The princess arrives and the prosperous Tang Dynasty begins

Chapter 228 The Princess's Determination

In the picturesque years of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an City was like a shining pearl, emitting endless brilliance. In the palace, carved beams and painted buildings, pavilions and towers were scattered in an orderly manner, showing the majesty and luxury of the royal family. Princess Lin Xiao, a princess who grew up under the care of everyone, was in the depths of this dreamy palace.

The palace where the princess lived was a paradise on earth. The vermilion door was inlaid with dazzling golden nails. Once the door was opened, one could see a gorgeous carpet covering the floor. Its patterns were exquisite and the colors were bright, as if it was woven by the sunset glow in the sky. On the walls of the palace, there were paintings and calligraphy by famous artists, and every stroke was full of artistic charm. Through the hollow carved window lattices, the sun gently sprinkled into the house, illuminating the neatly arranged treasures and antiques.

The princess' bedroom was decorated warmly and elegantly. The soft bed and brocade quilt were embroidered with exquisite flower and bird patterns, exuding a faint fragrance. The dressing table beside the bed was filled with various precious ornaments, and pearls, jade, and rubies sparkled charmingly in the sun. However, despite being in this extremely materially rich environment, Princess Lin Xiao's eyes often revealed a trace of imperceptible confusion and emptiness.

Princess Lin Xiao is naturally beautiful, with skin as white as snow and eyes as clear and lively as deep lake water. Her eyebrows are like crescent moons, her nose is straight, and her lips are as beautiful as cherries. She has a graceful figure and exudes a noble temperament in every move. But in her heart, she is thinking about the deeper meaning of life.

The princess was extremely intelligent since she was young, and her thirst for knowledge was like dry land thirsting for rain. She was well-versed in classics, history, and literature, and had unique insights into poetry and songs. However, although life in the palace was full of singing and dancing, fine clothes and delicious food, she felt an indescribable restraint. The struggle for power and intrigue shrouded every corner of the palace like a shadow, and those false smiles and flattering words made her feel bored.

The next day, the sun was shining brightly and the spring breeze was gentle. The princess strolled in the imperial garden, surrounded by flowers that were vying for beauty and colorful. Red like fire, pink like clouds, white like snow, emitting waves of charming fragrance. Butterflies danced among the flowers, and bees shuttled busily among the stamens. However, this picturesque beauty failed to touch the princess's heart. She frowned slightly, with a hint of sadness in her eyes, as if she had lost her way in this gorgeous world.

At this moment, a gentle spring breeze blew by, bringing with it the sound of a melodious bell from a distant temple. The sound was deep and powerful, as if it had traveled through the tunnel of time and space and penetrated the mist deep in the princess' heart. She could not help but stop and listen attentively. The sound was like the sound of nature, stirring up ripples in her heart.

At that moment, an unprecedented feeling surged into the princess' heart. It was as if an invisible force was pulling her thoughts, causing her to have a strong yearning and worship for the unknown mysterious power. From that moment on, the pursuit of God was like a seed that took root and sprouted in her heart.

After returning to the palace, the princess began to look for religious books. She often sat alone under the candlelight in the dead of night, immersed in those words full of wisdom and philosophy. Every story about the gods and every teaching about karma were like stars, illuminating the dark corners deep in her heart.

In the prayer room, she would clasp her hands together, close her eyes, and silently tell God about her confusion and bewilderment. She prayed that God would give her guidance and help her find the true meaning of life. In those quiet nights, the princess's heart gradually drew closer to God, and she felt an unprecedented tranquility and strength.

As time went by, the princess's yearning for God became stronger. She gradually realized that the splendor and wealth in the palace were just passing clouds and could not satisfy her deep desire for the spiritual world. She longed to leave this seemingly prosperous but actually empty palace and go to the vast world to find God's footprints, listen to God's voice, and seek true spiritual comfort.

So, on a quiet night, Princess Lin Xiao made a decision that shocked everyone - she wanted to travel to temples all over the world, experience the existence of God for herself, and explore the unknown spiritual world.

When the princess announced this decision to everyone in the court, the entire palace was instantly in an uproar.

The emperor sat on the magnificent dragon throne, frowning and looking gloomy. His eyes were full of worry and confusion, and he said, "Xiao'er, my precious daughter, you know that this world is dangerous, the journey is long and full of unknown dangers. As the king of a country, how can I let you take risks alone?"

The queen burst into tears, holding the princess's hand tightly, and said in a trembling voice: "My daughter, there are so many good things and so many favors in the palace, why do you have to go out and suffer? You have been sleeping in the open air all the way, if something happens to you, what will I do?"

The ministers in the court also knelt down and gave advice, saying earnestly: "Your Highness, you are a royal family, and your status is extremely noble. Traveling around the world's temples is really a loss of the dignity and respect of the royal family. I hope Your Highness will think twice!"

