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

After Lin Yuxuan left, a brief silence fell over Shufangzhai. Xiao Yanzi broke the silence, her voice urgent: "Your Majesty, although we've already sent people to look for the old Taoist priest, we don't know when we'll hear from him. It's really worrying!"

Hongli frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "For now, we can only wait patiently. However, we cannot place our hopes solely on this one matter. Hongzhou and his men should make further discoveries regarding those suspicious guards and the antique shops outside the palace."

"Hmph! These guards usually seem so honest, I never expected them to be so suspicious!" Little Swallow said angrily. "Once we find out, we'll make them pay!"

"We don't have conclusive evidence yet, so we can't easily alert them," Hongli cautioned. "We must proceed cautiously step by step to completely uncover the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy."

"Your Majesty, what do you think is in that little box? Could it be something very important that the Shadow Pavilion is so determined to get it?" Little Swallow asked suspiciously.

"I have also been pondering this question. Since this small box could cause Imperial Physician Liu to disappear, it must contain a secret that is crucial to the Shadow Pavilion," Hongli said slowly. "Perhaps it is a key clue about the formation, or perhaps it is evidence that can threaten us."

"Whatever it is, we must find it as soon as possible!" Little Swallow clenched her fists, her eyes resolute.

At this moment, Su Peisheng hurriedly walked in, knelt down and reported: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, there is still no news of the old Taoist priest, but Prince Hongzhou sent someone to deliver a message saying that they have made a new discovery in the antique shop."

"Oh? Tell me quickly, what's the new discovery?" Hongli immediately sat up straight, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Prince Hongzhou's men discovered that the antique shop, ostensibly a business, actually had mysterious people frequently coming and going. Moreover, they found some strange symbols in the shop, somewhat similar to those they had seen at the Shadow Pavilion," Su Peisheng said.

"Strange symbols? Similar to those of the Shadow Pavilion?" Little Swallow's eyes widened. "This can't be a coincidence! Your Majesty, shouldn't we immediately send people to shut down the antique shop and arrest and interrogate those mysterious people?"

“We must not act rashly.” Hongli waved his hand. “Since these mysterious people dare to operate openly in the capital, they must have some powerful backing. If we act rashly, it may cause even greater trouble.”

"What should we do? Are we just going to watch them plot against us right under our noses?" Little Swallow said anxiously.

“Of course not,” Hongli said. “Have Hongzhou continue to send people to keep an eye on the antique shops and see what those mysterious people are planning. At the same time, have him collect evidence and take them down when the time is right.”

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will go and convey the decree immediately." Su Peisheng accepted the order and withdrew.

“Your Majesty, I think we can’t rely solely on Hongzhou and the others. I want to investigate that antique shop myself,” Xiao Yanzi suddenly said.

"No! It's too dangerous!" Hongli immediately refused. "The people of the Shadow Pavilion are cunning and treacherous. If you go and something happens to you, I... I absolutely cannot let you take that risk!"

"But Your Majesty, I also want to share your burdens. In order to find Physician Liu and to break the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy, I am not afraid of danger!" Xiao Yanzi said eagerly, her eyes full of determination.

"Little Swallow, I understand your feelings. But you are my Empress, and your safety is of utmost importance." Hongli held Little Swallow's hand and said affectionately, "We have many people who can help. You stay in the palace and we will discuss countermeasures together when we have definite news."

Xiao Yanzi looked at Hongli, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. "Your Majesty, you are so kind to me. Alright then, I'll listen to you and stay in the palace. But please be careful!"

"I will. You must take good care of yourself too," Hongli said gently.

Just then, Xiao Tao hurried in and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Ling has arrived."

"Please come in quickly!" Little Swallow said.

Consort Ling entered the Shufangzhai, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I have heard about the disappearance of Imperial Physician Liu and have been very worried. Is there any new clue?"

"Consort Ling, you've come at the perfect time. We just received news that Hongzhou and his men have made a new discovery at an antique shop outside the palace," Xiao Yanzi said.

"Oh? What new discovery is it?" Consort Ling asked curiously.

Hongli briefly explained the situation at the antique shop. After listening, Consort Ling frowned slightly: "Your Majesty, the Shadow Pavilion seems to be quite powerful, having such a stronghold in the capital. We must find a way to wipe them out as soon as possible."

"That's exactly what I think too. However, we still need to wait for the right opportunity," Hongli said.

"By the way, Consort Ling, have you heard any news about the Shadow Pavilion while you're in the palace?" Xiao Yanzi asked.

After pondering for a moment, Consort Ling said, "I haven't heard any special news. However, I think we can look for clues from those palace maids. Perhaps they know something else."

“You’re right. Although we didn’t get much information from the two palace maids Su Peisheng brought back, perhaps they’re still hiding something,” Hongli said. “Su Peisheng!”

“Your servant is here!” Su Peisheng immediately walked in.

