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

Night had fallen, and the entire palace seemed shrouded in a black curtain. After leaving Fu Heng's study, Fu Ankang walked heavily back to his room. Moonlight shone on him, casting a long shadow, much like his heavy heart.

Along the way, the orderly footsteps of the patrolling guards were particularly clear in the quiet night, but Fu Ankang's thoughts had already drifted far away. He knew that forming a secret team was a huge responsibility; the slightest carelessness could not only alert the enemy but also plunge the entire palace into a deeper crisis.

Back in his room, Fu Ankang sat at his desk and lit an oil lamp. The dim light flickered gently in the breeze, illuminating his furrowed brow and deep-set eyes. He took out a piece of paper, picked up a pen, and began to write names one by one.

"Liu Meng is highly skilled in martial arts, loyal, and has participated in many dangerous missions. He is very experienced..." Fu Ankang muttered to himself as he wrote Liu Meng's name on the paper.

"Li Feng is meticulous and skilled in tracking and intelligence gathering. He is a rare talent..." His pen swept across the paper, writing down Li Feng's name.

"And then there's Zhang Yu, who's well-versed in all sorts of martial arts ways and might have unique insights into mysterious organizations like the Shadow Cult..." Fu Ankang's eyes revealed a hint of anticipation as he wrote down Zhang Yu's name as well.

After some deliberation, Fu Ankang finally decided on the members of the secret team. Looking at the names on the paper, he nodded slightly, secretly resolving, "It's you few. I hope you won't let me down."

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window onto Fu Ankang's face. He got up early, washed up quickly, and headed to the agreed-upon location—a secluded corner of the palace gardens.

At this moment, the garden was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers, and birds sang merrily in the branches, as if the fierce battle of the previous night had never happened. But Fu Ankang knew that beneath the surface calm, undercurrents were still surging.

Liu Meng, Li Feng, and Zhang Yu were already waiting there. They were dressed in civilian clothes and looked serious. When they saw Fu Ankang approaching, the three of them bowed in unison.

"Greetings, Lord Fu!" the three said in unison.

Fu Ankang nodded slightly, indicating that they should dispense with the formalities. He sized up the three men before him: Liu Meng was burly and his eyes revealed a resolute spirit; Li Feng was tall and slender with sharp eyes; and Zhang Yu exuded the boldness and uninhibitedness of a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person of the martial arts world).

"I have summoned you here today to entrust you with an extremely important and dangerous mission," Fu Ankang said in a low and serious voice, breaking the tranquility of the garden.

The three men exchanged a glance, a resolute glint in their eyes. Liu Meng stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "Lord Fu, please give your orders. We will obey even unto death!"

Fu Ankang frowned slightly and paced slowly in front of the three: "I'm sure you all know what happened in the palace last night. The Shadow Cult dared to launch an attack during the celebration; there must be some ulterior motive behind it. We suspect that there may be spies within the court colluding with them."

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Feng's eyes. He narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Lord Fu, if this is indeed the case, then the situation is indeed serious. However, where should we begin our investigation?"

Fu Ankang stopped and looked at Li Feng: "This is the task I'm assigning you. You must secretly investigate the Shadow Cult's background, including their strongholds, personnel composition, and backers. At the same time, keep an eye out for any forces within the court that have close ties with them. Remember, this matter must be kept absolutely secret; no one can be aware of your actions."

Zhang Yu scratched his head, a look of confusion on his face: "Lord Fu, the Shadow Cult is so mysterious, how are we supposed to find clues?"

Fu Ankang gave a slight sneer: "Although the Shadow Cult is mysterious, since they made their move in the palace, they must have left some clues. You can start with the captured Shadow Cult members and try to pry useful information out of them. In addition, I will provide you with some relevant intelligence and resources to help you with your investigation."

Liu Meng clenched his fist and said loudly, "Don't worry, Lord Fu, we will do everything we can to complete the mission!"

Fu Ankang nodded, a hint of trust in his eyes: "I believe in your abilities. But this mission is fraught with danger, so you must be extra careful. If you discover anything suspicious, do not act rashly, and report to me immediately."

"Yes, Lord Fu!" the three replied in unison.

Fu Ankang then went on to explain the mission details and precautions in more detail, including contact information and emergency response measures. The three listened attentively, nodding occasionally to indicate that they understood.

"Alright, time is of the essence, you must set off immediately," Fu Ankang concluded.

The three bowed again, then turned and left. Watching their departing figures, Fu Ankang silently prayed, "I hope everything goes well for you, and that you uncover the Shadow Cult's conspiracy soon."

Just as Fu Ankang was arranging for the secret team to carry out the mission, on the other side of the palace, Hongli was summoning Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi to the Imperial Study.

Inside the imperial study, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden dappled patterns on the floor. Hongli sat at his desk, his expression dignified. Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi stood respectfully to his side.

"Yongqi, Xiaoyanzi, I am deeply gratified by your bravery in the Shadow Cult's surprise attack on the palace." Hongli's voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Yongqi immediately knelt down and said, "Father, protecting the palace is my duty. I only did what I was supposed to do."

Little Swallow also knelt down, and said with a grin, "Yes, Your Majesty, we can't let those villains hurt you and the Empress."

Hongli smiled slightly and gestured for them to rise: "Rise. I remember your contributions. I will reward you accordingly, but there are more important things to do now."

Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi stood up, their faces showing confusion. Yongqi asked, "Father, what do you mean?"

Hongli's expression turned serious: "This attack by the Shadow Cult is no accident. They must have powerful forces supporting them. I must thoroughly investigate this matter and not let these conspirators go unpunished."

Little Swallow frowned and said angrily, "These scoundrels are really awful! Your Majesty, is there anything we can do to help?"

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "I admire your courage and loyalty. However, this investigation needs to be carried out with caution. You can keep an eye on things in secret, and report to me immediately if you find anything suspicious."

Yongqi nodded and said, "Father, rest assured, your son and Xiaoyanzi will keep an eye on things. We will report to you immediately if we have any news."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Alright. You should also be careful. Since the Shadow Cult dared to make a move in the palace, they won't give up easily."

"Yes, Father Emperor!" Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi replied in unison.

Just then, a eunuch's voice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Lord Fuheng requests an audience."

Hongli frowned slightly and said, "Summon him in."

Fu Heng entered the imperial study, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

Hongli looked at Fuheng and said, "Fuheng, is it about the Shadow Cult?"

Fu Heng nodded: "Your Majesty is wise. I have already instructed Fu Ankang to assemble a secret team to investigate the Shadow Cult's background and any potential spies within the court."

Hongli nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "Very good. This matter must be handled with caution, so as not to alert the enemy."

Fu Heng replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will certainly urge Fu Ankang to complete the task."

Hongli then discussed some details and strategies regarding the investigation with Fuheng, after which Fuheng took his leave.

Watching Fu Heng's departing figure, Xiao Yanzi asked curiously, "Your Majesty, will Fu Ankang's secret team be able to uncover the truth?"

Hongli frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I hope they can achieve something. I will not have peace of mind until the matter of the Shadow Cult is resolved."

Inside the Imperial Study, the atmosphere grew heavy once more. Outside the palace, an investigation into the Shadow Cult was quietly unfolding. Where would this covert battle lead? How would the various factions maneuver within this storm? Everything remained shrouded in uncertainty.

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