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

As soon as the sunlight began to stream into the palace, Xiao Yanzi rushed to Hongli's study, her expression panicked. "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! I heard that last night, the palace guards on patrol spotted several dark figures flashing by in a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden, but when they chased after them, they had vanished without a trace."

Hongli frowned, a hint of vigilance in his eyes: "It seems the Shadow Society has begun to operate with impunity within the palace. Su Peisheng!"

Su Peisheng hurriedly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this old servant is here."

Hongli ordered, "Strengthen security throughout the palace, especially in areas where important items and confidential documents are stored. We must not allow the Shadow Society any opportunity to take advantage!"

Su Peisheng replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, this old servant will make the arrangements immediately."

Upon learning of this, Hongzhou rushed over to discuss the matter with Hongli and Xiaoyanzi. He said, "Your Majesty, sister-in-law, the Shadow Society is so arrogant. I think we cannot just passively defend; we must take the initiative."

Little Swallow chimed in, "Hongzhou is right! But how can we take the initiative?"

Hongzhou thought for a moment and said, "We can use that ledger to deliberately release some false information to lure them out. Let those officials connected to the Shadow Society mistakenly believe that we have obtained key evidence, and they will definitely take action. Then we can seize the opportunity to grab their dirt."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Although this plan is risky, it is still a viable option. However, the false information must be made cleverly so that they cannot detect any flaws."

At this moment, Consort Ling also came to join the discussion: "Your Majesty, I believe that when implementing this plan, we should also appease everyone in the harem. The atmosphere in the palace has been tense these past few days, and the sisters are all somewhat fearful and uneasy."

Xiao Yanzi said, "What Consort Ling said is right. I will go and talk to my sisters and tell them not to panic, that everything will be decided by the Emperor."

Hongli looked at them and said, "In that case, Xiaoyanzi, go to the inner palace to appease everyone. Consort Ling, you assist Xiaoyanzi. Hongzhou, you come with me to discuss the details of this plan to lure the snake out of its hole."

The crowd responded in unison, "As you command!"

When Xiao Yanzi arrived at the inner palace, she first went to see Niohuru Zhixi. When Zhixi saw Xiao Yanzi, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes: "What are you doing here? The palace is not peaceful now because you are involved with the Shadow Society."

Xiao Yanzi suppressed her displeasure and said, "Sister Zhixi, the palace is facing a crisis. We should all work together instead of blaming each other. I came to tell you that the Emperor has a plan to deal with this, so please don't worry."

Zhixi snorted coldly: "Hmph, I hope so. Just don't make things even more chaotic in this harem."

Xiao Yanzi then visited the other concubines, patiently comforting them. While speaking with Consort Yu, Consort Yu said, "Xiao Yanzi, I know you are a kind child. Yongqi often says you are extremely good to him. I only hope that all this can be resolved soon, and that the palace can return to its former peace."

Little Swallow said gratefully, "Your Highness, please rest assured. The Emperor and I will definitely do our best."

Meanwhile, Hongli and Hongzhou carefully studied the account books, selected a few seemingly crucial pieces of information, altered them, and prepared to spread them as false information.

Hongzhou said, "Your Majesty, once this information is released, those officials will surely panic. We can then send people to keep a close watch on them while they are in a state of panic, and we will definitely be able to find their weaknesses."

Hongli pondered and said, "Hmm, but the person who spreads the news must be absolutely reliable and cannot leak the information."

Hongzhou volunteered: "Your Majesty, I am willing to handle this matter personally. I have also made some friends in the martial arts world. They are good at acting in secret and will surely be able to lend me a hand."

Hongli looked at Hongzhou and said worriedly, "You must be careful on your journey. The Shadow Society is cunning and treacherous; they may already be watching our every move in the dark."

Hongzhou smiled and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will handle this carefully."

Just as Hongzhou was preparing to depart, news arrived that General Zhaohui had been assassinated and wounded in the camp. Hongli was shocked: "What? General Zhaohui assassinated? This must be the work of the Shadow Society; they want to disrupt our plans!"

Hongzhou said angrily, "These despicable fellows! Your Majesty, I will go and check on General Zhaohui's injuries first, and then carry out the plan."

Hongli nodded: "Go quickly and come back quickly. I will also strengthen security in the palace. When you return, we will proceed according to plan."

Hongzhou rushed to the camp and found General Zhaohui lying on the bed, his face pale. Hongzhou asked anxiously, "General, how are you? Who did this?"

General Zhao Hui said weakly, "Your Highness, it was a group of masked men in black who suddenly broke into the camp. Although I fought back with all my might, I still fell victim to their ambush."

Hongzhou clenched his fist: "General, rest assured, I will definitely avenge you!"

In the palace, Xiao Yanzi was also very worried upon hearing the news of General Zhao Hui's assassination attempt. She said to Hongli, "Your Majesty, the Shadow Society is too rampant. We must wipe them out as soon as possible and prevent them from harming innocent people again."

Hongli's eyes were resolute: "I will certainly do so. Once Hongzhou returns, our plan will officially begin, and we will ensure that the Shadow Society has nowhere to hide in this palace!"

At this moment, a tense atmosphere permeated the palace and beyond, with various forces secretly vying for power. Whether Xiao Yanzi and Hongli could successfully implement their plan and thwart the Shadow Society's conspiracy, and what changes General Zhaohui's assassination would bring to the situation, all remained unresolved, like a giant net enveloping everyone, awaiting the judgment of fate.

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