbed the corner of Li Yifeng's clothes and said, "Yifeng, be careful." Her voice was full of worry.

Li Yifeng turned around and gave the princess a comforting smile, "Don't worry, Princess."

He walked to the river bank and watched the water flow. Suddenly, his foot slipped and he fell into the river.

"Yifeng!" the princess exclaimed, her heart instantly rising to her throat.

Li Yifeng struggled desperately in the river, the water constantly pushing him downstream. He tried to grab a branch on the bank, but the current was too fast and his efforts were in vain.

The princess was extremely anxious. She searched everywhere for something that could save Li Yifeng. Finally, she found a long branch. The princess held the branch and stretched it towards Li Yifeng, "Yifeng, grab the branch!"

Li Yifeng struggled to grab the branch, and the princess used all her strength to pull him ashore.

Li Yifeng lay on the shore, gasping for breath. His clothes were soaked, water dripped from his hair, and he looked miserable.

The princess rushed to his side, "Yifeng, are you okay?" Her voice was tearful, and her hands kept stroking Li Yifeng's face.

Li Yifeng looked at the princess's anxious face, his heart filled with emotion. "Princess, I'm fine, thanks to you." He held the princess's hand and gave her a comforting look.

Tears welled up in the princess's eyes, "Yifeng, I can't live without you." She hugged Li Yifeng tightly, as if he would disappear if she let go.

Li Yifeng gently patted the princess's back, "Princess, don't cry, I will always be by your side."

After this crisis, their relationship became even stronger. They continued to move forward, and after walking for an unknown amount of time, they finally saw a small village.

Smoke from cooking fires curled up from the village, and the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking echoed one after another. A few children were playing at the entrance of the village. Seeing them coming, they gathered around curiously.

"Who are you?" asked a little boy.

Li Yifeng explained their experience to the children, and the children ran back to the village and called an old man.

The old man came over with a cane, staggering forward. He looked up and down at Li Yifeng and the princess, a trace of sympathy flashing in his eyes.

"Young man, it's not safe outside, please come in quickly," said the old man.

Li Yifeng and the princess followed the old man into the village. Although the houses in the village were simple, they were full of the breath of life.

The old man brought them some food and water. "Eat something first to fill your stomach."

Li Yifeng and the princess gratefully took the food and began to eat it voraciously.

"Thank you, old man." Li Yifeng said.

The old man sighed, "Alas, these are all poor children. Stay here for one night and leave tomorrow."

Li Yifeng and the princess rested for a while in the village and then continued on their escape.

Night fell again, and they rested in a forest. Moonlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, forming patches of light on the ground.

The princess leaned in Li Yifeng's arms and said softly, "Yifeng, no matter what the future holds, I will never regret being with you."

Li Yifeng kissed the princess's forehead and said, "Princess, I will spend my whole life protecting you."

During this difficult escape, their love grew stronger, as if nothing could separate them.

However, what they didn't know was that the pursuers were still hot on their heels.

A few days later, they arrived at the foot of a mountain. The road was steep and covered with thorns. The peaks soared into the clouds, shrouded in mist, as if it was a road leading to a fairyland.

"Princess, if we climb over this mountain, maybe we can escape the pursuers." Li Yifeng looked at the mountain in front of him, his eyes full of hope.

The princess nodded, "Okay, Yifeng, I'll listen to you." Although there was a hint of fear in her eyes, it was more of an expectation for the future.

They began to climb the mountain. The path was very rough and difficult, and every step required a great deal of effort. The princess's hands and feet were scratched by thorns and bleeding, but she gritted her teeth and said nothing.

"Princess, please be careful." Li Yifeng carefully protected the princess, cleared the thorns for her, and looked for a safe path.

The princess gritted her teeth and said, "Yifeng, I can do it." Her forehead was covered with sweat and her hair was soaked with sweat, but her eyes remained firm.

Just when they were about to reach the top of the mountain, they suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves coming from behind.

"Oh no, they're pursuers!" Li Yifeng's face changed drastically, and his heartbeat accelerated instantly.

The princess' eyes were filled with fear, "Yifeng, what should we do?" Her voice trembled, and her hands tightly grasped Li Yifeng's arms.

Li Yifeng pulled the princess and said, "Princess, don't be afraid. Let's hide first."

They hid behind a big rock, their hearts in their throats.

