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

After receiving their orders, Liu Qing and Liu Hong hurried towards the imperial kitchen. Their steps were hurried, and their expressions were serious.

"Liu Hong, we have to be careful with this. We mustn't alert them," Liu Qing said in a low voice.

"Understood, Liu Qing! We need to find out more about this chef," Liu Hong replied.

The two arrived outside the imperial kitchen and casually observed the activity inside. They saw a slightly plump cook busy at the stove, with several eunuchs helping out.

"It's him? He doesn't look particularly special." Liu Hong muttered to herself.

“Don’t underestimate him. The more ordinary a person seems, the more extraordinary they may be,” Liu Qing said. “Let’s find an opportunity to get close to him first.”

The two entered the imperial kitchen, and Liu Hong smiled and said to the cook, "Brother, we are from the Empress's side. She instructed us to come and see how the imperial meals are being prepared."

The cook looked up, a smile plastered on his face: "So you're someone from Her Majesty the Empress's side. The imperial meals are being prepared according to the rules, so you two can rest assured."

Liu Qing sized up the cook and asked, "How long have you been working in the imperial kitchen, brother?"

"I've been working in this imperial kitchen for quite some years," the cook said as he continued with his work.

"Oh? Have you encountered anything interesting on a daily basis?" Liu Hong asked casually.

The cook paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "Our imperial kitchen is all about cooking every day, there's nothing new here."

Liu Hong and Liu Qing exchanged a glance, sensing something was off about the cook. Liu Hong continued, "I've heard that some strange things have been happening in the palace lately. Have you heard anything about it, brother?"

"I'm busy in the imperial kitchen all day long, I don't have time to listen to those things." The cook's tone was somewhat indifferent.

Liu Qing felt they couldn't keep beating around the bush and asked directly, "We've heard you've been in contact with people outside the palace recently. Is that true?"

The cook's face changed, and he almost dropped the spoon in his hand: "This... what are you talking about? How could I have any dealings with people outside the palace? You two shouldn't listen to those rumors."

"Hmph! You'd better tell the truth! If we find out you really have a problem, you'll be in big trouble!" Liu Hong said sternly.

Cold sweat broke out on the cook's forehead, and his eyes began to dart around: "I...I really didn't, please don't wrong an innocent person!"

Just then, a young eunuch ran in: "Chef Liu, Eunuch Li is looking for you. He says he has something to tell you."

As if grasping at a straw, Chef Liu hurriedly said, "Gentlemen, I have to go see Eunuch Li. We'll talk again when I get back." With that, he left the Imperial Kitchen in a hurry.

"Liu Qing, this cook is definitely up to something!" Liu Hong said anxiously.

“That’s right, we can’t let him get away. Let’s follow him and see,” Liu Qing said.

The two men quietly followed behind Chef Liu, who looked around nervously. Reaching a secluded corner, Chef Liu looked around to make sure no one was watching, then took a letter from his pocket and handed it to a man in black who was waiting there.

"The goods have been delivered, but where's the money?" Chef Liu asked in a low voice.

"What's the rush? Once things are settled, you'll be well rewarded," the man in black said coldly.

Liu Qing and Liu Hong, hiding to the side, witnessed everything. Liu Hong couldn't help but want to rush out, but Liu Qing grabbed her arm, saying, "Don't rush, let's see what they have to say first."

"What exactly do you want me to do? I don't want to cause trouble," Chef Liu said.

"Hmph! You're already involved, you have no choice. Follow the plan, and you'll be rewarded with wealth and honor. If you dare to try anything funny, you know the consequences!" the man in black threatened.

"Yes, yes, I'll do whatever you say," Chef Liu said, bowing and scraping.

The man in black took the letter and turned to leave. Liu Qing and Liu Hong felt the time was right and immediately rushed out.

"Stop! What are you doing!" Liu Hong shouted.

Seeing this, the man in black immediately drew his dagger and stabbed at Liu Qing and Liu Hong. Liu Qing reacted quickly, dodging to the side and simultaneously punching the man in black in the face. Liu Hong was not to be outdone, and kicked the man in black in a flying kick.

The three began to wrestle in the corner. The man in black was skilled in martial arts, but Liu Qing and Liu Hong cooperated well and gradually gained the upper hand.

"Who exactly are you people? What is your relationship with the Shadow Pavilion?" Liu Qing asked as he fought.

"Hmph! You want me to talk? Dream on!" the man in black said through gritted teeth.

Just then, a group of men in black suddenly appeared and surrounded Liu Qing and Liu Hong.

"Oh no, we've been ambushed!" Liu Hong shouted.

"Don't be afraid, fight them!" Liu Qing shouted, clenching his fists.

The group of men in black were well-trained and launched a fierce attack. Although Liu Qing and Liu Hong fought back with all their might, they gradually became overwhelmed.

"What should we do, Liu Qing? This can't go on!" Liu Hong said anxiously.

"We must find a way to break through and get the message out!" Liu Qing said.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yanzi anxiously awaited news from Liu Qing and Liu Hong in her palace.

"Why hasn't he come back yet? Could something have happened?" Little Swallow paced back and forth in the room, her heart filled with anxiety.