"Go and bring those two palace maids back. I want to interrogate them myself," Hongli ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Su Peisheng turned and left.

A moment later, Su Peisheng entered with two palace maids. Upon seeing the Emperor and Empress, the two maids were so frightened that they knelt on the ground again.

"You two, raise your heads! I'll ask you one more time, is there anything you haven't said about Physician Liu and that little box?" Hongli asked authoritatively.

The older palace maid said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, we really have told you everything we know. That night, we really only saw this much."

“Yes, Your Majesty, we dare not hide it,” another palace maid hurriedly added.

Little Swallow stepped forward, squatted down, and looked into their eyes, saying, "Don't be afraid. As long as you tell the truth, the Emperor won't make things difficult for you. If you really have any clues, just tell us, because it concerns Physician Liu's life!"

The two palace maids exchanged a glance. The older maid hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, actually... we also saw that when the man in black gave the small box to Physician Liu, he seemed to say something as well."

"What is it? Speak quickly!" Hongli asked anxiously.

“We were far away and only heard a few words, something like ‘West Suburbs… dilapidated temple…’” the palace maid said.

"A dilapidated temple in the western suburbs?" Xiao Yanzi and Hongli exchanged a glance. "Could this be related to some agreement with the people of the Shadow Pavilion?"

“Very likely.” Hongli stood up. “Su Peisheng, immediately send someone to monitor the area near the dilapidated temple in the western suburbs and see if there is anything unusual.”

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Su Peisheng accepted the order and left.

"It seems that this dilapidated temple in the western suburbs might be a key location. We need to keep a close eye on what's happening there," Hongli said.

"Your Majesty, should we make preparations now so that we can respond promptly in case anything happens?" Xiao Yanzi asked.

“Yes, you’re right. Notify the Imperial Guards to be ready to be deployed at any time,” Hongli said. “Consort Ling, keep this matter quiet for now, lest we alert the enemy.”

"Your Majesty, I understand. Please rest assured," Consort Ling said.

At this moment, in the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Yuxuan and Hongzhou were discussing the matter of the suspicious guard.

"Your Highness, I find the guards' actions very strange. There must be a bigger conspiracy behind them," Lin Yuxuan said.

“That’s right. These guards usually seem honest and law-abiding, but I never expected them to be colluding with the Shadow Pavilion.” Hong Zhou said with a frown, “We must find out their background as soon as possible and see what they are planning.”

"Your Highness, I heard you made a new discovery at the antique shop, is that true?" Lin Yuxuan asked.

Hongzhou nodded and told Lin Yuxuan about the antique shop. Lin Yuxuan's eyes lit up after hearing this: "Your Highness, could we start with those strange symbols? Maybe we can find some clues?"

“I think so too. I’ve already sent people to investigate the meaning of those symbols, and I hope we’ll find something,” Hongzhou said. “By the way, Yuxuan, did you find any other clues while investigating the guards?”

After pondering for a moment, Lin Yuxuan said, "Your Highness, I've discovered that these guards also have dealings with some eunuchs in the palace. Although we don't yet know the specifics of their relationship, I think this could be a breakthrough."

“Oh? Palace eunuchs? That’s an important clue,” Hongzhou said. “Keep an eye on these eunuchs and see what information they are exchanging with the guards.”

"Yes, Your Highness! I will do my best," Lin Yuxuan said.

Meanwhile, near the dilapidated temple in the western suburbs, the guards sent by Su Peisheng had already laid in wait. As dusk fell, the area around the temple fell silent.

Suddenly, a dark figure appeared furtively at the entrance of the dilapidated temple, glanced around, and then slipped inside.

"Something's up!" a guard whispered. "Should we follow them in?"

"Don't act rashly yet. Let's wait until more people arrive," another guard said.

After a while, several more dark figures entered the dilapidated temple. The lurking guards cautiously approached the temple, wanting to listen to what was happening inside.

"This matter must be handled cleanly and efficiently, without letting Hongli and the others discover any clues!" a deep voice said.

"Don't worry, Chief. We've arranged everything. Once we get that item, we'll have succeeded!" another voice said.

"How is Physician Liu doing? Has he said anything?" another voice asked.

"Not yet. He's very stubborn. But that's okay, we have plenty of ways to get him to talk."

The guards listened outside, and although they couldn't hear the specifics clearly, they knew there must be a big conspiracy involved.

"We must tell the Emperor this news immediately!" a guard said.

“Alright, go and inform the Emperor. We'll continue to keep watch here,” another guard said.

Soon, the guards who had gone to inform him arrived at the palace and told Hongli about the situation at the dilapidated temple in the western suburbs.

"Something's definitely up!" Hongli stood up. "Immediately summon the Imperial Guards. Let's go to the ruined temple in the western suburbs!"

"Your Majesty, it's too dangerous! Let us servants go and scout the situation first," Su Peisheng advised.

