After a long and arduous process of research and search, after countless days and nights of hard work, Lin Yue finally, with the professor's full support, found a way that might open the time-space rift. They discovered some mysterious symbols and strange energy fluctuations in a remote and rarely visited ancient cave. The cave was located deep in the mountains, surrounded by dense forests. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating patches of light spots, making it look like a fairyland. At the entrance of the cave, vines were twined, as if guarding the secrets within.
As they entered the cave, a damp and mysterious aura greeted them. Faint lights flickered on the surrounding walls. Upon closer inspection, they were actually some glowing minerals. Deep inside the cave, they found those mysterious symbols. These symbols were engraved on the stone wall, with peculiar shapes. Some were like winding snakes, some were like spreading-winged birds, and others were like twinkling stars. After careful analysis, these symbols bore a striking resemblance to those Lin Yue had seen in the rift during her time travel. The professor speculated that by performing a specific ritual and guiding the energy, it might be possible to open the time-space rift again. The professor told Lin Yue, "This ritual needs to be carried out at a specific time, by means of the special energy field in the cave, and by using specific incantations and movements to guide the convergence of energy, so as to open the time-space door. But all of this is just speculation. There may be various dangers in the actual operation, and it may even endanger your life."
Lin Yue was well aware that this journey was full of dangers. However, at the thought of Li Yi and his lonely waiting figure, she made up her mind and decided to take the risk. With a complex and firm heart, she came to the cave again. A more mysterious aura filled the cave, as if countless pairs of eyes were watching her in the dark. According to the professor's instructions, she carefully began the ritual. She was dressed in a white robe and held a staff made of special wood, standing in the center of the cave. All kinds of strange crystals and herbs were placed around, which the professor had prepared according to the records in the ancient books.
As the ritual progressed, lights flashed in the cave, and the strange energy fluctuations became more intense. The crystals began to emit dazzling lights, and the fragrance of the herbs filled the entire cave. Lin Yue murmured incantations and waved the staff rhythmically in her hand. She stared ahead nervously, her heart pounding so hard that it seemed to jump out of her throat. She knew that once she traveled back, she might never be able to return to the modern world. But her feelings for Li Yi were as firm as a rock, and she couldn't bear to part with them. She thought of Li Yi's smile, his tenderness, and every moment they had spent together. These memories were like warm flames, giving her the strength to move forward.
When Lin Yue stepped onto the land of the Tang Dynasty again, she found herself in the familiar library. A faint ink fragrance filled the room, and everything was just as it had been when she left. The books on the bookshelves were neatly arranged, and it seemed that the echoes of her and Li Yi's laughter still lingered in the air. Li Yi, as usual, sat there quietly waiting. Hearing the slight movement, he slowly raised his head. The moment their eyes met, surprise and excitement flashed in his eyes instantly, as if a parched desert had welcomed the sweet rain. The light of surprise was so intense that it illuminated his originally dim eyes. "Yao'er, you're finally back!" He stood up excitedly, staggered a little and almost fell, but he didn't care. He quickly walked to Lin Yue's side and hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to keep her in his arms forever, for fear that she would disappear from his world again. His embrace was warm and strong, and Lin Yue could feel his heart beating like a drum, which was the joy and excitement of their reunion.
Lin Yue looked at Li Yi and saw that there was a bit more weariness and vicissitudes in his eyes. Time had left deep marks on his face. There were a few more wrinkles at the corners of his eyes,
and his hair seemed to have become a little thinner. Her heart ached, and she knew how much pain and suffering he had endured during this period. "Yi, I'm back, and I won't leave again." Lin Yue said with tears streaming down her face. The tears fell down her cheeks and wet their clothes. Li Yi released her, held her face in both hands, and looked at her carefully, as if he wanted to engrave her appearance in his heart. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back." He murmured to himself, his voice choked with sobs.
