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

"Hmph! In any case, we need to come up with a solution as soon as possible. The incident at the Prime Minister's residence is just the beginning; we have an even bigger conspiracy to follow." Hongli's expression was solemn, with a hint of worry in his eyes.

Xiao Yanzi was extremely anxious, pacing back and forth in the room: "Fourth Prince, who is behind this? Why are they targeting my father and involving so many palace intrigues?"

Hongshi pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "In my opinion, this matter is definitely related to the people in the harem. Zhixi and Rong Mama had previously made things difficult for Xiaoyanzi in every way, and the incident at the Prime Minister's residence may be their next move."

Little Swallow stopped abruptly, her eyes widening: "Third Prince, are you saying that this was all planned by Zhixi and the others? But why would they go to such lengths? Just because I'm close to the Fourth Prince?"

Hongli shook his head slightly: "I'm afraid it's not that simple. There are complex and intertwined interests in this palace. Perhaps there are other forces secretly colluding to use the matter of the Prime Minister's residence to stir up even bigger trouble."

Just then, Xiao Tao came in with tea. Hearing their conversation, she couldn't help but interject, "Miss, could it be that someone is trying to undermine Lord Lin in court, thereby affecting your position in the palace?"

Little Swallow took the tea, took a sip, and sighed, "Little Peach, what you said makes sense. But I have no intention of fighting for anything in this palace, so why won't they leave me alone?"

Hongzhou rushed over and said as soon as he entered, "I just heard some news. It seems that some ministers have a long-standing feud with Lord Lin in the court. They may have joined forces with people in the harem to try to bring down the Prime Minister's residence in one fell swoop."

Hongli frowned: "Which ministers are they? Hongzhou, tell me in detail."

Hongzhou looked at everyone and said, "As far as I know, there are Lord Li and Lord Wang who have always been wary of Lord Lin's prestige in the court. Lord Li also has some connections with Consort Qi's family. The relationships behind this are really complicated."

Upon hearing this, Little Swallow angrily exclaimed, "This is too despicable! For their own selfish gain, they would stop at nothing and implicate so many people!"

Hongshi calmly analyzed, "We can't act rashly now. Now that we know about our potential adversary, we need to find a way to deal with it. Fourth Prince, do you think we can start by gathering evidence of their collusion and expose their conspiracy in court?"

Hongli nodded: "Hongshi is right. However, this evidence will probably be hard to find. Since they dare to act in this way, they must be careful to cover up the traces."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Fourth Prince, I have an idea! We can start with the people around them; maybe we can find some clues. For example, those servants or maids; they always accidentally reveal something."

Hongzhou agreed, saying, "Xiaoyanzi's idea is feasible. I can send someone to secretly investigate the whereabouts and words of the people around them."

Hongli looked at them and said, "That's the only way. Hongzhou, I'm entrusting this matter to you. Be sure to be careful and cautious, and don't alert the enemy."

Hongzhou cupped his hands and said, "Fourth Brother, rest assured, I will definitely take care of it."

At night, Hongzhou and his attendants secretly monitored outside Lord Li's residence. After several days and nights of surveillance, they finally discovered one of Lord Li's attendants sneaking out of the residence and heading towards the outskirts of the city. Hongzhou and his men quietly followed, and saw the attendant meeting a mysterious person in front of a secluded temple.

Hongzhou hid in the shadows, trying hard to hear their conversation.

The attendant whispered, "I have completed all the tasks assigned by the master. The evidence against the Prime Minister's residence has also been forged and is just waiting for the right moment to be presented."

The mysterious man sneered, "Well done. Once the Prime Minister's mansion falls, you officials will reap the rewards. And the ladies of the harem will also lend a hand."

Hongzhou was shocked. So they really were fabricating evidence! He decided to remain calm for now and go back to inform Hongli and the others about the matter.

Upon returning to the palace, Hongzhou immediately sought out Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, and Hongshi, recounting everything he had seen and heard.

Little Swallow said angrily, "How could they be so shameless! Fabricating evidence, they're trying to kill my father!"

Hongli's face darkened: "It seems they are determined to deal with the Prime Minister's residence. However, now that we know their plot, we cannot let them succeed. Hongshi, do you have any ideas?"

Hongshi pondered for a moment and said, "Fourth Brother, we can take the initiative to report the situation to Father Emperor before they submit their evidence, and present some clues we have collected about their collusion, so that Father Emperor can send people to investigate thoroughly. Although our evidence may not be sufficient, at least it can arouse Father Emperor's suspicion and delay their plans."

Hongli nodded: "That's the only way. However, we still have to be careful that they might resort to desperate measures, which could be detrimental to us or the people of the Prime Minister's residence."

Little Swallow said worriedly, "Fourth Prince, are my father and mother in danger? I'm so worried about them."

Hongli comforted her, "Little Swallow, don't worry too much. I will arrange for people to secretly protect the safety of the Prime Minister's residence. You should also be careful during this time and try not to act alone, so as not to give them any leverage."

Little Swallow nodded: "I understand, Fourth Prince. I won't run around."

However, just as they were discussing countermeasures, Rong Momo was plotting a new conspiracy in Zhixi's palace.

