In the deep palace, the thick palace walls seemed to cut off the hustle and bustle of the mundane world. Only in the bedchamber of Empress Dowager Lin Yue did time seem to stand still. Emperor Li Yi could no longer remember how many days and nights it was. He had been consistently by Lin Yue's bedside.
The room was filled with a faint medicinal aroma, the scent left over from daily decoctions, making one's eyes slightly sore. The candlelight by the couch flickered gently, and the dim yellow glow illuminated Li Yi's tired yet resolute face.
Every day, he would whisper to Lin Yue by this bedside about the past, from the initial excitement of their first encounter to the stormy years they had walked hand in hand. Each and every detail seemed to be retracing their entire lives. His voice was so gentle that it seemed as if he was afraid of disturbing the sleeping time.
On this day, Li Yi was lost in his memories, and a faint smile involuntarily spread across his lips as he was talking about how they had once enjoyed the plum blossoms together in the imperial garden and how Lin Yue was laughing in the snow.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lin Yue's hand. The hand, which had been lifeless and quietly resting on the brocade quilt, moved slightly.
Li Yi's eyes widened in an instant, and his heart began to beat wildly, as if it were about to break through his chest. He stared at Lin Yue's hand in disbelief, wondering if he had developed hallucinations due to his prolonged gaze.
But before he could come to his senses, a tear slowly slid down Lin Yue's tightly closed corner of the eye. The tear was crystal clear in the candlelight and rolled down her pale cheek, dripping onto the pillow and leaving a small wet mark.
Li Yi's throat seemed to be choked by something. For a long time, he couldn't speak. After quite a while, he trembled and shouted, "Yue 'er, are you awake?" Somebody come quickly!
The shout was filled with surprise and eagerness, with a hint of a broken voice, instantly breaking the long-standing silence inside the palace. The sound reverberated in the empty palace, startling the sparrows on the beams as they flapped their wings and flew up.
When the guards and palace maids on duty outside the palace heard this shout, they were taken aback at first, and then rushed in one after another with flustered expressions.
The guards, with vigorous postures and tightly grasping weapons in their hands, rushed into the hall first, vigilantly looking around to make sure there was nothing unusual.
Then, the palace maids also filed in. They still held the needlework they were doing or the dusters they were cleaning in their hands, and their faces were filled with astonishment and worry.
For a moment, people came and went in the palace. Footsteps and exclamations mingled together, and the originally quiet bedroom instantly became noisy.
The imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical College were also urgently summoned. At this moment, inside the Imperial Medical College, the physicians were each busy with their own work. Some were sorting out medicinal herbs, while others were studying medical books. After receiving the summons, their faces turned stern and they quickly put down the business in their hands.
At the head was an old physician with white hair and rich experience. He had practiced medicine for many years and witnessed many parting and death events in the palace. At this moment, he couldn't help but hurry and run all the way to the empress dowager's bedchamber.
Behind him, a group of young imperial physicians followed closely, holding various medical instruments in their hands and looking tense.
The old imperial physician walked quickly to the bedside, but his steps were deliberately light, for fear of disturbing the Empress dowager on the bed.
He took the Empress Dowager's pulse with a solemn and cautious expression. His hands, though covered with calluses, were incredibly steady. His fingers gently rested on Lin Yue's wrist, his eyes slightly closed, a thin layer of sweat slightly trickled down his forehead, and he intently felt the pulse.
Everyone around held their breath. In the vast palace, it was so quiet that only the tense breathing of people could be heard, as if a needle dropping to the ground could be heard clearly. Time seemed to stand still, and every second seemed incredibly long.
A moment later, the imperial physician suddenly opened his eyes wide, a trace of surprise flashing in them, and a delighted smile immediately appeared on his face. He turned around and hurriedly congratulated the Empress Dowager, saying, "Congratulations, Empress Dowager! The Empress Dowager has indeed woken up!" However, at this time, the Empress Dowager was extremely weak. We mustn't let her get too excited.
That voice was filled with uncontrollable joy, as if announcing a huge piece of good news.
When Li Yi heard this, his eyes instantly turned red and tears streamed down his cheeks uncontrollably. He held Lin Yue's hand tightly. Those hands seemed to be his only support at this moment, as if if he let go, Lin Yue would fall into a deep sleep again.
