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

Xiao Yanzi disguised herself and returned to the palace, her heart filled with resentment and worry. She went straight to the palace where Hongli was, and upon seeing him, she said urgently, "Your Majesty, today I disguised myself and investigated. I heard palace maids spreading rumors that I was colluding with foreign powers. They even had detailed accounts, claiming that someone saw me meeting with foreign envoys in secret. This is clearly a malicious frame-up!"

Hongli's face was gloomy as he comforted her, "Little Swallow, I know that this matter is becoming increasingly strange and dangerous. I will definitely clear your name. I have already dispatched more people to not only thoroughly investigate the source of the rumors, but also to delve into the matter of Nara Nerbu. I will definitely uproot this conspiracy."

Little Swallow stamped her foot and said, "Your Majesty, but these rumors are spreading more and more fiercely, and the ministers are also attacking me. I am truly wronged!"

Hongli pulled her to his side and said softly, "My beloved consort, don't worry. I trust you, and that's enough. I will deal with those ministers myself, so please don't worry."

At this moment, Lin Yuhang requested an audience. After bowing to Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, he said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have made a discovery. I have inquired from various sources and learned that Nara Nerbu has an old friend who works in the palace. This person may be a breakthrough."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Brother, let's hurry and go find him."

Lin Yuhang looked troubled: "Sister, this person is extremely cautious and rarely sees outsiders. Although I know where he is, I don't know how to get him to be willing to talk to us."

After pondering for a moment, Hongli said, "I can issue a secret decree ordering him to come see me. He will surely not dare to disobey."

However, before anything could be done, Fei Zhixi came to see Xiao Yanzi. Her eyes were full of smugness when she saw Xiao Yanzi: "Imperial Noble Consort, with rumors spreading all over the palace, can you still feel at ease? I'm afraid you won't be able to hold onto your position as Empress."

Little Swallow glared at her: "Zhixi, it must be you who's been up to no good behind my back. Why are you so vicious?"

Zhixi sneered: "I'm ruthless? I'm only doing this for the sake of the court's rules and the royal family's reputation. How can a woman like you, with your eccentric behavior and unknown origins, be fit to be the empress?"

Hongli rebuked, "Zhixi, stop talking nonsense! How dare you interfere with my decisions?"

Zhixi, however, remained unfazed and continued, “Your Majesty, you may be bewitched by this woman, but the ministers will not, nor will the people of the land. If you insist on making her empress, you may lose the hearts of the people.”

Xiao Yanzi bit her lower lip and said firmly, "Zhixi, no matter how you try to stop me, my friendship with the Emperor will not change, and I will definitely find out the truth and expose your conspiracy."

At this tense moment, Consort Ling rushed over. She looked at everyone and said, "Your Majesty, I have learned that one of Nara Nerbu's confidants seems to be secretly threatened, which is why he dares not take any action. If we can resolve this threat, perhaps he can come forward to assist Your Majesty."

Hongli nodded: "Consort Ling, I'm entrusting this matter to you. Please be careful."

Consort Ling accepted the order and left. Little Swallow watched her retreating figure and said gratefully, "Consort Ling always helps me at crucial moments. If we can get through this calamity, I will repay her kindness tenfold."

Hongli held Xiaoyanzi's hand tightly: "My beloved consort, I will face this together with you, and we will surely overcome all these obstacles."

Meanwhile, Hongzhou and Dili Leyao also heard about the turmoil in the palace. Although Hongzhou still had complicated feelings for Xiaoyanzi, he said to Dili Leyao, "Leyao, Xiaoyanzi is in trouble now. Although I can't treat her the same way as before, I can't just stand by and watch her be framed."

Dilire Yao smiled and said, "Husband, since you have made your decision, I will support you. We can assist you in finding out the truth."

Hongzhou nodded and began to secretly observe the movements in the palace, looking for any unusual people or events related to the rumors.

Xiao Yanzi was restless in the palace. She said to Hongli, "Your Majesty, I cannot just wait in the palace. I would like to go to the vicinity of Nara Nerbu's residence again. Perhaps I can find some new clues."

Hongli said worriedly, "My dear consort, there are many dangers outside, and I am really worried about you."

Xiao Yanzi said, "Your Majesty, I will be careful. I cannot let this conspiracy succeed, nor can I let you stand against the ministers for my sake for too long."

After much deliberation, Hongli finally agreed: "Then take my token with you. It will ensure your safety if you encounter danger. Also, let Lin Yuhang accompany you."

Xiao Yanzi and Lin Yuhang left the palace again and quietly arrived near the residence of Nara Nerbu. They concealed themselves and observed the movements inside the residence. They saw some suspicious-looking people loitering outside the residence, seemingly keeping watch.

Lin Yuhang said in a low voice, "Sister, it seems there must be something going on in this mansion. These people may have been sent by Zhixi to prevent Nara Nerbu from contacting the outside world."

Little Swallow said, "Brother, we need to find a way to distract them and then find an opportunity to contact the people in the mansion."

As the two were discussing their strategy, they suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves. A troop of soldiers was approaching the residence of Nara Nerbu, and they captured all the suspicious individuals.

The leading officer dismounted and bowed to Xiao Yanzi: "Your Highness, the Emperor anticipated that Your Highness would encounter obstacles here, and specially ordered me to come and assist you."

Little Swallow exclaimed with delight, "Your Majesty is truly thoughtful!"

They then entered Nara Nerbu's residence without incident. Upon seeing Xiao Yanzi, Nara Nerbu looked ashamed and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister was forced by treacherous people to dare not agree to His Majesty's request."

Xiao Yanzi said, "Commander, as long as you are willing to help now, it is not too late."

Nara Nerbu nodded: "This old minister is willing to serve Your Majesty and will tell you everything he knows."

From Nara Nerbu, Xiao Yanzi learns that Zhixi is colluding with a mysterious force, seemingly connected to the martial arts world, who plots to control the palace for personal gain. The rumors about Xiao Yanzi are precisely what they orchestrated and spread.

Xiao Yanzi and Lin Yuhang rushed back to the palace with the news to report to Hongli. Upon hearing it, Hongli was furious: "I will definitely eradicate this mysterious force and make Zhixi receive the punishment she deserves!"

Xiao Yanzi looked at Hongli, her heart filled with emotion and determination: "Your Majesty, with you here, I am not afraid. We will definitely be able to completely shatter this conspiracy and usher in our own peace."

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