Xiao Tao comforted her from the side, "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Liu Hong and Liu Qing are very reliable. Nothing will happen."

"I hope so. I won't have a moment's peace until the Shadow Pavilion issue is resolved," Little Swallow said.

At this moment, Su Peisheng hurriedly walked in: "Your Majesty, the Emperor requests that you go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation immediately."

Xiao Yanzi was slightly taken aback: "Why is the Emperor in such a hurry to find me? Has something happened?"

"This servant is also unaware; His Majesty simply instructed this servant to quickly invite you over," Su Peisheng said.

Little Swallow dared not delay and immediately followed Su Peisheng to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

When they arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Yanzi saw Hongli sitting there with a serious expression, with several ministers standing beside him.

"Your Majesty, what has happened?" Little Swallow asked anxiously.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi with a solemn expression: "My beloved consort, we have just received news that an unknown force is approaching the palace, and it is very likely that it is the Shadow Pavilion."

"What!" Little Swallow exclaimed in surprise, "How could this happen? What about Liu Qing and Liu Hong...?"

"I am also worried about them. How dare the Shadow Pavilion so blatantly invade the palace! They are too arrogant!" Hongli said angrily.

"Your Majesty, what should we do?" Little Swallow asked.

"I have summoned my ministers to discuss countermeasures. We must keep this force out of the palace!" Hongli said.

"Your Majesty, I request to join the battle and do my part to protect the palace!" Xiao Yanzi said firmly.

"My beloved consort, this is too dangerous. I cannot let you take such a risk," Hongli said.

"Your Majesty, I am not afraid! We cannot stand idly by and watch the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy unfold. Moreover, Liu Qing and Liu Hong are still outside, and I must go and help them!" Xiao Yanzi said.

Looking at Xiao Yanzi's determined eyes, Hongli knew he couldn't dissuade her, so he could only say, "Alright, my beloved concubine, but you must be careful and never act impulsively."

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Little Swallow replied.

Just then, a guard rushed in: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The palace gates have been attacked, and the guards are fighting back fiercely!"

"Let's go! Let's go take a look!" Hongli stood up and led Xiaoyanzi and the ministers toward the palace gate.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, they were met with deafening shouts of battle. A group of men in black were engaged in fierce combat with the Imperial Guards. Each of the men in black was highly skilled in martial arts, and although the Imperial Guards put up a tenacious resistance, they were gradually becoming overwhelmed.

"Your Majesty, let me lead a team to break out and catch them off guard!" Little Swallow said.

"Good! I order you to lead a squad of Imperial Guards and make sure to repel these men in black!" Hongli said.

After receiving the order, Xiao Yanzi immediately selected a team of elite imperial guards, opened the palace gates, and rushed towards the men in black.

"Kill!" Little Swallow shouted, brandishing her sword and charging into the enemy ranks. The Imperial Guards were greatly encouraged and followed closely behind Little Swallow, engaging in a fierce battle with the men in black.

"Fall down, all of you!" Little Swallow's swordsmanship was fierce, and in an instant, the men in black fell one after another.

However, the men in black seemed endless, surging forward wave after wave. Little Swallow was gradually finding it difficult, but she still gritted her teeth and persevered.

"We can't back down, we must defend the palace gates!" Little Swallow thought to herself, swinging her sword even more fiercely.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from afar. Everyone turned to look and saw Fu Lun and young Er Kang leading a group of men towards them.

"Your Majesty, we've come to your aid!" Furen shouted.

"Good! Join the battle and wipe out all these men in black!" Hongli shouted.

Fu Lun and Er Kang quickly led their men into the battle, and the situation immediately turned around. Seeing that things were going badly, the men in black began to retreat.

"Don't let them get away! Chase them!" Little Swallow shouted.

The Imperial Guards pressed their advantage, and the men in black fled in disarray.

"Hmph! Trying to run away? Not so easy!" Liu Hong's voice came from behind.

Suddenly, Liu Qing and Liu Hong appeared from the side, blocking the retreat of the men in black. It turned out that they had cleverly broken through the encirclement while being surrounded by the men in black and had been looking for an opportunity to counterattack.

The men in black were attacked from both sides and were thrown into chaos. After a fierce battle, they were all finally wiped out.

"Phew, finally solved." Little Swallow wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"Princess, it's all thanks to your timely arrival, otherwise we would have been in real trouble," Liu Qing said.

"Yes, it was really dangerous this time," Liu Hong said.

"It's good that everyone is alright," Xiao Yanzi said. "However, the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy is far from over, and we cannot let our guard down."

“My dear consort is right.” Hongli walked over. “Although we repelled them this time, they will definitely have other plans. We must strengthen our defenses and completely thwart their conspiracy.”

"Your Majesty, what should we do next?" Little Swallow asked.

"We must continue investigating the Shadow Pavilion's leads and find out who is behind them. At the same time, we must strengthen the palace's security to ensure the safety of the imperial palace," Hongli said.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the crowd replied in unison.

However, after this battle, they discovered that the Shadow Pavilion's power was far greater than they had imagined, and the challenges they faced had only just begun...

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