Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

Holding the ancient book, Xiao Yanzi frowned and said to Hongli, "Your Highness, the patterns on this ancient book look very strange. How can we decipher them?"

Hongli comforted her, "My dear consort, don't panic. I have already sent people to invite some great scholars. Perhaps they can figure out something."

Lady Fucha, the primary consort, watched from the side and said softly, "Your Highness, we must hurry up with this matter. The Shadow Pavilion is probably also stepping up its efforts now."

Hongli nodded in agreement, saying, "What the Princess Consort says is true; I understand."

At this moment, Hongzhou rushed over and said loudly, "Fourth Brother, I just found out that Gao Wuyong has been frequently visiting the residence of the Minister of Rites recently. I'm afraid there's something fishy going on!"

Hongli's eyes turned cold: "Hmph, this Gao Wuyong is indeed restless. Hongzhou, keep an eye on him and see what he's plotting."

Little Swallow hurriedly said, "Your Highness, the Minister of Rites has never had any dealings with us. Could it be that he is also colluding with the Shadow Pavilion?"

Hongli said in a deep voice, "It's not impossible. Let's wait until we have concrete evidence before making any decisions."

In her palace, Niohuru Zhixi was being teased by Rong Momo, who added fuel to the fire: "Your Highness, look at that Little Swallow, she's getting involved in all this stuff with the Prince again, she's stealing all the limelight!"

Zhixi frowned slightly and sighed, "Granny, what can I do? The prince is completely preoccupied with her now and doesn't care about me at all."

Rong Momo said fiercely, "Princess Consort, we can't just let this go. We have to find a way to let the Prince know how good you are."

At the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuhang said to Lord Lin, "Father, my sister and the others are currently facing difficulties in investigating the Shadow Pavilion. Should our Prime Minister's residence lend a little more support?"

Lord Lin stroked his beard, pondering, and said, "Hang'er, we need to consider this matter carefully. We must not act rashly, lest we bring trouble upon the Prime Minister's residence."

Lin Yuxuan muttered to himself, "Hmph, when I grow up, I'll help my sister catch all those bad guys and see if they dare to cause trouble again."

While tidying up the clothes, Xiao Tao said, "Young Master, you should focus on your studies now. It's not too late to help Miss when you have the skills."

Ah Zhu smiled and chimed in, "That's right, young master, young lady is counting on you to have a bright future."

Su Peisheng quietly approached Hongli and whispered, "Your Highness, this old servant has noticed mysterious people coming and going from the Ministry of Rites' residence at night these past few days, acting suspiciously."

Hongli's eyes narrowed: "Oh? It seems that this Minister of Rites is indeed problematic. Su Peisheng, arrange some men to keep a close watch on the surrounding area, and report back immediately if there is any movement."

Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan called Hongli to her side and instructed him, "My son, you must be careful when you investigate that Minister of Rites. After all, he has some influence in the court. Don't alert him."

Hongli respectfully replied, "Mother, rest assured, I understand the importance of this matter."

Fucha Fuheng came to see Hongli and said, "Your Highness, I have made some progress in my investigation of the underground forces in the capital. They seem to be connected with a mysterious merchant guild, and behind this merchant guild, there is a faint shadow of the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli asked eagerly, "Fuheng, is there anything special about this merchant guild? Have you found their base?"

Fu Heng shook his head: "Your Highness, this merchant guild is extremely secretive. We haven't yet discovered its location, but I've sent people to continue the investigation."

Little Swallow, who was listening nearby, said, "Your Highness, why don't I and Prince He go and inquire among the common people again? Maybe we can find clues about this merchant guild."

Hongzhou immediately responded, "Fourth Brother, Xiaoyanzi is right. Let's give it a try; it's better than just waiting around."

Hongli thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Alright, but remember, if there is any danger, get out immediately and do not linger in battle."

Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou once again ventured into the bustling streets of the capital, inquiring about the mysterious merchant guild.

They entered a security escort agency, and Hongzhou bowed to the head escort, saying, "Brother, have you ever heard of a mysterious merchant guild? It's said to have some connections with the Shadow Pavilion."

The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) glanced at them and asked warily, "Why are you asking about this? That merchant guild is no pushover; you'd better not mess with them."

Little Swallow quickly said, "Big brother, we just want to find out what they're up to. If we can stop them from doing evil, that would be a good thing."

The head镖师 hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "Hmph, I've heard that the merchant guild often does shady business and has connections with many Jianghu gangs and people in the imperial court. I don't know the specifics, but if you really want to know, go to the Yuelai Inn in the south of the city and ask. They're more well-informed there."

Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou thanked the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) and hurriedly headed south of the city.

Upon arriving at the Yuelai Inn, Hongzhou called out, "Innkeeper, give us a superior room and prepare some wine and dishes."

After the food and wine were served, Hongzhou quietly said to Xiaoyanzi, "Xiaoyanzi, we have to be careful. There are many people and eyes in this inn. We don't know who the merchant guild's spy is."

Little Swallow nodded: "Yes, Prince He, I understand. Let's listen to what others are saying first."

They sat in the corner, listening intently to the conversations of those around them.

A man who looked like a merchant whispered, "I heard that the merchant guild is looking for someone who understands ancient writing. I don't know what they need him for, but they're offering a pretty high price."

Another person chimed in, "Hmph, it's probably nothing good. That chamber of commerce is always so secretive, we shouldn't get involved."

Xiao Yanzi's heart skipped a beat, and she said to Hongzhou, "Prince He, could it be that their search for someone who understands ancient writing is related to the contents of our ancient books?"

Hongzhou's eyes lit up: "That's possible, Little Swallow. We need to tell Fourth Brother this news right away."

The two hurriedly left the inn and rushed back to the Prince's Mansion to report the situation to Hongli.

Hongli pondered and said, "It seems this ancient book is becoming increasingly crucial. We need to decipher the text as soon as possible; perhaps we can get there before the Shadow Pavilion."

Just then, the Minister of Rites entered the palace to meet the emperor and accused the Prime Minister's residence of secretly colluding with martial arts forces in an attempt to disrupt the court.

Lord Lin was also summoned to the palace. He said angrily, "Your Majesty, I am innocent! Someone must be slandering the Prime Minister's residence. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

Hongli stepped forward and said, "Father, I feel there is something fishy about this matter. Lord Lin has always been loyal and devoted. How could he do such a thing? I'm afraid someone is deliberately framing him."

The Emperor frowned and said, "Hmph, I will investigate this matter thoroughly. If anyone dares to cause trouble behind this, I will not let them off lightly!"

The court was suddenly thrown into turmoil, with various factions vying for control of the Prime Minister's residence, the Shadow Pavilion, and the mysterious ancient book. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli had to unravel the mystery of the book while simultaneously dealing with the sudden accusations. Could they navigate this complex situation and escape danger? What methods would the Shadow Pavilion use to hinder them? Everything in this turbulent court and martial world was fraught with unknowns and uncertainties. They could only grit their teeth and continue their arduous journey through the thorny path, searching for a glimmer of hope that might change their fate.