In the bustling capital, the imperial palace hummed with activity as time flowed on. Prince Li Muyang had reached a marriageable age, and Li Yi and Lin Yue set out to find a suitable spouse for their son, prioritizing his happiness. After tireless searching, they discovered a young woman named Chu Nian from a scholarly family. Chu Nian was breathtakingly beautiful, gentle, and well-educated, forming a perfect pair with Prince Muyang as if destined by heaven.
News of the engagement sparked preparations for a grand wedding across the palace. Ministry of Rites officials worked day and night to refine every detail of the ceremony, from the schedule to the rituals, ensuring perfection. In the embroidery workshop, seamstresses worked swiftly, their needles weaving blessings into luxurious wedding attire. The royal kitchens buzzed with chefs crafting sumptuous dishes, skillfully combining ingredients to create aromatic, visually stunning cuisine.
Beneath this festive surface, however, hidden currents stirred. A group of resentful individuals, hostile to the royal family, plotted to disrupt the wedding for their own ulterior motives. At their helm was Zhao Kun, a fallen noble whose family's decline had fueled his jealousy and hatred toward the royals. In a secret hideout, Zhao Kun convened like-minded conspirators. "The prince's wedding is our chance to retaliate against the royal family," he hissed. "On the day of the ceremony, we'll sneak into the palace during the celebrations, create chaos, and destroy the wedding!"
"But the palace is heavily guarded—how will we enter?" someone asked. Zhao Kun sneered, "We'll disguise ourselves as craftsmen and servants, slipping in in groups. During the banquet, we'll poison the wine and turn this joyous occasion into a tragedy!" The group nodded, their faces twisted with malice.
Though occupied with wedding preparations, Li Yi and Lin Yue sensed something amiss. "Yue'er, I've noticed suspicious figures lurking around the palace recently," Li Yi frowned. "Their behavior is furtive—I fear they're plotting something." Lin Yue nodded gravely. "I've noticed too. Based on subtle clues, someone may target the wedding. We must be vigilant." The couple immediately acted: Li Yi deployed trusted guards to strengthen security, conducting rigorous inspections of all palace entrants, while Lin Yue leveraged her folk networks to gather intelligence, determined to uncover the mastermind.
As the wedding drew nearer, tension mounted. Zhao Kun and his cohorts accelerated their plans, disguising themselves as workers and smuggling weapons and poison into the palace. Unbeknownst to them, their every move was monitored by Li Yi and Lin Yue's informants. "It seems they're about to act," Li Yi told Lin Yue. "We need a counterstrategy." Lin Yue pondered and suggested, "Let's feign ignorance, continue with the wedding, and secretly ambush elite warriors at the banquet. We'll catch them in the act." Li Yi agreed.
Unseen by most, a mysterious figure also guarded the prince and bride: a highly skilled imperial guard who had vowed to protect the royal family since childhood. Upon learning of the plot, he volunteered for covert security, patrolling the palace daily and watching for suspicious signs.
On the wedding day, the palace was decked in red lanterns, radiating joy. The prince, resplendent in ceremonial robes, stood before the hall, eyes bright with anticipation. Escorted by attendants, the bride glided toward him, her smile radiant as a celestial being. The ceremony began to solemn music, proceeding smoothly as guests settled in with blessings.
Shortly after the banquet started, Zhao Kun and his men moved to poison the wine. Just as they acted, the mysterious guard detected their scheme and signaled the ambush. At Li Yi's command, warriors surged forth, surrounding the conspirators. Zhao Kun, wielding a weapon, snarled, "Don't celebrate yet—no one will escape today!"
Li Yi regarded him coldly. "Your plot ends here. Surrender now." A fierce battle ensued. The mysterious guard joined the fray, his superior martial skills quickly overwhelming the rebels. Eventually, Zhao Kun and his men were subdued. Under interrogation, Zhao Kun revealed a former royal rival as the mastermind, seeking revenge for past suppression. Li Yi immediately ordered the culprit's arrest, and their crimes were exposed to public condemnation.
The prince and bride, having weathered the storm, cherished their happiness even more. The wedding resumed with heightened merriment as they toasted guests, who showered them with heartfelt blessings. The banquet was a feast for the senses, filled with laughter and celebration.
Watching the scene, Lin Yue and Li Yi felt profound relief. They knew the wedding's success was not only their son's happiness but also a testament to their joint efforts. After the ceremony, the newlyweds retired to their chamber, reflecting on the day's events by the window. "Today taught me that happiness is precious and must be cherished," the prince said, clasping his bride's hand. She nodded, eyes tender. "With you by my side, I fear nothing."
Li Yi and Lin Yue won praise for their vigilance, deepening the prince's respect for them. Yet they remained humble, committed to their duties: Li Yi pushed forward national reforms to boost the economy and culture, while Lin Yue expanded medical initiatives, opening more clinics and training healers to safeguard public health.
Over time, the prince and his bride grew closer, supporting each other through challenges and engaging in charitable work that endeared them to the people. Years later, the wedding remained a beloved story, and Li Yi and Lin Yue's names became legendary. Their wisdom and courage had safeguarded the nation, making them heroes in the people's hearts.
This wedding marked not only the start of a loving union but also a symbol of national prosperity. It testified to the power of love and justice, inspiring future generations to uphold these values and strive for an even stronger, more prosperous country.