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

Xiao Yanzi walked on thin ice in the palace. After the imperial decree proclaiming her as empress was issued, pressure from all sides followed. On this day, she was pacing anxiously in the palace, with Xiao Tao serving her beside her, her face full of worry.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, His Majesty will surely stand up for you," Xiao Tao said softly.

Xiao Yanzi shook her head with a wry smile: "Xiao Tao, the palace intrigues are like a tight net, and I am deeply trapped in it, unable to escape."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Yuhang hurriedly requested an audience. Xiao Yanzi quickly straightened her clothes to greet him.

"Sister, the situation is dire. Zhixi has bribed the servants in Nara Nerbu's residence to secretly pressure him, and she's also spreading rumors in the palace that you, despite being born into a prime minister's family, have connections with江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning rough and unruly people). Now everyone is in a state of panic, and the matter of becoming empress is in danger!" Lin Yuhang said anxiously.

Little Swallow's eyes widened, and she said angrily, "How could Zhixi be so treacherous and cunning! I will not sit idly by and wait to die!"

Lin Yuhang hurriedly said, "Sister, don't worry, let's go to the Emperor to discuss countermeasures first."

The two rushed to the imperial study. Upon hearing this, Hongli was furious: "I will not let such despicable behavior go unpunished!"

Xiao Yanzi hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, if this matter is not handled properly, it may cause great chaos. I believe that the most urgent task is to appease Nara Neerbu and thwart Zhixi's conspiracy."

Hongli nodded: "I will handle this properly. I will immediately issue an order to thoroughly investigate the source of the rumors and send trusted confidants to guard Nara Nerbu's residence. Little Swallow, you should return to the palace and wait patiently. I will not allow anyone to disrupt the coronation ceremony."

However, one problem after another arose. Consort Yu suddenly came to see Hongli and expressed her dissatisfaction with Xiaoyanzi's appointment as empress: "Your Majesty, the position of empress is related to the foundation of the country. Although the Imperial Noble Consort is favored by you, she acts eccentrically and has no demeanor of an empress. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Hongli frowned: "Consort Yu, my mind is made up. Do not mention it again."

Seeing Hongli's resolute attitude, Consort Yu was displeased but had no choice but to take her leave.

On her way back to the palace, Xiao Yanzi ran into Hong Zhou and Dili Le Yao. Hong Zhou had a complicated expression, but Dili Le Yao smiled and stepped forward: "Sister, don't pay attention to those gossips. I believe you will definitely become an outstanding empress."

Little Swallow said gratefully, "Thank you for your trust, sister."

But after they left, Little Swallow noticed something strange moving in the roadside flower bushes and shouted, "Who's there?"

Then Rong Momo emerged from behind the flower bushes and said in a sarcastic tone, "Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort has quite the airs. This old servant was merely passing by, yet I was reprimanded by Your Highness like this."

Little Swallow said with disgust, "Granny Rong, don't put on airs in front of me. Your and Zhixi's schemes will be exposed one day!"

Rong Momo sneered and turned to leave. Little Swallow watched her retreating figure, a sense of unease rising within her. How many more traps awaited her in this palace? Could she and Hongli successfully overcome the crisis and usher in the Empress's coronation ceremony?

Back in the palace, Xiao Yanzi was still worried. Xiao Tao served her tea and tried to comfort her: "Your Majesty, since the Emperor has already made arrangements, he will definitely protect you. Please rest and don't hurt yourself."

Little Swallow sighed softly: "Little Peach, you don't understand. In this palace, the situation is ever-changing, the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. One careless move and we will be doomed forever."

Just then, a commotion arose outside. Xiao Yanzi frowned and ordered Xiao Tao to go and investigate. When Xiao Tao returned, she looked flustered: "Your Majesty, some palace maids and eunuchs are gossiping about you and the martial arts figures. The rumors are spreading like wildfire."

Xiao Yanzi was furious and got up to go out and stop him. Lin Yuhang rushed over and stopped her: "Sister, going out now will only make things worse. We need to think this through carefully."

Xiao Yanzi sat down helplessly, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "Brother, I want to go to Nara Nerbu's residence to express my feelings to him in person. Perhaps that will stop him from being bewitched by Zhixi."

Lin Yuhang said worriedly, "Sister, this is too risky. If Zhixi finds out, she will definitely take advantage of it."

Little Swallow said firmly, "I can't just sit here and wait to die; it's better than just sitting here waiting."

Seeing that she was determined, Lin Yuhang had no choice but to say, "Then I'll go with my sister, so that we can look after each other."

The two secretly left the palace and headed to the residence of Nara Nerbu. Along the way, Xiao Yanzi was filled with anxiety, unsure if the trip would be successful. Upon arriving at the residence, she presented her visiting card, but received no response for a long time.

Lin Yuhang felt a sense of unease: "Sister, something seems amiss here."

Little Swallow gritted her teeth: "No matter what, I must see him."

Just as they were about to force their way in, the gatekeeper came out and said, "Your Highness, my master is unwell and unable to receive guests. Please return."

Little Swallow knew this was an excuse, so she said loudly, "Commander, I know you have been coerced by villains. I, Little Swallow, have come here today only to express my feelings. I will treat you well and will never make things difficult for you. Please come out and see me."

There was no movement from inside the mansion. Little Swallow was extremely anxious, but she was at a loss. Lin Yuhang said softly from the side, "Sister, it seems we won't be able to see her today. Let's go back to the palace first and think of a solution."

Little Swallow gazed at the tightly closed gate, her heart filled with worry. The road back to the palace seemed exceptionally long, and she had no idea what conspiracies and schemes awaited her. Her path to becoming empress with Hongli was destined to be fraught with thorns, and whether they could overcome all obstacles and successfully reach the other side remained uncertain.

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