Beneath the ancient skyline, the banners of the Eastern Roman diplomatic mission slowly made their way outside Liangzhou City, preparing to cross the legendary pass filled with history. At that moment, Li Hao, the Western Regions warrior accompanying the mission, felt an upsurge of emotion stirring within him—recollections of remarkable encounters filled his thoughts. He remembered meeting Wu Zetian, a woman from the Great Tang, in a moment of serendipity at the stables and the subsequent adventure they shared chasing the mythical phoenix.
Li Hao vividly recalled that sunny afternoon, his first sight of Wu Zetian at the stables, where she stood out radiantly, her elegant figure like an angel sent by the gods. Their initial exchange transcended the barriers of different cultures; the sincerity and curiosity in their eyes created a magical bond.
The quest for the phoenix was a journey laden with danger and the unknown. Li Hao was grateful fate had paired them. They navigated through dark forests, crossed winding rivers, and ventured into perilous areas where few would tread. During this odyssey, Wu Zetian proved her courage, sharp insight, and extraordinary wisdom. Her resilient demeanor and soft eyes hid a fortitude and wisdom uniquely hers.
However, reality called them back as the diplomatic mission concluded. In that moment of departure, Li Hao was gripped by a profound sense of unease and reluctance. His thoughts were filled with visions of Wu Zetian—her laughter on the stables, their legendary quest for the phoenix, and the deep affection between them that grew amidst danger.
The mission was moving on, and the walls of Liangzhou protected the gate leading to the Western Regions. As Li Hao stood at the end of the procession, looking towards the dimming pass, his heart surged with memories of Wu Zetian. Every detail of their encounter seemed to beckon him to make a bold choice.
As the Eastern Roman mission prepared to leave the pass behind, the turmoil within Li Hao intensified. Duty called him to return to the Western Regions, to his homeland and identity. Yet, the image of Wu Zetian pulled at him, hard to let go. At the very moment the mission crossed the threshold, a powerful inner voice prompted him to halt. The wheels of history were turning forward, yet the power of love was challenging his destiny.
The difficult decision took form, and just as the mission was about to fade from view, Li Hao bid farewell to his travel companions, resolutely turned back, and took the road homeward. He resolved to bridge the vast chasm separating him from the woman who had given new meaning to his life on the lands of the Great Tang.
Li Hao understood that the path ahead was fraught with the unknown, and countless challenges awaited him and Wu Zetian. But his heart was clear that the real journey of life goes beyond the land beneath one's feet. It involved the meeting of souls and the courage to risk all for love across the expanse of space.
He knew that this decision would alter the course of his life. Despite an uncertain future, his heart had moved beyond fear and confusion. For him, the future was no longer about his personal glory and achievements, but a story to be written with Wu Zetian. In his heart, Wu Zetian was not just a person; she was an unshakeable belief in his life.
Explaining his decision to turn back was not easy, and his colleagues would not understand why under the fading stars, he would forsake honor and duty for a single woman. Yet he could feel that this was his destiny. All the rules and doctrines he had once rigidly adhered to paled in comparison to the call of Wu Zetian.
Li Hao knew that even if he journeyed back to Chang'an, his adventure was just beginning. Wu Zetian hailed from a prominent family, and their love needed to surmount many misunderstandings that others couldn't comprehend. Nonetheless, no matter how many difficulties and misconceptions this decision might lead to, his heart remained unwaveringly determined. As the dust of the returning squad gradually disappeared into the distance, Li Hao's steps were exceedingly firm — he was resolved to merge into Wu Zetian's world and together face every sunrise and sunset that the future held.
After a day and night of travel, as the sun ascended once again, lighting the path behind him, Li Hao couldn't contain the surging emotions within him. He harbored no regret for the choices he had made, only longing. Ahead of him, Chang'an stood majestic, like a promise spanning millennia, awaiting the chapters they were to write together. On the journey to find Wu Zetian, each step carried the weight of their fated meeting and future dreams. He believed that at the moment of their reunion, all the choices and sacrifices would receive the most beautiful of affirmations.