"No! This is a rare opportunity. I must go and see for myself who is behind this!" Hongli said firmly.

"Your Majesty, I want to go too!" Little Swallow said.

"Little Swallow, you..." Hongli wanted to dissuade her.

"Your Majesty, please stop talking. I won't hold you back; I'll face the danger with you!" Little Swallow said, her eyes filled with determination.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi and nodded helplessly: "Alright, you can come with me. But you must listen to me and protect yourself."

"Yes! I understand, Your Majesty!" Little Swallow said.

Soon, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, along with the Imperial Guards, quietly arrived near the dilapidated temple in the western suburbs.

"Your Majesty, those people are still inside," a guard reported in a low voice.

Hongli nodded, signaling everyone to quietly approach the dilapidated temple. Just as they were about to enter, they suddenly heard the sounds of fighting coming from inside.

"What happened?" Little Swallow asked in surprise.

"Go in and take a look!" Hongli waved his hand, and the Imperial Guards immediately rushed into the dilapidated temple.

Inside the dilapidated temple, a group of men in black were fighting with several mysterious figures. Both sides paused for a moment upon seeing Hongli and the Imperial Guards enter.

"Who are you? Why are you fighting here?" Hongli asked loudly.

One of the mysterious figures removed his mask and said, "Your Majesty, we are here to help you! We have been secretly investigating the Shadow Pavilion and, after discovering their conspiracy, we wanted to wipe them out here."

"You? Why are you helping me?" Hongli asked in confusion.

"Your Majesty, the Shadow Pavilion has committed numerous evils, endangering the court and the people. Although we are people of the martial world, we also have a patriotic heart, so we have decided to lend a helping hand," the mysterious man said.

"I see. Do you know what the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy is?" Hongli asked.

“All we know is that they’re looking for something important, something that seems to be related to an ancient formation. We don’t really know what it is,” the mysterious man said.

"An ancient formation?" Little Swallow recalled the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory and the Eight Trigrams and Nine Palaces she had mentioned before. "Could it be related to what that old Taoist priest said?"

"Perhaps. It seems we should start with this formation and continue our investigation," Hongli said.

At this moment, the men in black realized the situation was not good and tried to take the opportunity to escape.

"Don't let them get away!" Hongli gave the order, and the Imperial Guards immediately surrounded them and captured all the men in black.

"Take these people back and interrogate them thoroughly. We must find out the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy!" Hongli ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Imperial Guards obeyed the order and escorted the man in black back to the palace.

Upon returning to the palace, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi immediately went to the interrogation room to personally interrogate the man in black.

"Who exactly are you people? What is the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy? Speak up!" Hongli asked authoritatively.

A man in black sneered, "Hmph! You want us to tell you? Dream on! You'll never know the truth!"

Xiao Yanzi stepped forward angrily, "If you don't tell, the Emperor won't let you off easily!"

"Your Majesty, why waste words with them? Bring them the severe punishment!" a guard said.

"Don't be in such a hurry." Hongli waved his hand. "I don't believe you can keep being so stubborn."

Just then, Su Peisheng hurriedly walked in and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Hongzhou and Lin Yuxuan request an audience."

“Let them in,” Hongli said.

Hong Zhou and Lin Yuxuan entered the interrogation room and were slightly taken aback when they saw the men in black being escorted.

"Brother, what's going on?" Hongzhou asked.

Hongli briefly recounted the incident at the dilapidated temple in the western suburbs. After listening, Hongzhou nodded and said, "It seems we are getting closer to the truth. Your Majesty, Yuxuan and I have also made some discoveries during our investigation."

"Oh? Tell me quickly, what did you discover?" Hongli asked.

Hongzhou glanced at Lin Yuxuan, who said, "Your Majesty, we have discovered that the eunuchs who communicate with the guards are frequently sending strange letters out of the palace. We have intercepted several, and although we haven't fully deciphered their contents yet, our preliminary judgment is that these letters are related to the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy."

“Strange letters?” Hongli said. “Immediately find someone to decipher these letters and see if we can find any new clues.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Lin Yuxuan replied.

"It seems the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy is more complex than we imagined. We must speed up the investigation and prevent them from succeeding," Hongli said.

"Your Majesty, no matter how difficult it may be, we will stand with you to uncover the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy and protect the palace and the people!" Xiao Yanzi said firmly.

“Yes, Your Majesty, we will definitely do our best!” Hongzhou also said.

Hongli looked at everyone, his eyes filled with relief and determination: "Good! With you all here, I can rest assured. We must thwart their conspiracy before the Shadow Pavilion takes action!"

However, the Shadow Pavilion's power structure is complex and intertwined. What important thing are they searching for? What secrets does that ancient formation hold? Can Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, and the others uncover the truth amidst the layers of mystery and thwart the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy? Everything remains to be seen…

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