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

Since learning that the Shadow Cult might make a move during the palace celebrations, the entire palace has been on high alert. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi dared not relax their vigilance in the slightest and were working diligently to prepare a countermeasure.

On this day, Hongli summoned Fulun, Erkang, and several trusted ministers in the imperial study to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Majesty, the Shadow Cult is so rampant, daring to covet the palace treasures and attempt to cause trouble during the celebrations. Their crimes are unforgivable!" a minister said angrily.

Hongli's expression was grave: "The Shadow Cult has come with great force this time, and the power behind them is unknown. We must not let our guard down. Everyone, please share your thoughts and suggestions on how to deal with them."

Fu Lun stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, strengthening the palace’s security is of utmost importance. We can increase the number of guards and set up checkpoints at all key points in the palace to ensure that no suspicious persons can infiltrate.”

Erkang continued, "In addition, we can also secretly investigate the recent movement of people inside and outside the palace to see if we can find any trace of the Shadow Cult or their spies."

Another minister said, "Your Majesty, the arrangements for the celebration day also need to be reviewed. We can appropriately increase security measures and conduct strict screening and vetting of those participating in the celebration."

Hongli nodded slightly: "What you all say makes sense. Fulun, I'm entrusting you with the task of guarding the palace. Make sure everything goes perfectly. Erkang, continue to investigate the clues about the Shadow Cult and see if you can find their lair or find more information about that mysterious treasure."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fu Lun and Er Kang replied in unison.

At this moment, Little Swallow also arrived at the Imperial Study.

"Your Majesty, Your Excellencies," Xiao Yanzi said after bowing.

"Your Majesty, you've come at the right time. We're discussing how to deal with the Shadow Cult's plot at the celebration. What are your thoughts?" Hongli asked.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Yanzi said, "Your Majesty, I think we can turn the tables on them. Since the Shadow Cult wants to make a move at the celebration, we might as well deliberately reveal some flaws to lure them in, and then wipe them out in one fell swoop."

"Your Majesty's plan is brilliant! However, it requires careful planning to prevent the Shadow Cult from discovering any flaws," a minister said.

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "This is indeed a solution. But to implement this plan, we need to plan every step in detail. Empress, please tell me your thoughts."

Xiao Yanzi walked to the map, pointed to the layout of the palace, and said, "Your Majesty, we can deliberately arrange some seemingly lax areas at the celebration site to attract the Shadow Cult members. At the same time, we can ambush a large number of guards around the area and surround them as soon as they show up."

“Yes, this plan is feasible. But we also need to consider the various methods the Shadow Cult might use, such as hidden weapons, sleeping potions, and so on,” Hongli said.

"Your Majesty, we can have the guards prepare in advance. Each of them should be equipped with an antidote, and their defense against hidden weapons should be strengthened," Er Kang said.

“Alright, let’s do it that way. Everyone, please do your part and make sure this plan is arranged properly. Also, we need to find the whereabouts of that mysterious treasure as soon as possible, and we can’t let the Shadow Cult succeed,” Hongli said.

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

After discussing their strategy, Xiao Yanzi returned to Shufangzhai and told Liu Qing and Liu Hong about the plan.

“Your Majesty, this plan sounds very good. But the Shadow Cult is too cunning, so we must proceed with caution,” Liu Qing said.

Liu Hong nodded in agreement: "Yes, Your Highness. We will definitely protect the princess and keep a close eye on the surroundings during the celebration. We will report to you immediately if there is any disturbance."

Little Swallow said, "Yes, thank you for your hard work. You also need to keep a close eye on Little Swallow and make sure she doesn't run around. On the day of the celebration, make sure she stays in Shufangzhai and that she is safe."

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Liu Qing and Liu Hong replied.

Just then, Little Swallow ran over and asked, "Sister Empress, what are you talking about? Are you talking about catching bad guys again?"

Little Swallow smiled and patted Little Swallow's head: "Yes, Little Swallow. The Queen and everyone are discussing how to catch those bad guys who want to cause trouble at the celebration."

"I want to help too! Empress, what can I do?" Little Swallow asked expectantly.

Little Swallow squatted down and said, "Little Swallow, your task now is to stay obediently in Shufangzhai and not run around. When you grow up, you can help the Empress with many things."

"Okay, I'll listen to the Empress. But I really want to grow up quickly!" Little Swallow said, a little disappointed.

“Little Swallow, be good. Once we catch the bad guys, your Queen sister will take you to play outside the palace, okay?” Little Swallow said.

"Okay, okay! I want to go play outside the palace with the Empress!" Little Swallow became happy again.

Looking at Little Swallow's innocent and naive appearance, Little Swallow secretly vowed to protect her and never let the Shadow Cult's conspiracy harm her.

In the days that followed, the entire palace was busy preparing for the celebrations and dealing with the Shadow Cult's plans. Fu Lun directed the guards to strengthen the palace's defenses and set up various defensive measures; Er Kang led his men to gather information about the Shadow Cult; and Xiao Yanzi was also secretly keeping an eye on every move in the palace, afraid of missing any detail.

However, the Shadow Cult members are like ghosts lurking in the darkness; what exactly is their plan? In this upcoming confrontation, will Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, and the others be able to successfully uncover the Shadow Cult's conspiracy and wipe them out in one fell swoop? Everything is still full of uncertainties.

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