Even the princess's closest maids and eunuchs surrounded her and begged her: "Princess, the outside world is full of hardships and dangers. We are here to serve you in the palace. You can get whatever you want. Please give up this idea!"

However, in the face of everyone's dissuasion and opposition, Princess Lin Xiao's eyes became more determined. She straightened her back, her eyes were like torches, and she slowly said: "Father, mother, and ministers, I know that you care about me and love me. But in this palace, although I enjoy all the glory and wealth, I always feel that my heart is empty. My yearning for God is like a burning flame that cannot be extinguished. I believe that God will guide me and protect me on my way forward. I also believe that through this journey, I can find inner peace and the true meaning of life. Please believe in me and support me."

The princess' words were powerful and resounded in the court. Everyone was shocked by her firm determination and fell silent for a moment. The emperor looked at his daughter's determined eyes and knew that her mind was made up and could not be changed.

The decision had been made, and the princess began to prepare for her journey in full swing.

The first thing she had to do was to select her entourage. The princess knew that the difficulties and dangers along the way required the company of brave, loyal, and resourceful people, so she conducted a strict screening among the palace guards.

In the martial arts arena, the sun was blazing, and the guards were all in high spirits, showing off their martial arts and skills. Some were wielding long spears, with the tips of their spears dancing like silver snakes; some were drawing bows and shooting arrows, hitting the bull's eye without missing a single shot; others were showing off their boxing and kicking skills, with a nimble body and a vigorous look.

The princess sat aside and carefully observed the performance of each guard. Her eyes were sharp and sharp, not missing any details. After many rounds of competition and inspection, the princess finally selected several guards with strong martial arts and meticulous minds.

Among them, a guard named Li Yong attracted the princess' special attention. He was tall and strong, with a resolute face and a firm and brave look in his eyes. In the competition, he defeated many opponents with his excellent swordsmanship and flexible body movements. When the princess talked with him, she found that he was not only outstanding in martial arts, but also smart and had unique insights into things. The princess believed that Li Yong would be her right-hand man in the future journey.

In addition to the guards, the princess also selected several considerate and capable palace maids. These palace maids must not only be good at taking care of the princess' daily life, but also have strong will and the ability to adapt to difficult environments.

During the selection of palace maids, a maid named Lan'er stood out. She had a pretty face, a gentle and kind personality, and was careful and thoughtful in her work. When the princess communicated with her, she felt her sincerity and loyalty. Lan'er told the princess that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles there were ahead, she was willing to accompany the princess and never leave her.

After selecting her entourage, the princess began to pack her luggage carefully.

The princess' room was filled with clothes, books, daily necessities, etc. She sorted everything out herself, thinking carefully about the items that might be useful during the journey.

The princess selected several sets of light and comfortable clothing that would suit the weather and allow for easy movement, and she also prepared some warm cloaks, hats, and gloves to protect her from the cold nights and mountains.

As for books, the princess brought her favorite religious books and some history and geography books. She hoped to continue learning and thinking during the journey and increase her knowledge.

As for daily necessities, the princess prepared bronze mirrors, combs, ointments and other daily necessities. She also brought some precious medicinal materials and first aid supplies in case of emergency.

In addition, the princess did not forget to bring some precious jewelry and valuables. These jewelry can not only be exchanged for the necessary items at critical moments, but also can be given as gifts to the destined people she met along the way.

While preparing her luggage, the princess was both excited and nervous. She imagined all the situations she might encounter during the journey and thought about how to deal with them. She carefully considered every item she chose.

Finally, the day of departure arrived.

In the early morning, the sun had just risen, and the golden sunlight was shining in the palace courtyard. The princess, wearing a simple blue travel outfit and carrying a carefully prepared bag, stood at the door of the palace early. Her eyes were full of expectation and determination, and behind her were her carefully selected followers.

The emperor and empress came to see him off again, their eyes full of reluctance and worry.

The emperor wore a gorgeous dragon robe, tears glistening in his eyes, and said, "Xiao'er, the journey is long and arduous, so you must take good care of yourself. If you encounter danger, do not act stubbornly and return to the palace immediately."

The queen hugged the princess tightly and burst into tears: "My daughter, you must come back safely. I will pray for you every day."

The princess knelt down and saluted, her voice firm and powerful: "Father, mother, rest assured, I will take good care of myself and live up to your expectations."

After saying this, the princess stood up and took a deep look at the familiar palace and the faces of her relatives. Then, she resolutely turned around and walked out of the palace gate.

Outside the palace gate, the carriage and horses had already been prepared. The princess boarded the carriage, lowered the curtains, and said to the driver, "Let's go!"

The driver whipped the horse and the carriage moved slowly forward. The princess looked out the window at the palace gradually receding and said goodbye silently in her heart.

As the carriage bumped, the princess's thoughts drifted far away. She didn't know what was waiting for her ahead, but she firmly believed that this would be a journey that would change her life.