mtlumby2d Chapter 284 What I Want Is Your Love
Chapter 284 What I Want Is Your Love
After Li Ji was arrested, the entire court held its breath and waited. People thought that Emperor Li Zhen would punish him severely to serve as a warning to others.
However, to everyone's surprise, Li Zhen ordered the release of Li Ji. This decision was like a spring breeze blowing across the frozen land, shocking everyone.
Amid the discussions of the crowd, Li Zhen said frankly: "The fight between brothers should not affect innocent people. Although Li Ji made mistakes, he is still my brother. I would like to give him a chance to reform." The voice was like jade falling on a porcelain plate, clear and melodious, spreading to every corner of the palace.
This decision immediately caused an uproar among the people.
People praised Li Zhen as a kind and good king. They marveled at his magnanimity and noble sentiments. The people who had been displaced by the war were even more grateful, as they saw hope and the dawn of peace.
After that day, Li Zhen's reputation for kindness spread far and wide. His story was passed down from mouth to mouth and became a legend. His kindness and wisdom were like a bright pearl, illuminating people's hearts.
Those who were once trapped by war regained their confidence in life under Li Zhen's rule. They were grateful for the peace and tranquility brought to them by this benevolent king. They worked hard with their own hands to create endless wealth and hope for this land.
This rebellion was like a wave in the long river of history, which eventually calmed down, but Li Zhen's reputation grew.
……
Although Li Ao did not directly order his execution, he did not grant him any mercy either. He ordered Li Ji to be escorted to Taijun Mountain, where the royal family practiced Buddhism. The punishment bestowed by the emperor was to practice Buddhism with hair untied as a way of atonement. This was tantamount to declaring that Li Ji's life had become an endless prisoner's life.
In the royal family, keeping one's hair untied was not a light punishment, but a severe punishment. This was not only a punishment for his past disobedience, but also a complete destruction of the unfulfilled dream in his heart. He was bound in Taijun Mountain, his body and mind were heavily bound. From then on, his world became dark and gloomy, and he no longer had magnificent dreams and pursuits.
Despite this, Li Ji did not completely despair. Among the mountains of Taijun Mountain, he felt the tenacity and hope of life.
It was a brand new beginning. Although he was no longer at the pinnacle of power, at least he was still alive. He began to reflect on his past and think about his future. He understood that his ambitions and desires were just bottomless pits that could never be satisfied. The power, status and glory he once pursued were nothing but passing clouds. Only inner peace was the true destination.
So, Li Ji began his practice in Taijun Mountain. He used his heart to feel the power of nature and listened to the sound of the wind and the water in the mountains. His mind gradually became calm and deep. Although he could no longer control life and death like before, he found true freedom and inner peace in his practice.
He no longer pursued power and glory, but focused on self-cultivation and understanding the true meaning of life.
As time went by, Li Ji gradually found his direction in his practice in Taijun Mountain. He began to feel the little beauty in life, whether it was the warmth under the sun or the tranquility under the moonlight; whether it was the colorful spring flowers and autumn moons or the pure and flawless winter snow. He began to learn to cherish every moment in life and feel the beauty and touching moments that he had once ignored.
During his practice in Taijun Mountain, Li Ji gradually realized the true meaning of life. He understood the preciousness and fragility of life, and the complexity and contradictions of human nature. He began to understand tolerance and kindness, and to face everything around him with a compassionate heart. Although his life did not return to the prosperity and wealth before the rebellion, he had inner tranquility and peace.
Therefore, although his ending seemed tragic and bleak, he found the meaning and value of life in this endless life of imprisonment. He realized the true meaning of life and the significance of life in his practice in Taijun Mountain.
……
The moonlight was like water, and the palace was peaceful. Xu Jiaoran leaned against the window, gently stroking the guqin, and the melodious sound seemed to tell her mood.
Li Zhen's footsteps broke the silence. He walked to Xu Jiaoran and gently held her hand, but Xu Jiaoran subconsciously dodged.
Li Zhen's eyes turned cold, he held his hand tightly and asked, "Why do you still treat me like this?"
"Have I done anything to displease Your Majesty?" Xu Jiaoran has been very accommodating to Li Zhen these days. She cooperates with him no matter what he wants.
But Li Zhen was not satisfied. Such a docile person was not the real Xu Jiaoran. She was just tolerating himself.
"Do you know what I want?" Li Zhen's eyes were deep, as if he could see through Xu Jiaoran's heart.
Xu Jiaoran tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes showing a hint of helplessness and struggle.
She had put aside the grudge between her and Li Zhen for the time being, and said softly: "Your Majesty wants me to be wholeheartedly devoted to you, but now I am indeed wholeheartedly devoted to Your Majesty."
Li Zhen tightened his grip, his eyes revealing deep expectation: "What I want is not your fake devotion. What I want is your sincerity and your love."
A trace of sadness flashed across Xu Jiaoran's eyes, and she spoke slowly: "I once thought that I could no longer have feelings for anyone. But time will change everything, whether it is hatred or love."
"But..." She paused, "Some things can't be helped..."
A trace of pain flashed across Li Zhen's eyes, but he still looked at Xu Jiaoran firmly: "I know that you need more than just time. What you need is courage, the courage to face the past."
There was a trace of struggle in Xu Jiaoran's eyes. She knew that what Li Zhen said was right. But the love in her heart had been worn away with the passing of time. She tried to find that love, but only found a blank memory.
"I know you have concerns in your heart." Li Zhen's voice became softer, "But please believe me, I am willing to give you time. I will always be here waiting for you."
Xu Jiaoran's eyes flashed with emotion. She knew that Li Zhen was sincere. But her heart was still as calm as still water, unable to stir up any more waves. She whispered, "I... will try my best."
In the following days, Xu Jiaoran began to work hard to get along with Li Zhen peacefully. She tried to understand him and accept him. She began to play the zither in the palace, and the melodious melody seemed to tell her inner voice.
Li Zhen is also working hard. He tries his best to be tolerant and kind to Xu Jiaoran. He will listen quietly when she plays the piano and give her a warm hug when she is tired. He hopes that he can become the person in her heart.
However, love is not something that can be achieved overnight. Xu Jiaoran still has the shadow of the past in her heart, and she cannot easily let go of her defenses. Li Zhen also understands this, and he is willing to wait, waiting for the iceberg in Xu Jiaoran's heart to melt.
Days passed, the flowers in the palace bloomed and withered, and the changing of seasons seemed to tell the passage of time. Xu Jiaoran and Li Zhen were still working hard, and they both had expectations and hopes for the future. Although the road ahead was still long, they believed that as long as they did not give up their efforts and persistence, love would grow quietly one day...