Love and choices across time and space

Night fell quietly, and the watery moonlight poured into every corner of the imperial palace, casting a mysterious and hazy veil over this magnificent palace. In the palace gardens, the flowers, caressed by the moonlight, exuded a subtle fragrance, as if whispering the night's love words.

Princess Changle wore a moon-white silk gown that shone like mist, its sleeves fluttering like a fairy from the Moon Palace. The gown was light and soft, as if woven from moonlight. Pink peach blossoms embroidered on it shimmered in the moonlight, resembling real blossoms. A pale pink ribbon, adorned with a few shimmering pearls, swayed gently with her steps, creating a subtle, crisp sound. Her hair was tied high in a bun, a few silky strands cascading down her fair face, adding a touch of softness and charm. Her face was as flawless as mutton-fat jade, her brows as dark as distant black, slightly furrowed, as if weighed down by a thousand thoughts. Her eyes, as bright as stars, held a glint of worry and anticipation. Her lips, rosy without any tint, curled slightly in a subtle, shy smile.

The princess's mood was like the night itself: filled with anticipation, yet also tinged with nervousness and uneasiness. She clutched tightly a silk handkerchief embroidered with twin lotus flowers. The edges, woven with fine gold thread, shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Carefully avoiding the patrolling palace maids and guards, she made her way lightly toward the appointed location.

Li Yifeng wore a dark blue gown, the collar and cuffs trimmed with a fine silver thread, gleaming in the moonlight. He wore a black belt around his waist, from which hung a warm jade pendant. As he walked, the pendant swayed gently, making a pleasant sound. His hair was neatly tied atop his head, secured with a white jade hairpin, a few strands playfully falling across his forehead, adding a touch of uninhibited elegance. His face was remarkably handsome, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a straight nose, and a slightly upturned lip, all wrapped in a confident and gentle smile.

Li Yifeng arrived early at the appointed location, beneath an ancient, sturdy locust tree. His heart pounded like a drum, and his eyes eagerly searched the darkness for the princess's figure. He unconsciously clenched and unclenched his hands several times, revealing his inner nervousness and anticipation.

Finally, the princess's petite and graceful figure appeared in his sight. His eyes instantly lit up, like the twinkling stars in the night sky.

"Princess, you're here." Li Yifeng's voice trembled slightly, filled with excitement and joy. He hurried over, his steps so hurried that he almost stumbled.

Princess Changle nodded slightly, a blush as bright as the sunset on her face, "I've kept you waiting for a long time." Her voice was like the song of a nightingale, clear and pleasant, yet with a barely perceptible tremor.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as if the whole world stopped turning. Under the moonlight, their eyes were filled with love and tenderness, as if they could melt the cold of the night.

Li Yifeng gently took the princess's hand. Her hands were soft and warm, like the most precious treasure. He could feel the princess's hand trembling slightly, and he couldn't help but hold it tighter, wanting to give her strength and comfort.

"Princess, I have missed you so much these days." Li Yifeng said affectionately. His voice was low and magnetic, as if it was a call from the depths of his soul.

The princess lowered her head shyly, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, "So am I." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito, yet full of affection.

They walked slowly into the depths of the garden, the moonlight filtering through the gaps between the branches and leaves, casting patches of mottled light and shadow. Their figures shuttled between the light and shadow, as if they were strolling through a beautiful painting.

"Princess, you know that from the moment I saw you, my heart has been captured by you." Li Yifeng stopped, turned around, and faced the princess. His eyes were fiery and determined, as if he wanted to deeply imprint the princess's figure in his heart.

The princess raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes like twinkling stars in the night sky. "Yifeng, I feel the same way. But the palace has so many rules and regulations, and I'm afraid our love will be fraught with difficulties and obstacles." Her voice was filled with a hint of helplessness and worry, and her brows knitted together, forming a beautiful "川" character.

Li Yifeng squeezed the princess's hand, as if to pass on his strength. "Princess, don't be afraid. As long as we truly love each other, we can overcome anything." His voice was firm and powerful, his eyes filled with determination and courage.

The princess nodded slightly, the worry in her eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by a determined light. "Yifeng, your words have made me feel much more at ease."

They continued to stroll among the flowers, the air filled with the fragrance of flowers and their deep affection. Every flower and every leaf seemed to be listening to their voices.

"Princess, look at these flowers under the moonlight. They are not even one ten-thousandth as beautiful as you." Li Yifeng plucked a blooming rose and gently pinned it to the princess's hair. The rose's petals were so beautiful that they complemented the princess's beauty perfectly.