Looking at Lin Yue's pale face like paper, Li Yi's heart was filled with both tenderness and joy. He gently stroked Lin Yue's hair, which was a bit dry and no longer as smooth as before. His voice choked as he said, "Yue 'er, you're finally awake, finally awake..." That voice was filled with countless days and nights of worry and anticipation, and now it had finally turned into a heart full of joy.
The imperial physicians did not dare to delay. They hurriedly withdrew and rushed to prescribe, collect and boil the medicine.
Inside the Tai Hospital, it suddenly became bustling. The medicine boys moved nimbly among the various medicine cabinets, dispensing medicine according to the prescriptions. In front of the stove for decocting medicine, a fierce fire was burning. The medicinal soup in the medicine pot was gurgling and boiling, and the aroma of medicine filled the entire Imperial Medical College.
Before long, the medicine boys quickly walked into the palace with steaming hot medicinal soup in their hands. The steam from the medicinal soup rose up, creating a hazy mist in the air.
Li Yi personally took the medicine bowl, sat by the bed, gently scooped up the medicinal soup with a spoon, and held it to his mouth to cool it down gently. His movements were so gentle that it seemed as if he was holding the most precious treasure in the world in his hands.
Then, he carefully fed it to Lin Yue. Lin Yue slightly opened her eyes, her gaze still somewhat hazy, as if she had just woken up from a long dream, with a hint of confusion still lingering in her eyes.
But the moment he saw Li Yi, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes. It was the unique understanding and love between them. She opened her mouth weakly, but couldn't make a sound. Her throat seemed to be blocked.
Seeing this, Li Yi quickly leaned close to her ear and said gently, "Yue 'er, stop talking. Take the medicine first. You'll get better after taking it."
That voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. Lin Yue nodded slightly and drank the medicinal soup in agreement. The soup trickled down her throat slowly, as if it had also injected a glimmer of vitality into her.
In the following days, Li Yi stayed by Lin Yue's side day and night, taking meticulous care of her.
Every morning, as the sky just began to turn pale, Li Yi would get up and personally go to the imperial kitchen to supervise the imperial chefs in preparing light yet nutritious meals for Lin Yue. He carefully selected every ingredient, his eyes full of concern, and from time to time reminded the imperial chef, "The green vegetables should be the freshest and most tender. The chicken soup must be stewed until tender. The Empress Dowager is weak now and needs to take good care of herself."
When the meal was ready, he personally carried the tray and carefully returned to the bedroom. Watching Lin Yue eat it bit by bit, with each bite he swallowed, a relieved smile appeared on his face, as if it were the most beautiful scene in the world.
Every day, when the sunlight fills the courtyard, Li Yi would slowly help Lin Yue up, and the two of them would take a leisurely walk in the garden of the palace. In the garden, flowers are in full bloom and the grass is lush. When a gentle breeze blows, the flowers sway gently, giving off a sweet fragrance.
Li Yi held Lin Yue tightly, step by step, walking extremely slowly, fearing that she might make the slightest mistake. He said softly, "Yue 'er, look how beautifully these flowers are blooming, just like you used to be."
Lin Yue nodded slightly, a faint smile spreading across her face. Feeling the warmth of the sun, that warmth seemed to shine into her heart as well.
Under meticulous care, Lin Yue's health gradually improved. Her complexion began to turn rosy and was no longer as pale as paper as before. The spirit is getting better and better, and there is the former luster in the eyes. She and Li Yi recalled the past together. Those wonderful days they spent together seemed to come alive again.
They talked about the joy they once shared when they went on inconspicuous Tours together and saw the people living and working in peace and contentment. When it comes to the scene of holding a grand feast in the palace and discussing state affairs with the ministers. Every memory makes their eyes sparkle with light, as if they have returned to that wonderful time.
The news reached the imperial court, and the ministers rushed to the palace one after another to offer their congratulations to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. The imperial court was filled with a joyous atmosphere. The ministers, dressed in court robes, were neatly lined up in the palace, with joyous smiles on their faces.
The leading prime minister stepped forward and respectfully said, "Congratulations to the Supreme Emperor and to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager's awakening is truly a blessing for our dynasty and a fortune for the people."
The other ministers also chimed in one after another, Shouting "Long live!"
