From cute to empress

Chapter 216 Love Across Time and Space

"You're right. We're going to have a celebration! A grand celebration!" I announced excitedly. "Let everyone feel this hard-earned peace and joy!"

A hint of surprise flashed across Zhen Youcai's eyes, and then a smile of appreciation appeared on his lips. "What a great idea! Let's use this celebration to commemorate our shared victory and announce to the world that a more powerful and prosperous era has arrived!"

My heart was also filled with joy and anticipation. Thus, an unprecedented grand celebration began amid intensive preparations throughout the nation. From the imperial palace to the streets, from towns to villages, everywhere was decorated with lights and a festive atmosphere. People sang and danced, celebrating this victory and this hard-earned peace with the most sincere enthusiasm.

On the day of the celebration, I wore a golden robe symbolizing the phoenix's rebirth from the ashes, a phoenix crown studded with countless gems, and slowly walked onto the stage under the gaze of the crowd. Zhen Youcai, dressed in military uniform, stood tall and handsome beside me, his eyes filled with determination and protection.

"My people," I looked around, my voice clear and firm, "We have defeated the darkness and ushered in the light! This victory belongs to each and every one of us, and this glory will be protected by us together!"

Deafening cheers echoed through the sky, and people's faces were filled with happiness and hope. I took a deep breath and continued, "To express my gratitude to Heaven for His protection and to thank every soldier who fought so bravely for our country, I announce that I will hold a wedding with General Zhen and share the joy with the people!"

The crowd erupted in even louder cheers, and everyone cast their congratulatory glances at us. I felt Zhen Youcai tighten his grip on my hand, a happy smile on his face.

"From this day forward, we will no longer be mere ruler and subject. We will rely on each other, jointly protecting this land and our people." I said solemnly, my gaze fixed firmly into the distance. "And this experience, this story, belongs to all of us..."

"This story, which belongs to all of us, will become a legend, inspiring more people to love bravely and pursue their own happiness." Zhen Youcai's voice was loud and powerful, and his eyes swept over everyone present, as if to engrave this belief into their hearts.

"That's right!" I took over his words, a happy smile on my face. "Remember when we first met? Back then, I was just a girl full of curiosity and confusion about the world, but you were like a light, illuminating my path forward."

I recall the scene when we first met. At that time, I had just come to this strange world. It was Zhen Youcai's help and encouragement time and time again that allowed me to gradually adapt to the life here and finally find my own place.

"We have been through ups and downs together and faced countless challenges together, but we have never given up hope or given up on each other." My voice was slightly choked, but my heart was filled with happiness and emotion.

"Because we believe that the power of love can overcome everything!" Zhen Youcai held my hand tightly, his eyes firm and gentle.

Thunderous applause and cheers broke out in the crowd. People were moved by the sincere feelings between us, and their faces were filled with smiles of blessings.

On the wedding day, the whole country was immersed in a sea of ​​joy. The streets were decorated with lights and people sang and danced, celebrating our union in the most enthusiastic way.

Zhen Youcai and I, dressed in bright red wedding gowns, slowly walked into the ceremony hall, surrounded by a large crowd. My heart was filled with happiness and anticipation, as I knew we were about to embark on a brand new journey of life together.

"Mengmeng, are you willing to marry Zhen Youcai? No matter you are poor or rich, sick or healthy, you will love him, take care of him, respect him, and tolerate him for the rest of your life, until the end of your life?" The host's voice was solemn and sacred.

I took a deep breath, looked firmly at Zhen Youcai standing in front of me, and slowly said, "I..."

"I do." My voice was clear and firm, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

My eyes met Zhen Youcai's, and his were gleaming with joy, like the brightest stars in the night sky. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. All I could hear was my own heartbeat and his steady breathing.

"Zhen Youcai, are you willing to marry Niu Mengmeng? No matter you are poor or rich, sick or healthy, you will love her, take care of her, respect her, and tolerate her for the rest of your life, until the end of your life?" The host's voice sounded again, with a hint of excitement that was hard to conceal.