The princess gently stroked the rose on her hair, a happy smile on her face. "Yifeng, you always make me happy like this." Her laughter was as clear as a silver bell, echoing in the night sky.

Suddenly, a breeze blew by, bringing a slight chill. The princess couldn't help but shiver, and her delicate body trembled slightly.

Seeing this, Li Yifeng quickly took off his coat and gently draped it over the princess. "Princess, don't catch a cold." His movements were gentle and delicate, as if the princess were a fragile treasure.

The princess felt the warmth on her coat, her heart filled with emotion. "Yifeng, you are so kind to me." Her voice was filled with gratitude and dependence.

At this moment, they heard footsteps not far away. They both became nervous and their heartbeats accelerated.

"Princess, hide quickly." Li Yifeng pulled the princess and hid behind a rockery. Their breathing became rapid, and their heartbeats were particularly clear in the silent night.

The footsteps were getting closer and closer. It turned out to be the patrolling palace maids. The maids were holding lanterns in their hands and talking in low voices as they walked.

"The night in this palace is so quiet."

"Yes, we have to patrol carefully and not make any mistakes."

Li Yifeng and the princess held their breath, not daring to make a sound. They pressed together tightly, able to feel each other's heartbeat and breathing.

They didn't breathe a sigh of relief until the footsteps of the palace maids faded away. Li Yifeng's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and the princess's face was also full of tension.

"Princess, we can't stay here for long. Let's go somewhere else." Li Yifeng said, his voice still trembling slightly.

The princess nodded, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

They arrived at a pavilion in the garden. It was draped with light gauze curtains that fluttered in the wind, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Inside was a stone table and several stone benches. On the table, a plate of fresh fruit and a jug of fine wine sat.

Li Yifeng and the princess sat side by side, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. The moon hung high in the sky, shedding its cool light, illuminating their faces.

"Princess, do you think there really is a fairy named Chang'e on the moon?" Li Yifeng asked, his gaze shifting from the moon to the princess's face, his eyes full of curiosity and tenderness.

The princess smiled slightly, "Maybe. But I think having you by my side at this moment is even better than the fairy Chang'e." Her eyes were full of affection and attachment.

Li Yifeng's face was filled with a happy smile, "Princess, I have no regrets in my life for being able to spend this wonderful time with you." He gently held the princess's hand, feeling her warmth and softness.

The princess leaned gently on Li Yifeng's shoulder, "Yifeng, I really hope time can stay at this moment forever." Her voice was full of nostalgia and reluctance for the good times.

However, what they don't know is that their tryst has been seen by a jealous palace maid.

The maid, Cui'er, had always been dissatisfied with Princess Changle's favor. Hiding in the flowers nearby, she witnessed Li Yifeng and the princess's intimate behavior and secretly planned how to report it to Emperor Taizong.

Li Yifeng and the princess expressed their feelings to each other in the pavilion, and before they knew it, it was already late at night.

"Princess, it's getting late. You should go back to avoid being discovered." Although Li Yifeng was reluctant, he still cared about the princess. His voice was filled with helplessness and worry.

The princess' eyes were full of nostalgia, "Yifeng, let's meet again another day." There was a hint of sob in her voice, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Li Yifeng nodded and said, "Princess, you must take care of yourself." He stood up and gently helped the princess up.

The princess turned and left, looking back every few steps, her eyes full of reluctance and attachment.

Back in the palace, the princess lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. Her mind kept emerging with every bit of her time with Li Yifeng, her heart filled with sweetness and worry.

"I wonder if our love can have a happy ending." The princess murmured softly, tears sliding down her cheeks and soaking the pillow.

On the other side, Li Yifeng was also lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

"Princess, I will definitely work hard so that we can be together openly." Li Yifeng swore secretly, his fists clenched tightly, his eyes full of determination and resolve.

The next day, Cui'er took advantage of Emperor Taizong's good mood and quietly came to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I have something important to report." Cui'er knelt on the ground, a fawning look on her face. Her eyes gleamed with cunning and jealousy.

Emperor Taizong frowned, "What's the matter?" There was a hint of majesty and impatience in his voice.

Cui'er lowered her voice and said, "Your Majesty, last night I saw Princess Changle having a tryst with a strange man in the garden." Her voice was full of gloating and discord.