Rong Momo said in a shrill voice, "Madam, it seems that Xiao Yanzi and the others have discovered our plan. We must hurry up."

Zhixi frowned slightly: "Granny, we mustn't be too hasty. If the Emperor discovers our conspiracy, it will be a great loss."

Rong Momo's eyes lit up: "Madam, this old servant has an idea. We can spread rumors in the palace that Xiao Yanzi is colluding with rebels outside the palace. In this way, the Emperor will surely punish her severely, and the Prime Minister's mansion will also be implicated."

Zhixi hesitated for a moment: "If this rumor is exposed, we will be doomed."

Rong Momo sneered, "Don't worry, Madam, this old servant will do it flawlessly. We'll find some people to spread the rumors quietly in the palace. Once the rumors are spread, it will be difficult for them to deny them."

Zhixi gritted her teeth: "Alright, Granny, go and do it. But be careful."

Rong Momo left to carry out her orders, and soon rumors about Xiao Yanzi began to circulate in the palace. In no time, everyone in the palace was pointing fingers at Xiao Yanzi, and she found herself in a difficult situation.

Upon learning of the rumors, Little Swallow trembled with anger: "Who is spreading these rumors and slandering me! I must find out the truth and clear my name!"

Hongli comforted her, "Little Swallow, don't get agitated. Let's analyze this calmly. This rumor must have been spread by Zhixi and the others. We need to find a way to silence everyone."

Hongshi said, "Fourth Brother, we can find some stories about Xiaoyanzi's chivalrous deeds in the palace so that everyone knows what kind of person she is and thus dispel this rumor."

Little Swallow said helplessly, "But the rumor spread too fast, and everyone already believes it. What should we do?"

After a moment of contemplation, Hongli said, "We can hold a palace banquet where Xiaoyanzi can showcase her talent and kindness, and explain things clearly to everyone. At the same time, I will secretly investigate the source of the rumors, find evidence, and severely punish those who spread them."

Little Swallow nodded: "That's all we can do. Fourth Prince, I hope this will work."

As preparations for the palace banquet progressed, Xiao Yanzi diligently practiced her zither and calligraphy at the Prime Minister's residence, hoping to impress everyone at the banquet. Meanwhile, Hongli was busy throughout the palace, searching for ways to dispel rumors and gather evidence to investigate the Prime Minister's residence. Hongzhou continued to monitor the movements of Lord Li and others, while Hongshi offered advice and assistance to Hongli from behind the scenes.

On the day of the palace banquet, everyone gathered together. Little Swallow stepped forward with a nervous heart, bowed to everyone, and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, recently rumors have been circulating in the palace about me. I, Little Swallow, hereby assure you that I have never committed any disloyal or unfilial acts. I am the daughter of a high-ranking official, and I have been fortunate to serve in the palace thanks to your kindness. Although I am lively and cheerful, I am also well aware of right and wrong. Today, I wish to demonstrate my musical skills and calligraphy to prove my sincerity."

After saying this, Xiao Yanzi sat down at the zither and played a melodious tune, a piece filled with her grievances, determination, and yearning for the truth. Then, she picked up her brush and wrote a calligraphy piece, the lines revealing her talent and integrity.

Seeing Xiao Yanzi's behavior, the crowd began to waver. At this moment, Hongshi stepped forward and said, "Everyone, I have known Xiao Yanzi for a long time, and I know her character well. She has helped others and acted chivalrously in the palace many times. How could such a person collude with rebels? This rumor must be maliciously spread by someone to frame her."

Hongli stepped forward and said, "Father is also very concerned about this rumor and has ordered a thorough investigation. If the person who spread the rumor is found, he will not be let off lightly."

Just as everyone was discussing the matter, Su Peisheng rushed over and whispered a few words in Hongli's ear. Hongli's expression changed, and he turned to the crowd, saying, "Everyone, I have just received news that the matter of the Prime Minister's residence has been investigated. It was Lord Li and Lord Wang who fabricated evidence in an attempt to frame Lord Lin. They have been arrested and brought to justice by order of the Emperor."

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this. Little Swallow was overjoyed and cried tears of joy: "That's wonderful! My father has finally been exonerated!"

When Zhixi and Rong Mama heard the news, their faces turned deathly pale. They knew their plot had failed, and they would face severe punishment from the Emperor.

With the resolution of the Prime Minister's affair and the dispelling of rumors, Xiao Yanzi's position in the palace gradually became secure. Her relationship with Hongli also deepened through these events. Although they still faced the challenges of their identities, they decided that no matter what, they would face the challenges of the future together.

After experiencing these events, Hongzhou gradually let go of his feelings for Xiaoyanzi and began to try to get along well with Princess Dilireyao. He discovered that the princess was actually a kind and intelligent woman, and sparks of affection gradually began to fly between them.

Although Hongshi still harbored some feelings for Xiaoyanzi, he understood that Xiaoyanzi and Hongli were each other's destiny. He chose to silently offer his blessings and continue to use his wisdom in the palace to assist Hongli in handling state affairs.

The palace and the prime minister's residence have finally returned to a temporary peace, but beneath this calm, countless undercurrents still surge. What stories await them in the future?