In a noble family's small town adjacent to the peaceful city of Chang'an, where pear blossoms wept under the spring skies, Wu Zetian stood by the window in a daydream, her long-anticipated figure suddenly appeared before her eyes — it was him, the Western Regions warrior, with determination and bravery, having traversed vast deserts and spaces to return to her world. The moment they saw each other again, all the waiting turned into tears, and everything seemed incredibly genuine in their silent exchange.
Complex emotions filled Wu Zetian's eyes - joy, astonishment, and the profound apprehension and confusion hidden deep within. However, as her gaze met Li Hao's firm and affectionate one, her soul felt an unprecedented clarity and calm. Their reunion was not only a collision across time and space but also a testament to the steadfast choice their hearts had made for each other.
Hand in hand, Wu Zetian and Li Hao decided to engage in matrimony secretly. The quiet engagement ceremony unfolded in a courtyard shrouded in blooming flowers. Alone with the flowers as witnesses and the moonlight as their pledge, their aspirations for the future glowed amidst the brocade of blossoms. Their vows took flight on the gentle breezes of springtime, much like the unspeakable love in their hearts. As they exchanged symbols of promise, they solemnly committed their lives to each other. At the moment of their engagement, the tumultuous waves within Wu Zetian's heart finally found peace, and in Li Hao's eyes, there shone a determination as unshakeable as the needle of the deep sea.
Yet after the beautiful vows, they faced the stark reality of numerous obstacles. Both Li Hao and Wu Zetian were aware that this cross-cultural affection would encounter endless misunderstandings and opposition. The ceremonial customs of the Tang Dynasty and Li Hao's foreign identity suggested their future was fraught with thorns. But with tacit understanding in their hearts, their resolve would only grow firmer: to stride hand in hand through whatever difficulties and challenges might come.
Resolved to set aside his past glory and status in this foreign land, Li Hao was determined to stand shoulder to shoulder with Wu Zetian. He recognized the difficulty of their path but also knew that true strength comes from the defense of love and faith. They shared a common vision for the future: to confront societal pressures together, to resolve life's challenges as one, and to construct a world that belonged to them.
This decision was not only a personal choice born of emotion but a challenge to the world around them. Together, they would demonstrate that love transcending time and space possessed tremendous strength. On that night they had privately pledged their lives to each other, Wu Zetian and Li Hao forged a consensus deep within their souls — no matter if the future brought calm seas or raging storms, they would hold hands and march forward bravely.
This legendary tale of time and travel between Wu Zetian and Li Hao has already integrated into the annals of a millennia-old Chang'an, blending away the passage of time. We believe in our choices, just like at the first meeting by the horse range, stirring a brilliance within the dust. We aim not only to challenge the world but to create our legend amidst those challenges.
We arranged to walk in the wilderness, looking out over the slopes of the wild mountains in the spring, where life was burgeoning and vibrant all around us. Nestled deep within the mountains, there was a place like the mythical Peach Blossom Spring, a utopia, and Li Hao and I chose this place brimming with vitality to escape the fleeting world for a short while and together contemplate our shared future in the embrace of nature.
Secluded from the clamor of worldly life, bathed in the warm sunlight of spring, we sat on a meadow festooned with wildflowers, the azure sky above us freshly washed, the gentle breezes carrying the unique fragrance of the mountains. Li Hao held my hand, his gaze firm and affectionate. In my eyes reflected the boundless yearning for an unknown future.
Our conversation interwove with a curiosity and appreciation for each other's cultures, suggesting a fusion of two souls. Li Hao spoke of his homeland, the vast lands, the beautiful Mediterranean. In fact, for me, having once vacationed in the Mediterranean region in the modern era, I could attest to its beauty. I also shared the customs and life I'd witnessed in the Tang Dynasty, careful not to mention that I had travelled through time. From our talk, our aspirations for a future life together transformed from mere images to plans, and finally into specific and clear goals.
We envisioned operating a piece of land of our own, away from the hustle and bustle of Chang'an, in this ancient world, cultivating and sowing seeds, self-sustaining. We dreamt of a small study where Li Hao's sword and my pen would hang on the wall, narrating our story and adventures. There, we would grow our own vegetables and fruit trees and fill our leisure time with poetry and song.