When Emperor Taizong heard this, his face suddenly darkened. "How could this be true? Who is that man?" His voice was filled with anger and shock.

Cui'er replied, "I don't know. I just saw that the man was dressed in extraordinary clothes and was very close to the princess." She exaggerated the scene she saw last night, trying to anger Emperor Taizong.

Emperor Taizong was furious and said, "Send someone to investigate immediately!" His voice was as loud as thunder, and Cui'er trembled all over with fear.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the palace became tense. The guards were asking around and the palace maids were in a panic.

After Li Yifeng heard the news, he was filled with worry.

"What should I do? If His Majesty knew my identity, the princess would definitely be implicated." Li Yifeng paced back and forth in the room, his brows furrowed and his face pale.

Just then, the princess's personal maid hurried over.

"Master Li, the princess asked me to tell you to be careful. His Majesty is already investigating this matter." The palace maid said anxiously, her forehead covered with sweat, her eyes full of fear and worry.

Li Yifeng took a deep breath, "Thank you for telling me. Please tell the princess to rest assured that I will not let her get hurt." His voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes were full of determination.

The maid nodded and left in a hurry.

Li Yifeng decided to leave the palace and stay out of the spotlight for a while. He packed his luggage and quietly left under the cover of night.

The princess was heartbroken when she heard the news that Li Yifeng had left.

"Yifeng, you must be safe." The princess prayed silently in her heart, her tears burst out again, wetting her clothes.

After some investigation, Emperor Taizong finally found out Li Yifeng's identity.

"A mere scholar dares to seduce my daughter." Emperor Taizong was furious, his eyes filled with anger and majesty.

He ordered the princess not to leave the bedroom and sent people to look for Li Yifeng everywhere.

After leaving the palace, Li Yifeng wandered around. He slept in the open air, endured constant stares and bullying. But his love for the princess never diminished.

"Princess, wait for me." Li Yifeng said in his heart countless times, his eyes full of determination and hope.

The princess, who was in the palace, missed Li Yifeng day and night. She lost her appetite and became increasingly thin.

"Father, please, let me see Yifeng." The princess pleaded with Emperor Taizong again and again, her voice full of pleading and despair.

Emperor Taizong was unmoved. "As a princess, you should put the country first. How can you disregard your status for a man?" His voice was full of indifference and majesty.

The princess burst into tears and said, "Father, I will not marry anyone other than Yifeng in this life." Her voice was full of determination and persistence.

Emperor Taizong sighed helplessly, "Forget it, forget it. Wait until you figure it out."

Days passed, and Li Yifeng never gave up. He studied hard, hoping to pass the imperial examinations and return to the princess with dignity.

He studied diligently every day, often reading late into the night. Under the worn oil lamp, his figure appeared lonely and determined.

"I must make a name for myself and let the princess live a happy life." Li Yifeng swore secretly in his heart.

Finally, his hard work paid off. Li Yifeng stood out in the imperial examination and became the top scorer.

His talent was appreciated by the emperor, and Emperor Taizong decided to summon him.

Li Yifeng came to the palace with a nervous mood.

"I, the guilty minister Li Yifeng, pay my respects to Your Majesty." Li Yifeng knelt on the ground, not daring to look up. His heart was beating like a drum, not knowing what was waiting for him.

Emperor Taizong looked at him and asked, "Are you Li Yifeng?" There was a hint of doubt and scrutiny in his voice.

Li Yifeng replied, "It is the guilty minister." His voice was filled with awe and nervousness.

Emperor Taizong was silent for a moment. "You know, what happened between you and the princess is a big taboo." His voice was full of majesty and anger.

Li Yifeng said: "Your Majesty, the princess and I are truly in love. I beg Your Majesty to grant our blessing." His voice was firm and sincere, and his eyes were full of expectation and pleading.

Emperor Taizong said, "If you can make great contributions to the country, I will consider this matter." A hint of hesitation and thought flashed in his eyes.

Li Yifeng kowtowed in thanks, "Thank you, Your Majesty." His voice was full of gratitude and determination.

From then on, Li Yifeng devoted himself to national affairs and worked hard for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

He participated in the formulation of national policies and put forward many useful suggestions. He went deep into the people, understood their sufferings, and worked hard to improve their livelihoods.

On the battlefield, he fought bravely and made many military achievements. His heroic deeds spread throughout the Tang Dynasty and he was deeply loved by the people.

After several years of hard work, Li Yifeng made great military achievements and became a hero of the Tang Dynasty.