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

Little Swallow galloped wildly along the path leading to the secluded valley, the wind whistling past her ears, as if telling of her deep sorrow. Memories of her time with Hongzhou and that ill-fated kiss with Hongli kept flashing through her mind, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions. "Ziwei, Yongqi, Erkang, Father Emperor, I'm in so much pain!" she cried out into the empty valley, as if trying to release all the pain in her heart.

Hongli followed her quietly and was shocked to hear her call. "So Xiao Yanzi has been reborn too! No wonder this Lin Xiaoyan looks exactly like Xiao Yanzi, but Xiao Yanzi was illiterate while she is proficient in all the arts. Could it be that she has transmigrated?" Hongli pondered to himself, and his many doubts were instantly answered.

Little Swallow stopped by a stream, dismounted, and sat on a rock by the water, staring blankly at the flowing water. Hongli slowly approached and softly said, "Little Swallow, why are you here alone, grieving?"

Xiao Yanzi was startled by the sound, turned around and saw Hongli, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes: "Fourth Prince, you... how did you get here?"

Hongli looked at her, his gaze filled with inquiry and tenderness: "Little Swallow, the Ziwei, Yongqi, and Erkang you just mentioned were all close friends in your past life. Therefore, I am certain that you have been reincarnated."

Little Swallow's eyes reddened as she said urgently, "I am Little Swallow. I fell while playing at Shufangzhai and became Lin Xiaoyan, also absorbing her memories."

Hongli nodded slightly, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Little Swallow, I have also been reborn. I was reviewing memorials in the Imperial Study when I suddenly felt dizzy and returned to my 18-year-old self."

Little Swallow's eyes widened: "Father Emperor, what's going on? How did we end up like this?"

Hongli sighed softly: "Perhaps this is a strange arrangement from heaven. Little Swallow, this secret must never be known to anyone else."

Little Swallow nodded quickly: "Father, I understand. But my heart is in turmoil. My relationship with Hongzhou was shattered by the Emperor's arranged marriage, and I have developed feelings for you..." Her face flushed slightly, "...and feelings that I shouldn't have. What should I do?"

Hongli walked to her side and gently took her hand: "Little Swallow, don't be too sad. If there is an opportunity, we will surely find a solution. I will consider Hongzhou's matter. As for you and me, we don't need to be bound by our past identities."

Little Swallow looked up at Hongli, a hint of stubbornness in her eyes: "Father, you make it sound so easy. This palace is full of rules and power struggles; how can one easily escape them?"

At this time, Hongzhou, having already married the Xinjiang princess in the palace, still strongly resisted the marriage. He drowned his sorrows in alcohol in his palace, ignoring Princess Dilireyao. Seeing her son in such a state, Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan felt both heartache and helplessness, and decided to speak with Hongzhou again. Zhen Huan arrived at Hongzhou's palace and saw him looking haggard, his brows furrowed.

Zhen Huan said softly, "Hongzhou, things have come to this, and being so depressed won't solve anything. The princess is innocent; you should try to accept her."

Hongzhou raised his head, his eyes filled with pain and confusion: "Mother, I only have Xiaoyanzi in my heart. I don't know how to face the princess."

Zhen Huan sighed: "If you continue like this, you will not only hurt the princess, but also put yourself in an even more difficult situation. This royal marriage involves many things, and you must be responsible for your identity."

Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister's residence, Lord Lin was worried as Xiao Yanzi was nowhere to be found. He said to Xiao Tao, "Xiao Tao, do you know where Miss has gone? She's been emotionally unstable these past few days, and I'm afraid something might have happened to her."

Xiao Tao shook her head: "Master, Miss didn't say. However, Miss has been mentioning a place called Youyou Valley lately. Could she have gone there?"

Lord Lin frowned: "Youyou Valley? What kind of place is that? Send someone to find it immediately."

Xiao Tao replied, "Yes, sir."

In the secluded valley, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli were still talking. Xiao Yanzi said, "Father, what do you think we should do to face Hongzhou? He is deeply in love with me, and I feel really guilty for hurting him like this."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "Little Swallow, matters of the heart cannot be forced. As for Hongzhou, we can only be honest with him. However, this requires a suitable opportunity."

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. Hongli looked over alertly: "Who could it be?"

Before long, Hongshi arrived on horseback. Seeing Xiaoyanzi and Hongli together, Hongshi was slightly taken aback: "Fourth Brother, Xiaoyanzi, what are you doing here?"

Little Swallow was a little embarrassed: "Third Prince, I just came here to relax."

Hongshi looked at them, seemingly sensing something, but he didn't ask any further questions. He said to Hongli, "Fourth Brother, news has come from the palace that Father Emperor is paying close attention to Hongzhou's marriage to the Xinjiang princess. Because of Hongzhou's attitude, things may change. We need to find a way to deal with it."

Hongli frowned: "Third brother, I understand. Xiaoyanzi and I are discussing this matter. Do you have any good ideas?"

Hongshi shook his head: "I don't have any good ideas for the time being. I just feel that we can't let things get worse."

The three stood in the secluded valley, each lost in their own thoughts. This dual vortex of court intrigue and emotions was drawing them deeper and deeper, and whether they could find a way out of this predicament remained to be seen.

Little Swallow gazed into the distance, silently praying that a ray of dawn would pierce through the endless darkness. She knew she could no longer run away; whether facing Hongzhou, Hongli, or the infighting within the entire palace, she had to bravely confront and make her choices.