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

The Empress and Consort Ling hurried along the palace corridors toward the Imperial Study. Sunlight cast long shadows on them. Along the way, palace maids and eunuchs bowed respectfully to them. The surroundings were silent, save for the echoing footsteps on the stone path, as if telling of the tense atmosphere hidden within the palace.

Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study. The eunuch at the door bowed slightly and said softly, "Your Majesty, the Empress and Consort Ling have arrived."

"Summon them in," Hongli's voice came from inside the room.

The two entered the imperial study, where the atmosphere was somewhat somber. Hongli sat behind his desk, his expression serious, while Fuheng and Fu'ankang stood beside him, their expressions equally grave. Upon seeing the Empress and Consort Ling enter, Hongli slightly raised his hand in a gesture of respect: "Please sit."

The Empress and Consort Ling bowed slightly in gratitude and sat down on the chairs nearby. The Empress spoke first: "Your Majesty, we heard you summoned us. Is there something important you wish to discuss?"

Hongli frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Fu Ankang, tell me again in detail what the secret team discovered."

Fu Ankang stepped forward, bowed, and recounted Liu Meng and the others' experiences at Black Wind Stronghold in detail, emphasizing the crucial information that the Shadow Cult had an inside agent within the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression changed slightly, and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes: "Your Majesty, the Shadow Cult is so audacious as to plant spies within the court; it is truly despicable!"

Consort Ling also looked worried: "Yes, Your Majesty. As long as this traitor is not eliminated, the court will not have peace."

Hongli nodded slightly, leaned back in his chair, and fell into deep thought: "I am well aware of the seriousness of this matter. The most important thing now is to find this inside man and thwart the Shadow Cult's conspiracy."

Fu Heng stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, we only know that the Shadow Cult has an inside agent, but we have no clue who it is. This requires careful consideration and thorough investigation."

Fu Ankang continued, "Your Majesty, Liu Meng and his men have only received limited information from Black Wind Stronghold this time. Could we send more people to investigate further and try to find more clues?"

Hongli frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "We must not be too hasty. You have already been exposed once, and the Shadow Cult will surely be on guard. Sending people rashly again may put us in danger."

The Empress bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, although I am confined to the inner palace, I would like to do my part. I wonder what I can do?"

Hongli looked at the Empress, a hint of relief in his eyes: "Your Majesty is thoughtful. Your ability to remain calm and composed in the harem is the greatest support you can give me. However, you can also pay attention to the words and actions of the people in the harem; you might be able to discover some clues."

The Empress nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will certainly take note."

Consort Ling quickly added, "Your Majesty, I will also assist the Empress in keeping a close watch on things in the inner palace."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Alright. You two should be careful about your safety in the harem. The Shadow Cult acts strangely, and it's hard to guarantee they won't make any moves against the harem."

At this moment, Fuheng said, "Your Majesty, I believe we can start our investigation by examining those who have had contact with the Shadow Cult. For example, we might be able to get more clues from the captured Shadow Cult members."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "You are right. Fu Ankang, you are in charge of this matter. Interrogate those prisoners thoroughly and make sure to extract useful information."

Fu Ankang bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, Your Majesty! Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission."

Hongli then looked at Fuheng: "Fuheng, keep a close eye on the movements of the ministers in the court. Observe them secretly to see if anyone is acting strangely. But be careful with your methods and don't alert them."

Fuheng cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will act with caution."

A brief silence fell over the imperial study as everyone pondered their next move. At that moment, the sunlight outside softened, filtering through the window and casting golden patches on the floor.

After a while, Consort Ling said softly, "Your Majesty, I suddenly realized that the Shadow Cult's purpose in planting spies in the court must be to overthrow the court and seek personal gain. Could we start by investigating those who might be colluding with the Shadow Cult based on their vested interests?"

A hint of appreciation flashed in Hongli's eyes: "What Consort Ling said is absolutely right. Fuheng, could you work with the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel and other departments to carefully investigate the accounts and promotions of officials in the court, and see if anyone has any vested interests with the Shadow Cult?"

Fu Heng nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will make the arrangements immediately."

The Empress also said, "Your Majesty, the harem is filled with many people, and I am worried that there may be spies from the Shadow Cult. I will strengthen the management of the harem and strictly check the people entering and leaving the harem."

Hongli nodded slightly: "Very well. Empress, I entrust the affairs of the harem to you. You must ensure the safety of the harem."

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree," the Empress said respectfully.

The group discussed some details and countermeasures until dusk. Candles were lit in the imperial study, their soft light illuminating the slightly tired but determined faces of the group.

"Alright, that's enough for today. Everyone, go back and do your jobs." Hongli stood up and said.

Everyone bowed and took their leave. The Empress and Consort Ling walked out of the Imperial Study side by side. By this time, night had fallen, and the palace lanterns lit up one by one, like twinkling stars.

The Empress sighed softly, "I never imagined that the Shadow Cult was so complicated. I truly hope that we can wipe them out as soon as possible."

Consort Ling gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The Emperor and all the ministers are working hard, and I believe the truth will be revealed soon. We in the inner palace will also do our part."

The two talked as they walked towards the inner palace. Meanwhile, in other corners of the palace, an investigation into an inside job within the Shadow Cult was quietly unfolding. Who would emerge victorious in this war without visible smoke? Could the Shadow Cult's conspiracy be successfully thwarted? Everything remained shrouded in uncertainty.

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