"I do!" Zhen Youcai's voice was loud and firm, echoing throughout the auditorium and in our hearts.

We exchanged rings amidst everyone's blessings. The ring, a symbol of love and commitment, was solemnly placed on his ring finger by me. My fingertips gently brushed across the back of his hand, feeling the warmth of his palm, and my heart settled.

The grand wedding lasted for days, and the whole country celebrated. I knew that this was not only because of the union of Zhen Youcai and I, but also because of the peace and prosperity we created together.

Our married life was simple yet happy. We continued to fight side by side for the future of our country. I handled government affairs, he commanded the military, and we supported each other, advancing and retreating together. In our spare time, we would stroll in the Imperial Garden, discussing national affairs, reminiscing about how we first met, and recalling the hardships we had endured together.

"Mengmeng, do you remember the first time we met?" Zhen Youcai held my hand, his eyes full of doting smiles.

"Of course I remember. At that time, you thought I was an assassin and almost drew your sword against me." I teased him with a smile. The scene was still vivid in my mind.

"Who told you to be sneaky at that time? But luckily I didn't really take action, otherwise..." Zhen Youcai deliberately lengthened his voice, with a hint of fear in his tone.

"Otherwise you wouldn't have met me." I interrupted him and winked mischievously.

"Yes, fortunately I met you, my Queen." Zhen Youcai hugged me in his arms and bent down to kiss my forehead.

I know that the love between us has gone beyond a simple love between a man and a woman. It has become a part of this country and a symbol, a symbol of courage, responsibility and love.

Years later, when our story was adapted into a play and widely circulated among the people, I was teaching our grandson the art of statecraft... Golden sunlight filtered through the window lattice, shone on my desk, and cast a warm glow over the unfolded scroll. I put down my red brush, rubbed my swollen brow, and looked out the window.

In the courtyard, several children were chasing and playing, and their silver bell-like laughter floated in the wind, which made me smile with a loving smile.

"Grandma, Grandma!" A little boy in a red robe came running over and threw himself into my arms. He tilted his little face upwards, his big black eyes filled with excitement. "Is Grandpa going to tell stories again today?"

I picked him up with a smile and tapped his nose: "Little rascal, do you like listening to your royal grandfather tell stories so much?"

"Yeah!" the boy nodded vigorously and said in a baby voice, "Grandpa Huang's story is the most exciting, even better than the one sung in the opera troupe!"

I looked over the boy's head and saw a familiar figure not far away. Zhen Youcai was standing under an osmanthus tree, holding a well-thumbed book in his hands, looking at us with a doting smile on his face.

"Go, your royal grandfather is waiting for you." I patted the boy's back gently and motioned him to go over.

The boy cheered and ran away like a happy little bird. I looked at the intimate backs of the grandfather and grandson, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart.

Decades have flown by since that grand wedding. Zhen Youcai has long since lost his youthful naiveté. Time has left some marks on his face, but it has also added a touch of maturity and charm to his appearance.

And I am no longer the naive young girl who first entered the palace. I have learned how to govern a country, how to deal with ministers, and how to protect this hard-earned peace and prosperity.

Over the years, we have fought side by side, weathered storms together, and shared glory and joy. Our love has long transcended simple affection between a man and a woman; it has become woven into this country, this land, and become an eternal legend.

"Mengmeng, what are you thinking about?" Zhen Youcai walked to my side and held my hand. His hand was still warm and strong, making me feel at ease as always.

I looked up at him, a smile etched across my eyes and brows. "I'm thinking, our story will surely be passed down through the ages and become a legend."

Zhen Youcai gently stroked my hair, his deep eyes filled with tenderness: "As long as I'm with you, every day is a good story."

As the sun sets, its golden light fills the entire palace, and also our hearts. I know that our love will shine forever like this sunset, illuminating this land and the hearts of generations to come...