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

Since the preparations for the palace banquet began, the atmosphere in the palace has become increasingly delicate. Although Xiao Yanzi and Hongli are of one mind, they are well aware that danger lurks on all sides.

On this day, Little Swallow was in her palace, staring blankly at a painting she had found among the common people, while Little Peach served her from the side.

Xiao Tao asked softly, "Your Majesty, why are you so engrossed in this painting?"

Little Swallow sighed and said, "Little Peach, this painting may be closely related to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion, but I still can't figure out its mystery!"

Just then, A-Zhu walked in, looking somewhat flustered: "Your Highness, Consort Na has arrived, and she's brought Rong Mama with her."

Little Swallow frowned: "What are they doing here? It can't be anything good."

After Zhixi entered, she smiled insincerely and bowed: "Your Highness, I have come today to discuss the seating arrangements for the palace banquet with you."

Little Swallow looked at her: "The seating arrangement is handled by the Ministry of Rites, why did you suddenly bring it up, sister?"

Zhixi said, "Your Majesty, there are people from all walks of life at this palace banquet. The seating arrangement is related to etiquette and hierarchy, so we must not make any mistakes. I have heard that Your Majesty has recently become interested in some antique paintings. Please do not let these trivial matters distract you."

Rong Momo said sarcastically from the side, "Yes, Your Highness, the rules are the most important in this palace. You mustn't break them."

Xiao Yanzi was annoyed: "I know the rules, of course, so there's no need for you and the nanny to worry. If there's nothing else, please go back."

Zhixi persisted, "Is Your Highness trying to get rid of me? I was only trying to be helpful."

At this moment, a eunuch from Hongli's side came to deliver an imperial decree: "Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence in the Imperial Study."

Xiao Yanzi glanced at Zhixi, then stood up and said, "Sister, I'll go see the Emperor first."

Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, Hongli was frowning as he read the memorials. Seeing Xiaoyanzi arrive, he said, "My beloved consort, I have recently received news that some martial arts figures have been frequently active near the capital. I am worried that this is related to the matter of the Dark Shadow Pavilion murals."

Little Swallow asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, could it be that the martial arts world also wants to interfere in palace affairs?"

Hongli nodded: "It's not impossible. I have ordered General Zhaohui to strengthen security. My dear consort, you must also be careful in the palace and not take any risks lightly."

Xiao Yanzi replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will be careful. However, with the palace banquet approaching, I fear that something unexpected may happen."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "I will arrange for Su Peisheng to keep a close eye on the palace banquet. My dear consort, have you discovered any new clues in that folk painting?"

Little Swallow shook her head: "Not yet. The pattern in the painting seems to be pointing to something, but I just can't understand it."

As the two were talking, Hongzhou entered the palace to request an audience. Upon seeing Hongli and Xiaoyanzi together, Hongzhou felt a pang of pain in his heart, but he still forced himself to remain calm and bowed.

Hongzhou said to Hongli, "Your Majesty, I have heard about the preparations for the palace banquet and have come to see if there is anything I can do to help."

Hongli looked at him and said, "Hongzhou, I know your intentions. The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department will handle the palace banquet. If you have nothing else to do, you should go back to your residence and keep your wife company."

Hongzhou glanced at Xiaoyanzi furtively and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. However, I also hope that the palace banquet will proceed smoothly and without any mishaps."

Little Swallow said, "The Prince is very kind. The palace banquet will surely go smoothly. With the Emperor and the ministers' hard work, everything will be foolproof."

Hongzhou hesitated for a moment, then finally took his leave. Back at his residence, Dili Leyao noticed his dejected expression and asked, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Did something unpleasant happen at the palace?"

Hongzhou hugged her with a wry smile: "Leyao, it still hurts to see my brother with her. But don't worry, I'll get over it slowly."

Dilire Yao said gently, "Your Highness, I believe in you. Let's live a good life together."

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Yanzi continued her investigation into the secrets of the murals. She decided to visit the library again, hoping to find more clues. In the library, she accidentally discovered an ancient book that recorded some connections between palace secrets and martial arts sects.

Just as she was reading carefully, she suddenly heard a light footstep. Little Swallow turned around alertly, only to find it was Lin Yuhang.

Lin Yuhang said softly, "Little sister, what are you doing here? I came to find some books for Father, and I didn't expect to see you. What are you looking at?"

Little Swallow closed the book: "Brother, it's nothing, I was just browsing. There are so many books in this library."

Lin Yuhang looked at her and said, "Little sister, if anything happens to you, you must tell your brother. I will help you."

Little Swallow felt a warmth in her heart: "Brother, thank you. I will."

After leaving the library, Xiao Yanzi felt that someone was secretly watching her. She told Hongli about it, and Hongli's eyes turned cold: "My dear consort, it seems that the palace is becoming increasingly turbulent. I must find out who is behind this."

As the date of the palace banquet approaches, the undercurrents within the palace grow ever stronger. Various factions are secretly plotting, and whether Xiao Yanzi and Hongli can hold on to each other amidst these crises and unravel the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion murals remains to be seen.

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