On the streets of Chang 'an, among the bustling crowd, a white-haired storyteller was fluently recounting the story of Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue.
The audience around were either squatting or standing, all listening with rapt attention. In every corner of the Tang Dynasty, from bustling cities to remote villages, the legend of Li Yi and Lin Yue is like the spring breeze, caressing everyone's heart and inspiring generation after generation to pursue the qualities of justice, bravery and kindness.
In the academies of Chang 'an, young students sat around together, enthusiastically discussing the life stories of Li Yi and Lin Yue. They comprehended the power of justice from Li Yi's resolute decisions when facing court disputes in the early days of his ascension to the throne.
A student named Zhang Sheng said excitedly, "Back then, when the Emperor was confronted with the facclique and personal gain of powerful officials, he showed no fear and resolutely cracked down on corruption and rectified the order of the imperial court. This laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty." If we enter officialdom in the future, we must take the Emperor as an example, be upright and unyielding, and strive for the well-being of the country and the people.
The students nodded in agreement one after another, with a determined light shining in their eyes. In their hearts, Li Yi's just deeds became the guiding light for their life paths.
In the narrow alleys of the city, the love story of Li Yi and Lin Yue, as well as their care for the common people, have also been passed down from mouth to mouth among the people.
An old lady selling vegetables would always tell her neighbors in her spare time, "I heard that during the famine in the past, the Empress Dowager personally led the concubines in the palace to cook and distribute porridge to relieve the people." Emperor Taishang even made incognito Tours, delved into the lives of the common people to understand their hardships, reduced taxes, and personally guided farmers in farming. They have us common people in their hearts!
The children gathered around the old lady, their eyes wide open, listening curiously. These stories, like warm stoves, enabled the common people to feel the care of the royal family and also sowed the seeds of kindness in the young hearts of the children.
At the border, although the smoke of war has gradually dissipated, the soldiers still remember the teachings of Emperor Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue.
Back then, Li Yi, who was still the emperor, led the Tang army in person to boost morale and repel the invasion of foreign enemies. His spirit of leading by example and being brave and fearless has become a model in the hearts of the soldiers.
When a veteran was recounting his past to a young soldier, he said with deep emotion, "Our Emperor was a true hero!" Facing the enemy, he never shrank back. His bravery filled each of us with fighting spirit. In this peaceful era, we must always remain vigilant and safeguard the territory of the Tang Dynasty. Only in this way can we live up to the expectations of the Emperor.
The young soldiers clenched their fists, their eyes revealing determination. The brave spirit of Emperor Li Yi was carried on in them.
In the field of artistic creation during the Tang Dynasty, the legends of Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue also became important sources of inspiration. The painters used their brushes to depict Li Yi's heroic and valiant appearance on the battlefield, as well as Lin Yue's gentle and caring image for the common people in the palace.
Each painting is vividly lifelike, not only showcasing their charm but also conveying their spiritual essence.
Poets praise their achievements and virtues through poetry, saying, "Emperor Yi is valiant and pacifying the world; Empress Yue is kind and benevolent to the people." Justice and bravery are passed down through the ages, and kindness and virtue shine in the stars.
One after another, poems and verses have been sung among the people, allowing more people to learn about their stories and enabling their spirits to shine in the world of literature.
In folk handicrafts, the legendary figures of Emperor Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue can also be seen everywhere.
An embroidery artist spent several months elaborately embroidering a picture of Li Yi and Lin Yue standing side by side, receiving homage from the common people. On the embroidery, Li Yi's gaze was firm, Lin Yue's smile was gentle, and the faces of the people around were filled with happy smiles.
When this embroidery was exhibited at the market, it attracted many people's attention. People praised the artist's exquisite skills one after another and were even more moved by the legendary story presented by the embroidery.
As time went by, the story of Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue was adapted into various opera plays and performed one after another on the stages in different places. The actors vividly recreated their lives with wonderful performances.
Whenever there is a performance, the audience is fully occupied. They are immersed in the plot and moved by their joys and sorrows.
When Li Yi fought against the treacherous officials for the benefit of the people, rounds of applause broke out from the audience. When the audience saw Lin Yue working day and night to rescue the disaster-stricken people, they couldn't help being moved.
These opera performances have made the story of Li Yi and Lin Yue more deeply rooted in people's hearts, and their spirit has also been elevated in the hearts of the audience.
In the diplomatic Settings of the Tang Dynasty, the legends of Emperor Tai Shang Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue also became an important part of the dissemination of Tang culture.
When the envoys of the Tang Dynasty visited other countries, they would tell their foreign friends the stories of Li Yi and Lin Yue, introduce how they governed the country, how they promoted cultural development, and the values of justice, bravery and kindness they advocated. After hearing this, the foreign friends expressed their sincere admiration for the culture and spirit of the Tang Dynasty and all said they would learn the fine traditions of the Tang Dynasty.
The legend of Li Yi and Lin Yue has not only been passed down within the Tang Dynasty but also spread internationally, establishing a fine image for the Tang Dynasty.
In the palace where Li Yi and Lin Yue once lived, a special memorial hall has now been set up, showcasing their life stories and relics. Inside the museum are displayed the sword that Li Yi once used. The sharp blade of the sword seems to tell of his bravery on the battlefield. There is also a scroll painted by Lin Yue herself, which showcases her talent and love for life. And the medical books and medical supplies written by Empress Dowager Lin Yue with her entire life's energy and outstanding medical experience.
Every day, countless common people come to visit. With a reverent heart, they carefully observe each exhibit and listen to the guides tell their stories.
In the guestbook of the memorial hall, people's admiration and respect for them are filled. "Li Yi and Lin Yue are the pride of the Tang Dynasty. Their spirit will always inspire us to move forward." May we all carry forward this justice, bravery and kindness, and let the glory of the Tang Dynasty continue.
These messages bear witness to people's deep love for them and their determination to carry forward their spirit.
In the school education of the Tang Dynasty, the story of Li Yi and Lin Yue was included in the textbooks and became an important part of students' learning. Teachers guide students to establish correct values and outlooks on life by telling their stories. In the class, the students spoke up actively and shared the inspirations they got from the stories.
I will be as brave as the Supreme Emperor and never retreat in the face of difficulties.
I want to learn from the Empress Dowager's kindness and care for everyone around me.
In the tender voices of the children, there is a yearning for the future and a longing for fine qualities.
The spirit of Li Yi and Lin Yue has thus taken root, sprouted and thrived in the hearts of generation after generation of students.
As time went by, the Tang Dynasty experienced ups and downs, but the legend of Li Yi and Lin Yue has always been passed down among the people and has never been forgotten. Their stories, like brilliant stars, illuminated the long river of history of the Tang Dynasty. Their spirit, like an immortal monument, is forever engraved in people's hearts.
Inspired by them, the people of the Tang Dynasty have always adhered to the virtues of justice, bravery and kindness, and worked together to create an even more brilliant tomorrow. And the Tang Dynasty, under the nourishment of this spirit, continued to thrive and write its own splendid chapter, allowing the story of Li Yi and Lin Yue to be passed down through the long river of time and shine forever.