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

After receiving the letter and map from the Empress, Fuheng immediately summoned the most skilled cipher experts in the household. The atmosphere in the study was tense and solemn as several people sat around the table, pondering the letter and map.

"Sir, the coded messages on this letter are very complex and difficult to decipher in a short time." An advisor frowned, staring at the strange symbols on the letter, his eyes full of confusion.

Fu Heng frowned slightly, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the study: "No matter what, we must crack it as soon as possible. This may be the key to uncovering the Shadow Cult's conspiracy."

Just as everyone was racking their brains, a young clerk suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Sir, I think I've discovered something. These symbols seem random, but if they are arranged in a certain order, we might be able to find clues."

Fu Heng immediately stepped forward: "Tell me quickly, what is the order?"

The clerk pointed to the symbols on the letter and explained, “Sir, you see, the thickness and spacing of these symbols seem to follow a certain pattern. I tried to separate the symbols with thick strokes from the symbols with thin strokes in order from left to right and from top to bottom. So far, I have obtained several combinations that look like characters, but further verification is needed.”

Looking at the combination of symbols pointed out by his advisor, Fu Heng felt a glimmer of hope: "Alright, continue your research and be sure to decipher the complete content as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, the Empress and Consort Ling continued to closely monitor the situation. They sat in the garden pavilion, seemingly admiring the flowers, but in reality, they were quietly discussing countermeasures.

"Your Majesty, the atmosphere in the harem has become increasingly tense since those suspicious items were discovered." Consort Ling frowned slightly, a hint of worry in her eyes.

The Empress sighed softly: "Yes, the Shadow Cult's methods are becoming increasingly covert, and we must be even more careful. This palace is the Emperor's backyard, and we must not allow the Shadow Cult to cause any trouble here."

Consort Ling nodded: "I have already given orders to all palace maids and eunuchs to be on high alert. If any suspicious activity is discovered, report it immediately."

The Empress looked at the palace maids and guards coming and going in the garden and said, "Relying on them alone is not enough. We can't just stay in the inner palace; we need to take the initiative. Consort Ling, you are usually very thoughtful; do you have any ideas?"

After pondering for a moment, Consort Ling said, "Your Majesty, I think we can start with those who have had contact with the Shadow Cult. For example, those captured Shadow Cult members. Although they are unwilling to speak easily, we may be able to find a breakthrough by observing their living habits and daily interactions."

A hint of appreciation flashed in the Empress's eyes: "Your idea is good. We can arrange for some clever palace maids to pretend to deliver food or clean, and approach the prisoners to see if we can get any useful information."

Consort Ling nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will make the arrangements immediately."

Before long, Consort Ling selected several clever palace maids and assigned them tasks. After receiving their orders, the maids cautiously made their way to the place where the Shadow Cult prisoners were being held.

Meanwhile, Chen Qiming felt extremely uneasy after meeting with the Shadow Cult members. He knew he was being watched by the imperial court and needed to find a way to escape his predicament.

That day, Chen Qiming sat in his study, his brow furrowed, racking his brains for a solution. Suddenly, the butler entered and said softly, "Master, there is a man outside who claims to be an old friend of yours requesting an audience."

Chen Qiming was startled; he had no recollection of an old friend visiting. After a moment's thought, he said, "Please invite him in."

Shortly after, a man dressed in black entered the study. The man was tall and wore a black mask, obscuring his face.

"Who are you? Why are you wearing a mask?" Chen Qiming asked warily.

The man sneered, "Chen Qiming, you don't even recognize me? I'm from the Shadow Cult."

Chen Qiming's expression changed: "Shadow Cult? What are you doing here? The imperial court is keeping a close eye on me now, and it's making it difficult for me to take any action."

The man walked up to Chen Qiming, his gaze icy: "Hmph, do you think you can shirk responsibility by saying it's difficult? Once you cooperate with us, there's no turning back. Now, we need you to do one thing."

Chen Qiming's heart tightened: "What is it?"

The man took a small bottle from his pocket and placed it on the table: "This is poison. Find an opportunity to sneak into the imperial kitchen and put it in the emperor's food. As long as the emperor dies, the court will be in chaos, and our plan can proceed smoothly."

Chen Qiming stared at the small bottle in horror: "This...this is too dangerous. The Imperial Kitchen is heavily guarded, how could I possibly have a chance to do it? And if I'm discovered, I'll surely die!"

A ruthless glint flashed in the man's eyes: "If you don't do it, you'll die right now! Do you think you have any other choice? If the imperial court finds out about your dealings with us, your whole family will be executed!"

Chen Qiming trembled all over, and large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead: "I...I'll give it a try. But I can't guarantee that I'll succeed."

The man sneered, "You'd better succeed. Otherwise, you know the consequences." With that, he turned and left.

Chen Qiming slumped into his chair, his heart filled with fear and hesitation. He knew he was in dire straits; no matter what he did, he might face annihilation.

Meanwhile, in Fu Heng's residence, the clerk, after much effort, finally deciphered the code on the letter. Excitedly, he rushed into the study with the deciphered contents: "My lord, we've cracked it!"

Fu Heng immediately took the paper, which read: "Full moon night, old granary in the west of the city, secret meeting."

A hint of surprise flashed in Fu Heng's eyes: "Finally, a clue! It seems the Shadow Cult is planning a secret meeting at the old granary in the west of the city. Notify all subordinates to prepare for action and make sure they are wiped out in one fell swoop!"

A fierce confrontation is about to unfold. Will Fu Heng be able to successfully capture the members of the Shadow Cult? Will Chen Qiming pose a threat to the Emperor? The situation in the harem and the court is becoming increasingly tense, and everyone is waiting for the final outcome in this undercurrent of power struggle.

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