The pursuers were getting closer and closer, and their shouts echoed in the valley.

“We must find them!”

Li Yifeng held the princess's hand tightly and gave her a comforting look.

Suddenly, a hare ran past them, attracting the attention of the pursuers.

"Over there!" The pursuers chased in the direction of the hare.

Li Yifeng and the princess breathed a sigh of relief.

"Princess, let's go quickly." Li Yifeng said.

They finally reached the top of the mountain and looked at the scenery in the distance, their hearts filled with hope. The rolling hills stretched out at their feet, like a magnificent painting.

"Yifeng, as long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything." said the princess, with a bright smile on her face.

Li Yifeng looked at the princess affectionately, "Princess, I will definitely take you to a safe place."

They continued to move forward, not knowing how many difficulties and obstacles were waiting for them in the future, but their hands were tightly held and the love in their hearts never wavered.

A few days later, they arrived at a small town that was bustling with people coming and going, and the sounds of shouting and bargaining could be heard everywhere.

"Princess, let's find a place to change clothes. This is too conspicuous." Li Yifeng said, observing the crowd around him vigilantly.

The princess nodded, and they walked into a shabby tailor shop.

The owner of the tailor shop was a middle-aged woman who was busy at her sewing machine. When she saw them come in, she looked up with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"What's wrong with you?" asked the boss.

Li Yifeng made up an excuse, "We encountered robbers on the road, so..."

The boss sighed and said, "Poor children, let me find two pieces of clothes for you." She turned around and rummaged through the closet.

Li Yifeng and the princess changed into ordinary clothes and looked no different from ordinary people.

"Thank you, boss." Li Yifeng said.

"Go ahead and be careful," said the boss.

They walked out of the tailor shop and continued on their way.

At this moment, a light rain suddenly began to fall from the sky. They hid under an eaves, staring at the rain in a daze.

"Yifeng, when can we live a peaceful life?" the princess asked, her eyes full of longing.

Li Yifeng held the princess's hand and said, "Princess, believe me, it will be soon." His eyes were firm, as if he saw hope for the future.

The rain gradually stopped and they set out on their journey again.

Along the way, they met many kind people and encountered many difficulties, but they always supported each other and never left each other.

Finally, they arrived at a remote mountain village where the people lived a simple and peaceful life, working from sunrise to sunset.

"Princess, let's live in seclusion here." Li Yifeng said, looking at this peaceful land, his heart full of longing.

The princess nodded. "Okay, as long as I'm with you, anywhere is home."

They found an abandoned hut in the village, cleaned it up, and settled in. Li Yifeng made some simple furniture out of wood, and the princess planted some vegetables and flowers in the yard.

Although their life was hard, they felt extremely happy. Every morning, they greeted the first ray of sunshine together; in the evening, they cuddled together and watched the sunset.

However, the good times did not last long. One day, Li Yifeng went out hunting and the princess was alone at home. Suddenly, a group of strangers broke into the house.

"Who are you?" the princess asked in horror, her body involuntarily stepping back.

"We are here to arrest you!" one of them said with a ferocious smile on his face.

The princess' heart sank to the bottom in an instant, and her mind went blank.

At this moment, Li Yifeng came back and was furious when he saw the scene.

"Let go of the princess!" Li Yifeng shouted loudly, holding a hunting bow in his hand and anger burning in his eyes.

A fierce fight ensued, and Li Yifeng, relying on his courage and love for the princess, fought hard against his enemy. His movements were agile and each blow was full of power.

But there were too many enemies, and Li Yifeng gradually lost his strength. He was wounded in many places, and his clothes were stained with blood.

At this critical moment, people in the village heard the noise and rushed over.

"Don't bully them!" The villagers took their farm tools and surrounded the enemy. Their eyes were filled with anger and determination.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the enemies fled.

Li Yifeng and the princess looked at the villagers gratefully, "Thank you everyone."

"You are good people, we won't let bad people bully you." said the villagers.

After experiencing this crisis, Li Yifeng and the princess knew that they could no longer stay here.

"Princess, we must keep going." Li Yifeng said with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

The princess nodded and said, "Okay, as long as I'm with you, I'm willing to go to the ends of the earth."

They set out on the road of escape again. The road ahead is still full of unknowns, but their love becomes more indestructible through these hardships.

The sun shone on them, casting two long shadows. Hand in hand, they walked towards the unknown distance with firm steps...