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

Yongqi, Erkang, and Liu Qing hurriedly returned to the palace and went straight to the Imperial Study. At this time, Hongli was discussing the remnants of the Shadow Cult with Xiaoyanzi in the study. Upon seeing the three of them return, he immediately got up to greet them.

"You're back. How did it go? Did you find any clues? Where's Xiao Jian?" Hongli asked anxiously.

Yongqi quickly recounted the details of the investigation, from discovering clues related to the Shadow Cult behind the rumors and sabotage, to the attack by the mysterious man, and Xiao Jian's solo fight to help them escape, telling Hongli everything.

"Thankfully, you are all safe and sound. Xiao Jian's understanding of righteousness at a critical moment is truly commendable," Hongli remarked.

"Your Majesty, although we suffered an attack, we did not come away empty-handed. We have confirmed that those rumors and acts of sabotage were the work of remnants of the Shadow Cult, and they seem to be plotting a larger conspiracy to undermine the court from within," Er Kang said.

"Yes, I have noticed these things as well. The people in the capital are in a state of panic. If this matter is not resolved quickly, it may cause even greater turmoil," Hongli said with a frown.

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

After a moment of contemplation, Hongli said, "What we need to do now is, firstly, stabilize public morale, and secondly, continue to investigate the whereabouts of the remnants of the Shadow Cult and wipe them out in one fell swoop."

"Then how can we stabilize public morale?" Little Swallow asked.

"I will issue a proclamation to explain the situation to the people, promising a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those behind it. At the same time, I will arrange for officials to appease the people and provide appropriate compensation to the affected shops," Hongli said.

"Your Majesty is wise," the crowd said in unison.

"As for tracking down the remnants of the Shadow Cult, we still need your continued efforts," Hongli said, looking at Yongqi and Erkang.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will certainly not fail in our mission," Yongqi and Erkang said firmly.

Just then, a guard came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Xiao Jian requests an audience."

"Let him in quickly," Hongli said.

A short while later, Xiao Jian entered the imperial study. He had several wounds on his body, which, although they had been treated briefly, still showed the intensity of the battle.

"Xiao Jian, you're injured!" Xiao Yanzi said with concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. These are just minor injuries, nothing serious," Xiao Jian said.

"Xiao Jian, I am very pleased with your bravery in fighting the enemy and your ability to ensure the safe escape of Yongqi and Erkang," Hongli said.

"Your Majesty flatters me. This is all I should do," Xiao Jian said.

"What are your thoughts on the next steps in investigating the remnants of the Shadow Cult?" Hongli asked.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Jian said, "Your Majesty, after this attack, I think the remnants of the Shadow Cult must be on high alert. It would be difficult for us to make progress by investigating openly, so it would be better to make a plan in secret."

"A covert scheme? Tell me in detail," Hongli said.

“We can deliberately spread some false information to lure them out. For example, we can spread rumors about internal divisions within the court, making the remnants of the Shadow Cult think they have an opportunity, thus exposing their actions. At the same time, we can arrange for people to secretly monitor them, and once they take any action, we can immediately launch an arrest operation,” Xiao Jian said.

“That’s a good idea. We’ll do it your way. You, Yongqi, and Erkang will be in charge of the specific operations. I will arrange some capable guards to assist you,” Hongli said.

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

Thus, Xiao Jian, Yongqi, and Erkang began their tense preparations. They meticulously crafted the content of the false information and disseminated it through reliable channels. Simultaneously, they deployed numerous guards to infiltrate key locations throughout the capital, waiting for the remnants of the Shadow Cult to take the bait.

A few days later, news began to circulate in the capital that two important ministers of the court had clashed fiercely due to disagreements. This news quickly spread throughout the city, attracting considerable attention.

The vice-leader of the Shadow Cult was overjoyed upon hearing the news.

"It seems that cracks are beginning to appear within the imperial court; this is our opportunity," the vice-leader said.

"Vice Leader, what should we do?" a man in black asked.

"We'll send people to incite the populace, letting them take this opportunity to cause trouble. At the same time, we'll infiltrate their ranks, acting as the situation dictates, ideally creating even greater chaos," the vice-leader said sinisterly.

However, their every move was under the surveillance of Xiao Jian and his men. A massive net was being cast against the remnants of the Shadow Cult. Would they be able to capture them all? How would the situation in the capital unfold? All would soon be revealed…

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