Under Li Yi's affectionate care and unwavering support, Lin Yue's life in the palace seemingly got on track. However, beneath this veneer of tranquility, undercurrents surged, and danger lurked at every turn.
In the imperial court, the conservative faction led by Prime Minister Zhao Chong had long been discontented with the new policies Li Yi implemented. These new policies aimed to reduce people's tax burdens, encourage commercial development, and strengthen border defenses, which had infringed on the interests of many old aristocrats. Cunning and calculating, Zhao Chong outwardly showed great respect for Li Yi. Secretly, he colluded with various forces, plotting to overthrow the new policies and even undermine the very foundation of Li Yi's rule. Aware of Lin Yue's influence on Li Yi, he regarded her as an eyesore and a thorn in his side, determined to use her as a breakthrough.
One day, Lin Yue was discussing medical skills with the imperial doctors at the Imperial Medical Office, exploring the integration of modern medical concepts with ancient medical practices. Suddenly, a young eunuch rushed in, looking panicked. "Miss Su, Her Majesty the Empress requests your immediate presence at Fengyi Palace," he said. Although puzzled, Lin Yue didn't dare to delay. She quickly packed her medical kit and followed the eunuch to Fengyi Palace.
Upon entering Fengyi Palace, Lin Yue sensed an extremely tense atmosphere. The empress sat regally on her phoenix throne, her face gloomy. Several concubines with unfriendly expressions stood beside her. Before Lin Yue could perform the customary greetings, the empress said coldly, "Su Linyue, do you know your crime?" Startled, Lin Yue immediately knelt down. "Your servant is unaware of where she has offended Your Majesty. Please enlighten me," she said.
Concubine Shu, standing beside the empress, took a step forward and sneered. "Hmph, Miss Su, you've got quite a nerve. Recently, rumors slandering the royal family of the Tang Dynasty have been spreading outside the palace. And the source of these rumors is linked to some people you've associated with. Care to explain? Isn't this your doing?" Lin Yue inwardly groaned. She knew she was being framed, yet at that moment, she was at a loss for words to defend herself.
Maintaining her composure, Lin Yue said, "Your Majesty, since entering the palace, your servant has dedicated herself to the well - being of His Majesty and everyone in the palace. I've never harbored any ill intentions. I truly know nothing about these so - called rumors." The empress sneered. "Hmph, you're quite stubborn. Guards, take her to the Cold Palace for now. We'll deal with her after getting to the bottom of this."
Just like that, before she could defend herself, Lin Yue was forcefully taken to the Cold Palace. The Cold Palace was dark, damp, and reeked of decay. Lin Yue sat on the cold stone floor, her mind racing. She realized this was a meticulously planned conspiracy, and someone was hell - bent on putting her to death.
Meanwhile, when Li Yi learned that Lin Yue had been confined to the Cold Palace by the empress, he flew into a rage. He immediately rushed to Fengyi Palace and confronted the empress. "Empress, what crime has Miss Su committed? Why did you confine her to the Cold Palace without my permission?" Sensing Li Yi's anger, the empress was somewhat intimidated but still feigned calm. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Recently, there have been rumors outside the palace that concern the dignity of the royal family of the Tang Dynasty. Since Miss Su had contact with the people involved in the rumors, I temporarily confined her for caution's sake."
Li Yi said coldly, "Empress, I trust Miss Su's character. There must be something fishy about this. I order you to release her immediately. I will investigate this matter personally. If I find out that
someone is deliberately framing Miss Su, I will show no mercy." Helpless, the empress had to order Lin Yue's release from the Cold Palace.
After Lin Yue was released, Li Yi took her to his imperial chambers without delay. Looking at her haggard face, Li Yi was heartbroken. "Yao'er, you've suffered. I will unmask the mastermind behind this and clear your name." Leaning into Li Yi's embrace, tears welled up in Lin Yue's eyes. "Your Majesty, I trust you. But the situation in the palace is complex. Please be careful."
Li Yi tightly held Lin Yue's hand. "Don't worry, Yao'er. As long as I'm here, no harm will come to you again." To quickly get to the bottom of the matter, Li Yi secretly dispatched his trusted subordinates to investigate the various forces in the imperial court. He discovered that Prime Minister Zhao Chong had been in close contact with some ill - intentioned individuals recently. All signs indicated that Zhao Chong was likely behind the plot to frame Lin Yue.
