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

The atmosphere in the imperial study was heavy. Yongqi, looking exhausted and remorseful, knelt on one knee and reported to Hongli: "Your Majesty, I am incompetent. Zhang Mazi escaped!"

Hongli's face darkened, and he stared intently at Yongqi: "What happened? Why were you allowed to escape?"

Yongqi didn't dare to look up and recounted in detail how reinforcements suddenly appeared in the tavern and how Zhang Mazi escaped using the secret passage.

Hongli frowned, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "What's the situation at the mine?"

"I haven't received any news from Erkang yet, but he should still be in the midst of battle." Yongqi lowered his head, his voice full of frustration.

"Hmph! Such a turn of events has occurred in this operation; the Shadow Cult is indeed not to be underestimated." A flash of anger appeared in Hongli's eyes.

Just then, a guard rushed over, knelt down and urgently reported: "Your Majesty, Lord Erkang sent word that most of the enemy in the eastern suburbs mine has been wiped out, but some still escaped through the side tunnels."

"What!" Hongli slammed his fist on the table and roared, "How do you do things?!"

Yongqi lowered his head, his body trembling slightly, and dared not speak.

"Your Majesty, please calm down," Xiao Jian hurriedly stepped forward to persuade, "Although this operation had some twists and turns, it also eliminated a considerable amount of the Shadow Cult's forces, so it can be considered a small success."

Hongli took a deep breath and slowly said, "I hope this is just an accident. Next, we must intensify our investigation into the Shadow Cult and not give them any more chances to breathe!"

"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison.

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Xiao Yanzi was extremely anxious after learning the outcome of Yongqi and his group's operation, pacing back and forth in her bedchamber. Consort Ling stood beside her, her face also filled with worry.

"How could this happen? Zhang Mazi ran away, and the enemy escaped. Will they come back to cause trouble again?" Xiao Yanzi said anxiously.

Consort Ling shook her head helplessly: "Now we can only hope that the Emperor and his ministers can come up with a way to completely eradicate the Shadow Cult as soon as possible."

"No, I have to go to the Imperial Study to ask the Emperor how he plans to handle this," Xiao Yanzi said, and walked towards the door.

Consort Ling quickly followed, saying, "Your Majesty, please don't rush. We shouldn't cause any trouble if we go."

The two arrived outside the Imperial Study. Just as the eunuch was about to go in to announce their arrival, Hongli's voice came from inside: "Let the Empress and Consort Ling come in."

Xiao Yanzi and Consort Ling entered the Imperial Study. Xiao Yanzi asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, what should we do now? The Shadow Cult has escaped, and the capital is still not safe!"

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, his eyes softening slightly: "Empress, I have already ordered the ministers to intensify their investigation. Although there were some mistakes this time, we have also obtained some clues, and we will definitely be able to bring them all to justice."

"But, Your Majesty, the Shadow Cult is far too cunning. They might be plotting something again." Little Swallow still looked worried.

"I know, so we must be even more cautious in our next actions. Xiao Jian, tell me, what should we do next?" Hongli looked at Xiao Jian.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Jian said, "Your Majesty, we can approach this from two angles. On the one hand, we should intensify our investigations inside and outside the capital, leaving no stone unturned; on the other hand, we should conduct a thorough investigation into the forces behind the Shadow Cult and see who they are colluding with."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Yes, this plan is feasible. Yongqi and Erkang, how are your injuries? Are you able to continue participating in the investigation?"

Yongqi quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I am fine and wish to continue serving you!"

Erkang echoed, "Your Majesty, I am also willing and will certainly not disappoint you!"

"Good! You are all my capable assistants. This operation must be carried out with utmost care and caution, and no more mistakes must be made," Hongli said solemnly.

"Yes!" Everyone responded in unison.

Xiao Yanzi chimed in, "Your Majesty, I also wish to help. The Shadow Cult is causing unrest in the capital; I cannot stand idly by."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi with eyes full of affection: "Empress, your peaceful stay in the harem is the greatest help you can give me. I will handle the matter of the Shadow Cult myself."

"But, Your Majesty..." Little Swallow wanted to say more.

Consort Ling tugged at Xiao Yanzi's sleeve: "Your Majesty, the Emperor has his own arrangements, so let's not cause any trouble."

Little Swallow sighed helplessly: "Alright, Your Majesty, then you must be careful."

At this moment, Fu Lun and young Er Kang entered the imperial study. Fu Lun knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the arrest operation has encountered some setbacks. This old minister is willing to bring Er Kang to assist Your Majesty in investigating the case."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Hongli's eyes: "Fulun, I am very pleased that you volunteered. Erkang is young and promising, you must teach him well."

“Yes, Your Majesty. This old minister will do his utmost,” Furen said.

Erkang also knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will study hard and share Your Majesty's burdens."

"Alright, you can go and prepare now. Xiao Jian, you, Fu Lun, Yong Qi, and Er Kang, discuss the investigation plan in detail and make sure everything goes perfectly," Hongli ordered.

"Yes!" The group accepted the order and left.

Watching the departing figures, Xiao Yanzi still felt a lingering worry. She turned to Hongli and said, "Your Majesty, I hope this time we can completely eradicate the Shadow Cult and restore peace to the capital."

Hongli grasped Xiaoyanzi's hand: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not allow the Shadow Cult to continue its evil deeds. With so many loyal ministers and generals assisting us, the capital will surely be safe and sound."

However, the remaining forces of the Shadow Cult, like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, could strike again at any moment. What kind of conspiracy will they plot this time? Will Hongli and his companions be able to uncover and thwart these schemes?

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