However, happy times are always short-lived. Soon after, the border of the Tang Dynasty was suddenly invaded by foreign enemies, and the situation was extremely critical. On the beacon towers in the border areas, billows of black smoke rose straight into the sky. Battle reports flew to the imperial palace like snowflakes. In Li Yi's study, there were piles of urgent military reports from all over the place. In the imperial court, the ministers were talking noisily. Some advocated making peace, while others advocated resistance. Li Yi frowned, and determination and decisiveness showed in his eyes. As the king of a country, he resolutely decided to lead the army to fight against the foreign enemies in person. Before leaving, he held Lin Yue's hand tightly and said firmly and tenderly, "Yao'er, wait for me to come back. I will definitely return safely." Lin Yue held back her tears and nodded vigorously. Watching Li Yi's back gradually fade away, her heart was full of worry and concern. She stood on the high platform of the palace and watched as the army led by Li Yi left in a mighty manner until their figures disappeared on the horizon.
After Li Yi left, Lin Yue prayed for him devoutly in the palace every day. She built a simple altar in the garden of the palace. Every morning and evening, she would burn incense and pray in front of the altar, begging the heavens to bless Li Yi's safety. Using her rich medical knowledge, she helped the imperial doctors in the palace prepare medicines and carefully formulated various prescriptions. She selected the best medicinal herbs from the herb warehouse and personally supervised the imperial doctors in decocting and preparing the medicines, making full preparations for the wounded who would soon return. She also taught the imperial doctors some modern first-aid knowledge, such as how to bandage wounds and how to prevent infections.
During the days of the war, every minute and every second passed extremely slowly. Lin Yue's heart was always in suspense, and she eagerly awaited Li Yi's safe return day and night. She often dreamed of Li Yi fighting bravely on the battlefield. After waking up from the dream, she could no longer fall asleep and could only sit by the window, looking at the night sky and praying silently. Finally, news came from the front line that Li Yi led the army to fight bravely and won the victory, but he was also seriously injured. Lin Yue was extremely anxious and immediately rushed to the front line without delay.
In the military camp at the front line, a thick smell of blood filled the air. Soldiers were coming and going. Some were carrying the wounded, and some were delivering military orders. Under the guidance of the people, Lin Yue came to Li Yi's tent. When she saw Li Yi lying unconscious on the stretcher, tears welled up in her eyes. She rushed to Li Yi's side regardless of everything and held his hand. That hand was cold and weak, making her heart sink. "Yi, wake up. I'm Yao'er." She called his name softly, her voice full of endless anxiety and grief. By Li Yi's bedside, Lin Yue took care of him day and night. She changed his dressing herself. Every time she uncovered the gauze on the wound and saw the shocking wound, her heart ached as if cut by a knife. She observed his condition, recorded his body temperature and pulse, and did not dare to slack off for a moment. She also boiled nourishing decoctions for him, and every spoonful was filled with her deep affection and care. With her excellent medical skills and meticulous care, Li Yi's condition gradually improved.
After this life-and-death test, Lin Yue and Li Yi cherished each other even more. Li Yi decided to hold a grander conferment ceremony for Lin Yue. This time, he wanted to confer Lin Yue as the empress and make her the mistress of the country. On the day of the conferment ceremony, the palace was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, resplendent and magnificent. Red silk
hung in every corner, cascading down from the eaves of the palace like a red waterfall. Golden lanterns shone with dazzling lights, illuminating the entire palace as bright as day. On the ground of the palace, a thick red carpet was laid, extending all the way to the high platform.
Lin Yue was dressed in a magnificent phoenix robe. The robe was embroidered with lifelike phoenixes. The eyes of the phoenixes were inlaid with rubies, shining with a vivid light, as if they would spread their wings and fly at any moment. The skirt of the phoenix robe trailed on the ground, embroidered with various auspicious patterns, such as peonies symbolizing wealth and ganoderma lucidum symbolizing longevity. On her head, she wore a phoenix crown, inlaid with countless pearls and jewels, each emitting a dazzling light. She stood hand in hand with Li Yi on the high platform of the palace, and below was a cheering crowd of people. The people were dressed in their finest clothes, holding flowers, and their faces were beaming with joy. They shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!" The sound resounded through the sky. Looking at the crowd below, Lin Yue felt a myriad of emotions in her heart. She knew that she had made the right choice. Here was the person she loved deeply, and here was the affection she couldn't bear to part with. From then on, she would be with Li Yi to protect this country and their love, making this love that spanned time and space an eternal legend, to be passed down through the ages in the long river of time.