The home we imagined was a blend of tradition and modernity and would become a cradle for a new culture. It would be more than just a house made of bricks and wood; it would be a harbor built from our conjoined hearts. In this home, we planned to teach our children to understand and respect multiple cultures, to lead them with love and wisdom into a broader world.
Despite a future filled with unpredictable difficulties and challenges, face to face, our eyes were filled with determination and resolve. We understood that our different backgrounds and experiences might present obstacles to our time-transcending emotion. However, we also knew that it was these differences and barriers that would deepen our connection.
Beneath our shared wishes, a simple life was no longer a fantasy but was becoming a tangible future. At that moment, our pledged future was more colorful than the wildflowers blooming on the hillside. We weren't afraid of how hard the first step would be because we believed that these steps would eventually converge into the path toward happiness.
As the sunset neared, we stood up and embraced gently. The wind on the hillside seemed to be recounting past legends and foretelling future sagas. With tacit understanding and mutual comprehension interwoven, we were ready to overcome all barriers together because we knew that although life may present us with endless questions, our love for each other is the most beautiful answer. On that wild hillside, we not only pledged this life to each other but countless dawns and dusks to come.
Inside the grand imperial city, Li Shimin entered his father Emperor Li Yuan's study with a heart full of complex yet steadfast resolve. In his eyes shone a light different from days past, signaling a brand new determination. He came with a most crucial request—to present a formal betrothal gift to Wu Zetian and ask for her hand in marriage.
A spring breeze swept through the window lattices of the study, stirring the pages of books, as Li Yuan sat deeply absorbed in the warmth of the spring sun. Upon seeing Li Shimin enter, surprise flickered in his eyes, followed by a deep scrutiny. Such expression was unprecedented in Li Shimin, signaling to Li Yuan that what his son was about to propose was of no small matter.
"Father Emperor, beneath your esteemed grace, your son has a matter that begs your attention," stated Li Shimin solemnly, his voice laden with irrefutable emotion and barely contained excitement.
"Father Emperor, I wish to offer a betrothal gift to Wu Zetian and request her to become my wife," Li Shimin said directly and earnestly, his gaze not flinching, his plea reaching deep into Li Yuan's heart.
Li Yuan fell silent. He knew at a glance that Wu Zetian was unlike ordinary women, endowed with knowledge and thoughts divergent from this era. Her presence, the novelty and reform she brought, shone like a brilliant light against the splendid backdrop of the Tang Dynasty.
"Shimin, are you aware of Wu Zetian's background and identity, how extraordinarily different she is? Have you considered the responsibility and risks involved?" Li Yuan finally spoke, his voice carrying the gravity of years and paternal concern.
"Father, I have pondered this countless times. Wu Zetian may be different, but her wisdom, integrity, and beauty are all more than enough to enter our royal abode. Conversing with her is akin to conversing with history—it is a fellowship beyond value," said Li Shimin, his words resolute and passionate, revealing his profound and informed affection for Wu Zetian.
Li Yuan asked himself, this issue was not only about the direction of the Tang Dynasty's fate, the harmony within the court, but also his son's happiness. Wu Zetian stood unique, and it was uncertain whether the noble clans would accept her. Yet the determination in Li Shimin's eyes convinced him that this was not simply a marriage bound by etiquette, but a connection of destiny.
After a long contemplation, Li Yuan nodded slowly. "Marriage is significant and certainly should abide by the rites of our dynasty. Though Wu Zetian does not come from the greatest noble family, her talents and courage are indeed extraordinary. Since you are resolved, this matter shall be left to your judgment."
A great weight lifted from Li Shimin's heart—he knew this was an unprecedented journey, yet with his father's consent, he harbored hope for the future. Fully aware that this move would cause a stir throughout the court, he also firmly believed that this emotion, not yet experienced by others, would embark on a new chapter for the Tang Dynasty, and for himself personally.
So, under the illumination of the golden sunlight, Li Shimin crossed the threshold of the study, with anticipation and determination blooming within him like a flower ready to burst into splendid bloom in the spring wind. He would present Wu Zetian with the betrothal gift, preparing together to write a chapter of history like none before.