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

Lord Lin smiled, asked no further questions, and continued walking forward with Little Swallow.

But Xiao Yanzi's heart could no longer be at peace. She knew that she was destined to have countless connections with this palace and with Hongli, who looked so much like her father. However, how the gears of fate would turn and where she should go were all unknown.

Ever since their first meeting in the palace, Hongli's face kept appearing in Xiaoyanzi's mind. His eyebrows, his expression, overlapped with the image of her imperial father in her memory, making her feel both familiar and somewhat confused. She knew her current status and understood that she needed to be cautious in this deep palace, but the complex emotions in her heart were hard to suppress.

A few days later, at the Spring Banquet, flowers bloomed in profusion, and birds sang and danced. Little Swallow was admiring the garden's beauty alone in a corner when Hongzhou spotted her. Hongzhou approached with a smile and said, "Miss Lin, this Spring Banquet is so lively, why are you here alone?" Little Swallow looked up at Hongzhou, a feeling of warmth rising in her heart, and replied, "I just find the scenery here so pleasant that I wanted to be alone for a while." Hongzhou chuckled, "Such a beautiful scene, wouldn't it be a pity for you to enjoy it alone? Why don't we go together?" Little Swallow nodded slightly.

The two strolled through the garden. Hongzhou was in high spirits, recounting amusing anecdotes from his daily life. He talked about how he had skillfully hit the ball on the polo field, leaving his opponents speechless; or how he had secretly slipped out of the palace to see novelties at the folk markets, such as sugar paintings that could conjure various shapes, and birds that could mimic human speech. Xiaoyanzi was amused by his descriptions and giggled, sharing her own amusing stories from the Prime Minister's residence, such as how she taught Xiaotao and Azhu to play a modern clapping game, leaving the two maids completely bewildered.

Hongzhou suddenly said, "Miss Lin, I find you different from others. You seem to possess a unique and lively spirit that I find very pleasing. I have an idea. Since we get along so well today, why don't we become sworn siblings? That way, we can look after each other in the future. What do you think, Miss?" Xiao Yanzi's heart stirred. In this unfamiliar world, she needed friends and someone to rely on, so she readily agreed, "Excellent!"

So, amidst the blooming flowers of spring, Hongzhou and Xiaoyanzi became sworn siblings. Afterward, Hongzhou often visited Xiaoyanzi, taking her horseback riding and archery, teaching her how to skillfully control the reins and how to draw the bow and shoot an arrow to hit the target; he also took her to explore the streets and alleys of the capital, sampling various delicious snacks, including sweet but not cloying plum blossom cakes and fragrant wontons. With Hongzhou's company, Xiaoyanzi became increasingly familiar with the customs and culture of the Yongzheng Emperor, and her laughter often echoed through the capital.

One day, Hongzhou brought Xiaoyanzi to the palace to visit Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan. Zhen Huan was pleased to see Xiaoyanzi's lively and clever nature. During their conversation, Hongzhou mentioned an upcoming poetry gathering in the palace. Xiaoyanzi, curious, begged Hongzhou to take her along. Hongzhou readily agreed.

On the day of the poetry gathering, the palace gardens were filled with young gentlemen and ladies who had come to attend. Little Swallow followed beside Hongzhou, her eyes darting around curiously. At that moment, Hongli also arrived at the gathering. His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on Little Swallow. Their eyes met, and Little Swallow's heart clenched; that familiar feeling surged within her once more. Hongli frowned slightly; he didn't understand why he always felt this strange emotion whenever he saw this woman.

The poetry gathering began, and everyone recited poems and painted, showcasing their talents. Little Swallow watched the crowd, feeling a surge of excitement. When it was her turn, she pondered for a moment and recited a poem she had adapted. While the poem retained her playfulness and liveliness, its word choice and imagery were also quite striking. Upon hearing it, Hongli gained a new understanding of her, secretly thinking, "This woman may seem impulsive, but she does possess some talent."

After the poetry gathering, Hongli casually approached Xiaoyanzi and said, "Miss Lin's poem today was quite original." Xiaoyanzi, though nervous, forced herself to remain calm and replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Fourth Prince. I simply wrote as I felt." Seeing Hongli talking to Xiaoyanzi, Hongzhou felt a strange displeasure and stepped forward, saying, "Fourth Brother, are you also interested in my sister's poetry?" Hongli glanced at Hongzhou and smiled, "Miss Lin is exceptionally talented; Fifth Brother is truly fortunate."

In the days that followed, Hongzhou and Xiaoyanzi's bond deepened. They rode horses on the outskirts of the capital, the wind whistling past their ears. Hongzhou shouted, "Xiaoyanzi, with me here, you'll be carefree in this capital!" Xiaoyanzi smiled and replied, "Fifth Prince, you are my best friend in this world!"

Once, Hongzhou took Xiaoyanzi to a garden party held at the palace. The garden was beautifully decorated, with blooming flowers and exquisite lanterns everywhere. They played a game of guessing lantern riddles in the garden, and Xiaoyanzi's eyes sparkled as she looked at the slips of paper with the riddles written on them.

Hongzhou pointed to a riddle and said, "Little Swallow, can you guess this one? 'A knife, floating downstream, has eyes, but no eyebrows.'" Little Swallow tilted her head and thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up and she exclaimed excitedly, "It's a fish! It must be a fish!" Hongzhou nodded with a smile, "Haha, Little Swallow, you're so clever!"

Then, Xiao Yanzi saw a riddle and pulled Hongzhou aside, saying, "Fifth Prince, you guess this one: 'Five brothers, born together, with bones and flesh, but of different lengths.'" Hongzhou frowned and thought for a while, then said uncertainly, "Is it fingers?" Xiao Yanzi clapped her hands and laughed, "That's right! Fifth Prince, you're great too!"

They were having a great time when they suddenly heard a melodious flute tune. Curious, Little Swallow pulled Hongzhou along the sound and discovered that it was Hongli playing the flute in the pavilion. The flute music was melodious and ethereal, captivating everyone who heard it.

Little Swallow couldn't help but approach and exclaimed, "Fourth Prince, your flute playing is so beautiful!" Hongli stopped playing, saw that it was Little Swallow and Hongzhou, and smiled slightly, saying, "I was just playing casually when I had nothing to do. I hope Miss Lin and Fifth Brother will forgive my poor playing." Hongzhou snorted and said, "Fourth Brother's flute playing is indeed good, but there are many more fun things to do in this garden. We won't disturb Fourth Brother's enjoyment any longer." With that, he pulled Little Swallow away.

Little Swallow smiled shyly at Hongli and followed Hongzhou out of the pavilion. They then played the game of pitch-pot. At first, Little Swallow couldn't throw accurately, but Hongzhou patiently taught her, showing her the techniques and posture. Under Hongzhou's guidance, Little Swallow gradually mastered the knack and hit several arrows. She jumped for joy.

That day, Xiao Yanzi spent a joyful time in the palace. Although she was still somewhat bothered by the subtle feelings between herself and Hongli, she felt mostly happy and joyful with Hongzhou by her side. She didn't know what the future held, but at this moment, she only wanted to fully enjoy this rare happiness.