At the prime minister's mansion, Zhao Chong was secretly conferring with Concubine Shu about their next move. With a sullen face, Zhao Chong said, "It's a pity we failed to get rid of Su Linyue this time. However, His Majesty's affection for her poses a threat to our plans. We must come up with a way to bring her down once and for all." A vicious glint flashed in Concubine Shu's eyes. "Don't worry, Prime Minister. As long as Su Linyue is still in the palace, I'll make sure she never has peace."
On the other side, Lin Yue wasn't sitting idly by. She knew that to truly extricate herself from this predicament, she had to take the initiative. Relying on her intelligence and courage, she began secretly searching for clues in the palace. She talked to some maids and eunuchs who had received her kindness, hoping to glean some useful information from them. Her efforts paid off. Lin Yue finally found some clues, all of which pointed to Prime Minister Zhao Chong and Concubine Shu.
Lin Yue told Li Yi about her discovery. After hearing this, Li Yi was furious. He decided not to hold back any longer and was ready to uproot Zhao Chong and his allies in one fell swoop. However, just as he was about to take action, news came that the situation on the border was deteriorating. It turned out that neighboring countries had learned of the internal strife in the Tang Dynasty and had launched an attack. Li Yi was caught in a dilemma. He wanted to punish Zhao Chong and his ilk, but he was also worried about the border war.
After much deliberation, Li Yi decided to prioritize national affairs. He would lead the army to the border to resist the invaders. Before leaving, he tightly held Lin Yue's hand. "Yao'er, I'm going to fight on the border. Take good care of yourself. When I return, I'll deal with those who tried to frame you." With tears in her eyes, Lin Yue said, "Your Majesty, please come back safely. Your servant will pray for you in the palace."
After Li Yi left, Lin Yue remained alone in the palace. She knew she bore a heavy responsibility. On one hand, she had to maintain peace in the palace and prevent Zhao Chong and his allies from causing trouble. On the other hand, she used her medical skills to prepare medicines for the soldiers on the front line.
In the palace, Lin Yue organized the imperial doctors to mass - produce various wound - healing and epidemic - prevention medications. Drawing on her modern medical knowledge, she improved some prescriptions, enhancing the effectiveness of the drugs. She also taught the imperial doctors some first - aid techniques, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and wound - dressing skills, for emergency situations.
When Zhao Chong and his allies learned that Li Yi had gone to the border, they thought they had an opportunity. They began to plot in secret, planning to launch a coup and seize power while Li
Yi was away. Lin Yue sensed their conspiracy. She secretly sent messengers to inform Li Yi of the situation. At the same time, she joined forces with some loyalists in the palace to prepare for the impending crisis.
Amidst this tense situation, Lin Yue was constantly on the go between the Imperial Medical Office and the inner palace. She had to monitor the progress of medicine production and stay vigilant against Zhao Chong's actions. She knew this was a life - or - death struggle. One wrong step could lead to total defeat.
As days passed, the war on the front line remained deadlocked. Lin Yue anxiously awaited news from Li Yi every day while making final preparations for the approaching crisis. She knew she couldn't back down. She had to stand firm for Li Yi and for the Tang Dynasty.
Finally, on a stormy night, Zhao Chong and his allies couldn't hold back any longer and launched a coup. They led a group of fanatical followers and stormed the imperial palace, aiming to take control of the situation. However, Lin Yue was well - prepared. She fought back together with the loyalists in the palace. During the fierce battle, Lin Yue used her intelligence and courage to defuse several crises.
Just as the two sides were at a stalemate, Li Yi led the army back to the imperial palace miraculously. After receiving Lin Yue's secret report, he knew the situation in the palace was critical. He left part of the army to continue fighting on the border and led an elite force back to the capital day and night. Realizing that the situation was hopeless, Zhao Chong and his allies surrendered one after another.
After this hair - raising crisis, Li Yi and Lin Yue cherished each other even more. Li Yi highly praised Lin Yue's intelligence and courage. He knew that without her, it would have been extremely difficult to resolve the coup so smoothly. Lin Yue was also proud of Li Yi's bravery and decisiveness.
After returning to the palace, Li Yi immediately punished Zhao Chong and his allies severely. Prime Minister Zhao Chong was removed from his post and investigated. Concubine Shu was confined to the Cold Palace. In the imperial court, the forces that had opposed the new policies were completely eradicated by Li Yi. The Tang Dynasty once again regained its former peace and tranquility.
Having gone through this life - and - death test, Li Yi and Lin Yue's relationship grew even deeper. They worked hand in hand, striving for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. During this process, Lin Yue gradually found her value and belonging. She was no longer the modern girl lost in time and space. Instead, she became an integral part of the Tang Dynasty, writing a legendary story with Li Yi.