When the common people heard that the Empress Dowager had awakened, they all rushed to spread the news and cheered excitedly. On the streets and in the alleys, people's faces are all filled with joyous smiles. Everyone feels that this is a favor from heaven. Good people will be rewarded, and auspicious people will surely be favored by heaven.
The atmosphere in the palace also became particularly warm and cozy. The palace maids carefully prepared new clothes and jewelry for the Empress Dowager. They gathered together, holding needles and threads in their hands, carefully embroidering patterns. Every stitch and thread was filled with love and respect for the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager used to love peony patterns the most. We must embroider them more delicately. An elderly palace maid said. Seeing the Empress Dowager gradually regain her former charm, their faces were also filled with joyous smiles.
The guards, on the other hand, were even more conscientious in safeguarding the palace. They stood tall and their eyes determined, as if to build an impregnable barrier for the Empress Dowager and the Supreme Emperor.
As time went by, Lin Yue was able to take care of herself completely and began to get involved in the affairs of some medical clinics.
On a sunny and breezy day, Li Yi and Lin Yue were looking down at the entire imperial palace from the high platform of the palace. The sunlight fell upon them, outlining the contours of happiness. Inside the imperial palace, red walls, yellow tiles, and shady green trees create a peaceful scene.
Lin Yue said with emotion, "Yilang, after going through so much, I finally understand how fortunate it is to wake up with you and watch this peaceful world together."
Li Yi held her hand tightly and said firmly, "Yue 'er, in the days to come, we will always be happy like this and protect our country and our people together."
Their words drifted gently in the breeze, as if carrying boundless power. The entire imperial palace was immersed in a peaceful atmosphere. The story of the Empress Dowager's awakening became a well-known tale not only within the palace but also among the common people, inspiring them to believe that as long as they hold onto hope, beauty will always come as scheduled.
In the days that followed, Li Yi and Lin Yue often strolled together in the imperial garden of the palace.
The flowers in the garden are blooming in competition, in a riot of colors, as if they are also cheering for their happiness. Lin Yue would bend down to gently smell the fragrance of the flowers, her face beaming with a happy smile. Li Yi would stand by her side, looking at her tenderly, her eyes full of love.
They would stop among the flowers and enjoy the butterflies dancing gracefully. One will sit down in the pavilion and listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Every moment is filled with warmth and sweetness.
Every night, the two of them would sit on the terrace of the palace and look up at the starry sky. The night sky is deep and the stars are twinkling, like gems set in the black sky.
Li Yi would point at the stars in the sky and tell Lin Yue ancient legends, ranging from the tragic love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl to the mysterious tale of Chang 'e flying to the moon.
Lin Yue was so absorbed in listening that she would occasionally ask some naive questions, which made Li Yi burst into laughter.
Their laughter echoed in the night sky, adding a touch of warmth to this quiet night. Lin Yue would lean on Li Yi's shoulder, feeling his warmth and her heart filled with happiness.
The children in the palace also felt this joy. The little princesses surrounded the Empress dowager, listening to her recount past stories, their eyes brimming with curiosity and admiration. "Grandmother, please tell us the story of you and your grandfather again."
The little princesses held Lin Yue's hand and said coquettishly.
Lin Yue smiled and slowly recounted those wonderful memories. The children were so absorbed that they seemed to be transported back to that legendary era.
The young princes, under the guidance of the Emperor, learned horseback riding, archery and the art of governing the country. Each of them was full of vigor and vitality.
They were on the training ground, holding bows and arrows, with vigorous postures, and diligently practicing horseback archery skills. In the study, I was carefully studying the classics, history, philosophy and literature, and thinking about the methods of governing the country.
As time went by, the news of the Empress Dowager's awakening spread throughout the country. The common people spontaneously celebrated in the streets. They were grateful for the favor of heaven and also proud to have such a pair of wise rulers.
Officials from all over the country presented congratulatory gifts one after another to express their respect for the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
In some remote villages, the common people slaughter pigs and sheep and hold grand celebration activities. They raised a flag at the village entrance, which read, "May the Empress Dowager be healthy and the country be peaceful and the people be safe."
In the city, shops are decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with activity. People expressed their joy at the Empress Dowager's awakening and their beautiful expectations for the country's future in their own ways.