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

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli were both preoccupied with their own desire to uncover the secrets of the murals in the Shadow Pavilion, and their days in the palace were far from easy.

That day, Xiao Yanzi was embroidering in her palace, while Xiao Tao helped her arrange the silk threads. Xiao Tao looked at Xiao Yanzi and said softly, "Your Highness, you've had a falling out with that concubine over the palace banquet these past few days. You must take good care of yourself!"

Little Swallow sighed softly and said, "Little Peach, I don't have the mind to worry about these things. I always felt that the palace banquet was not simple; it might be intricately connected to the secret of the mural!"

Xiao Tao frowned: "Your Majesty, but the Emperor also warned you not to act rashly! What if something goes wrong?"

Little Swallow put down her embroidery and said firmly, "I know what I'm doing! As long as the secret of that mural remains unsolved, there won't be a single day of peace in this palace!"

Just then, Su Peisheng walked in, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence in the Imperial Study. He says he has something to discuss with you."

Little Swallow stood up, straightened her clothes, and said, "Understood, thank you for leading the way, Eunuch Su."

Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, Hongli was standing before a table, looking at a map with a slight frown. Seeing Xiaoyanzi arrive, he beckoned, "My beloved consort, come and see. This is something I had someone find for you. It seems to be related to the location of the Shadow Pavilion."

Little Swallow quickly leaned closer, looking at some of the locations marked on the map, and asked doubtfully, "Your Majesty, this doesn't look very clear. How can you be sure it's related to the Shadow Pavilion?"

Hongli said in a deep voice, "My beloved consort, I have also inquired from various sources and heard that some martial arts figures have appeared in these places. The Shadow Pavilion has always been mysterious, and it may be hiding somewhere among them."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Shouldn't we send someone to investigate?"

Hongli shook his head: "We need to be cautious about this matter. The Shadow Pavilion has many connections. If we send people rashly, we might alert them."

At this moment, a eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, news has come from Empress Fucha that she is feeling unwell, and the preparations for today's palace banquet will likely have to be postponed."

Little Swallow said worriedly, "Her Majesty, the Empress has always been in good health. Why is she suddenly unwell? Your Majesty, should we go and see her?"

Hongli nodded: "Very well, I will go with you to visit him."

Upon arriving at the Empress's palace, Empress Fucha was leaning against the couch, her face slightly pale. Seeing Hongli and Xiaoyanzi arrive, she forced a smile: "Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort, thank you for your concern. Perhaps you are tired from preparing for the palace banquet these days. You will be fine after a rest."

Little Swallow stepped forward and took the Empress's hand: "Your Majesty, you must take good care of yourself. This palace banquet cannot be held without you presiding!"

Empress Fucha patted Xiaoyanzi's hand: "With you and Consort Na helping me, I feel more at ease. It's just that I am indeed a little tired right now."

After leaving the Empress's palace, Xiao Yanzi said to Hongli, "Your Majesty, I think the Empress's illness is rather strange. Could it be... related to that hidden force?"

Hongli's expression was grave: "My beloved consort, I share this concern. The preparations for this palace banquet are being watched by all sides, and it's hard to guarantee that someone won't try to sabotage it in secret."

Meanwhile, in her palace, Niohuru Zhixi listened to the news gathered by Rong Momo and sneered, "Hmph! It's good that the Empress is ill. It would be best if the position of host of this palace banquet fell to me. Then, let's see how arrogant that Little Swallow can be!"

Rong Momo chimed in, "Your Majesty is right! As long as you can preside over the palace banquet, you will definitely be able to give that Little Swallow a good talking to."

Zhixi added, "However, the Empress's illness is indeed a bit strange. Granny, go and inquire further to see if it's a real illness or if someone is deliberately causing it."

"Yes, Your Highness, this old servant will go right away." Rong Mama replied and withdrew.

Outside the palace, Hongzhou and Dili Leyao were strolling in the garden of the mansion. Dili Leyao looked at Hongzhou and said softly, "Your Highness, there have been many reports of things happening in the palace lately. Haven't you thought about going in to see for yourself?"

Hongzhou smiled and said, "Leyao, now that I am married to you, I no longer wish to get involved in palace affairs. I only wish to stay with you and live a peaceful life."

Dilire Yao frowned slightly: "But that Little Swallow had a past with you after all. I'm afraid she's not safe in the palace. Are you really at ease with her?"

Hongzhou sighed softly, "The past is all gone now. I've let it go, and I don't want to get involved anymore. I believe she'll have her own way of dealing with it, and besides, the Emperor is protecting her."

After returning to her palace, Xiao Yanzi was still preoccupied with the Empress's illness, the palace banquet, and the secret of the murals in the Shadow Pavilion. She summoned Azhu and instructed her, "Azhu, go and discreetly find out who has been coming and going in the palace these past few days, especially those near the Empress's palace."

Azhu nodded: "Yes, Your Highness, this servant will go right away."

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the palace, undercurrents surge, with various factions scheming for their own ends. Whether Xiao Yanzi and Hongli can unravel the mystery of the murals amidst this complex situation, and whether they can protect the Empress and ensure the smooth running of the palace banquet, remains uncertain.

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