On the other hand, Lin Xiyao was just as described in the ancient book; a day apart felt like three autumns.
Having not seen the usually boisterous Lin Xiyao step into the school for just a few days, Han Mingyue's heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, as if something extremely important was missing.
That feeling of emptiness crept into his heart like vines, making him feel inexplicably restless and uneasy.
This indescribable emotion, like a fog enveloping him, often made him lose focus in class, his thoughts drifting unconsciously to that long-unseen figure.
Finally, Han Mingyue decided to go to the Lin family in person to ask why Lin Xiyao was not coming to school.
Madam Han has been here for several days. If she doesn't come soon, she will fall behind Master Yuan's studies.
Han Mingyue hurried towards Lin Xiyao's house.
Along the way, his mind kept replaying the moments he had shared with Lin Xiyao at school, and the laughter and joy seemed to still echo in his ears.
However, when he arrived at Lin Xiyao's house full of anticipation, something unexpected happened.
Mrs. Lin told him apologetically that Lin Xiyao was no longer attending the Han Family School. Her words conveyed a firm attitude, seemingly implying that he should not see Lin Xiyao again.
A sense of loss welled up in Han Mingyue's heart, as if someone had suddenly poured a bucket of cold water on her, and the hope that had just been ignited was instantly extinguished.
Despite his earnest attempts to persuade Madam Lin, saying that Master Yuan's lessons were difficult, Madam Lin insisted that men and women should be treated differently and ruthlessly asked him to leave.
Han Mingyue walked out of the Lin family home with a dejected expression. Just as she was about to turn and leave, she bumped into Gu Lili, who had come to visit the Lin family.
However, at this moment, Han Mingyue seemed to have lost her soul, her mind in complete chaos. She mechanically greeted him and left without looking back.
His steps were heavy and slow, each step feeling like walking on cotton, his heart filled with bitterness and helplessness.
Ever since Madam Lin repeatedly and explicitly hinted that she would not allow the two of them to have another chance to meet, Han Mingyue has consistently and strictly adhered to her inner convictions.
Only when Lin Xiyao went to Gu Lili's house would he stand far away and secretly take a look, as if that one look could comfort the longing and concern in his heart.
However, the turning point of fate always comes so suddenly and unexpectedly.
That day, Lord Lin personally went to the fields to carefully check on the growth of the sweet potatoes, but unexpectedly he was bitten by a highly venomous snake.
This scene was witnessed by Han Mingyue, who was concerned about the situation. Without thinking, Han Mingyue quickly took out the precious snake and insect medicine she carried with her and handed it to Lord Lin without hesitation.
After Lord Lin took the snake medicine, Han Mingyue and Lin's servant took him to Donghai Town for treatment. He barely survived and was deeply grateful to Han Mingyue from then on.
Madam Lin gradually changed her opinion of Han Mingyue, after all, he was the savior of Lord Lin and Lin Xiyao.
When Lord Lin was feeling better, Madam Lin specifically asked Lin Xiyao to thank him.
Looking at the woman before him, whom he had been longing for, Han Mingyue felt an overwhelming warmth and joy in his heart.
He slowly reached out and took out the portrait he had carefully created at the school that day from his pocket, solemnly handing it to Lin Xiyao, his eyes revealing deep affection.
The moment Lin Xiyao received the New Year's painting, a faint blush instantly spread across her face. She lowered her head shyly, and after a moment, she snatched the portrait from Han Mingyue's hand, turned around, and ran towards the door, leaving only a hurried figure disappearing into the air.
Han Mingyue stood quietly in place, her gaze fixed on Lin Xiyao's departing figure. A deep sense of loss welled up in her heart, as if all hope had vanished with her departure.
Judging from Lin Xiyao's expression, she must be angry.
Han Mingyue was somewhat annoyed. She shouldn't have acted so impulsively. Now that she had revealed her feelings for him, Lin Xiyao would definitely not pay any attention to her if they met again in the future.
However, to Han Mingyue's utter surprise, Lin Xiyao miraculously returned.
She stood where light and shadow intertwined, her eyes shimmering with shyness and timidity. She looked at Han Mingyue with a mixture of shyness and timidity, and said softly, "Hmph! My mother said your mother is not someone to be trifled with! She absolutely forbids me from having anything to do with you!"
