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

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli stood in the Imperial Garden, the sunlight shining on them, but it could not dispel the gloom in their hearts.

Xiao Yanzi frowned and said softly, "Your Highness, the man in black robes has refused to reveal the mastermind since he was captured. I have a feeling that this matter is not so simple, as if there is a bigger net shrouding us in the dark."

Hongli nodded slightly, his eyes showing worry: "What my beloved consort says is very true. I have also been thinking about this. Among the many ministers in the court, who has the audacity to collude with the Shadow Pavilion and plot a rebellion?"

At this moment, Consort Fucha came over, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, Little Swallow, I have heard that several ministers in the court have been moving around frequently and behaving rather suspiciously recently. Among them seems to be Lord Niohuru, who seems to have had some contact with the black-robed man who was arrested."

Little Swallow stared wide-eyed in surprise: "Lord Niohuru? He usually seems quite upright. Could it be that we've mistaken him for someone else?"

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "We cannot draw conclusions based on just one side of the story. I will send people to investigate secretly, and if he truly has ulterior motives, he will not be let off easily."

Hongzhou also came to the garden. When he saw them, he said, "Fourth Brother, Little Swallow, I just came back from outside the palace. I heard some rumors among the people that something big is about to happen in the palace, and it seems to be related to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion."

Little Swallow asked anxiously, "Prince He, what kind of rumors are these? Tell me in detail!"

Hongzhou glanced at Xiaoyanzi and said, "I've only heard a few words, saying that the mural hides a great secret concerning the fate of the nation, and whoever can unlock it will control the world. That's why all sorts of forces are vying for it."

Hongli frowned: "If this rumor is deliberately spread by someone with ulterior motives, then the purpose must be to disrupt the court. We must find out the truth as soon as possible and silence the gossip."

Lin Yuhang rushed over, bowed to everyone, and said, "Your Highness, while consulting ancient books, I discovered some new clues about the Shadow Pavilion. It seems that the Shadow Pavilion is not just a martial arts sect; it is intricately connected to an upheaval in the palace many years ago."

Hongli asked anxiously, "Yuhang, what happened? Tell me quickly!"

Lin Yuhang took a deep breath and said, "According to ancient records, when the late emperor was in power, a prince was secretly executed for failing to seize the throne. It seems that the Shadow Pavilion rose up quietly after that, as if it was carrying out some kind of revenge plan."

Little Swallow covered her mouth in shock: "This is too terrifying! Could the mastermind be a descendant of that prince?"

Hongli's expression turned solemn: "It's not impossible. It seems the waters behind this are much deeper than we imagined."

After learning of this, Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan summoned Hongli to the inner palace.

Zhen Huan said seriously, "My child, this matter concerns the dignity of the royal family and the stability of the country. You must handle it carefully. You must not let the person behind the scenes succeed. If necessary, I will also lend you a hand in the harem."

Hongli respectfully replied, "Mother, rest assured, I will do my best and will not let you down."

Xiao Yanzi accidentally encounters Niohuru Zhixi in the palace, whose eyes are filled with resentment.

Zhixi sneered, "Miss Lin, do you think you can enjoy the prince's favor forever? The court is ever-changing, and you are just an outsider who will be eliminated sooner or later."

Xiao Yanzi retorted without backing down, "Princess Zhixi, the Prince and I are truly in love. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together, unlike some people who only resort to underhanded tactics."

After saying this, Xiao Yanzi turned and left, but felt uneasy. She found Hongli and said, "Your Highness, I think Consort Zhixi's words today were a bit strange. She seems to know something. Should we start our investigation with her?"

Hongli hesitated for a moment before saying, "Although Zhixi is sometimes jealous of you, she is, after all, my concubine, and I do not want to doubt her easily. However, what you said makes sense, and I will have people keep an eye on her every move."

Su Peisheng came to report: "Your Highness, this old servant found out that the man in black robes had contact with a mysterious person in prison. The mysterious person was masked and his face could not be seen, but this old servant found a jade pendant on him. The jade pendant was engraved with a special pattern, which looked like the symbol of a certain family."

Hongli's eyes sharpened: "Continue the investigation! We must find out the identity of that mysterious person."

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli were carefully studying the information about the Shadow Pavilion in the study when Xiao Yanzi suddenly discovered a painting. The pattern in the painting was somewhat similar to the mural they had seen in the secret room.

Little Swallow exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness, look at this painting! The pattern here seems to be part of a mural. Could this be the key to unlocking the secrets of the mural?"

Hongli examined the painting carefully and said, "My dear consort, you are indeed meticulous. There seem to be some words hidden in this painting, but they have been cleverly concealed."

As they were studying the matter, Fucha Fuheng came to request an audience.

Fu Heng said, "Your Highness, I have received news that there have been some unusual developments on the border recently. It seems that a mysterious force is operating in the shadows, and I suspect it is related to the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli stood up and said, "Fuheng, you go and investigate this matter immediately. If it is indeed related to the Shadow Pavilion, you must stop their conspiracy. Xiaoyanzi and I will continue to study the secrets of the murals here and try to find the mastermind behind it as soon as possible."

Fu Heng accepted the order and left. Xiao Yanzi looked at Hongli and said firmly, "Your Highness, no matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I will stay by your side and face them with you."

Hongli held Xiaoyanzi's hand and said, "My beloved consort, with you by my side, I have endless courage."

Amidst the veil of mystery surrounding the imperial court and the martial world, can Xiao Yanzi and Hongli uncover the truth behind the Shadow Pavilion using these clues? What methods will the mastermind hidden in the shadows employ to counter this? What will become of their love and destiny amidst this fierce conflict? Everything remains uncertain, and the story continues to unfold, awaiting the next turning point.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.