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

The turmoil at the Prime Minister's residence has temporarily subsided, and everyone thought they could enjoy a moment of peace. Little did they know, an even greater upheaval was about to unfold.

On this day, the sun was obscured by dark clouds, and a gloomy atmosphere permeated the Prime Minister's residence. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli were studying ancient books in the study, trying to find more clues about the murals in the Shadow Pavilion from the obscure text and patterns.

Xiao Yanzi frowned, pointed to a blurry pattern on the ancient book, and said, "Your Highness, look at this. It seems somewhat similar to the fragments of the murals we saw before, but I really can't figure out what it means."

Hongli leaned closer to examine it closely, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "My dear consort, this pattern seems simple, but it contains hidden secrets. Perhaps it is related to the secret of rebirth. We still need to investigate it carefully."

Consort Fucha entered carrying tea and snacks, and said softly, "Your Highness, Your Highness, please rest for a while and have some tea. You haven't had a proper rest these past few days because of this ancient book."

Little Swallow took the teacup and said with a smile, "Sister, it's all thanks to you that you've taken such good care of us."

Consort Fucha smiled slightly: "This is what I should do. I only hope that the secret can be solved as soon as possible, so that the Prince and the Empress will have less to worry about."

However, at that moment, the tranquility of the Prime Minister's residence was shattered by the rapid sound of galloping hooves. Xiao Tao rushed into the study, her expression panicked, and said, "Your Highness, Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! A messenger from the palace has arrived with news that the Emperor... the Emperor has passed away!"

Everyone was shocked. Hongli almost dropped the teacup in his hand. His eyes widened, and he exclaimed incredulously, "What? How could Father Emperor have suddenly passed away?"

Xiao Yanzi also looked surprised and quickly grasped Hongli's hand, comforting him, "Your Highness, don't panic."

Hongzhou rushed over upon hearing the news, his face also filled with shock: "This... how is this possible? I heard yesterday that Father Emperor was in good health, how could he be like this today..."

Lord Lin stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, do not panic at this moment. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and there are certainly many matters in the palace that require your attention."

Hongli took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and nodded, saying, "Lord Lin is right. I will go to the palace now."

Little Swallow looked at him with concern: "Your Highness, let me go to the palace with you."

Hongli looked at her, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. After all, the situation in the palace was complicated, and he was afraid that Xiaoyanzi would be in danger. But seeing the determination in Xiaoyanzi's eyes, he nodded and said, "That's good. With my beloved consort by my side, I can feel more at ease."

The crowd rushed into the palace, which was already filled with sorrow and chaos. Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan stood to one side, her face etched with grief yet exuding a hint of dignity. Upon seeing Hongli arrive, she said softly, "Hongli, your father passed away suddenly, leaving behind a will bequeathing the throne to you before his death. Now, this heavy burden rests on your shoulders."

Hongli knelt to receive the imperial decree, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Although he had long been prepared to ascend the throne, the sudden passing of his father filled him with grief, but even more so with fear and unease about the future.

Xiao Yanzi silently stayed by his side. She knew that from this moment on, Hongli was no longer just the prince who had adventured with her, but the ruler of the world. She secretly vowed in her heart that she would stay with Hongli in this palace and face all the storms together.

The coronation ceremony for the new emperor was hastily prepared. Hongli, dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown, ascended the throne amidst the homage of the crowd. Fucha was made empress, Xiaoyanzi was made imperial concubine, and Niohuru Zhixi was made concubine.

After the ceremony, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli returned to their palace. Looking at Hongli's tired face, Xiao Yanzi said with heartache, "Your Majesty, from today onwards, you are the ruler of this land. You must take good care of yourself and not overwork yourself."

Hongli held her hand and sighed, "My beloved consort, I know. But the forces inside and outside the palace are complex and intertwined. I fear that if I am not careful, I will fail my father's trust and let down the people of the world."

Xiao Yanzi nestled in his arms and said, "Your Majesty, no matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together. Just like before at the Prime Minister's residence, if we work together, we will surely overcome the difficulties."

However, unbeknownst to them, a mysterious force seemed to be surging beneath the surface of Emperor Yongzheng's death. This force was intricately connected to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion, and Xiao Yanzi and Hongli were about to embark on an even more arduous journey amidst the vortex of court power and mysterious conspiracies.

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