Her tone contained both dissatisfaction and helplessness, and seemed to conceal a hint of unspeakable emotion.
Upon hearing this, Han Mingyue quickly stood up.
"Yao'er! If we really get together, I will never let you suffer even the slightest grievance from my mother!" Han Mingyue promised.
Lin Xiyao covered her mouth and laughed, then immediately put on a serious face again.
"If you pass the imperial examination, then come to my house to propose marriage, but I can't guarantee whether my parents will agree!"
Seeing Han Mingyue hurriedly nod, Lin Xiyao continued, "I'll take this portrait!"
Upon hearing Lin Xiyao's words, Han Mingyue felt a surge of determination. He knew that if he wanted to be with the one he loved, he had to first achieve his high school goals.
From that day on, he became obsessed, immersing himself in books every day and studying diligently without eating or sleeping.
Whether it's the first rays of sunlight shining through the window in the morning or the stars dotting the night sky, he never slackens for a moment.
Time slipped by quietly, and the spring imperial examinations of the following year finally arrived. Han Mingyue stepped into the examination hall with a mix of trepidation and excitement, her hand gripping her pen tightly as if she were holding her destiny in her own hands.
During the exam, he was clear-headed and his thoughts flowed freely, showcasing all that he had learned and thought over the years on the exam paper.
When the bell rang to signal the end of the exam, he breathed a sigh of relief, feeling both affirmation of his past efforts and a slight unease about the future.
The days of waiting for the results felt exceptionally long; for Han Mingyue, each day felt like an eternity.
Every time he heard someone talking about the imperial examinations, his heart would involuntarily race.
Finally, on a sunny afternoon, the good news arrived: Han Mingyue had become the third-highest scorer in the imperial examination!
The news came like a bolt from the blue, spreading throughout the entire capital city in an instant.
Upon learning this, Lin Xiyao's face lit up with a bright smile, and her eyes sparkled with tears of joy.
She knew that Han Mingyue's dream had finally come true, and the distance between them had taken another step closer.
However, fate always seems to like to play tricks on people.
Han Mingyue was overjoyed and wanted her mother to go to the Lin family to ask for her hand in marriage, but Han Mei strongly opposed it.
Han Mei had always had her own plans; she had already chosen Ning Qing, the legitimate daughter of the Ning Earl's family, as her wife for Han Mingyue.
In her opinion, Ning Qing came from a prestigious family and had a distinguished background, making her the most suitable match for Han Mingyue.
Faced with his mother's firm opposition, Han Mingyue was heartbroken, but he was unwilling to give up.
He knew that his feelings for Lin Xiyao were deep and that he could not easily let go.
Left with no other choice, Han Mingyue had to seek help from Yin Jiuchen, who had already ascended the throne.
He knelt on the ground, earnestly telling Yin Jiuchen about his relationship with Lin Xiyao, hoping that Yin Jiuchen would grant him and Lin Xiyao a marriage, considering that he and Yin Jiuchen had known each other in Guzhuang.
Yin Jiuchen listened quietly to Han Mingyue's request, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
He recalled the time he spent at Gu Manor, when this guy had openly confessed his feelings to Gu Lili.
However, Yin Jiuchen was secretly pleased that he had one less rival.
Yin Jiuchen did not agree immediately, but instead summoned Lord Lin and his family, after all, Lin Xiyao was Gu Lili's close friend.
After understanding their thoughts, Yin Jiuchen issued the imperial decree to grant them the marriage.
Han Mingyue was overjoyed after receiving Yin Jiuchen's betrothal.
He immediately prepared the betrothal gifts, selected an auspicious day, and prepared to formally marry Lin Xiyao.
Lin Xiyao, on the other hand, was also eagerly anticipating this day.
After marriage, Han Mingyue always kept his promise in mind, fearing that Lin Xiyao would suffer even the slightest grievance.
Therefore, he resolutely requested Yin Jiuchen to send him to a post outside the capital.
He was transferred to Mingyue Town, not far from Gu County, to serve as an official. From then on, he and Lin Xiyao spent their lives together, writing their own love story.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com