In a graceful garden at the Palace of the State of Liang, the spring scenery is splendid, with a riot of flowers adding a touch of vitality to today's gathering.
Empress Zhao Qinglan, dressed in exquisite palace attire, sits in a high position, her gaze gently sweeping over each young talent, silently evaluating their performance.
Xiao Yuelan was hiding behind a fake mountain, peeking through the emerald bamboo at everything. Her eyes revealed a hint of complex emotions, with both anticipation for the grand event and deep contemplation about her future partner.
In the center of the scene, a young talent was skillfully wielding a brush, creating a lively and expressive painting. Before the ink had dried, the poetic sentiment had already overflowed, earning a round of admiration from the audience. Another person was holding a pipa, playing the melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water," with a melodious tune that left people enchanted.
However, among the many performances, Xiao Yuelan seemed unable to find that moment that moved her heart.
In the sea of flowers, her gaze looked into the distance, as if crossing the bustling scene in front of her, reaching a quiet corner of her soul.
The laughter and joy around her, the display of talent, and even the expectant gaze of her mother, Chao Qinglan, were unable to truly touch her heartstrings.
Beyue noticed Xiao Yuelan's unusual demeanor, approached gently, and asked in a low voice, "Princess, you seem to be deeply troubled. Is there something bothering you?"
Xiao Yuelan shook her head gently, then nodded. Her voice carried a hint of vulnerability that she had never revealed to anyone before: " Beyue, what do you think true love is? Among these talented men, I have seen various talents, but I feel an indescribable emptiness. What I want is not just extraordinary talent, but someone who can connect with my soul, understand and support me, and grow with me."
After listening, Beyue's eyes were filled with understanding and compassion. She gently held Xiao Yuelan's hand and said, "Princess, your thoughts are profound, and your understanding of love far exceeds surface glamour. I believe that there is someone in this world who can connect with your soul and share the future with you."
Just then, a clear voice interrupted their conversation, and a young man dressed plainly but exuding an air of scholarly refinement approached.
Unlike others who flaunted their accomplishments, he carried a calm and resolute strength. He bowed to Princess Xiao Yuelan and said, "Princess, I overheard your conversation with Miss Beyue. If you are willing, I would like to share my story with you. Perhaps it will bring you some different perspectives."
"The story takes place in ancient times, when a young fisherman found a shining pearl by the sea. He knew that this pearl could bring him countless wealth, but it could also bring endless troubles." The young man's voice was clear and calm, capturing all of Xiao Yuelan's attention.
He continued to tell how the fisherman struggled between wealth and morality, ultimately choosing to return the pearl to the sea, maintaining his inner purity and tranquility. This story, though simple, contained profound meaning, causing everyone present to fall into contemplation.
Chao Qinglan nodded slightly, apparently approving of the young man's choice. Xiao Yuelan also involuntarily emerged from hiding, her eyes meeting the young man's, and a previously unprecedented emotion surged in her heart.
"May I ask for the gentleman's name?" Xiao Yuelan couldn't help but inquire.
The young man smiled slightly, "My name is Li Yu, just a passerby in the martial arts world."
After the gathering, Chao Qinglan deliberately asked Li Yu to stay and had a deeper conversation with Xiao Yuelan.
In this conversation, Xiao Yuelan discovered that Li Yu not only has a wealth of knowledge, but his views on life also resonate with hers.
As night fell and the palace lanterns were lit, Chao Qinglan left Xiao Yuelan and Li Yu alone. The two of them strolled in a quiet courtyard of the palace, and their conversation under the moonlight seemed particularly intimate.
Xiao Yuelan spoke up, "Mr. Li Yu, your story has given me great inspiration. Wealth and status seem less important in the face of true love and purity."
Li Yu smiled slightly and replied, "You flatter me, Princess. I was just speaking my mind. In this worldly world, maintaining a pure heart, unaffected by external things, is the most valuable."
The conversation between the two is full of philosophy, covering everything from the details of life to the broader path of life, from ancient poetry to contemporary affairs.
Xiao Yuelan discovered that when she was with Li Yu, she was able to completely let go of the shackles of being a princess and converse freely like an ordinary woman.
At the peak of the moonlight, Li Yu stopped and turned to Xiao Yuelan, earnestly saying, "Princess Xiao, although I have no wealth, my feelings for you are sincere and unwavering. If fate allows, I am willing to spend the rest of my life proving my love for you."
Xiao Yuelan lightly touched the sachet at her waist, a gift from someone years ago, which had always been her lucky charm.
She gazed at Li Yu, a hint of complex emotions flashing in her eyes, struggling with how to respond to his sincere confession.
Finally, Xiao Yuelan said softly, "Mr. Li Yu, I appreciate your sincerity. However, I can't make a decision based on a moment of emotion. I need time to think."
Li Yu listened and, although feeling a bit disappointed, he still maintained a smile and said firmly, "Princess Xiao, I understand. I am willing to wait, no matter how long it takes. I will be here to prove my love through my actions. I believe true love is worth the wait."
A hint of gratitude flashed in Xiao Yuelan's eyes. She nodded slightly, and her respect and fondness for Li Yu increased a little more.
The next day, Chao Qinglan summoned Xiao Yuelan and asked about their conversation from the previous night. Xiao Yuelan honestly expressed her thoughts and decision to her mother.
After listening in silence for a moment, Chao Qinglan said, " Yuelan, I support your decision. Love is not just a momentary impulse; it requires time to nurture and prove itself. Your character is mature enough to make independent choices. Whatever the outcome, I will support you."
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