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

Under Fu Heng's leadership, the investigation into the Shadow Cult's internal mole was launched in full swing. The sky over the capital was gloomy, and the heavy clouds seemed to weigh on everyone's hearts, adding a sense of oppression to the investigation.

Fuheng's study was filled with various documents and materials, all containing detailed information about court officials. He and his subordinates sat around the table, carefully analyzing every suspicious clue.

"Sir, after these past few days of investigation, we've discovered that several officials from the Ministry of Rites have been in close contact with Chen Qiming. Could they also be spies for the Shadow Cult?" one of his subordinates said, pointing to the documents on the table.

Fu Heng frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the documents: "Close contact alone is not enough to confirm anything. We need more conclusive evidence. We need to conduct an in-depth investigation into these officials' daily whereabouts, financial situation, and the people they have recently been in contact with. No detail can be overlooked."

"Yes, sir!" the men replied in unison, then each went to carry out their orders.

Meanwhile, the Empress and Consort Ling were not idle in the inner palace either. They summoned all the palace maids and eunuchs and gave them another address.

In the courtyard of the inner palace, palace maids and eunuchs stood in neat rows. The Empress stood before them with a stern expression: "Recently, some major events have occurred in the court, which you have surely heard of. The Shadow Cult is plotting to assassinate the Emperor and overthrow the court. You all serve in this inner palace; if you discover any suspicious persons or events, you must immediately report them to me. Otherwise, if it is discovered that you have concealed anything, you will be severely punished!"

The palace maids and eunuchs all bowed their heads and said in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress!"

Consort Ling continued, "Everyone should pay close attention to their surroundings. This is not only for the Emperor and the court, but also for your own lives. As long as we work together, we will surely be able to completely thwart the Shadow Cult's conspiracy."

After the address, the Empress and Consort Ling strolled around the inner palace, observing every corner. As they passed a side hall, they saw several eunuchs sweeping the courtyard.

The Empress stopped and asked, "How long have you been working here? Have you noticed anything unusual?"

An older eunuch quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, we have been serving here for several years and have not noticed anything unusual."

Consort Ling smiled and said, "You must be careful. Although the inner palace may seem peaceful, dangers may be lurking in the shadows. If you find anything amiss, don't be afraid, just come and tell me and the Empress."

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

During the imperial investigation, Fuheng's subordinates made some new discoveries after several days of hard work.

"My lord, we've discovered that Zhao Hui, an assistant minister in the Ministry of Rites, has had several large sums of money coming in from unknown sources in recent months. Moreover, he's been meeting frequently with a mysterious person, who is very likely connected to the Shadow Cult," an underling excitedly reported to Fu Heng.

A glint flashed in Fu Heng's eyes: "Very good, continue to follow this Zhao Hui. See what he does next, and be sure to find irrefutable evidence of his collusion with the Shadow Cult."

"Yes, sir!" The subordinate acknowledged the order and left.

A few days later, news came from Zhao Hui's men who were tracking him that Zhao Hui would be meeting with a mysterious person that night in a dilapidated temple outside the city.

Fu Heng immediately gathered his men: "Tonight we'll go to the ruined temple and capture them in one fell swoop. We absolutely cannot let them escape!"

Night fell, and the moonlight was hazy. Fu Heng led a team of agile men, quietly lying in ambush around the dilapidated temple. The temple looked particularly eerie in the night, surrounded by overgrown weeds, and the occasional hooting of owls sent chills down one's spine.

Before long, a figure crept furtively towards the dilapidated temple. By the moonlight, everyone could see that it was Zhao Hui. After looking around to make sure there was nothing amiss, he entered the temple.

After a while, another dark figure entered the dilapidated temple. Fu Heng made a gesture, and his men quietly approached the temple and surrounded it.

"How is your plan going? Chen Qiming has failed, we must adjust our strategy as soon as possible." The mysterious voice came from the dilapidated temple.

"Hmph, Chen Qiming is a complete waste! But don't worry, I've already contacted some people and am preparing to launch an operation at the right time." Zhao Hui's voice carried a hint of smugness.

Upon hearing this, Fu Heng was furious. He waved his hand and led his men into the dilapidated temple.

"Don't move! You're surrounded!" Fu Heng shouted.

Zhao Hui and the mysterious man turned pale with fright at the sudden turn of events. The mysterious man reacted quickly, immediately drawing a dagger and stabbing at Fu Heng.

Fu Heng dodged to the side, then kicked the mysterious man to the ground. His men swarmed in and subdued Zhao Hui and the mysterious man.

"Speak! Who else do you have in common? What exactly is the Shadow Cult's all-out attack plan?" Fu Heng glared at the two men and asked sharply.

The mysterious man snorted coldly, turned his head away, and refused to speak. Zhao Hui, however, trembled with fear: "My lord, I'll talk, I'll talk... and there's also Minister Sun from the Ministry of Personnel, he's also a member of the Shadow Cult. We planned to launch a surprise attack when the Emperor held the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven..."

Fu Heng was startled: "The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven? How much longer?"

Zhao Hui said in a trembling voice, "Ten more days..."

Fu Heng knew that this matter was urgent, so he immediately ordered his men to take the two men back to his residence for a thorough interrogation, while he himself rushed to the palace to report to the Emperor.

Inside the palace, Hongli was reviewing memorials in the imperial study. Fuheng hurriedly entered, knelt down to pay his respects, and then recounted in detail the matter of Zhao Hui and the mysterious man.

Upon hearing this, Hongli was furious: "These traitors dare to be so audacious! The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is a matter of national importance, yet they dare to attempt to disrupt it. Fuheng, immediately arrange for reinforcements to strengthen security measures for the ceremony. We must not allow the Shadow Cult's conspiracy to succeed!"

Fuheng accepted the order: "Yes, Your Majesty! I will go and do it immediately. I will do my utmost to ensure that the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven goes perfectly."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Fu Heng immediately began arranging security measures. The entire court was mobilized for the upcoming sacrificial ceremony to Heaven and to completely thwart the Shadow Cult's conspiracy. But what would the Shadow Cult do after losing Chen Qiming and Zhao Hui? The battle between good and evil intensified, and the entire capital was shrouded in tension, with everyone awaiting the final showdown.

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